WWF Survivor Series 1988 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is more dead in the water than the WWE’s Women’s Tag Team Division! It’s WWF Survivor Series 1988! The Mega-Powers, The Ultimate Warrior, Rick Rude, Jake Roberts and many, many more. All the matches tonight are Survivor Series Elimination matches which means long-ass matches which might just wipe me out when I think about it but all your favourite WWF Superstars will be in action trying to survive! Will Survivor Series 1988 match Summerslam? Let’s find out!

Team Ultimate Warrior & Brutus Beefcake (Ultimate Warrior/Brutus Beefcake/Blue Blazer/Sam Heuston/Jumpin Jeff Brunzell) vs Team Honky Tonk & Greg Valentine (Honky Tonk Man/Greg Valentine/Dangerous Danny Davis/Bad News Brown/Outlaw Ron Bass)

What’s nice about this match is everyone has issues with one another coming into the match, Bass assaulting Beefcake on Main Event and Warrior beating Honky Tonk at Summerslam for example. Valentine and Beefcake begin the match, former tag team partners swinging at one another. Valentine whips Beefcake to the ropes, Davis nails a boot from the apron. Tag to Davis, Irish whip reversal, leapfrog and a Sleeper, Davis is in trouble. Davis is out-cold and we have an elimination!

Danny Davis Has Been Eliminated Via Sleeper!

Valentine takes out Beefcake, softening up the legs of Beefcake. Figure four is blocked, tag to The Blue Blazer. Blazer nails a nice headscissors, arm-wrench and tag to Brunzell. No Brian Blair, Valentine pummels his way out of the arm-wrench. Side headlock from Valentine, tag to Brown. Brunzell dropkicks Valentine, not seeing Brown coming into the match. Double team clothesline by the heels, Brown rakes the eyes. Headbutt and boot from Brown, scoop slam and fist drop from Brown. Brunzell rakes the eyes but Brown maintains control, Brown rams Brunzell into the corner.

The two trade blows, eye rake from Brown. Irish whip to the corner, counter by Brunzell, Brunzell misses a running splash which leaves Brunzell opn to The Ghetto Blaster, Brown connects and evens up the match for his team.

Jim Brunzell Has Been Eliminated!

Sam Heuston comes into the match, a house of fire before Brown cuts off Heuston with a boot. Massive right hands from Brown, whip to the corner and  a clothesline floors Heuston. Tag to Valentine, right hand floors Heuston. Brown is tagged into the match, Valentine nails Brown by mistake which pisses off Brown big time. Bass and Honky try to stop the two brawling but Brown says he has had enough, screw team Honky Tonk Man.

Bad News Brown Has Been Eliminated Via Count-Out!

Valentine is almost rolled up by Heuston before a tag to Bass leads to a beatdown for the youngster. O Connor roll from Heuston but Bass powers out, boot out of the corner from Bass. Lariat from Bass, two for Bass. Bass slams Heuston into the mat for two, Irish whip to the corner. High crossbody counter from Heuston for two, Irish whip and forearm shot by Bass. Elbow drop for two, Heuston avoids a back drop, nailing right hands. A monkey flip is countered by Bass for  a Powerslam, Heuston is out of this match.

Sam Heuston Has Been Eliminated!

Warrior comes in, running wild, shoulder blocks all around and a choke to Honky. Warrior slams Bass, in comes Blazer with a splash for two. Bass tags Honky, crossbody and dropkicks from Blazer leads to Honky tagging Valentine. Leapfrogs and gutwrench suplex on Valentine, Blazer nails a big scoop slam. Blazer is shoved off the top rope by Honky, Blazer clutches his knees which leads to a Figure Four from Valentine, Blazer is out of the match.

Blue Blazer Has Been Eliminated!

Beefcake is in the ring, Valentine elbows Beefcake before tagging Bass. Tag to Honky, Honky tees off on Beefcake. Tag to Valentine, Team Honky beatdown Beefcake behind the referee’s back. Honky looks for his finish but Beefcake back drops Honky. In comes Bass, stun-gun from Bass for two. Honky is tagged in, a double axe handle does not work for Honky, right hands by Beefcake. Clothesline from Beefcake, Irish whip into The Sleeper! Honky rolls to the floor avoiding being pinned, the two begin brawling on the floor and both men have been counted out of this match.

Brutus Beefcake & Honky Tonk Man Have Been Eliminated Via Count-Out!

Warrior is all alone against Bass & Valentine, Bass elbows and chokes Warrior. Tag to Valentine, elbow to the face of Warrior. Warrior comes back against Valentine before an Irish whip to the corner. Bass nails a cheap shot but Warrior ducks the clothesline attempt, double clothesline by Warrior. Axe handle on Bass for the elimination. Valentine misses a clothesline and eats an axe handle of his own, The Ultimate Warrior has defeated both his opponents!

That was a fun opening match, I enjoyed the little feuds and spots featured in the match. Davis being over-confident and being the first eliminated was great stuff, Blazer injuring his knee which led to the Figure Four was also good stuff! Owen Hart was so ahead of his time here, his matches with the likes of Liger and others in NJPW and Stampede Wrestling gave him such a unique style in the WWF at this time, shame the character was given more because Owen was awesome in this match. Warrior stands tall and does not pin Honky, Honky and Bad News Brown are protected by count-out finishes which is great for building potential angles down the road, we could always have that rematch for the championship between Honky and Warrior and just how bad of a man is Bad News Brown? The match has left me wanting more, mission accomplished!

Winner: The Ultimate Warrior Over Honky Tonk Man Via Survival!

Team Demolition (Demolition/The Bolsheviks/The Brainbusters/Los Conquistadores/ The Rougeau Brothers) vs Team Power Of Pain (Powers Of Pain/The Rockers/The Wild Stallions/The Hart Foundation/The British Bulldogs)

That’s an awful lot of tag teams, God help me with documenting this match. Interestingly, we get to see Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard on WWF pay per view while this would be our WWF pay per view introduction to one Shawn Michaels. Davey Boy and Uno shall begin the match, scoop slam by Davey Boy. Uno tags Jacque, military press slam by Davey Boy, slamming Jacque into Raymond. Next, we have Michaels and Volkoff, Volkoff tags Zhukov. Zhukov misses a corner splash, Jannetty and Michaels chop down Zhukov. Ax and Jannetty brawl, Ax wins that war. Anderson comes in, Jannetty dropkicks and back drops Anderson which leads to Blanchard coming into the match.

Jannetty and the babyfaces pummel Blanchard which leads to Jacque coming into the match. Irish whip into the corner, Jacque tries a crossbody but Jannetty dodges, tag to Dynamite. Snap suplex and tag to Powers, Jacque tags in Raymond. Dynamite and Raymond battle, shoulder block from Dynamite. Raymond sends Dynamite into the corner, Dynamite avoids the shoulder thrust for a sunset flip, two count for Dynamite. Powers and Zhukov brawl briefly before Smash smacks down Powers before a dropkick from Jacque. Bret and Jacque are in the ring now, flying elbow from Jacque for two. Jacque tags Raymond, Irish whip and Bret small packages Raymond for the elimination.

The Rougeau Brothers Have Been Eliminated Via Small Package!

Volkoff enters the ring, Bret applies an arm-wrench before tagging in Roma, Roma nails a diving double axe handle and grabs the arm of Volkoff. Eye poke from Volkoff, Volkoff rams Roma off the turnbuckle before Roma blocks Vokoff and nails a top rope crossbody. Roma tags Neidhart, dropkick to Volkoff. Volkoff tags in Smash, Neidhart tags in Barbarian, Dos eats a big boot from Barbarian. Tag to Warlord, Warlord stomps Dos, tag to The Hitman. Dos takes a punch and tags Smash, Smash applies an arm-wrench. Tag to Ax, Demolition beat down Bret. Bret fires back at Ax, Irish whip to the corner but Ax cuts off Bret with a knee. In comes Blanchard, Irish whip but Bret fires out of the corner with a clothesline. Bret tags Michaels, Blanchard tags Smash.

Demolition beat down Michaels, Irish whip and Smash brings Michaels to the corner, the heels batter Michaels. Volkoff is the legal man, military press into the backbreaker. Irish whip, knee lift from Volkoff. Blanchard is the legal man, tag to Anderson and Spinebuster for two. Uno tags in, right hands to Michaels. Scoop slam for two, Michaels tags Jannetty. Irish whip into a powerslam, right hand and Uno tags Dos. Knees to the ribs by Dos, hiptoss is countered and Jannetty lands a scoop slam for two. Tag to Volkoff, Irish whip but Jannetty dives through the legs and nails a dropkick for two. Roma is in the ring now, arm-wrench and tag to Davey Boy.

Scoop slam for two, Volkoff nails a heel kick, smashing Davey Boy into the heel corner. Blanchard is legal, back body drop and a series of elbows, Davey Boy avoids the third elbow. Both teams make tags, Warlord and Uno are legal. Warlord military presses Uno, we have Ax and Warlord. They trade blows, Ax loses the war, tagging Smash. Smash is caught by the boot by Warlord, Warlord tags Barbarian. Irish whip, flying enzuigiri by Barbarian. The two trade bombs, knees from Smash. Tag to Blanchard, military press slam from Barbarian. Tag to Neidhart, running powerslam for two.

Neidhart tags Dynamite, Blanchard pulls Dynamite to the floor. Anderson is legal now, kicks to Dynamite’s head. Tag to Dos, Dos stomps Dynamite which leads to a tag to Zhukov. Zhukov misses a knee drop, Dynamite tags Powers. Powers nails a back body drop, Irish whip to a corner. Diving crossbody from Powers goes wrong as Zhukov rolls through to eliminate The Wild Stallions.

The Wild Stallions Have Been Eliminated!

Michaels comes in, diving fist drop on Zhukov. Tag to Barbarian, flying shoulder tackle. Zhukov tags Blanchard, Blanchard tags Volkoff. Lock-up, Barbarian shoves down Volkoff. Volkoff knees Barbarian allowing for a tag to Ax, Ax beats down Barbarian. Uno and Volkoff make quick tags, headbutts by Volkoff. Barbarian fights back, big boot knocks down Volkoff. Michaels comes in attacking Zhukov who tagged in on Volkoff. Jannetty blinds tag in off Michaels, diving sunset flip for the elimination, The Bolsheviks are out of here!

The Bolsheviks Have Been Eliminated!

