Cyber Sunday 2008

- October 26th, Phoenix, Arizona

Attendance: 7,981

Buyrate: 0.255 (102,000 buys - It was shown free in UK though)

- CM Punk's on the DVD but not the card, go figure.

No Holds Barred - Rey Mysterio Vs. Kane

 Todd Grisham is announcing the vote results. Falls count anywhere and 2 out of 3 falls were the other options. Lawler, on commentary with Cole, says the stips help Kane but surely they help Rey as he can use weapons now. Rey lowbridges Kane over then hits his knee with a kendo stick. Kane uses a cable to bend Rey around the post, he is using his power advantage to now control the match., Kane uppercuts Reys head from Phoenix to Texas, baby. Poke in the eye and now Rey is getting a foot in the match bulldog, enziguri but he is clotheslined going for the 619. 7 mins in and Kane gets a chair from ringside. Rey avoids a Chokeslam and drop toe holds Kane into ring steps, which are now in the ring, seated senton gets 2, multiple chairshots follow but Kane avoids 619 however Rey does hit his 3rd attempted one then a apringboard splash gets 3 at 10:21. ** - Wish they'd used the No Holds Barred stips more, felt like a TV match.

Jericho tries to get Legacy to attack Batista like they did CM Punk at Unforgiven.

ECW Title - Matt Hardy (c) Vs. Evan Bourne

 Teddy Long comes out busting his wedding dance moves. Oh jesus Grisham and Striker are on comentary. Finlay and Mark Henry were the other challengers options. Matt gets a couple of shoulderblocks but is then dropkicked. Legsweep, standing moonsault by Bourne, nice, nice. Evan heads up top so Matt goes ringside where he manages to take control, back in he gets a couple of scoopslams followed by an elbow for 2. Matts main target has been Evans ribs. Razors Edge is countered to a hurricanrana by Evan but a Side Effect gets Matt 2, then another connects but gets the same result. Evan heel kicks Matt out of the air but cant capitalise due to his ribs. The momentum is with Evan but when he goes up top Matt meets him, Matt's knocked off but Evans Shooting Star Press misses, Twist Of Fate countered to a backslide for 2 but Boom Twist Of Fate does connect for 3 at 11:04. *** - Good match, the fans got into the match as it progressed and Evan looked good even in defeat.

Miz/Morrison Vs. Cryme Tyme  

 Other tag match options were Punk/Kofi Vs. Legacy or Mickie James/Jamie Noble Vs. Layla/William Regal. These teams were feuding on WWE.com or something via The Dirt Sheet and Word Up. Crowd chants 'Money, money, Yeah, Yeah' JTG gets the better of Morrison and then Miz. Shad inverted Alabama Slams JTG onto Miz, then soon presses JTG over onto Miz/JoMo. Shad gets caught in the heel corner as Miz works over his knee, JoMo applies a single leg boston crab. JTG in, he hits a nice sort of neckbreaker on Miz. Double gutbuster to Miz who is isolated now. Match has slowed down now. Shad in and he cleans house, JoMo tries to get a roll up with  his feet on the ropes but JTG stops it. JoMo pins Shad at 10:22 with something Cole called the Midnight Ride, it was like Cross Rhodes. **1/2 - Good match, formulaic but sometimes less is more. The crowd digged Cryme Tyme, why weren't they given a title run?

Jericho tries to coerce Khali into helping him.

Santino Marella Vs. Honky Tonk Man

 Goldust, Roddy Piper were the options to face Santino. Not sure if IC belt is on the line but it doesn't matter as it ends at 1:05 as Beth Phoenix trips Honky for the DQ. Best bit is postmatch when Honky slips on Goldust wig earning this a *.

Last Man Standing - Undertaker Vs. Big Show

 Taker was KOd by Show at Unforgiven, maybe 'cause of that ridiculous desert promo in August '99, hell I wanted to Ko him for it. Other stips available were KO match or I Quit. JR, Tazz on commentary. Show looks confident. Taker uses Shows head as a punch bag early, couple of corner splashes by Deadman but when he runs the ropes he is clotheslined, Show gets a 7 count of a leg drop. Taker puts a chair to Shows throat and rams him to the post, guillitine leg drop follows as do punches which Show stops via a clothesline to regain control. Big DDT by Deadman but Show's up at 9. Show removes a turnbuckle pad. Taker misees a charging boot in the corner and falls ringside., TV moitor to the noggin. Show gets a chair but Taker punches it into his face. Chokeslam through the announce table but Deadman's up at 9 via the barricade, Show rolls him into the ring where they trade punches, DDT by Deadman but Old School is countered with a ChokeSlam which gets another 9 count, but Taker gets straight up into a KO Punch, he sits up but a chairshot knocks him down again, playing possum as Boom Hells Gate is locked in, Show looks like he's out and Taker stands up for the W at 19:22. **** - Really enjoyable. I liked the ending, as it progressed I was wondering what Deadman would have to do to keep Show down, I never thought about choking him out. I thought Show had won with the KO Punch and chairshot, fantastic match that I enjoyed much more than I thought I would.

Throughout the PPV we've seen the divas in halloween costumes asking to be voted the winner. Tazz reveals Mickie, as Tomb Raider, has won and this sparks a brawl.

WWE Title - Jeff Hardy Vs. HHH (c)

 Vs. Kozlov or a triple threat were the other options. Was there any doubt Jeff would win the vote, not that I mind though. Jeff almost won the gold at No Mercy. They trade counters, quick start here. Twist Of Fate and Pedigree are both attempted early. Jeff is pushed off the top when he goes up. Back in HHH throws Jeff into the ringpost twice. Front suplex gets Jeff a 2 count, HHH gets his own 2 off a spinebuster out of the corner. Crossface is applied near the middle of the ring but Jeff counters to a pinning prediciment for 2. Whisper In The Wind, twice, gets Jeff a 2 count, he gets another 2 when he counters Pedigree to a jacknife pin. Twist Of F ate connects but again he only gets 2, Swanton connects, he goes for another but HHH gets his knees up. Pedigree is countered again. Jeff goes up top but HHH hits him then pulls him down into a Pedigree for 3 at 15:38. ***1/2 - A good match, if I remember rightly their No Mercy match may of been slightly better, part of me thinks Jeff should've been permitted to kick out of Pedigree but still it was a good match.

