Vintage Video Thread

[Mighty NorCal]

Going to start this thread and see what kind of action it gets. In this thread, everyone is welcome to post videos of their favorite matches, and promos from the Past. Please give at the least, a short description of why you love this match. Everyone feel free to discuss videos that are posted, but make sure its not a spam post. "that match is tha shiz yo" is unacceptable.

Now lets see some damn fine matches.

[OFFICIAL] ADMIN EDIT: Don't just post a video without giving a little review about it, if it's a promo talk about it, no just posting a random video. There's also no need to request videos. Everyone is going to the sma eplace. You Tube. It's not like we're going to some obscure video site. You want a Hogan/Luger match. Type Hogan Luger Nitro or something into the search option.

[Y 2 Jake]

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Power & Glory vs. The Rockers
Summer Slam 1990

The opening match of that years Summer Slam. It's by no means a classic. It's only a couple of minutes long, and it's pretty much a handicap match. But for a short match and considering the limitations of Power And Glory I think it's a good little match. It shows what you can achieve if you've only got a short ammont of time. I can't imagine a match being like that today. I'm also kind of surprised nobody has taken P & G's finisher too.

[Y 2 Jake]

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Ron Garvin vs. Greg Valentine
Submission Match
Royal Rumble 1990

Another short match. But that's what WWE PPV's used to be like. I like it, It's a good hard hitting match. It's also the first submission match I saw, although I'm not sure if it's the first one WWE ever promoted. You really can achieve a lot in 6 minutes if you're a good solid wrestler. Both are good all rounders. But if I'm being honest I'm not usually a fan of either. Greg Valentine is what I would consider a boring wrestler, good, solid, reliable, just not intresting. I'd put him in the same category as Tito Santana & Mike Rotunda.

[Y 2 Jake]

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The Ultimate Warrior vs. ''Ravishing'' Rick Rude Collection
Steel Cage Match
Summer Slam 1990

One of my personal favorite feuds. I'll try to post as many matches as I can from it. This is probably why slyfox claims The Warrior isn't bad. He also says he stole the show at two Mania's in a row. I say three. Rick Rude vs. The Warrior happened at Mania V.

I fondly remember the blue bar cage, but in reality it wasn't very good. Other than climb there's not much that could really be done with it. But this is possibly one of the best ones I've ever seen. Rude bumps like a mad man to get this match to work.

[IC25]

The Undertaker's First Loss

Undertaker vs Tito Santana in Barcelona

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What is truly significant about this match is the lack of energy from the commentators, despite the fact that the live crowd OBVIOUSLY felt something special was occuring. The announce team remains so completely deadpan as Tito Santana hits the last few moves on this rookie phenom and covers him for the three-count.

This match is a rare treasure because it uncovers the fact that The Undertaker's first pinfall loss wasn't to a Hulk Hogan, but to El Matador himself.

This is also proof that the home fans have a lot more power than we think, if Vince was willing to allow his new star job to an old star just because of the location.

[Mighty NorCal]

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Power & Glory vs. The Rockers
Summer Slam 1990

The opening match of that years Summer Slam. It's by no means a classic. It's only a couple of minutes long, and it's pretty much a handicap match. But for a short match and considering the limitations of Power And Glory I think it's a good little match. It shows what you can achieve if you've only got a short ammont of time. I can't imagine a match being like that today. I'm also kind of surprised nobody has taken P & G's finisher too.

Awesome match Jake. GoodNESS how laborious were Vince and Roddy Piper?? Truly grating to listen to. I couldnt imagine watching an entire show with them on it. I wonder what the reason they booked the match the way they did??? What was really wrong with HBK?? I miss matches like this, the way the early 90s cards were just utterly stacked with short, fast paced matches like this. P&G's finsiher was fuckin nasty. Cryme Tyme could totally do that LOL

[klunderbunker]

Oh the memories! Summerslam 1990 was the first payperview and not to mention first wrestling show I ever remember seeing. Not the best show in the world, but it had what might be one of the best tag team matches in the history of the company in Demolition vs. the Hart Foundation. The Rockers match was a great way to open the show that night. Jannetty was still good in the ring back then and Shawn being injured scared me to death back then. The cage match was good, but kind of a letdown after Hogan's big return. The other problem I had with it was that the main reason Rude was built up to have a chance was that he had once before defeated Warrior, but they never mentioned where or when. I didn't realize they meant at Wrestlemania 5 for years.

[TheOneBigWill]

Undertaker v. Undertaker: Summerslam 1994:

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Overall Thoughts: First I have to say this is a great thread and I'm gonna tear it up later. NorCal deserves major rep for creating this beast!

Now then.. the reason I posted this match isn't because it was a "Top 10 Classic" by any means. However, keep in mind I was relatively new to Professional Wrestling in 1993 and then on. This was the first time anything like this (same guy v. same guy) had ever been done.

Most claim it flopped like crazy, but I still remember it as one of the greatest storylines ever. Simply because it was unique and never before done. (to my knowledge) Ted DiBiase claimed to have found the Undertaker, and he'd turned truly "to the darkside" and joined the Million Dollar Corp.

The world was collectively in shock that it couldn't be. And they didn't know what else to think, because the guy DiBiase brought with him, was so realistic and similar to the real deal.. that people had no choice but to believe he was legit. Then Paul Bearer revealed the truth.. and that brought up to this classic. (to me)

Taker v. Taker is truly a treat to me, because its like asking what would happen if someone wrestled himself in a mirror reflection. Both guys went back and forth with the exact same moves, same characteristics, and even sit-ups & no-sells. This was the original Taker's remaking into Purple, as DiBiase had his version remain old school with the grey.

