WrestleMania 17

- Houston we have a problem ........ I may not have enough *'s to pass around! (I think I may of ripped that from JD Dunn or Scott Keith)

- 1st April, 2001 from Houston, Texas
- Attendance: 67,925

- Buys: 1,040,000

 Opening video is pretty good and highlights big 'Mania moments.

IC Title - Chris Jericho (c) Vs. William Regal

 Heyman and JR on commentary as King was gone from WWF (quit when they firednhis wife Miss Kitty, quite a ballsy move to be fair). Regal is the commissioner. Flying forearm and punches by Jericho then a crossbody over the top is almost overshot. Regal works over Jerichos shoulder. JR says UK has this on Sky Sports 1 and I bet any amount of money this would've gotten huge buys on Box Office (I wonder hsow many buys WWF missed out on in the UK market by not having Rumble 2000, Invasion et al on PPV). Jericho is thrown into an exposed turnbuckle. Regal gets a 2 count off a double underhook from the top rope. Jericho's shoulder gives out during a Walls attempt. Regal Stretch but Y2J gets a rope break. Bulldog, suplex and Lionsault gets Jericho the 3 count at 7:06. **1/2 - Well that was out of nowhere, boosted 1/2 as Jericho sold the shoulder.

Shane O'Mac is here then we see Bradshaw banging on about Texas.

RTC (Venis/Goodfather/Buchanan) Vs. Tazz/Acolytes (w/ Jacqueline)
 Venis, Taz fight then Jacquelien DDTs Stevie Richards. Tazz is isolated and Val does his knees into side russian leg sweep, as his gimmick is slightly changed he should do different moves. Bradshaw cleans house. Bradshaw is double powerbombed but about five seconds later beats Goodfather via Clothesline From Hell at 3:52. * - Had the brief, tag psychology with Tazz being isolated but if this card wasn't in Texas I highly doubt it would've made the show. 

Hardcore Title - Raven (c) Vs. Kane Vs. Big Show 
 JR says Kane may be the future of the WWF also Big Show has unlimited potential, this could be used as an argument in the is JR overrated debate (more non-sensical than over rated though I do prefer NWA/WCW JR to the WWF/E one who spouts cliches ad nauseum). They fight through the crowd then into the back where Kane is choked with a hose. Raven is tossed through a window, Kane is put through a door then Kane and Show go through a wall, I hope Tommy Walsh isn't watching this destruction. Raven crashes a golf cart then Kane follows in a cart with a referee as a passenger, Kane's a good guy at heart, he mows down Ravens leg, may be he isn't after all. At the entranceway now as Show has Raven up in a press slam but Kane boots him and both fall off the stage then Kane comes off with a leg drop for 3 at 9:16. ** - I didn't care for it that much but Kane in a golf cart is worthy of a boost.

Kurt tells Edge and Christian that he never officially tapped to Benoit.

European Title - Eddie Guerrero (w/ Saturn) Vs. Test (c)
 Sadly neither of these guys are longer with us. Saturn's hat is a ***** affair in my book. Test wins a punch off then gets 2 from a gut wrench powerbomb. Test blocks a top rope hurricanrana by holding onto the top rope. Test gets his leg twisted in the rope and Eddie has to free him to a minor cheer and now he's working the leg. Uh the leg work was for nothing as Test does a Tilt-a-Whirl slam and Powerbomb. Perry Saturn and then Dean Malenko get involved and Eddie wins via belt shot of all things at 8:05 but more important than the belt Eddie gets to wear Saturn's hat. *** - Actually a good match here, slightly annoyed at Test not selling the leg but for once i'll let is slide.

Kurt Angle Vs. Chris Benoit
 If I remember right this is where the PPV kicks into higher gear. Kurt cuts a promo as he comes down the ramp 'lose the freakin' cowboy hats you're not seven years old'. Kurt wins an amateur wrestle off. Paul says Benoit was an undefeated WCW Champion which whilst true is slightly misleading in that he bailed from WCW soon after winning the title (Did he even appear on Nitro with it?). More mat wrestling and Benoit almost gets a Crossface. Kurt gets a cheapshot in and takes control soon fires off a couple of belly-to-bellys. The camera goes up at one point and man the Astrodome is huge. Benoit hits two germans but a third is countered to an Ankle Lock which Benoit transitions into his own Ankle Lock but Kurt turns that into a pin then applies a Crossface of his own. Ref Bump! Kurt taps to Crossface but the ref is down. Angle Slam gets a 2 count then Kurt goes for a moonsault, in my pad it says the Holly arm breaker and I didn't know what the hell I was on about, but Benoit gets his knees up. Diving Headbutt only gets Benoit 2. Kurt hits a low blow then a roll up for the 3 count at 14:02. **** - I used to hate amateur style matches as a kid but now I respect and like them and generally can't stand hardcore matches that I used to love, I've lost me sense of identity! Oh yeah the match was awesome bar the cheapish ending but i'll let it sliiiiiiiiiiiiide due to the quality beforehand. 

Kamala trashes Regals office then Benoit makes Angle tap backstage, WWF should've taped that over the ending of  the match, i'm sure no-one would've noticed the different setting.

Womens Title - Chyna Vs. Ivory (c)
 This match is not rateable under my rules as it's sub 3 mins. The best bit JR 'maybe we could call that a Chyna-line, or maybe not' Heyman 'Let's stick with maybe not', Chyna won with a Press Slam.

Street Fight - S/Ref - Mick Foley - Vince McMahon (w/ Steph) V Shane McMahon
 Imagine if this was Vince Vs. Bischoff (should've booked that to mock WCW more and say they booked the match WCW couldn't deliver on at Slamboree). Vince was ready to buy WCW but Shane bought it instead, Shane shouts out to his WCW homies(/jobbers) in attendance. Has a ref ever got an entrance between the wrestlers ones before? Foley was Commish until Vincenzo fired him in December. Vince hits punches but Shane then spears him, Vinnie must've potatoed Shane-O as his eye is swollen. Sign shots by Shane then a clothesline off the barricade. The Spanish Announcers have their work place trashed for the 100th PPV in a row, TV monitor shot sparks Vincent out but Shane misses his elbow from the top as Steph moves Vince. Trish Stratus wheels down Linda McMahon, Vince was having an affair with trish or something kind of like he is WWF's Flair. Trish slaps Vince to a pop then chases Steph up the aisle leading to a B-Move style fall from Steph. Vinnie Mac hits Mick with a chair, seems to hit him in the back of the head or at least partly, he places Linda in the ring and puts her in a chair. Vincent Kennedy McMahon goes to hit Shane but Linda stands up to a pop, she's WWF's version of Spike! She low blows VKM then Foley gets shots in thus raising the pop. Shane ends it in quite spectacular fashion with a Trash Can assisted Van-Terminator, Rob Van Who? 14:12. **** - This is kind of what the WWF did best in that we got an overbooked but entertaining spectacle where the heel got his comeuppance. Some may think overrated but I stand by it also as of now Vince is my WWF/E Konnan in that I'll try to use a different version of his name in his matches.