World HeavyWeight Title - Special Ref/ Stone Cold - Chris Jericho (c) Vs. Batista

 I've never thought Jericho was a good World Champion, in 08 I did like his persona where he would kind of talk down to people, I really liked his feud with HBK through 2008 but their good work was undone post No Mercy. Challenger and Referee come out after the Champion, I hate that but we have to bow down for Stone Cold dont we. HBK and orton were the other options to be Special Referee, HBK I understand but why were Orton and Austin other options? Jericho argues with Austin, slaps Batista then bails but Austin says if he is counted out or DQd he will lose the belt. Batista is all over Jericho, a suplex gets 2. Jericho tries his second rope dropkick but is slapped down but Batistas leg is soon twisted in the ropes allowing Jericho to get some shots in, he targets the left knee. Batista Bomb countered to a roll up for 2. Powerslam by Batista then a Baista Bomb is again countered, this time to the Walls Of Jericho. Bossman Slam gets Batista 2. Jericho uses the rope to avoid a Batista Bomb but when he heads up top he is clotheslined, he does avoid a spear though sending Batista into the turnbuckle. Top rope shoulderblock by Batista, is that his first top rope move? Ref Bump! Codebreaker but there's no ref, Austin's selling something!!!!!!!! HBK runs down but does a s....l......o.....w count, pump fake SCM allows Jericho to get Speared but JBL pulls HBK out. Orton runs down and hits Austin. Title shot to Batista gets 2. Stunner to Orton, Jericho is Spinebustered, Batista Bomb gets 3 at 17:05. ** - It was **1/2 at6 best but all the over booking near the end knocks 1/2 off, also I just wasn't feeling the match.

18 / 35 - Probably the best Taboo Tuesday/ Cyber Sunday PPV but that's not saying much, it's akin to claiming to be the best ever Charlotte Bobcat. I would recommend this PPV overall, Taker/Show was much better than I anticipated, HHH/Jeff was good as was Evan/Matt.

TLC 2009

- December 13th, San Antonio, Texas.
Attendance: 15,226
Buys: 228,000

ECW Title - Ladder Match - Shelton Benjamin Vs. Christian (c)

 The inaugral TLC PPV kicks off with ECW meaning Strikers on commentary, yay for us. Benjamin avoids Unprettier with a nice neckbreaker. Benjamin, kind of, lands on his feet from a monkeyflip then heads up a ladder. Match stops as a doctor checks on Christian who's been cut, booooo. Benjamin bridges a ladder between apron and announce table then slides under it when he's irish whipped. Nice heel kick by the Benj. Christian hits a reverse DDT, wasnt that his original finisher? off a ladder. Some nice athletecism by Benjamin with the ladder and ropes, then he powerslams Christian. They take turns hanging from the belt until Christian is powerbombed into a ladder. Sunsetflip powerbomb by Benjamin is countered to a hurricanrana, now Benjamin is lay out on the aforementioned bridged ladder and Christian splashes him through it which enables him to retain the gold at 18:07. ***1/2 - Very good, the doctor checking on Christian was annoying but not a detriment. I liked the splash at the end.

Intercontinental Title - Drew McIntyre Vs. John Morrison (c)

 Drews music is dire. Slingshot hurricanrana by JoMo as Drew soon bails ringside where he takes control of the champion. Suplex gets Drew 2. Drew does I believe his 4th rest hold so that's one every 75 seconds on average, that C I got in Maths finally coming in handy. JoMo DDTs out of a tilt-a-whirl, woah Drew was slaaaaaaaaamed *said in high pitched voice* on that. JoMos comeback is in full swing, missile dropkick gets 2. Inverted Alabama/Aberdeen Slam by Drew. JoMo soon, partly, hits StarShip Pain but Drew gets a ropebreak. Thumb to the eye and a Future Shock DDT gets 3 at 10:29. **1/2 - Acceptable match, nothing stood out but nothing was actively bad.

Womens Title - Mickie James Vs. Michelle McCool (c) (w/ Layla)
 I never liked McCool this was during the piggie James angle, Be A Star ... what's that? McCool goes ringside straight away, Striker says McCool is a shoe in for HOF, I know it's announcer talk, unless he's being serious but either way I hate him more now. Mickie gets some pin attempts early. There's nothing noteworthy happening and i'm not sure announcers have called anything in-ring. Mickie goes for a headscissors but is backbreakered. Hurricanrana on the outside by Mickie who is making a comeback, Michelle gets 3 via big boot at 7:31. * Moving On.

WWE Title - Tables Match - John Cena (c) Vs. Sheamus

 Champion can lose but not by pinfall or submission how conveniant. Sheamus was on ECW but went to RAW won a battle royal and voila. Cena fans were probably crying he's in the midcard. Lawler ' Cena doesn't lose any advantage these guys are on even terms' even though he has lost his championship advantage. Cena starts better but Sheamus stops the onslaught with a clothesline, Lawler ' I'd like Sheamus more if he was a corpse' so would HHH *comedy cymbal clash*. Powerslam by Sheamus after some knees then he avoids an AA. They're fighting on the ramp, not much has happened beyond punches and kicks. Fighting in the crowd back through to ringside, wahey there's someone dressed as Santa Claus, he's safe now Stone Cold's gone. Sheamus sets a table in the corner. Cena does his act dead then take a hyper potion for a full recovery, yes I played Pokemon recently, routine, AA connects. Cena sets a table as boos ringout, he tries for a toprope AA but Sheamus 'pushes' (Cena jumps back) Cena through a table for the shocking W at 16:21 15,000 people are like 'Say Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat'. **1/2 - Pretty boring but i'll bump it up as a) I sometimes likes surprising results and b) Sheamus was booked to win fair does WWE for breaking the norm and trying something different.

