1. Mr. Kennedy defeated King Booker, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Edge, Randy Orton, Finlay, and CM Punk in a Money In The Bank Ladder Match
This was a definite step up from the previous year's match, partly due to the fact that they got a few more minutes to do some crazy spots. The crowd ate it up and at the time, Mr. Kennedy going over looked like the right move.
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
2. Great Khali defeated Kane by pinfall
This match really deflated the crowd and it's too bad that they felt this was necessary to add to the show.
Rating: .25
3. Chris Benoit defeated MVP by pinfall
I had high hopes for this at the time and what we got was a decent match. MVP stepped it up, but the finish out of nowhere really hurt this one.
Rating: 2.75
4. Undertaker defeated Batista by pinfall to win the World Heavyweight Championship
This one was a million times better than I ever thought it would be. This was probably Batista's best match up to this point and they both definitely used the fact that they were on so early as motivation.
Rating: 3.5
5. Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu + Sandman defeated Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorne, Matt Striker + Marcus Cor Von by pinfall
It's too bad this wasn't an extreme rules match because they could have put on a much better match that way. They got the opportunity a couple of nights later and it rocked the house. This was basically an apology to the ECW Originals for the new ECW sucking so bad. The scary thing is that none of the New Breed are actively wrestling for WWE.
Rating: 2.25
6. Lashley defeated Umaga by pinfall
A lot of people are pretty hard on this match, but it wasn't horrible considering that Lashley was involved in it. It was late 90s style wrestling and it worked okay for these two.
Rating: 2.25
7. Melina defeated Ashley by pinfall
This is another match that just totally just killed the crowd and really shouldn't have been on the card. Ashley is one of the worst Diva wrestlers ever.
Rating: .25
8. John Cena defeated Shawn Michaels by submission
***Match Of The Night***
This was great stuff from two guys who were really on a roll at this point. This was a great way to end the show and the crowd ate it up.
Rating: 4.25
This is kind of an odd show. The first and last matches are absolute must-see's and the Undertaker/Batista showdown is definitely worth a look as well. The whole Trump/McMahon is what made this show go over the 1 million buy mark, so if you were into that, you probably loved this show. This was my first WrestleMania that I attended live, so I am a little biased towards this one, but it seems like this one got a fairly favorable reaction. So with that being said, this is definitely a top ten WrestleMania, but definitely not top five.
Overall Rating: 89%
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Royal Rumble 2007
1. The Hardyz defeated MNM by pinfall
This was a solid opener, but went on a little long. Still, you can't fault these guys as both teams gave a good effort, even if MNM gained absolutely nothing from this feud.
Rating: 2.75 (out of 5)
2. Lashley defeated Test by countout
Why would a contender for the title walk away from the match? It makes no sense to me. We all knew Lashley was going to win, so why protect Test?
Rating: .5
3. Batista defeated Mr. Kennedy by pinfall
Kennedy looked okay in there and Batista showed no signs of the man who would have a great feud with Undertaker a few months later. This wasn't horrible, but it was hardly memorable.
Rating: 1.5
4. John Cena defeated Umaga in a Last Man Standing Match
***Match Of The Night***
This was absolutely awesome. Cena was on a hot streak and Umaga was really coming into his own. This was intense and action-packed from bell to bell. This was not only the match of the show, but it was one of the best matches of the year and a great way to kick off 2007.
Rating: 4.5
5. Undertaker won the Royal Rumble
Undertaker finally got his win, as did the number 30 in this solid Rumble. There were definitely some lulls in this one, but it was entertaining enough and the last 15 minutes are great. This probably isn't the best Rumble, but it's on the upper half.
Rating: 3.5
Well, the two matches that took up about half of the show were good, so this gets an easy recommendation. Two of the matches are blah, but the Umaga/Cena match is absolutely worth seeing. Plus, the classic confrontation between Michaels and Undertaker is fun stuff, especially knowing what happened between the two later in the decade.
Overall Rating: 81%
This was a solid opener, but went on a little long. Still, you can't fault these guys as both teams gave a good effort, even if MNM gained absolutely nothing from this feud.