WWF Tag Titles - TLC II - Edge/Christian Vs. Hardyz Vs. Dudleyz (c)  
 Speaking of overbooked spectacles. I think JR says E&C won at No Mercy '99 but that's wrong. This is classed as TLC II as the term TLC wasn't used for WrestleMania 16. Edge and Christian are quadruple teamed to start. Hardyz and Dudz are taken out by a ladder then Jeff is drop toe holded onto a chair. Dudz have a ladder but get hit by a MLB slide. legdrop and splash combo to Christian then Edge is hit with the Wassssup headbutt. 'D-Von get the tables!!!!!' Edge is put on a table and Jeff is powerbombed through him. All six guys climb ladders in the ring then fall off them, Christian takes a particularly brutal fall as he goes right to ringside. Spike Dudley runs in and Acid Drops Christian through a table. Rhyno comes down and takes out Dudleyz and Gores Matt through a table. Spike knocks Rhyno into a ladder knocking Edge off, speaking of knocking Edge off, Lita's here and almost kills Spike with a chair shot, she removes her top and is 3Dd. Rhyno and Spike are placed on tables and Jeff Swantons them both, well he barely clips Rhyno as Spike takes the brunt of it. D-Von and Christian hang from the belts then they come back down to ground level the hard way. Jeff uses ladders like stepping stones and is now hanging from the belts and this leads to one of wrestling's most famous moves as Edge Spears Jeff as he hangs from the titles. Rhyno dumps Matt and Buh Buh off a ladder through a stack of tables on the outside. Rhyno lifts Christian up a ladder and to the belts. **** - Pretty good spot fest but not as good as I remembered, this may sound ridiculous in the context of a TLC match but with the other three people getting involved it almost felt like overkill. Kind of like having a good night out with mates then when you are sober and think back about it the night wasn't that good after all. Anyone else now want a beer? I think I prefer SummerSlam 2000s TLC. (I do prefer the 1st one indeed)

Highlights of Axxess.

Gimmick Battle Royal
 Under the Patrick Doesn't Review Battle Royals act of 2013 I can't give this a score but I'll tell you the participants - The Bushwhackers, Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese, Iron Sheik, Earthquake, The Goon, Doink The Clown, Kamala, Repo Man - Gene: 'About five years ago he got my mother-in-law' Bobby 'About four years ago everyone got your mother-in-law', Jim Cornette, Nikolai Volkoff - his music reminds me of the Sonic 2 level on the plane, Michael 'PS' Hayes - Badstreet theme alone is worth *****, One Man Gang, Gobbly Gooker - Hector Guerrero is under the outfit tonight I believe, Tugboat, Hillbilly Jim, Brother Love, Sgt. Slaughter.  Iron Sheik won it as he can't actually go over the top rope. I made a note during BL's entrance re the Bobby Roode contract fiasco of a few years ago so that gives some idea of when I did this review. Earthquake and Tugboat may be better remembered as Golga and Typhoon respectively (I doubt Golga is more remembered than Earthquake and I loved The Oddities).

Mark Calaway Vs. Triple-H
Basic angle here 'I've between everyone' 'You ain't beat me' 'let's get it on' though not how Marvin Gaye meant. Will Terra Ryzing end Mean Mark Callous' Mania streak?  (No but some guy in developmental will) Starts on the outside. Powerslam by the Dead Biker but he misses an elbow. HHH pulls Taker off the top to counter old school. Mike Chioda and HHH have a shove off. Ref Bump! after only six minutes as HHH is slingshotted into him. Chokeslam only gets 2 so Taker attacks the ref. Fighting through the crowd and now I think they're at the hard camera station, HHH is Chokeslammed off the structure then Taker does an elbow off it, we see that they seemed to land on a bouncy castle it had that much give. They are now back in the ring where Mike Chioda is still out, what a seller. HHH tries a Tombstone but Taker counters and hits his own, quite notable as he rarely used it at this point. Last Ride is attempted but HHH takes a Sledgehammer up with him and cracks UT with it for a 2 count and a 2002 Christian fir from Hunter, Sledge hammer must be the most Suspension Of Disbelief killing weapon in wrestling even above Halls taser. Then we get the usual Last Ride ending where Takers opponent does the 10 Corner Punches and he Last Rides them. (18:17) ***1/2 - It was enjoyable but my question is did HHH and the match structure help hide Takers weaknesses as he was bad for awhile upon his 2000 return or did UT up his game as he faced The Game?

WWF Title - Stone Cold Vs. The Rock (c)
 Austin won the Rumble and Rock won the title from Angle at No Way Out. Pretty darn good video set to that 'My Way or the Highway' song. Stone Cold gets a pop that may still be reverberating around Houston. The match is made No DQ. Thesz Press and elbow by Steve then Rock hits a neckbreaker. They fight in the crowd then back to the ring as Austin is in control. Wahey Earl trips over the ring steps, Rock is cut from a ringbell shot. Austin does something that isn't a punch and that alone may shatter the space time continuum, as a neckbreaker gets 2. Austin is bounced off an exposed turnbuckle and hit with a ringbell, we now have a double juicer. Stunner is blocked and Sharp Shooter *WrestleMania 13* is applied but Austin gets a rope break, it's No DQ so why should Rock break it? Rock counters Million Dollar Dream *WrestleMania 8* for 2. Stunner by Rock gets 2 and here's Vincenzo. Peoples Elbow but Vince pulls Rock off Austin, Rock gives chase but is Austin Bottomed for 2. Vince hits Rock with a chair for 2. Stone Cold ends it with 18 chair shots after a Stunner gets 2 and the chair shots finally put Rock away at 28:06. Vince and Steve drink beers as Vince turns face! oh no sorry Austin goes heel as he's cheered in hindsight everyone, including the people involved I believe, thinks this was the wrong way to go. **** - Very good WWF style main event, however personally I do think it drags towards the ending and would've been better had we cut to the ending after Vince breaks the Rocks pin when he comes out. This I think is generally placed near the top of Mania matches but I don't agree with that.

28  / 45 - That's a real good score believe me. The first part is pretty poor but from Eddie/Test onwards all is good to very good, the fact three of matches are **** makes this a easy thumbs up. The card had something for most people - the wrestling from Ben/Ang, car crash spot fest - TLC, WWF style matches - Vince/Shane and Rock/Austin.
 I do think the main event is over rated in general and is not the best Wrestle Mania main event let alone match but overall the PPV is very, very good. 
Easy Thumbs UP here. 

King Of The Ring 1998

- June 28th 1998, Pittsburgh, PA.
Attendance: 17,087
Buyrate: 1.10

 Opening video is about Kane/Austin, Kane says he'll set himself aflame if he loses (Sounds like something younger me would of said if on a PS1 losing streak)and some little known Mankind/Taker match. No mention of the tourney which this PPV lends its name to.