World HeavyWeight Title - Chairs Match - Undertaker (c) Vs. Batista
 Ah the chairs match, the oddbal kid that nobody wants to be net at school of the TLC show. Striker says a chairs match is the most violent that Deadmans been in and my hatred has risen again, i'm craaaaaaaaaaaaazy now. Anything other than a chair and you're DQd. Taker throws a chair in the ring almost KOing Charles Robinson. Chairshot by Batista then Deadman avoids one into the ringpost and mounts some offence, he then attempts Old School but Batista superplexes him for 2. Batista Bomb onto a chair is countered with a backdrop. Spinebuster gets Batista 2 but Deadman soon hits Old School, snake eyes but the boot is avoided with a spear, I like when the usual spots are avoided like that. Spinebuster as Deadmans head hits a chair, his mays may be rolling for real. Hells Gate is applied but Batista gets a rope break. ChokeSlam gets 2 now a Tombstone is signalled, lowblow by Dave followed by a chairshot gets 3 at 12:43 but teddy Long restarts the match due to the lowblow, why doesn't this happen for most matches then? *pauses for the agreeable murmours* Taker sits up and a chairshot then Tombstone gets 3 at 14:42. ** - Poor or maybe average, just seemed to be going through the motions. I dont like the Dusty finish, mainly cause  Idont like Dusty.

Kofi Kingston Vs. Randy Orton

 This is one of Kofis many pushes, this however is the closest he's got to the main event. We see Kofi doing kicks backstage, he reminds me of the guy in Mortal Kombat I think Liu Kang beats him, he has a stick and they're on sand. What the hay-ell is Kofis stance? Even start with counters but Orton soon has control, snap powerslam then the heel Orton speciality......chinlock. Kofi goes for a Boom Drop but Orton rolls ringside and in a nice spot he dropkicks a crossbodying Kofi. Multiple midsection stomps by Orton's been dominant since the dropkick. Kofi ducks a punch and hits SOS, did The Kof almost land on his neck? Suicide dive connects but Kofis ribs are hurt, he is mounting a comeback until Orton hits his backbreaker variation.  Boom (shake, shake the room) Drop connects, Trouble In Paradise almost gets 3 but Orton gets a ropebreak. Kofi is hit by Draping DDT but he avoids a Punt, a last ditch Trouble In Paradise misses and RKO gets 3 at 13:12. *** - Was alright in itself, I just have a problem with the booking, a Kofi win would've made this feud a big part of his career however Ortons W makes it more like a place holder in Ortons. Good match though.

WWE Unified Tag Titles - TLC - JeriShow (c) Vs. DX

 Lat tag main event I remember is No Way Out 2007 (http://wwe-jan-may.blogspot.com/2013/02/no-way-out-2007.html), but tag title mainevent would be IYH 23: Fully Loaded (http://july-dec-reviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/iyh-23-fully-loaded.html). DX have never been champions, though NAO did hold gold whilst in DX colours. Jericho beats on HBK as HHH gets a table. Flying forearm, kip up, scoopslam but Y2J gets his knees up to avoid the Big Elbow. I guess HHH/Show have gone for a cu of coffee or something, ah here they are, HHH is backdropped as champions are in control, they leave DX lying on the entrance way and head for the ring, i'm trying to remember a HHH ladder match between here and SummerSlam 98 but dont think I can. HBK touches the gold but Show pulls him down and cleans house. Heat for Jericho as he poses, HHH has been isolated as HBK is out at ringside, a ladder is placed in the corner which they hang HHH tree of woe style in and whip Michaels into him. Facebuster to Show as he misses a splash then they dump a ladder on Jericho ringside, who when back in the ring hits a codebreaker after ducking SCM. Show is climbing but HHH has a chair, BOOM KO Punch through the chair. HBK climbs but Y2J dumps him ringside onto Show, he climbs himself but HHH powerbombs him. Show breaks a ladder as he stomps it. As there's no ladder Y2J is on Shows shoulders but they get caught, Boom Sweet Chin Music to Show knocks Jericho off his shoulders and he bangs off a table at ringside, Show is clotheslined over and HHH holds the half a ladder up as HBK climbs for the gold at 22;31. ***1/2 - Enjoyable wasn't as car crash at the original TLCs but that's a good thing. re- JeriShow I enjoyed the dynamic of Jericho runs his mouth as Show is his guard.

18 / 35 - Nothing was actively bad but spme were average, basically the middle of the PPV. Booking wise Sheamus was surprising, in a good way and Kofi was dissappointing. The best matches bookended the show. I would recommend it as it was a good watch. TLC is my favorite of the gimmick PPVs. Historic aswell as Sheamus is 1st Irish Born WWE Champion and DXs 1st title reign.

For some wrestling thoughts 24/7 here's my twitter - http://Twitter.com/PatrickJClough

Survivor Series 2002

November 17th, NYC, New York.

Ateendance: 17,930

Buys: 340,000

Opening video is Brock/Show then Bischoff narrates about the Chamber.

Tables Match - Bubba/Spike/Jeff Hardy Vs. 3 Minute Warning/Rico

 3 Minute Warning was Rosey (pre Superhero) and Jamal (AKA Umaga - RIP). Faces clear the ring, Spike hurricanranas Jamal then does the Waaaasup then Jeff does a leg drop variation to Rico. Rosey spears himself through a table then fails to catch Jeff on a crossbody when I think he was meant to (the fact Jeff bounces off them hilariously and the crowd shout You Fu**ed up point to that). Spike goes for the Acid Drop/Dudley Dog but 3MW catch him and slingshot him through a table (2-3). Bubba and Jeff fight back but the numbers advantage soon has the heels in control. Jeff uses the Royal Rumble 2000 Tables finish (Stop! Cheap Plug Time - http://wwe-jan-may.blogspot.com/2013/01/royal-rumble-2000.html) to eliminate Rosey (2-2). Jeff goes for his barricade run but Jamal throws a table at him, then does a splash from the top to the outside to eliminate Jeff, who may be flattened in a Wile E. Coyote way (1-2). Bubba's sat up top so Jamal goes to hurricanrana him but is instead Powerbombed (1-1). Rosey reappears and belly to bellies Bubba who's beaten on 3-on-1 until D'Von makes the save, 3D finishes Rico at 13:53. *** - Surprisingly enjoyable opener here, D-vons appearance was significant as Dudleyz were split up in the draft of '02, also they're using the opposite the hard camera entrance. (ie the best though I believe it is no longer there after an MSG makeover) 

Saliva sing a song from WWE: New York as I fast foward.

