by Alfonso Colasuonno
So, we've come to the final classic PPV review for now. I am done watching the first two volumes of Wrestlemania: The Complete Anthology. Here goes!
Overall - Ladies and gentlemen, Hulk Hogan has left the WWF...and no, the world didn't fall apart. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Yokozuna, Razor Ramon, Owen Hart....these are the new stars replacing luminaries such as Hogan, Piper, Savage, Warrior, and Andre. The wrestling is top notch on this card. If only the personalities were a little shinier. Alas, that's the problem with the post-Hogan, pre-Attitude WWF era. A whole bunch of talent but no shining star.
Bret Hart v. Owen Hart - Absolute classic of a scientific match between brothers. Just two great technicians working against each other with the added heat of sibling rivalry.
Bam Bam Bigelow and Luna Vachon v. Doink and Dink - Doink is now a face, but he's still just as annoying. It's a shame to see Luna Vachon go against a midget instead of Alundra Blayze or even Bertha Faye.
Falls Count Anywhere Match - Macho Man Randy Savage v. Crush - Not just your average falls count anywhere match, this is more like a Texas Death Match....you have 60 seconds to get back to the ring after a pinfall. It was pretty gutsy action. I liked it a lot. However, Savage was definitely downgraded by facing Crush...just two years prior he fought Flair for the title. I guess he had to go to WCW.
Women's Championship Match - Alundra Blayze v. Leilani Kai - Alundra Blayze is 100% more talented than any diva in the WWE today. A pleasure to watch. Leilani Kai is looking like a has-been by now.
Tag Team Championship Match - Quebecers v. Men on a Mission - Blatant misuse of Raven as Johnny Polo, the Quebecers manager. Men on a Mission's manager did the absolute worst rap ever in accompanying his guys to the ring. He makes R. Truth look like Nas.
WWF Title Match - Yokozuna v. Lex Luger - A pretty slow paced affair. A lot of the time is spent with Yoko actually doing submissions. In the end Luger gets screwed out of the title by Mr. Perfect, rekindling their rivalry...this time with Luger as the face and Perfect as the heel.
Earthquake v. Adam Bomb - Why was this even on here. No one cares. At least it was a squash for the Quake.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title - Razor Ramon v. Shawn Michaels - Both men made claims for the title going into the match but only one would emerge the undisputed IC champ. Razor defeated Shawn in a nice, gruesome battle that would set the precedent for ladder matches at Wrestlemania and in the WWE. Also, watch out for the blatant butt shot of Shawn Michaels. That's more of him than I wanted to see.
WWE Championship Match - Yokozuna v. Bret Hart - After all the highlights of the night, the main event was rather anti-climatic as Hitman and Yokozuna met for the title for the second Wrestlemania in a row. It was a good match with all the faces celebrating with Bret after the match after he pinned Yokozuna who fell while attempting a banzai.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wrestlemania VIII and IX Reviews
by Alfonso Colasuonno
Wrestlemania VIII -
Overall - The WWE apparently went on a major spending cut as the roster appears to be thinned considerably since WM VII. This is the beginning of the transitionary years as Hogan and Savage are giving way to new stars by the names of Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels that would dominate the transition era between Hulkamania and Attitude. Ric Flair was brought in for his first and brief WWF run. Bobby Heenan is still hilarious as the now full-time broadcaster. However, this card is weak compared to the last two Wrestlemanias. A lot of the card is spent on fluff and the match quality hasn't really improved despite there being only 9 matches instead of 14+ like in the last 4 Wrestlemanias. The beginning of the post-WM VII decline starts here.
"El Matador" Tito Santana vs. Shawn Michaels - The slightly repackaged Santana goes up against free from Rockerdom Michaels. Interesting to hear the Sexy Boy theme sung by Sherri instead of the standard Shawn version we're all familiar with.
Legion of Doom Promo - They bring back Paul Ellering. Not really relevant to the card but awesome nonetheless.
Jake the Snake v. The Undertaker - Victim #2 on The Undertaker's streak. Jake puts a good performance up. Months later he'd be fighting Sting at Halloween Havoc 92 in rival WCW.
Intercontinental Title Match - Bret Hart v. Roddy Piper - Weird to see two faces of such startling popularity go up against each other. However, this match was no Hogan-Warrior. Piper almost turned heel in this match again when he thought about striking the Hitman with a bell when the ref was down but thought better of it. I think Piper is one of the few guys who can bring as much personality to a face role as a heel role.
Lex Luger Interview - Fresh off of losing to Sting at Superbrawl II - Luger is introduced to the WWF.
The Mountie, The Repo Man and the Nasty Boys v. Sgt. Slaughter, Big Bossman, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Virgil - Ironically enough, not one of these performers would receive a paycheck for Wrestlemania IX one year later....guess this was their going out of business match. Some hilarious descriptions of the heels by former Family Feud host Ray Combs prior to the match.
World Title Match - Ric Flair v. Randy Savage - A good solid match like all bouts between Flair and Savage. I've never seen two more evenly matched wrestlers than the Flair - Savage bouts.
Tatanka v. Rick Martel - The only Native American superstar of the 90s who had any luck (take that Charlie Norris) takes out The Model in a blah match.
Tag Team Title Match - Money Inc. v. The Natural Disasters - Natural Disasters look good in this match but Money Inc. escape with the belts. I guess Vince McMahon really doesn't like to put over the big boys.
Owen Hart v. Skinner - First off, who the hell is Skinner? Second - this match is a joke - Owen easily beats Skinner. Boring.
Hulk Hogan v. Sid Justice - A solid match with Hogan getting a DQ win over Sid. Not one of Hogan's better main events. Remarkably Sid kicked out of the legdrop. That's about the only thing of note in this match.
WRESTLEMANIA IX -
Overall - Flair is now gone, Savage is in the announce booth, and Hogan is reduced to chasing the tag belts instead of the world title. The end is nigh for the old WWF. However, signs of hope emerge - Shawn Michaels is now the IC champ and Bret Hart is the world champ entering this PPV. The deck has been handed to a new generation. Ultimately, the rest of Hitman and Shawn's colleagues leave a lot to be desired. A pretty weak PPV. Not because of the quality of the matches which is actually pretty good, but because of the lack of superstar talent.
Intercontinental Title - Shawn Michaels v. Tatanka - Tatanka continues his unbeaten streak, but unfortunately he wins by countout. Luna Vachon and Sherri go at it and that looked like it would be an exciting match. This match was a long one and well paced.
The Headshrinkers v. The Steiner Brothers - Scott Steiner gets brutalized by the Samoans for the majority of the match but ends up winning with a frankensteiner. Personally, I wish the LOD didn't leave the fed and the Steiners and LOD met up at a Wrestlemania. Why let Japanese fans have all the fun between the two greatest tag teams ever.
Crush v. Doink the Clown - Doink the Clown is the absolute worst gimmick ever in WWE history. Yes, he surpasses the Red Rooster and the Gobbledy Gooker.
Razor Ramon v. Bob Backlund - The Bad Guy gets an easy win against the post-golden boy Backlund but not yet batshit insane chicken winging presidential candidate Backlund.
Tag Team Title Match - Money Inc. v. Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake - A very good match. Hogan works well in this tag match. Money Inc. try to escape the match by leaving the ring but are forced back on threat of stripping them of the belts. Say what you want about Hogan but I'm always pleased watching his matches. No, he's not a scientific or aerial genius or even that great a brawler but he has star power.
Lex Luger v. Mr. Perfect - A solid match, but I wasn't very interested in it. I think the street fight at the end of the match where Shawn Michaels nailed Perfect was more interesting than the match.
Undertaker v. Giant Gonzalez - The 8 foot beast knocks out the Undertaker with chloroform. Miraculously Taker gets up after being wheeled out on a stretcher and dominates Gonzalez in this DQ win. I never knew Taker had a DQ win at Wrestlemania...I always thought they were pinfalls. What I really wanted to see was El Gigante get tombstoned but that didn't happen. No "You can't wrestle" chants for the Giant either. I really liked this match to see how Undertaker would deal with a giant beast like Gonzalez.
World Championship Match - Yokozuna v. Bret Hart - Amazingly it's Yoko v. Bret and Hulk Hogan ends up with the spotlight and his 5th WWF title run at the end of the night. When Yoko and Bret were going at it it reminded me of some of those good Hogan - Vader matches in WCW. Bret loses the title when Fuji throws some salt in his eyes but Fuji then challenges Hogan and attempts to do the same to him, only to miss and hit Yokozuna's eyes. Bang. Hogan picks up the title, upstaging Bret Hart in what would be his final Wrestlemania until X-8.