Headbangers/TAKA Vs. Kaientai
 Lawler calls him TAKA Michi-no clue, which got a titter from me. Thrasher hits a tilt-a-whirl then a powerslam for 2 on Teioh. Togo and Funaki double team TAKA who is isolated. Heel miscommunication as Funaki floors Togo. Headbangers flapjack TAKA onto Funaki and Michinoku Driver ends it. ** - Not bad, not great just a crowd warmer. 

Sable introduces McMahon and The Stooges, that sounds like a 50s/60s rock 'n' roll band. Pat Patterson grabs her derriere so she slaps him. Vince tells us to expect disappointment.

Semi-Final - Ken Shamrock Vs. Jeff Jarrett (w/ Tennessee Lee)
 Name drop time, I recently met Jeff Jarrett (at Wales Comic Con, also met RVD). Ken def. Mark Henry and Jeff beat Marc Mero to get here. This is the 'ain't I great' Jeff as SummerSlam was two months away (At that show he gets his hair shaved by X-Pac, who i'll meet in November, and from then on was the Jarrett we still see today attire wise). Suplex gets Ken an early 2, but Jeff soon takes control. Ringside now where Jeff is bounced off the barricade and whipped into the ring steps. Tennessee trips Ken so Jeff works the leg for a figure four but Kn fights back and decides to not sell the leg. Hurricanrana basically spikes Jeff and Ankle Lock finishes it. ** - Meh, annoyed at Ken for not selling the leg. 

Semi-Final - The Rock Vs. Dan Severn
 Talk about clash of styles. Rock def. HHH and Dan def. Owen to get here. If you've never seen Dan then picture a butch Freddie Mercury. Dan uses amateur wrestling to take down Rocky, i'm surprised he hasn't been booed out of the building for doing wrestling. Ends when D-Lo Brown, with his chest protector, hits a Frog Splash on Dan. *1/2 (Didn't mix at all, bigger question is why didn't I write that here at the time - comments in brackets are later add-ons)

S/Ref - Jerry Lawler - Too Much Vs. Al Snow/Head
 Snow wins and he gets a meeting with Vince, because he just managed to get a PPV match without one. 'The Head don't lie down for nobody', 'you boys are going to get head like you never had before'. Lawler keeps his crown on to ref. King blocks a Snow punch so Brian Christopher, Kings son, hits Al. Jerry counts slow after Al hits a powerbomb on Brian. Too Much double up on Al but Al hits Scott Taylor with a wheel barrow suplex but then he is bulldogged by Brian. Snow tags Head to cheers. Stupid ending which does get a laugh from me for its stupidness, King gets a bottle of Head and Shoulders and Brian puts Head on it, so it has shoulders get it? then gets the 3 count. * - Well that was certainly something, Too Much would be reinvented as Too Cool and believe it or not would be WWF Tag Team Champions eventually, now you know.

X-Pac (w/ Chyna) Vs. Owen Hart
 Part of DX/Nation feud. Nation started as a militant black group and now their best wrestler is a caucasian from Calgary. Quick start. Owen gets 2 off a heel kick. I think they try to do a bit where X-Pac kneels behind Owen to trip him up but they don't quite work it right. Nice fisherman and a gut wrench both get Owen a 2 count. X-Pac is whipped ringside and goes right over the ringbell area. Bronco Buster connects. X-Pac gets crotched up top and falls ringside where he's splashed by Henry. Vader comes out and attacks Henry and slips, Chyna sneaks in DDTs Owen allowing X-Pac a 3 count. **1/2 - Best match so far but the busy overbooked ending annoyed me, Owen goes from HBK-HHH-X-Pac and still doesn't get a W, he did enough jobs to Hunter to at least get a W over X-Pac. (Not a shot at X-Pac by any means but give Owen something WWF)

WWF Tag Titles - NAO (c) Vs. Midnight Express 
 This is the Bob Holly, Bart Gunn combo (so a joke basically). Smoking Gunns explode. We get the usual Outlaw match where Dogg plays face in peril. Gunn tags in and cleans house. Jim Cornette stops Gunn hitting a piledriver via a belt shot then Chyna low blows him. Double hotshot finishes Holly. **1/2 - Basic formulaic tag match.

KOTR Final - Ken Shamrock Vs. The Rock
 Ken and Rock met for the 1,024th time of 1998. European Champion HHH is on commentary and gets a dig in at WCW. Rock goes ringside after he's booted. Chyna is on spanish commentary as HHH says he's bi many things but lingual isn't one. HHH spits water in Rocks face. Back in Ken blocks a suplex and hits his own for a 2 count. Rock controls the match around ringside then gets a DDT for 2 back in the ring. Chinlock applied, Peoples Elbow gets 2 then another chinlock is applied. JR says Too Much/Snow set wrestling back 20 years. Floatover DDT gets Rock another 2. Rock is locked in the Ankle Lock and King Ken is crowned and this time Ken is not DQd post match. *** - Got better when nearfalls kicked in, i'd say this was their best match together, at least one-on-one. In shock as Ken beat Rock and wasn't DQd post match. Did nothing in the long run, or short run in Ken's case.

Hell In A Cell - Undertaker Vs. Mankind

 (This match was reviewed already when I did Mick Foleys Greatest Hits and Misses so shall be pasted from there) Most famous match ever? Mankind is on top of the cell to start which kind of shows how ca-razy! this is gonna be. Chair shots on the roof by Mankind then Taker just thinks screw this and launches Mick off of the cell down through the Spanish Announce Table, my favorite angle is the cameraman on the floor where you see Mankind coming down. JR: 'My god almighty that killed him, as god as my witness he is broken in half' (Don't why he said that as I didn't witness JR at that time, #GodComplex). Match grinds to a halt as Mick gets medical attention but he gets off the stretcher on the aisle and climbs up, his shoulder seems to be dislocated or something as his arm is almost hanging in a way, he lasts on the top for about 30 seconds before Undertaker 'Chokeslams' him through the roof and Mick kind of SPLATS on the mat which had little to no give in it (Thank god it wasn't a true Chokeslam or Mankind may of been even more hurt). Terry Funk eats a chokeslam to bide time. Mankind is up but when Taker punches him he kind of crumbles to the mat, he manages to crotch Taker when he goes Old School then we get the awesome visual of Mick smiling with something sticking out of his nose. Taker suicide dives into the cell and is now cut. Back in ring now as Mankind gets 2 from a piledriver onto a chair then he gets a bag from ringside which he empties to reveal thumb tacks. tombstone is avoided via a Mandible Claw but Taker falls back so Foley lands on the tacs, Chokeslam then a Tombstone mercifully end the match. ***1/2 - Match itself was 2 or 2 1/2 but I boosted it up for the bumps. I class this as the same as Andre/Hogan and Rock/Hogan in that they aren't good but from a spectacle standpoint I think every fan should see them once.