CruiserWeight Title - Jamie Noble (w/ Nidia) (c) Vs. Billy Kidman

 Billy The Kid debuts a new theme. Kidman goes for quick pins so Noble bails ringside. Neckbreaker gets Noble 2, he's in top so far but Kidman starts a comeback including a DVD style neckbreaker for 2 but Nidia pulls Noble out to avoid the SSP. Noble runs into Nidia then a CK Bomb, like D-Los Sky High, gets 2. Noble rolls through a backslide and hits a Tiger Bomb for 2, he hits a sick DDT like Ortons off the top for 2 but Kidman doesnt give it the selling it deserves and soon knocks Noble off the top and finishes with Shooting Star Press at 7:28. **1/2 - It was alright, I really liked Nobles DDT near the end. (That was a wicked DDT that shouldn't of been brushed off by Billy Cena)

Angle says if Billy freakin' Kidman can win gold so can he and Benoit.

Womens Title - Hardcore Rules - Trish Stratus (c) Vs. Victoria
 Victoria attacks Trish as she takes her coat off. Trish dodges broom shots then monkey flips Victoria with it but she flips back and chokes her. Victoria is on top so far including whipping Trish into a trashcanm, speaking of trashcans Victoria puts one between the ropes but Trish slingshots her underneath it. Kendo stick shots to Victoria but she more or less shrugs them off, she heads up top but a trashcan lid sends her ringside. They seem to blow a bulldog spot, then a fire extinguisher fails to go off the first time but when it does Victoria hits a snap suplex for 3 at 7:02. **1/2 - Good llittle hardcore match but that bulldog was bad, I thought Trish would win.

Heyman says he's nervous about Brocks chances tonight.

WWE Championship - Brock Lesnar (c) Vs. Big Show

 Shows hand is in a cast and Lesnars ribs are taped. 'Lets Go Lesnar' chant. Show tosses Lesnar like a doll but is then speared. They go ringside where Brock is rammed into the post, back in Lesnar hits a german then a overhead release belly to belly after a Ref Bump! Chairshot followed by a super F5 which brings MSG to it's feet and gets a pop but Heyman pulls the ref out, Swerve!! Lesnar chases Heyman but is soon Chokeslammed on a chair by Show for 3 at 5:01. ** - Short but sweet, I digged the F5 very much. (Forgot to note the ref very plainly bumps Heyman when running in as if to signal i'm here it's time to pull the swerve, it could of been an accidental bump, you know what refs are like for not seeing things/people but didn't look it)

WWE Tag Team Titles - Edge/Rey (c) Vs. Benoit/Angle Vs. Los Guerreros

 This people is the SMACKDOWN! 6, also it's elimination rules. Guerreros rile the other teams up then leave them to fight it out, I liked that (Oh character building whatever happened to you). Hurricanrana, flapjack then legdrop by Rey to Benoit. Chavo kips up but Edge dropkicks him down again. Eddy beats on Rey but then is monkeyflipped so Angle tags in. Woah, Angle throws Rey to the top but he loses his balance and falls almost landing on his head, that obviously could've been really bad. Belly to belly suplex gets Kurt 2, he tries for an AngleSlam but Rey armdrags him. Benoit/Angle have isolated Rey, he eventually tags Eddy after he flips out of a german and heel kicks Angle. Edge is Ankle Locked and Crossfaced until Rey makes the save. Variation of the tower of doom as Eddy sunset flips Benoit who germans Edge. Frogsplash to Edge but a diving headbutt breaks the pin. Chavo hits Benoit with a tag belt and makes it look like Angle did it, a Spear eliminates Angle/Benoit at 13:07. Los Guerreros isolate Edge using frequent tags, this lasts awhile until Edge hits a double flapjack and tags Rey, now the champions dominate, a top rope hurricanrana to Eddie almost ends it. Chavo hits Rey as he goes for the springboard part of the 619 so Eddy locks in Laso From El Paso for the submission at 19:25. ***1/2 - Good match but not great. I maybe would of given it **** were it not for the cheap eliminations via belt shots.

Scott Steiner debuts by beating up Matt Hardy and Chris Nowinski. (oh how quickly the fans would turn on Steiner and rightfully so given his performances) 

WHC - Elimination Chamber - Jericho Vs. HBK Vs. Kane Vs. Booker-T Vs. HHH (c) Vs. RVD

 First ever Elimination Chamber, I wont describe the layout as you should know by now. Bischoff explains the rules as he lightly taps the 'bulletproof' glass. Saliva play Jericho to the ring, it'd be remiss not to mention HBKs attire he has Crap like brown pants and a ridiculous bobbed cut, 90s HBK would be shaking his head. HHH Vs. RVD to start. RVD avoids an early Pedigree by backdropping HHH onto the steel then he repeatedly throws him into the steel cutting HHH. Rolling Thunder over the ropes onto the steel, he heads onto Jerichos pod but Jericho pullshis foot through the top, speaking of Jericho he enters at 5:00, he goes after RVD as HHH rests, RVD jumps at Jericho but he moves so Rob lands on the steel wall ala Spiderman. Harley Race knee to RVD now Y2J/HHH have an alliance, RVD's fighting back until HHH DDTs him. Booker's in at around 10:00 he clears the ring so Spinaroonis, RVD gets 2 off a heel kick. Scissor kick to HHH then RVD 5 Star Frog Splashes him off the chamber pod, we found out later that this injured HHHs Larynx and he had trouble breathing. Missile dropkick by Booker eliminates RVD a 13:37, well that's lame. Bulldog to Booker but the Lionsault is avoided and Jericho is alabama slammed. Kane is in at about 15:10, he's dominant and throughs Jericho through a pod. Chokeslam to Booker then a Lionsault eliminates him at 17:40, Y2J is busted from the pod. Not much noteworthy is happening. HBK in at 20:22 he backdrosp Jericho but Kane clotheslines him down. Chokeslams for HHH, HBK and Jericho, Kane goes to Tombstone HHH but is hit by Sweet Chin Music which he sits up from but a Pedigree and a Lionsault finishes him at 22:52. HBK is beaten down as fans chant for him, HHH cuts him by grinding him into the steel. HBK kips up but is bulldogged however the Lionsault only gets 2, HBK almost gets 3 from a moonsault. HHH stops Jericho pinning HBK he tries for a Pedigree but it's countered to the Walls Of Jericho but he is hit by Sweet Chin Music and eliminated at 30:42. Spinebuster gets HHH 2 then Michaels is slingshotted through a chamber pod. Elbow off the chamber connects but SCM is blocked and a Pedigree gets 2, another Pedigree is attempted but countered and Boom Sweet Chin Music gets 3 at 39:20 earning HBK his last World Title Reign. ***1/2 - Was going to give it **** but it lasted a bit long and was slow in places, crowd popped for Michaels. (If I rewatched this I may be tempted to go ****)

17 / 30 - That's about right around 50%. I would recommend the PPV though as WWE Tag Titles and WHC are good and nothing on the card is actually bad, average yes but not bad. Thumbs up from P-Dawg.

