Dante, The Voc
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Post by Dante, The Voc on Mar 1, 2013 20:42:27 GMT -5
**DISCLAIMER: Fairly long reads ahead** Hello all, I am excited to say that I am attending my first Wrestlemania this year at MetLife Stadium. To get into the spirit, I decided to challenge myself to watch a Wrestlemania, write a review, and post it to here and my Tumblr page. I am starting with Wrestlemania I today and ending with last year's event on March 28. The other Wrestlemania's are in random order. Wrestlemania | Date Posted | Overall Rating GivenWrestlemania I | March 1, 2013 | 4.7 | Wrestlemania II | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania III | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania IV | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania V | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania VI | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania VII | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania VIII | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania IX | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania X | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XI | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XII | March 5, 2013 | 4.5 | Wrestlemania 13 | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XIV | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XV | August 9, 2013 | 5.4 | Wrestlemania 2000 | March 3, 2013 | 6.2 | Wrestlemania X-Seven | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania X8 | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XIX | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XX | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania 21 | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania 22 | August 16, 2013 | 7.1 | Wrestlemania 23 | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XXIV | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania 25 | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XXVI | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XXVII | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XXVIII | TBD | N/A | Wrestlemania XXIX | TBD | N/A |
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Dante, The Voc
Main Eventer
If I'm not online, I'm on the toilet
Joined on: Dec 5, 2010 9:48:02 GMT -5
Posts: 1,374
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Post by Dante, The Voc on Mar 1, 2013 20:44:56 GMT -5
Wrestlemania I March 31, 1985 Madison Square Garden New York City, NY
I felt it was fitting to start this Wrestlemania project with the first installment of the legendary event. Airing in front of 19,121 fans at renowned Madison Square Garden, Wrestlemania I featured plenty of international celebrities as well as the WWF’s premiere talent.
Tito Santana vs. The Executioner Okay, first observations: the arena is DARK. The ring is illuminated nicely, but you cannot see past the first couple rows. I got a little kick out of Mean Gene singing the national anthem. The first match, as so nicely stated above, was Tito Santana vs. The Executioner. The Executioner was undefeated? Sounds like a surprise, only in the ‘80s can a masked Buddy Rose get over as “The Executioner.” Could people tell it was Rose? Watching the interview, it was pretty easy to tell. Santana looks hot early, running the ropes perpendicular to Executioner. I love that spot, makes the one guy look like an idiot for not stopping. The crowd seems to be well in the favor of Tito, it’s a shame he lost basically all credibility in about five years. You could tell this was a simpler time in wrestling because a simple gut kick gave Executioner the upper hand. Nearly the whole crowd gasped when Executioner countered Santana’s body splash. The flying forearm was the beginning of the end for the Executioner, as the referee called for the bell with Santana applying the figure four. This match would be a halfway decent opener for a house show, which at that time Wrestlemania was just one glorified house show. I don’t like, however, how Monsoon and Ventura calmly explain that the Executioner is no longer undefeated. Santana put a blemish on a man’s perfect record; appreciate it dammit. (5.5 out of 10)
SD Jones vs. King Kong Bundy I’m not going to watch all the interviews because, let’s face it, this is painful to read as it is; it doesn’t need to be any longer. Funny anecdote: I’m getting ready to time this match on my phone and I find a timer that’s been going for 110 days and counting. The bell ringing is already starting to get on my nerves. You shouldn’t have to quiet a crowd; they should always be rowdy, booing or cheering. Official/unofficial timing at 24.4 seconds. It isn’t even close to the billed time of 9, as Jones is probably lying in the corner for close to 5 seconds. I don’t understand how, for 23 years succeeding this event, that the WWE could get people to believe this match lasted 15 seconds less than it did. (2 out of 10)
Matt Borne vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat Matt Borne was the original Doink right? On paper I prefer his Wrestlemania IX match against Crush to this one, mainly because I see Steamboat as a competitor that is heads and shoulders above Borne, competition-wise. Steamboat looks good early, making Borne look silly after “The Maniac” hooked the ropes to dodge a chop, only to run into a chop himself. I love pro wrestling logic. Ventura briefly mentions Steamboat and Jimmy Snuka teaming up; I would’ve loved for this to be a more frequent teaming. I love Steamboat mocking Borne’s selling of the atomic drop. Borne gets the upper hand with a reverse atomic drop, but quickly takes a double axe handle and returns back to the mat. Borne hits the most exciting move of the match, a snap suplex, for a one-and-a-half count. He couldn’t have waited for two, could he? Steamboat just couldn’t stay down; anything and everything led to a Dragon comeback. A crossbody by Steamboat ends the match. Honestly, I’m more of a new-generation wrestler (my first WWE show was SmackDown in August of 2001), and this match really bored the hell out of me. The insane waiting time for my Chinese food to deliver was more intense than this contest. (5 out of 10)