In the end, it went to prove that you just can't duplicate greatness as the real version picked up the victory. Again, not by any means a Top 10 classic, but definately a classic to be remembered.

[Mighty NorCal]

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Ron Garvin vs. Greg Valentine
Submission Match
Royal Rumble 1990

Another short match. But that's what WWE PPV's used to be like. I like it, It's a good hard hitting match. It's also the first submission match I saw, although I'm not sure if it's the first one WWE ever promoted. You really can achieve a lot in 6 minutes if you're a good solid wrestler. Both are good all rounders. But if I'm being honest I'm not usually a fan of either. Greg Valentine is what I would consider a boring wrestler, good, solid, reliable, just not intresting. I'd put him in the same category as Tito Santana & Mike Rotunda.

Good show. Selling used to be doen so damn well. Thats why back then you could have a match full of bodyslams, headlocks, and punches, and it was still sick. Becuase guys used to be able to sell properly. Excellent job by both guys, in a match mostly comprised of headlocks, and punches, it was still very entertaining. Whips the shit outta any under to mid card match the "E" puts on nowadays. WTF ever happened to Garvin?? Its the only show im aware of him being on...

[klunderbunker]

Wow. I think Will, Norcal and I have officially found Heaven in this thread. I remember this match very fondly, although upon more recent viewings, it really isn't that great in the ring. I remember being a major Taker fan back then and freaking out when I thought he was a bad guy again. A friend of mine who was 9 at the time tried so hard to convince me that Taker was evil but I'd never believe him. I actually went out and mowed lawns to get the money to buy this show just to see this match. The perfect ending to what really was Taker's first big time face feud.

[Shocky]

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Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg Wrestlemania XX

This is the example of all of the WWE's hard work coming crashing down and blowing up in their faces. Has there ever been a big time match with two big time guys that became as much of a disaster as this match did? This match was hyped starting at the Survivor Series when both were champions, furthered with Goldberg's elimination by the distraction of Brock, and then Brock losing the title the next month to Guerrero thanks to one Whisker Biscuit son of a bitch. All that hype and...

Train Wreck. Goldberg leaves the company for the month prior to Wrestlemania, wrestlefuckingmania, to film Santa's Slay??? Who in the hell decided that that was a good idea. Four months of hype, and someone decided to a half of that go to film a direct to DVD movie, who in the hell should have been fired for that one? So what does the WWE do, make Austin a referee and depend on a retired crippled rattlesnake to keep the hype for this match alive.

Get to Wrestlemania, and uh oh, word leaks out that the next big thing taht the company has invested its future in decides to leave the company on it's eve for a tryout on an NFL team, uh oh.

Needless to say, the MSG crowd was hot an livid. This is the prime example of why smarks are needed, because a train wreck like this, they kept interesting. And I haven't even began to talk about this match. By god was an awful wrestling match. Two guys, especially one with the ability of Lesnar, putting on one of the worst embarassments this side of Rosie vs. Donald. This match shows how god awful Bill Goldberg truly was.

All that being said, this match happened two years earlier, and was considered match of the year. And yes, that was a deliberate shot at Rock vs. Hogan. That match was god awful, but had the opposite crowd reaction, and won match of the year. This is that same match, with a negative crowd reaction.

[Mighty NorCal]

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The Ultimate Warrior vs. ''Ravishing'' Rick Rude Collection
Steel Cage Match
Summer Slam 1990

One of my personal favorite feuds. I'll try to post as many matches as I can from it. This is probably why slyfox claims The Warrior isn't bad. He also says he stole the show at two Mania's in a row. I say three. Rick Rude vs. The Warrior happened at Mania V.

I fondly remember the blue bar cage, but in reality it wasn't very good. Other than climb there's not much that could really be done with it. But this is possibly one of the best ones I've ever seen. Rude bumps like a mad man to get this match to work.


The part during Rude's entrance were he says "Pennsylvania Pissants" and that All Star was in the camera shot was fucking absolutely classic :lmao: Did Warrior have what, 6 offensive maneuvers in that match?? Well done by Rude. Ive seen better outta him, but a fucking NICE blue collar preformance outta the guy. Personally I think the blue bar cage is much more practical than what they have now. Have you ever been thrown into a chainlink fence?? It doesnt fucking matter!!! these are actual tangible BARS on this things, and it would hurt like fuck if you whackalacked your head on one. Damn fine match.

[Slim Pickns]

Overall Thoughts: First I have to say this is a great thread and I'm gonna tear it up later. NorCal deserves major rep for creating this beast!

Now then.. the reason I posted this match isn't because it was a "Top 10 Classic" by any means. However, keep in mind I was relatively new to Professional Wrestling in 1993 and then on. This was the first time anything like this (same guy v. same guy) had ever been done.

Most claim it flopped like crazy, but I still remember it as one of the greatest storylines ever. Simply because it was unique and never before done. (to my knowledge) Ted DiBiase claimed to have found the Undertaker, and he'd turned truly "to the darkside" and joined the Million Dollar Corp.

The world was collectively in shock that it couldn't be. And they didn't know what else to think, because the guy DiBiase brought with him, was so realistic and similar to the real deal.. that people had no choice but to believe he was legit. Then Paul Bearer revealed the truth.. and that brought up to this classic. (to me)

Taker v. Taker is truly a treat to me, because its like asking what would happen if someone wrestled himself in a mirror reflection. Both guys went back and forth with the exact same moves, same characteristics, and even sit-ups & no-sells. This was the original Taker's remaking into Purple, as DiBiase had his version remain old school with the grey.

In the end, it went to prove that you just can't duplicate greatness as the real version picked up the victory. Again, not by any means a Top 10 classic, but definately a classic to be remembered.