IYH 23: Fully Loaded

PPV poster

- July 26th 1998, Fresno, California.

- Buyrate 0.90
- Attendance - 9,855

Jeff Jarrett (w/ Tennessee Lee) Vs. Val Venis

 Country singer vs. adult movie star. Venis hasn't been in WWF long as this is his PPV debut. Yamaguchi, Kaientais manager, joins commentary. (The Kaientai that pre dates just TAKA and Funkai) Venis had done a 'film' with his wife or something. Jeff gets Val down then struts, Val gets Jeff down and gyrates. Counters galore as no-one gets an advantage. Knees to mid section then Side Russian Legsweep by Val. Jarrett gets a powerbomb then clotheslines Venis ringside. Chops are traded back in ring until Jeff gets a DDT. Atomic drop, clothesline and Fisherman Suplex gets Val 2. Tennessee Lee crotches Val when he goes up top which enables Jeff to get a superplex. Venis rolls Jeff up after he runs into Lee for 3. *** - Good opener, crowd liked Val. Next RAW is WAR had the 'choppy, choppy your pee-pee' (Though never on a main event level or anything I do think Val as a wrestler was under rated in the grand scheme of things at least pre 2001 he was worth watching)

D-Lo Brown Vs. X-Pac

 D-Lo won European Title off of HHH on RAW is WAR 6 days earlier but it isn't on the line here. D-Lo is rocking the chest protector of annihilation. I always liked D-Lo, he busts out the head wobble early. 'D-Lo sucks' chant. Hip toss, heel kick by X-Pac. D-Lo gets a chinlock, for a while. Hard irish whip, snapmare and leg drop gets 2. X-Pac misses a spinning heel kick and D-Lo gets another 2 off a second rope elbow. Chinlock with a knee dug into X-Pacs neck, which makes sense due to Sean's neck problems through the years. Moonsault misses, did D-Lo ever hit it? Heel kick, bronco buster but Godfather cheap shots X-Pac and a Sky High ends it. ** 1/2 - Alright match but they'd have better ones over the following months.

Faarooq/Scorpio Vs. Terry Funk/Bradshaw

 Pre-match Funk says it's his last match for a while and Bradshaw is surprised and angry that his tag partner of about a week didn't tell him. Wow Faarooq has fallen, just 2 months ago he was feuding with Rock/Nation. Bradshaw runs through Scorpio until he is hurricanraned. Future Acolytes explode! as Farrooq is in. Top rope shoulder tackle gets Bradshaw 2. Funk in to cheers, neckbreaker to Faarooq who responds with a backbreaker. Bradshaw goes up top 'Put him closer Terry' he shouts, but Faarooq powerslams him when he jumps off. Vader bomb off the apron by Funk and it seems to not go completley right. 'Boring' chant then Scorpio busts out the 450' on Funk for 3. Post match Bradshaw lays the 3 men out. *1/2 - Got a boring chant so there you go. I did like Scorpios 450 though to be fair. Not sure if Funk ever did come back to WWF. (A-ha trick statement there as I don't think he returned in WWF but did in WWE so technically that statement is right but I do hate people who state things like that)

Vader Vs. Mark Henry

 I like Vader but his WWF run was average or even poor. He should've gone over HBK at SummerSlam 96 but politics intervened. Henry is in Nation. 'Vader' chant. Scoop slam is screwed up but Henry then does it again, it goes right this time (I hate when a move is done wrong so they do it again straight away). Shoulder barge by Henry who is dominant so far, then he busts out a sunset flip *spits out pepsi* Vader takes Henry ring side and whips him into steps. Middle rope splash gets Vader 2. Powerslam and Splash gets Henry 3. * - Poor, Vader seemed unmotivated they were working at a snails pace. Match seemed about 4 minutes long.

In ring promo that would end up setting up the NAO/Mankind/Kane match at SummerSlam.

LOD Vs. DOA (w/ Paul Ellering)

 Dont know which is Skull and which is 8-Ball so they'll be in-ring baldy and apron baldy. In-ring Baldy beats on Animal in the corner. 'LOD' chant. Double clothesline by Animal then LOD do the Hart Attack. Hawk is attacked ringside by Ellering and apron baldy. Hawks been beaten on for about 31 minutes, if anyone works out why I said 31 minutes then you should become a police investigator right after you've read this. Be easier if Chainz was here as he had hair. In-ring baldy gets a backbreaker. Animal in and cleans house. Crowd wakes up when DoomsDay Device is signalled and it connects but other baldy breaks the pin. The baldies do the old switcheroo and Animal is DDTd for 3. * - Boring, nothing more, nothing less. (Power matches either tag or single are not my thang)

In ring promo time as Vince says if Taker doesn't appear then Brooklyn Brawler will be Austins partner.

Dungeon Match - Owen Hart Vs. Ken Shamrock

 Dan Severns Magnum PI tash is special ref. Only submission can get the win and it's in Stu Harts basement aka The Dungeon, so Owen has home advantage for real. Ken goes for an armbar from the mount position. Belly-to-belly style throw by Ken but Owen responds soon by slamming his head into the wall. Owen uses a pipe to help get a hurricanrana then tries to hit him with a dumbbell. Ken tries the pipe hurricanrana but is powerbombed, thrown into the pipe and finally has his head put through the ceiling (Imagine if Bret had popped his head into the basement through the hole like a sitcom). SharpShooter countered to an Ankle Lock. Special Ref Bump! as Dan Severn is accidentally KOd with a kick, Owen hits Ken with a dumbbell then makes it look like Ken is tapping to a crossface. Dan says Owen wins. **1/2 - After last few matches this looks like a *****er. Next month they fought in a Lions Den, which is like UFC's Octagon.