WWF Title - First Blood - Kane Vs. Stone Cold (c)

 Kane beat Taker to get this shot, I believe Masked Kane's only win over the Deadman. This is part of the Vince-Mankind-Taker-Kane-Austin stuff that carried WWF through the summer. Odds are stacked as Kane has double sleeved attire and of course just so happens to be masked. The Cell gets lowered and Austin is whipped into it a few times. Cell then raises with Kane seesawed on the bottom of the door. Fighting at the entranceway now where Kane counters a piledriver and a suplex, Kane's been on top so far. Back in-ring Kane is bounced off an exposed turnbuckle, hey i've just spotted the pink shirt guy who seemingly attends all WWF/E PPVs, not that there's anything wrong with that. Earl Hebner gets squashed between Austin and the barricade, Mankind comes out but he is Stunnered as is Kane. Undertaker comes out and cracks Austin with a chair though it seemed he was aiming for Mankind. Austin is busted from the chair shot and Kane is declared the winner and starts his fantastic one day reign. Exclusive post match footage, oooooooooh, shows Austin Stunnering Mankind and Briscoe so fans in attendance can go home happy .... if people in Pittsburgh can even be happy that is. (Letting my sports team, hatred creep in there, though pittsburgh does sound dull and depressing)
** - Eh, not much style or substance more to keep angle going than be a credible main event in its own right.

20 / 45 - Dragged down by Too Much Vs. Al/Head and Rock/Severn but the rest ranged from passable to good so I'll say thumbs in the middle. The big selling point though must've been seen by my mother, my dog and clown (This morning I heard that David Bowie passed away on 10/01/16, RIP good sir and thank you for the music). Kens KOTR win led to nothing though as Rock, HHH and Mankind breezed past him in the title picture and Kane's Title reign ended the next night via Stone Cold so some of what happened actually was pointless. Thumbs in the middle as stated.

Royal Rumble 2004

- January 25th, 2004 from Philadelphia, PA.
- Attendance: 17,289
- Buys: 500,000

(This review is done in a style that I don't think I've used before or since, maybe I'll return to it one day but for now this is the only one I am aware of that isn't a move-for-move type of review and more a general overview of my thoughts)

- Having just reviewed Survivor Series 2003 I had intended to do Armageddon 2003 then carry on from there in order however I can't find Armageddon DVD, maybe it left in shame?, so I've gone straight to the 04 Rumble but at A'ddon Evolution did a Horsemen and claimed all the Gold (Bat/Ric = Tag, Orton = IC and HHH = WHC).

World Tag Titles - Tables Match - Batista/Flair (c) Vs. Dudleyz
 Dudleyz had the Tag Titles at Armageddon after winning a Turmoil match but then Batista and Flair were entered as a surprise and won the Titles. This match is short and not very good, the only notable thing was when Flair was about to be 3Dd but Jonathon Coachman distracted Bubba and Batista Spine bustered D-Von through a table. Match went about 5 minutes and finish was out of nowhere earning it *1/2

John Cena is interviewed by Josh Matthews who looks like a flamboyant hair dresser but RVD interrupts.

CruiserWeight Title - Rey Mysterio (c) Vs. Jamie Noble (w/ a blind Nidia)
 This is even shorter than the previous match, which gives me the feeling HHH/HBK is going to go about an hour to try over shadow the Rumble itself. They did more than the previous match though, it ended when Nidia accidentally tripped Noble leaving him easy prey for the 619, Rey wins. *1/2.


  
Eddie Guerrero Vs. Chavo Guerrero (w/ Chavo Guerrero. sr)
 This match was a disappointment as whilst it got more time than the rest it lacked the intensity it needed. This was not only a Tag split up scenario but also a family feud but as stated you wouldn't know it was. Nothing much happened really and the ending was out of nowhere as Eddy suddenly hit Frog Splash for the 3 count, post match he beats up both Chavos. At this point in the review my hand started shaking and I couldnt write properly but I soldiered on even though my writing is nearly unreadbale. I'd of preferred a brawl style match. **

Benoit chats to Josh Matthews until Evolution appear, Flair says Benoit is the greatest technical wrestler today but tonight is all about Evolution.

WWE Title - Brock Lesnar (c) Vs. Hardcore Holly
 Lesnar broke Hollys neck in 2002 so now Holly gets a Title Shot. Match sucks basically as it goes around 8 minutes and 4 of those are Lesnar holding Holly on the mat in a waistlock, as if a Harcore Holly match wasn't bad enough. Alabama Slam hits by Holly but he soon walks into an F-5 as Lesnar retains. This undercard has just been all wrong so far tonight. Most interesting thing about this - it was Lesnars last win on a WWE PPV until SummerSlam 2012 over HHH. *1/2

World Heavyweight Title - Last Man Standing - HHH (c) Vs. HBK
 Unless this is HBK/Taker level quality I will hate this undercard. I hope it isn't big move - 9 count - big move - 9 count etc. from the off. HBK does an over exaggerated bump off a face buster. Wahey Fink is hit by the table cover when HHH removes it, fans boo when no-one goes through the announce table. HBK goes for his springboard crossbody but puts himself through the S-A-T and blades, why from that? Now we've entered dramatic count time as HBK is busted, woah HHH looks like Greg Valentine. Chairshot by HBK bust HHH as we've entered double juice territory, you see some people seem to think blood automatically makes a match much better, this is the counter point to that argument. HBK does his usual routine following a forearm but he misses the Sweet Chin Music as he gets low blowed. Pedigree doesn't get HHH the win then Sweet Chin Music gets .... a damn draw, it's a DRAW! the crowd rightfully boo that ending which is nothing more than a damn cop out, uh I hate this undercard it's been booked badly. Docked points for ending but honestly wasn't that great anyway. **1/2 

Bischoff and Heyman come out because enough time hasn't already been wasted and here's Sheriff Austin who Stunners the pair. Austin being the guy who was fired from WWE in November 2003.