I'm with you on this one Will, when I was younger, this was one of my favorite storylines. It was huge for WWF at the time too, remember this match was the focal point of the Summerslam poster and went on last OVER the Bret Hart vs Owen Hart cage match (which I'm will post my thoughts on in this thread).

Everything in this was fresh and it kept everyones interest. People rag on the Taker for being in the midcard around this time up until Mania 13 but remember while he was not the champion, this match and his next PPV vs Yokozuna were the final match on the card. Why? Because people cared about what Taker was doing.

[Mighty NorCal]

The Undertaker's First Loss

Undertaker vs Tito Santana in Barcelona

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What is truly significant about this match is the lack of energy from the commentators, despite the fact that the live crowd OBVIOUSLY felt something special was occuring. The announce team remains so completely deadpan as Tito Santana hits the last few moves on this rookie phenom and covers him for the three-count.

This match is a rare treasure because it uncovers the fact that The Undertaker's first pinfall loss wasn't to a Hulk Hogan, but to El Matador himself.

This is also proof that the home fans have a lot more power than we think, if Vince was willing to allow his new star job to an old star just because of the location.




Couldnt understand a word those commentators said.

FACT

But good little match. Old school Taker was very entertaining in his own way IMO. And Tito is so damn good, and very forgotten in the annuals of time. I dont think he ever won a singles match in WM, despite competeing at every one of them (I think) all the way up until 8. Enjoyable, old style worked match IC, and the cackling Paul Bearer adds to the vintage value LOL

[TheOneBigWill]

W.C.W. Cruiserweight Championship: Billy Kidman (c.) v. Rey Mysterio:

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Overall Thoughts: This is what cruiserweight action was truly meant to be all about. When I watched W.C.W., from the time I did.. which was full-time from 1995-on.. I loved when they brought in the high-flyers known as the cruiserweights and "lucha-libra" Superstars.

This match is one of my favorites, although I couldn't find the one I enjoyed far more. Spring Stampede: Mysterio v. Kidman, rematch that came as a result of this match.

Either way, Billy Kidman was and is my all-time favorite cruiserweight. He is almost a form of what Johnny Devine is to the X-Division. Kidman was almost anti-cruiserweight, but instead of heel, he was face.

Kidman wasn't as fast as all the rest, and he definately didn't do all the dives, flips and "holy shit" moves that the likes of Rey Mysterio, Ultimo Dragon, or Juvi did.. but what Kidman did bring to the table, was a unique style all his own and the shooting star press, like noone else could do.

This is a high-octane match that will leave you wanting more, guaranteed. If it doesn't, then you aren't a fan of cruiserweight action, because this is at its best. Its roughly 9 minutes long, and the entire 9 minutes is full of move after move, never stop to rest, action!

[TheOneBigWill]

Wild Card Survivor Series Match: Shawn Michaels, British Bulldog, Sid Vicious & Ahmed Johnson v. Razor Ramon, Dean Douglas, Owen Hart & Yokozuna:

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Overall Thoughts: When I grew up watching wrestling, there were two matches that stood apart from all the rest. The Royal Rumble was the first, and the Survivor Series elimination Tag Team matches were the second. This is one of my all-time favorite Survivor Series elimination matches and (to my knowledge) it just so happens to be one of the only "Wild Card" matches, in which enemies were teamed together, and partners were on opposite sides.

In this match you had a TON of feuds going on left and right.

Shawn Michaels & Sid Vicious: H.B.K. brought Sid back to the W.W.F. as a bodyguard, only for Sid to go "pyscho" on him after Wrestlemania XI and powerbomb him multiple times, putting H.B.K. on the injured reserve list for a couple monthes. These two have a great chemisty in this match, but it doesn't last long, as Sid makes the classic "big man" mistake of telling Shawn to tune up the band, while he holds the opponent in place. (has that EVER worked?)

Owen Hart, British Bulldog & Yokozuna: On one side, you have Yokozuna & Owen Hart. Former Tag Team Champions, 2/3 of Camp Cornette. On the opposite side, you have the British Bulldog, the brother-in-law to Owen Hart, and fellow Camp Cornette member. The short one-on-one match between Bulldog and Owen was classic, and the way these three worked together, even on opposing sides was even greater. Truly added the element of "Wild Card."

Razor Ramon & Dean Douglas: The backstory here is Dean Douglas 'won' the Intercontinental Championship from H.B.K., after Shawn had to vacate the title due to injuries at a night club. Douglas was awarded the Championship, only to then have to face Razor Ramon. The Bad Guy ended up defeating Dean Douglas for his 4th Intercontinental Championship.. and the "teacher" was not happy about the outcome.

Razor Ramon & Shawn Michaels: Both work great together, and pulled off not one, but two different Ladder matches that are remembered and will be talked about forever. In this match, once again they are on opposite sides, but ironically, they respect and like each other in this contest which makes their match against each other more friendly, than rival-like.

Ahmed Johnson: This was his debut match, and little was known about Ahmed. That is until the end, when he over-shadowed Lex Luger's pussy hip toss for a full-on BODY F*CKING SLAM on the over a quarter ton Yokozuna! This is honestly the saddest part to me, because I had big hopes for Ahmed to become something big.. and sadly, he just fizzled out due to injuries into a fat slob himself.

Overall: The Survivor Series elimination matches make that Pay Per View worth buying. And W.W.E. in present day, is ruining the fun and enjoyment of the p.p.v., in selling out for regular matches that can happen on any f*cking monthly p.p.v. I wish something could be done about this atrocity, but unfortunately the W.W.E. won't return to greatness unless they feel they have to.

Until then, I'll cling onto my memories of matches such as this. BE WARE.. each video is roughly 10 minutes long, I believe.

