Rebellion 1999

On the 1999 home straight now as this, the original No Mercy and Backlash are the only remaining ones for me to do, the latter of which I have on DVD but have yet to watch. This was during a pretty good PPV run for the WWF with Fully Loaded, SummerSlam, Unforgiven and No Mercy all being pretty good, of course that run is book ended by an awful show, KOTR, and one of the most boring shows I've ever seen, Survivor Series. This took place between Unforgiven and No Mercy. A friend of mine had this on VHS but I never borrowed it from him for reasons I dont know, possibly due to the stigma of UK shows.

October 1999, Birmingham, England.

The latter part of the opening is TV show style like a RAW intro.

IC Title - Jeff Jarrett (c) (w/ Miss Kitty) Vs. D'Lo Brown
Jeff insults the women of the UK. D'Lo is European Champion but Jarretts title is on the line. Jeff gets a lady from the audience to clean up a spillage in the ring with a hoover, he precedes to put her in the Figure Four but Chyna comes down to stop him. Michael Hayes is on commentary with JR. Unsure if they were around then but if they were Chyna should of hit him with a Henrietta Hoover. D'Lo is billed from Birmingham. Quick 2 off a powerslam for D'Lo. Jeff takes a walk with his title but he's caught in the aisle by D'Lo. Jarrett applies a sleeper putting D'Lo out like me watching Birmingham FC. D'Lo manages to break it and hits a delayed vertical but when he tries to follow up off the top he is dropkicked. D'Lo hits a sitout powerbomb, this being around the time Droz was paralyzed when a running one went wrong. D'Lo annoys me by coming off the top in a whacky position so they can do the jump into a boot bit, there must be a less silly set up for that. D'Lo is distracted by Miss Kitty and Jeff hits D'Lo with a hoover, quite like how seemingly every team hoovered up Aston Villa in their last awful premier league season, man they were bad then. **1/2 - Solid if unspectacular opener.

Jarrett challenges Chyna to a match for later.

Godfather Vs. Gangrel
You can tell this is a UK PPV. Godfather has British hos with him they join Hayes and JR. Hayes is having more enjoyment than West Brom fans are this season, need to win about four games with ten or so remaining and they've won I think three all season. Gangrel wants a ho but Godfather says the people want to see him kick Gangrels ass instead. Godfather bounces Gangrel off the four corners but is soon DDTd but its a regular one not an implant one which was Gangrels finish at the time. What was that thing with Gangrels name as whenever it was in print there was always a small print bit about trademark, who owned the Gangrel name? Ho Trian connects and Pimp Drop, Death Valley Driver, ends it. *1/2 Short and inoffensive. The Hos celebrate with Tim White.

Chyna officially accepts Jeff Jarretts challenge. Bulldog interrupts saying the people didn't come to see him Vs. X-Pac they want him in the title match so he's going to find Vince.

Val Venis Vs. Mark Henry
This was a team waiting to happen really. Venis compares himself to rugby in his pre match bit. Henry's been announced for this year's HoF. The as yet unnamed Insurrextion is plugged for next May. Henry goes over the top and Val follows him with a rounders slide, I once got a home run in rounders at school when the guy on first base missed the ball when thrown to him and I had to then keep on going to home which irritated me as getting to first alone warranted a rest in my book. Val can't get Henry up for a slam and is dropped on the barricade. Back in Henry misses a corner charge and is hit with a Russian leg sweep, weird seeing Val do that without the knees from a whip preceding it. Val grounds Henry with a shot to the legs and a Money Shot soon ends it. *1/2  To short to mean anything, would of been UNR but just clocked in over 3 mins.

Davey demands a title shot and throws a bin across the room when he doesn't get one and Stephanie is KOd off screen. This led to the amnesia angle, I read somewhere that was done due to WWF not knowing where Russo was going with it all, he left for WCW over this weekend I believe when this show took place in the UK as he was in the US still. At least Steph can go to the hospital for free as this happened in Birmingham UK and not Alabama.

Women's Title - Ivory (c) Vs. Tori Vs. Jacqueline Vs. Luna
Tori suplexes Ivory as the others stand around then break the pin. Ivory cuts a deal with Jacqueline to take out the other two then she bails but Jacqueline beats on them anyway. Ivory too is going in the HoF, did they read this card then throw darts to see who'd be inducted? There's a sleeper train going on which Jacqueline breaks with a triple jaw breaker. Ivory clocks Jacqueline with the title and gets 3. *1/2 same as the last match in that was almost UNR but Wikipedia and JD Dunn have it over 3 mins so needs a rating.

Road Dogg Vs. Chris Jericho (w/ Curtis Hughes)
Road Dogg is one half of the tag team champions. Kind of shocked the Tag Title isn't on the line maybe Russo was too preoccupied with the WCW deal to book that. Road Dogg attacks in the aisle. They go in the crowd and Road Dogg comes off the barricade with an axe handle. There's a sign which reads Dyer which is pronounced dire which is what West Broms season has been so far. Road Dogg nails Jericho with some kicks to the bonce, if West Brom had kicked the ball into the net more they wouldn't be bottom of the league. Jericho sends Dogg ringside with his dropkick to the apron, a suplex back in gets 1 via the cocky pin. Slingshot splash gets 2 as Dogg gets a rope break. 'Road Dogg' chant,  springboard bulldog as Jericho has taken control of the match now. Jericho heads up top but is crotched and superplexed down. Jericho hits a spinebuster of sorts and almost turns it into a Walls but Dogg breaks it. Lionsault misses allowing Dogg to hit his trademark punches but Jericho ducks the final one KOing the ref, a Hughes chairshot gets 2, I thought that was it. Jericho gets 3 off a lowblow after Dogg hits Hughes. **1/2 A good little mid card match, fans were into Road Dogg which gave it an atmosphere. Jericho faced Dogg here and Unforgiven had a Y2J/X-Pac match then he wound up with Chyna a month or so later, this could've been a good lead in to a HHH feud.

Chyna Vs. Jeff Jarrett (w/ Miss Kitty)

  Tony Chimel doesn't bill it as a title match, does that give us an ending where Chyna wins but then Jeff says the gold wasnt on the line? Jarrett comes off the top into a lowblow but Tim Whites all no biggie I guess. A pedigree is countered with a slingshot, didnt HHH tell her to never do it facing the turnbuckle? Or by the ropes for that matter as that always leads to a back drop to the outside. Bulldog runs in for the DQ and Poweslams Chyna. Jarrett figure fours Chyna in the aftermath. *1/2

The Rock and Big Show were at a Virgin record store, they're no longer going I believe. No doubt the ques were huge this being 1999 WWF.

No DQ - Big Show Vs. Kane
The No DQ stip gives me hope that this'll top their KOTR encounter. Man I love this Kane, when the attire changed at SummerSlam 2000 was when my care-o-meter dipped. Big Show dropkicks Kane out but he lands on his feet. A clothesline and a dropkick staggers Show but he can't slam him. Show hits a backbreaker into a bow and arrow. Kane takes a Bret bump in the corner and is hit with a reverse DDT on the rebound, walls of Show applied but Show lets go, Michael Hayes points out Show should've kept it on as even a rope break wouldn't matter as its No DQ. Kaneziguri connects as does a DDT, Kanes clothesline off the top hits but Show blocks a Chokeslam follow up. Show gets a chair but Kane boots it back in his boat race and gets 3 from a scoop slam, thought he was going to Tombstone him then. ** Better than their KOTR match, though that was a contender for worst MOTY. I wish they'd of had more of a No DQ style brawl. Not bad though by any means.

HHH says he doesnt care about Jarrett, Chyna or Bulldog right now just his title. He insults England too for heat but I've gotta pop for that, had he insulted Wales though I'd of had to build a time machine and travel to Birmingham myself. Hunter also insults the teeth of British people, where do americans get this infatuation with our teeth? Hugh Grant is the USs go to brit and he had a damn fine set of gnashers. 

X-Pac Vs. British Bulldog
Bulldog starts better due to power advantage, he catches a heel kick and counters to a pump handle slam style move. Hayes says Test may be on a flight over right now after what happened to Steph, well I hope he's watching in Canada then, don't think this aired in US. Bulldog hits his delayed vertical but slows it down now with a chinlock. JR notes Steph will stay at a local medical facility, who says I'm going to the local medical facility? Bronco Buster but then Bulldog crutches X-Pac with a pressslam then ends it via a Powerslam. ** Too short to mean much and was essentially an extended squash of X-Pac which was kind of surprising.

Crash explains to Hardcore how pounds are money over here.

Acolytes Vs. Edge/Christian Vs. Crash/Hardcore
Edge and Hardcore to start. The ropes seems really loose. Faarooq goes for a Dominator early but Hardcore hits a poor back suplex. Bradshaw hits a back suplex off the top on Crash then pins him after a Clothesline From Hell. Double shoulderblock to Bradshaw, wait I think Faarooq has changed corner. Edge counters a powerbomb, let's rank these based on their World Title reigns I have it from 4-1 - Faarooq, Bradshaw, Christian, Edge. Sure Christians was shorter than Bradshaws but his matches with Orton surpassed anything from JBLs reign. Spinebuster on Christian for 2 as he has assumed the Canadian-In-Peril role. Dominator is countered with a DDT. Tag to Edge as Canadians go all Rock 'n' Roll with a double dropkick. Tornado DDT gets 3 on Bradshaw. **1/2. Okay tag match, always fun to see Acolytes actually lose. Acolytes were usually pushed strong around this time but didnt mean much as characters then when they hit on their APA schtick they didnt get a tag reign if I remember right which was funny as thats when they were most over.

Long video plays for Rock/HHH, going by the video you'd think it was a triple threat as Bulldog is featured heavily.