Rating: 2.75 (out of 5)
2. Lashley defeated Test by countout
Why would a contender for the title walk away from the match? It makes no sense to me. We all knew Lashley was going to win, so why protect Test?
Rating: .5
3. Batista defeated Mr. Kennedy by pinfall
Kennedy looked okay in there and Batista showed no signs of the man who would have a great feud with Undertaker a few months later. This wasn't horrible, but it was hardly memorable.
Rating: 1.5
4. John Cena defeated Umaga in a Last Man Standing Match
***Match Of The Night***
This was absolutely awesome. Cena was on a hot streak and Umaga was really coming into his own. This was intense and action-packed from bell to bell. This was not only the match of the show, but it was one of the best matches of the year and a great way to kick off 2007.
Rating: 4.5
5. Undertaker won the Royal Rumble
Undertaker finally got his win, as did the number 30 in this solid Rumble. There were definitely some lulls in this one, but it was entertaining enough and the last 15 minutes are great. This probably isn't the best Rumble, but it's on the upper half.
Rating: 3.5
Well, the two matches that took up about half of the show were good, so this gets an easy recommendation. Two of the matches are blah, but the Umaga/Cena match is absolutely worth seeing. Plus, the classic confrontation between Michaels and Undertaker is fun stuff, especially knowing what happened between the two later in the decade.
Overall Rating: 81%
Armageddon 2006
1. Kane defeated MVP in an Inferno Match
This match seems like it would be cool in theory, but it is probably the most restricting stipulation match that I can think of. And since they aren't doing garbage wrestling, this is almost guaranteed to be dull and it was.
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
2. Paul London + Brian Kendrick defeated MNM, the Hardyz, and Dave Taylor + William Regal in a Ladder Match
***Match Of The Night***
This was an impromptu match that saved the show. This was absolutely awesome stuff as you would expect. Regal and Taylor added a unique aspect to the match and Joey Mercury's nose busting was absolutely disgusting. This is definitely must-see TV.
Rating: 4
3. The Boogeyman defeated The Miz by pinfall
From absolute awesome to horrible trash. The Miz was awful at this point and I don't think there was a worse actual wrestler under contract at this time than The Boogeyman.
Rating: 0
4. Chris Benoit defeated Chavo Guerrero by submission
For some reason Chavo really started declining in ability around this time and it showed here. This should have been great, but instead it was just good.
Rating: 2.75
5. Gregory Helms defeated Jimmy Wang Yang by pinfall
The crowd could have cared less about this match, but it was a solid bout. Helms is solid and Yang is very underrated. It's too bad Yang was saddled with a horrible gimmick.
Rating: 2.5
6. Undertaker defeated Mr. Kennedy in a Last Ride Match
I really wanted to love this match, but it just didn't get over the hump. Both guys gave a good effort, but it seemed to be lacking something. Kennedy's character was starting to get him over though.
Rating: 2.75
7. John Cena + Batista defeated King Booker + Finlay by pinfall
I have no problem with matches like this on pay-per-view, but this one was just too obvious who was going to come out on top. This was a typical TV main event, with some good action and a few sloppy spots. This was not really worthy of being the main event.
Rating: 2.75
Well, this show was most definitely saved by the ladder match. Those eight men gave a great effort and unfortunately it did nothing for the careers of London and Kendrick. There was a lot of solid stuff on the show, so it's definitely not a recommendation to avoid, but just don't go out of your way, especially if you've seen the ladder match.
Overall Rating: 67%
This match seems like it would be cool in theory, but it is probably the most restricting stipulation match that I can think of. And since they aren't doing garbage wrestling, this is almost guaranteed to be dull and it was.
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
2. Paul London + Brian Kendrick defeated MNM, the Hardyz, and Dave Taylor + William Regal in a Ladder Match
***Match Of The Night***
This was an impromptu match that saved the show. This was absolutely awesome stuff as you would expect. Regal and Taylor added a unique aspect to the match and Joey Mercury's nose busting was absolutely disgusting. This is definitely must-see TV.
Rating: 4
3. The Boogeyman defeated The Miz by pinfall
From absolute awesome to horrible trash. The Miz was awful at this point and I don't think there was a worse actual wrestler under contract at this time than The Boogeyman.
