WrestleMania X8 (18)

- March 17th 2002, Toronto, Canada.
- Attendance - 68,237
- Buyrate - 1.60 (Interestingly the same as Rumble of '02)

- Icon vs. Icon as Goldust faces Maven.

Intercontinental Title - William Regal (c) Vs. Rob Van Dam
 Regal has brass knucks but Van Dam kicks them away, an early 5 Star misses but Rob does gets a 2 as he counters a european uppercut to a backslide. Woah nice neckbreaker variant by Regal. Rolling Thunder is blocked and Regal gets a 2 off of a powerbomb as he is in control. Monkey flip by Van Dam, I think he was going for one moments earlier but miscommunication stopped it. Van Dam may be dead after a beautiful half nelson, german suplex by Regal man that was sweet, he gets more knucks from his trunks but is heel kicked and 5 Star Frogsplashed for 3 at 6:18. **1/2 - Styles Clash here *starts humming AJs old theme* It wasn't bad by any means but not really, really good either. Bumped it 1/2 for the neckbreaker and suplex.

European Title - DDP (c) Vs. Christian
 Christian was having temper tantrums, well he is Canadian *waits for cheap pop from American readers*, DDP tried to help him but Christian didn't dig that. Interesting tidbit DDP appeared at two 'Manias both of which were Toronto's. Whether it was WCW, WWF or Yoga I find DDP irritating (Not as much anymore). Christian attacks from the start but Page hits the first big moves a gutwrench rib-breaker. 10 corner punches by Page but Christian flapjacks him into the turnbuckle. Abdominal stretch by Christian, last time somebody submitted was 1921, haven't been able to use that joke for a few reviews now. Christian is thrown off the top, discus forearm and a spinning powerbomb gets DDP 2. Christian avoids a Diamond Cutter then reverse DDTs out of another one for 2, good nearfall there. Diamond Cutter does hit though at 6:10 for 3. **1/2 - Better than I thought it'd be that's for sure as DDP is DDP and I don't think Christian was really good as singles guy yet, crowd were into it aswell near the end (imagine that a crowd being drawn in through the work what a novel concept). Happily proved wrong I was. (Editors Note - I revoke my DDP cheap shot as I do like the guy now, though there were moments of hesitation or slight mistakes on recent viewings)

Coach catches up with The Rock.

Hardcore Title - Goldust Vs. Maven (c)
 Goldust attacks prebell, he lobs Maven into the barricade. He goes to slingshot him into a trashcan but misses, Maven dropkicks said trashcan in Goldust's mush. Golden shovel is retrieved and seesawed into Mavens ribs. Double trashcan lid shots then Spike Dudley runs down pinning Maven for 3 at 3:18. Post Match- He is chased through the crowd by Crash Holly, Goldust and maybe Maven. * - Just used to set up an ongoing thing that progresses through this Mania, you'll see soon.

Drowning Pool play over a video about HHH/Y2J but I don't care so Fast Forward time. After that we go backstage where Al Snow attempts to run down Crash and Spike, Hurricane Helms swings from camera left and pins Spike for the Hardcore Title.

Kurt Angle Vs. Kane
 Kurt is rocking his alternate black attire tonight. Masked Kanes last 'Mania appearance as he was only on HeAt at 19. Kurt attacks pre-bell with the ringbell then hits a german. He uses the ropes to avoid a Chokeslam. Belly-to-bell, clothesline and a belly to back suplex by Angle who has started the match better than Kane who hasn't had much offense so far. Sidewalk slam by Kane but Kurt soon strikes back with multiple germans for a 2 count. Big boot, back body drop as Kane is gathering momentum, Chokeslam but Kurt gets a rope break. Kurt avoids a Tombstone by pulling Kanes mask leading to an Angle Slam but it only gets 2. Ankle Lock is applied, the only move to make Kane submit at that time but he enziguris out of it. Kane heads up top but Kurt hits his running suplex off the top, he avoids a Chokeslam and gets 3 from a sloppy roll up at 10:39. *** - I enjoyed it, Kane to be fair brought his game aswell so Kurt didn't carry him to a good match. No real story to it though. (Editors Note - I can't remember there being much story to the whole angle either why were they wrestling?).