2/3 Falls - IC Title - HHH Vs. The Rock

 DX, Nation are cleared from ringside yet Chyna is allowed to stay. This is a 30 minute time limit. Rock tells Chyna to suck it. HHH goes for an early Pedigree but is backdropped. Suplex, knee drop gets HHH 2 after they'd been fighting in the aisle. Rock suplexes HHH on the outside then Henry appears and splashes HHH but Billy Gunn fights him off. Title Shot and a neckbreaker both get Rock 2. 'Rocky Sucks' chants happens between 2 chinlocks by Rock. Godfather comes down bu NAO block his path. D-Lo tries to interfere but HHH stops him however he turns into a Rock Bottom for 3, Rock leads 0-1. Fighting ringside, by my count X-Pac is only person due an appearance now also D-Lo is still recovering ringside. Peoples Elbow gets 2. X-Pac is here and X-Factors Rock but it only gets HHH 2. Ref Bump!! then Chyna DDTs Rock on a chair and HHH gets 3, we're tied at 1-1. Fink announces 2 minutes remaining so HHH takes Rock ringside which makes no sense at all. Samoan drop gets Rock 2, Rock Bottom is avoided and a Pedigree connects but time expires. Rock retains IC Title via a draw. DX/Nation fight post match. ** - Match was kind of slow and plodding but I suppose that may of been as they had to go 30 minutes, annoying ending as well. (They'd top this at SummerSlam with the ladder and would arguably surpass that in 2000 when they found their groove together)

Bikini Contest - Sable Vs. Jacqueline

 Sable just has hands painted on.

WWF Tag Titles - Kane/Mankind (c) Vs. Undertaker/Stone Cold

 Austin is WWF Champion after he dropped it at KOTR to Kane then won it back the next night on RAW is WAR. Taker meets SCSA in the aisle. Before I forget the SummerSlam main event was already announced as Taker/Austin. Austin suplex Mankind. Thesz Press to Kane but he avoids the Stunner. Taker russian leg sweeps Kane then flips off Austin. Old School to Mankind. Taker is Chokeslammed as Kane beats on him. Double Arm DDT by mankind gets 2. Cactus Clothesline then he goes for cactus Elbow but Austin knocks him off apron onto announce table. Back in and Taker gets a DDT now Austin, Kane tag in, chairshot to Kane gets 2. Heels are soon in control, Austin starts a comeback but gets elbowed. Scoop slam, leg drop gets Kane 2. Chokeslam as Mankind shouts 'Spike him' Stunners to both Tag Champions. Taker now in and it's Chokeslams all round. Tombstone to Kane gets 3. ** - Not as bad as I remembered to be fair. It was okay but didn't always seem to click, you know? (Kane and Mankind would regain the gold(s) in a four way match on RAW in August then Mankind would drop them at SummerSlam on his billy)

15.5 / 40 - I cant recommend a PPV that was a filler one, SummerSlam main event was announced before this PPV so it's pointless really. Average to poor matches bar Owen/Ken. skip this and get SummerSlam, my next review (that turned out to be a premature announcement as I still haven't done that but have done many since this one). In the tagged classics this PPV comes with IYH 24: Breakdown which is my second to next planned review. So till next time Have No Fear Clough Will Be Here.

Night Of Champions 2010

- September 19th, Rosemont, Illinois.

- Buys: 165,000 (international), 99,000 (domestic)
- Attendance -13,851

Intercontinental Title - Dolph Ziggler (c) (w/ Vickie Guerrero) Vs. Kofi Kingston

 If Dolph is counted out or DQd he loses the belt. Lawler, Cole, Striker *shudders* on commentary. Their match at SummerSlam was stopped by Nexus. Kofi clotheslines Dolph to ringside. Chops, dropkick then Kofi tries to jump to the top and slips. Nice neckbreaker hets Dolph 2. Commentators would rather make Vickie Guerrero jokes etc. than commentate on the match. Chinlock with a body scissors by Dolph, fame asser then another chinlock. They trade punches which Kofi gets the better of, a crossbody gets a nearfall. Boom Drop hits but Trouble In Paradise misses, Sleeper is avoided, SOS but Dolph gets his foot on the rope, fans thought it was over. SOS countered to a Sleeper and Zig Zag gets 3. *** - They traded psychology for athleticism. I thought Kofi would win, but I do like clean heel wins.

CM Punk Vs. Big Show

 Big Show beat the SES 3-on-1 at SummerSlam, and he's beat them all summer so why is this still going on?

Punks shots are no sold then he gets headbutted. Show is dropkicked into ringpost and Punk gets shots in on a downed Show. Punk's been in control. 'No one ever beat Andre The Giant' *looks at WrestleMania III DVD* Show spears Punk when he springboards in then gets 3 via KO Punch. * Punk dominated the match to lose to one punch, huh?

Jericho says he beat Austin, Rock in one night, which he did but did everything bar running them over to win.

US Championship - The Miz (c) Vs. Daniel Bryan

 Bryan was Mizs NXT rookie but was treated like a chump by WWE. Miz has his MITB briefcase. Bryan goes for the LeBell Lock but Miz bails. Cole rants about Bryan as Miz targets the shoulder/arm with hammerlock assisted moves, this lasts a while. Shoulderbreaker gets 2. My enthusiasm is slowly dying. Miz is thrown ringside then Bryan hits a suicide dive as Bryan's starting a comeback. Bryan wins a punch up and a kick to the bonce gets 2. Bryan is crotched on the top rope and Miz clotheslines him off. Rollup gets Bryan 2 as does another when Miz bumps into A-Ry. Small package gets Miz 2 but then LeBell Lock is applied and Miz taps. ***1/2 - I appreciate psychology so liked Mizs arm work even if it was slightly boring. Match was meh at first but picked up in the second half and the crowd liked it.

Cena does a promo about percentages or something I zoned out.

Unification Match - LumberJill match - Womens Vs. Divas - Michelle McCool Vs. Melina

 Winner is both Womens and Divas Champion. Layla is co womens champion with Takers wife. Nothing note worthy happens, they seem to move in slow motion. BlockBuster/Neckbreaker style move by McCool then a she has Melina in a headscissors on the mat. McCool goes for Styles Clash but Melina counters to an X-Factor like move. Lumberjills beat on McCool as Melina screams like a Banshee. McCool wins via big boot. ** - I'll give it 2 as it wasn't bad as I was expecting and my ratings are based on my expectations, which is why Perfect/HBK SummerSlam 93 was so low.