WWF Title - Steel Cage - Triple-H (c) Vs. The Rock
It's the old WWF style cage but it's black rather than blue because this is the attitude era dammit. We get a recap of Bulldogs actions through the night. I suppose the long video was to set up the cage. Escape the cage rules. People throw confetti or something over Rock just like Wolves fans will throw confetti on their way to the Premier League, had to get one positive football bit in there and Wolves are flying high. Rock cuts a pre match on the cage in his turnbuckle pose. Rock points out some jabroni in the crowd who gave him a thumbs down and has a HHH sign he asks what the sign says but 'It Doesnt Matter' soon follows. Weird camera for the start of Triple Aych's entrance as its directly under him. Winged eagle seems to be most popular design but this is my fave WWF/E Title, though The Big Gold belt is my numero uno overall. 'Asshole' chant but I think it may just be 2018 West Brom fans chanting that that loud at Pardew that it was hearable in 1999. JR says Rock is 27 which kind of depresses 28 yr old me though Rock was never RWF Champion so I have that in my favour, though if Rock will work for a snickers and a Muller rice he can gladly face me do the RWF Title, i'll even let him go over. Nothing of real note until Rock tries to escape but comes off the top rope into a gut punch, I cant remember anytime Rock went up top. HHH telegraphs a backdrop and is hit with a neckbreaker. Rock goes to leave but is dropped onto the turnbuckle and does his Stunner sell. Hayes says if you break your nose your eyes water to which JR quips that HHH will never stop then, can we give him an honorary knighthood for that? JR calls a Samoan drop a Samoan slam, let's ditch that knighthood after all, he does it twice so definitely ditch the knighthood and ban him too from UK, he went to call it a fall away slam at first so I can forgive that but not the second. HHH almost escapes but is slammed off the top. Rock is over but HH drags him back and both end up crotched in the top rope. Hunter comes off the top right into a Rock Bottom, I cant remember HHH ever going up top either but then why do something you don't need too. There has been stuff happening but its not been notable really. Rock Bottom is avoided with an elbow and a Pedigree follows but Rock stops him leaving via the door but Hunter does manage to get a chair which Hebner hrabs so HHH KOs him, Rock leaves the cage but the ref is out. They fight into the crowd, nothing sums up the attitude era than a cage match going in the crowd. I think the dad from Frasier, RIP, is working security. Rock gets on the Mic and calls Hebner a jabroni then hits HHH with a chair then joins commentary as HHH is cut, I should note that Rock pronounces Birmingham properly as he doesn't emphasize the ham part. Rock jumps off the side of the cage onto HHH but the table doesn't break. They go back in the cage now as HHH is bounced off the sides as JR notes they dont taste like fish and chips,  you know what reinstate that knighthood. Rock goes to leave but Bulldog stops him, Shane McMahon is here attacking Bulldog for Steph but he gets Powerslammed. The Stooges are here but Bulldog takes care of them too. Rock Bottom but Chyna slams the door on rocks noggin,  must of been watching SummerSlam 1997 backstage. Two of the interference runners are no longer with us. Chyna and Bulldog halt Rock from stopping HHH and he drops down to retain the gold. PM - Vince McMahon locks Bulldog in the cage, seemingly saying 'F--- You' to Bulldog. Rock Bottom and People's Elbow soon follow. *** Quite enjoyable if almost limited by the cage stip as they did slow climb bits which are always slightly irritating. May of been better as a attitude era style brawl all over the arena, not bad though by any means as HHH/Rock worked well together about 93% if the time, the 7% I don't care for are their two Fully Loaded matches.

20.5 / 50 - The score suffers due to the two matches just over three minutes long. The opener, Jericho/Dogg and the main were okay the rest were missable and kind of there if not necessarily bad.  The thing that does stand out though is that this is a UK PPV that actually mattered in WWF canon as usually they kind of exist outside of the main continuity but this had the start of Stephs amnesia sCHtick which led to the whole HHH/Steph marriage. Thumbs in the middle overall but was one of the stronger UK efforts for sure.

IYH 19: D-Generation-X

- December 7th, 1997 from Springfield, Massachusetts.
- Buyrate - 0.45
- Attendance - 6,358

 The opening video looks like an advert for the PPV, did they just recycle that for this? I know December PPVs are usually inconsequential and poor but come on give them a hand at least, don't just let them fail on their own, won't somebody think of the PPVs!!!!

Light-Heavyweught Title - TAKA Michinoku Vs. Brian Christopher
 For those who don't know Brian Christopher is Grand Master Sexay minus the goggles and the overness. To get here Brian had beaten Flash Flanagan and Scott Taylor aka Scotty 2 Hotty and TAKA had got the better of Devan Stoem and Aguila, Sasuke not signing for the WWF helped as well. Brian's music would be recycled for Droz. Throughout the match JR makes references to Brian being Lawler's son but he denys it. Brian starts the match better then there's a 'Jerry's Kid' chant. B-E-Autiful springboard plancha by TAKA to the outside. Brian soon busts his own mouth on the guardrail, bleeds quite a bit for a mouth cut as well. Tornado DDT gets TAKA the first 2. Brian is sent ringside where Lawler goes to check on him. Sitout powerbomb by Brian but TAKA counters the pin for 2. Brian's been on top for a bit now, leg drop and a pin in a leg drop position gets a 2 count. Tennessee Jam/Hip Hop Drop misses and Michinoku Driver gets TAKA the 3 count @ 12:02. Post Match Japanese Press take pics of TAKA with the belt, Patterson, Brisco and Tony Garea. *** - I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Not on the level of WCW's Crusiers obviously as WWF guys wrestle(d) a more heavyweight style.

Kevin Kelly chats to The Jackal, thought it was Bret Hart trying to sneak back for a moment there.

Los Boriquas Vs. DoA
 DoA for this match could mean Dead on Arrival, high-five come on! Los Boriquas, are akin to a Cuban Run-DMC, though one resembles Uri Geller, now there's a gimmick for someone a telekinetic wrestler. DoA are popular here tonight. DoA on top, Miguel gets a 'shave your back' chant. I'm pretty convinced Miguel is Tommy Dreamer moonlighting and trying to blend in and make it to the big time. Los Boriquas are on top after 8-Ball is cheapshotted. Miguel seems to injure himself coming off the top but there's no medical team out to see him as he goes ringside, EMT's racist much? Savio Vega tries to take his place but the ref won't allow it, geez Tim White racist much? Chains DVD's Jose but Miguel comes in and hits a somersault leg drop and Chains is pinned @ 7:57, geez Miguel Fakist much? - ** - Crowd digged it, or at least DoA, gotta say Miguel had me fooled at first.

Dok Hendrix, Michael Hayes, chats to Butterbean then Michael Cole chats with Sable until Marc Mero interrupts.

Toughman Fight - Butterbean Vs. Marc Mero
 It's basically three rounds of Mero being punched by Butterbean, there's four two-minute rounds, then we get Mero hitting a cheapshot between rounds. In Round 4 Mero uses a lowblow and a stool for the DQ so Butterbean is the winner. 'Bean would be back for WrestleMania 15 where he KOd Bart Gunn that hard he flew out of the Federation. - UNR

Kevin Kelly chats w/ Dude Love who's using AOL Online.

TAFKA Goldust and Luna come out, he reads some Dr. Seuss then she leads him off on a chain.

Cole confabs w/ LoD then we see NAO, I don't think they had that name yet though, winning the Tag Titles from the LoD.

Tag Team Titles - LoD Vs. Road Dog/Billy Gunn
 Dog has one G and Bad has one D showing that this is early in the NAO life. LoD go after the Champions and they had to back for more stretching, they try to leave again but Brisco, Patterson and Garea block their path. What the dickens!!!! they're using the opposite corners to a normal tag match, I think i'm going to faint my eyes can't take it. Hawk hits a double clothesline off the apron, seems weird that Dog has short hair and no braids. Dog is your Champion in peril, he tries to leapfrog Animal but is powerbombed. Gunn goes to help Dog but is dropped onto the steps, it's been 100% LoD so far. Hawk is finally down from a cooler shot, that must be his Kryptonite then Gunn hits him with it again proving my previous point. Hawk plays Road Warrior-In-Peril, tag to Animal and he cleans apartment. The Doomsday Device is attempted by Henry Godwinn hits Animal with a Slop bucket then Hawk uses it in front of the ref for the lame DQ @ 10:33. - *1/2 - Guess LoD still had power to avoid pin losses, this feud was woeful as there was another stinker at the Rumble. 

Advert plays for WWF The Music Vol. 2, we see Taker banging cymbals.

Cole chats to Hunter and Chyna, Hunter seemingly fresh off a tanning bed, I did laugh when he called the cameraman an idiot as I think he meant it.

Boot Camp Match - Triple-H (W/ Chyna) Vs. Sgt. Slaughter
 No DQ, No Countouts. Slaughter cuts a pre-match w/ Cornette. Slaughter has the music used for The Patriot and Kurt Angle. Slaughter is in control using a riding whip. Hunter is being Slaughtered so far. Cobra Clutch is avoided then Slaughter goes over the top from a irish whip into the corner, hard landing. Hunter has been on top since he avoided the Cobra Clutch, he takes out Mark Yeaton as he wouldn't give him it to him, the bell is Yeaton as the Ring is to Gollum. HHH gets 2 off a fist drop with a chain. As Yeaton is helped to the back, Lawler 'He got his bell rung' JR 'Literally'. It's amazing how uninteresting HHH was for the first two years or so in the Federation, he's lucky a) He had the Clique and b) they had patience in them days, if people nowadays got as little a reaction as him they'd be either sent to NXT or packing. Hunter ramps up the tension with a .... sleeper, they do the three arm drops bit, is that still done now or has that slowly been phased out? Chyna breaks up the Cobra Clutch then hits the ref. Slaughter powders Chyna then Cobra Clutches HHH, he's like them annoying people on wrestling games who only use one maneouver, Chyna breaks it up with a kick not unlike Green Bays Vs. Dallas in the Divisional Championship. Pedigree onto a chair ends it @ 17:38. *1/2 - Really rather boring to be honest, neither had the moveset to cover a near 18 minute match. The whole DX/Slaughter thing would've worked better had people actually cared for Slaughter.