[klunderbunker]

I remember seeing Ahmed that night and marking out like crazy. He was so insanely awesome it wasn't even funny. To me this was and is a sweet concept that there would be a harder time selling today. At the time, the internet with the "truth" was a non factor so this was mindblowing to see happen. I love stuff like this. Old school Survivor Series matches still are my favorite style, even above the Rumbles. They would always extend feuds and could have great possibilities. Great stuff Will. Keep it coming.

[TheOneBigWill]

everyone is welcome to post videos of their favorite matches, and promos from the Past.

With that said, I give you.. the single greatest promo in wrestling history. THE promo, that started E.C.W.

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Overall Thoughts: Shane Douglas wasn't a great man, but he will forever be remembered in the history of wrestling as the guy who spit on legacy. He single handedly destroyed a name in the "N.W.A." dispite them still being around today, for him to do what he did then.. was unheard of at that time.

Shane Douglas is one of my favorite Superstars because of this promo alone, and this is why I post it for all to see. He later became a pretty damn solid Main Eventer in E.C.W., and it was with that that W.C.W. signed him away to become something huge.. unfortunately he was held down by Ric Flair. (or so the story goes)

Douglas' feud and personal issues with Ric Flair are far deeper than "I" know of, but if they branched into storylines from what happened in W.C.W., and Douglas' cheap shots in a lot of E.C.W. promos.. then its definately heated.

This was ground breaking for "Eastern Championship Wrestling" to rename themselves "Extreme." And if it wasn't for this promo, you wouldn't see the likes of R.V.D., Taz, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Lance Storm or several others.

Guilty As Charged 2001: Rob Van Dam v. Jerry Lynn:

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Overall Thoughts: Okay, final match/promo of the night so I can give others the chance to speak/post.

I was torn on what match to post, as a final for the night. And I was dead-set on it being a Rob Van Dam classic. But not the watered down version most of you are used to from his W.W.E. days. So I came to the decision that it had to be R.V.D. v. Taz, or R.V.D. v. Jerry Lynn. And naturally, whenever an R.V.D. v. Lynn match is in the thoughts.. you just can't look away from that.

So then it broke into WHICH of their classics, should I show. Well, instead of wasting more time.. I went with the final Pay Per View match EVER, in E.C.W. history. The runner-up was their Hardcore Heaven match, in which Jerry Lynn picked up the victory.

Anyways, the reason I went with this as a match in general is because R.V.D. and Jerry Lynn were two of the main guys, main reasons, that got me into watching E.C.W. Sadly, I didn't start until August of 1999 and as a result I missed A LOT of tremendous things.

This match showcases the absolute best of the best that both men brought to the table. In each of their contests, they continued to get better and better. They'd find counters to the counters they countered before. (yes, thats right) They're like cruiserweights in heavyweight bodies.

And its matches like these, that I greatly wish W.W.E. would adapt to. Storylines were barely seen in E.C.W., and those that were, were often shitty. But the one thing that carried them.. was their talent. And these two showcased a HUGE deal of it.

Final Note: At the beginning of the first part of the R.V.D./Lynn match, it actually shows Rhino becoming the last "official" E.C.W. Champion, in true E.C.W. fashion.. (not scripted on a match-card, just a random run-in/turned Championship match)

[klunderbunker]

That promo just gave me chills. He was right, that company died the day Crockett left it, but it was still the NWA, and to do what he did was amazing. To do that he did took more guts than anyone may have had in the sport of wrestling until maybe Mick Foley dove off the cell 5 years later. That night was the final nail in the NWA, which had been on life support for years at the time anyway. Douglas may be a jerk, he may be a jackass, but that took guts.

[klunderbunker]

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This match is too important to not have. It really is hard to believe, but this is 3 months after the Warrior Rude cage match. This man is the greatest big man of all time, and this is where he started. Come to think of it, that is a damn fine heel team. Honky Tonk Man, one of the most entertaining wrestlers ever, Million Dollar Man, to me the greatest heel ever period, Greg Valentine, one of the most underrated ever and one of the best to never be world champion, and the Deadman. Not the best match in the world, but still just such an historic moment in wrestling. It's so hard for me to believe this is almost 18 years ago. Wow that's a long time.

[TheOneBigWill]

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This match is too important to not have. It really is hard to believe, but this is 3 months after the Warrior Rude cage match. This man is the greatest big man of all time, and this is where he started. Come to think of it, that is a damn fine heel team. Honky Tonk Man, one of the most entertaining wrestlers ever, Million Dollar Man, to me the greatest heel ever period, Greg Valentine, one of the most underrated ever and one of the best to never be world champion, and the Deadman. Not the best match in the world, but still just such an historic moment in wrestling. It's so hard for me to believe this is almost 18 years ago. Wow that's a long time.

Klunder I love how you smoothly don't put a lot of excitement onto this being the Undertaker's very first match. (I know you said its where he got started, but you honestly had me curious who you were talking about, dispite even saying 'Deadman.')

And my only problem with both sides, were their weak-links. (to me) On the heel team, Greg Valentine was truly the weakest link of that team. Meanwhile, any team that has 'The Bird Man' as a 4th partner, is a team almost guaranteed to fail. :lmao:

As far as DiBiase goes, I don't care what anyone says. The man is one of the world class heels in the sport today. Anyone who can go out and seemingly buy and create his OWN Championship.. to later have it be contested for. (Virgil and Piper have both had shots at it) Thats just unheard of.

Meanwhile, my thoughts on the match as a whole.. why on earth would you tag the Undertaker OUT?! Seriously, he (during this era, this time) was unstoppable, and unhurtable. He showed absolutely NO pain to anything thrown at him, and destroyed the Bird within seconds of the opening bell.

Great match KB!