Uno and Jannetty are now in the ring, Uno attempts a back-body drop but Jannetty counters for a sunset flip, two for Jannetty as Uno scratches the eyes. Tag to Dos, big back-body drop by Dos. Tag to Ax, Ax pummels Jannetty before  a tag to Anderson. Irish whip looking for the spinebuster but Jannetty rams Anderson’s head into the ring-mat. Davey Boy tags in as does Blanchard, Blanchard whips Davey Boy into the turnbuckle. Knee to the face, tag to Smash. Smash with the snap-mare, front chancery into the heel corner.

Uno and Davey Boy square off, Irish whip to the corner. Davey Boy kicks away Uno, tag to Neidhart who combines with Bret for a backbreaker and elbow combination. Tag to Michaels, dropkick from Michaels. Tag to Jannetty, flying reverse elbow, Jannetty tags Dynamite. Snap suplex, Dynamite climbs the middle rope for a knee drop. Two for Dynamite, backbreaker for two. Tag to Barbarian, clothesline from Barbarian. Blanchard tags in from Uno, Blanchard asks Heenan for advice, Blanchard lures in Barbarian. Knees and right hands before Demolition beat down Barbarian. Reverse chin-lock from Smash, Barbarian powers out of the hold. Smash maintains control, tagging in Anderson.

Anderson scores with a few cheap shots before a tag to Dos, Dos is caught for an inverted atomic drop before Ax blind tags in, saving Dos. The Brainbusters make quick tags, an Anderson spinebuster goes wrong as Barbarian counters with a kick, Jannetty and Neidhart make quick tags assaulting Anderson before Anderson takes down Neidhart, tagging in Blanchard. Blanchard nails a diving crossbody for two before The Hart Foundation take turns battering Blanchard. Right hands by Bret, Blanchard whips Bret to the corner, Bret leapfrogs Blanchard nailing a German suplex but Bret’s shoulders were down while Blanchard got one shoulder up, The Hart Foundation are gone!

The Hart Foundation Have Been Eliminated!

The Brainbusters and The Rockers lose control and begin to destroy one another, the referees have been knocked down multiple times by both teams which means The Brainbusters and The Rockers are gone from this match for their behaviour inside of that ring, they continue brawling to the back.

The Brainbusters & The Rockers Have Been Eliminated!

In the ring, Smash and Dynamite go to war. Flying crossbody by Dynamite, two for Dynamite. Smash tags Uno, Uno misses a top rope senton. In comes Warlord, quick slam before a tag to Barbarian. Boot by Barbarian, Uno tags Dos while Davey Boy is tagged in by Barbarian. Davey Boy suplexes Dos, Dos tags Smash. Davey Boy arm-drags Smash, tag to Dynamite. Davey Boy comes in and Uno comes in for the heels, military press slam by Davey Boy. Running Powerslam by Davey Boy, tag to Barbarian. Double headbutt, Uno tags Ax. Ax stomps all over Barbarian after a pin attempt, tag to Smash. Barbarian is on the floor, tag to Dos. Dos stomps Barbarian and tags Uno, right hands and a dropkick by Uno.

Barbarian fires back at Uno, tag to Davey Boy. Double elbow for two, tag to Dynamite. Gutwrench suplex for two, falling headbutt by Dynamite for two. Tag to Warlord, knee drop. Tag to Dynamite, Dynamite eats a massive boot to the head. Dynamite battles back but misses a diving headbutt allowing Ax to nails a Lariat for the elimination.

The British Bulldogs Have Been Eliminated!

Ax and Warlord are in the ring, Ax smacks down Warlord. Smash beats down Warlord, Uno & Dos trade tags smacking Warlord. Ax comes in, snap-mare and an arm-wrench. Smash comes in, Fuji is on the apron. Arm-wrench from Smash, Warlord battles out and shoulder blocks Smash. Smash fires back with a clothesline, Smash is tripped over the rope by Fuji, was it an accident? Smash falls down hard and is counted out by the referee. Ax has words with Fuji, Fuji smacks Ax, Fuji is no longer with Demolition as Ax slams Fuji on the canvas.

Demolition Have Been Eliminated!

The Powers of Pain help Fuji to his feet, what is going on in this match? Warlord and Barbarian are helping Fuji over to their corner. Uno and Dos are beating down Barbarian, Irish whip is reversed with Fuji tripping Dos. Barbarian nails a falling headbutt for the win. Demolition and Powers of Pain brawl after the match has ended!

Mercifully, it comes to an end. I am all for a classic tag team Survivor Series Style elimination match but this was ridiculous. This went for what seemed like forever and the feuds that were intertwined with the match never raised this match for me, it just seemed like a rinse and repeat. Irish whip, bump, tag and on and on and on and on and God Damn On! The only thing notable about this match as the turn of Mr Fuji on Demolition and it was done in such an awkward manner that the camera missed it and that the fans had no idea who to cheer or boo when it came to The Powers Of Pain and Demolition, the finish and brawl after the match made nothing clearer!

Winners: The Powers Of Pain Via Survival!

Team Andre The Giant (Andre The Giant/Dino Bravo/Rick Rude/Harley Race/Mr. Perfect) vs Team Jake Roberts (Jake Roberts/Jim Duggan/Tito Santana/Ken Patera/Tito Santana/Scott Casey)

Patera and Rude start, Patera pushes down Rude. Rude says Patera grabbed the hair, Rude tags in Bravo. Bravo and Patera fight briefly, Perfect comes in for Team Andre. Patera lifts Perfect to the babyface corner, Roberts comes in wrenching the arm. Tag to Santana, Perfect shoulder blocks Santana. Arm-drag and scoop slam from Santana. Santana eats an elbow from Perfect, Bravo comes in for a beatdown of Santana. Casey comes in but eats an inverted atomic drop from Bravo, belly to belly suplex from Race.

Knee drop and suplex from Race, tag to Rude. Scoop slam and elbow to the throat, two for Rude. Rude tags Perfect, massive clothesline. Casey escapes to tag Santana, Santana tags Patera. Double Elbow to Perfect, tag to Duggan. Axe handle from Duggan, Irish whip to the corner is reversed but Duggan explodes out with a clothesline. Perfect fires back at Duggan, Duggan shakes off the right hands. Perfect is smacked to the outside, arm-wrench from Duggan. Tag to Casey, hammer-lock scoop slam. Casey misses a leg drop, being dragged to the heels’ corner. In comes Rude, clothesline and pose from Rude.

Rude misses a corner clothesline, Casey tags in Santana. Irish whip and Flying Forearm from Santana for two. Irish whip to the babyface corner, tag to Duggan. Irish whip, Rude ducks the clothesline but eats a scoop slam, Duggan misses an elbow though. Rude rakes the eyes, both men shoulder block one another. Patera tags in, snap-mare and elbow to the nose. Irish whip to the corner, Patera comes crashing into Rude’s knees. Rude Awakening and it’s all over for Patera.

Ken Patera Has Been Eliminated!

Casey attempts to take control but Rude drags Casey to the corner and tags in Race. Irish whip by Race and a huge dropkick, elbow drop too. Tag to Bravo, Bravo stomps and chops Casey. Casey backslide pins Bravo for two off an Irish whip, another Irish whip. O Connor roll does not go well for Casey, Sidewalk Slam from Dino Bravo and it’s all over for Casey.

Scott Casey Has Been Eliminated!

In comes Santana, looking to start a comeback for Team Duggan. Bravo tags in Perfect, Perfect takes the back but Santana elbows his way out and tries a small package for two. Santana grabs a front chancery, in comes Duggan. Irish whip by Duggan, Duggan lowers the head and boot by Perfect. Duggan mounts a comeback but Andre grabs Duggan from the apron. Headbutt floors Duggan, Perfect nails Duggan with right hands. Rick Rude receives the tag, Rude eats a massive clothesline. Race comes in but so does Santana, shoulder thrusts by Race. Race drags Santana to the heel corner, in comes Bravo. Bravo misses clotheslines before a crossbody from Santana for two.

Bravo misses a corner spear, sunset flip from Santana for two. Bravo stops the tag, Race is the legal man. Piledriver for two, massive clothesline from Race for two. Race misses a clothesline as Santana ducks, Flying Forearm from Santana and The Former King Harley Race is gone!

Harley Race Has Been Eliminated!

Andre comes in, choking the life out of Santana. Massive chops and Santana is down, Andre drops all his weight on Santana’s chest twice. Bravely, Santana is fighting back but Andre clubs down Santana, Irish whip and Andre sits down on Santana after a failed sunset flip.

Tito Santana Has Been Eliminated!

Duggan charges in at Andre, Andre is tied up in the ropes from a clothesline. Duggan tags in Roberts, Roberts pummels all the heels. Roberts chokes Andre, everyone on Team Andre are trying to save Andre. Andre breaks free, headbutt and tag to Rude. Rude whips Roberts to the corner, Rude poses for everyone. Another Irish whip, Rude tags in Perfect. Perfect stomps all over The Snake, choke using the bottom rope by Perfect. Rope hung guillotine by Perfect, Andre stomps on Roberts’ head from the apron.

Perfect slaps Roberts over and over, Roberts is battling back and trying to reach Duggan. Perfect tags Bravo, Roberts pummels Bravo. Short-arm clothesline, Bravo avoids the DDT thanks to Rude who clotheslines Roberts from the apron. Rude tags into the match, Roberts takes a beatdown from The Ravishing One. A huge right hand floors Roberts, two for Rude as Roberts reaches the ropes with his foot. Rude tags in Bravo, Bravo piledrivers Roberts but the ropes save Roberts again. Scoop slam from Bravo, Bravo misses two elbow drops as Roberts tags Duggan.

Duggan whips Bravo to the corner, big back body-drop and ten punches in the corner. Irish whip to the opposite corner, clothesline by Duggan. Duggan wants his three-point stance tackle but Frenchy drags Duggan out of the ring, Bravo scoop slams Duggan on the floor so Duggan snaps and grabs his 2x4 and wallops Bravo for the DQ.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan Has Been Eliminated!

Roberts is all alone, Roberts wants a piece of Perfect. Rude and Heenan talk strategy with Perfect, lock-up with Perfect eating right hands from a cornered Roberts. Clothesline from Roberts, Roberts stands his ground. Perfect and Roberts trade right hands, Roberts wins the war. Knee lift from Roberts, the chants for DDT continue to grow louder throughout the arena. Here comes Bravo, Bravo corners Roberts. The two lock-up, Bravo out-powers Roberts. Roberts is back to his feet, kick to the ribs and a DDT attempt but Bravo back-drops Roberts.

Rude is now the legal man, Roberts stays in his corner suckering in Rude. Rude rakes the eyes and slams Roberts into the turnbuckle. Roberts sells his disorientation as Rude continues to smack around Roberts. Gut-buster from Rude, Rude stamps on the face of Roberts. Slaps and taunting from Rude, Roberts is battling back from his knees. Rude gouges the eyes to maintain control, Irish whip to the corner. Roberts hits the corner hard, Rude whips Roberts hard once more. Scoop slam and a bearhug, all the work targeting the back of The Snake.