An advert plays for the Rumble.

Cole chats to Jarrett, he's dressed like Kiss but with a different colour scheme.

Jeff Jarrett Vs. Undertaker
 Is this not the most wackiest match-up ever I mean it's hilarious. Jarrett's attire here isn't even his worse, he'd somehow sink lower in 1998, at least prior to the post SummerSlam season anyway. UT no sells Jarrett's punches then pummels him. Taker goes Mid-School then Tim White goes ringside to avoid Taker after he breaks up a corner choke. Not much happens as Jarrett works the knee but UT doesn't sell it ruling it null and void then the lights go out and .... it's Sab .... no sorry this is WWF it's Kane with Paul Bearer in tow, JR calls him a hideous one eyed monster, was it claimed Kane one-eyed in the original run? Jarrett gets Chokeslammed by Kane and wins via DQ @ 6:55. Man I love Kane's original music, didn't love this match though. Post match UT Chokeslams Jarrett. *1/2 - Nothing much to the match, we had brief psychology on Jeffs part but it wasn't reciprocated which would of made it a bit more worthwhile.

Cole catches up with Mark Henry.

Hendrix/Hayes shoots the poo with Rock.

IC Title - Stone Cold (c) Vs. The Rock (w/ Nation)
 'Rocky Sucks' chant, he was the Eddie/y of the WWF, Rock has the belt as he stole it on RAW is WAR. Stone Cold drives his pick-up to ringside. Nation attack before the bell, D-Lo is backdropped onto the windshield then Stunered on the roof. Faarooq is wiped out by Kama with a chair then Austin dumps him into the side of the car. Peoples Elbow minus pad removal and any real jazz gets 2. '3:16' chant. Peoples Elbow, w/ added trash talk and pad removal .... misses. Austin stuns the ref thinking it's Rock then Stunners Rocky for 3 @ 5:31, Vince on RAW would overturn that decision. ** -  There wasn't much to the match itself, Austin was still fragile from the SummerSlam injury, but man watching 96/97 Austin is exhilarating.

Kevin Kelly and Jackal plug the WWF line.

Video plays about Shamrock then Cornette chats to him and we follow Ken to the ring.

WWF Title - Shawn Michaels (c) (w/ HHH, Chyna) Vs. Ken Shamrock
 Think I read somewhere Shawn was worried that Ken, a friend of Bret's would shoot on him. HBK uses his pace to avoid shots but then runs into a kick. Nothing much of note happens as Ken's on top, JR gets the line of the note though when HBK and HHH are nogging knockered, 'I think Hunter's nose may of penetrated Michaels' forehead'. HBK lands horizontal on the turnbuckle then a kick sends hi mabout 40ft in the air and he gets crotched. Ringside Chyna rams Ken into the ringpost after he drops HHH. Michaels hits a splash off the apron, I don't recall ever seeing that. Champion's on top but it's not very interesting, HHH's influence or the Champion just dogging it tonight? Michaels applies a chinlock, I guess that answers the previous question. Now he applies a sleeper. Ken thankfully picks up the pace and gets 2 off a powerslam. Something goes wrong when Ken is whipped into the ropes, he avoids a hurricanrana with a powerbomb. Sweet Chin Music is avoided with a belly-to-belly then the Ankle Lock is applied but HHH and Chyna make the save for the woeful DQ ending @ 18:28. PM - Owen Hart returns and sends HBK through the announce table and busts his nose then leaves through the crowd. Despite the fact Owen/HBK would've been a money match at the Rumble this led instead to Owen repeatedly laying down for HHH, given what happened at the Rumble HBK probably wishes he had faced Owen.  ** - HBK didn't seem to really care and that finish, yeeeesh. This doesn't do much to rebuild customer goodwill post Montreal.

13.5 / 35 - Started off well enough then fell off the proverbial cliff and never really recovered. Tag Titles and Boor Camp were boring, Jarrett/UT wasn't much cop either, Austin couldn't do much and HBK wasn't trying.
Thumbs way down here folks.

SummerSlam 1991

New York City, New York (from good old MSG)
Attendance: 20,000
Buys: 405,000

Lord Alfred Hayes is with Randy Savage

Ricky Steamboat/Bulldog/Kerry Von Erich Vs. Warlord/Roma/Hercules
 Heenan, Monsoon and Piper on commentary, I should note here how Heenan and Piper were pretty much on fire all show. Hercules looks like an out of shape Jake Roberts. The crowd were into it and that for me is due to Steamboat who did a great job of playing face-in-peril, Naitch did call him best babyface of all-time for a reason, it was on Naitchs DVD I think. The faces got some nearfalls towards the end - Discus Punch on Warlord and Powerslam on Roma, which was broken up. The ending was botched in the sense that the ref didn't seem to remember who was legal as he counted Steamboat's pin on Roma from a crossbody despite the fact Bulldog was the legal man. *** - I am a sucker for a multi-man tag match, as in 6-man and over though I do like regular tag matches as well. Loved Steamboats work in building the hot tag though the ending did make me go Hang On! but not enough to dock a point or anything. 

Henning says that Hart is excellent but he isn't perfect.

Intercontinental Title - Mr. Perfect (c) (w/ Coach) Vs. Bret Hart 
 Henning's back was shot going into this. Bret gets an early 2 from a crucifix. Heenan says he heard a rumour Piper's parents ran away from home, that nearly had me in tears. Crossbody and sunset flip both get Bret a 2 count. Henning makes to leave but Bret catches him in the aisle and rips his singlet. Heenan says Stu and Helen Hart are concerned as they snick in. Hart is on the defensive now, we get his going off the apron spot but rather than a table like at Survivor Series 95 he lands on a photographer. They both fight atop the top rope then fall into the ring, going by the delay I don't think it went as planned. Bret does his corner chest bump. Good nearfall as the Perfect-Plex only gets a 2 count. Bret fights back and gets 2 off a suplex and a small package. Bret goes for the leg, Henning almost lands on his head bumping around. Sharpshooter follows for the Submission and we have a new champion. ****1/2  - Very good match, possibly my second fave Bret match with the Mania 13 match being #1. Bret would use the IC as a launching pad to the WWF Title. Perfects last truly great match.

Bushwhackers (w/ Andre The Giant) Vs. The Natural Disasters (w/ Jimmy Hart)
 From one extreme to the other, Typhoon had turned on the Whackers, can you blame him?, and by doing so earned enough Exp. points to evolve from a Tugboat to a Typhoon. One of the whackers reminds me of Eric Cantona, am I high? The Whackers kick some heavy duty booty to start but soon it turns into an Orange in the favour of the disasters, Quake flattens a whacker for the 3 count. Post match the Disasters go after Andre but LoD make the save, most notable thing about the match was Heenan leaving the announce desk when he hears Hogan is in his dressing room.*1/2

Heenan is backstage and knocks on Hogans door and challenges him to a match on behalf of the real World Champion Ric Flair, Heenan has Big Gold with him, but Hogan slams the door shut.

Sean Mooney is with Ted Dibiase and Sherri,

Million Dollar Title - Ted Dibiase (c) (w/ Sherri) Vs. Virgil
 Is that confirmed that Virgil was named as a shot at Dusty Rhodes or rumour? Virgil attacks as Ted poses. Virgil starts well but misses a dive to the outside and Ted takes over for essentially the whole match. Remember in Mortal Kombat when Goro decimates Art Lean, it's akin to that, not that Ted resembles Goro. Two Dollar Dream to Dibiase but Sherri hits Virgil for the DQ .... but Earl decides to restart the match, as Virgil wouldn't be champion via DQ, and bans Sherri from ringside. Ref bump as Virgil is whipped into him, Ted jaw jacks with Roddy, he'd told Vigil to stand up for himself or something, then he obliterates Virgil, yes obliterates him, he exposes a turnbuckle but Virgil bounces him off it and crawls for the 3 count and the MD Title. *** - Average match that was enhanced by the crowd and the booking. I never get why some matches are restarted, it happens at the 94 Rumble I'm currently reviewing, shouldn't this happen in all matches? You can't pick and choose refs damn you!

Mean Gene is with The Mountie who is ranting, one of the cops struggles to keep a straight face.

Jailhouse Match - The Mountie (w/ Jimmy Hart) Vs. Bossman
 Loser spends night in jail. Bossman is dominant, Heenan says he'll get Bossman some cigarettes to bribe the screws with. Mountie goes to the eye but is soon spinebustered. Hart distracts Bossman allowing Mountie to hit him into the ring steps, Heenan 'He should get used to sleeping on the floor'. Monsoon gets in on the action by claiming Hart is the best advert for birth control, buuuuurn! Mountie hits a piledriver and tries to use a cattle prod but Bossman moves. Bossman Slam gets .... 2? Thought that was it, my lord is Mountie entering Paul Roma mode?? Nope as Cobb County Slam gets 3. *1/2 - Pretty boring basic match.

Mountie is immediately handcuffed and taken away in a paddy wagon.

Mean Gene is with an angry Ted and Sherri.

Sean Mooney is with Bret Hart.