Wrestlemania VIII -
Overall - The WWE apparently went on a major spending cut as the roster appears to be thinned considerably since WM VII. This is the beginning of the transitionary years as Hogan and Savage are giving way to new stars by the names of Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels that would dominate the transition era between Hulkamania and Attitude. Ric Flair was brought in for his first and brief WWF run. Bobby Heenan is still hilarious as the now full-time broadcaster. However, this card is weak compared to the last two Wrestlemanias. A lot of the card is spent on fluff and the match quality hasn't really improved despite there being only 9 matches instead of 14+ like in the last 4 Wrestlemanias. The beginning of the post-WM VII decline starts here.
"El Matador" Tito Santana vs. Shawn Michaels - The slightly repackaged Santana goes up against free from Rockerdom Michaels. Interesting to hear the Sexy Boy theme sung by Sherri instead of the standard Shawn version we're all familiar with.
Legion of Doom Promo - They bring back Paul Ellering. Not really relevant to the card but awesome nonetheless.
Jake the Snake v. The Undertaker - Victim #2 on The Undertaker's streak. Jake puts a good performance up. Months later he'd be fighting Sting at Halloween Havoc 92 in rival WCW.
Intercontinental Title Match - Bret Hart v. Roddy Piper - Weird to see two faces of such startling popularity go up against each other. However, this match was no Hogan-Warrior. Piper almost turned heel in this match again when he thought about striking the Hitman with a bell when the ref was down but thought better of it. I think Piper is one of the few guys who can bring as much personality to a face role as a heel role.
Lex Luger Interview - Fresh off of losing to Sting at Superbrawl II - Luger is introduced to the WWF.
The Mountie, The Repo Man and the Nasty Boys v. Sgt. Slaughter, Big Bossman, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Virgil - Ironically enough, not one of these performers would receive a paycheck for Wrestlemania IX one year later....guess this was their going out of business match. Some hilarious descriptions of the heels by former Family Feud host Ray Combs prior to the match.
World Title Match - Ric Flair v. Randy Savage - A good solid match like all bouts between Flair and Savage. I've never seen two more evenly matched wrestlers than the Flair - Savage bouts.
Tatanka v. Rick Martel - The only Native American superstar of the 90s who had any luck (take that Charlie Norris) takes out The Model in a blah match.
Tag Team Title Match - Money Inc. v. The Natural Disasters - Natural Disasters look good in this match but Money Inc. escape with the belts. I guess Vince McMahon really doesn't like to put over the big boys.
Owen Hart v. Skinner - First off, who the hell is Skinner? Second - this match is a joke - Owen easily beats Skinner. Boring.
Hulk Hogan v. Sid Justice - A solid match with Hogan getting a DQ win over Sid. Not one of Hogan's better main events. Remarkably Sid kicked out of the legdrop. That's about the only thing of note in this match.
WRESTLEMANIA IX -
Overall - Flair is now gone, Savage is in the announce booth, and Hogan is reduced to chasing the tag belts instead of the world title. The end is nigh for the old WWF. However, signs of hope emerge - Shawn Michaels is now the IC champ and Bret Hart is the world champ entering this PPV. The deck has been handed to a new generation. Ultimately, the rest of Hitman and Shawn's colleagues leave a lot to be desired. A pretty weak PPV. Not because of the quality of the matches which is actually pretty good, but because of the lack of superstar talent.
Intercontinental Title - Shawn Michaels v. Tatanka - Tatanka continues his unbeaten streak, but unfortunately he wins by countout. Luna Vachon and Sherri go at it and that looked like it would be an exciting match. This match was a long one and well paced.
The Headshrinkers v. The Steiner Brothers - Scott Steiner gets brutalized by the Samoans for the majority of the match but ends up winning with a frankensteiner. Personally, I wish the LOD didn't leave the fed and the Steiners and LOD met up at a Wrestlemania. Why let Japanese fans have all the fun between the two greatest tag teams ever.
Crush v. Doink the Clown - Doink the Clown is the absolute worst gimmick ever in WWE history. Yes, he surpasses the Red Rooster and the Gobbledy Gooker.
Razor Ramon v. Bob Backlund - The Bad Guy gets an easy win against the post-golden boy Backlund but not yet batshit insane chicken winging presidential candidate Backlund.
Tag Team Title Match - Money Inc. v. Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake - A very good match. Hogan works well in this tag match. Money Inc. try to escape the match by leaving the ring but are forced back on threat of stripping them of the belts. Say what you want about Hogan but I'm always pleased watching his matches. No, he's not a scientific or aerial genius or even that great a brawler but he has star power.
Lex Luger v. Mr. Perfect - A solid match, but I wasn't very interested in it. I think the street fight at the end of the match where Shawn Michaels nailed Perfect was more interesting than the match.
Undertaker v. Giant Gonzalez - The 8 foot beast knocks out the Undertaker with chloroform. Miraculously Taker gets up after being wheeled out on a stretcher and dominates Gonzalez in this DQ win. I never knew Taker had a DQ win at Wrestlemania...I always thought they were pinfalls. What I really wanted to see was El Gigante get tombstoned but that didn't happen. No "You can't wrestle" chants for the Giant either. I really liked this match to see how Undertaker would deal with a giant beast like Gonzalez.
World Championship Match - Yokozuna v. Bret Hart - Amazingly it's Yoko v. Bret and Hulk Hogan ends up with the spotlight and his 5th WWF title run at the end of the night. When Yoko and Bret were going at it it reminded me of some of those good Hogan - Vader matches in WCW. Bret loses the title when Fuji throws some salt in his eyes but Fuji then challenges Hogan and attempts to do the same to him, only to miss and hit Yokozuna's eyes. Bang. Hogan picks up the title, upstaging Bret Hart in what would be his final Wrestlemania until X-8.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wrestlemania VII Review
by Alfonso Colasuonno
Overall - This is the first Wrestlemania without Jesse the Body on commentary, but with Bobby the Brain Heenan taking over most of the color commentary there is absolutely no slippage. Heenan is really hilarious, probably more so than Ventura. As for the matches, there's an unbelievable one between the Ultimate Warrior and the Macho Man, and the main event between Hogan and Sgt. Slaughter was great as well. Probably the best Wrestlemania to date amongst all the ones I've reviewed.
The Rockers v. Haku and the Barbarian - A pretty good start to the card. The Rockers remain impressive in their teamwork.
Dino Bravo v. Texas Tornado - The Texas Tornado, Kerry Von Erich dominates Bravo in his first and only WWF appearance before his tragic suicide.
The British Bulldog v. The Warlord - A surprisingly good match. The Warlord surprised me with a solid performance.
The Hart Foundation v. The Nasty Boys for the Tag Team Title - The Nasty Boys in their WWF debut. They steal the title from the Hart Foundation. Soon after, the singles career of Bret Hart was launched.
Jake the Snake v. Rick Martel in a Blindfold Match - Jake the Snake had been partially blinded months earlier by Martel and so to even things up both men were blindfolded. Really a break from the norm. I enjoyed this match a lot.
Superfly Jimmy Snuka v. The Undertaker - The streak is born! (to a jobbing Snuka)
Macho King Randy Savage v. Ultimate Warrior in a Retirement Match - An epic match. One of the best I've ever seen. Unbelievably the Warrior got up from five elbow smashes from the top rope by Savage. The stunning Sherri is in Macho's corner. After the match, she double crosses Savage and Savage reunites with Elizabeth. Classic.
Demolition vs. Tenryu and Kitao - Demolition's new incarnation - Smash and Crush - loses to apparently big Japanese stars Tenryu and Kitao. I've never heard of them.
Mr. Perfect vs. Big Bossman for the Intercontinental Title - A solid match. Andre the Giant comes out to intimidate Bobby Heenan. The Bossman's music rules.
Earthquake v. Greg Valentine - Earthquake dominates Valentine in a short outing.
Legion of Doom v. Power and Glory - LOD look absolutely awesome in dominating the short lived team of Pretty Paul Roma and Hercules Hernandez.
Virgil vs. The Million Dollar Man - Some cheap shots from the M$M on Roddy Piper who was in crutches from a motorcycle accident. Virgil wins by countout when M$M is too busy chasing Piper around.
The Mountie vs. Tito Santana - Mountie uses a cattle prod on Santana to get an easy win. The same method would be used later by Harley Race when managing Vader in a match on Halloween Havoc 93 against Cactus Jack.
Sgt. Slaughter vs. Hulk Hogan for the World Title - Once again Hogan main events a Wrestlemania and puts on a great performance against Slaughter. Slaughter dominated most of the match but Hogan pulls it out in the end.