Snap-mare from Rude and a diving fist drop to Roberts, Rude poses on top of Roberts. Roberts pulls down Rude’s pants, exposing his bottom to the world which embarrasses Rude who tries to fix his pants which leads to a beautiful DDT for the elimination.

Ravishing Rick Rude Has Been Eliminated!

In comes Andre, Andre chokes Roberts in the corner. Andre bites and chokes Roberts in the corner. Andre chokes the life out of Roberts in the corner, Andre was humiliated at the hands of Roberts on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Andre may have been disqualified but there is no life left in Jake Roberts as Perfect enters the ring and pins The Snake, Perfect and Dino Bravo are your survivors in this match!

For me, this match begins when Jake is all alone against four members of Team Andre. Roberts is a master of psychology inside of that squared circle, you can see that on full-display in this scenario. Roberts is reluctant to engage with any wrestler in that ring outside of his territory which is that corner where his teammates once stood, The Snake measures the risk against the reward when battling any heel that entered that ring, struggling to keep the fight in that neutral corner to avoid being battered by the heels. Roberts leaves the ring at one point for a breather, a normally heelish manoeuvre but it makes so much sense here, Roberts needs to catch his breath if he is to have any hope in this match. Love Rude’s elimination, Rude’s over-confidence leads to a DDT which Rude sells to perfection and then, the finish with Andre getting his hands on Jake for Jake scaring Andre with the snake. Andre’s rage over being embarrassed culminating in a DQ for Andre but Andre’s team wins and Jake knows that Andre is nowhere done with him. This had so much story-telling and psychology compared to the first two matches that it is simply unfair to compare as this was great.

Winners: Mr. Perfect & Dino Bravo over Everyone Else via Survival!

Team Akeem (Akeem/Big Bossman/Ted Dibiase/King Haku/Red Rooster) vs Team Mega-Powers (Hulk Hogan/Randy Savage/Hercules Hernandez/Koko B Ware/Hillbilly Jim)

Hogan getting a separate entrance to his team? Well, this might be an issue down the line! Anyways Savage and Hogan want Akeem and Bossman, the teams settle down and it looks like we are ready to start. Savage and Dibiase begin the match, shoulder block by Savage. Clothesline by Dibiase, rights and lefts by Dibiase. Savage dodges a corner clothesline, jabs from Savage and hangman’s neckbreaker. Hercules is tagged in, Dibiase runs far away as The Rooster comes into the match.

Rooster whips Hercules, Hercules avoids a hip-toss and scores with a clothesline. Tag to Koko, Irish whip to the corner. Rooster blocks with a boot, Akeem is now the legal man. Akeem beats down Koko, tag to King Haku. Throat thrust, scoop slam by Haku. Haku misses a leg drop, Koko tags in Hercules. Rights and lefts by Hercules, tag to Hogan. Hogan nails right hands, axe-bomber from Hogan. Multiple elbow drops and a rake with the foot, Hogan tags in Hillbilly Jim. Double big boot by Hillbilly Jim, headbutt against Haku does not work.

Haku tags Akeem who quickly tags in Rooster. Scoop slam does not work as Jim slams Rooster. Stomp to the ribs by Jim, tag to Koko. Irish whip and powerslam by Koko for two, Rooster lures in Koko to the corner. Koko fights back, fake diving crossbody but Koko connects with the missile dropkick. Hogan receives the tag, right hands and big boot by Hogan. Tag to Savage, scoop slam and Flying Elbow Drop ends the night for The Red Rooster.

The Red Rooster Has Been Eliminated!

The babyfaces celebrate with the heels talking strategy, how will Heenan deal with his protégé becoming the first elimination from this high-profile main event. Savage and Haku lock-up, Haku sends Savage to the ropes which allows a Hogan tag. Hogan stands toe to toe with Haku, Irish whip and dropkick by Haku. Chops to the back of the head from Haku, Irish whip reversal from Hogan. Clothesline by Hogan, tag to Hercules. Elbow drops by Hercules, Hercules applies a side headlock which leads to a back suplex from Haku. Haku tags Akeem, Akeem nails a huge scoop slam but Hercules avoids an elbow drop. Hercules tags Jim, Irish whip by Jim to the corner but Akeem counters. Akeem eats a big boot, Jim is backed into the corner by Akeem. Another Irish whip reversal leads to a clothesline from Akeem, Akeem splashes Jim and it’s over for the country boy!

Hillbilly Jim Has Been Eliminated!

Koko dropkicks Akeem from behind, rights and lefts to Akeem. Tag to Hogan, Hogan rams Akeem into the turnbuckle, tag to Savage. Savage nails a top rope diving axe handle. Elbow to the head, make it two. Hercules enters the match, rights and lefts from Hercules stagger Akeem but Akeem stands tall. Irish whip and a reverse elbow, tag to Koko. Jabs from Koko, massive dropkick to the corner. Koko misses a corner splash, allowing Akeem to tag The Bossman. Bossman Slam on Koko, bye by to The Birdman.

Koko B Ware Has Been Eliminated!

Hogan enters the ring, wanting a piece of Bossman. Lock-up, eye-rake from Bossman. Hogan battles back with right hands, Irish whip and an axe-bomber. Atomic drop to Bossman, Bossman is pummelled by all the babyfaces. Corner clothesline, Hogan bites the head of Bossman. Big boot from Hogan, Hogan calls for a slam. Scoop slam on Bossman, a shoulder block does not budge Bossman as Bossman counters with a spinebuster. Bossman tags Akeem, double reverse elbow by the duo. Akeem tags Haku, slam from Haku before a quick tag to Bossman. Bossman nails a knee across the back, Bossman stands on Hogan’s throat before a tag to Dibiase.

Dibiase tags in, big clothesline to Hogan. Fist Drops from Dibiase, Dibiase stands proudly over Hogan, cover and a two for Dibiase. Hogan is Hulking Up, atomic drop for Dibiase. Hercules comes in for retribution on Dibiase, back-drop from Hercules. Dibiase is rocked, lefts from Hercules. Knee lift from Hercules, multiple clotheslines. Virgil trips Hercules which leads to Dibiase rolling up Hercules.

Hercules Has Been Eliminated!

Dibiase gloats about his victory allowing for Savage to sneak up on The Million Dollar Man, eliminating Dibiase from this match, it’s 3 vs 2!

Ted Dibiase Has Been Eliminated!

In comes Haku, Haku nails a clothesline. Diving headbutt misses, Haku eats a clothesline as Savage tags in Hogan. Hogan comes in and eats a thrust kick, Bossman is now legal. Headbutts to the spine of Hogan, big right hand from Bossman. Scoop slam, two for Bossman. Throat thrust from Bossman, tag to Akeem. Akeem clobbers Hogan, tag to Haku. Suplex from Haku for two, Haku stays in control with a shoulder claw. Hogan fades under the pressure from Haku, Hogan survives the hold but Bossman tags not the match, scoring huge with The Bossman Slam.

Bossman positions Hogan for a top rope diving attack, Hogan lays prone in the middle of the ring. Bossman launches himself, missing a massive splash. Hogan is dazed but Savage receives the tag, Savage batters every heel in sight with axe handles. Savage runs off the ropes but Slick nails Savage with his stick, Bossman clubs down Savage. Slick intimidates Elizabeth, grabbing Elizabeth. Hogan gives chase, knocking out Slick. Akeem and Bossman double team Hogan. Bossman has handcuffs, Hogan is stuck to the bottom rope. Bossman is counted out of the match but Bossman uses his nightstick to decimate The Hulkster.

Big Bossman Has Been Eliminated!

Hogan is hunched over by the steel steps, feeling the effects of Bossman’s attacks. Haku and Akeem double team Savage while Bossman chokes Hogan with the nightstick. Bossman nails Savage in the back with the nightstick, Bossman chokes Savage while Akeem nails a splash on Savage. The tide has turned as Haku remains against Savage and Hogan.

Akeem Has Been Eliminated!

Haku continues where Akeem left off, reverse elbow to Savage. Haku gets two, Hogan is barely moving at this stage. Savage avoids an elbow drop from Haku, Irish whip by Haku but Savage avoids the dropkick attempt of Haku. Savage is reaching out for Hogan but Hogan cannot break free, Slick has Savage but Savage ducks, Haku superkicks Slick by mistake. Hogan clotheslines Heenan, Elizabeth searches Slick’s pockets and Hogan is now free from the handcuffs. Hogan climbs to his corner, Haku slams Savage. Haku climbs high, top rope splash by Haku for two. Haku thrust kicks Savage into Hogan, Hogan is in the ring. Big boot, scoop slam and Atomic Leg Drop! Savage and Hogan win the match, The Mega-Powers survive!

Not as an enjoyable struggle like the last match with Jake Roberts but a good main event for this pay per view, the heels dominated for the majority of the match, I like how Bossman and Akeem have been portrayed to be absolute monsters inside of the ring, the sinister side of The Bossman callously attacking Hogan with the nightstick is great, it stands out as there has not been such a despicable heel in the WWF since Roberts. Hogan and Savage bring a level of excitement and electricity to the match, the match is great on star-power alone but I love the little hints that something is turning inside of The Macho Man. Hogan lifting up Elizabeth and Savage reaching for a tag with no Hogan in sight, these are the things that do not sit well with The Macho Man. Good story-telling, enough action and fire added to the feuds taking place at the time leave this main event as a good end to what could be a mixed night!

Winners: The Mega-Powers over Everyone Else via Survival!

That was WWF’s Survivor Series 1988, a mixed bag of a pay per view from the WWF. You can split this show into two parts, the first two matches which are the lower card guys and tag teams battling it out in matches that seem to drag on for too long and leave you not wanting more despite the angle of Fuji turning on Demolition. I think this could have been executed far better as everyone is confused who to cheer when The Powers of Pain take in Fuji and win the match, if everyone is confused, that is not a good sign. The second half of the night which has Team Roberts vs Team Andre and Mega-Powers vs The Twin Towers is awesome. Great story-telling in both matches, Jake The Snake knocks it out of the park in the psychology department and feuds are intensified and interest is build in anticipation of the rematches, you could not ask for hotter or better wrestling coming out of these matches, you want Andre The Giant vs Jake Roberts, you want The Mega-Powers vs The Twin Towers so based on the last two matches, this show is worth seeing. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!