David Sammartino vs. Brutus Beefcake Bruno gets the largest pop of the evening to this point. With all the celebrities announced to be at the event, I’m surprised none of them have been out here yet. Beefcake looks beefier than he does at following Wrestlemanias, by my observations. Sammartino surprises Brutus with his mat wrestling skills. Seriously? When your father held the WWF Title for a combined 12 years, you’d start to think that his seed has some potential. I find myself rooting for David because he’s doing so well (I’m a bandwagon jumper) against a larger opponent. I’m enjoying the quicker, back-and-forth action, as each man trade hip toss attempts. Sammartino is working the legs as a rather large graphic displaying the commentators’ names flashes across the bottom of the screen. Beefcake is using his dominatrix wrist sleeves to attack Sammartino. Can I just go back to the pre-match interview, where Bruno sounded all but incomprehensible talking about giving Johnny Valiant his fist? Brutus is looking strong working David in the corner, with some stiff elbows to the jaw. David lifts Beefcake for a beautiful suplex, looking very strong for his diminutive size. The managers get involved as Bruno succumbs to a 2-on-1 assault. The Sammartino family throws their adversaries over the rope as the referee calls for a double disqualification (even though he did not see any manager strike any wrestler…). This was the first match of the evening that I actually enjoyed. (6 out of 10)
Intercontinental Title: Greg Valentine © vs. Junkyard Dog If it were up to me, I would’ve opened with this match to get big things going early. I’m liking the lime green strap on the Intercontinental belt. Fink announced a one-hour time limit; could you imagine a match in the middle of the card going one hour? When JYD snarls, I honestly think he looks like a dog. Is that bad? Valentine lands an elbow to the head that surprisingly takes down Junkyard Dog; I say “surprisingly” because we’re supposed to think there’s really little going on up there. I’ll tell you what: JYD played his character to perfection; those crawling headbutts were beautiful. Ric Flair was popular around this time right? If so, it would be disputed to national wrestling fans on who really did paten the figure four. Monsoon’s commentary is legendary, but he repeats a TON of one-liners match-to-match (“He doesn’t know where he is!” being the one here). I dislike how Jimmy Hart’s attire matches JYD more than Valentine. I think when Valentine accidentally knocks his manager off the ropes, the majority of the audience believed it was only a matter of time before he would lose the strap. An eye rake followed by a rope-assisted pin ceased those thoughts, giving Valentine the win. Despite a restart, Valentine gets himself counted out, retaining the title. I was impressed by JYD’s ability to play his character, and I was fairly pleased with this match. (6.5 out of 10)
WWF Tag Team Titles: U.S. Express © vs. Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff This feud writes itself, and the heat given to Sheik and Volkoff is all natural. A ton of trash is being thrown; even furthering my love for this heat. I miss both managers in the match: Blassie and Albano. I’m surprised with the speed of Iron Sheik early on, holding his own with the agility of the champions. Were Windham and Rotundo ever this over, or is it just because they’re fighting these two opponents? Sheik hits a nice gutwrench suplex and follows it up by getting his suplex reversed. Rotundo doesn’t use much effort in the sunset flip over Volkoff, who’s already crouched down. Throwing your opponent into your partner’s boot is a lost art in wrestling. Rotundo looks like Botchamania missing an elbow drop (although it was probably planned). A dropkick (and a beauty!) by a fresh Windham gets the crowd pumping. Rotundo looks well-rested after only 30 seconds when he attacks an interfering Sheik. I’d just like to point out that Sheik’s and Volkoff’s gimmicks (and Slaughter’s at Wrestlemania VII) would either not get over well, or would be shut down for being too offensive in today’s day and age. A strike from the cane of Blassie crowns new champions in an underhanded victory. I would have gotten invested into this feud if I grew up in this time, and the match wasn’t terrible. (5.5 out of 10)
$15,000 Bodyslam Challenge: Andre the Giant vs. Big John Studd Remember when $15,000 was a lot of money? From a kayfabe standpoint, I don’t understand Studd’s reasoning in saying he is the true giant of wrestling. Has he not seen the size of Andre compared to himself? Andre was so over as a face. I read somewhere that it was extremely difficult to turn him heel in time for Wrestlemania III. Studd can get counted out? Why doesn’t he just walk up the ramp with the money? Andre is just manhandling his equally as large adversary. The match was theoretically put away when we found out a not-even-gassed Studd couldn’t lift Andre for the slam. What makes him think that, as the match continues and fatigue sets in, he can slam the giant later? Andre’s using some uncharacteristic kicks to the legs; I like that. Just like that, Andre slams Studd on his first attempt, claiming the $15,000. This was an exciting match from a build standpoint, but these two aren’t the most technically sound of wrestlers. After the match, Bobby Heenan does what he should have done earlier: run away with the bag of money. (4.5 out of 10)
Women’s Title: Leilani Kai © vs. Wendi Richter For the first time in the night, a celebrity is present for the match, as singer Cyndi Lauper enters in the corner of the challenger. The Fabulous Moolah, who, along with Trish and Lita, is the only women whose wrestling ability is worthy of the time of day, manages the champion. I don’t care what era we talk about, women’s wrestling is just lacking. I did what most fans do during a female match today: take a bathroom break. Unfortunately I paused the DVD and am forced to sit through this match. The worst thing you can do is announce a lady’s weight, and Fink just did that to Kai in front of Madison Square Garden. Kai just flew halfway across the ring following a punch by Wendi Richter. Wait, during the hammerlock Kai begins to tap repeatedly; why isn’t the bell being called for? Both ladies fall to the ground simultaneously in what can best be described as a failed gutwrench. Richter shoves the referee following a two-count; where was the DQ? Lauper and Moolah fight, and in that I swear I saw Lauper strike the lady she valets for. A beautiful widow-maker (reverse AA in lamest terms) to the champion becomes the highlight of the match. Leilani Kai, whose head just barely reaches the top turnbuckle, ascends the ropes. She hits a crossbody, then Richter pauses, kicks her legs and rolls her over to steal the victory and the Women’s Title. I just couldn’t get into the match. I’m glad it’s over. (2.5 out of 10)
Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff Clubber Lang trades his boxing gloves for wrestling boots, and he teams with Hulk Hogan (with Jimmy Snuka in their corner) to battle Roddy Piper and Mr. Wonderful (with Bob Orton in their corner). Billy Martin enters as the guest ring announcer, and I am delighted to see Muhammad Ali here. He, along with Pat Patterson, will be refereeing. Thankfully as well, Liberace is here with the Rockettes to ring the bell. Maybe he’ll do a better job than the nuisance of the one we had earlier. I feel both Orndorff and Piper were underused in the WWF. Piper could have easily been World Champion and Orndorff could have had more. Hogan gets a nice initial pop, but it pales in comparison to what him and Mr. T get as they enter the ring. Mr. T is, was, and always will be the only celebrity that was worth anything in a Wrestlemania match. Piper seems to be more intense than Hogan in the early-going. The crowd goes hot as Mr. T enters the ring. Again, he was the only celebrity popular enough to warrant a WM match. Piper is a phenomenal actor, plain and simple. A standard brawl ensues early into the match. I’d just like to point out that Mr. T and Paul Orndorff match very well for opponents. More brawling arises from the bad guys trying to leave the match. T, although executing simple amateur wrestling moves, comes off as more exciting and crisper in his wrestling than Hogan. And Roddy Piper hits Hogan with a chair in blatant view of not one, but TWO officials. This match is one giant clusterf**k (to put it mildly) of brawling and Muhammad Ali. The heels are firmly in control when Hogan makes a hot tag. Let’s appreciate the extension Mr. T puts on himself to get the tag, while still holding on to that convoluted rope. It doesn’t take long for Orndorff and Piper to double team Clubber Lang, who tags in Hulk Hogan. An obligatory “double noggin knocker” call is made, yay. The managers even brawl. Thankfully we don’t see a classic case of “Hulking Up,” as Bob Orton accidentally hits Orndorff with the cast, given Hogan and Mr. T the victory. This has to be one of the worst main events in WM history, with Taylor/Bigelow and Orton/HHH up there too. There was just too much brawling and not enough wrestling. (5.5 out of 10)
Final Thoughts The history and popularity of pro wrestling commenced with the inaugural Wrestlemania. The celebrity star power, combined with the finest wrestling talents, ushered a legendary form of entertainment that his still heralded to this day. That being said, the match quality of the first Wrestlemania was so-so at best. The decent matches didn’t start to kick in until about halfway in, and the last two matches were hard to watch. While I don’t deny the significance of this event, I cannot say that this Wrestlemania was any more than decent. In post, Wrestlemania I earns a 4.7 out of 10.
Tomorrow I watch Wrestlemania 2000, highlighted by Hardcore Holly calling Michael Cole a “sh**head.”
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Post by skribbel24 on Mar 3, 2013 5:28:09 GMT -5
I enjoyed the read thoroughly. This is the first time in a long time I've read anything long and sensible on The boards. I am looking forward to future posts, my friend, and congrats on the road to your first WrestleMania!
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Joined on: May 2, 2024 12:20:05 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2013 6:09:03 GMT -5
excellent stuff man.like I told ya....keep it coming!!
I was always a fan of the US Express and have forgotten the heat Sheik & Volkoff used to get.
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Dante, The Voc
Main Eventer
If I'm not online, I'm on the toilet
Joined on: Dec 5, 2010 9:48:02 GMT -5
Posts: 1,374
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Post by Dante, The Voc on Mar 3, 2013 7:08:51 GMT -5
Thank you to the 3 that replied. I'm glad people are enjoying the read. Sorry I couldn't get 2000 on yesterday, I might have to rearrange the schedule and do this every other day, because it gets hard to find 4 hours a day to set aside to watch wrestling. Hope you all understand, and 2000 should be up today.
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Post by wyleecyotee on Mar 3, 2013 7:45:12 GMT -5
Good write up, looking forward to the rest. I still havent watched Wrestlemania 1 or 2 fully yet +1 just for the "Dropkick and a beauty!" line.
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Post by mikey1974 on Mar 3, 2013 7:58:15 GMT -5
awesome review man! and I agree with all of it! the 1st WrestleMania was more hype than substance.
sadly,I consider WrestleMania 2 to be more of the same. instead of having one glorified house show being televised from one location,it's televised from 3 locations. Mania didn't start to become an actual "event" until the 3rd one.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2013 8:46:19 GMT -5
This is cool. I actually watch them all every year leading up to the event, but I'm only on II right now. I can't wait to come back when I have more time so I can compare my thoughts with yours.
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Dante, The Voc
Main Eventer
If I'm not online, I'm on the toilet
Joined on: Dec 5, 2010 9:48:02 GMT -5
Posts: 1,374
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Post by Dante, The Voc on Mar 3, 2013 10:45:37 GMT -5
Wrestlemania 2000 April 2, 2000 Arrowhead Pond Anaheim, CA
The second installment of this project emanates from Anaheim for the first timeÂ…. since 1996. Wrestlemania 16, conveniently dubbed Wrestlemania 2000, was the first Wrestlemania of the 21st century. It has the unique record of being the only Wrestlemania to date to lack a traditional menÂ’s singles match, as well as being the first Wrestlemania to feature a 4-way main event.