Rating: 0
4. Chris Benoit defeated Chavo Guerrero by submission
For some reason Chavo really started declining in ability around this time and it showed here. This should have been great, but instead it was just good.
Rating: 2.75
5. Gregory Helms defeated Jimmy Wang Yang by pinfall
The crowd could have cared less about this match, but it was a solid bout. Helms is solid and Yang is very underrated. It's too bad Yang was saddled with a horrible gimmick.
Rating: 2.5
6. Undertaker defeated Mr. Kennedy in a Last Ride Match
I really wanted to love this match, but it just didn't get over the hump. Both guys gave a good effort, but it seemed to be lacking something. Kennedy's character was starting to get him over though.
Rating: 2.75
7. John Cena + Batista defeated King Booker + Finlay by pinfall
I have no problem with matches like this on pay-per-view, but this one was just too obvious who was going to come out on top. This was a typical TV main event, with some good action and a few sloppy spots. This was not really worthy of being the main event.
Rating: 2.75
Well, this show was most definitely saved by the ladder match. Those eight men gave a great effort and unfortunately it did nothing for the careers of London and Kendrick. There was a lot of solid stuff on the show, so it's definitely not a recommendation to avoid, but just don't go out of your way, especially if you've seen the ladder match.
Overall Rating: 67%
Friday, September 3, 2010
No Mercy 2006
1. Matt Hardy defeated Gregory Helms by pinfall
***Match Of The Night***
I know I am probably overrating this, since I've never seen anyone give this anywhere near the score I'm giving, but I really enjoyed this match. These guys know each other well and it showed. Lots of back and forth action and the crowd ate it up.
Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)
2. Paul London + Brian Kendrick defeated Austin Idol + KC James by pinfall
Another good match from London and Kendrick. These guys were the best tag team the WWE had since earlier in the decade.
Rating: 3
3. MVP defeated Marty Garner by pinfall
This was meant to make MVP look like an arrogant jerk and in that aspect it worked. Nothing more than a squash, however.
Rating: .25
4. Mr. Kennedy defeated Undertaker by disqualification
I really wanted to like this match, but I just couldn't get into it. It was slow and I don't think Kennedy got enough offense in. Plus, why did the Undertaker go nuts at the end?
Rating: 1.75
5. Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero by pinfall
This was a fun brawl, even if it was a bit tame. There were some good spots and they kept up a good pace throughout the match.
Rating: 2.75
6. Chris Benoit defeated William Regal by submission
This was an "impromptu" match between two old favorites. This was good, but not as good as some claimed.
Rating: 2.75
7. King Booker defeated Finlay, Batista and Lashley by pinfall
This was a good four-way match, but far from great. Finlay was really the glue that held this match together and Booker played his character well.
Rating: 3
This was a surprisingly good show. I remember really liking it when I watched it live and it has held up fairly well. The first match is a personal favorite, but even without that match, this is worth your time. Check it out if you get a chance, even if it's not at the top of your list.
Overall Rating: 79%
***Match Of The Night***
I know I am probably overrating this, since I've never seen anyone give this anywhere near the score I'm giving, but I really enjoyed this match. These guys know each other well and it showed. Lots of back and forth action and the crowd ate it up.
Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)
2. Paul London + Brian Kendrick defeated Austin Idol + KC James by pinfall
Another good match from London and Kendrick. These guys were the best tag team the WWE had since earlier in the decade.
Rating: 3
3. MVP defeated Marty Garner by pinfall
This was meant to make MVP look like an arrogant jerk and in that aspect it worked. Nothing more than a squash, however.
Rating: .25
4. Mr. Kennedy defeated Undertaker by disqualification
I really wanted to like this match, but I just couldn't get into it. It was slow and I don't think Kennedy got enough offense in. Plus, why did the Undertaker go nuts at the end?
Rating: 1.75
5. Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero by pinfall
This was a fun brawl, even if it was a bit tame. There were some good spots and they kept up a good pace throughout the match.
Rating: 2.75
6. Chris Benoit defeated William Regal by submission
This was an "impromptu" match between two old favorites. This was good, but not as good as some claimed.
Rating: 2.75
7. King Booker defeated Finlay, Batista and Lashley by pinfall
This was a good four-way match, but far from great. Finlay was really the glue that held this match together and Booker played his character well.