Mean Gene is now with Natural Disasters, they threaten Legion of Doom.

Sean Mooney is with the Bossman.

Mountie is dragged into the station shouting do you know who I am?

Sean Mooney is now with Nasty Boys and Jimmy Hart, did I press skip and miss a match?

Mountie is tricked into having his mugshot taken.

Mean Gene is with LoD.

Mountie is fingerprinted.

Mooney is with Slaughter, Mustafa and Adnan.

Mean Gene is with Sid Justice.

WWF Tag Titles - LoD Vs. Nasty Boys (w/ Jimmy Hart)
 The champions are pummeled from the outset. Sags sprays something in Hawks eyes and the champions now have a foothold in the match. Heenan wouldn't be surprised if Nastys beat LoD then go bust Mountie out of jail. Hawk is your Warrior-In-Peril as Nastys have cut the ring in half. Animal in and he cleans house. Heel miscommunication is avoided as Sags almost hits Knobs with bike helmet. Doomsday Device soon ends it. ** - LoD become the ONLY team to ever hold the AWA, NWA and now WWF tag titles. 

 Mountie is placed in a cell.

IRS Vs. Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine
 Hammer has always looked about 70 years old even here. I know heels are meant to lie but Heenan saying this'll be a good match is going to far in my mind. Nothing of note, was there in any IRS match ever? Greg works the leg prior to the end but is small packed and IRS wins, at one point Hammer double crossed himself as he signaled a Figure Four and went for an elbow. *

Mean Gene is with Hogan and Warrior.

Match Made In Hell - Sgt. Slaughter/Mustafa/Adnan Vs. Warrior/Hogan
 Special ref is Sid Justice, Sid Vicious or Psycho Sid for those wondering. I don't know my army ranks at all but I think Sgt. Slaughter, who is presented as the leader, is outranked by his allies or at least one of them. Hogan is WWF Champion. Whole lot of stalling. Slaughter takes a Bret style corner bump as Hogan and Warrior are on top. Finally Slaughter gets a shot in when Sid breaks up Hogan and Sid in the corner. Hogan is in the heel corner. Warrior breaks up a camel clutch. Hogan is whipped into Sid, they make to fight despite it being Sarge's fault. Slaughter heads up top (!!) but Warrior pushes him off. Warrior gets the lukewarm tag, blocks a Mustafa suplex then does one of his own. Hogan in, big boot to Slaughter, Warrior chases the other two to the back then Hogan uses powder on Slaughter, why?, and Leg Drop finishes it. *1/2 - Why in the Hay-ell would Hogan need powder and the ref to do a fast count to beat Slaughter? Real poor main event tag match but I doubt that's news to anyone. As Hogan and Justice pose Heenan 'I take it this is the match made in heaven right'. 

We see Mountie with his cell mates.

We see Macho proposing to Liz, I love her 'Ohh Yeah' and his jacket.

They play a tribute to Savage/Liz, which given they've both passed is pretty hard to watch for me. They used this song again for Test/Stephanie, in fact I think they had it sung in the arena. Savage and Liz get married in WWE canon, I am against marriage but if I ever did get married it'd be dressed like Savage was for his. We are whisked to the wedding reception, Gene Okerlund delivers a toast. Doth I see J.J Dillon there? I'd of loved a Savage/IV Horsemen feud in 80s NWA, Savage/Windham alone could be insane or would they negate each other maybe 80s Flair would bounce off Savage better, god darn I need a time machine to be built for this purpose and so I can relive SM:TV live, in fact i'd do a Bill & Ted style thang with wrestlers instead of historical figures and do dream matches even if I was the only one in attendance. Wait what was I doing? They eat cake and open presents Savage shouting 'Got a blender Yeaahhhh!' would've had me spitting out coffee if it'd been drinking some at the time instead a hearty chuckle had to suffice. One of the gifts is a snake from who else .... King Kong Bu.... oops no sorry it was Jake Roberts then Taker hits Savage with an urn but Sid and a chair see off Snake and Deadman, this would lead to the Savage/Roberts feud.

18 / 40 - Man some matches really dragged this down, I mean there was a ****1/2 and two ***'s and it still didn't break .500. Make no mistake though I approve this PPV, the IC is awesome the opener and Virgil/Ted were good viewing as well, sure the main sucks but I think Mountie's antics and the Savage/Liz wedding and stuff more than make up for it's shortcomings.

Thumbs Up for SummerSlam 1991.

Fully Loaded 2000

July 23rd from Dallas, Texas.

Attendance: 16,504
Buys: 420,000

 WWF had a good run on PPV in 2000 until the previous months KOTR, will Fully Loaded rebound here or keep the down trend going?

Test & Albert, Trish Stratus Vs. Hardyz/Lita
 Albert has the upper hand Vs. Matt but when Test is in he is knocked off the top and Matt hits a leg drop. Lita tags in when Trish is in but she goes and tags Albert in. Poetry in motion and a double suplex to Albert then Hardyz and Lita suplex Test and Trish, crowd are on fiy-ah as the tops are removed. Albert does a double underhook suplex on Jeff, who fights out of a Pump Handle Slam when Test is in but Test is soon in control. Matt tags in after Test misses an elbow but he gets Pump Handle Slammed. Lita tornado DDTs Test then a crossbody to the outside on Albert, she gets 2 off a hurricanrana on Test but her momentum is stopped by an Albert cheapshot then Test Powerbombs her and Trish bulldogs her, weird watching Trish before she was good. Lita gets the 3 via moonsault at 13:11. PM - Trish whips Lita as T&A attack Hardyz, jeez sore losers much? ***1/2 - Damn good opener where something was always happening meaning it was never boring. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Edge tells Commissioner Foley that Christian has food poisoning.

Tazz Vs. Al Snow
 Al starts better until Tazz rakes the eyes, superkick by Snow. Tazz hits a Brooklyn Slam (I hate when people explain something which can come across as patronising but I shall explain anytime someone uses Hardcore's Alabama Slam I put there place in place of Alabama) out of the corner. Snow registers a 2 after a leg drop and moonsault from the top. Snow gets head, oi-oi, but
Tazz chop blocks him. Me tinks there's a boring chant, fans spirits may of been buoyed by that opener. Snow does his underhook headbutts but Tazz hits a suplex. Snow tries to roll to avoid Tazzmission but Tazz keeps it locked in and Al taps at 5:21. *1/2 - Short and inoffensive but on the flip it did feel HeAt level and not PPV worthy. I seem to remember Al wrestling at I think Unforgiven 2003 in a match to announce RAW or something but I can't think of any other PPV appearance after this bar a make up the Rumble numbers one. (Did he even have one of them?)

We hear Christian being sick then someone annoys HHH by sending Stephanie flowers, the card makes it sound like Angle did it .... for The Rock. (Longish time wrestling fans will get that reference, hard to believe was 16 years ago, but it would of made more sense had Rikishi sent the flowers, I swung for a homer and got a ball to the noggin)

European Title - Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna) Vs. Perry Saturn (w/ Terri Runnels)

 You know when you buy something and get something with it that you don't necessarily want well that's how I think WWF felt with Saturn and to an extent Malenko when they got Benoit and Guerrero from WCW (Not even Dean's fantastic Backlash showing saved him, show me anyone not named Benoit and maybe Angle, though not 100% there based on 2000 Angle, who could take Scotty 2 Hotty to a **** match). Eduardo is in complete control including hitting a slingshot senton and a top rope hurricanrana. Saturn does hit a powerbomb but after a tornado DDT by Eddy the top of Saturn's head is cut. Eddie does a brainbuster and annoyingly Saturn is soon back up, at least sell for a little bit. Chyna and Saturn break the announce table, you may of heard about that in Jericho's book. Perry elbow drops Eddie's back for .... 3? Huh? at 8:10. ** - Meh, average, you get the message i'm sure. 

Christian is found pouring water into a toilet to simulate the sound of being sick, weird camera angle. Mick says the Tag Title match is on.

WWF Tag Titles - Edge/Christian (c) Vs. Acolytes 

 Cheap heat promo by the Champions, JFK would've killed himself had he spent five more minutes in Dallas. Bradshaw comes out and says about Edge and Christian cutting a cheap heat promo and then he goes and cuts a cheap yay for the local city promo, pot-kettle-black, though this may be Bradshaw's best promo though that's like saying you're Cleveland Browns best ever player (Without the initial JB or ON). Poetry in motion w/ a splash but Bradshaw catches Christian and hits a fallaway slam. Acolytes in control, Powerbomb to Edge as there's a 'USA' chant. Bradshaw is playing face-in-peril, E&C go for a double superplex but are pushed down. Faarooq in, Spinebusters and Clotheslines From Hells all round but the Acolytes win the match via DQ, but not the titles, as Edge uses a blatant belt shot at 5:28. *1/2 - I don't like Lame-O, as E&C would say, endings, kind of pointless really. (Doesn't that sum up the Acolytes perfectly though)

Backstage Angle attacks Takers knee with a wrench.