WWF Saturday Night's Main Event October 29th, 1988 Edition Review

Welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that continues to tear the house down like a Walter match! It’s time for Saturday Night’s Main Event of October 26^th in 1988, the last main event before Survivor Series 1988! We have a tag team championship match, we have Jake Roberts vs Rick Rude and The Hulkster is in action. What a night of action and it’s live now!

Jake The Snake Roberts W/ Cheryl Roberts vs Ravishing Rick Rude W/ Bobby Heenan

A feud that has been brewing for months, Rude was turned down by the wife of Jake Roberts, leading to Rude wearing tights with Jake’s wife’s face airbrushed onto his tights. Roberts wants to destroy Rude for obvious reasons and this should be an excellent rematch of their Wrestlemania IV match which was hampered by the time limit expiry finish.

Rude continues to wind up Roberts, here we go with the two brawling in the ring. Wrist-lock from Roberts, Rude dives over the ropes for a break but Roberts drags Rude back into the ring. Arm-wrench, Rude leapfrogs Roberts but gets caught with a right hand, DDT time but no, Rude powders out to Heenan. Wrist-lock from Roberts, Rude ducks and nails a clothesline. Roberts meets the turnbuckle hard, Roberts is swinging wildly and missing as Rude drills Roberts with precise right hands. Elbow to the head, Rude taunts Cheryl at ringside, Irish whip to the corner from Rude. Roberts collapses, the damage to the lower back too much. Rude grinds his hips at Cheryl, Irish whip to the corner. Rude poses for too long, clothesline from Roberts.

Left jabs from Roberts, big right hand floors Rude. Roberts ties up Rude and allows Cheryl to slap Rude in the face, the two brawl on the floor. Roberts hits the ring-post hard, Rude grinds in the ring like a boss. Rights and lefts from Roberts, back drop from Roberts. DDT attempt is countered as Rude scores with a back drop, fist drops and Rude climbs to the top rope. Massive diving fist drop from Rude for two, Rude Awakening is blocked with biting from Roberts.

Roberts hangs onto the ropes from an Irish whip, Roberts fakes a punch and Rude ducks, DDT from Roberts, the crowd goes wild. Rude is out but Roberts looks to rip the tights off of Rude, Heenan calls for Andre before attacking Roberts. Andre attacks Roberts, throwing him to the floor but Andre forgets about Roberts and his snake, Roberts has Damien and oh my goodness, Andre is terrified of snakes, who knew?

That is some old-school fun wrestling, a classic feud between Roberts and Rude, much better than their Wrestlemania match. Crowd is electric and the build up to that DDT is tremendous, love the whole sequence and Andre and Heenan are tremendous during this segment, this was a whole lot of fun and Roberts gets a measure of revenge against the dastardly Rick Rude.

Winner: Jake The Snake Roberts over Rick Rude via DQ!

(WWF World Tag Team Championship Match) The Hart Foundation vs Demolition © W/ Mr. Fuji & Jimmy Hart

Neidhart and Ax begin, Ax backs Neidhart into the corner. In comes Smash, Demolition beat down Neidhart. Neidhart counters a suplex with ease, tag to Bret. Irish whip and kick by Bret, dropkick floors Smash. Bret goes to the middle rope, Bret’s rope elbow drop for two. Arm-wrench from Bret, Smash counters with a clothesline. Tag to Ax, Demolition choke Bret in the corner with Neidhart jaw-jacking with the referee. Tag to Smash, Smash clubs Bret in the corner. Snapmare and reverse chinlock, tag to Ax. Ax boots Bret in the face, Neidhart is getting frustrated on the apron.

 Bret blocks a right, Smash has been rocked. Clubbing blows from Smash, Bret ducks a clothesline and scores with a clothesline. Bret tags Neidhart, Nedihart runs wild. Dropkicks and clotheslines, the match has broken down. Demolition are whipped into one another but look at this, here comes The Rougeau Brothers. Neidhart chokes Jimmy Hart, Jacque hands the megaphone to Smash who cracks Neidhart in the back of the head, Demolition retain their championships.

Decent tag team match, Ax and Smash work a nice heat segment on Bret who sells his ass off as he always does, Neidhart comes in like a house of fire and we have quite the finish building up a feud between The Hart Foundation and The Rougeau Brothers.

Winners: Demolition over The Hart Foundation via Megaphone To The Head!

King Haku W/ Bobby Heenan vs Hulk Hogan W/ Miss Elizabeth

Haku cheap shots Hogan, back-rake from Haku. The King attacks the throat of Hogan, Haku bites the head of The Hulkster. Throat thrust from Haku, Hogan dodges an elbow drop, Hogan tees off with right hands.  Big right hand floors Haku, Heenan distracts Hogan but Haku cannot take control. Chops from Hogan, Irish whip and an axe bomber from Hogan. Series of elbow drops and a boot to the head from Hogan, chop from The Hulkster. Heenan grabs Hogan’s leg, allowing Haku to attack Hogan.

Choke from Haku, Hogan rallies using the crowd’s energy. Rake to the eyes from Haku, Hogan eats a double chop to the head, Savate Kick from Haku and Hogan is down on the floor. Heenan berates Hogan as Haku looks to continue his control. Hogan waits on the floor, Haku looks for a diving chop but Hogan pulls Heenan in front as a shield. Heenan is down and hurt, Hogan has used his wits to even the playing field in this match. Haku drills Hogan with a clothesline in the ring, diving headbutt from Haku.

Suplex from Haku, Hogan powers out of the pin at two. Haku continues to chop and thrust but Hogan is Hulking Up. Right hands and a massive big boot, Atomic Leg Drop and Haku has been defeated by Hulk Hogan. Hogan celebrates with Miss Elizabeth.

Standard Hogan Match, the interaction with Heenan was great stuff, anytime Heenan is involved, it is gold. Haku got some great offense in the match too, all you could hope for from a Hogan match on Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Winner: Hulk Hogan over King Haku via Atomic Leg Drop!

Ken Patera vs Dino Bravo W/ Frenchie Martin

Bravo applies the side headlock, two men clash with neither man backing down. Patera back drops Bravo, scoop slam too. Bravo powders to the floor, re-entering the ring at his pace. Headbutt to the ribs, Patera is rammed into the turnbuckles. Left jabs and a massive right from Bravo, choke in the corner. Patera reverses an Irish whip and punishes Bravo, ten punches in the corner. Snapmare and elbow to the face, scoop slam by Patera.

Shoulder block by Patera, Patera wants his Full-Nelson but Bravo makes it to the corner. Irish whip to the corner, boot from Bravo. Inverted atomic drop and Bravo applies his Sidewalk Slam for the win. Squash match, little sizzle and little steak. DUD!

Winner: Dino Bravo over Ken Patera via Sidewalk Slam!

The Big Bossman W/ Slick vs Jim Powers

Knees and clubbing blows from Bossman, Irish whip. Powers slides through the legs and applies a sleeper before Bossman backs into the corner, corner splash from Bossman. Headbutt and taunting from Bossman, leg across the back to Powers. Two-handed choke and throat thrust from Bossman, bearhug from Bossman. Powers is whipped off the ropes, dropkicks out of nowhere before a Bossman Slam ends this one before it began. Another squash with little substance, Bossman handcuffs Powers to the ropes while using the nightstick to punish Powers. DUD!

Winner: Big Bossman over Jim Powers via Bossman Slam!

Not a memorable episode of Main Event, you do get a great match out of Rude and Roberts leading to the setup of a feud between Roberts and Andre The Giant. Andre’s expressions were very funny too but this is an episode that does little to advance storylines leading into Survivor Series so I guess we will see where we are going next! Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Unforgiven 2008 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that disappears more than The Kabuki Warriors! It’s time for WWE Unforgiven 2008, the peak of The Championship Scramble Phase of WWE! Three major championships defended in championship scramble matches, what could happen in this wild night of the WWE. Triple H defends his WWE Championship, Mark Henry defends his ECW Championship and CM Punk defends his World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Unforgiven and let’s get it on!

Opening Hype Package

History is guaranteed, championship scramble all night long. Highlights of Jericho vs Michaels, the most heated feud in the WWE, Chris Jericho wants to finish off Shawn Michaels, this is damn sure personal as JR would say. An excellent package that hypes up Michaels vs Jericho, this angle has been tremendous and now we are sinking our teeth right into the middle of it.

ECW Championship Scramble Match (Matt Hardy vs Mark Henry © vs The Miz vs Chavo Guerrero vs Finlay)

The Miz and Matt Hardy to start, this match has a twenty-minute time limit, every five minutes, a new superstar will enter the ring. Miz takes the back of Hardy, hammerlock reversal from Hardy. Side headlock takedown from Hardy, shoulder block from Hardy. Another shoulder block, hiptoss from Miz though. Miz grabs a side headlock, Miz is shoved into the corner. Corner clothesline from Hardy, Hardy cannot nail the bulldog though. Miz shoves Hardy into the corner, Miz misses a corner clothesline and eats a powerbomb from Hardy for two.

Running clothesline from Hardy for two, Miz pulls Hardy into the middle rope. Cross-armed punches from Miz, Miz drops his weight down on Hardy’s back for two. Reverse chinlock from Miz, sunset flip from Hardy off an Irish whip for two. Miz nails a clothesline for two, Miz is caught on the middle rope trying to escape from Hardy. Splash Mountain Bomb incoming but Hardy cannot hold onto Miz, Reality Check from Miz. Hardy rolls to the floor, Miz’s chance at championship gold alludes him for now. The next superstar to enter the match is here, it’s Chavo Guerrero. Chavo throws Miz out of the ring and nails a Frog Splash on Hardy to become the new ECW Champion.

Miz nails a forearm on Chavo, running clothesline from Miz for two. Rolling Kappu kick from Chavo to Miz, plancha to the floor. Hardy throws Chavo into the ring, scoop slam and elbow drop for two. Chavo is looking for a superplex on Miz, Miz fights out and nails a crossbody on Hardy and Chavo for two. Clothesline from Hardy who is rallying, back drop to Chavo. Clubbing blow to Miz, corner clothesline and bulldog takes out both Chavo and Miz. Side Effect on Chavo, Hardy is ECW Champion! Irish whip to Miz, Hardy throws Chavo to the floor. Hardy applies a sleeper to Miz to wear down his challenger. Mark Henry is the next man to enter the championship scramble. Chavo, Miz and Hardy decide the best way to deal with Henry is team up to take out The World’s Strongest Man.