[klunderbunker]

Since this is for both matches and promos, I thought I'd throw this one in. Sorry about the awful quality, it's the best I can find.
This right here is an example of the almost perfect face promo. It is short, simple, and to the point. Tornado had been around for just a few weeks at the time and all of a sudden he was wrestling for the IC title, which at the time meant something. Wrestlers today could learn something from this. He speaks for about 35 seconds, and says all that he needed to say. Short and sweet.

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[Mighty NorCal]

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Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg Wrestlemania XX

This is the example of all of the WWE's hard work coming crashing down and blowing up in their faces. Has there ever been a big time match with two big time guys that became as much of a disaster as this match did? This match was hyped starting at the Survivor Series when both were champions, furthered with Goldberg's elimination by the distraction of Brock, and then Brock losing the title the next month to Guerrero thanks to one Whisker Biscuit son of a bitch. All that hype and...

Train Wreck. Goldberg leaves the company for the month prior to Wrestlemania, wrestlefuckingmania, to film Santa's Slay??? Who in the hell decided that that was a good idea. Four months of hype, and someone decided to a half of that go to film a direct to DVD movie, who in the hell should have been fired for that one? So what does the WWE do, make Austin a referee and depend on a retired crippled rattlesnake to keep the hype for this match alive.

Get to Wrestlemania, and uh oh, word leaks out that the next big thing taht the company has invested its future in decides to leave the company on it's eve for a tryout on an NFL team, uh oh.

Needless to say, the MSG crowd was hot an livid. This is the prime example of why smarks are needed, because a train wreck like this, they kept interesting. And I haven't even began to talk about this match. By god was an awful wrestling match. Two guys, especially one with the ability of Lesnar, putting on one of the worst embarassments this side of Rosie vs. Donald. This match shows how god awful Bill Goldberg truly was.

All that being said, this match happened two years earlier, and was considered match of the year. And yes, that was a deliberate shot at Rock vs. Hogan. That match was god awful, but had the opposite crowd reaction, and won match of the year. This is that same match, with a negative crowd reaction.

This match, to me, represents so damn much. It represents how far some can fall from grace, and represents how utterly disappointing and wastefull this buisness can be sometimes. Do we all remember WM 19?? Just one damn year prior to this, Lesnar was THE man, on top of everything, and they were showing promo's for the oncoming Goldberg. Now, he were are, with the biggest punchline match of all time. Whatever they had to have done to keep these two, they shouldve done. This match, in what it REALLY is, as far as star power, is off the charts. This couldve been so massive if done right. But no, we got this BULLSHIT, and two guys who put on a sad, saaaad peice of shit, at the biggest PPV of all time up until that point. Im not sure what led up to everything, and how things went in the back. But it reminds me of a very talented team underacheiving. you need to look UP to figure out why this cant miss stuff, fails miserably. The WWE fucked up what coouldve been HUGE money, for that night, and for years to come. Just so wastefull and disappointing, by everyone involved.

[Uncle Sam]

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Rey Mysterio vs. Dean Malenko, Great American Bash... 1996, I believe. This is a former match of the week. Don't look now, the videos have been removed. I had to find new ones just for this. I appreciate this wasn't the one you wanted NorCal, but I feel this is their best. This match shows what cruiserweights can do, and why I'm such big fans of them. Everyone knows, or should know, I'm a huge fan of Dean Malenko and vintage Rey Mysterio, despite missing the WCW phenomenon entirely. Malenko is half the reason I like Alex Shelley; he's hugely innovative, for North America at least, without having to perform a triple moonsault every match. Doesn't stop Mysterio doing 'em of course. Thing to look out for: those vicious arm wrenches. Quite possibly best cruiserweight match ever. My definite favourite... haven't seen a great cross section of WCW's out outside of Jericho, Malenko and Misterio, however. The Unbreakable three way was fantastic too, but I think Joe disqualifies that. Does the Styles & Daniels/LAX cage match count? Wait, Hernandez... this stuff's hard.

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

The Match That Shocked The World
Who's The Third Man???


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This is the match that started it all. The Last boom period in wrestling (For the time being). Since the internet wasnt as strong then as it is now not alot of people saw this coming. Razor Ramon jumping ship. Then the next week Diesel jumps ship. Then both saying they were bringing in a third man to face Sting, Savage, and Luger. The question on everyones mind was...Who is it? Who's The third man?

Then finally Bash at the Beach came and Hall and Nash walked out alone. It was just a 2 on 3 match. The fans felt cheated.... but not as bad as what happened later in the night when Hogan came out to the ring and showed himself to be the third man. After that happened I have never seen so much trash thrown in the ring ever. Not to mention all the little kids crying because they just saw their hero turn on them.

Then hogan cuts a classic promo saying that they are the New...World...Order in wrestling, and that the fans can "Stick It, Brother". I used to call them the Force from up North. Seeing as they all came from WWE/WWF at the time. I was convinced as a motherfucker at 9 years old that they were there to destroy WCW.

After this Sting goes on to reinvent himself into what I believe as the best Character outside of anyone not named Hogan, Flair, Or The Undertaker. I tell you what this right here is the stuff legends are made of.

[IC25]

The Greatest Superheavyweight in Wrestling History vs One of the Most Underrated Big Men in History

Big Van Vader vs Scott Norton

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Fantastic work between two men who were American wrestlers and Japanese legends. Vader was an even bigger legend in Japan than he was in America, having won numerous singles and tag team titles.

Norton, on the other hand, was constantly disrespected in the US by the WCW's of the world. Japanese wrestling was the only one to get him right - they elevated him to a rare status. Norton won multiple Japanese World Heavyweight Titles and feuded with Inoki, Chono, Mitsuwa, Nakano, etc.

So here are two legends - one of whom is the greatest SHW in wrestling history, the other the most underrated.