IC Title - Steel Cage - Val Venis (c) (w/ Trish) Vs. Rikishi

 Val tries to leave early but Rikishi throws him down. Val gets some shots in on the legs then throws Kishi into the cage but is soon being beat down in the corner but a low blow avoids the Stinkface then he sends Kishi about 1080' with a clothesline. Val is nearly out of the cage but Kishi pulls him back in. Val is cut from the cage. Samoan drop, running butt bump and a bonzai drop but  Val gets his foot on the rope. Rikishi goes to leave but Trish channels Terry Gordy to stop him. The Money Shit gets 2. Hereeeeee's Lita with a belt and she whips Trish, I half expect the ref to make it a tag match, 10 seconds to guess who it is. Val is down, taking the ref out, and we get the move of the PPV as Rikishi goes all Superfly and splashes Val off the cage, put a folk in Val he is done! Rikishi goes to leave but Tazz hits him with a camera and Val gets the 3 at 14:08. *** - I am tempted to go 1/2 more but that ending man, urgh. The first 14 minutes were good and fair does to Val showing nerves of steel taking that dive from Kishi. (Possibly does deserve that 1/2 even with the ending, when/if I re watch I shall have a think about it)

Harvey Whippleman takes HHH to Kurt's room where we hear a scuffle then Jericho comes out and HHH is shown laid out. Then in the ring Shane McMahon calls out The Rock, who agrees with Dallas that Shane's a pussy. Benoit is on the titantron and he's cut up Rocks clothes. Diving Headbutt to the Leopard Print, my gawd!

Mark Calaway Vs. Kurt Angle 

 Kurt is KOTR and Bikerman is coasting since '99. Angle trashed Calaway's bike and attacked the knee on SMACKDOWN! and earlier tonight, will Mark sell it? Calaway rides down during Angle's entrance and is in control from the off though there's been no bell yet. When they get in the ring Kurt gets in a couple of shits (I assume/hope that's a typo) but is soon big booted and suplexed. Wrench to the knee by Kurt, maybe now it'll be sold, but Calaway still has the advantage. Knee shots by Kurt as the crowd shouts 'Kurt Sucks' prompting Jerry to shout 'Kurt Does Not Suck' which makes JR chuckle. Kurt has *gasp* sustained offence. Chokeslam by Bikerman rendering Kurt's work pointless and to add insult to injury it's finished with a Last Ride at 7:34. * - Basically an extended squash which is something a man in Kurt's position shouldn't be put in. If the knee had been sold then maybe i'd of bumped it. (After 6 years Taker finally started trying and they had a corker at No Way Out 2006) (Wait i've already added comments? this is a directors cut of a directors cut i've gone all Blade Runner up in here!)

Last Man Standing - Triple-H Vs. Chris Jericho 

 The second of the triple main events, Tazz/Snow may of been the first one. Jericho has taped ribs, DDP should sue for gimmick infringement. Jericho is on top, hits his second rope dropkick and a spinning back elbow off the top. HHH sends Jericho ringside and hotshots his ribs on the barricade, this is followed by mid-section work by HHH which gets a thumbs up from me and probably a shake of the head from Bikerman. Usually a abdominal stretch gets a tut from me but it makes sense here, Jericho hip tosses out of it. HHH blocks the Lionsault by putting his knees up. Jericho does a crotch chop but Hunter is all oh no you didn't and does the Pedigree, Jericho is up at 9 as HHH lies across the tope rope. HHH gets shots in with a chair and tries a chair assisted Pedigree but is lowblowed. Jericho may of sent HHH's mind to JR Ewing's office with a chair shot that busts HHH bad. Jericho is on top, bulldog on the chair then HHH does his whipped over the top spot. They do a double TV monitor bit and are both up at 9. Jericho applies the Walls and doesn't break it when HHH makes the ropes, Walls to Stephanie now. HHH misses with a Sledgehammer shot and Jericho has it and gets HHH in the mid-section. They do a back suplex through the table which if I remember right was called on the fly due to Chyna breaking the other table earlier, the one they originally planned to use, HHH is up at 9 but Jericho is down for the count at 23:08. **** - Some people may not like the slow pacing, especially Hunters early offence, but I enjoyed the match as a whole.

WWF Title - The Rock (c) Vs. Chris Benoit (w/ Shane McMahon) 

 Benoit has one of Rock's torn shirts on. Benoit gets a cheap shot in as Shane causes a distraction but soon Rock is on top. Gutwrench gutbuster by Benoit as he is getting a foot in the match, when the challenger heads up top he is crotched and back superplexed back to ring level. Benoit registers 2 counts from a belt shot and a snap suplex but then runs into a powerslam which gets the Champion a 2 count. Shane gets involved a couple of times, he low bridges Rock to outside and later hits a couple of clotheslines at ringside after Rock applies a figure four after a leg whip. Not sure if Rock meant to powerbomb Chris and fell backwards or was actually going for a hotshot but that's what he does. Chris hits the Swan Dive for 2 then Rock blocks Chris' punches and hits his own then a Peoples Elbow only gets 2 after a spinebuster. Shane uses a chair to wipe out Earl Hebner then when he comes to Rock has the chair, Crossface to Benoit as Earl calls for the bell at 19:29 and awards Chris the Title via DQ due to him thinking Rock hit him with the chair but Commissioner Foley comes out and restarts the match, Rock has been busted open by Shane. Germans get Benoit 2 then he applies the Crossface but Rock gets a rope break, he tries for another but is Rock Bottomed for 3 at 2:39. ***1/2 - I enjoyed it even with the silly(ish) DQ stuff for the original ending to the match. I seem to remember Shane trying to unite HHH/Angle over the fact they hated Rock had the championship but that ploy failed to as Rock retained at SummerSlam. (He did try to get their focus on Rocky but the Angle/Steph stuff vetoed that heading into the 'Slam)

20 / 40 - .500 may seem average but rather than an average PPV where every match has the same score we have a PPV with some cracking matches and a few short duds, nothing is actively bad. I have read some observations that the veterans all beat the newcomers in the three main events but that's misleading really as giving Benoit the title would've been a mistake at this point in time so Rock kind of had to go over but in the mean time Benoit was given a respectful match he didn't look out of his depth at the main level, HHH didn't necessarily have to win the LMS match as Jericho did have more to gain but again Jericho looked HHH's equal before going down and lets not forget had an injury going in which almost saves face in a way however the Kurt/UT match/squash was unforgivable, not to be dramatic or anything, it's not just the fact Angle, the man who won KOTR last month and would be in the Title match the next month, lost it's the way he lost that was bad. The PPV delivers in four matches here - the last two matches, the IC and the opener based on these matches and the fact that the rest is short inoffensive stuff Fully Loaded 2000 gets a big thumbs up from me.

SummerSlam 2000

August 27th, Raleigh, North Carolina
Attendance: 18,124
Buys: 570,000

I like the opera style opening video which focuses on the brilliant love triangle angle.

Right To Censor (Goodfather/Bull Buchanan/Stevie Richards) Vs. Too Cool
 Rikishi is accompanied by two ladies, I think they were some of Goodfather's Ho's, one of them is Victoria/Tara. Scotty has the better of Bull to start then combines Shawn Michaels and Michael Jackson, by doing a kip up and moonwalk also Michael Michaels would be an awesome name. Goodfather throws down the ladies, 'save the hoes' chant. Stevie powerbombs Sexay for 2 but he is soon crotched up top and superplexed. Rikishi in, to the crowds approval, and cleans house. II Cool each do a running corner butt bash but Bull hits a Scissors Kick before 'Kish can do the Stink Face. Scotty sets up for The Worm with a bulldog but during the Worm Stevie Superkicks him for the 3 count at 5:11. ** - Short but the crowd liked it so ** seems fair. 

Shane O'Mac is interviewed then runs when Steve Blackman appears. (Like me when a Blackman match comes on *cue laughter with thigh slapping* but I jest as I don't mind Blackman)

Road Dogg Vs. X-Pac 
My review starts with DX explodes until 2006 but I think they had another short run around Survivor Series time ( I may be getting mixed up with 1999 there because the only one I remember around SS 2000 time was Road Dogg being w/ K-Kwik), some reviews are ones I wrote a while ago but am only just typing up. X-Pac takes Road Dogg then spins on him but he responds by kicking X-Pac in the booty sending Pac ringside. X-Pac avoids a corner splash bu Dogg avoids the Bronco Buster. Pac gets 2 off a heel kick then they both hit signature moves as Pac hits Bronco Buster and Dogg does his dancing punches. X-Pac avoids Pump Handle Slam with a low blow and an X-Factor gets the 3 count at 4:40. Post match Road Dogg does an R Rated Pump Handle Slam. *1/2 - Not much time to do much which they didn't. Time frame of this review can be traced as it was done two days after X-Pac suffered his Bronco Buster injury.

IC Title - Eddie Guerrero/Chyna Vs. Val Venis (c)/Trish Stratus
 Title on the line in a tag match, why take a bad WCW concept? Val is IC Champion but if Trish loses the fall he loses the title. Val gets an early 2 on Eduardo. Chyna in and they hit Val with a double flapjack. Trish cheap shots Chyna allowing Val some offence until he misses an elbow and is DDTd. Eddie in with a 2 count off a springboard hurricanrana. Trish tags in with kicks on a downed Eddie but he catches her foot and tags in Chyna. Trish and Val go for a double clothesline on Chyna but Eddie pulls Val out of the ring and a military press slam to Trish gets Chyna the 3 count and Vals IC Title at 7:13. ** - Average as yet another match gets little time, i'd rather have less matches with more time than more matches with less time, I don't get why Val of all people was protected in this fashion.

Jerry Lawler Vs. Tazz
 Tazz was beating up jerkers and jobbers and now commentators, he's a baaaaaad man. Jerry is defending the honour of good ol' JR here, Tazz put JR in a car and smashed the window in thus injuring JRs eye. Tazz is out with a cowboy hat and stick like a blind man so Jerry pops him one. Scoop slam then fist drop by Jerry but Tazz responds with punches and kicks whilst  bad mouthing JR. Tazz heads up top?! but misses a swanton type move and is piledriven but no sells it, ridiculous even more than usual given a man with Tazz's neck, Ref Bump! Tazzmission is applied but JR gets up from his desk to a pop and hits Tazz with a jar of sweets or something and King gets the 3 count at 4:23. *1/2 - Yet another short match am I watching a RAW is WAR disguised as Summer Slam.