Overall - This is the first Wrestlemania without Jesse the Body on commentary, but with Bobby the Brain Heenan taking over most of the color commentary there is absolutely no slippage. Heenan is really hilarious, probably more so than Ventura. As for the matches, there's an unbelievable one between the Ultimate Warrior and the Macho Man, and the main event between Hogan and Sgt. Slaughter was great as well. Probably the best Wrestlemania to date amongst all the ones I've reviewed.
The Rockers v. Haku and the Barbarian - A pretty good start to the card. The Rockers remain impressive in their teamwork.
Dino Bravo v. Texas Tornado - The Texas Tornado, Kerry Von Erich dominates Bravo in his first and only WWF appearance before his tragic suicide.
The British Bulldog v. The Warlord - A surprisingly good match. The Warlord surprised me with a solid performance.
The Hart Foundation v. The Nasty Boys for the Tag Team Title - The Nasty Boys in their WWF debut. They steal the title from the Hart Foundation. Soon after, the singles career of Bret Hart was launched.
Jake the Snake v. Rick Martel in a Blindfold Match - Jake the Snake had been partially blinded months earlier by Martel and so to even things up both men were blindfolded. Really a break from the norm. I enjoyed this match a lot.
Superfly Jimmy Snuka v. The Undertaker - The streak is born! (to a jobbing Snuka)
Macho King Randy Savage v. Ultimate Warrior in a Retirement Match - An epic match. One of the best I've ever seen. Unbelievably the Warrior got up from five elbow smashes from the top rope by Savage. The stunning Sherri is in Macho's corner. After the match, she double crosses Savage and Savage reunites with Elizabeth. Classic.
Demolition vs. Tenryu and Kitao - Demolition's new incarnation - Smash and Crush - loses to apparently big Japanese stars Tenryu and Kitao. I've never heard of them.
Mr. Perfect vs. Big Bossman for the Intercontinental Title - A solid match. Andre the Giant comes out to intimidate Bobby Heenan. The Bossman's music rules.
Earthquake v. Greg Valentine - Earthquake dominates Valentine in a short outing.
Legion of Doom v. Power and Glory - LOD look absolutely awesome in dominating the short lived team of Pretty Paul Roma and Hercules Hernandez.
Virgil vs. The Million Dollar Man - Some cheap shots from the M$M on Roddy Piper who was in crutches from a motorcycle accident. Virgil wins by countout when M$M is too busy chasing Piper around.
The Mountie vs. Tito Santana - Mountie uses a cattle prod on Santana to get an easy win. The same method would be used later by Harley Race when managing Vader in a match on Halloween Havoc 93 against Cactus Jack.
Sgt. Slaughter vs. Hulk Hogan for the World Title - Once again Hogan main events a Wrestlemania and puts on a great performance against Slaughter. Slaughter dominated most of the match but Hogan pulls it out in the end.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wrestlemania VI Review
by Alfonso Colasuonno
Overall - Wrestlemania VI was a return to proper form with a rather good show after a lackluster Wrestlemania V. The wrestling on this card is still pretty good but nothing near the quality of the WCW cruiserweight division. The main attraction is the epic battle of good vs. good in the rare pitting together of two faces for the main event as Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan go at it.
Koko B. Ware vs. The Model Rick Martel - Koko hits some nice high flying moves, but honestly, how is that dude in the Hall of Fame. He loses all his matches at Wrestlemania and never is even in the contention for a title....
The Colossal Connection vs. Demolition - Andre the Giant doesn't even tag into this match as Demolition defeats Haku. Andre, in the twilight of his career turns face after getting into it with Bobby Heenan who chews him out over the loss.
Hercules vs. Earthquake - John Tenta. Yes, THE John Tenta of "I am a man, not a Shark" fame in battle against Hercules. He looked pretty good for a big dude and ends up with the win.
Mr. Perfect vs. Brutus the Barber Beefcake - The Barber ends up shearing some of The Genius' hair off. A solid match.
Bad News Brown vs. Roddy Piper - Piper paints half of himself black in this match against Bad News. Piper always knows how to entertain a crowd. And himself, apparently as from that video of him circulating on Youtube of him smoking medicinal marijuana.
The Hart Foundation v. The Bolsheviks - A squash. The Harts dominate The Bolsheviks via a sneak attack when Volkoff is singing the Soviet National Anthem.
The Barbarian v. Tito Santana - Really, who cares about this one? See, this is why Wrestlemanias IV - VII were so freaking long...they were stocked with matches that sucked like this.
Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire v. Macho Man and Sherri - The best match of the card. Dusty Rhodes knows how to entertain and the Macho Man was a great worker. Sherri looks absolutely stunning. Sapphire...eh, not so much.
Orient Express v. The Rockers - Another great match. The Rockers had great synergy as a team. The Orient Express were pretty good workers as well.
Dino Bravo v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan - Blah. This is another boring match on the card. More filler.
Jake the Snake v. The Million Dollar Man - Million Dollar Man wins with an assist from Virgil as Jake the Snake gets counted out. Solidly paced match from two good workers.
Akeem vs. Big Bossman - Surprisingly, a squash for the Bossman over Air Africa. The Bossman cuts a nice promo about Akeem and Slick before the match.
Rhythm and Blues Perform - All I can say about this is the song name is "Honka Honka Honka Honky Love" No, it's not about Glenn Beck's sex life....
Rick Rude v. Jimmy Snuka - Snuka is overwhelmed by Rude. More filler on the card.
Hulk Hogan v. Ultimate Warrior in a Title for Title Championship Match - A lot of the match is just a test of strength between Hogan and Warrior. Unreal to see Hogan cleanly defeated for the first time in the WWE. However, neither worker is very entertaining to watch so a lot of the appeal of this match is just to see Hogan get his first clean loss at a Wrestlemania. Personally, I'd choose Hogan-Rock at Wrestlemania X-8.
Overall - Wrestlemania VI was a return to proper form with a rather good show after a lackluster Wrestlemania V. The wrestling on this card is still pretty good but nothing near the quality of the WCW cruiserweight division. The main attraction is the epic battle of good vs. good in the rare pitting together of two faces for the main event as Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan go at it.
Koko B. Ware vs. The Model Rick Martel - Koko hits some nice high flying moves, but honestly, how is that dude in the Hall of Fame. He loses all his matches at Wrestlemania and never is even in the contention for a title....
The Colossal Connection vs. Demolition - Andre the Giant doesn't even tag into this match as Demolition defeats Haku. Andre, in the twilight of his career turns face after getting into it with Bobby Heenan who chews him out over the loss.
Hercules vs. Earthquake - John Tenta. Yes, THE John Tenta of "I am a man, not a Shark" fame in battle against Hercules. He looked pretty good for a big dude and ends up with the win.
Mr. Perfect vs. Brutus the Barber Beefcake - The Barber ends up shearing some of The Genius' hair off. A solid match.
Bad News Brown vs. Roddy Piper - Piper paints half of himself black in this match against Bad News. Piper always knows how to entertain a crowd. And himself, apparently as from that video of him circulating on Youtube of him smoking medicinal marijuana.
The Hart Foundation v. The Bolsheviks - A squash. The Harts dominate The Bolsheviks via a sneak attack when Volkoff is singing the Soviet National Anthem.
The Barbarian v. Tito Santana - Really, who cares about this one? See, this is why Wrestlemanias IV - VII were so freaking long...they were stocked with matches that sucked like this.
Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire v. Macho Man and Sherri - The best match of the card. Dusty Rhodes knows how to entertain and the Macho Man was a great worker. Sherri looks absolutely stunning. Sapphire...eh, not so much.
Orient Express v. The Rockers - Another great match. The Rockers had great synergy as a team. The Orient Express were pretty good workers as well.
Dino Bravo v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan - Blah. This is another boring match on the card. More filler.
Jake the Snake v. The Million Dollar Man - Million Dollar Man wins with an assist from Virgil as Jake the Snake gets counted out. Solidly paced match from two good workers.
Akeem vs. Big Bossman - Surprisingly, a squash for the Bossman over Air Africa. The Bossman cuts a nice promo about Akeem and Slick before the match.
Rhythm and Blues Perform - All I can say about this is the song name is "Honka Honka Honka Honky Love" No, it's not about Glenn Beck's sex life....
Rick Rude v. Jimmy Snuka - Snuka is overwhelmed by Rude. More filler on the card.