No DQ - Undertaker Vs. Ric Flair
 Not sure why Deadman wanted the match with Flair but when he said no Taker beat up Arn Anderson and David Flair so Ric accepted the match, he was also arrested and kicked off the WWF board. Short haired 'Mania debut for Taker. Ducks and punches by Naitch. Flair tries his corner flip, emphasis on tries. Punches to a seated lair busts him open. Flair is beaten down for a while then fires of some chops, is that his blood on the camera? Undertaker hits a superplex and I mean super as Flair looked to be about 30ft high. Flair's hair has gone like Guiles from Street Fighter, wasn't he portrayed as the main guy in the film, which is BS as Ryu is the main dude whilst Sagat is the best, Hadouken!. Old School is countered, I think Taker called Ric a 'piece of shit'. Ric misses a boot and is crotched over the top rope, Ric retrieves a lead pipe from Takers bike, WrestleMania does Cluedo, Taker gets busted by it. Figure Four is applied, Taker breaks it by grabbing Flairs throat. Chokeslam gets 2. Spinebuster out of nowhere by Arn Anderson, I mean literally out of nowhere. They try a Last Ride but Deadman cant get Flair up for it so he decides to go back to his roots and Tombstones Ric for 3 at 18:46. *** - Again I liked it more than I thought I would however I did feel it was dragging towards the end, but like I said I did enjoy it. Taker is 10-0 as of 2002.

Booker-T Vs. Edge
 This is the infamous Shower Endorsement feud. Edge got to endorse a hair product in Japan which Booker didn't like, I'm not making that up people. Edge gets a hometown pop, he was here in the audience for 'Mania 6 and now he's performing, nice little feel good story there. Spinkick gets Booker 2 then he clotheslines Edge to the outside. Alabama Slam by Booker who then heads up top but is, kind of, hurricanraned down, that could've gone seriously wrong for Booker there. Edge-a-matic gets 2 as does a spinning heel kick from the top. They both do a Spin-A-Rooni, Edge does one after getting 2 from a Spear. Edge-A-Cution, Impaler DDT, gets 3 at 6:30. ** - RAW match really, Edge must've been disappointed as this was his home town, I bet can't believe this happenin' in his own town.

Hurricane Helms gets cracked by a frying pan due to his sidekick Might Molly, she is the new Hardcore Champion. Robin wouldn't do that to Batman .... or would he?

Stone Cold Vs. Scott Hall (w/Kevin Nash)
 Welcome back to the midcard Steve, not seen you for a few years, his first generally pointless 'Mania match since WM 12. With these two in there i'd prefer a drinking contest. Oh jesus Nash is here with Hall. Stomps then Thesz Press by Steve who then attacks Nash ringside, probably injuring him. Irish whips with follow up clotheslines by Hall. Nash gets some cheap shots in. Stunner out of nowhere but Nash pulls the ref out. Austin Stunners the pair of fools. Outsiders Edge is avoided with a backdrop over the top. Hall gets 2 from a Stunner. Two Stunners to Hall, that is the most ridiculous Stunner bump i've ever seen get 3 at 9:51. *1/2 - That sucked the life out of  WrestleMania. Austin looked like a regular member of the roster for the first time in years. His heart wasn't in it I don't think. At the next PPV, which I would review had I not lost the VHS tape, Hall was demoted to facing Bradshaw .... maybe it's a good thing I lost the tape. (I've since read that Hall was supposed to win and this caused the brand split but Austin refused .... what a guy)

We get clips of Axxess.