Royal Rumble Match
 That guy is #1 and Orton is #2, but in all seriousness I can separate Benoit wrestler form murderer so I'll use his name from here on in. Nice touch as Tazz and JR are handling announcing duties (It's a mix of the RAW and SMACKDOWN! announcers is what that means). Benoit is on top as Mark Henry enters at #3. Kind of funny watching this now as Orton def. benoit for his 1st WHC Title and Henry drf. orton for his 1st, imagine if you'd been told that in 2004. Tajiri is #4 and there's no way he and Henry had the same time between numbers. Rolling germans to Tajiri. #5 is Bradshaw but he's quickly dumped by Benoit. Just 5 months later Bradshaw would be WWE Champion. #6 is Rhyno and soon Tajiri, Mark Henry are both eliminated. #7 is Matt Hardy who avoids being eliminated by Benoit. #8 is Scott Steiner who casually clotheslines people then hits suplexes. #9 is Matt Morgan as the Rumble slows down a bit in ring wise. #10 is Hurricane but Morgan no sells his stuff then throws him out, Hurricane looked hurt on the landing. #11 is Booker-T who faces off w/ Steiner, they had the last WCW Title match on WCW TV. Few eliminations so far but #12 is Kane so that may change. Steiner got eliminated during Kane's entrance by Booker. Kane cleans everybody's clock but as #13 enters Undertakers dong goes off allowing Booker to eliminate a shocked Kane, Spike Dudley comes out but doesn't make it to the ring as Kane attacks him. #14 is Rikishi. Rhyno is eliminated by Benoit via back drop. Benoit has 3 of the 7 eliminations so far. #15 is Rene Dupree who eliminates Matt Hardy but turns into a Rikishi Super Kick and  Rene Dupree is gone from the Rumble. #16 is A-Train and Matt Morgan misses a corner boot allowing Benoit to eliminate him. Randy Orton eliminates both Rikishi and Booker-T in quick succession. #17 is Shelton Benjamin as Benoit eliminates A-Train and Orton eliminates Benjamin leaving just the original 2 in the ring. #18 is Earnest 'The Cat' Miller, isn't that Brodus Clays theme?, who dances with his announcer but Orton eliminates Miller Benoit went to eliminate his mate but threw off the guys afro wig, that was funny. #19 is Angle who fights with Benoit as Orton rests. #20 is Rico but he is soon RKOd and eliminated. For #21 we go backstage as Test is lay out, oh no! Stone Cold tells the guy who did it to enter the Rumble, this being the Stone Cold who was 'fired' from WWE at Survivor Series 2003, it turns out to be Mick Foley so Orton does the heel special - rabbit caught in headlights look, they fight and a Cactus Clothesline eliminates both Foley and Orton, they fight ringside where agents try to break it, Foley KOs Finlay w/ the ringsteps but Orton cracks Mick with a chair. #23 is Nunzio who is Mandible Clawed but not eliminated like Spike and sits at ringside so hasn't officially entered the match. Angle germans Christian and Benoit as #24 is Big Show who beats people down. #25 is Jericho who teams with Christian to beat down Angle in the corner. Everyone tries to eliminate Show but fail. #26 is Charlie Haas and Christian is eliminated by Jericho, what are friends for? #27 is Billy Gunn, there's my pick folks Fame Assers all round. Now remember #27 has produced the most winners up to this point (it may still now but this PPV is a decade old). #28 enters and it is ..... John Cena and he brings Nunzio into the ring. #29 is RVD. Kurt Angle gets FUd. The final man in at #30 is Goldberg he Spears Show and Gunn then eliminates Haas, then hits the Ultimate Spear and sends Nunzio from Philly to Tijuana, that's right folks from North American to Mexico. Nunzio and Gunn are eliminated by Goldberg so no 27 winner this year. Jackhammer is set up on Show but here's Brock Lesnar who F5s Goldberg leaving him easy prey for Angle to eliminate Goldberg. 5 men fail to eliminate Big Show then they take turns doing their moves to him. Show eliminates Cena whos knee goes more or less 90' on impact, that looked bad I think it's on the Dont Try This At Home or at least it was. Van Dam is caught in a monkey flip and eliminated by Big Show, how RVD expected to flip Show in the first place I dont know maybe he was in the clouds. Jericho goes all Rick Steiner and hits a top rope bulldog but is soon ChokeSlammed out by Show, bye-bye Jericho. Benoit is ChokeSlammed then Kurt hits Angle Slams on both Big Show and Benoit. Ankle Lock to Show but he uses the ropes to throw Angle out as we are down to the Final Two. Now I dont know if this is the intention but Benoit is left with a man who 5 people failed to eliminate as a team, how can he do it? Well he counters a Chokeslam to a front face lock and manages to choke Big Show who goes out over the top as Benoit is hooked on the rope, Benoit goes NY to Cali! Arguably the best ever Rumble, certainly a Top 3, i'm judging by match quality so going ***** however I understand if some cant watch this anymore. Benoit also had most eliminations with 6.

14 / 30 - A PPV of Jekyll and Hyde quality as the undercard is pretty bad - two of them were mismanaged time wise, one was an insult for a WWE Title match on PPV, another lacked intensity it needed and the WHC ended in a draw however if you think a Rumble PPV depends on the Rumble itself then i'd recommend this PPV just fast foward the rest of it.

Backlash 2000

- My first review since becoming Douglas Nelson. Honestly in 2014 my WWE interest has waned (It's now Feb 2016 and it still has recovered yet) and I haven't done a review since October, it was a live HIAC 2013 from a pub, but what a PPV to make a return on, I'm honestly surprised I haven't already done this PPV. (Disclaimer, it's not that interesting) Interesting tidbit time - I intended to stay up to watch this on Channel 4 but only woke halfway through in time for Big Show/Angle, I was 10 years old and it was a school night.

Can Rock overcome the McMahon-Helmsley regime? Will Austin show up to help him? Hmm as this PPV was 14 years ago you probably know the answer but lets not ruin it for First Timers.

- April  2000 from Washington, DC.
- Attendance: 19,101

WWF Tag Titles - Edge/Christian (c) Vs. Road Dogg/X-Pac (w/ Tori)
 Debra 'handles' ring announcing duties. Say there's a kid in school who has Digimon Cards and he's cool for awhile but then one day kids come along with Yu-Gi-Oh cards and the Digi guy is no longer relevant well that's pretty much Outlaws/DX when Hardyz and co. flourished in late '99. 'X-Pac Sucks' chant but he proves he doesn't suck he instead spits which is what he does at Edge then leaves the ring. DX control Christian via double teaming him behind the refs back (Old school tag stuff that I do admire). Edge tags in but ref doesn't see it allowing more DX double team. Dogg applies a chinlock probably to allow him recovery time from being booted in the back. Double reverse DDT by Christian and a hot tag to Edge, a powerbomb gets 2 on X-Pac. Road Dogg avoids Unprettier but is Speared. Heel miscommunication as X-Pac cracks Tori. X-Factor to Edge but Christian hits X-Pac with the ring bell and Edge/Christian retain the gold, X-Pac is busted. ***1/2 - Good hot opener, sound tag psychology as well by DX. 

Light Heavyweight Title - Dean Malenko (c) Vs. Scotty 2 Hotty 
 Firstly how can you be a Light-Heavyweight? It's like being billed as a tall midget. Scotty starts better getting a couple of early 2s. Scotty goes for a bulldog but is clotheslined hard as Dean starts to take control. This is how hot WWF was I mean can you imagine Scott Taylor getting a title shot on PPV in 98 and being .... liked! Dean is going for the knee, psychology time though it'll only matter if Scotty sells it. This is becoming a cruiserweight version of Flair/Luger from Starrcade '88. Enziguri stops Deans onslaught for about 30 seconds. S2H gets 2s off of a roll up, a backslide and an inside cradle. Worm Time as crowd pop and Scotty seemingly forgets Deans leg work. Finish is certainly memorable as Dean finishes Scotty with a DDT off the top rope. yeah you read that right, DC goes 'Woaaaaah'. - ***1/2 - Scotty 2 Hotty in a near 4 **** match am I high? No just impressed, bit irritated the leg work was ignored but THAT finish picks up a 1/2 on its own. Great start to Backlash so far. (Watched Backlash multiple times last night and that impressed i'm bumping it to ****)

Acolytes Vs. Bull Buchanan/Big Bossman
 Well all good things must come to an end. It's not bad from a botching standpoint, though it's hard to botch punches and shoulder blocks, but I found this one slightly boring as I rarely like power matches and that's what we get here, of course APA cant job clean so Bossman cracks Bradshaw with a nightstick and Bull gets 3 with a Scissors Kick off the top rope. *1/2 (Forgot to note how ridiculous the finish was, Bossman hits Bradshaw w/ nightstick then Bradshaw stumbles to t'other side of the ring and moves himself in just the right position for Bulls finish)

Hardyz agree it's every man for himself in cordial fashion where as hardcore slaps Crash upside the head in their dressing room.