Henry is fresh though, Henry takes the punishment and shoves down his challengers. Clotheslines galore, Chavo is tossed across the ring. Henry press slams Hardy with ease, Miz tees off on Henry but eats a splash. World’s Strongest Slam on Chavo and Mark Henry is ECW Champion. Henry slams Miz with ease, Hardy unloads before a headbutt rocks Hardy. World’s Strongest Slam is blocked by Hardy but a massive chop sends Hardy to the floor. Henry flapjacks Miz, Chavo attacks Henry but Henry shrugs off the attacks. Chavo gets caught in a bearhug from Henry, Hardy begins climbing the top turnbuckle. Hardy dives into a bearhug, Hardy throws rights and lefts but begins to fade with each passing second.

Finlay is the last man to enter, DDT on Henry for two. Make it two, two-count for Finlay again. There are five minutes left in this match, bearhug from Henry. Hornswoggle is in the ring, Hornswoggle distracts Henry. Shillelagh from Finlay, Finlay and Hardy throw Henry to the floor. Celtic Cross and Finlay is your ECW Champion. Miz is on the top rope, missile dropkick from Miz. Miz grabs Hardy but walks into a Twist Of Fate and Hardy is your ECW Champion. Henry is on his feet, Hardy stands his ground to battle Henry. Chavo Frog Splashes Miz in the background but Hardy stops Chavo stealing his championship.

Henry boots Hardy and nails a World’s Strongest Slam on Miz, Hardy makes the save. Henry slams Chavo, Hardy saves his championship once more. Henry goes after Finlay, World’s Strongest Slam but Hardy makes the save again. Miz rolls up Hardy for two as Henry makes the save. Chavo dives into the arms of Henry, World’s Strongest Slam but Hardy saves his championship again. Henry continues to look for an easy pin-fall but Hardy is continuing to defend his championship, nobody can score a pin-fall with Hardy breaking up every pin-fall attempt.

That was a fun opening match, I feel like these matches are going to be difficult to critique because you have little spots here and there but is there really a lot going on for twenty minutes? It feels like we are always killing time until the next wrestler enters the match. So, what did I like? The crafty tactics of Chavo stealing a pin to win the championship, Finlay using Hornswoggle to gain the upper hand and Hardy defending his territory in the ring was also a highlight.

Winner: Matt Hardy Via Survival!

(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) Cryme Tyme vs Ted Dibiase & Cody Rhodes ©

Am I back in 2006? Cryme Tyme back in WWE? They have been off pay per view for what seems like an eternity while Rhodes and Dibiase are back after winning the championships at Night Of Champions when Dibiase revealed that Rhodes was his partner, stabbing mentor Hardcore Holly in the back figuratively. Rhodes and JTG begin the match, Rhodes ducks from JTG to start the match. Irish whip from Rhodes, punch from JTG. Big dropkick and Shad clothesline Dibiase & Rhodes to the floor. Shad elevates JTG over the top rope onto the champions, a huge plancha from JTG.

Shad eats a jawbreaker from Dibiase, Dibiase nails an elbow in the corner. Shad counters with a massive sidewalk slam, elbow drop for two. Dibiase boots Shad in the face, tag to Rhodes. The champions batter Shad, JTG blind tags in and nails a slingshot shoulder block for two. Rhodes begs off from JTG, slap from Rhodes, JTG gives chase on the floor and Rhodes nails a massive clothesline on the floor. Rhodes works the arm in the ring, applying a keylock on JTG. Dibiase tags in, wrenches the arm and tags back in Rhodes who nails a middle rope axe handle. Rhodes uses the ropes to wrench JTG’s arm, Dibiase wrenches the arm behind the referee’s back.

Russian legsweep from Rhodes, knee drop and an arm wrench. Tag to Dibiase who nails a dropkick, kick to the arm and a keylock from Dibiase. JTG battles back and nails a back suplex, Dibiase tags in Rhodes who prevents JTG from tagging Shad as Shad is knocked off the apron. JTG boots Rhodes away but JTG cannot crawl to the corner. Keylock from Rhodes, JTG manages to escape but a scoop slam ends the hopes of JTG for now. Rhodes looks for a moonsault and misses, Shad snake eyes Dibiase and scores big with a forearm.

JTG takes down Rhodes briefly, the referee brings JTG out of the ring. Illegally, Rhodes nails his Silver Spoon DDT, Shad is saved by his foot on the ropes. Dibiase tags in Rhodes, Shad clotheslines Rhodes. Cryme Tyme look for their finish, Dibiase interferes with JTG landing a small package on Rhodes, Sahd punches Dibiase into the small package, Dibiase pushes over the small package and the champions retain their titles. After the match, some afro having Samoan saves the champions from the beatdown, this is Manu’s debut and well, this is bizarre.

Could they not have Manu interfere in the match to allow the champions to retain, would that not be a more impressive debut for Manu? But what do I know about booking right? The match itself was fine thought the heat segment was a little long. Despite JTG’s impressive athletic display, the fans were not hugely into the duo of JTG & Shad. So, this could have been handle and booked better but it was passable, nothing awful here.

Winners: Dibiase & Rhodes over Cryme Tyme via Small Package!

(Unsanctioned Match) Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho

It all began with Chris Jericho wanting to be HBK, Jericho wanted to emulate his idol but Jericho realized that sometimes, it is not a good thing to meet your idols for Chris Jericho was disappointed by Shawn Michaels, Michaels was a fraud in Jericho’s eyes, faking an injury to defeat Batista so Jericho did everything in his power to expose Michaels. Things would come to a head as Jericho nearly blinded HBK and waffled Michael’s wife in the face with a right hand. Despite not having medical clearance, Michaels is here to battle Jericho.

The match begins with a takedown and Michaels walloping Jericho with his cowboy boot, Jericho rolls to the floor. Michaels dives onto Jericho, into the crowd they brawl. Michaels trips Jericho and catapults Y2J into the ring-post. Michaels looks under the ring and grabs a chair, Jericho ducks the chair shot. Kick to the gut and Jericho sends HBK onto the announce table. DDT on the floor from Jericho, Jericho pulls a table from under the ring. Jericho hurls the table onto Michaels, Jericho wants a powerbomb through the table. Michaels avoids the powerbomb but Jericho smacks Michaels’ arm off the ring apron.  Jericho has a chair in the ring, Jericho smashes Michaels with the chair in the back and ribs.

Back suplex from Y2J, right hands and kicks from Jericho. A choke from Y2J, Y2J is sent into the ring-post by Michaels. Jericho is on the apron, Jericho wants a suplex to the floor. HBK and Jericho trade shots, HBK hangs on and manages to clothesline Jericho back into the ring. Right hands by Michaels, Irish whip reversal which leads to a flying forearm from Michaels. Kip-up from Michaels and a blatant choke, HBK manages to climb to the top rope. Elbow drop, Sweet Chin Music but Michaels stops himself, Jericho has collapsed to his knees. HBK begins pummelling Jericho, crucifix on the arm and we have a crossface.

Jericho reverses by pulling HBK eye first into the steel chair, Jericho zeroes in on the eye. The same eye that had been injured, Jericho digs his fingers into the eye. The two trade blows, Jericho whips HBK into the corner but HBK comes flying out with a Lou Thesz press. Michaels was looking for a piledriver but Jericho reverses for a Walls Of Jericho. Michaels reaches the ropes but there is no rope break, Jericho does not have to break the hold but Michaels pulls out a fire extinguisher from under the ring, Michaels blasts Jericho in the face. Michaels waffles Jericho in the face with the extinguisher, Jericho rolls to the floor. Michaels is in pursuit, stiff kick to the ribs of Jericho.

Jericho is tossed into the barricade, Michaels wants a suplex on the ramp and it connects, both men scream in pain. Here comes Lance Cade, Michaels punches down Cade. Jericho eats a massive right to the face, Cade comes back for more, catching Michaels on his injured arm. Massive lariat to Michaels, Cade kicks HBK’s arm into the ring-post, Cade holds down Michaels’ arm, Jericho smashes the chair into the arm of Michaels, these two are battering HBK. Jericho places the chair on Michaels’ arm, it could be time for a Pillmanizer! Michaels kicks off Cade who crotches Jericho on the top rope. Sweet Chin Music for Cade, Michaels smashes Jericho with the chair and Jericho falls through the table at ringside.

Michaels takes apart the announce table, Jericho is placed on the table. Jericho rolls off the table in desperation, Michaels places Jericho on top of Cade on the table. Michaels climbs to the top rope, Elbow Drop through both Cade and Jericho. Michaels takes off his belt, beginning to whip Jericho. Michaels ties up Jericho, stating an eye for an eye before pummelling Jericho with closed fists in the eye. Jericho is not moving, more closed fists to the eye of Jericho in a barbaric fashion.

A brutal, physical and entertaining contest. Michaels and Jericho bring the emotion and drama tenfold in these wild brawl, this feels like a brawl from the get go, the two men go about dissecting one another in cruel ways, Jericho goes after the arm with Michaels fighting from underneath. Love the use of Cade to give Jericho the advantage, Michaels’ comeback is electric and then we have that finish, a finish that builds on everything this story has been so far, it goes back to the roots of the feud with Michaels pummelling Jericho until Jericho is lifeless, Michaels uses the tape from his arm to punch Jericho in the eye over and over just like Jericho did to Michaels at The Bash. Michaels has his revenge, leaving Jericho a mess with it not being too drawn out like when Jericho did the same to Michaels, tremendous match.

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Chris Jericho via TKO!

(WWE Championship Scramble Match) Triple H © vs Brian Kendrick vs Shelton Benjamin vs Jeff Hardy vs MVP

Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin will begin the match, same rules as the ECW Championship Scramble. Five of Smackdown’s top superstars battling it out for The Game’s championship. Roll-up by Benjamin, roll-up by Hardy. Both men attempting to capture the championship as early as possible. Side headlock from Benjamin, shoulder block and a quick two for Benjamin. Irish whip, Hardy avoids a scoop slam for an O Connor roll, two for Hardy. To the corner, Irish whip reversal from Benjamin. Sunset flip out of the corner from Hardy for two, Benjamin applies a side headlock into a takedown.

Hardy is caught by Benjamin for a buckle bomb, stomps from Benjamin. Snap suplex for two, camel clutch from Benjamin. Knees to the back and stomps, Hardy counters a back suplex for a two count. Clothesline by Hardy for one, Hardy pummels Benjamin on the mat. Scoop slam and leg drop from Hardy, two for Hardy. At number three comes The Brian Kendrick, Kendrick saunters his way down to the ring, Hardy and Benjamin are clubbing one another on the apron. Benjamin is knocked off the apron by Kendrick, Kendrick focuses on Hardy. Flying forearm from Kendrick for two, stomps from Kendrick.