D’Lo Brown and The Godfather vs. Bull Buchanan and Big Bossman Pimps up, hoes down! Ice-T sings “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy” as Godfather, D’Lo Brown and the voluptuous hoes kick off Wrestlemania. I love the Godfather; I hated the Right to Censor Goodfather. I also love Jim Ross trying to talk about Ice-T and the hoes. I prefer this Bossman to the late-‘80s Bossman, and I enjoyed his stint in the Corporation. I’m always surprised by D’Lo’s athleticism; he always comes off as a chubby, lazy wrestler by look. Godfather’s size and strength always gets me too. Buchanan hit an amazing springboard clothesline, following an Irish whip into the corner. I know he was used mainly as “enhancement talent,” but I wouldn’t have minded a Buchanan European or Intercontinental Title feud. The problem with him is his charisma is comparable to a hysterectomy. Yesterday I said throwing your opponent’s head into your partner’s boot was a lost art; Bossman did that just now. Yay. I thought Buchanan botched climbing the turnbuckle but I didn’t see Godfather shaking the ropes from across the ring. D’Lo hit one hell of a hurracarana. D’Lo gets tagged in following a Ho Train, not even 2 minutes after finally hot-tagging. The hang time on Buchanan’s diving leg drop is incredible. The heels grab the victory in a halfway decent Wrestlemania opener. (5 out of 10)
Hardcore Title: 15-Minute Hardcore Battle Royal Having previously watched this match, I can say it is one of my personal favorites. I love the concept, the division, and the action this match provided. My attire nitpick of the match is the matching attires among the Holly cousins. It makes no sense to have opponents wearing similar/the same colors. Just like that, Tazz pins Crash to win the belt. I love the logic that there’s only one guy going for a pinfall at any given time. Even if you have to pin the champion, why isn’t there 12 guys attacking the interim champion? Viscera scared the living Jeebus out of me as a kid. I love the obscure weapons being used: Japanese flags, tennis rackets, and fans. I would love to know if anyone DID, in fact, have an office pool going for this match. All of Bradshaw’s garbage can shots are intense, especially the one to Rodney. He then takes a cookie tray and the stiff shots continue. Pete Gas looks gassed already, and we’re only five minutes in. The only thing that scared me more than post-Ministry Viscera was “World’s Largest Love Machine” Viscera. Why would Viscera think he can jump from the top rope? Funaki momentarily wins the belt, creating a Kai-en-tai breakup. The match moves to the back, creating some “I wish WWE ’13 let you fight to the back” thoughts. Rodney and Joey Abs win the belt from each other; I love this match. Thrasher, braless I might add, steals the belt from MSP. He’s rewarded with an extremely rough cookie tray shot by Viscera. Pete Gas reclaims the belt; do they ever get that bloody up in Greenwich? I can’t get over the bloodstains on Hardcore Holly’s ass. I don’t understand why the other 10 guys don’t get into the ring in the last three minutes. Ah, the botched ending. According to Hardcore Holly himself, the timer wasn’t coordinated with the bell (or something along those lines). It’s the Hardcore Title match; the belt’s going to change hands a hundred more times anyway. It was no big deal on the ending; the match itself was brilliant in my mind. (6.5 out of 10)
Al Snow and Steve Blackman vs. Test and Albert Trish is looking like her absolute best tonight, hot damn. Oh yeah, Chester McCheeserton made his debut in this match. I for one would prefer to forget this happened. The highlight of this bout early on (besides T&AÂ’s T&A) is JRÂ’s headset malfunction. IÂ’m starting to feel uncomfortable at the sight of AlbertÂ’s many piercings. It would make sense that Teddy Long is officiating a tag team match tonight. Blackman was always a favorite of mine; him throwing Shane off the stage at Summerslam, then shrugging and jumping at him is still frequently played in my head. The crowd is more invested in TrishÂ’s ta-tas than in this match. T&A hit a lovely double powerbomb and Snow hit an Asai moonsault in what can be described as a high point in the contest. Poor Trish is being harassed by that midget block of cheese on the outside. T&A pick up the win in a so-so match. I was pleased that Blackman and Snow attack Chester after the match, however. (4 out of 10)
WWF Tag Team Titles, Ladder Match: The Dudleys © vs. The Hardys vs. Edge and Christian This is another classic match that I hold a special place in my heart for. I honestly enjoy this match more than their TLC rematch the year after. This is the only era of Jeff Hardy that I actually liked. The Dudleys non-chalantly descend the ladder as Edge and Christian start the match. You would think that SOMEONE in the Hardcore Battle Royal would’ve used those ladders that have been lying on the aisle. The Bubba Bomb is an underrated move that looks like it hurts badly. The ladders start to come into play, as both opposing teams attempt (and in Team E&C’s case, I severely stress “attempt”) Poetry in Motion on the Dudleys. I read in Edge’s book that D-Von is deathly afraid of heights and he was legitimately scared to work this match. Bubba must’ve given himself a stinger on the senton onto the ladder. The ladder airplane spin is another one of those lost arts in wrestling; the largest competitor in the ladder match should do that more often. Edge does the lesser-known spear to Jeff, here from the turnbuckle to Jeff’s ladder. These guys were hitting all sorts of uncharacteristic moves: Matt’s crucifix powerbomb, the Poetry in Motion. The Hardys look more than comfortable jumping off the ladders, more so than the other two teams. D-Von must’ve been pissing himself when he received a double superplex from the ladder. The way all six fell off the ladders when they were all brawling was absolute gold. The fans seem greedy wanting tables in a ladder match. Oh well, anything to please the fans. Ingenious strategy by the Dudleys using the tables as a platform. Bubba’s powerbomb on Matt through the table on the outside was the most brutal spot yet. What business does Bubba have bringing that 20-foot ladder onto the ramp? Notice how Edge and Christian haven’t been a part of the match for a good 8 minutes now. I take it back; Jeff’s swanton is the most brutal spot. He almost kicked the camera catching the action too. Matt takes an ugly tumble onto the table as Edge and Christian win this amazing match. These three teams got it, and that’s why they personify tag team wrestling in the WWF. (8.5 out of 10)
Catfight: Terri vs. The Kat Nothing like a women’s match to kill the excitement from the ladder match. The fact that this feud is really revolving around Moolah and Mae Young shows this “match” (using that term loosely) is doomed. If they both weren’t in see-through clothes this wouldn’t even be reviewed. Why do people think women’s wrestling was better 10 years ago again? It might be better without Mae Young involved. Moolah screws The Kat (like most men wish) and this ... thing is over. (1.5 out of 10)