Hardcore Title - Crash Holly (c) Vs. Hardcore Holly Vs. Jeff Hardy Vs. Matt Hardy Vs. Tazz Vs. Saturn
 Only way this ends is if Crash beats an opponent or someone pins Crash. Matt and Crash climb a pendulum thing, it's part of the entrance set, where Crash hangs upside down after being kicked. 'Holy Shit' chant when Matt dives off said structure onto everyone else. Hardcore is strolling around ringside when Matt cracks him with a trashcan lid. Crash may as well adopt the last name 'Test Dummy' as he's been banged around from the start. Hardcore Falcon Arrows him onto a chair, pop when a ladder appears. Swanton by Jeff off the ladder but the Hardyz stop each other getting the pin. Tazzmission to Crash but Perry cracks him with a STOP sign and Crash pins Tazz to retain the Hardcore Title. **1/2 - Not bad by any means but nothing real special either. If you like seeing Crash get knocked around willy-to-that-nilly then you'll probably love this. (Bumped to *** as it's actually harmless fun and it keeps the action generally to the ring unlike most Hardcore matches which stumble from one area to another)

Big Show Vs. Kurt Angle
 Show was going through a phase of impersonating people, including one where he was Scottish Bastard or whatever from Austin Powers as this was in a Tag Title match Kurt Angle was pissed and so here we are. Wait that's not Big Show it's .... The Showster!! I'll have 'Real American' stuck in my head for weeks now (and I don't mind a jolt). He cuts a promo with Dude said a lot, he actually does a pretty good Hulk impression on the mic. Show Hulks Up from the start but Angle kicks out of the Legdrop!! Angle does some leg work but is soon Chokeslammed for the 3 count. ** - As comedy matches go this is probably the best, it gets the ** based on entertainment. Show squashed Angle here then lost to Shane O'Mac at the next PPV of course Angle would beat Shane at KOTR 2001. #TediousLink.

 Dudleyz Vs. T&A (w/ Trish Stratus)
  Dudleyz were going through a powerbombing women through tables phase, but like a teens anger phase it'd soon pass, however they wanted Trish to get tableised but she used her, ahem 'charms' to avoid it. Test should've been bigger in my mind as I still stand by my belief that Test should've faced HHH at Armageddon as you could still have the Steph turn. Lilian Garcia hides behind the ref in a nice touch to the Dudleyz angle. Bubba chases Trish ringside but runs into Test. Strategy now by Dudleyz as Albert is isolated from his corner. They hit the 'Wassssup' did that ever get an official name? Corner splash, big boot combo by T&A as now D-Von is being isolated. 'Tables' chant in DC. We get the ref didn't see a tag spot, I think that's been used in all tag matches tonight (authors note: I review PPVs in blocks as I find it hard to watch something for 21/2 hrs so don't remember every detail of other matches. Authors Note Note: We did). Sitout powerbomb gets Albert 2 as now Bubba's in kicking some booty. Suplex/neckbreaker combo gets 2 on Test, it was a version of 3D. All in fighting now then Dudleyz call for 3D but Trish distracts Bubba enabling Test to Big Boot him for the 3 count. Post match T&A get  3Dd as Trish is cornered, she tries to kiss her way free but Bubba has become resistant, kind of like Doomsday, and Trish is powerbombed through a table. ** - Perfectly acceptable tag match I've bumped it for the tag psychology and Trish taking the Table Bump.

An Ambulance whisks Trish away as Eddie Guerrero and Chyna pull up from the prom and are informed that Eddie has to wrestle next so he drives to the ring as it's time for ....


European Title - Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna) Vs. Essa Rios (w/ Lita)
 Eddie and Essa had teamed a couple of times but to the surprise of no-one Lita kept screwing up so now the two men go to war. Eddie is wrestling in dress pants, part of me wanted him to wrestle in the tux as that'd be awesome, does keep the bowtie on though. Remember Aguila who wrestled at 'Mania 14 well that was Essa Rios. A man from Guadalajara Vs. an El Paso guy for the European Title. Nice back suplex by Eduardo who is working Essas arm. We miss something in-ring as camera is on Chyna. Essa misses a dive tor ringside as Eddie slaps him down. Back in now as Essa arm drags out of a Gory Bomb then monkey flips Eddy into the ropes. Fighting ringside now as Lita heads up top but Chyna pushes her into the announce table. Asai moonsault by Essa but he hits more Announce Table than Eddie, still impressive though. More highflying as Essa sentons over the turnbuckle onto Eddie. Back in as Essa misses a moonsault and is finished with an air plane spin into a neckbreaker. Eddie retains the European Title. **1/2 - Some moves were impressive but there wasn't much linking them nor was there a story to the match but by no means boring or anything. 

 We get words from HHH, Vince and Benoit or ####### if you prefer.

Intercontinental Title - Chris Benoit (c) Vs. Chris Jericho
 Chris Vs. Chris, Canadian Vs. Canadian, No Longer Rated Vs. Over Rated. IC was again the workers belt after being past around willy-to-that-nilly in '99. They exchange slaps, pinning predicaments and chops early. Rolling germans by Benoit, he goes for a tope when Jericho is ringside but Y2J moves and Benoit almost lands on his head. Jericho is whipped to ring steps but he jumps over them however Benoit dropkicks them into his legs. Benoit is on top now, gets 2 off a snap suplex. Abdominal stretch applied .... last time someone submitted to that was 1932, that joke had some dust on it. Lionsault connects but he cant capitalize, matches like these want me to not see people trained WWE style wrestling needs variety man, part of the reason ROH holds no interest for me. Benoit counters a top rope back suplex into a crossbody. Jericho hits his double powerbomb for 2 but is soon locked in Crossface, got to say Crossface is my favorite submission as it actually looks intense and painful. Y2J broke the Crossface via rope break then counters a second Crossface into the Walls but Benoit gets a rope break of his own. Ref Bump! as Jericho wipes out Tim White. Jericho is hit with the IC Title but then we get a lame DQ ending as Jericho uses IC Belt to block Diving Headbutt, Benoit retains. **** - Used to hate matches like these but these days I really like technical matches, they stood out especially on WWF cards. Really good match though the DQ ending is a bit uuhhhh inducing, though understandable in terms of continuing feud.