Kendrick brings Hardy to the corner, Hardy dodges a corner splash. Hardy nails an alley oop powerbomb to win the championship. Hardy nails Benjamin with a snap suplex, forearms from Benjamin. Benjamin misses a corner splash, Twist of Fate misses for Hardy and Benjamin nails Pay-Dirt. Kendrick kicks Benjamin off Hardy, Kendrick nails Sliced Bread No.2 and Kendrick is your current WWE Champion. MVP comes out at number four, MVP flapjacks Kendrick, dropkick to Hardy. MVP has Benjamin, facebuster from MVP. MVP is steadying himself, MVP is wiped out by a leaping calf kick from Kendrick. Kendrick poses and Hardy wipes out Kendrick.

Mule kick to Benjamin, Benjamin and MVP are in the corner. Slingshot dropkick by Hardy, Kendrick protects his championship. MVP and Kendrick brawl, Irish whip to the corner and Kendrick answers with a crossbody. Boot to Benjamin, Benjamin looks for a powerbomb on Kendrick but Kendrick counters with a hurricanrana. Right hands to MVP, MVP answers back but a leaping calf kick takes down MVP. Our final entrant is here, it is the one and only The Game Triple H. Triple H storms to the ring, clotheslining Benjamin to the floor, Kendrick eats a clothesline. Facebuster for MVP, Kendrick eats a spinebuster and MVP is sent to the floor. Pedigree to Kendrick, Triple H is your current champion.

4 minutes left, Benjamin jumps Triple H. The two brawl on the floor, Benjamin meets the barricade but Triple H meets the steel steps. Hardy grabs MVP, Hardy nails Twist of Fate and Hardy is your current champion. Kendrick attempts a Sliced Bread No.2, Hardy escapes and nails a sit-out front suplex. Hardy climbs to the top rope, Triple H crotches Hardy. Pedigree on Kendrick again, Triple H is back as your current WWE Champion. Hardy nails a Swanton Bomb on Kendrick and becomes your current WWE Champion. Triple H looks on in shock, Pedigree attempt but Triple H is dumped to the floor. Tope con hilo from Hardy.

MVP comes for Kendrick, Kendrick is placed on the top rope. Benjamin, Kendrick and MVP perform a beautiful tower of doom spot, Hardy is still your champion. Whisper in The Wind on MVP, Swanton Bomb on Benjamin. Triple H catches MVP with a Pedigree with one second remaining, Triple H is your champion!

That finish does not sit well with me at all, Jeff Hardy looks like a massive twat trying to pin Benjamin instead of breaking up Triple H’s pin-fall. What would be going through his head logic wise? No clue, takes away from what little story-telling was going on in this crazy match. Does it really even setup Hardy vs Triple H? Not in my mind, the match was fine but that finish was garbage!

Winner: Triple H over Everyone Else via Survival!

CM Punk & Randy Orton

Randy Orton is back from injury, not ready to return to the ring but feeling brave enough to get in the face of CM Punk. CM Punk’s underdog story is coming to an end unfortunately though as Manu, Dibiase and Rhodes wipe out Punk and Kingston. The segment ends with a punt on Punk, this would be the end of Punk’s reign as champion, losing the championship without even losing it in the ring. A sad end but had Punk been booked properly since becoming champion? I’d say no, fluke might have been the right word to describe that reign.

(WWE Divas Championship Match) Michelle McCool © vs Maryse

Michelle defeated Natalya to become inaugural champion while Maryse has come out as the new heel in town on Smackdown. The two begin with a nice wrestling sequence, Russian legsweep from Michelle for two. Maryse pulls Michelle down by her hair, more wrist-locks before Michelle flips out of the corner and arm-drags Maryse. Michelle looks to have blown out her knee on the moonsault, Maryse kicks out the knee and goes to work before Michelle boots Maryse hard on the floor. Diving clothesline on the barricade for two, in the ring Maryse nails a chop block.

Maryse wrenches the leg, slamming Michelle’s knee into the mat. Indian death-lock like hold from Maryse, Michelle begins to fight back on one leg, Maryse pulls Michelle into the ropes, choke using the middle rope. On her knees, Michelle nails an enzuigiri for two. The two trade punches, Irish whip by Michelle. Maryse goes for a sunset flip, Michelle rolls through and nails a dropkick. Michelle tries a suplex, the knee buckles but Michelle answers with a big boot. Sit-out front suplex by Michelle on one knee for the win.

Decent story told by the two for the time given, Michelle sold the knee throughout and Maryse did work over the knee which is always a plus. Finish was fine, just did not know it was coming nor did the fans, not sure if Michelle had really established the suplex as a finish, the faith-breaker is infinitely superior as a finish.

Winner: Michelle McCool over Maryse via Sit-out Front Suplex!

Undertaker & Big Show Segment

Vickie Guerrero and Edge had made Taker’s life a living hell on Smackdown for many months but Taker had his revenge on Edge, destroying Edge in The Hell in a Cell and watching Edge go up in flames after a Chokeslam through the ring. Vickie was yet to pay though, Taker sends a casket to the ring in preparation for the demise of Vickie Guerrero as she must pay for her sins. Vickie had also managed to piss off Big Show, keeping The Giant out of the championship scramble. Show holds Vickie hostage as Taker comes to the ring, Vickie screams in terror at the sight of The Deadman and the realization that her fate has been sealed, doom is what awaits The Smackdown General Manager.

However, Show is not on the side of The Deadman. Show Kos Taker with a right hand, Taker had been setup by Vickie Guerrero. Show proceeds to show the power and ability that made the giant a once fearsome athlete. Show had returned at No Way Out 2008 but now, Show was back in business for real, no smiling, no silly gimmick matches on ECW, it was Big Show’s time to become a bad ass once more. KO punch and Undertaker is laying lifeless in the ring, Big Show is large and in charge!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Scramble Match) Batista vs Kane vs Rey Mysterio vs JBL vs ????

Batista and JBL to start the match, the question looms over this match: Will CM Punk compete after the assault of Randy Orton? Lock-up, side headlock from JBL but Batista shoulder tackles JBL down, Batista stomps and shoulder thrusts JBL in the corner. JBL boots Batista, Irish whip reversal to the corner. Batista nails a clothesline, sleeper hold off an Irish whip reversal by JBL. Batista counters with a sin breaker, chop block from The Animal. Figure four from Batista, JBL inches his way to the ropes.

JBL trades shots with Batista, JBL dumps Batista to the floor. Batista sends JBL into the steel steps, we have our third entrant in Kane. Kane walks into the ring, no fear of Batista. Kane uppercuts Batista, Batista is whipped to the corner, Batista explodes out of the corner with a clothesline. Kane reverses and Irish whip and nails a big boot, snapmare and a low dropkick for two. Kane stomps Batista in the corner.

 Kane whips Batista to the corner, elbow block from The Animal. Corner clothesline from Batista, Kane is choked in the corner. Irish whip reversal from Kane, sidewalk slam from Kane. Kane misses his diving clothesline, Kane dodges the spear with an uppercut. Chokeslam is blocked, Batista bomb is stopped by JBL with a boot. Kane boots Batista to the floor, Chokeslam From Hell on JBL and Kane is your current champion. Rey Mysterio is in at number four, low dropkicks from Mysterio. Mysterio nails a springboard dropkick, Kane goes flying to the floor. Tilt-a-whirl headscissors and bulldog on JBL, Mysterio misses a 619 on Kane who drills Mysterio with a clothesline.

Batista saves Mysterio with a back suplex from Kane, Batista and Mysterio combine for a splash on Kane, Batista gets two off of the splash. Mysterio tricks Batista for a sunset flip, two for Mysterio. JBL comes in with short-arm clotheslines and fallaway slams. The final entrant is here, it’s Chris Jericho. A shock to all involved as Jericho looks battered from his brawl with Michaels. Mysterio dropkicks JBL into the ropes, Batista Spears Jericho and Mysterio. The Animal is cooking, powerslam to Kane. Spear to JBL, Mysterio kicks at Batista. Mysterio nails 619 on Kane, boot by Batista to Kane.

Batista is on his feet, clotheslining Mysterio to the floor. Kane uppercuts Batista, JBL Clothesline From Hell to Kane. Batista nails a spinebuster on JBL, Kane knocks down Batista. Diving Clothesline from Kane, Batista Spears Kane avoiding the chokeslam. Batista spinebusters Kane and Batista is your champion, Jericho sneaks in and pins Kane behind Batista’s back as Batista powerbombs Mysterio, Y2J is your champion.

This match was going to build around who was Punk’s placement, Jericho winning the championship would add yet another layer to the feud between HBK and Y2J but as for the match itself, there was no difference to the others and this is the third scramble match of the night, the novelty has worn off on me with only the last five minutes mattering in a twenty minute match. Interesting enough concept but three times in one night was too much for me.

Winner: Chris Jericho Over Everyone Else via Survival!

That was WWE’s Unforgiven 2008, a night of championship scrambles but ultimately, a decent pay per view effort from the WWE. The scrambles were fun at times but the majority of the action was stalling waiting for the last five minutes, the matches ranged from frequent title changes to one championship change at the end, they were ok but nothing to write home about. HBK vs Jericho was a fantastic match that built upon everything that had been driving the story between the two. A brawl with all the emotional weight and drama infused with a hot crowd makes for an excellent match that everyone should watch as it may be the best match of their feud but was easily the best match of the pay per view. Show’s heel turn made for an interesting angle while Punk’s removal from the title picture was odd and infuriating at the time, you could see why this is a mixed bag of a pay per view. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Summerslam 2008 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that bangs on about still being relevant more than Enzo & Cass! It’s WWE’s Summerslam 2008, the return of The Deadman. Yes, Undertaker is back to seek revenge against the man who cost him his career, Edge must face Undertaker inside of a Hell In A Cell. Triple H has to defend his championship against none other than Great Khali, not looking forward to that match in the slightest, not going to lie to you people. Also, who is the biggest star of the last 3 years in the WWE? Was it The Animal Batista or was it John Cena? Two of the biggest collide for one night only to find out who the man is in the WWE. Other huge matches include CM Punk defending against JBL who has been on a role rekindling his feud with one John Cena. So, let’s get to this review!

Jeff Hardy vs MVP

Two of the rising superstars in the WWE, MVP has seen better days though after losing his United States Championship to Jeff’s brother Matt Hardy. Jeff seems on the cusp of a championship reign but has fallen a little in recent times. MVP has cost Jeff Hardy two big wins in the last few weeks. MVP misses a big boot to start the match, Jeff gives chase around the ring. Jeff drags MVP to the floor, MVP meets the barricade. Scoop slam and slingshot leg drop by Jeff for two as MVP places his feet on the ropes. Jeff grabs the arm while MVP pushes back on Jeff’s face, MVP cannot escape the arm-bar though. We have a clean break, Jeff nails a right hand and some boots to MVP.