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

The Match To End It All....
Or So We Thought.

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This match right here was what stemmed off of the creation of the nWo angle I posted earlier. This match was hyped for over a year. Perhaps it was hyped way too much. I remember sittingin front of my TV and just wondering...THIS IS IT? This is what we have been waiting a year for?

Sure In the end Sting won the title. It shouldnt have happened the way it did though. This is classic Hogan not wanting to put over someone the way they should've been put over. Plus the fat that they were trying to capitilize off of the Montreal Screwjob.

I still feel very cheated because of this. Sure they had a rematch at Superbrawl where Sting won again. But it still wasnt done the right way, with savage interfering on Stings behalf. Still though this match is a classic. Maybe for all the wrong reasons. But it will always be remembered.

[Shocky]

[

This is the match that started it all. The Last boom period in wrestling (For the time being). Since the internet wasnt as strong then as it is now not alot of people saw this coming. Razor Ramon jumping ship. Then the next week Diesel jumps ship. Then both saying they were bringing in a third man to face Sting, Savage, and Luger. The question on everyones mind was...Who is it? Who's The third man?

Then finally Bash at the Beach came and Hall and Nash walked out alone. It was just a 2 on 3 match. The fans felt cheated.... but not as bad as what happened later in the night when Hogan came out to the ring and showed himself to be the third man. After that happened I have never seen so much trash thrown in the ring ever. Not to mention all the little kids crying because they just saw their hero turn on them.

Then hogan cuts a classic promo saying that they are the New...World...Order in wrestling, and that the fans can "Stick It, Brother". I used to call them the Force from up North. Seeing as they all came from WWE/WWF at the time. I was convinced as a motherfucker at 9 years old that they were there to destroy WCW.

After this Sting goes on to reinvent himself into what I believe as the best Character outside of anyone not named Hogan, Flair, Or The Undertaker. I tell you what this right here is the stuff legends are made of.

So pretty much I had given up on wrestling after Summerslam 1994. Unlike others, and I'm a big Undertaker fan, but Undertaker vs. Undertaker was enough for me to stop watching the business. It was just terrible. I was 13, and like most 13 year olds at the time, wrestling symbolized childhood and being a baby, and with a match like that, it was getting pretty hard to justify defending the product.

Fast forward 18 months later, by chance, I happen to flip on TNT on a Monday Night and what the fuck, Scott Hall is on WCW. Holy Crap, this looks real. The way WCW played this angle as being a shoot was awesome, and truly a lost art now with the advent of the internet. The weeks go on and Nash shows up, and the hype elevates, and goes threw the fucking roof when Nash power bombed Bischoff of the stage. Nothing like that had been done before, and people ate it up.

The challenge is laid out from Hall and Nash to take on WCW's best guys. I believe WCW had 6 guys picked out, and narrowed it down to three, all the while no one knew who the third guy was going to be. The Internet was running wild, and if the Vbookie was around, Bret Hart would ahve been the man of choice at the time.

Obviously that didn't happen, something much better did. Hulk Fucking Hogan turned heel? say it wasn't so. It was perfect. It was exactly what the business needed and has had me hooked (for the most part) since then. Hulk Hogan is god, and WCW when it was hitting on all cylinders was a better product then the WWE ever was.

[Mighty NorCal]

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This match is too important to not have. It really is hard to believe, but this is 3 months after the Warrior Rude cage match. This man is the greatest big man of all time, and this is where he started. Come to think of it, that is a damn fine heel team. Honky Tonk Man, one of the most entertaining wrestlers ever, Million Dollar Man, to me the greatest heel ever period, Greg Valentine, one of the most underrated ever and one of the best to never be world champion, and the Deadman. Not the best match in the world, but still just such an historic moment in wrestling. It's so hard for me to believe this is almost 18 years ago. Wow that's a long time.


I really, really enjoyed that match KB. A few observations

1. Gosh damn. Is Bret Hart not the fucking King of selling of all time?? Honestly.

2. Even as a child, I thought JIm Neidhart being pinned after a clothesline, and Honky Tonk man, being pinned after a body slam, was fucking stupid.

3. Roddy Piper is laborious. Cant belive I keep hearing his stupid voice so Much. IC25 needs to hook it up with some WM 8, and some bob heenan for all of us.

Like I said before, young Undertaker is so damn fun to watch. The Ownage of Koko was fucking hilarious. I agree with Will. Why the fuck would he ever even really tag out?? :lmao: The game used to have much more talent, but a lot of the booking of the old days used to be much sillier

[Uncle Sam]

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I think this is the match you really wanted, NorCal. I haven't watched through to check because, frankly, I don't have the time. However, if it's the one I think it is, it's fantastic. Not as good as their original match, but you already know my thoughts on that. I believe this is the one where Rey picks up the belt when Malenko doesn't bother to finish him? Classic stuff. Well, for all of you. It's pretty new to me.

[Echelon]

The Wrestling Observer's Match of the Year for 1995

Manami Toyota vs Kyoko Inoue

This match was huge in Japan. On one side you had the reigning WWWA Champion (a championship that can trace its prestige back further than the WWE women's title) Manami Toyota, whose in ring ability was easily comparable to some of her more accomplished male counterparts, battling with her long time arch rival Kyoko Inoue. So basically, think of this match as the joshi equivalent of Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels.