 WWF Title - Special Ref- Shane McMahon - Triple-H (c) (w/ Vince, Steph) Vs. The Rock
 Talk about having the deck stacked against you. Linda McMahon put Stone Cold in Rocks corner but he's not here tonight. Interesting tidbit Shane McMahon was ref at last years Backlash. Vince McMahon says many people bought todays program but that looks like WWF Magazine that he's holding and that the card is subject to change, no Austin. Rock avoids an early Pedigree attempt but when he's dumped ringside Vince pushes him into the ringpost. High knee gets Hunter 2 as he is on top to start. Chinlock is applied, notice no chin locks in Benoit/Jericho, Rock does start a fightback but HHH cuts it off. Vince interferes again when he hits Rock with the WWF Title which gets a fast 2 count. Rock takes control of the match at ringside but back in HHH hits a facebuster but walks into a DDT however Shane refuses to count. High spot of the match now as they go ringside when HHH attempts a Pedigree on Spanish Announce Table however Rock reverses into a Rock Bottom which Shane tries to stop so Rock Rock Bottoms them together through the table, Shane got squashed like a bug and Vinces face is a picture. After a recovery period HHH hits a Pedigree but there's no ref wait here's .... The Stooges in ref attire, they attack Rock when he kicks out. Vince cracks Rock with a chair as the numbers game takes advantage, Pedigree is set up but wait .... *Glass Smashes and DC erupts, I think the pop he gets can still be heard today* Austin's here chair shots to all HHH and his allies (bar Steph) the ones to Gerald Brisco and Shane McMahon are brain rattling. HHH is know easy prey for a Spine buster and Peoples Elbow .... Rock is WWF Champion! ****1/2 - For me this is the ultimate WWF style main event, crowd were hot through out, heels got their comeuppance what more could you want. (Taken from my twitter - Watched this PPV on a loop last night as didn't have energy to get up and change DVD and i've seen this PPV a gazillion times as it's fantastic but only yesterday in my Man Flu haze did I realize how similar HHH/Rock was to Dude/Austin from OTE 98, one big difference is that the odds were stacked Vs. the Champion at OTE but the whole biased ref and Vincenzo and stooges making appearances was the same. For me the better match was HHH/Rock BUT I have a high opinion of the Dude/Austin one as well.)

27 / 45 - Very good PPV here, one of WWF/Es best ever. Best four matches were the first and last two and with only one match I call poor you cant complain. I reviewed this off my Tagged Classics DVD which is no longer available bar e-bay. Catch this on WWE Network if you can.
4.5 pts over .500 might not seem much but that's actually very good. 

King Of The Ring 1999

- Austin faces McMahons to see who can climb the corporate ladder and attain full control of WWF, the DX split is involved in KOTR as Chyna attempts to become Queen Of The Ring and Corporate Champ faces former Corporate Champion as Taker faces Rock.

- June 27th, 1999. Greensboro, North Carolina
- Attendance - 19,761
- Buyrate - 1.13

We see Shamrock beating up Shane McMahon on HeAt then Blackman attacking him and causing 'internal' injuries.

KOTR 1/4 Final - Hardcore Holly Vs. X-Pac
 Holly at the time had problems with Big Show whilst X-Pac was involved in the face DX Vs. heel DX. Nothing much happens reallly and it only goes around 4 minutes, lame ending aswell as Hardcore uses a chair for a blatant DQ. Post Match - Holly attacks X-Pacs neck. *1/2 - Not a good start, X-Pac though really was injured coming into the PPV.

KOTR 1/4 Final - Big Show Vs. Kane
 This really was the Brian Knobbs (pits), Kane busted out his enziguri. Ref Bump! as Show boots Korderas, Hardcore comes out with a chair but Kane Chokeslams him, so there was one high point then. Kane grabs Show around the throat, for a Chokeslam you ask, well no he just chokes him for what feels like forever then a chairshot finishes Big Show and Kane advances to the Semis. 1/2 - Awful match, the choke lasted forever leading to a long drawn out sucky ending. Why book a match this way? (I should note that Hardcore was feuding with Kane and Show at the time to show he belonged with the heavyweights or something, paying a Show a cool mil a year to feud with Hardcore, money well spent there)

KOTR 1/4 Final - Billy Gunn Vs. Ken Shamrock
 Remember Ken has internal injuries coming in thanks to Blackman who he was feuding with after his stint in The Union (20 Pat Points to anyone who can remember the other members without using google). Gunn was involved in something stupid, besides this tournament, on RAW is WAR Gunn teamed with Acolytes to face X-Pac/Kane/Road Dogg and he agreed to put the Tag belts on the line, even though he wasn't a champion (That is so WCW), he pinned X-Pac and claimed one of the Tag Belts, repeat after me .... Russo. Gunn's all over him until Ken attempts an Ankle Lock but then Gunn's on top again. Kicks to the midsection by Gunn make sense. The ref ends the match when Ken goes for a hurricanrana and is powerbombed, he's bleeding with internal injuries. *1/2 - 3 Matches in and 3 bad endings. Why were WWF trying to protect Shamrock in a loss, all he was doing was a Blackman feud for godsake.

KOTR 1/4 Final - Road Dogg Vs. Chyna (w/ HHH)
 Story is Road Dogg doesn't want to hit a woman, even though he isn't facing one, so the match is dragged out. HHH did get involved at times to earn his PPV cheque, he placed Chynas foot on the ropes when she was in a sleeper. Ref Bump! as Chyna knocks into him when Road Dogg kicks out of a roll up. HBK is in da house, he pulls HHH off the apron and ejects him from ringside as Road Dogg has decided he will hit Chyna now. Chyna lowblows Dogg but he no sells it and she is hurt, has he balls of steel? Well no he was just wearing a cup, nice continuity from HeAt where she lowblowed him. Pump Handle Slam gets Dogg 3. ** - Match was dragged out due to the storyline but i've bumped it 1/2 as crowd did make some noise when Dogg started fighting back and I like a loud crowd. Also JR says Chyna and Doggy Style, little did he know how right he'd be one day. (Psychic JR is a gimmick that would've drawn money .... 1 cent in fact)

Hardyz Vs. Edge/Christian
 Edge and Christian were in Brood with Gangrel at this time and Hardyz were with Michael Hayes, repeat after me Badstreet, Cameron NC. Christian gets stomped in Hardyz corner. Poetry In Motion connects. Christian goes to DDT Matt but is hit with a belly-to-belly as Matt blocks the DDT. Edge's in now and kicking some heavy duty booty he Spears Matt and Michael Hayes then debuts the Spear to block Poetry In Motion. Gangrel balls' up and spits blood in Edges eyes by accident leaving him easy prey for a Twist Of Fate, Hardyz win. **1/2 - Feeling generous as it's the first competent match of the night. This was probably the match the bookers etc. cared about the least as well.

Undertaker asks Michael Cole what happens if you rip the balls off a bull? Cole looks at the cameras and says 'find out next week on Animal Farm with Mark Callaway.'

Vince is in-ring now and says Shane can't compete, HBK comes out and says the match is on then Vince reveals that yes the match will happen but he'll have a suitable replacement.