Hulk Hogan v. Ultimate Warrior in a Title for Title Championship Match - A lot of the match is just a test of strength between Hogan and Warrior. Unreal to see Hogan cleanly defeated for the first time in the WWE. However, neither worker is very entertaining to watch so a lot of the appeal of this match is just to see Hogan get his first clean loss at a Wrestlemania. Personally, I'd choose Hogan-Rock at Wrestlemania X-8.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thoughts on The Best of Raw - 15th Anniversary
by Alfonso Colasuonno
Overall - Well, well, well...I've always been a sucker for the compilations. Amazingly, this 9 hour DVD set shrinks 15 years of the history of RAW into a neat little package in a startlingly stellar fashion. Relive all the memories of RAW and those forgotten and those missed in this DVD set. Definitely recommended. However, note that it is particularly strong around the years of 1997-1999, with short shrift given to other years. One can argue that those years during the heat of the Monday Night Wars led to the best episodes of RAW, but regardless, when some years have only one or two segments, it's a little off-putting.
Individual Segment Reviews -
1993 -
Mr. Perfect v. Ric Flair in a Loser Leaves the WWE Match - Flair loses the match and Bobby Heenan is shocked. Flair goes on to return to WCW afterwards where the now largely forgotten Flair for the Gold culminating in a shocking Starrcade '93 win over Vader. I for one always thought Flair looked a bit out of place in the WWE, particularly in his first run.
Razor Ramon v. The Kid - The Kid's shocking win over the Bad Guy with a remarkable moonsault. Watch the lift on The Kid. Unbelievable!
1994 -
Bret Hart v. The Kid for the WWE Championship - Two of the best workers in the history of the WWE going at in a grueling match. Hitman wins while The Kid's feet are on the ropes and actually has the class to tell the ref to restart the match. I never realized what a good worker The Kid was until watching this match.
1996 -
Vader Attacks WWE President Gorilla Monsoon - While Vader's career in the WWE was a total flop, this one segment gave thrills to many people, like myself, who hate the biased antics of Gorilla "Windbag" Monsoon.
Pillman's Got a Gun - Brian Pillman, imagine what could have been. I would have loved to see a reunion of the Hollywood Blondes with Stone Cold. A loose cannon in the world of wrestling if ever there was one. RIP.
1997 -
Original ECW Invasion - These guys showed the WWE, just before the Attitude Era was really taking place, how it was done. Damn I miss the old ECW.
Bret Screwed Bret - An interesting interview with Mr. McMahon after the Montreal Screwjob. I personally think McMahon is in the wrong and he should have waited until he was outside of Canada to have Bret lose the title.
1998 -
Tyson and Austin - Stone Cold messes with Mike Tyson's head and leads to an almost brawl that separates the two titans of their respective sports.
Dumpster Diving - Terry Funk and Cactus Jack are locked in a dumpster and pushed off the ramp by the New Age Outlaws. Pretty sick stuff.
Formation of the New DX - X-Pac Returns - X-Pac launches right into Hogan and Bischoff and tells how Scott Hall and Kevin Nash would be with him if they weren't locked into WCW contracts.
DX Invades WCW - The ultimate provocation - DX coming into WCW territory in Virginia and exposing how WCW gave tickets away for free to boost their attendance and how the fans were behind DX and thought WCW sucked. Very provocative.
DX Nation - DX impersonates the Nation of Domination. Absolutely hilarious stuff.
Bang 3:16 - Stone Cold gets Mr. McMahon to cower in fear on the mat, and then pulls a gun on him that when fired lets out a Bang 3:16 banner. I don't think this got Stone Cold quite as over as Pillman got with the Pillman's Got a Gun segment.
1999 -
Y2J - The absolutely awesome introducing to the WWE of Chris Jericho, as he interrupts The Rock during comments about the Big Show. Largely known by wrestling afficionados as "The Promo"
The Rock: This is Your Life - Mick Foley introduces The Rock to three people from the past, including a stunning ex-girlfriend who he calls a skank because she wouldn't let the Rock get to second base.
Big Bossman Sympathy - Big Bossman says some remarkably tasteless comments about the Big Show's dad death due to cancer.
2001 -
Shane Purchases WCW - The absolutely startling realization that the McMahons own WCW...and how they would bury it soon after in the Invasion angle.
2002 -
Past Meets Present - The Rock squares off with Hollywood Hogan in a battle of wits, ending with the Rock giving a rock bottom to Hogan. Absolutely thrilling!
Worlds Unite: Bischoff Hugs Mr. McMahon - Who would ever thought it would happen...Bischoff and McMahon getting together. Bischoff talks about the triumphs of WCW.
2003 -
The Rock Concert - The Rock performs songs that are designed to get a rise out of the Sacramento crowd and Stone Cold Steve Austin before Austin comes to the ring and smashes the starstruck Rock's guitar which was autographed by Willie Nelson.
2004 -
Musical Chairs With Eugene - Eugene plays musical chairs with a few competitors including Stacy, Tomko, Ric Flair, Tajiri, Coachman, and Y2J for a chance at a title shot. Y2J wins to the thrill of the Winnipeg crowd while wearing an old Winnipeg Jets shirt.
Are You Ready for Some Wrestling? - Trish Stratus comes on to Shelton Benjamin before Mr. McMahon cockblocks Shelton.
2005 -
Shelton Benjamin vs. Shawn Michaels - Shawn Michaels proving once again why he's the showstopper....an amazing performance from both men.
John Cena Drafted #1 To Raw - Cena is drafted #1 on Raw and ends up writing a battle rap against the Creepy Little Bastard Christian....This was when Cena was still awesome as a Marky Mark impersonator.
Kane/Lita Wedding - Edge was to marry Lita but it ends with Kane piledriving the priest. I guess that's one way to get rid of your Catholic block.
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle in an Iron Man Match - It ends in a draw at 2 falls a piece. Incredible wrestling for thirty minutes from two of the greatest performers I've ever seen.
Stone Cold Stuns the McMahons - Stone Cold stuns all four members of the McMahon family in succession...a feat not even done by Randy Orton who never got to Linda.
2006 -
DX Impersonates Shane and Mr. McMahon - Triple H launches into his impersonation of Mr. McMahon with an I love Dicks routine. HBK dances around the ring like a fool. The McMahon men and the Spirit Squad end up doused with manure. All is well with the world.
Overall - Well, well, well...I've always been a sucker for the compilations. Amazingly, this 9 hour DVD set shrinks 15 years of the history of RAW into a neat little package in a startlingly stellar fashion. Relive all the memories of RAW and those forgotten and those missed in this DVD set. Definitely recommended. However, note that it is particularly strong around the years of 1997-1999, with short shrift given to other years. One can argue that those years during the heat of the Monday Night Wars led to the best episodes of RAW, but regardless, when some years have only one or two segments, it's a little off-putting.
Individual Segment Reviews -
1993 -
Mr. Perfect v. Ric Flair in a Loser Leaves the WWE Match - Flair loses the match and Bobby Heenan is shocked. Flair goes on to return to WCW afterwards where the now largely forgotten Flair for the Gold culminating in a shocking Starrcade '93 win over Vader. I for one always thought Flair looked a bit out of place in the WWE, particularly in his first run.
Razor Ramon v. The Kid - The Kid's shocking win over the Bad Guy with a remarkable moonsault. Watch the lift on The Kid. Unbelievable!
1994 -
Bret Hart v. The Kid for the WWE Championship - Two of the best workers in the history of the WWE going at in a grueling match. Hitman wins while The Kid's feet are on the ropes and actually has the class to tell the ref to restart the match. I never realized what a good worker The Kid was until watching this match.
1996 -
Vader Attacks WWE President Gorilla Monsoon - While Vader's career in the WWE was a total flop, this one segment gave thrills to many people, like myself, who hate the biased antics of Gorilla "Windbag" Monsoon.
Pillman's Got a Gun - Brian Pillman, imagine what could have been. I would have loved to see a reunion of the Hollywood Blondes with Stone Cold. A loose cannon in the world of wrestling if ever there was one. RIP.
1997 -
Original ECW Invasion - These guys showed the WWE, just before the Attitude Era was really taking place, how it was done. Damn I miss the old ECW.
Bret Screwed Bret - An interesting interview with Mr. McMahon after the Montreal Screwjob. I personally think McMahon is in the wrong and he should have waited until he was outside of Canada to have Bret lose the title.
1998 -
Tyson and Austin - Stone Cold messes with Mike Tyson's head and leads to an almost brawl that separates the two titans of their respective sports.
Dumpster Diving - Terry Funk and Cactus Jack are locked in a dumpster and pushed off the ramp by the New Age Outlaws. Pretty sick stuff.
Formation of the New DX - X-Pac Returns - X-Pac launches right into Hogan and Bischoff and tells how Scott Hall and Kevin Nash would be with him if they weren't locked into WCW contracts.