The referee pushes off Jeff, more rights from Jeff. Irish whip to the corner, MVP belly to belly suplexes Jeff into the corner. That was beautiful and looked nasty too, two count for MVP. MVP applies a butterfly lock, stiff kick to the spine from MVP. Another butterfly lock from MVP, transition into a camel clutch. Jeff kicks off MVP but MVP rolls through into a single leg Boston crab, transitioning into a heel hook. Jeff makes it to the apron, Jeff looks for a slingshot but MVP decks Jeff with a right hand, MVP drops all his weight across the back of Jeff for two.

MVP slams Jeff into the tree of woe, Jeff is thrown back first into the turnbuckle. Two for MVP, MVP has Jeff in an Argentine backbreaker before Jeff slips out and delivers a nice neckbreaker. Corkscrew mule kick, Jeff was looking for his corner dropkick but MVP kicks off Jeff who hits his head hard off the canvas. Two for MVP, MVP comes close once more. Whip to the corner, John Wu dropkick from MVP. MVP looks for the player’s boot, Jeff explodes out of the corner with a neckbreaker. Russian legsweep followed by Jeff’s unique cover for two. MVP blocks the corner dropkick, looking for a spinebuster but Jeff rolls through for a sunset flip, two for Jeff. Whisper In The Wind, Jeff looks for the swanton, here comes Shelton Benjamin and Jeff dives onto Benjamin. Jeff looks for the swanton once more, MVP dodges and nails The Drive-By for the win.

This was a very enjoyable opener from the two, I was a little sceptical when the match began, could MVP be motivated and work with Jeff on this night considering his rapid decent down the card but no, MVP was vicious and worked over Hardy during the match convincingly, Jeff is crazy popular as always but those comebacks and signature moves are really being formed now in the minds of the fans, it makes the match so much fun.

Winner: MVP over Jeff Hardy via Drive-By!

(WWE Women’s Championship & Intercontinental Championship Match) Mickie James © & Kofi Kingston vs Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix

Despite Kofi’s splash on Raw, it feels Kingston has accomplished little to nothing as champion while WWE’s booking of the Divas has always been suspect so while Beth and Mickie have feuded, we have not seen many of the matches or angles play out with little more than a segment here and there. However, we do have the true birth of Glamarella here, Santino has dumped Maria and turned heel, taking on a persona which is magnificent and I shall here nothing against it.

Beth and Mickie begin the match, side headlock does not work for Mickie as Beth pushes Mickie off. Mickie takes the back, Beth is caught in the wasit-lock. Beth elbows Mickie away, Mickie dropkicks the knee and a low dropkick floors Beth for two. Beth nails a back suplex, Santino wants the tag. Mickie kicks Santino, monkey flip and a tag to Kofi. Springboard crossbody and dropkicks, Irish whip to the corner. Corner punches from Kofi, shoulder thrusts and a massive uppercut. Santino powders, Mickie dropkicks Beth off the apron. Kofi pretends to dive, Santino dives into Beth’s arm. Chemistry, Kofi gets over-zealous and eats a neckbreaker, Santino is in control.

Reverse chin-lock from Santino, tag to Beth. Beth kicks Kofi before a tag to Santino, snap suplex with a float-over for two. Back into a chin-lock, Kofi breaks free and both men bang heads. In comes Mickie, forearms and a neck-breaker. Irish whip, Regal-like cutter from Mickie. Santino eats a dropkick from Mickie, corner hurricanrana from Mickie. Lou Thesz Press from Mickie but Santino is in the ring, Santino lowbridges Kofi. MickieDT onto Santino, massive lariat from Beth to the back of the neck. Glam Slam on Mickie, we have new champions.

This was excellent, Beth and Santino as a duo are marvellous. Santino steals the show every second that he is in that ring. His facials and offence are perfect while Mickie and Kofi show a tonne of fire when they are in the ring. Disappointed that Kofi’s first reign never really took off but there is a bright future ahead for that man but as I was saying, there were so many elements to this match that made it so much fun. I want more Santino, I want more Beth and I want more Kofi and Mickie, hope there are rematches to come down the road.

Winners: Glamarella over Kofi Kingston & Mickie James via Glam Slam!

Shawn Michaels Announcement

Shawn Michaels is The Showstopper, Shawn Michaels is The Main Event but is Shawn Micheals finished wrestling? Chris Jericho’s assault on the eye of HBK have led Shawn Michaels to making a decision with his wife Rebecca by his side. Shawn’s wife is crying already, this is quite good. Shawn Michaels talks about walking away, retiring from the sport. The decision is for Michaels to make, Michaels will be listening to the doctor’s advice and walking away from the ring. The whole speech and Rebecca crying is very convincing, it is crazy to think that his Hall Of Fame speech will not come close to this.

The crowd pops as Jericho enters the ring, sensing that this is not a legitimate retirement but an angle, who cares though? Chris Jericho, the man who has forced HBK to retire has interrupted HBK’s retirement. Jericho wants HBK to state that he is the sole reason for HBK’s retirement. This is tense, Jericho is a despicable human being, Jericho is ice-cold in this segment. Bringing up the kids, Jericho has crossed such a line. HBK calls Jericho a vile, selfish and worthless human being and a wannabe Shawn Michaels, the two stare one another down. Another crushing line from Michaels, Jericho looks to sucker-punch Michaels but nails Rebecca instead. Interestingly, Jericho legit punched Michaels’ wife during the segment, causing Jericho to call himself unprofessional and feel like an actual piece of shit like his TV counterpart.

As far as angles go, this was tremendous. Jericho’s face after the punch tells you that even he knows he has crossed the line. The punch looks great because it was real but how low can you sink, sucker-punching another man’s wife. Jericho’s heat was nuclear, Jericho is the character to watch in the WWE at this time, nobody comes close. The commentators are silent, nobody reacts for what feels like minutes, they let you tell the story through body language and feel everything that is going on inside that ring. Rebecca has a legitimate swollen lip, you could not have done this better if you tried, I cannot wait to see the next chapter in this feud, I am all in on this feud and the story had me before this with Jericho trying to prove that he had surpassed his idol in Michaels.

(ECW Championship Match) Mark Henry © W/ Tony Atlas vs Matt Hardy

Being out of The United States Championship picture, Matt Hardy was transitioned to ECW as the brand’s top babyface and most established star alongside Mark Henry. Matt has never won a major singles championship in the WWE, could Matt win the big one? Mark Henry has had such a start and stop career due to injuries but Mark was finally finding his groove as an animal on ECW destroying everyone in his path.

Hardy starts attacking Henry, Henry shoves off Hardy with ease. Hardy dodges a clothesline in the corner, nailing a Twist of Fate. Tony Atlas breaks up the pin to save Henry’s championship reign. The match ends in an DQ, Atlas attacks Hardy. Here comes brother Jeff for the save, Swanton Bomb on Atlas. The Hardys double suplex Henry on the outside, I guess that is the end of that match. DUD!

Winner: Matt Hardy over Mark Henry via DQ!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) CM Punk © vs JBL

JBL had defeated John Cena in a brutal brawl and has set his sights on CM Punk, JBL being the premier bully of the WWE has been a joy to watch since returning following a stint as a commentator. Punk needs a big win as Punk survived Batista thanks to Kane, Punk is new school while JBL is old school. JBL believes indie wrestling to be trash and pisses all over Ring Of Honor. JBL clubs Punk and applies a side headlock, big shoulder block from the challenger. Punk dodges a clothesline, kicks to the legs and a flying forearm. Dropkick from Punk, JBL is out on the floor. Suicide dive from Punk, Punk climbs the top rope. Crossbody for two, JBL hits a massive shoulder block on Punk. Stomping on the fingers, JBL assumes control.

Irish whip to the corner, Punk boots off JBL. Punk tries to go high but a fallaway slam from JBL puts down Punk. Close call for Punk, JBL goes to work on the spine. Waist-lock from the challenger, Punk kicks his way out but JBL boots down Punk for two. Snap suplex for two, JBL nails a massive back suplex for two. Another waist-lock from JBL, looking to squeeze the life out of the champion. Abdominal Stretch from the challenger, Punk hip-tosses JBL out of the submission. High running knee in the corner, bulldog connects for Punk. GTS attempt but Punk’s ribs collapse from the weight of JBL. Short-arm clothesline from hell, followed by multiple elbow drops from JBL but Punk survives at two.

The two trade blows, clothesline misses for JBL. Spinning back fists and a roundhouse kick to the head for two, Punk rolls to the apron. Punk’s springboard backfires as JBL catches the champion for a powerslam, two for JBL. JBL winds up for his clothesline, Punk counters with a beautiful leaping calf kick, both men lay on the mat. Another high knee in the corner from Punk, JBL counters the bulldog. JBL places Punk on the top rope, super back drop from JBL. 1…2.. JBL comes close once more to having the championship around his waist. Short-arm clothesline misses again as Punk ducks for a GTS, Punk retains his championship.

Enjoyed this match a lot, JBL is completely believable in his role as a bully, JBL’s mannerisms are fantastic throughout this match, showing utter disgust for his challenge in CM Punk. The fallaway slam which leads to the heat segment is tremendous, JBL works over the back tirelessly, it plays into much of the match with Punk being unable to hit the GTS at first and Punk doubles over in pain throughout due to the damage to his back, JBL’s shock as his Clothesline From Hell misses and leads to The GTS is just good wrestling, might be my favourite match on the card so far.

Winner: CM Punk over JBL via GTS!

(WWE Championship Match) Triple H © vs The Great Khali W/ R. Singh

This came out of nowhere didn’t it? Where was Khali for so much of the year? Anyways, the more important story to me at least is Triple H is champion of Smackdown with Randy Orton out of the picture due to an unfortunate injury suffered at the hands of The Game. Neither championship picture intrigues me as much as the other big matches on the card which is a worrying sign. However, Punk and JBL won me over with a solid championship match but can Triple H pull a watchable match out of one Great Khali?

Khali shoves Triple H, Triple H continues to duck Khali and nail right hands but an early pedigree attempt does not work, a clothesline staggers Kahli but Khali nails his throat toss slam to The Game. Khali wants Triple H to get to his feet, Vice Grip from Khali. Triple H struggles and struggles but boots to the monster end the submission, chop block from HHH. Khali rolls to the floor, clutching that left leg, Triple H is in pursuit. Khali suckers The Game in, massive Slap to the head from Khali. Khali stomps Triple H in the ring, elbows in the corner. Short-arm clothesline from Khali, shoulder claw from the challenger.