Part 1

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Part 2

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Part 3

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Part 4

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Part 5

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Part 6

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Part 7

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[Mighty NorCal]

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I think this is the match you really wanted, NorCal. I haven't watched through to check because, frankly, I don't have the time. However, if it's the one I think it is, it's fantastic. Not as good as their original match, but you already know my thoughts on that. I believe this is the one where Rey picks up the belt when Malenko doesn't bother to finish him? Classic stuff. Well, for all of you. It's pretty new to me.

gosh fucking damn. HOnestly, I dont think you find anything too much better than this. MIght be the best match ive ever seen on free television. And one of the best ive ever seen overall. Sam I prefer this one, simply becuase im not a huge fan of limb phsycology. This had little of that, and a LOT of pure ass whoopin. Id love for someone to name me 5 things they have ever seen in wrestling more brutal than that gut buster he gives him towards the end. truly cringe worthy. WWE, you need to take notes. This is a fucking classic.

[klunderbunker]

Wrestlemania 13- Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin- Submission Match

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So i've been watching the Raws and PPV's starting with the Montreal Screwjob and I'm almost to Wrestlemania 14. During this time one thing became perfectly clear to me, and to all of the fans watching wwf at the time: Steve Austin was the man, period. Shawn Michaels was the champion at the time, but you could see the crowd light up when Austin appeared. The show revolved around him raising hell and just going nuts the whole night. So I got to thinking, where did the Steve Austin era really begin? Some might say it was KOTR the year before and the legendary speech, but I'd say it was right here. Chicago, Wrestlemania 13, against the legendary Bret the Hitman Hart. This match did something that I cannot remember ever being done otherwise. It pulled off the double turn. Hart was the biggest name in the company forever, and had been around as long as anyone else. Then you have Steve Austin. A man that has accomplished rather little in his time in the company, but could care less about what Hart has done. To me, this was exactly what people were looking for. The times were chaning in wrestling, and it was time for something brand new, and that's what Steve Austin was. This match is an absolute classic both in ring work and what the legacy it left is. How many times have you seen the shot of Austin with the blood running down his face trying desperately to get out of the Sharpshooter? This match may have been the one that saved WWF more than anything else. Enjoy.

[klunderbunker]

Survivor Series 1997- The Montreal Screwjob- Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels

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This match changed wrestling forever, perhaps more than any other has of all time. To see this all unfold right before our eyes. Everyone knows the backstory, but the ramifications are almost unlimited. Had this match never happened, Bret could still be associated with WWF, Shawn may never have been injured as the storylines may have changed and the casket match might never have happened, and who knows what else could have spun off from this. Not to blame it on him, but it's arguable that both Shawn's injury as well as Bret's departure are all based on Vince's paranoia. He was so afraid of Bret throwing the title down on Nitro or something of that nature that he turned his back on Bret. On the other hand, Bret was hardly innocent in this situation. To refuse to lose to Shawn the way he did was fairly juvenile, but this argument could go on forever and has nearly done so. The match is still a good back and forth match, even knowing what's coming at the end. Enjoy.

[Tomko]

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This, and Cena's rap versus the Big Show, are two of the reasons why I would LOVE to have Cena back as the rapper. Honestly, iIcouldn't have laughed any harder at this..it is one of the greatest Cena raps, of all time.

Enjoy.

[Y 2 Jake]

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Dungeon Match

Owen Hart vs. Ken Shamrock w/ Special Ref Dan Severn

Thanks to Silver Vision and their Tagged Classics series I bought Fully Loaded this week. Poor show. But it was from the Attitude Era. But it has one little gem on it. This one. Good little gimmick match. Well, not the best. But something different. The only time that Dan Severn was entertaining in WWE. I enjoyed it. But to be honest I'd forgotten about it. I'm nominating this for The Hart Foundation DVD that I suggested.

[DeadmanInc.]

Eddie Guerrero (c) vs Kurt Angle @ Wrestlemania XX
WWE Championship

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This is one of my favourite matches, Eddie Guerrero (RIP) vs Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship. This match is surprisingly underrated and overlooked. I thought it was definitely the second best match on the WMXX card, after the Triple Threat. I guess it was overshadowed by the Brock/Goldberg stinker, Undertaker's deadman return and Triple H/Michaels/Benoit.

This match has great back and forth action with both men evenly matched. However, Eddie manages to win in true Guerrero fashion: Lie, Cheat and Steal. Untying his boot was genius and something I've never seen done before. Overall, this was a great match that doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves.

[Y 2 Jake]

This match has great back and forth action with both men evenly matched. However, Eddie manages to win in true Guerrero fashion: Lie, Cheat and Steal. Untying his boot was genius and something I've never seen done before. Overall, this was a great match that doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves.

It's a good match. But both are wrestling like babyfaces. As Kurt Angle is a heel it just doesn't work as well as it should.


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Triple Threat Steel Cage Match
Mankind vs. The Rock vs. Ken Shamrock

Imagine how much of a dream match this would be today. That kind of shows what talent WWE had at their disposal during the Attitude Era. The video isn't very good quality. But I'd recommend it anyway. As far as I can remember this is the only triple threat cage match I've seen. If there's been others I've ever never seen them, or can't remember them.

EDIT: Can't get it to work. Here's the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iJ9KOVIIYM

[Green Ranger]

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Bret Hart promo on USA and The Patriot. Watch it from the 1:10 mark.

Anyone who says Bret Hart has no mic skills obviously hasn't seen this. Heel Bret Hart was fucking amazing on the mic, and this promo proves it. He shows so much intensity and emotion, he gives the impression that he really does hate America with a passion. This promo completely destroys any promo the WWE has produced for years.

[klunderbunker]

Kennell from Hell Match

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Complete with alternate commentary from WZ"s own Kevin Kelly, and Mick Foley! This may very well be the worst match of all time. Did someone actually think this was a good idea for a match? Snow and Bossman in a cage, fine. Well not really, but passable I suppose. Why this needed to have a cell involved though is beyond me. The dogs fighting each other is simply classic, and the match itself is secondary in importance. Foley and Kelly trying to make this match into a classic on commentary is awesome to say the least. No clue who wins as I couldn't bring myself to finish is, but just classic nonetheless.