This looks like a Mortal Kombat Vs. screen 

World Heavyweight Title - No Holds Barred - Undertaker Vs. Kane (c)

 Taker was put in a vegetative state during memorial weekend or something, surprised he sold it, and it turned out Kane did it as Taker showed HBK mercy at WrestleMania 26, even though he ended his career. This was Takers last real feud. I can think of at least 4 Taker wins and 1 no contest (Actually Kane may of wion one on a 1998 RAW is WAR), SummerSlam 2000 as I'm not sure a bell rang, but I cant think of a Kane win, ever. Taker runs and fights Kane in aisle and throws Kane into a pillar. Lots of punches so far. Belt shot and clothesline by Kane as Michael Cole mentions the character he played in See No Evil, thus portraying evil sadistic Kane as an actor. Crowd interest is slowly waning. Kane dropkicks a seated Deadman. Apron leg drop by 'Taker who soon dives over barricade. In the ring now for the first time I think. Lots of punches by Kane then some more, were they going for the world record for punches in one match? Snake eyes, big boot, leg drop gets Taker 2. Chokeslam wakes the crowd up but when Kane counters a Tombstone into his own and gets 3. *1/2 - Match was * but i'll give it 1/2 for Kanes clean win. They didn't do much with No Holds Barred stipulation. Never seen so many punches.

Todd Grisham asks Orton something and he's silent for a minute then says 'no'. His best promo ever!!

WWE Tag Team Turmoil -

Hart Dynasty (c) Vs. Usos

 Armdrag by Kidd, belly-to-belly by Smith. Kidd springboard moonsaults both Usos then in ring gets a SharpShooter but the other Uso boots Tyson for 3. We're guaranteed new champions then.

Usos Vs. Kozlov/Santino

 Judo throw by Santino, who the crowd really dig. Cobra is avoided via a samoan drop for 3.

Usos Vs. Mark Henry/Evan Bourne

 *Spits Fanta out* Henry/Bourne where a team, say Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?????????? Kicks by Bourne then a hurricanrana. Henry in and Worlds Strongest Slam followed by Shooting Star Press, by Bourne not Henry, gets 3.

Mark Henry/Evan Bourne Vs. Cody Rhodes/Drew McIntyre

 This is to decide new champions, really???? Cody stands out as he has no kneepads. Evan plays face in peril, rib breaker/gut buster gets 2. Evan is still being beaten down but heels offence isn't noteworthy. Henry in but soon Cross Rhodes ends Evan. ** - The only one that resembled a proper match was between the two least interesting teams. Cody and Drew are champions. I hate turmoils but crowd liked parts so I bumped it up a 1/2.

                                          

WWE Title - 6 Pack Challenge - Sheamus (c) Vs. Y2J Vs. Edge Vs. Barrett Vs. Cena Vs. Orton

 Only other 6 pack challenge I can think of was at Unforgiven 99, difference being that this one is tornado style and elimination rules, speaking of which Jerichos eliminated about a minute in via RKO. Everybody stands around cause watching Jericho leave is more important than fighting, this lasts about 5 minutes. Wade, the Nexus leader is beaten on. Cena 'dropkicks' Edge. Cena, Orton counter each other. Sheamus eye brows look glued on. Edge re-appears after playing dead for about 10 minutes, double superplex to Cena then Sheamus and him beat on orton. Orton stops a comeback but is soon stopped by Sheamus. Irish Curse Backbreaker to Edge but Brogue Kick misses and he is Speared. AA eliminates Edge after there were a few counters, Wasteland and AA are avoided. Cena sells punches then decides to stop so he can do a Superman comeback on Barrett. STFU to Sheamus but he gets a rope break, I thought there was a chance he might tap. Nexus appear then Barrett WasteLands Cena for 3 *falls off chair whilst spitting out Dr. Pepper* I know I know it wasn't a clean elimination as Nexus distracted Cena but they didn't touch him, that must be Cenas cleanest pinfall in a while. Nexus beats on Orton, Cole: 'Is that Orton?' Yeah cause he and Sheamus are hard to differentiate between Nexus are gone as Cena has a chair and Orton RKOs a couple. Wade Barrett is RKOd he's gone. Down to 1-on-1 as Brogue Kick connects, good nearfall there. Orton avoids High Cross and RKOs Sheamus for 3, to a pop. ***1/2 - I feared a clusterf--k at first but the only people wrestling were in the ring as the people on the outside sold suff waiting for their spots. Wade was out for 90% of the match but at least he pinned Cena. Match had some slow points but was good overall, crowd really liked Orton winning.

16.5 / 35 - No great matches but three were good, KK/DZ, M/DB, WWE Title. The middle of the PPV is a down point though and boring, Taker/Kane agonizingly so. Mild recommendation due to the 3 good/ very good matches but fast foward middle part.

SummerSlam 1993

PPV poster

- August 30th, Auburn Hills, Michigan.

- Buyrate - 1.30
- Attendance - 23,954

Ted DiBiase Vs. Razor Ramon

Vince McMahon, Bobby Heenan on ccommentary I think it's the 2nd SummerSlam in a row that Ted's been a curtain jerker. Ted attacks Razor from behind but Ramon reverses a whip and backdrops Ted followed by a Fallaway Slam. Ted is now in control but it's nothing noteworthy. 'Razor' chant. Neckbreaker, suplex then Ted calls for Million Dollar Dream but Razor elbows him. Ted exposes a turnbuckle but it backfires as he is bounced off it, Razors Edge finishes it. ** Match was meh but crowd but fans seemed to be in to it so i've bumped it up a little. (I think this was Teds last WWF match)

WWF Tag Titles - Heavenly Bodies (w/ Jim Cornette) Vs. Steiner Brothers (c)

 Steiners sister calls Rick 'Rob' in a pre match interview which is right but not his screen name, Kayfabe is Shattered!!!! The Heavenly Bodies are Tom Pritchard and Jimmy Del Ray. Bodies attack straight away, double suplex to Rick and a double back body drop. Scott monkey flips JDR and belly-to-bellys TP. Steiners are loved as Jim Cornette has a tantrum. Pritchard bulldos Scott then Del Ray busts out the Floatover DDT. Superkick to Scott who's playing face in peril. Scott counters a DDT to a T-Bone Suplex, then double underhook powerbombs Pritchard. Hot tag to Rick who dominates, bulldog from the top but Pritchard breaks the pin. Powerslam to a leapfrogging Del Ray. Frankensteiner gets the win. ***1/2 - Damn good match, Steiners were unsurprisingly over.