Scoop slam and leg drop from Khali, another shoulder claw from Khali. Triple H mounts a comeback with right hands and a facebuster, Triple H has Khali tangled in the ropes. Nowhere to go for Khali, Khali boots away Triple H. Wisely, Singh saves Khali from the ropes. Triple H wants a pedigree, Khali makes his way to the ropes and back drops Triple H to the floor. Khali hangs too closely to the ropes, Triple H pulls out Khali. Khali’s leg meets the ring-post, Triple H stands on the apron and from the floor, Khali chops down Triple H with a slap.

Vice grip from Khali, Triple H ran right into the submission. Tripe H throws rights and lefts, Khali applies more pressure with Triple H falling to a knee. Triple H powers out of the submission, stomps to that injured leg of Khali. Khali misses a corner splash, could it be Pedigree time? Triple H struggles and applies The Pedigree, this match is over!

You know what? That did not drag anywhere near as bad as I thought, Triple H did everything that he could to make that an interesting match, the champion sold everything that Khali did like a God, Khali would hit a chop here and there and Triple H would struggle through this match like someone who had been battered. Loved Triple H kicking out the injured leg of Khali to escape the grip and apply the pedigree, it was established early and played into the finish, I see logical wrestling and I like, happy days.

Winner: Triple H over Great Khali via Pedigree!

John Cena vs Batista

Big match promo package, big match feel, the two biggest superstars of the last 4 years in WWE. Both men rose at the same time, the faces of their brands. Let’s do this, Batista takes down Cena with a shoulder block but a leapfrog and scoop slam puts down Batista. We reset, both men a little more cautious. Side headlock from Cena, shoulder block but Batista boots Cena, early Batista Bomb attempt but Cena dodges, Batista nails a clothesline and jackhammer for two. Irish whip reversal from Cena, fisherman suplex. Two for Cena, both men running through their signature offence. Irish whip reversal from Batista, sidewalk slam for two for The Animal.

Cena attempts an FU, Batista slips out for a chop block. Knees and right hands from Batista, shin-breaker from The Animal. Figure Four from Batista, love that little nod to Naitch. Cena reaches the ropes to free himself, another FU attempt, Batista holds onto the ropes so Cena dumps Batista to the floor, Cena clutches his injured leg, collapsing to the mat. Batista misses a clothesline, Cena nails his shoulder blocks and spin-out slam. Cena holds his leg throughout, Five Knuckle Shuffle from Cena.

FU blocked for a third time, Batista boots Cena to the mat. Cena is seared to the corner, shoulder thrusts and a corner clothesline. Batista nails his spinebuster, planting Cena in the middle of the ring. Batista Bomb is countered, dragon screw and STFU from Cena. Cena tracks Batista back from the ropes, Batista might tap but reaches the ropes just in time. FU is countered into a rear-naked choke. Cena elbows Batista’s knee to escape, love it good stuff Cena. Out of nowhere, Spear from Batista to take down Cena. 1…..2…. Cena kicks out!

Cena escapes a powerslam for a counter into an FU, tremendous counter. Best I have seen in quite some time, Cena cannot capitalize immediately. Cena crawls over, 1…2… Batista kicks out! Cena climbs to the top rope, Cena is slow to climb. Batista pursues, they trade blows at the top of the turnbuckle. Cena knocks down Batista, could it be Kobashi-style leg drop time? Cena jumps but Batista counters for a Batista Bomb. 1….2.. Cena kicks out! Batista is furious, big boot form The Animal, Batista Bomb and Cena is down.

This was utterly fantastic, this match never let up from start to finish. It was high calibre from the word go, the two playing chess with one another, the big moves coming out, everything they did was so crisp and clean. The counters from the FU to The Batista Bomb were simply awesome and that finish, a snap from Batista. Something has changed in our beloved Animal, it might not be an immediate heel turn but there is a dark side to Batista and who knows where we will go from here but I will proudly say this was an awesome match.

Winner: Batista over John Cena via Batista Bomb!

The Undertaker vs Edge (Hell In A Cell Match)

Edge had vanquished The Undertaker after falling to The Deadman at Wrestlemania, Edge had never faced a greater challenge than Undertaker, Edge was riding on cloud nine but Edge cheated on beloved wife Vickie Guerrero with his secretary, Undertaker had been reinstated by General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Vickie topped off her revenge on her cheating husband by making the match a Hell in a Cell match. Edge would use Mick Foley as the man to bring out his dark side, that sick, sinister side of Edge that battled Mick Foley at Wrestlemania.

Edge is in his zone but it’s Undertaker’s yard, the camera angles and Taker symbolically shutting the door of the cell, it is sheer perfection. Edge looks eager and ready to brawl with Taker but can The Rated R Superstar match The Deadman? Taker seems calm, no emotion. If any look is on his face, it might just be pity for Edge for what pain is about to come his way. Edge tees off on Taker, Taker cannot land a strike as Edge continues to pummel Taker. A big boot stops Edge’s offence though, Taker measures Edge in the corner for right hands and headbutts. Edge is tossed to the floor, Taker headbutts Edge on the ringside area. Edge is smashed into the cell wall, Taker scrapes Edge’s face off the cell wall. Taker brings steps into the ring, what could be the purpose here?

Taker lifts Edge onto his shoulders, snake eyes into the steps. Taker’s boot misses though as Edge nails an elbow and sends Taker into the steps. Low-angle Spear against the steps by Edge, steel steps to the head of Taker. Edge brings out tables, Edge has had experiences in TLC matches and hardcore matches, the tables are stacked on top of one another. Edge wants a suplex through the tables, Taker blocks and wants chokeslam but Edge counters with a hotshot into the ropes. Edge brings out a chair, stabbing Taker in the neck with the chair.

Chair shot to the back of Taker, Edge has placed a table in the ring and Edge grabs a ladder, Edge is in familiar territory. Chair to the head of The Deadman, another chair shot to the head of Undertaker. Taker is lying on the table, Edge wants to drive a chair through Taker’s face, Edge destroys Taker with the same dive that took out Mick Foley. Conchairto is on Edge’s mind, Taker is back to his feet though. Taker boots Edge off the apron into the cell wall, steel steps are smashed into the face of Edge. Edge escapes  Taker’s snake eyes attempt, Taker is propped up against the cell wall, Edge grabs the steel steps and uses the steps to aid his Spear through the cell wall, both men are outside of the cell.

Edge and Taker brawl by the announce table, Edge cracks Taker with a monitor twice. Taker is on the Raw announce table, Edge climbs onto another announce table and runs at Taker, nailing a massive Spear through the ECW announce table. Edge is doing everything he can to destroy Undertaker and the crazy son of a bitch just might pull this off! Edge and Taker make their way back to the ring, the crowd boos but not everyone wants to fall off the cell ladies and gentlemen, not everyone is insane as Mick Foley. Taker rolls into the ring and eats a ladder to the face from Edge, Edge looks for another weapon and it is a camera. Taker is waffled with a camera, call-backs for all to see.

Taker kicks out at two! Edge wants the spear, Taker counters for a thunderous Chokeslam. 1…2… Edge kicks out! Last Ride is blocked with a low blow, Edgecution/Impaler DDT for two. Nobody bought into that finish, Taker sits up. Last Ride is avoided again, Spear from Edge but Taker survives again! Edge pummels Taker in the corner, Taker counters for a Last Ride, it finally connects. 1…2… Edge kicks out again! Taker drags Edge onto steel steps, tombstone is countered for an Edge O Matic on the steel steps from The Rated R Superstar. Two count for Edge, Edge has Taker where he wants him, Edge is looking for Old School.

Foolishly, Edge gets caught by Taker. Taker Chokeslams Edge through the two tables at ringside, similar to how Edge sent Taker tumbling through all those tables to end his career, Taker has extracted the perfect revenge on Edge. Taker spears Edge, another layer to the story between the two. Taker reaches for the camera, just like Survivor Series. Edge is waffled with the camera, Taker is not done yet though. Taker goes for Conchairto, every little thing that Edge did to Taker is coming back to him. Tombstone Piledriver and Undertaker has won this match but it is not over, Taker Chokeslams Edge off a ladder through the ring.

This was a tremendous main event, I thought nothing would come close to Cena and Batista but Taker and Edge stole the show. Loved the psychotic side of Edge, The Rated R Superstar brought out that vicious side of himself, drilling Taker with everything that he had, Edge knew that it would not be enough to take down Taker unless Edge stopped The Deadman breathing. Tables, Ladders, chairs, cameras and steel steps were all used to put down Taker but nothing Edge did would stop The Deadman. Hell-bent on revenge, Undertaker would not be denied on this night, Taker took everything Edge had and destroyed The Rated R Superstar. What made this so sweet was Taker using everything that Edge had done to him against him, the camera, the spears, the conchairtos, Taker enacted the perfect revenge and it was beautiful.

Winner: Undertaker over Edge via Tombstone Piledriver!

That was WWE’s Summerslam of 2008, the third of the big four pay per views for that year and it delivered, oh boy did it deliver. With exception of Matt Hardy vs Mark Henry, every match on this card ranged from fun to awesome. MVP and Jeff Hardy accounted well for themselves in the opening match, Hardy’s popularity carries through any match adding to the excitement but the two work a basic match with MVP showcasing his talent and Jeff showing off the charisma and work ethic that we all love. Santino and Beth are a tremendous pairing with Santino stealing every part of this match, good mixed tag team match, could not have gone smoother. You have the angle of Jericho vs HBK reaching a fever pitch with HBK looking to walk away from the ring and in his what could be final moments with the fans, Jericho tries to humiliate Michaels only to sucker punch his wife.

This is followed by 4 tremendous big matches, Punk and JBL put on a great match with JBL walking all over Punk and his over-confidence leading to the resilient champion Punk securing the win over his bitter opponent. Punk stands a as a true champion, no longer the underdog against every challenger from the Raw brand. To my surprise, Triple H brings out a very watchable and credible match with The Great Khali, I never thought I would type that yet here we are, Triple H sold well, Triple H had the crowd on his side and the work put in leading to the pedigree was solid and when the pedigree connected, I was with the fans enjoying the match. Cena vs Batista was awesome, everything about it felt like a Mania match, they worked a frantic pace, hit all their spots and had a finish that had me asking for more and questioning where they would go next. Finally, Taker gaining his revenge on the man who had been a thorn in his side for almost two years was beautiful. After every slimy and sneaky thing Edge had done, it was beautiful to see Edge’s world come crashing down upon him, this was a great Summerslam. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!