1/2 Final - Billy Gunn Vs. Kane
 Gunn is scared to enter and i'm scared to watch. Kane's on top but it's just punches in and around the ring, he picks up the steps but Gunn dropkicks him. JR asks Lawler about legal rights to the name 'King', i'm guessing that's a reference to the 80s thing where 'King' Lawler tried to sue WWF over the use of 'King'. Fameasser is avoided with a powerslam. Ringside Gunn grabs a chair but Big Show strolls out and takes it from him then decides to hit Kane himself allowing Gunn a 3 count. Ref was down but I didn't see him go down, imaginary ref bumps now for gods sake. * - I don't know what to say anymore without repeating myself. Check any of the match notes from the 1/4 finals and stick them here. (Gunn goes through via injury caused by Blackman and Big Show KOing Kane this could've been built as heel gets comeuppance in the final)

1/2 Final - Road Dogg Vs. X-Pac
 Face DX collides, interesting tidbit this isn't their only PPV match, they would face off at SummerSlam 2000 in a subpar 5 minute match which X-Pac won. Funnily enough this is a subpar 5 minute match that X-Pac wins. He's wincing prematch with his neck. Back drop, snapmare and leg drop gets X-Pac a 2. Dogg does his dancing but X-Pac ducks the last punch then Dogg ducks a spin kick, I like that as it's like I know what you'll do before you do it', so there's one thing from this PPV I like, oh also Holly getting Chokeslammed. Road Dogg avoids Bronco Buster, X-Pac avoids Pump Handle Slam and hits an X-Factor for 3. ** - Short but they did more in the time they got than the rest of the KOTR matches combined.

WWF Title - Undertaker (c) (w/ Paul Bearer) Vs. The Rock
 Rock won a 3 way over Corporate Ministry duo 'Taker and HHH to earn this shot after Chyna screwed up. Man I love this version of Takers theme, if your keeping score Likes - 3 Dislikes - Innumerable so far. Right off the bat we get a Ref Bump! as Undertaker clobbers the ref for no reason, that was very WCWish, Rock Bottom by Rock but Paul Bearer hits the second ref for another  Ref Bump! that must be a record. Fighting down the entranceway now as that was required for Title matches in 1999 of course. Back in Rock crotches Taker to avoid Old School then spits water in his eyes, maybe it should've been HolyWater. Fighting through the crowd now as that was required in every WWF Title match of the late 90s. Back ringside and Rock swings a chair but Taker blocks it with the ringbell, like a new version of Rock, Paper, Scissors then Bearer throws his shoe into the game by hitting Rock with it, so - Bell > Chair > Shoe > Rock. DDT gets Taker 2. Rock fights out of a chinlock but then he's booted and chinlocked again. Rock avoids a Tombstone and gets his own 2 off a DDT. Ref Bump!! as Rock is whipped into him. Peoples Elbow connects but there's no ref. Bearer has an ether soaked rag but Rock uses it on Taker however this draws out HHH who Pedigrees Rock leaving him easy prey for a Tombstone by Undertaker for 3. *1/2 - Started dragging near the end, they just didn't click for my liking. It was the cliched WWF Title match, ref bump, fighting through crowd etc. If you like them then you might like this but I dont. Tidbit Time - I believe this Taker reign is the most watched ever ratings wise. 

We go backstage and see HHH being removed by orders of HBK as Vince says he was his partner tonight 'No shit sherlock' is HBKs reply, then Vince phones a replacement.

KOTR Final - Billy Gunn Vs. X-Pac
 As X-Pac's injured there could be a fairytale babyface fighting the odds win. Gunn attacks from the off and soon gets 2 off a bulldog. Dreaded chinlock is applied, though sarcasm aside it does make sense with X-Pacs neck. Fameasser gets 2 for Gunn and X-Factor gets 2 for Pac. Gunn gets crotched up top as X-Pac shouts 'come on you motherfucker' so Gunn responds with a Fameasser from the middle rope for 3. ** - Probably the best match of the tournament but that's really not saying much at all. This KOTR win nor the subsequent Rock feud did anything for Billy Gunn and he was put back in Outlaws in September as WWF gave up on his heel run. (and fans would pretty much give up on Outlaws soon after due to emergence of E&C/Hardyz then later the Dudleyz)

Ladder Match For Control Of WWF - Stone Cold Vs. Vince and Shane McMahon
 Jesus stick with me here, well Vince was face and seemed to be on Austins side after Undertaker started tormenting the McMahons, he kidnapped Stephanie at Backlash and tried to marry her but Vince got Stone Cold to save her, turned out Shane McMahon was behind and he helped Taker win the WWF Title at Over The Edge from Austin in a match Vince was ref for as well, then it came out that Taker was working for a higher power, who for a laugh should've been RVD work out why, anyway the HP turned out to be Vince McMahon who shouted it was me all along Austin upon his reveal, but Austin knew that as he'd revealed himself to Austin the week prior, the whole thing was stupid and too thought out is my point  (Another thing WCWish). Austin was made CEO by Linda McMahon which is why we're here tonight. Steve Blackman is Vinces partner until GTV reveals Shane is fine and HBK makes him wrestle tonight. Austin would get revenge on Blackman by Stunnering him at Unforgiven 2000, geez way to hold a grudge baldy. The entrance way has about 10 ladders set up then say 10 more lay across them making a little roof. Austin batters the McMahons, Shane climbs the makeshift ladder thing but Austin punches him down off them. Now McMahons are thrown into some of the set up ladders then Austin pulls a chain and they all fall on the McMahons. Ringside now and Austin coems off a ladder elbowing Shane through the Spanish Announce Table then Vince tips Austin onto JR/Kings table but it doesn't break. In ring now as the ladder is down so Shane gets on Vinces shoulders but Austin stops them winning. Stunners for the McMahons now Steve climbs the ladder unopposed but the greatest mystery in WWF history unfolds as the briefcase is raised from Austins grasp, now some say it was Bossman but that was never officially revealed. Shane tips the ladder when Vicne and Steve are on it then climbs the ladder and claims the briefcase. *1/2 - If this match happened today but with Cena there'd be uproar. Austin would have the last laugh, of course, as on RAW the next night he'd reveal he signed himself a new contract and gave himself a title shot that night, which he won Vs. Undertaker and that match I believe is the highest match/segment/quarter in WWF history.

 15.5 / 50 - God this sucked 10 matches and only one got **1/2, and that may not even be worth that to be honest may of just looked **1/2 compared to the rest. Billy's win led to nothing, HHH challenged WWF Champion to a match but that led to nothing as Austin won the belt the next night. Thankfully the next PPV Fully Loaded was better, for starters there wasn't 3 Billy Gunn matches. Austin still got his way as on RAW he revealed he added a stip to his contract earning him a title shot, Vince who won CEO here was fired after Fully Loaded only to return anyway, I believe thanks to Stone Cold. Avoid this one. (Editors Note - This may of set the record for ref bumps on PPV as well which would of made some semblance of sense had the ref strike been at the next PPV but it was 3 PPVs away) Arguably worst WWF/E PPV ever.

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.