WWF Tag Titles - Billy/Chuck (c) Vs. Dudleyz Vs. Hardyz Vs. APA
 Dudz have a live version of their theme which is a dud, Buh Buh does the air guitar. Just think 2 years later Bradshaw would be WWE Champion, scary isn't it. Bradshaw beats on the Champions but at 3:20 he is 3Dd out of the match. Hardyz come in fighting everyone then Dudleyz set up a table at ringside. Jeff Hardy slaps Stacey Keiblers behind then kisses her, she's with Dudleyz. Buh Buh and Billy Gunn hit Doomsday Device on Jeff who has been beaten down for a while. This match is starting to drag. Lukewarm tag to Matt, soon after D-Von goes for Wassssup but is pushed through the table he set up earlier at ringside. Buh Buh is Twist Of Fated and Swantoned out at 11:50ish. Gunn and Palumbo retain their titles the cheap way with a belt shot to Jeff at 13:50ish. *1/2 - Boring and it dragged especially in the middle part. These last two matches have marshed my mellow man.

Hogan tells Nash and Hall he doesn't want their help but they're all we do what we want, unfortunately that doesn't include to wrestle good matches.



The Rock Vs. 'Hollywood' Hulk Hogan
 Don't let the Hollywood fool you he is the face here the crowd goes wild and during the match he plays up to them, all about Hogan you see. This is the true main event really and everyone knew but not everyone could accept it which is why it aint top billing, these days this would headline 'Mania. Hogan shoves Rock from a tie up as crowd pops, flip these Toronto jabronis off Rock please. Hogan is almost punched over the top but he fails to get over so rolls under the ropes. Rock Bottom is avoided as Hogan is again taking control. Abdominal stretch is applied, last time that won a match was what 1972? Ref Bump! as Rock is knocked into him. Sharpshooter is applied and Hogan is tapping but there's no ref. Rock Bottom by Hulk gets 2. They take turns whipping each other with Hogans belt. Rock Bottom gets 2, now he's Hulking Up, meant to be a heel though remember, Big Boot and Leg Drop only get 2 though. Rock hits two Rock Bottoms and a Peoples Elbow for 3 at 16:19. Post match Hogan and Rock shake hands which brings Hall, Nash out where they attack Hogan but Rock makes the save. Then Hogan poses for the fans. Is this crowd the reason Hogan got the belt at Backlash a month later? ***1/2 - People think wrestling is just about in-ring but for me WWE is also about the spectacle and story as well. So this match gets *** yes work wise it wasn't very good but there's more to it than that, same reason I gave Andre/Hogan *** for WM III, diss Hogan all you want but he knew how to work a crowd better than anybody.

Big Show is at WWF New York, have to pay him his $1,000,000 a year for something I suppose.

Womens Title - Jazz (c) Vs. Lita Vs. Trish Stratus
 Poor ladies but then again the women are used as crowd breathers a lot you know the matches after the big ones so the crowd can recover. Trish is rocking Canadian attire. Hmmm Brunette Vs. Blonde Vs. Redhead. Jazz boston crabs Trish then double chicken wings Lita, did Hogan/Rock overrun as they seem to be rushing here as I don't think Wally West could keep up. Trish chick kicks and bulldogs Lita but Jazz breaks the pin. Lita backdrops Trish who does a corkscrew landing. Twist Of Fate to Jazz, Trish is now thrown into the ringpost and her knee gets stuck, that could've been serious. Jazz gets 3 with a Fisherman's suplex at 6:15 on Lita. *1/2 - Not very good and the crowd was suffering from post big match syndrome.

Christian is leaving in a taxi but is rolled up by Maven for 3 then Maven takes his taxi as well.