DX Invades WCW - The ultimate provocation - DX coming into WCW territory in Virginia and exposing how WCW gave tickets away for free to boost their attendance and how the fans were behind DX and thought WCW sucked. Very provocative.
DX Nation - DX impersonates the Nation of Domination. Absolutely hilarious stuff.
Bang 3:16 - Stone Cold gets Mr. McMahon to cower in fear on the mat, and then pulls a gun on him that when fired lets out a Bang 3:16 banner. I don't think this got Stone Cold quite as over as Pillman got with the Pillman's Got a Gun segment.
1999 -
Y2J - The absolutely awesome introducing to the WWE of Chris Jericho, as he interrupts The Rock during comments about the Big Show. Largely known by wrestling afficionados as "The Promo"
The Rock: This is Your Life - Mick Foley introduces The Rock to three people from the past, including a stunning ex-girlfriend who he calls a skank because she wouldn't let the Rock get to second base.
Big Bossman Sympathy - Big Bossman says some remarkably tasteless comments about the Big Show's dad death due to cancer.
2001 -
Shane Purchases WCW - The absolutely startling realization that the McMahons own WCW...and how they would bury it soon after in the Invasion angle.
2002 -
Past Meets Present - The Rock squares off with Hollywood Hogan in a battle of wits, ending with the Rock giving a rock bottom to Hogan. Absolutely thrilling!
Worlds Unite: Bischoff Hugs Mr. McMahon - Who would ever thought it would happen...Bischoff and McMahon getting together. Bischoff talks about the triumphs of WCW.
2003 -
The Rock Concert - The Rock performs songs that are designed to get a rise out of the Sacramento crowd and Stone Cold Steve Austin before Austin comes to the ring and smashes the starstruck Rock's guitar which was autographed by Willie Nelson.
2004 -
Musical Chairs With Eugene - Eugene plays musical chairs with a few competitors including Stacy, Tomko, Ric Flair, Tajiri, Coachman, and Y2J for a chance at a title shot. Y2J wins to the thrill of the Winnipeg crowd while wearing an old Winnipeg Jets shirt.
Are You Ready for Some Wrestling? - Trish Stratus comes on to Shelton Benjamin before Mr. McMahon cockblocks Shelton.
2005 -
Shelton Benjamin vs. Shawn Michaels - Shawn Michaels proving once again why he's the showstopper....an amazing performance from both men.
John Cena Drafted #1 To Raw - Cena is drafted #1 on Raw and ends up writing a battle rap against the Creepy Little Bastard Christian....This was when Cena was still awesome as a Marky Mark impersonator.
Kane/Lita Wedding - Edge was to marry Lita but it ends with Kane piledriving the priest. I guess that's one way to get rid of your Catholic block.
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle in an Iron Man Match - It ends in a draw at 2 falls a piece. Incredible wrestling for thirty minutes from two of the greatest performers I've ever seen.
Stone Cold Stuns the McMahons - Stone Cold stuns all four members of the McMahon family in succession...a feat not even done by Randy Orton who never got to Linda.
2006 -
DX Impersonates Shane and Mr. McMahon - Triple H launches into his impersonation of Mr. McMahon with an I love Dicks routine. HBK dances around the ring like a fool. The McMahon men and the Spirit Squad end up doused with manure. All is well with the world.
Monday, September 14, 2009
My Perspective
by Alfonso Colasuonno
SMACKDOWN
I think CM Punk defeating Undertaker at Breaking Point in dubious fashion sets up a great way for Undertaker to gain the title - at Hell in the Cell!
Wow.....that's some pretty heavy stuff about Jeff Hardy being charged with felonies for drugs. Why would anyone making the money Hardy was making be involved in illegal drug running. It boggles the mind.
How long before Slam Master J is released?
How about this Drew McIntyre guy. He's looking pretty strong in beating up R. Truth - albeit by blindsiding the dude.
John Morrison - Rey Mysterio was undoubtedly the best match I've seen in a long while. Every match that Morrison is in, I walk away knowing I'm seeing a true star. This guy is the real deal.
I presume The Undertaker will likely win the title from CM Punk. But I wonder who he'll feud with? Maybe they can run Taker as a tweener and put him against Morrison. Or maybe they can make Jerishow lose the title and have him feud with Jericho. Or they can elevate Dolph Ziggler, but I don't think anyone would buy that just yet. Maybe with Kane dominating his feud with Khali he could be put over and they could start the whole Undertaker- Kane thing again.
RAW
Bob Barker was a king in his performance as guest host of RAW. Personally, even though I think Drew Carey is a funny guy (his idea of writing a book of dirty jokes under the pen name Ted Kennedy was classic) I can't stand to see him fronting Price is Right.
It looks like they're going to give Kofi Kingston a long reign as US Champion, despite having qualified contenders like Jack Swagger, The Miz, and Carlito. Maybe he can win the WWE title at the next time they have a championship scramble match. He deserves an opportunity.
Good to see Big Dick Johnson back in the WWE. He's absolutely hilarious as comic relief. I knew DX was going to have him in the gift box for Vince McMahon. The only thing better would be if Sandman came back and caned the hell out of him.
I was a little surprised to see Legacy beat DX at Breaking Point. It seems like Triple H took a step back in his push when he reformed with Michaels.
ECW
Well now that Christian convincingly beat Regal - does Shelton Benjamin get a title shot? Or are they going to drag out this feud some more?
Tony Atlas is now the second in command on the Abraham Washington Show. I heard of help a brother out but isn't there something more useful he can be used as.
TNA
How about that - Homicide turned on Hernandez? Too bad the feud is pretty much one-sided. Hernandez already beat Homicide and is on his way to main eventing and Homicide is floundering.
It looks like Samoa Joe is kind of just floating around - even as X Division Champion - since joining the Main Event Mafia. While his match against Daniels should be exciting - it's hard to consider him a full member of the MEM. He's often not with the rest of the group when they are shown on TV. I wonder if the face turn will come soon.
Call me crazy but I think the Motor City Machine Guns are great workers - outside and inside the ring. They are probably my favorite TNA stars.
D'Angelo Dinero is certainly over with the fans. I like The Pope.
Hamada has some amazing moves. I love watching her fight.
Those new Beer Money t-shirts with the newspaper on them are pretty cool. Spot on, Don West.
I like Rhino's heel turn. I'd like to see him go up against Abyss. Maybe if Abyss wins the Legends Title from Nash.
Still waiting to see Bobby Lashley in the ring!
SMACKDOWN
I think CM Punk defeating Undertaker at Breaking Point in dubious fashion sets up a great way for Undertaker to gain the title - at Hell in the Cell!
Wow.....that's some pretty heavy stuff about Jeff Hardy being charged with felonies for drugs. Why would anyone making the money Hardy was making be involved in illegal drug running. It boggles the mind.
How long before Slam Master J is released?
How about this Drew McIntyre guy. He's looking pretty strong in beating up R. Truth - albeit by blindsiding the dude.
John Morrison - Rey Mysterio was undoubtedly the best match I've seen in a long while. Every match that Morrison is in, I walk away knowing I'm seeing a true star. This guy is the real deal.
I presume The Undertaker will likely win the title from CM Punk. But I wonder who he'll feud with? Maybe they can run Taker as a tweener and put him against Morrison. Or maybe they can make Jerishow lose the title and have him feud with Jericho. Or they can elevate Dolph Ziggler, but I don't think anyone would buy that just yet. Maybe with Kane dominating his feud with Khali he could be put over and they could start the whole Undertaker- Kane thing again.
RAW
Bob Barker was a king in his performance as guest host of RAW. Personally, even though I think Drew Carey is a funny guy (his idea of writing a book of dirty jokes under the pen name Ted Kennedy was classic) I can't stand to see him fronting Price is Right.
It looks like they're going to give Kofi Kingston a long reign as US Champion, despite having qualified contenders like Jack Swagger, The Miz, and Carlito. Maybe he can win the WWE title at the next time they have a championship scramble match. He deserves an opportunity.
Good to see Big Dick Johnson back in the WWE. He's absolutely hilarious as comic relief. I knew DX was going to have him in the gift box for Vince McMahon. The only thing better would be if Sandman came back and caned the hell out of him.
I was a little surprised to see Legacy beat DX at Breaking Point. It seems like Triple H took a step back in his push when he reformed with Michaels.
ECW
Well now that Christian convincingly beat Regal - does Shelton Benjamin get a title shot? Or are they going to drag out this feud some more?
Tony Atlas is now the second in command on the Abraham Washington Show. I heard of help a brother out but isn't there something more useful he can be used as.