 Shane is again interviewed and again runs when Blackman appears.

Hardcore Title - Shane McMahon (c) Vs. Steve Blackman
 Steve was a no charisma karate dude but did find his niche in the Hardcore Division. Steve throws Shane a kendo stick but he throws it back. The chase is on as Shane bails, they fight in the crowd. Pump Kick off the barricade by Steve then some trashcan lid shots. Shane is placed in a trash can then Steve enters Tommy/Marky/Ringo mode and hits the can like drums. We get a bit like Judgment Day now as Test & Albert help Shane which gives him the advantage now it's 3-on-1 (Well as Albert's one it's still just kind of 2-on-1 *cymbal clash*). They fight to the entrance where Steve fights off T&A as Shane climbs the titantron which leads to one of my favorite falls as Shane is knocked off the top of the structure and falls like a dead weight through some equipment and Steve puts an exclamation point on it by hitting an elbow from halfway off the structure for the 3 count. *** - Boosted for the fall, my mate at the time had SummerSlam recorded off Sky Sports or whatever and to explain the fall to me he threw a wrestling figure down some stairs, that reminds me I once threw a BBB figure onto his roof, maybe WCW had annoyed me at the time, I wonder if it's still there? Another figure related story, I had a Konnan figure and he no longer figured in my plans so I 'killed him off' by having him take a Shawn Michaels Badd Blood style fall off a hamster cage.

2-Out Of-3 Falls - Chris Benoit Vs. Chris Jericho
 Did Benoit face anyone in 2000 or 2001 not named Chris or Kurt? Benoit is rocking the black tights as he means business. The 3 C's all fall through the ropes, Benoit and Chioda may of landed on their heads. Benoit hits a shoulder breaker, I thought he was going for the Tombstone for a moment. Jericho taps out to the Crossface at 3:14 (1-0), yes Benoit did a shoulder breaker so you could say he built to the Crossface but a Submission in 3:14 is weird. Benoit targets Jericho's shoulder. Germans are hit but Jericho rolls through one into the Walls Of Jericho and Benoit taps at 8:37 (1-1). They both get 2 counts, Benoit's coming off a full nelson suplex, is that ever seen outside of Japan? Top rope hurricanrana gets Jericho a 2 count. Benoit counters a roll up and gets a rope assisted 3 count at 13:19. *** - Booking held this one back, a 3 fall match going 13:19 is ridiculous, I didn't like the quick submissions or the cheap ending. Booking is meant to help not hinder talent, yet another thing taken from WCW tonight. (*** seems a tad tight, I shall watch again soon as these guys could do *** in their sleep)

WWF Tag Team Titles - TLC - Edge/Christian (c) Vs. Dudleyz Vs. Hardyz
 The first official TLC in WWE history as WM 16 was billed as Triangle Ladder. I shall list the big bumps in order as not much else happens. Hardyz powerbomb Bubba off a ladder. Christian is Bubba Bombed off a ladder, Jeff falls off a ladder that see-saws into Matt, a ting like that smashed Joey Mercury's face in 2006. Waaassssup off a ladder, 3D tough a table to Christian as Dudleyz are standing tall, they stack four tables ringside but when they re-enter the ring Edge beats them with a chair. Hardyz beat on Edge including Jeff doing his leapfrog over a ladder legdrop. Jeff ascends a bigger ladder at ringside, it seems level with the titles and it's at ringside, then Swantons himself through two tables as Bubba moves. Bubba goes up the ladder then straight back down as Edge and Christian tip the ladder sending Bubba flying through the four tables at ringside, I loved that when I was younger. E&C have a clear path to the titles until Lita comes out and tips them over. Matt heads up but is tipped off backwards through a table ringside, I personally wouldn't be able to that. Edge takes out Lita with a Spear ringside, she either does or very nearly bangs her head on a ladder. Jeff and D-Von are hanging from the belts then both come down, that was like the old show Gladiators. Edge and Christian climb the ladder and retain the Championships at 14:48. ****1/2 I am aghast at that time, they sure crammed a lot in. Entertaining car wreck, though I must say I do feel bad for enjoying this match what with the damage their bodies took. I think I prefer this to the Mania 17 effort. 

Stinkface Match - The Kat (w/ Al Snow) Vs. Terri Runnels (w/ Perry Saturn)
 This match is to let fans have a breather. Kat wins after she uses Head.

Acolytes are in WWF NY, better than them being in Raleigh.

Undertaker Vs. Kane
 Kane Chokeslammed Taker through the ring because he's a monster! Is this the first one on one between Biker Taker and Kane? Kane debuts new attire here, he may be a monster but he knows to change fashion with the times. This is less a wrestling match, ha, and more a fight as Deadman is going for Kanes mask. Taker attacks down the aisle, uses a chair then manages to tear the mask as part of it is hanging. Kane misses a shot with the steps so Taker throws them at him thus busting Kane. Punches by Kane but Taker spears him and goes for the mask again, he throws him down then shows he has the mask in his hands as Kane retreats up the aisle covering his face, he almost fell over Takers bike, it went 6:32. JR says there was no bell but there was, no countout result is made so I guess a no contest is official. When I was 10 I wore out the pause button on my VCR trying to see Kane's face. Call it **.

WWF Championship - The Rock (c) Vs. Triple-H V. Kurt Angle 
 HHH-Kurt-Stephanie were in a love triangle. Kurt says he gave Stephanie passion HHH never could. HHH beats on Angle and there's been no bell yet Rock hasn't come out. You know the older Don't Try This At Home stuff where it shows HHH and Angle on a table that breaks well this is where it happens and Angle is knocked loopy, here's Rocky. I wonder if Rock and HHH have to improvise for a bit or if Angle was to be KOd for a bit anyway. HHH hotshots Rock and punches Angle on the stretcher until Rock gets Hunter, he slingshots him into the SummerSlam set. Stephanie checks on Kurt then soon she accidentally hits HHH with the WWF Title, Rock grabs her but gets lowblowed. HHH gets his Sledgehammer and hits Rock in the ribs. Facebuster gets HHH 2 after he'd worked he midsection for a bit, HHH has been on top for a while but when he heads up top he is superplexed. Backstage Kurt tells Steph he'll help Hunter. Belly-to-belly gets Rock a 2 count. Kurt's here and gets Rock Pedigreed but he stops HHH's pin and goes for his own, Kurt may think he's back in Atlanta. Rock Bottom gets 2 as HHH pulls Rock out. Kurt gets the sledgehammer after Stephanie brings it in, HHH punches Stephanie and Angle hits him with the sledgehammer. People's Elbow to HHH gets Rock the 3 count at 20:10, not including the pre-bell stuff. *** - It was okay but there wasn't much to it maybe if Angle hadn't be hurt it would've been better. (WWF were lucky Rock/HHH were so used to each other, that could of been a disaster)

22.5 / 45 - Score is low due to the booking I think more than anything as the first bunch of matches were let down with the time allocation, an improvement could've been say take out King/Tazz and split the time between two matches or tape it onto the Jericho/Benoit match which would've no doubt made that better. I do like it though overall as it's a PPV I could easily watch in one go, maybe I'm a tiny bit biased as it's 2000 and I used to watch this on a loop as a kid but to be fair nothing was actively bad just as I say the timing of some matches. It has a good homestretch though from the Hardcore match to the end. Thumbs Up.

My review method - I write them in a book then type onto computer w/ a cup of coffee and Happy Days.

Survivor Series 2005

November 27th from Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 15,000
Buyrate: 400,000

Normally I type reviews into a book then do a shorter more cohesive review on Blogger however this one is being done straight onto a laptop, although I was a fan at the time I didn't watch this at the time, also Family Guy is on TV but its Season 1 and I don't care much for the older ones as I prefer the 'newer' Stewie. I don't really care for 2005 WWE nor Survivor Series itself that much so not really expecting much, though that could help the PPV as it has low expectations to overcome. I've had this for awhile on DVD but disc is scratched to hell and i've never been able to watch it but saw it yesterday for £2 so re-brought it. Survivor Series 2004 was a 50-50 show as RAWs positives were negated by the SMACKDOWN side of thing and 2006 was possibly the dullest PPV ever so how will 2005 hold up?

Opening video focuses on the three main matches mostly and the return of Undertaker who'd be gone one whole month!!

Best Of 7 - Match 1 - Booker-T (w/ Sharmell) Vs. Chris Benoit 
 Winner of the best of seven wins US Title. Pop for Benoit. Title held up after a double pin. Nothing of note to start. Booker beats on Booker in the corner then knocks him to ringside. Benoit has Booker down on the mat so he goes ringside. Side Kick by Book-A as he is taking control until Benoit blocks a suplex and hits his own, he gets some offence but Booker blocks a corner charge and has Benoit down with an armbar. Tazz is going on about Thanksgiving Food rather than calling the match. 'Lets Go Benoit' chant as he's in an abdominal stretch which he hip tosses out of Heel kick gets a 2 count. Just realised that I don't remember these Benoit tights. Nearly got a double pin finish again. Benoit avoids a suplex and hits a german but Booker avoids any more and hits a heel kick for another 2 count. Booker gets  2 after he counters a Sharpshooter. Benoit hits his three germans as crowd cheer, Benoit gets up first but Sharmell stops him hitting the diving headbutt allowing Booker to go up top but Benoit knocks him down but misses the subsequent Diving Headbutt, Booker rolls up a dazed Benoit as Sharmell helps Booker for the 3 count. Booker leads 1-0. If I remember right Match 7 featured Randy Orton as one of the participants, I'm guessing Booker, was injured. ** Disappointing, maybe they didn't want to have a blow away match so as not to upstage the six that would precede it, could've still done a decent match though, disappointing start. 