Undisputed Title - Chris Jericho (c) (w/ Stephanie McMahon) Vs. Triple-H
 Really it's about HHH Vs. Steph and Jericho along with the Undisputed Title(s) are irrelevant. Some group butcher HHHs theme with a live version. Hunters left leg is bandaged. Last PPV appearance of my fave WWF Title unless HHH didn't have the Undisputed title at Backlash as I honestly cant remember. High knee but Hunter but it hurts his knee then Jericho is thrown off the top into the barricade. Chop block by Jericho but now HHH is targeting Jerichos knee with several elbows, he applies a Figure Four but Stephanie breaks it. Jericho hits a missile dropkick then wraps Hunters leg around the ringpost. More knee work by Jericho leads to a ringpost Figure Four. This feels like it's gone at least a half hour but we've just hit the 10 minute mark. HHH is backdropped through the announce table. Lionsault gets 2 but HHH fights out of a Walls attempt but Y2J does apply it after countering a Pedigree. This must be the most heat less main event (or at least a Top 5). HHH Pedigrees Steph thus waking the crowd up. JR says at some point ' The greatest show of intestinal fortitude' I guess he was talking to us fans for sitting through this. Pedigree ends it at 18:40. ** - Jericho had a sound psychology strategy but it was boring. Fans didn't care for it though to be fair that may be due to Hogan/Rock which should've main evented here.

24 / 55 - Was going relatively good until we hit Austin/Hall then it was downhill from there with the only bump up being Hogan/Rock. This is a 'Mania of two halves with the first half being okay then second being poor. Thumbs in the middle here but it's by no means a must see WrestleMania.

WrestleMania 14

- Boston, Massachussetts. March  , 1998.
Attendance - 19,028
Buys - 730,000.

Opening video focuses on Austin/HBK and Taker/Kane. They do one about tradition leaving WrestleMania, that one is my top Mania video package.

15 Team Battle Royal
 13 teams get a jobber entrance as they're in ring before the show. A secret team enters and it's LOD, there's your winners. (Editor's Note - Unprofessional to not mention the others but I honestly can't remember them now I think Nation had two teams in there and the Bob/Bart version of ME were in the final two as well)

Light Heavyweight Title - TAKA Michinoku (c) Vs. Aguila
 How can you be a Light Heavyweight? This is the only LH Title match in 'Mania history. Headscissors, heel kick and asai moonsault by Aguila, who I believe is Essa Rios. Springboard crossbody by TAKA. Snapmare followed by a couple of dropkicks gets TAKA 2. Step up armdrag off the top by Aguila then a corkscrew plancha. Lawler 'I'm not biased I hate them both equally.' Moonsault gets Aguila 2. Hurricanrana off the top by the challenger. TAKA misses a moonsault allowing Aguila a la magistral for another 2. Michinoku Driver gets 3 at 5:47. **1/2 - Short but i'll bump it up 1/2 as some moves were impressive, no psychology at all though. Mexico Vs. Japan on American soil.

The Rock is interviewed by J/Gennifer Flowers about how he'd run America. This heel Rock is my favorite Rock persona. (Hold your horses son, Corporate Rock is the fave though there wasn't much difference, if any)

European Title - Triple-H (c) vs. Owen Hart
 Chyna is handcuffed to Sgt. Slaughter, he was commissoner. When Owen returned in Nov 97 I feel he should've had a run with HBK but instead he became HHHs bitch. My sister is here and she said is that two boys when HHH, Chyna appeared. Back drop, clothesline by Owen who according to my sister has funny music, she should hear his Jazzy mid 90s one. HHH rakes the eyes to avoid the Sharpshooter. Facebuster is followed by a corner beatdown as HHH is taking control. Harley Race knee gets 2, as does a DDT. HHH targets Owens ankle, which had been in a cast priot to the PPV. Owen's cut on his nose as he fights back, missile dropkick and a spinning heel kick get 2. Enziguri connects but Owen cant follow up as his ankle is hurt. Powerbomb by Hunter to block a hurricanrana. Pedigree and Sharpshooter are both avoided. Sharpshooter is now applied but Chyna helps HHH get a ropebreak. Chyna now throws powder in Slaughters eyes, lowblows Owen allowing HHH a Pedigree for 3 at 11:28. *** - Had to watch twice due to sister distracting me. No resting in the match, I hate when there's about 4 chinlocks as it ruins the pace. Bit disappointed in a heel win as it's Mania. HHHs last show as DX underling as he'd become leader 24hrs later. Probably their best match against each other here. (Editor's Note - Owen would be HHH's biyatch for the spring and I think Owen only picked up one meaningful win in a 6 way between Nation/DX when he Pedigreed HHH)