TNA
How about that - Homicide turned on Hernandez? Too bad the feud is pretty much one-sided. Hernandez already beat Homicide and is on his way to main eventing and Homicide is floundering.
It looks like Samoa Joe is kind of just floating around - even as X Division Champion - since joining the Main Event Mafia. While his match against Daniels should be exciting - it's hard to consider him a full member of the MEM. He's often not with the rest of the group when they are shown on TV. I wonder if the face turn will come soon.
Call me crazy but I think the Motor City Machine Guns are great workers - outside and inside the ring. They are probably my favorite TNA stars.
D'Angelo Dinero is certainly over with the fans. I like The Pope.
Hamada has some amazing moves. I love watching her fight.
Those new Beer Money t-shirts with the newspaper on them are pretty cool. Spot on, Don West.
I like Rhino's heel turn. I'd like to see him go up against Abyss. Maybe if Abyss wins the Legends Title from Nash.
Still waiting to see Bobby Lashley in the ring!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wrestlemania V Review
by Alfonso Colasuonno
Overall - I can summarize Wrestlemania V in one word - disappointment. Despite boasting a great main event and an amusing segment with Roddy Piper, Brother Love, and Morton Downey Jr, the card as a whole otherwise truly disappointed. Many of the matches were straight up boring.
King Haku v. Hercules - This was actually a pretty good opening match with lots of back and forth action. Haku looked pretty spry, but not nearly as intimidating as in his WCW run.
The Twin Towers v. The Rockers - Excellent teamwork from Marty Jannetty and a young Shawn Michaels in this bout. Also funny to see the One Man Gang dancing around and wearing a jacket with a cutout of Africa on the back.
The Million Dollar Man v. Brutus Beefcake - Two good performers put on an average match.
The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers v. The Bushwhackers - An absolute bore. And in the case of the Bushwhackers, absolute boors. Ugh.
Mr. Perfect v. The Blue Blazer - Nice to see a young Owen Hart wrestle a good match against Perfecto.
Run-DMC performance - Fell flat.
Demolition v. The Powers of Pain & Mr. Fuji for the Tag Titles - Fuji looked out of shape. Not exactly the most exciting match in the world. What's with the Warlord's hairstyle.
Dino Bravo v. Rugged Ronnie Garvin - Skip this one. Dino Bravo looked pretty good but Garvin had nothing to offer.
The Brain Busters v. Strike Force - Martel turns on Santana and Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard wrestle the most uninspired performance of their career.
Piper's Pit with Morton Downey Jr. and Brother Love - I think Roddy Piper is one of the greatest talents with the mic in wrestling history and he shines here playing against Morton Downey Jr. especially. Hilarious to see the chain smoking Downey get blasted by a fire extinguisher after blowing smoke in Piper's face. The highlight of Wrestlemania V.
Jake the Snake v. Andre the Giant - Andre can barely move in the ring. It's always a chore to watch him face lower-level opponents. At least against Hogan you wonder how his immense size matches up with the Hulkster...with Jake the Snake...you just can't help but analyze the big man's lack of deftness of foot and poor wrestling ability (a precursor to Khali).
Greg the Hammer Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man v. The Hart Foundation - A bore of a match.
Ultimate Warrior v. Rick Rude for the Intercontinental Title - Surprisingly, this is the first time a man managed by Bobby the Brain Heenan wins a title. Solid match. The Warrior isn't much of a performer.
Bad News Brown v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan - All right. It wasn't a bad match and was actually pretty good despite the limitations of both wrestlers.
Red Rooster v. Bobby the Brain Heenan - A joke of a match. Pure filler. Heenan loses to Terrific Terry Taylor donning red spikes in his blond mane.
Macho Man Randy Savage v. Hulk Hogan for the World Title - The best match of the evening. Hulk hulks up after taking the elbow off the top rope from Savage. Randy Savage was quite the performer in his heyday. Hulk Hogan, limited as he may be as a wrestler, knows how to bring out the best in his opponents and you can't deny his mystique.
Overall - I can summarize Wrestlemania V in one word - disappointment. Despite boasting a great main event and an amusing segment with Roddy Piper, Brother Love, and Morton Downey Jr, the card as a whole otherwise truly disappointed. Many of the matches were straight up boring.
King Haku v. Hercules - This was actually a pretty good opening match with lots of back and forth action. Haku looked pretty spry, but not nearly as intimidating as in his WCW run.
The Twin Towers v. The Rockers - Excellent teamwork from Marty Jannetty and a young Shawn Michaels in this bout. Also funny to see the One Man Gang dancing around and wearing a jacket with a cutout of Africa on the back.
The Million Dollar Man v. Brutus Beefcake - Two good performers put on an average match.
The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers v. The Bushwhackers - An absolute bore. And in the case of the Bushwhackers, absolute boors. Ugh.
Mr. Perfect v. The Blue Blazer - Nice to see a young Owen Hart wrestle a good match against Perfecto.
Run-DMC performance - Fell flat.
Demolition v. The Powers of Pain & Mr. Fuji for the Tag Titles - Fuji looked out of shape. Not exactly the most exciting match in the world. What's with the Warlord's hairstyle.
Dino Bravo v. Rugged Ronnie Garvin - Skip this one. Dino Bravo looked pretty good but Garvin had nothing to offer.
The Brain Busters v. Strike Force - Martel turns on Santana and Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard wrestle the most uninspired performance of their career.
Piper's Pit with Morton Downey Jr. and Brother Love - I think Roddy Piper is one of the greatest talents with the mic in wrestling history and he shines here playing against Morton Downey Jr. especially. Hilarious to see the chain smoking Downey get blasted by a fire extinguisher after blowing smoke in Piper's face. The highlight of Wrestlemania V.
Jake the Snake v. Andre the Giant - Andre can barely move in the ring. It's always a chore to watch him face lower-level opponents. At least against Hogan you wonder how his immense size matches up with the Hulkster...with Jake the Snake...you just can't help but analyze the big man's lack of deftness of foot and poor wrestling ability (a precursor to Khali).
Greg the Hammer Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man v. The Hart Foundation - A bore of a match.
Ultimate Warrior v. Rick Rude for the Intercontinental Title - Surprisingly, this is the first time a man managed by Bobby the Brain Heenan wins a title. Solid match. The Warrior isn't much of a performer.
Bad News Brown v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan - All right. It wasn't a bad match and was actually pretty good despite the limitations of both wrestlers.
Red Rooster v. Bobby the Brain Heenan - A joke of a match. Pure filler. Heenan loses to Terrific Terry Taylor donning red spikes in his blond mane.
Macho Man Randy Savage v. Hulk Hogan for the World Title - The best match of the evening. Hulk hulks up after taking the elbow off the top rope from Savage. Randy Savage was quite the performer in his heyday. Hulk Hogan, limited as he may be as a wrestler, knows how to bring out the best in his opponents and you can't deny his mystique.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wrestlemania IV Review
by Alfonso Colasuonno
Overall - While it doesn't have the highest high points of the previous two Wrestlemania's, this is probably the best Wrestlemania to date. The fact that it didn't revolve around Hogan might have something to do with it. Macho Man gets his chance to shine and win the world title in a tournament to determine the new undisputed champion after a fast count led Andre the Giant to beat Hulk Hogan. This is the first time we see Demolition, The Ultimate Warrior, and the Million Dollar Man at a Wrestlemania. Overall, an epic Wrestlemania.
Invitational Battle Royal - While it wasn't as exciting as Wrestlemania 2's Battle Royal, I've always been a sucker for battle royals. Sneaky win for Bad News Brown over Bret Hart here.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase - Hacksaw Duggan's always been a technical master, apparently...I'm amazed that the man has had one gimmick, a meatheaded patriot, his entire career (albeit 2000 WCW he joined Team Canada unwillingly)
Dino Bravo v. Don "The Rock" Muraco - Watch the original Rock. I prefer the Maivia version, myself.
Greg Valentine v. Ricky Steamboat - Ricky comes out with his young son. He loses in an upset to Valentine. Surprisingly average match from two great performers.
The Natural Butch Reed v. Randy Savage - Savage's first win of many on the night. I think Butch Reed's best days were with Ron Simmons in Doom in WCW.
One Man Gang v. Bam Bam Bigelow - A short, but quality match between these two big boys. A chance to see OMG before he became African Akeem.
Rick Rude v. Jake the Snake - Probably the best match of the card. A 15 minute draw.
Hercules v. The Ultimate Warrior - The Warrior didn't look too powerful in his Wrestlemania debut, but manages to get the win regardless in controversial fashion.
Andre the Giant v. Hulk Hogan - Both men get eliminated from the tournament in this match. I preferred the main event at Wrestlemania III to this match.