Rating: 3
This was a surprisingly good show. I remember really liking it when I watched it live and it has held up fairly well. The first match is a personal favorite, but even without that match, this is worth your time. Check it out if you get a chance, even if it's not at the top of your list.
Overall Rating: 79%
Survivor Series 2002
1. Bubba Dudley, Spike Dudley + Jeff Hardy defeated Three Minute Warning in a Tables Match
This is exactly what you want out of your opener and more. Lots of energy, lots of brawling and a great surprise ending that the MSG crowd ate up. Good stuff.
Rating: 3.25 (out of 5)
2. Billy Kidman defeated Jamie Noble by pinfall to win the Cruiserweight Championship
Another good match that kept the crowd going. Jamie Noble was really good at this point and Kidman was motivated.
Rating: 3.25
3. Victoria defeated Trish Stratus by pinfall to win the Women's Championship
This is one of my favorite women's matches ever. The first few minutes are absolutely great, but unfortunately it broke down a little bit at the end. Still, this was a great effort.
Rating: 2.5
4. Big Show defeated Brock Lesnar by pinfall to win the WWE Championship
This was one of the best five minute matches I've ever seen. Brock was the man and as I've said before, he and Big Show had great chemistry.
Rating: 2.75
5. Los Guerreros defeated Rey Mysterio + Edge and Kurt Angle + Chris Benoit by pinfall to win the Tag Team Championships
The three-way portion of this match is just awesome, but unfortunately they couldn't keep it up once Benoit and Angle were eliminated. That's all that kept this from being a classic.
Rating: 3.75
6. Shawn Michaels defeated Triple H, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, and Kane by pinfall to win the World Heavyweight Championship
***Match Of The Night***
This was the first elimination chamber match and still one of the best. Shawn Michaels put on another show stopping performance and Rob Van Dam and Chris Jericho also stood out in this one. A lot of drama and intensity in this one, which usually equals a high rating.
Rating: 4
Well, this show rocked. From top to bottom this is one of the most entertaining shows that WWE has ever put on. You could complain that there were five title changes and that there wasn't that all-time classic match on the card, but I think that's being picky. So no, this is not WrestleMania X-Seven, but it's right up there in entertainment value. Definitely check this show out.
Rating: 90%
This is exactly what you want out of your opener and more. Lots of energy, lots of brawling and a great surprise ending that the MSG crowd ate up. Good stuff.
Rating: 3.25 (out of 5)
2. Billy Kidman defeated Jamie Noble by pinfall to win the Cruiserweight Championship
Another good match that kept the crowd going. Jamie Noble was really good at this point and Kidman was motivated.
Rating: 3.25
3. Victoria defeated Trish Stratus by pinfall to win the Women's Championship
This is one of my favorite women's matches ever. The first few minutes are absolutely great, but unfortunately it broke down a little bit at the end. Still, this was a great effort.
Rating: 2.5
4. Big Show defeated Brock Lesnar by pinfall to win the WWE Championship
This was one of the best five minute matches I've ever seen. Brock was the man and as I've said before, he and Big Show had great chemistry.
Rating: 2.75
5. Los Guerreros defeated Rey Mysterio + Edge and Kurt Angle + Chris Benoit by pinfall to win the Tag Team Championships
The three-way portion of this match is just awesome, but unfortunately they couldn't keep it up once Benoit and Angle were eliminated. That's all that kept this from being a classic.
Rating: 3.75
6. Shawn Michaels defeated Triple H, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, and Kane by pinfall to win the World Heavyweight Championship
***Match Of The Night***
This was the first elimination chamber match and still one of the best. Shawn Michaels put on another show stopping performance and Rob Van Dam and Chris Jericho also stood out in this one. A lot of drama and intensity in this one, which usually equals a high rating.
Rating: 4
Well, this show rocked. From top to bottom this is one of the most entertaining shows that WWE has ever put on. You could complain that there were five title changes and that there wasn't that all-time classic match on the card, but I think that's being picky. So no, this is not WrestleMania X-Seven, but it's right up there in entertainment value. Definitely check this show out.
Rating: 90%
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