Marc Mero/Sable Vs. TAFKA Goldust/Luna
 Sable is now married to Brock Lesnar, I demand a Mero Vs. Lesnar match. Meros first, and last WrestleMania in-ring appearance. Headscissors, clotheslien by Mero so Goldust tags out but Luna doesn't want in so is chased by Sable, she soon super kicks Goldust. Crossbody gets Mero 2. Sable takes down Luna as fans pop. Goldust DDTs out of a TKO. Mero avoids Curtain Call, moonsault gets 2 as does a toprope hurricanrana. TKO connects but Luna breaks the count. SableBomb gets 2 as Luna fights back but she is TKOd for 3 at 9:11. **1/2 - To be fair it was better than I expected as majority was Mero, Goldust. Fans liked Sable and I like a good crowd so i've bumped it up 1/2. (I may of slightly underrated this one, due to expectations and the actual match we got it could be ad least a *** affair)

Intercontinental Title - The Rock (c) Vs. Ken Shamrock
 Kama, D-Lo and Mark Henry accompany Rock to 'Rocky Sucks' chants. 2 weeks prior Rock hit Ken with a wicked chairshot. Ken starts off on fi-yah so Rock bails but is caught in the aisle. Clotheslines, heel kick by Ken but he's soon whipped into the steps. Peoples Elbow, not yet what it would become, connects but soon they're ringside where Ken regains control. Chair shot by Rock when the ref is down, powerslam gets Ken 2. Ankle Lock is applied and Rock taps at 4:48. Post match Ken clears the Nation, reapplies the Ankle Lock which brings Faarooq out but he refuses to help Rock. Ken attacks some refs and is DQd post match so Rock retains. * - Da hell was that? (Editor's Note - A Dusty finish does not belong on a WrestleMania PPV a 'B' show fine but not 'Mania, akin to Owen/HHH in that Ken wouldn't get the IC strap from Rock but would beat him for the KOTR title)



WWF Tag Titles - Dumpster Match - Cactus Jack/Chainsaw Charlie Vs. New Age Outlaws (c)
 Remember when NAO dumped Cactus/Charlie off the stage in a dumpster. Charlie is Terry Funk.My disc is playing up now so I cant accurately time matches. Heard recently Foley was set to win the Tag Belts at WM 13 but Bret put the kaibosh on that, any truth to it? NAO are probably the best thrown together jobber team there's ever been. First and last 'Mania where NAO team up (Editors Note - They teamed with Kane at WM XXX which transpired after this original review). Cactus hits his running knee on Dogg against the dumpster. Billy knocks Dogg away when Cactus goes for a somersault so he just bangs into the dumpster, then he is russian leg sweeped into it. The lid is shut on the challengers repeatedly but a double Mandible Claw stops the Outlaws winning. Cactus Elbow with a baking tray connects, then he pulls out a ladder. Crazy bump, awesome visual, as Gunn and cactus are knocked off the ladder into the dumpster. Charlie is powerbombed into the dumpster, another great camera angle there. NAO fight Cactus to backstage where Gunn is Double Arm DDTd onto a pallet leading to the Outlaws being forklifted into a dumpster. New champions at 10:00. **1/2 - Enjoyable hard hitting rubbish. On RAW is WAR the next night the result was voided as it wasn't the designated dumpster, also the rematch led to NAO joining DX and was the catalyst for Foleys heel turn and Dude Love appearing. (.... again, he had been around the WWF in 1997)