Don Muraco v. Ted DiBiase - Ho-hum. A boring match.
Greg Valentine v. Macho Man Randy Savage - A quality match, with Savage getting his second win of the night by scooping up The Hammer when he was about to put on the Figure 4.
Honky Tonk Man v. Brutus Beefcake for the Intercontinental Title - The second best match of the night, after Rude-Jake the Snake. I never realize how quality a performer Brutus Beefcake was until I started watching these old Wrestlemanias. He's not anything flashy but he gets the job done in surprising quality.
The Islanders and Bobby the Brain Heenan v. The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware - This was interesting seeing Bobby the Brain wrestle. He didn't do too horribly either.
One Man Gang v. Macho Man Randy Savage - One Man Gang blows his chance at the title by nailing Macho Man with Slick's cane. Boo.
Demolition v. Strike Force for the Tag Team Championship - Demolition - WWF's answer to The Road Warriors. I think they were an exciting tag team. Here they win the titles from Tito and Martel.
Macho Man Randy Savage v. Ted DiBiase for the World Title - Macho Man wins his fourth match of the night in a fairly good one against the Million Dollar Man. However, credit the assist to Hulk Hogan for slamming DiBiase with a chair when he had a sleeper on the Macho Man.
Overall - While it doesn't have the highest high points of the previous two Wrestlemania's, this is probably the best Wrestlemania to date. The fact that it didn't revolve around Hogan might have something to do with it. Macho Man gets his chance to shine and win the world title in a tournament to determine the new undisputed champion after a fast count led Andre the Giant to beat Hulk Hogan. This is the first time we see Demolition, The Ultimate Warrior, and the Million Dollar Man at a Wrestlemania. Overall, an epic Wrestlemania.
Invitational Battle Royal - While it wasn't as exciting as Wrestlemania 2's Battle Royal, I've always been a sucker for battle royals. Sneaky win for Bad News Brown over Bret Hart here.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase - Hacksaw Duggan's always been a technical master, apparently...I'm amazed that the man has had one gimmick, a meatheaded patriot, his entire career (albeit 2000 WCW he joined Team Canada unwillingly)
Dino Bravo v. Don "The Rock" Muraco - Watch the original Rock. I prefer the Maivia version, myself.
Greg Valentine v. Ricky Steamboat - Ricky comes out with his young son. He loses in an upset to Valentine. Surprisingly average match from two great performers.
The Natural Butch Reed v. Randy Savage - Savage's first win of many on the night. I think Butch Reed's best days were with Ron Simmons in Doom in WCW.
One Man Gang v. Bam Bam Bigelow - A short, but quality match between these two big boys. A chance to see OMG before he became African Akeem.
Rick Rude v. Jake the Snake - Probably the best match of the card. A 15 minute draw.
Hercules v. The Ultimate Warrior - The Warrior didn't look too powerful in his Wrestlemania debut, but manages to get the win regardless in controversial fashion.
Andre the Giant v. Hulk Hogan - Both men get eliminated from the tournament in this match. I preferred the main event at Wrestlemania III to this match.
Don Muraco v. Ted DiBiase - Ho-hum. A boring match.
Greg Valentine v. Macho Man Randy Savage - A quality match, with Savage getting his second win of the night by scooping up The Hammer when he was about to put on the Figure 4.
Honky Tonk Man v. Brutus Beefcake for the Intercontinental Title - The second best match of the night, after Rude-Jake the Snake. I never realize how quality a performer Brutus Beefcake was until I started watching these old Wrestlemanias. He's not anything flashy but he gets the job done in surprising quality.
The Islanders and Bobby the Brain Heenan v. The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware - This was interesting seeing Bobby the Brain wrestle. He didn't do too horribly either.
One Man Gang v. Macho Man Randy Savage - One Man Gang blows his chance at the title by nailing Macho Man with Slick's cane. Boo.
Demolition v. Strike Force for the Tag Team Championship - Demolition - WWF's answer to The Road Warriors. I think they were an exciting tag team. Here they win the titles from Tito and Martel.
Macho Man Randy Savage v. Ted DiBiase for the World Title - Macho Man wins his fourth match of the night in a fairly good one against the Million Dollar Man. However, credit the assist to Hulk Hogan for slamming DiBiase with a chair when he had a sleeper on the Macho Man.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wrestlemania 2 and 3 Reviews
by Alfonso Colasuonno
WRESTLEMANIA II -
Overall - A major improvement over the first Wrestlemania and almost an hour longer. This is where the WWE starts coming into its own. It still has its established stars in Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, and Hulk Hogan and adds Randy Savage to the established cast of stars in a great undercard match.
Don Muraco v. Paul Orndorff - Weird match, in the fact that Paul Orndorff is a face for practically the only time in his career. Ends in a double countout.
George the Animal Steele v. Randy Savage - A real thrill of a match. Definitely steals the show. The Animal's unorthodox style and overwhelming fur gave quite the challenge to Randy Savage. I definitely think George the Animal Steele looked like an interesting wrestler. Wish I saw more of his matches.
Jake the Snake v. George Welles - Jake the Snake as a heel against a no-namer. Boring.
Rowdy Roddy Piper v. Mr. T in a boxing match - I actually liked this one a great deal, too. Didn't have a clean ending with Piper getting DQ'd. Still, a lot of action from two men unfamiliar with boxing. They still put on a good show.
Velvet McIntyre v. Fabulous Moolah - a squash match for Moolah. I guess this is when the WWE began under a minute diva matches...
Nikolai Volkoff v. Corporal Kirschner - Who's Corporal Kirschner? He seems like the sire of later luminaries like Cobra of the feud with Sgt. Craig Pittman fame. Anyway he trounces the Russian in a flag match.
20-Man Battle Royal with NFL players - Refrigerator Perry looked good, but is anyone really going to beat Andre the Giant in a battle royal? Very fun match that came down to Andre v. the Hart Foundation.
Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake v. The British Bulldogs - The British Bulldogs in their first PPV match on Wrestlemania. A solid but unspectacular match.
Hercules Hernandez v. Ricky Steamboat - You can't really go wrong with a Ricky Steamboat match. Solid.
Adorable Adrian Adonis v. Uncle Elmer - Triple A has got to be the most grotesque wrestler ever. Wearing a dress to the ring on his fat body. Gross.
Terry Funk & Hoss Funk v. Tito Santana & The Junkyard Dog - Believe it or not, Terry Funk put on a match that wasn't that great. Put the man in a hardcore match or don't let him wrestle at all. I'd rather watch him vs. Dangerous Devon Storm in Starrcade 2000 when he looked like a corpse but damn if he didn't use hardcore items.
Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship - Hulk Hogan v. King Kong Bundy - Bundy proved to be a good challenge for Hogan. I liked the cage match a lot. Hogan once again dominated a big man (Andre, Vader, Earthquake, Big Show, etc.)
WRESTLEMANIA III -
Overall - A little bit of a drop off from Wrestlemania II. Here we see Randy Savage in a classic against Steamboat, Piper as a face, and Andre squaring off with Hogan. Unfortunately, there's a lot more filler on the card than on Wrestlemania 2.
Can-Am Connection v. Magnificent Muraco and Cowboy Bob Orton - Quick. If you can tell Tom Zenk and Rick Martel apart I'll give you 5 dollars. No cheating by checking Google Images.
Billy Jack Haynes v. Hercules in a Full Nelson Challenge - A pretty good match, but unfortunately it ends in a double countout, like all matches when unsure of who to give a push to.
King Kong Bundy, Lord Littlebrook, and Little Tokyo v. Hillbilly Jim, Little Beaver, and the Haiti Kid - It's clear King Kong suffered a major fall after losing to Hogan as he's relegated to a match with midgets. Nice to see Little Beaver get destroyed by King Kong.
Junkyard Dog v. Harley Race - Harley Race is a master wrestler and he puts on a good show against the JYD.
Rougeau Brothers v. Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine - The face turn for Beefcake in an otherwise uneventful match.
Loser Gets His Head Shaved Match - Roddy Piper v. Adrian Adonis - Piper shaves Adonis head partways and he looks even worse than before. Why are they using Piper in this fashion against a loser like Adonis?
The Hart Foundation and Danny Davis v. The British Bulldogs and Tito Santana - Good action. Nice to see two of the star tag teams of the 80s square off. Danny Davis - apparently a former ref turned bad (Nick Patrick - I wonder where that angle came from?) - only took advantage at the most opportune times.
Natural Butch Reed v. Koko B. Ware - Why is Koko B. Ware a Hall of Famer? Filler.