Too Cool and Chyna vs. The Radicalz Eddie deserves better. I’m in the boat that thought Chyna was a tranny for eons. Thank god for Playboy, however. Oh yeah, there’s a match. Watch this match again, and notice the fact that Jerry Lawler cannot be a heel commentator when his son is wrestling. Dean Malenko was called the Ice Man, mostly because he has the personality of a block of ice. It scares me when a big man like Chyna brings a pyro gun to the ring. Triple H hit that for three years. Let that one sink in. Too Cool played their characters very well. Poor Malenko has to get his ass kicked by Chyna. Jericho writes in his book that Chyna was an annoyance to work with. Lawler is concerned when Malenko reverses his son’s Irish whip. Saturn looks a lot better with Grandmaster Sexay’s do-rag. Notice how Lawler barely says a word as his son’s being targeted. I don’t like how two perennial jobbers like Too Cool can take Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko to work. Scotty’s Wrestlemania moment was hitting a double Worm in this match. Lawler is starting to get on my nerves with the “Latino Heeeeeeeet” comments. Was anyone besides Jericho allowed to lay a finger on Chyna? Chyna hits a poor excuse of a powerbomb and shortly picks up the win. (S)he looked pretty strong in this match. (4.5 out of 10)
European & Intercontinental Titles, Two Fall: Kurt Angle ©© vs. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit These three are among the greatest wrestlers of all-time. None of them have ever had a bad match in my book. In Jericho’s book, he says he wasn’t pleased with this match. Note Lawler returning to his heel ways right about now. These three guys are trying to fit so much action into so little time. Cut the catfight or the match succeeding this and they would’ve had enough time. Jericho takes a nasty drop onto the steel steps and the suplexes start. He took another nice bump, this time off the ropes onto the Spaniards’ announce table. The suplex show continues as Benoit and Angle trade some pretty ones. Jericho hit a pretty neat Northern Lights suplex at No Way Out 2008. The crowd seems dead for this good match; they’re gassed from the ladder match still? Benoit seals the I-C belt with a diving headbutt, and for reasons unbeknownst to me they play his music. Kurt Angle had a pretty moonsault; too bad it didn’t connect here. The crowd suddenly pops for Jericho’s Walls bid. Jericho hit a nice double powerbomb, but not without ample help from Angle. Yay, the ref gets knocked down. That means, of course, Jericho and Benoit trade submission holds and tap out without the ref hearing. Jericho hits the Lionsault to win the European Title. Unlike Jericho, I enjoyed this match. (7 out of 10)
Road Dogg and X-Pac vs. Kane and Rikishi I don’t like Run DMC’s version of the D-X theme. I guess they weren’t much of D-X at this point however. Tori was a butter face, no two ways about it. It’s hard to believe that two years prior Kane was involved in a high-profile feud with the Undertaker going into Wrestlemania. Paul Bearer was phenomenal at being his character. It only took about 30 seconds for Rikishi’s ass to get into someone’s face. I’m confused on who’s supposed to be cheered and who’s supposed to be booed here. Okay, the “X-Pac sucks” chant clarified it for me. This was when he got the irreversible heel heat right? Realistically, the two giants should’ve had no trouble with these lesser opponents. I can’t tell what’s better looking in this shot: Rikishi’s keister or Tori’s face. Kane quickly hits the Tombstone and puts this match to rest. (4 out of 10)
WWF Championship, Fatal 4-Way: Triple H © vs. The Rock vs. Big Show vs. Mick Foley This match is remembered for having a McMahon in every corner. This is only a way for Vince to momentarily satisfy his already swelling ego. I’m sorry, but Mick Foley NEEDS a gimmick. Plain old Mick Foley (aside from his 2006 feud with Edge) is boring and generic. I’ve never seen Big Show in better shape, and we’ll be hard-pressed to ever see it again. The Rock finally gets the crowd’s attention for the first time since the ladder match. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how amazing of a theme “My Time” was. This is the first and only time we see Foley in blue plaid, correct? I’m just grateful he’s not in black trunks like the rest of them. Big Show looks strong early on. Foley’s plan was smart: go for the “Big Nasty Bastard’s” big nasty bastard. Royal Rumble elimination tactics used, as the three smaller competitors attack the larger one. Not even three minutes in an of course, the McMahon family begins to interfere. Big Show shouldn’t have been first eliminated, or tossed that quickly. The camera HAS to be on the McMahons as the three remaining wrestlers stand there. Triple H, being the cunning genius he is, actually believes he convinced The Rock to double team Foley. Wrestling logic: gotta love it. The Rock and Sock Connection fire on all cylinders until Rock clocks Sock with the ring bell. And yes, this is followed by cutaways to all three remaining McMahons. Foley gets his typical helping of barbed wire, served by Triple H. The Mandible Claw looks like a terrible move; he just sticks his fingers in your mouth. Remember when Big Show was in this match? Rock kicks out of Foley’s better finisher, the double arm DDT. The Rock always had a nice DDT himself. The Rock and Sock Connection implodes; it quickly turns into the Cock and Sock Faction. Another vintage Foley spot: running into the steps. Forget the action, let’s cut to Stephanie and Linda arguing! Foley jumps and misses the announce table, then Triple H tries to compensate by hitting not one, but two elbow drops to break the table. Foley’s legendary career is over (for about four years) following a chair-assisted Pedigree from The Game. Screw that, I’m still missing Big Show in this match. And if Mick was only back for one night, what would’ve happened if he won? Rock is back following the trifecta of elbow botches on the announce table. There’s a loud gentleman front row (apparently the late Michael Clarke Duncan) hilariously yelling at Triple H. For the third year in a row, the main event finds its way to the top of the stage. Triple H prepares himself for next year’s Wrestlemania (spoilers!) as he’s dragged through the crowd. In what should have been the loudest pop of the match, Rock kicks out of a step-assisted piledriver to lukewarm cheers. Has Rock ever hit his glorified elbow on the outside? Or does running the ropes make the move? Vince looks stoic as he sees his representative suplex his hated son-in-law through a table. Oh golly gee, Shane is back. Vince does his best Undertaker impression and stand up from a Shane beat-down. Isn’t there wrestling supposed to be going on? Michael Clarke Duncan is getting too into this match. Oh great, Vince has returned. Vince does his semi-annual screwjob and plants Rock with a chair. Triple H retains as Rock attacks the McMahons. I thoroughly enjoyed this match, but personally, it would’ve been better to exclude Foley. (7.5 out of 10)
Final Thoughts Wrestlemania 2000 is one of my personal favorites. The then-WWF did a nice job of showcasing a large portion of their talent. The main event was too McMahon-centered for my liking. VinceÂ’s turn might have been a little predictable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the event, and it was a great way to kick of 21st Century Wrestlemania. In post, I gave Wrestlemania 2000 a 6.2 out of 10.