Joe Fowler interviews HBK as Diesel stands in background. (so Diesel was useful for something)

Intercontinental Title - Shawn Michaels (c) Vs. Curt Henning

 Snapmare by Perfect. They do something resembling a double clothesline spot. A bit of counter wrestling which no one gets the better of, these two aren't clicking. Perfect misses a corner splash then armdrags HBK when he jumps off the top. Michaels is sling shotted over the top. Sweet Chin Music then a double axe handle off the apron as HBK targets Perfects back. Dropkick, backbody drop and atomic drop gets Perfect 2. PerfectPlex connects but Diesel breaks the count, he throws Perfect into the ringpost and he is counted out. *1/2 - Bad ending to a bad match, compared to what was expected. Very disappointing

Joe Fowler interviews 1-2-3 Kid who sounds like X-Pac but looks nothing like him.

1-2-3 Kid Vs. IRS

 Heel kick gets 1. Kid is flapjacked about 15ft high then a 2nd is countered with a dropkick. Abdominal stretch with the ropes by IRS. X-Pac style kicks by Kid, moonsault then enziguri gets 2. Clothesline gets 23 out of nowhere for IRS. * - IRS dominated the offence which tells you all you need to know.

Owen Hart and Bruce Hart are interviewed ringside, whenever a 3rd Hart was needed it always seemed to be Bruce.

Bret Hart Vs. Jerry Lawler

 Lawler comes out on crutches saying he was in a traffic accident he announces Doink The Clown as his replacement. Doink throws water over Bruce. Doink gets shots in but Bret headbutts him down and goes for Lawler. Double axe handle by Doink who then works Brets knee, weird submission by Doink. Bret mounts a comeback, elbow drop then he locks in SharpShooter but Lawler hits him with a crutch giving Bret a DQ win. **1/2 Okay for what it was which was to set up Hart/Lawler which due to Jack Tunney happens now

Bret Hart Vs. Jerry Lawler

 Bret attacks Lawler when he's in the aisle. Bucket to the head then Bret bites him. Hart is dominant until Jerry hits him with a crutch, then chokes him with it, more crutch shots by Jerry. Bret pulls his strap down like King and starts a comeback backbreaker gets 2. Piledriver then elbow drop by Bret, he locks in the SharpShooter and King quits but Bret doesn't release the hold and is DQd. **Not much happened beyond crutch shots but the whole shebang from Doink/Bret to Lawler being stretchered out was entertaining, what the hell were them boots Owen had on??

Ludvig Borga walks through Detroit bad mouthing America.

Ludvig Borga Vs. Marty Jannetty

 I think this'll be an orange. Ludvigs music is what Nikolai Volkof came out to at WrestleMania 17. Shots to midsection by Borga then a clothesline, flapjack. Shots by Jannetty are no sold. Marty goes for a scoop slam but his back gives out and he is clotheslined about 1080' Borgas Torture Rack ends it. * Extended Squash.

RIP Match - Undertaker Vs. Giant Gonzalez (w/ Harvey Whippleman)

 RIP Match means No DQ or countouts. Taker has his common theme but it sounds more organy. Harvey Whippleman has Takers urn. Deadman no sells until he is knocked down then sits up. Chairshots by Gonzalez. Undertaker goes for the urn. A gong strikes and Paul Bearer is here, he clotheslines Harvey and gets the urn thus resurecting Undertaker who hits multiple clotheslines then one off the top gets 3. * - What did you expect?

Jim Cornette rants for about 5 mins without taking a breath.

Smoking Guns/Tatanka Vs. Headshrinkers/Bam Bam Bigelow

 Rikishi is one of the Headshrinkers. Heels clear the ring.Shoulder charge, dropkick gets Bigelow down then he and Tatanka do a double crossbody spot. Fatu (Rikishi) superkicks Billy Gunn. Armdrag by Bart Gunn but he is elbowed down by Samu. Fatu gets 2 off a powerslam. Heels are tagging frequently, strategy. Headshrinkers shout something to Bigelow and i'm sure he shouts 'What does that mean?' Bart's been dominated for a while. Bigelow misses a splash, Hot tag to Tatanka crossbody gets 2. Tatanka starts Tatankaring up until he is enziguried. Everyone's brawlng. Triple headbutt but why aren't they DQd. Triple diving headbutt misses, i've never seen that before. Gunns clear the ring as Tatanka rolls up Samu for 3. ***1/2 - Surprisingly good energetic 6 man. I am pleasently surprised wish it had ended better than a roll up. Never seen a triple diving headbutt.

WWF Championship - Lex Luger Vs. Yokozuna (c) (w/ Mr. Fuji, Jim Cornette)

 The japanese naional anthem is sang to heat then Macho Man comes down and Aaron Neville sings US anthem. If Lex loses he doesn't get a title shot again, didnt he get one at WM X. Yoko misses a leg drop. Lex targets the leg, my god Lex is making sense!! Yoko misses an elbow drop, 'USA' Chant. Fuji tries ti throw powder at Lex but it misses, thrust kick to Lex then Yoko squashes Lex into ringpost, chairshot misses. Back in and multiple axe handles and a forearm gets 2. Belly to be;;y gets Yoko 2. Vulcan death grip applied. Bonzai drop misses, scoop slam to Yoko and a forearm sends him ringside where he is counted out. ** - Stupid ending, they neglet to mention at first that Lex hasn't won title but also has lost any future title shots. I gave it ** as Lex seemed to be trying. The faces celebrate with Lex as confetti falls. This was WWFs best chance to have Lex destroy Yoko and win gold, it could've been big.

20 / 50 - That seems low but Undertaker/Gonzalez was bad,. Borga/Jannetty was a squash as was 123/IRS so wasn't going to get much rating, HBK/Perfect was very disappointing. The 6 man was very good though compared to what I expected and the whole Bret/Lawler thing was entertaining.

Mild recommendation.