Vince McMahon wishes Eric Bischoff good luck after he says he did the same to Teddy, Eric says RAW will sweep SMACKDOWN! tonight and says he'll screw Cena tonight then Cena makes a gay
and says the N-Word to John Cena but as WWE recently said in relation to the Hogan incident, this was was okay as it was in character, idiots.

Womens Title - Melina (w/ MnM) Vs. Trish Stratus (c) (w/ Mickie James)
 Joey Styles and Tazz are calling this to add to the interpromotional feel to the match. Trish dives onto Melina and MnM at ringside. Handstand into a headscissors as Trish is on top until Melina gets a shot in in the corner allowing her some offence. Melina goes to the eyes after Trish chokes her, Mickie and Melina fight ringside then MnM attempt to Snapshot Trish but the ref stops them and sends them to the back, why not a DQ for Mickie James? Melina is still on top and has a surfboard style move applied. Stratusfaction is avoided. Trish does her handstand hurricanrana thing to Melina out of the corner then gets 2 off a spinebuster, Stratusfaction is again avoided but Trish goes all Rick Steiner hitting a bulldog, kind of, off the top for the 3 count. ** - Eh. RAW goes 1 up.

Last Man Standing - Triple-H Vs. Ric Flair
 Their match at Taboo Tuesday was easily the best of that show, earning Ric the name Mr. Taboo Tuesday as his Orton match in 2004 stole that show too. Good lord HHH has permitted Flair to come out last. Naitch is IC Champion but that's not on the line here. HHH attacks in the aisle, that explains the entrance. HHH undoes Flairs robe for him, every bad guy has a heart. HHH has a chair but naitch strikes first with a kendo stick as now they're in the crowd until Ric is backdropped back to ringside. HHH suplexes Flair into the ring then hits some elbows. Ringside Flair is bounced off the ringpost and busted open then HHH digs a screwdriver into the cut, Naitch is wearing a crimson mask, Onita would approve of HHHs actions. If I was drunk I'd be unsure of whether I was watching HHH or Greg Valentine. HHH has been on top for a bit now as Flair has only been to fire off a few chops, HHH is whipped into the steps making the last sentence irrelevant, but he can't capitalise due to exhaustion/blood loss. HHH tells Ric to stay down so Ric applies the testicular claw so HHH hits him with the mic. Pedigree on a table is countered as Ric backdrops HHH through a SAT table, there's three tables to choose from and they still destroy the work place of Hugo and crew, HHH beats the count. Back in ring HHH hits his facebuster.  Flair goes low to avoid Pedigree then hits HHH with a chair then bites him. Corner chops, punches and low blow by Flair as he's fighting back now with a nether regions based assault which to be fair is a good strategy in LMS match, I'd be down for 10,000. Naitch gets some shots in on HHHs leg which against HHH is a good strategy, Figure Four is applied and HHH taps but match obviously continues. HHH clotheslines Ric when he goes for a chop block then hits him with the ring steps but a second attempt is countered with a drop toe hold but HHH is up at 8. Pedigree has Naitch down for 8 then another Pedigree has Ric down for another 8 count,  Naitch flips the double bird and is Pedigreed for the third time but that doesn't get the job done so HHH hits him in the back with a Sledgehammer and Naitch is finally down for the count. *** - I dont always get into LMS matches as the counts can break up the flow of a match and I didn't like this as much as I hoped I would, wrestling needs to live in a realistic world within 
itself, suspension of disbelief, but Ric surviving three Pedigrees kind of seemed ridiculous to me, or at least book a young mid-carder who is on the ascension to survive three Pedigrees. I'm unsure what to give it but at this time *** seems fair based on expectations, maybe on another viewing I'll update it but for now ***.

Bret Harts DVD is plugged, have it, like it, not reviewed it. Move along.

Team SMACKDOWN! are talking backstage, Orton bigs down Batista who is injured and brings up his own recent Survivor Series history. JBL brown nosing Orton then dogging him in made me life.

Edge and Lita are here, Edge announces that soon we will see the debut of The Cutting Edge they note that Dmitri Young of the Detroit Tigers is in attendance, he says Tigers have no chance of winning the World Series and asks if it's a lack of talent or steroids, that must be an inside joke right? He insults the Pistons and i'm mad now. This is just a chance for Edge to get cheap heat on the city of Detroit a city I've never been but would love to as I support Pistons and am a casual Red Wings and Tigers fan (Now i'm a more than casual Red Wings fan and essentially a casual Pistons fan as my love of NBA has diminished and my love of NHL has grown so much it's my #1 sport, I still love my Tigers but man they're bad with little to no optimism where as the Wings aren't great but there's hope especially now Stevie Y is GM). Dmitri says Edge has no balls and bigs up Detroits Sports teams and points to all the Red Wings banners. Don't normally care for cheap heat segments like that but as Detroit were bigged up I loved it.

WWE Championship - S/Ref - Daivari - John Cena (c) Vs. Kurt Angle
 Daivari is associated with Angle. Cena's been Champion since WrestleMania 21. I was a fan of Cena early in his career, more in 2003/4 than here, as I was also in a White Guy acts Black phase, I would regularly blast out G-Unit for now it's more Art Garfunkel as I like Cena have outgrown that. Angle works the leg from the off. Loud duelling Lets Go Cena/Angle chant. Daivari stops Cena going ringside after Angle. Amazing how sloppy Cena is here, Daivari refuses to count Angles shoulders down then gets ready to ring the bell when Angle applies the Ankle Lock then when Cena reaches the rope Daivari kicks his hand away. Cena hits Daivari and goes to call for a DQ but Angle tells him not to. Cena knocks Angle into Daivari KOing the ref, belly-to-belly on the outside by Angle, a new ref is here. Crossnbody gets Cena a 2 count. Seems to be a Cena Sucks chant as Angle is on top of Cena, he has him in a variation of an STF. Cena does one of his no fatigue comebacks and DDTs Kurt, Cena hits 5 Knuckle shuffle after a slam then pumps up his Reeboks, thankfully he doesn't do that anymore, Angle takes out the ref and low blows Cena, Angle Slam gets 2 as a new ref is here. The challenger hits a superplex for another 2, a follow up moonsault misses but Cena cant hit the FU as Angle grabs the ref he then KOs him and brings Daivari back in, Charles Robinson comes down as Cena DDTs Daivari, Cena hits the FU and Charles Robinson, a SMACKDOWN! ref counts the 3 count. ** - The seemingly endless ref shenanigans derailed this match for me as anytime they would build momentum they'd do a ref bump, disappointing for an Angle match also Cena was sloppy and annoying with the inconsistent selling at times.

Eric Bischoff Vs. Teddy Long
 I met Bischoff in April. GM Vs. GM. Cole and Coach on commentary where Cole owns Coach. Teddy is jukin and jivin while avoiding Erics kicks but then Eric chokes Teddy when refs are distracted. Bischoff has Teddy down
with a sleeper but he hits Erc with his shoe to break it. Bischoff Spike to Teddy as Boogeymans music plays so Eric sends the ref up the aisle but Boogey's behind him and hits a Pumphandle Slam allowing Teddy to get 3.

Batista/Rey/Orton/JBL/Lashley Vs. HBK/Carlito/Masters/Show/Kane
 On the way to the ring they guys walk through wrestlers from their respective shows. This is the build that should've been used for Bragging Rights. Batista is WHC and Kane/Show are Tag Champions. I really like the way they built up to this match and showed that when thpught was put into it an brand rivalry could be done well. Eddie chant during Reys entrance. Carlito may have the shortest ever ring theme as it loops by the time he's on the apron. Tazz is going off on one especially during Masters entrance, has Tazz snapped? Orton slaps HBK who slaps him back. Even start with HBK/Orton, Masters in but Orton goes for his eyes. Lashley no sells a shoulder block then powerslams Lashley. Masterlock is avoided then Masters tags in Carlito he is soon Powerslammed which gets Lashley 2.  HBK is now in but Lashley dominates him to, Kane Chokeslams Lashley as he goes to hit a Dominator on HBK for 3 (4-5). Masters bench press gorilla slams Rey, he tags in Kane but Rey gets the better of him at least until he runs into a big boot. The announcers bickering is distracting from the match now. Kane is wearing Rey down with a bearhug, Rey bites free and tags in Batista. Kane hits Batistas taped ribs then knocks SMACKDOWN! off the apron, Spinebeuster gets 3 on Kane after Rey hits 619. (4-4) Show Chokeslams Batista but it only gets 2.  A double Chokeslam does get the 3 count though as the World Champion is gone early (3-4). Show takes out Orton and Rey but can't avoid Clothesline From Hell, 619 and then RKO and another Clothesline From Hell a seated senton from Rey does get 3 (3-3), I liked that they had to do all that to get him out. JBL hits a fallaway slam on the outside to HBK. The three Champions are now gone. JBL blind tags in and Clothesline From Hell eliminates Carlito, I liked the way they did that (3-2). HBK is still down from the fallaway slam so it's 3-on-1 for now. 619 to Masters then a springboard legdrop gets 3, the legdrop didn't hit smooth on Masters (3-1). This is like 2003s Survivor Series w/ HBK being down 3 to 1 and having Orton against him. Shawn does epic oversell on 610 then goes Epic again by Sweet Chin Musicing a springboarding Rey (2-1), Clothesline From Hell is avoided and Sweet Chin Music eliminates JBL (1-1). 2003 ended with Batista taking out HBK for Orton will that happen again? The commentator bickering has seemingly stopped did Vince interject on commentary? Shawn avoids RKO and Randy avoids Sweet Chin Music. We Want Taker chant, forearm, kip up by HBK, he fires off some moves and heads up top and hits the elbow. JBL is still ringside and distracts HBK and Orton gets 3 from RKO (1-0) as Orton keeps up his sole survivor run, the SMACKDOWN! crew come out to celebrate with Orton but he panics when Druids bring out a casket which is hit by lightening and Deadman comes out of the flaming casket which is fitting as at No Mercy the Ortons beat Taker in a Casket Match and set it a flame. Undertaker pounds the SMACKDOWN! guys in the ring and Tombstones Regal, I read that Matt Hardy slipped away before he got his beating by Deadman and thus was stiffed by JBL at Armageddon a month later as Taker felt dissed, hmm dissed maybe my white guy thinking he's black phase isn't over. ***1/2 - I do love multi-man tag matches and this was a pretty good one, I must again praise the build as my made RAW Vs. SMACKDOWN! seem compelling as they got the our show Vs. yours theme across well in the build up, did the match build anyone up? No which was a missed opportunity, say have Masters or Carlito get a big elimination or something but it was enjoyable in it's own right.