Next, I attempt to not fall asleep watching the Michaels/Hart Ironman match. Yes, Wrestlemania XII is next. Lucky me.
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Jamal
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Post by Jamal on Mar 3, 2013 17:06:56 GMT -5
Good write-up on WM2000.
Always thought this WM got a bad rap. Nothing ground-breaking, but still an enjoyable show. Not to mention it was great to see a heel win a WM main-event for once.
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Post by wyleecyotee on Mar 3, 2013 17:08:52 GMT -5
I really like WM2000 but no singles match will always be weird to me when watching it, like 21 where theres no tag/multi man matches (beside MITB).
Surprised Jericho didnt like the triple threat, i do wish it had more time but I still thinks its a good match.
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Post by skribbel24 on Mar 3, 2013 20:43:01 GMT -5
Just because of your review, I'm going to pop up my WM 2000 DVD and check out the Ladder match, the Euro-continental match, and Trish Stratus.
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Jamal
Main Eventer
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Post by Jamal on Mar 3, 2013 23:37:35 GMT -5
btw, good luck staying awake for the iron-man match. at least you'll get to watch takers first enjoyable wm match.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2013 13:56:21 GMT -5
great read man agree with most of your opinions BUT....I LOVE Run DMCs DX theme......IMO its awesome.this was done because Vince still had plans for DX.....but HHH who never wanted to be realigned with them wanted to be distanced for the gimmick after WM and became very vocal about it after Backlash.
the ME of this event suffered greatly from ever changing booking and jockeying for position.Austin couldnt be in Rocks corner because he couldnt get clearance for involvement.the ME at Backlash 2000 one month later was infinitely superior.......Rock vs HHH with the odds stacked against him and Austisn help didnt hurt or diminish his win at all.
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PVA
Main Eventer
Too hot to handle and too cold to hold
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Post by PVA on Mar 4, 2013 19:30:03 GMT -5
Nice write ups/good idea.
WM2000 wasnt terrible but wasnt a personal favorite of mine. Looking forward to your review of WM VII as that's my personal all time favorite Wrestlemania.
It is interesting that WM VII gets ranked as a top 10 WM as well as a Bottom 10 and everywhere in between. Personally i think its underrated.
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Dante, The Voc
Main Eventer
If I'm not online, I'm on the toilet
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Post by Dante, The Voc on Mar 5, 2013 20:46:32 GMT -5
Wrestlemania XII March 31, 1996 Arrowhead Pond Anaheim, CA
The original Wrestlemania held at Arrowhead Pond, Wrestlemania XII featured a first as the WWF Championship was contested in an hour-long Ironman Match. Because of this joy of a match, only six bouts graced the card.
Vader, Owen Hart and British Bulldog vs. Yokozuna, Jake Roberts and Ahmed Johnson I love both the logo for the event and the enthusiasm Vince greets the fans with. Vince is one of the most underrated commentators of all-time. Vader was a beast, it’s a shame Michaels had some sort of say when it came to his championship. I would’ve preferred a Vader reign to a Sid reign. Hell, this entire team deserved a World Title reign at some point. It scares me that Fink announces the team at a weight of 1,281 pounds. I’m a little gray on this time period: was there any rhyme or reason for Jake Roberts to be sticking around? The constant change in Vince’s voice is hysterical. Watch this match for me and tell me what kind of hairdo the referee is sporting. It looks like it has the potential to be a mullet from the front, but it’s short from the back. Ahmed (who I will be calling “Four Kneepads” every now and then because that’s how I remember him) has something fierce in terms of strength. Not only that, but he’s getting some beautiful hang-time on his jumps. I feel we haven’t seen much of the two halfway decent wrestlers in this match: Bulldog and Hart. On this list of the biggest asskissing injustices, Mr. Fuji waving the American flag is on top. As I see Jake Roberts in the ring, I’d like to say that DDP is working miracles with him. Vader time is starting, and here’s hoping (I’ve never watched this match before) I see one of his legendary moonsaults. Ha, Vince tries to call the “double noggin knocker” line. The “Japanese” wrestler just hit a nice Samoan drop. Vader hits a spectacular Vader Bomb to finish. This match wasn’t terrible, but I feel it underutilized Bulldog and Hart. (5.5 out of 10)
Hollywood Backlot Brawl: Roddy Piper vs. Goldust Dustin Rhodes played the hell out of the Goldust character. He thoroughly alarmed the daylights out of me as a child with his pretty colorful personality. That is one unique gold car Goldust drives in. It’s a shame Piper tries to hose the paint off of it. It is bad to say Goldust is to this Wrestlemania as Trish was to Wrestlemania 2000? Piper fights like he is legitimately crazy; all these baseball bat shots are intense. I love how a catering table AND fans just happen to be around this spot that they’re fighting at. SPOILER ALERT: Goldust’s thong is clearly visible. Goldust has some nice patches of blood on his head. Goldust ran Piper over and drove off. I guess we’ll come back to this match because I haven’t seen Goldust naked yet. RATING AHEAD!