Undertaker Vs. Kane
 This is a big differnece between WCW and WWF for me, the OTT characters. Can you imagine Kane or Taker in WCW doing all their magic mumbo jumbo. In July 97 Bearer referenced Kane then at Badd Blood in October he debuted. Deadman vowed to never fight Kane, they were even homies at one point but at Rumble 98 Kane tried to burn Deadman in a casket, that's against the Bro Code I think it's after Bros Before Hoes. Also Kane set a cameraman or something on fire, I guess Taker has feelings for them guys if that's what you do to annoy him. Pete Rose is in da house!!! until he is Tombstoned I guess Kane is a Red Sox fan, Undertaker vows to win the match for Pete. Druids hold up fire sticks like a guard of honour as Taker enters. Kane no sells to start but it fits with the character/persona so I dont find it irritating. Kane places Taker in a tree of woe, I thought he was going for an early Tombstone as Kane is dominant so far. Taker sits on Kane in electric chair position then is dropped off, that didn't look smooth. Ref is distracted so Kane gets some ringsteps shots in, surely though the ref would hear them, Paul Bearer gets some shots in. Kane is still dominant whilst no selling the odd punch. Chokeslam is proceeded by the dreaded chinlock, does Jack Doan still work for WWE? These two look like real life Mortal Kombat characters, another chinlock is applied, is Kane Krazy or just Kasual? Taker goes for his no hands tope but crashes through a table as Kane moves, ha Hugo Savinovich fell in slow motion. Kane counters a Tombstone into his own for 2. Kane is finally dropped via clothesline, Chokeslam then a Tombstone gets 2 as does a second by Undertaker but soon a 3rd Tombstone gets 3 at 16:48. ** - Match was never going to be great, but it got Kane across as a monster. Deadman used Ali's 'let your opponent tire themselves' strategy (Editors Note - I believe this to be Rope a Dope). Damn that chinlock though Kane!

WWF Title - Shawn Michaels (c) Vs. Stone Cold
 Stone Cold hadn't fully recovered from SummerSlam 97, never really did actually, and Michaels has his famous back problems so this match may not be up to HBKs usual standard as both are limited. The special enforcer is Mike Tyson who had sided with DX in the 'Mania run up. Tyson was set to referee Macho/Hogan in 90 so his appearance here is 8 years in the making. HBK dedicates the match to Earl Hebner who was in intensive care. Austins pop is massive. HBK comes down the locker room area as we see Undertaker looking on menacingly #ILieICheatISteal. Is this the last winged eagle appearance? (May of been on RAW is WAR the next night to do the change over to a new era but this was definately it's last PPV) Ducks and punches by HBK but Austin soon has him and backdrops him over onto HHH, speaking of Hunter he and Chyna are barred from ringside and Austin throws him into the band area as he's leaving. HBK/Austin fight in the aisle in a look into what Austins WWF Title matches would become. HBK does a turnbuckle flip thus worsening his back. Michaels avoids a Stunner, you can see the pain etched on his face as his back must be killing. Austin is backdropped over the guardrail, Michaels looks like he can barely walk. Michaels gets punches in from a mount position then flips off Boston. HBK attacks Austins knee as the match is becoming more HBK styled now. Tyson puts Austin back in the ring where he gets chopblocked, figure four is applied. Ref gets sandwiched in the corner. Austin is beating on HBK, he manages to kip up, elbow drop connects but Austin ducks the follow up SCM, HBK counters a Stunner but Austin grabs his foot to stop SCM, spins him around and Stunner gets 3 at 20:00, giving him his first WWF Title and sending HBK to his initial retirement. Post Match - HBK is all 'why you count 3 Tyson/' so Mike drops HBK, pretty much a mirror image of Macho/Hogan/Buster from 1990. ***1/2 - Bumped rating up for HBK managing to do the match, you could see his pain. Austin era begins and in a way wrestling wouldn't be the same again.

17 / 35 - The big hit ratings wise was Rock/Ken. This is a rare review in that I did it within 24hrs, usually I'll review a PPV over 3 days or so. I enjoyed the PPV so i'll give it a thumbs up also Ken/Rock stuff only goes about 5 mins.  Difference is notable aswell as this 'Mania flows like a PPV and isn't broken up by multiple backstage segments, only lasted 2hrs 45 where as today they go about 6 hours.  Pats Seal Of Approval.