 12.5 / 25 - Bang on .500 but that's only thanks to the main and the LMS, the other three matches were pretty boring and not worth your time. The LMS was okay is slightly disappointing, I'm sure I really enjoyed their match at Taboo Tuesday which is why I had hopes for this one, I did enjoy the main but it doesn't really save the show from mediocrity as the show left no lasting impression on the WWE following this PPV.
Thumbs in the middle due to LMS/Main Event.

SummerSlam 2013

August 18th from LA, California.
Attendance: 14,166
Buys: 298,000

SummerSlam is my fave PPV and this one has potential as I have high hopes that Brock will bring the goods and tell a good story Vs. Punk and Bryan/Cena should be good.

Miz is put as we have a cold open then Fandango and Summer Rae come out and tango then we go to the opening video, will they get a PPV Pay Cheque for that?

National Anthem is sung by someone from Total Divas, JoJo I think?

Ring Of Fire- Kane Vs. Bray Wyatt
 I had two ideas coming in either they'd be eating vindaloos or throwing Johnny Cash records at each other turns out it's an Inferno Match where pinfalls and submissions count, rendering the stip moot. Wyatt's theme is like an acoustic Nirvana. Kane blocks a suplex then hits one of his own. Bray does hit a corner splash but is then clothesline and slid slammed as Kane is on top. Harper has a kendo stick but can't get it to Bray due to flames. Kane hits three Chokeslams then Harper and Rowan use a fire blanket on the fire and attack Kane then Bray hits Sister Abigail for the 3 count. *1/2
- The stip was rendered pointless by the ending kind of how cage matches are done to stop interference but nearly always have some, bad opening to the show.

Josh Matthews, Booker-T, Vickie Guerrero and Shawn Michaels are the superstar panel.

Damien Sandow Vs. Cody Rhodes 
 Damien is MITB, he won that by turning on Cody which makes him the bad guy even though they're every man for himself matches. As of writing he cashed that in about a fortnight ago and lost, unsure as to whether this'll lead to a face chase or nothing (turned out nothing). Front suplex gets Cody an early 2. Sandow is now on top and blocks Cross Rhodes, locks in a nice sharpshooter variation. Cody uses the Muscle Buster of all things then does a punch ala Goldust. Cody gets 2s by blocking a sunset flip then another from a disaster kick but does go one better getting the 3 count off of a Cross Rhodes, why do MITB winners seem to go on losing streaks surely they should be built up. *** - A sound and solid undercard match but it did seem shorter than I expected.

A video plays of Christians career.

World Heavyweight Title - Alberto Del Rio (c) Vs. Christian
 Christians title shot seems random hasn't he been injured since about 2011? I doth not dig title shots out of nowhere as they devalue the championship. ADR has a black eye which he got in a bar fight. ADR makes Lilian introduce him in Spanish. Even start until Christian gets the upperhand. Del Rio attacks as he has Christian in the tree-of-woe. ADR is working the arm/shoulder, I like when they do things like that which make sense due to ADRs Cross Arm Breaker finisher. Christian hits a splash to outside then back in hits 10 corner punches and gets 2 off a crossbody. Kill Switch is avoided and ADR hits a backstabber. Christian registers another 2 count off a top rope hurricanrana. ADR avoids a Spear with a dropkick but then is hit with a Spear but nice touch as Christian can't capitalize and Del Rio gets the win via his Cross Armbreaker. ***1/2 - Solid WHC match that drew the fans in, just two pros doing there thing.

Miz chats to Maria Menounos. Fandango and Summer Raw dance again.

Brie Bella Vs. Natalya
 Not much of note until Brie Bella and Eva Marie pull away the apron so Natalya takes a hard looking fall. Sharpshooter is countered. Calgary Slam leads to another Sharpshooter as Natalya wins. *1/2 - Too short to mean anything really, if Divas aren't given time then what can they do?

Ryback bullies some guy in the back, nothing screams heel more than pouring soup on a kitchen guy.

No DQ - Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) Vs. CM Punk
 We see clips of Heyman and Punk bigging each other up, looks like it's from Punks DVD. Maybe it's the NCAA/UFC history or just his size alone but no-one brings intensity and the feeling that something good's going to go down than Brock Lesnar. The power advantage is used by Brock from the off. Punk has Lesnar down with kicks, he goes to follow up with steps shots but Brock just runs at him. Punk has Heyman until Lesnar makes the save. Brock just throws Punk over the announce table, I'm loving this so far. Lesnar does a double stomp which I imagine is akin to Mario stomping a Goombah. Brock has been on top 95% of the time and that continues as he catches Punk on a crossbody and hits a fallaway slam. Punk channels his inner Tyson and bites Lesnar, Punk hits some corner knees but Lesnar avoids a third however he can't hit the F5. Punk hits his top rope elbow, GTS and F5 are both avoided. Lesnar counters the GTS to a Kimura but Punk counters it to a triangle but Brock breaks that with a powerbomb, i'm so drawn into this one that I was worried that Brock was going to tap out, can't remember the last time that happened. Punk hits a Foley elbow, with a chair, onto Brock for a 2 count. Brock attempts an F5 but Punk grabs Heyman so Brock can't do it. GTS is hit but Heyman breaks the pin. F5 is countered with a DDT onto a chair but it only gets 2, Anaconda Vice is applied then soon after Punk has it locked in on Heyman so Brock whacks him with a chair then an F5 onto a chair gets Lesnar the 3 count, Lesnar wins!! ****1/2 - 
Not enjoyed a match this much in a long time, I knew I was drawn in when I was worried Lesnar was going to lose. Fun seeing Lesnar just toss Punk around like a rag doll. Brilliant.

Ziggler/Kaitlyn Vs. AJ Lee/Big E
 AJ is Divas Champion. Big belly-to-belly by Big E. Abdominal stretch is applied, wait quick I must dust off my old joke, no one's tapped out to that move since 1961. AJ gets 2 as Kaitlyn strolls into a heel kick. Couple of neckbreakers by AJ then she skips around. Ziggler in and he's all over Big E, like how all NFL teams not named Tennessee are all over Jacksonville. Big E almost snaps Dolph in half with a corner charge. AJ is speared on the outside then Big E goes for the Big Ending but gets Zig Zagged for the 3 count. **1/2 - Good little match where nothing was bad.

Fandango dances around Miz again so he drops him. We go to the Superstar panel where Daniel Bryan is picked as the winner, wasn't the Rumble ending once changed when the winner was rightly predicted on TV or radio or something? HBK thanks Brock/Punk for their match.

WWE Title - Special Ref/ HHH - John Cena (c) Vs. Daniel Bryan 
 That Champ Is Here is one of the worst I've ever laid eyes on. Cenas left elbow is taped and there's the obligatory 'You Can't Wrestle' chant. Cena has Bryan on the mat but he monkey flips free. They trade pinning predicaments. Bryan avoids the AA but is knocked into announce table then suplexed off the ring steps. Cena hits a powerbomb as JBL says Cena said 'let's forget wrestling and fight' who the hell busts out a powerbomb in a fight? Bryan fires off some of his kicks but Cena ducks the last one and springs up hitting some of his moves of doom, part of the reason I dislike Cena. Bryan now aims kicks at the elbow, which makes sense. Bryan gets 2 off a bridged german. Bryan locks in his
Yes Lock/Crippler Crossface but of course Cena breaks it. The AA gets the Champion 2. Superplex by D-Bry but he stays on the ropes and hits the Diving Headbutt for a 2 count. Cena blocks a top rope hurricanrana then seems to spike Bryan off the top, that was dangerous. STFU is countered to Yes Lock. Bryan wins a slap off then a Running Knee gets Bryan a 3 count and the WWE Championship. **** - Don't get me wrong it was very good but I wasn't feeling it like I was the Brock/Punk match from start to finish, but still it was good though don't get me wrong, arguably SummerSlams top main event. 

Second SummerSlam HHH has called down the middle, he does Yes signals as well, then Ortons music hits HHH Pedigrees Bryan and Orton cashes in his MITB to become the new Champion as The Corporation 2.0 is born.

20.5 / 35 - My favourite SummerSlam may be 1998 or 2000 but this is arguably the best ever ringwise. Lesnar/Punk was absolutely fantastic, and the best I've seen in awhile, the WWE Championship is a very rewarding match as well and the World Heavyweight Title match was a solid and good match as well to round things off, rest was okay bar the opener. Go back to the 2 hour IYH PPVs and remove the opener and Diva match from the card and we get a score of 17.5 / 25 which would've pushed this to best ever rating category.
Thumbs way up for the best non-WrestleMania in a while.