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Savio Vega This is about two and a half months before the “Stone Cold” we know and love came to be; for now we’re stuck with DiBiase’s watered-down “Stone Cold.” I only remember Savio Vega for being the ultra-disappointing replacement for Shawn Michaels at NWO 1998. Take it however you want, but it might’ve been nice to have Vince McMahon in a limited wrestling role in that position rather than Vega; it would’ve created an even bigger feeling of “everyone vs. Stone Cold” going into Wrestlemania XIV. You could tell this was pre-push Austin because Vega gets some nice shots in early. Vince is so passionate on commentary; I love it. Austin finally gains control with a kick and a toss into the ring post. The crowd is as dead and lifeless as can be. The in-match call with Roddy Piper drew more reaction than this bout. Vega looks to have hurt himself attempting a clothesline. It’s hard to think that Austin would have a “match of the night” caliber contest at the next year’s Wrestlemania. Part of me wished Vega got the three on the crossbody; I still have a boring Ironman match to watch. I enjoyed Lawler’s heel commentary; I think the reason he’s been so stale as of late is because he can’t sink his teeth into most superstars he’s told to root for/hate on. The ref does what most fans wish they could do and get knocked out. Austin wins very anticlimactically with a sleeper hold. This match would best suit the opener of an IYH, not a mid-card of a Wrestlemania. (4 out of 10)
Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Ultimate Warrior Helmsley’s nose looks larger than ever during his entrance. Warrior gets a bigger pop than any reaction during Austin/Vega. Not only that, but he gets an insane amount of pyro. His entrance is about as long as the match itself. Warrior doesn’t take his jacket off. Some may have believed that HHH’s career dropped as low as it can go once Warrior got up from the Pedigree. Some may have been disappointed when that wasn’t the case. Finally, Warrior’s jacket comes off, and just in the nick of time. So much for putting over young talent; Warrior quickly ends the future Game with a Warrior Press/Splash combo. At least it’s one less match to write up before the main event. (3 out of 10)
Diesel vs. The Undertaker Diesel was supposed to win this before Vince found out he was jumping ship, correct? If anyone should’ve ended the streak prematurely, it should’ve been Kane in 1998. I would’ve built up Kane to an undefeated record, beating Undertaker and winning the WWF Title, only to lose it to Austin following Undertaker’s interference. Then he aligns with McMahon’s Corporation and fights Undertaker inside HiAC at Wrestlemania XV instead of Bossman. But Diesel’s here now, and I’m trying to kill time as the Deadman walks to the ring. I love how it’s 1996 and Undertaker still has some of the creepy mystique he debuted with. I see Diesel as the first real threat to the Streak on paper; Roberts and Snuka were just putting him over, Gonzalez had no business in the ring with him, and Bundy was washed up. I was impressed with ‘Taker’s ability to lift Diesel so fluently. Alas, ‘Taker misses what I describe as a corkscrew. I love this time period where the refs were scared poop-less of giants and let them fight with no repercussions. I also enjoy the subtle genitalia reference on Diesel’s attire (Big “D”). Diesel is manhandling Undertaker; this is the first and only time we can say Undertaker has never been manhandled like this. I HATE it when announcers say that today. I’m trying to make sense of Undertaker’s gimmick: he’s an undead undertaker? My assumption is that he was digging a grave, accidentally fell in, was buried, and then rose from the dead. This could probably be disproved during the whole Kane/funeral home angle, but I’m sticking to it dammit. A double big boot never looks good. Fun fact: as a kid I refused to play as Undertaker in video games because I was deathly afraid of him, particularly his theme music. Undertaker hits a fine-looking diving clothesline from the top. Diesel hit the powerbomb, and I can already assume ‘Taker sits up from this. Look at me; I’m like Einstein or something. Will he sit up after the SECOND jackknife? Does grabbing Diesel’s throat count? That’ll always be one of my favorite spots in a match. Despite an easy time earlier lifting Big Daddy Cool, ‘Taker has some difficulty with the chokeslam on the big guy. The Tombstone seals Diesel’s fate as the streak begins to grow. This was the first Undertaker match at Wrestlemania I could sink my teeth into. (7 out of 10)
Roddy Piper vs. Goldust: In the Ring The WWF just so happen to have conveniently-placed cameras outside of the arena. Why wouldn’t Piper just rear end Goldust’s car instead of parking next to him? Vince was so good at BS’ing scenes; here he notes Diesel walking to the back while the cameras struggle mightily to find Piper. The Crazed Scottish SOB finds Goldust on the entrance ramp and immediately attacks. It’s not my fault for noticing but Goldust’s package looks extra-noticeable tonight. All the dried blood on Piper’s legs scares me. There are a few older stars returning in competition tonight: Warrior, Piper. The tides turn as Goldust is dropped groin-first onto the ropes. Did Goldust just kiss him? The testicular claw is the least effective hold you could put on a guy like Goldust. I thought I’d get a kick out of Goldust’s lingerie; it turns out I might stay up during the main event after all. I’m not going to go into detail the gut-wrenching disturbance I feel, but I will say this: the chest is the worst of all. I’m going to skip to the main event now to: 1.) Save time, and 2.) Avoid any sleepless nights. (2.5 out of 10)
WWF Title, 60-minute Ironman Match: Bret Hart © vs. Shawn Michaels This is the only title match on the main card; I don’t like that. It’s also unusual that neither Vince nor Lawler bring up the main event at all during the night. Shawn’s entrance is so graceful, yet so awesome. I’d have to put it in my top 10 greatest Wrestlemania moments of all-time. It would’ve been cooler if that were the only time it was done; didn’t Undertaker fly from the rafters at that year’s Survivor Series? Lawler says, “We won’t know {who the champion will be] for over an hour.” That displeases me. Bret gave his signature shades to his son IIRC. Hebner’s elongated replay of the rules adds insult to injury on my match experience. This is my first (and probably last) time watching this match, so wish me luck.