Ricky Steamboat v. Macho Man Randy Savage for the Intercontinental Title - A classic. Great wrestling from two guys in their prime. Two stars are born.
Jake the Snake v. Honky Tonk Man - Solid match. Could have been a lot better, though. I think it's funny how they originally (not in this match) planned to have Honky as a face but he was routinely booed.
Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff v. Killer Bees - Though I'm always up for ethnic heel action, this match was a bore.
Hulk Hogan v. Andre the Giant for the World Championship - A great match, albeit slow paced (as any match with Andre is). I'm sure it really put Hulkamania over to beat a guy who hadn't lost in his entire 15 year career.
More to come soon!!! Wrestlemania IV is next!
WRESTLEMANIA II -
Overall - A major improvement over the first Wrestlemania and almost an hour longer. This is where the WWE starts coming into its own. It still has its established stars in Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, and Hulk Hogan and adds Randy Savage to the established cast of stars in a great undercard match.
Don Muraco v. Paul Orndorff - Weird match, in the fact that Paul Orndorff is a face for practically the only time in his career. Ends in a double countout.
George the Animal Steele v. Randy Savage - A real thrill of a match. Definitely steals the show. The Animal's unorthodox style and overwhelming fur gave quite the challenge to Randy Savage. I definitely think George the Animal Steele looked like an interesting wrestler. Wish I saw more of his matches.
Jake the Snake v. George Welles - Jake the Snake as a heel against a no-namer. Boring.
Rowdy Roddy Piper v. Mr. T in a boxing match - I actually liked this one a great deal, too. Didn't have a clean ending with Piper getting DQ'd. Still, a lot of action from two men unfamiliar with boxing. They still put on a good show.
Velvet McIntyre v. Fabulous Moolah - a squash match for Moolah. I guess this is when the WWE began under a minute diva matches...
Nikolai Volkoff v. Corporal Kirschner - Who's Corporal Kirschner? He seems like the sire of later luminaries like Cobra of the feud with Sgt. Craig Pittman fame. Anyway he trounces the Russian in a flag match.
20-Man Battle Royal with NFL players - Refrigerator Perry looked good, but is anyone really going to beat Andre the Giant in a battle royal? Very fun match that came down to Andre v. the Hart Foundation.
Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake v. The British Bulldogs - The British Bulldogs in their first PPV match on Wrestlemania. A solid but unspectacular match.
Hercules Hernandez v. Ricky Steamboat - You can't really go wrong with a Ricky Steamboat match. Solid.
Adorable Adrian Adonis v. Uncle Elmer - Triple A has got to be the most grotesque wrestler ever. Wearing a dress to the ring on his fat body. Gross.
Terry Funk & Hoss Funk v. Tito Santana & The Junkyard Dog - Believe it or not, Terry Funk put on a match that wasn't that great. Put the man in a hardcore match or don't let him wrestle at all. I'd rather watch him vs. Dangerous Devon Storm in Starrcade 2000 when he looked like a corpse but damn if he didn't use hardcore items.
Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship - Hulk Hogan v. King Kong Bundy - Bundy proved to be a good challenge for Hogan. I liked the cage match a lot. Hogan once again dominated a big man (Andre, Vader, Earthquake, Big Show, etc.)
WRESTLEMANIA III -
Overall - A little bit of a drop off from Wrestlemania II. Here we see Randy Savage in a classic against Steamboat, Piper as a face, and Andre squaring off with Hogan. Unfortunately, there's a lot more filler on the card than on Wrestlemania 2.
Can-Am Connection v. Magnificent Muraco and Cowboy Bob Orton - Quick. If you can tell Tom Zenk and Rick Martel apart I'll give you 5 dollars. No cheating by checking Google Images.
Billy Jack Haynes v. Hercules in a Full Nelson Challenge - A pretty good match, but unfortunately it ends in a double countout, like all matches when unsure of who to give a push to.
King Kong Bundy, Lord Littlebrook, and Little Tokyo v. Hillbilly Jim, Little Beaver, and the Haiti Kid - It's clear King Kong suffered a major fall after losing to Hogan as he's relegated to a match with midgets. Nice to see Little Beaver get destroyed by King Kong.
Junkyard Dog v. Harley Race - Harley Race is a master wrestler and he puts on a good show against the JYD.
Rougeau Brothers v. Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine - The face turn for Beefcake in an otherwise uneventful match.
Loser Gets His Head Shaved Match - Roddy Piper v. Adrian Adonis - Piper shaves Adonis head partways and he looks even worse than before. Why are they using Piper in this fashion against a loser like Adonis?
The Hart Foundation and Danny Davis v. The British Bulldogs and Tito Santana - Good action. Nice to see two of the star tag teams of the 80s square off. Danny Davis - apparently a former ref turned bad (Nick Patrick - I wonder where that angle came from?) - only took advantage at the most opportune times.
Natural Butch Reed v. Koko B. Ware - Why is Koko B. Ware a Hall of Famer? Filler.
Ricky Steamboat v. Macho Man Randy Savage for the Intercontinental Title - A classic. Great wrestling from two guys in their prime. Two stars are born.
Jake the Snake v. Honky Tonk Man - Solid match. Could have been a lot better, though. I think it's funny how they originally (not in this match) planned to have Honky as a face but he was routinely booed.
Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff v. Killer Bees - Though I'm always up for ethnic heel action, this match was a bore.
Hulk Hogan v. Andre the Giant for the World Championship - A great match, albeit slow paced (as any match with Andre is). I'm sure it really put Hulkamania over to beat a guy who hadn't lost in his entire 15 year career.
More to come soon!!! Wrestlemania IV is next!
Wrestlemania 1 Review
by Alfonso Colasuonno
My sister recently bought me the first ten Wrestlemanias on DVD. I thought I'd review them for those checking out this blog. So far, I've seen Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania 2, and Wrestlemania III. Today, I'll review Wrestlemania 1.
WRESTLEMANIA
Tito Santana v. The Executioner - a short match to start off the card. Nothing really special here.
King Kong Bundy v. S.D. Jones - a monster squash for Bundy. He looked mighty impressive and mobile for a big man.
Matt Borne v. Ricky Steamboat - Nice to see Steamboat in action, but not one of his best matches.
David Sammartino v. Brutus Beefcake - Just a nice paced match. The best of the card. I wonder what happened to David Sammartino. Probably blacklisted with his dad Bruno.
Greg Valentine v. Junkyard Dog - Solid match. JYD is definitely an unorthodox wrestler.
Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff v. Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo - This was a good match. Sheik and Volkoff drew some great nationalist heat.
Big John Studd v. Andre the Giant - this was a 15,000 dollar slam match. Was it supposed to be shocking that a man Andre's size could bodyslam a man Studd's size? The other way around would be a shocker.
Leilani Kai v. Wendi Richter - I think this was better women's action than the Divas matches of today. I wonder why WWE has such terrible women's wrestling compared to TNA. It's like they are half-assing it. Why even bother.
Hogan and Mr. T v. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff - A solid bout to close the show. I really think the first few Wrestlemanias - Hogan carried the show.
Overall - A solid PPV to start the Wrestlemania legacy. However, the action left a lot to be desired.
My sister recently bought me the first ten Wrestlemanias on DVD. I thought I'd review them for those checking out this blog. So far, I've seen Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania 2, and Wrestlemania III. Today, I'll review Wrestlemania 1.
WRESTLEMANIA
Tito Santana v. The Executioner - a short match to start off the card. Nothing really special here.
King Kong Bundy v. S.D. Jones - a monster squash for Bundy. He looked mighty impressive and mobile for a big man.
Matt Borne v. Ricky Steamboat - Nice to see Steamboat in action, but not one of his best matches.
David Sammartino v. Brutus Beefcake - Just a nice paced match. The best of the card. I wonder what happened to David Sammartino. Probably blacklisted with his dad Bruno.
Greg Valentine v. Junkyard Dog - Solid match. JYD is definitely an unorthodox wrestler.
Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff v. Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo - This was a good match. Sheik and Volkoff drew some great nationalist heat.
Big John Studd v. Andre the Giant - this was a 15,000 dollar slam match. Was it supposed to be shocking that a man Andre's size could bodyslam a man Studd's size? The other way around would be a shocker.
Leilani Kai v. Wendi Richter - I think this was better women's action than the Divas matches of today. I wonder why WWE has such terrible women's wrestling compared to TNA. It's like they are half-assing it. Why even bother.
Hogan and Mr. T v. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff - A solid bout to close the show. I really think the first few Wrestlemanias - Hogan carried the show.
Overall - A solid PPV to start the Wrestlemania legacy. However, the action left a lot to be desired.
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