This is a very technically sound match-up early on; I’m sensing a theme. Hart looks natural in his headlocks and takedowns, whereas Michaels showcases his athleticism with his moves. Would you guys enjoy this match if it only went 30 minutes as opposed to 60, or if there was a fall here and there? I’m four and a half minutes in and at least two full minutes consisted of a Bret Hart headlock. Lawler’s idea of a Stu Hart/Jose Lothario match isn’t sounding too bad right now. Sixty minutes of ring action is brutal, I understand; did we really benefit from sixty minutes of rest holds, or would’ve it been better with thirty minutes of mixed action? Beautiful headscissors takedown by Michaels; at this point any type of move is a beautiful move. Michaels skins the cat, surprising Hart, as if Hart hadn’t watched the previous year’s Royal Rumble match. In all honesty pre-1997 Bret Hart bores the hell out of me in general. He cites it himself that his change in character revitalized him, and it definitely made him more enjoyable for me. We could make a case for some WM main events to start slow, but none start slow for fifteen minutes. It’s interesting if you think about it: Vince is at ringside in a Hart/Michaels WWF Title match (officiated by Earl Hebner), only a year and a half before the Screwjob. I could go on and on about my opinions on the Screwjob, but that’s better saved for a different discussion. Besides, I have an exciting match to review. We’re back to the norm, as Hart tears Michaels apart with a headlock. Michaels is the only one attempting anything, hitting a dropkick here and there. Nevertheless, HBK is still going back to rest holds. The good news is I’m nearing the half hour mark quicker and quicker. Hart is finally contributing, landing some strong uppercuts in the corner. As Jim Ross would say, business is indeed about to pick up (or at least I hope so considering the moves being done). The challenger is thoroughly working the champion’s shoulder. I’m liking the moves Michaels is pulling out: jumping armbreaker, shoulderbreaker, and the works. I feel McMahon doesn’t even know what is going on in the ring and tries to compensate by changing the tone of his voice. The score at the halfway point: Hart © 0, Michaels 0.
Hart hits an ugly looking knee-assisted bulldog to kick off the second half. Ooh, a piledriver; the crowd is finally starting to get invested in this match. I can’t decide what’s worse: thirty minutes of rest holds or sixty minutes straight of McMahon commentary. Yes, my opinions on McMahon have deeply soured through this match. Michaels displays his athleticism again with a diving body press onto Bret on the outside. Hart rolls over a Michaels crossbody for a near-fall in what is the most action-packed segment of this bout. I don’t buy the announcers’ excuse for Hart and Michaels breaking up each other’s counts outside the ring. Just get a damn fall already. Hart is now pinpointing the back of Michaels, only two years prior to the back costing Michaels years of competition. That broken back was the best thing that could’ve happened to Michaels. He was in such bad shape mentally with the drug abuse, I believe he would’ve been dead if he stuck around. Lucky for me I’m less than 20 minutes away from the end of this match and a well-deserved nap. I deserve a cookie or something for not dozing off, even with only 3 hours of sleep the night before. Michaels tries to storm a comeback. The spirit was willing but the flesh was much too much, as the Hitman ends it quickly with a shot to the back. I haven’t talked about how ugly the mat logo looks yet, have I? Less than ten minutes remain and not one fall has been decided. Bret is pulling out a superplex, which will undoubtedly lead to at least a minute longer on the ground. Michaels is firing up a comeback with less than four minutes to go. The camera missed the kip-up, however. Two minute warning, which was conveniently signaled by an HBK moonsault. Bret locks the Sharpshooter in with 30 seconds left, but, as you guessed, Michaels refuses to tap out. To add insult to injury, a sudden death round is added because nobody could score a decision.
Hart could have bitched about a dusty ending with the way the match was restarted, but nevertheless, he goes after the injured back early in sudden death. Sweet Chin Music! For the first time in the match it connects, but Hart starts moving first. A second superkick ends the match. Vince finally says something perfectly: “The boyhood dream has come true.” Shawn Michaels IS your WWF Champion. Was this match an important match in history? Absolutely. Was it halfway decent? In my mind no; with the impractical amount of rest holds, it became boring quickly. (5 out of 10)
Final Thoughts Wrestlemania XII was one of the Wrestlemanias that just didn’t live up to any hype. As stated above, the Ironman match was a snoozefest for the majority of it. The lack of title matches (I know the Tag Titles were crowned on Free For All before the event went live) made this Wrestlemania feel more like a glorified In Your House, with some so-so feuds being boiled over and some quick and bizarre bouts involving older stars. Overall I was disappointed by the event, and in post I gave Wrestlemania XII a 4.5 out of 10.
Will my disappointment in Wrestlemania continue in my next installment? Probably, as I highlight Wrestlemania 23 next.
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Post by fallbrawl on Mar 5, 2013 23:26:54 GMT -5
Great reviews so far. I was thinking of doing something like this but i was going to watch all the Wrestlemanias in order.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2013 10:51:20 GMT -5
I agree 100% with your assesment of WM XII.
the ME was absolute boredom incarnate.Ego ruined this.......there was so much squabbling about pins and moves that this snoozer is what we got instead.
UT vs Diesel is easily the best match on the card.and yeah Nash was scheduled to go over so he could be a bigger threat to HBK.but when Vinnie found out he was going in late Feb/early March he changed it up.
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Jamal
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Post by Jamal on Mar 6, 2013 17:12:43 GMT -5
Couldn't agree more on how annoying Vince was commentating.
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PVA
Main Eventer
Too hot to handle and too cold to hold
Joined on: Apr 12, 2004 15:33:20 GMT -5
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Post by PVA on Mar 6, 2013 18:12:14 GMT -5
Will my disappointment in Wrestlemania continue in my next installment? Probably, as I highlight Wrestlemania 23 next. Last year i revisited 23 and 24 for the first time since watching live and for whatever reason I remember 24 more fondly then 23. However, after going back 23 is MUCH better then I remembered and 24 is a lot worse then I recalled. 23: HBK/Cena was a very good WM main event, Batista/Taker is a criminially underrated and forgotten match. MITB was good,etc. The whole Trump/McMahon hair match gives this Wrestlemania a bad name. So maybe you'll be surprised...
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