[Y 2 Jake]

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Owen Hart Wins The WWF Title

So people can finally stop going on about how he never got to hold the big one. At the very end of the match he does indeed hold that title. I don't know why the decision was reversed, or why nobody has ever posted this before. But it's intresting. I'd kinda forgot how intresting Owen was in 1994. Shame he didn't keep that up.

[klunderbunker]

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Simply classic. This was one of the only times that I can think of where a skit turned a wrestler into an entirely different character. As OMG he was bland as hell, and to this day I'm still not sure what his character was supposed to be other than tough. Here he became one of the best comedic characters ever, simply for his awfulness. The camp value of this clip is great, and the comedy is pure 80s.

[klunderbunker]

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I remember being 3 years old and seeing this as it happened. I knew nothing about wrestling at the time, other than those two worked for different companies and something just wasn't right about that. Looking back, this was a bombshell. To mention another company and their champion, and to show their belt on tv was insane. Back then you didn't mention that there was another champion, let alone another company anywhere else in the world. The look on Monsoon's face gets better and better until the payoff at the end when Heenan says the name of the man that would bring about the end of Hogan's title reign. Neidhart being in the video just makes me laugh, as he does absolutely nothing the entire time.

[Slim Pickns]

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Owen Hart Wins The WWF Title

So people can finally stop going on about how he never got to hold the big one. At the very end of the match he does indeed hold that title. I don't know why the decision was reversed, or why nobody has ever posted this before. But it's intresting. I'd kinda forgot how intresting Owen was in 1994. Shame he didn't keep that up.

Yes, thats awesome. I had no idea this happened. Another peice of pointless wrestling info for me to chew on.

Now, for your viewing pleasure is the match I eluded to in your thread.

Ludvig Borga vs Razor Ramon.

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I'm not sure where the rest of this video came from. The one I was talking about ended after Borga left with the belt. This was a little before his scheduled match with Earthquake at Wrestlemania X, though he ended up asking for his release a little before and WWF granted it. Razor was obviously headed for the ladder match with HBK.

The match itself is pretty good. Razor sells Borga's power even though he's a huge man himself. Borga was a great heel, I wish we could have seen more from him.

[Slim Pickns]

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I remember being 3 years old and seeing this as it happened. I knew nothing about wrestling at the time, other than those two worked for different companies and something just wasn't right about that. Looking back, this was a bombshell. To mention another company and their champion, and to show their belt on tv was insane. Back then you didn't mention that there was another champion, let alone another company anywhere else in the world. The look on Monsoon's face gets better and better until the payoff at the end when Heenan says the name of the man that would bring about the end of Hogan's title reign. Neidhart being in the video just makes me laugh, as he does absolutely nothing the entire time.

What a great time for wrestling. Not only did you have wrestling other big star coming to the same promotion as Hulk Hogan, but it was first announced on Wrestling Challenge. That showed that you had to watch every WWF show unless you wanted to miss something.

Here is another vintage video from WWF. This one is Flair's first appearance in the WWF on Prime Time Wrestling.

Ric Flair Debuts in WWF

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Prime Time wrestling and Saturday Nights Main Event were my favorite shows when I was a kid. It was like getting a PPV for free on a random night. My dads friend had a pirate box and we used to watch WCW PPV's over there. I had just watched Flair defend the WCW World title earlier this year. Then, Flair debuted in WWF with the belt and I thought there was a chance of seeing Brian Pillman show up at any second. Great moment, great interview, great show.

[Y 2 Jake]

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Some Midgets

Not an important match by any means. Or even a great one. In fact I'm only posting this because of the match it replaced. Before this match happened Vince, J.R. & Lawler sad at ringside and gave a very half hearted Brian Pillman tribute. Vince said that the match between Brian Pillman & Dude Love wouldn't be taking place. But he had something that was more than suitable as a replacment. Out come the midgets. Now I like Max Mini as much as the next guy. But he's no Mick Foley. Not only was this a poor replacement. But talking about Pillman then having Lawler having a good time laughing at the midgets 5 minutes later doesn't look too good to me.

Dude Love vs. Brian Pillman would have been an awesome match.

[simpsons_fanatic742]

Earthquake vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts

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This is the match where Earthquake squashes Damien. I'm posting this because when I first saw this I was shocked that the WWF actually let this be shown. In this clip, they don't show Earthquake falling on it and I couldn't find a clip where they do, I guess for obvious reasons. The thing that strikes me most about this is the pain, saddness, and helplessness of Roberts. I believe there was a genuine pain in him and then to see him open the bag and find out that Damien is dead is kinda heart-breaking. You can also see that when they show a couple of fans reactions.


***Can someone tell me how to make the video show up in the post and not the link, like all of the other videos in here, thanks for whoever can help me.

[klunderbunker]

I remember this match. There never was an actual video of him landing on it as the shot always jumped to I beleive Sean Mooney in the studio. Inside the bag was hamburger in stockings designed to look like a crushed snake. This was an interesting angle that always bothered me as a kid. Looking back it's still saddening. Damien was just somethign you got used to hearing about whenever you heard Jake being in the ring. Interesting story that I always wondered why was never done before this point.

[Steamboat Ricky]

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Rey Mysterio, Jr. v. Psychosis - Bash at the Beach 1996

In an event that gets largely recognized only for Hogan doing the heel turn, Rey Mysterio, Jr. v. Psychosis is a gem that got hidden at the front of the card. This is truly a classic Luchalibre match that is what made the division one of the most popular in all of WCW. We're all used to seeing Rey against huge guys, but in this situation, Psychosis provides a very athletic and consumate opponent for Rey. This was truly enjoyable to watch with a few false finishes and a GREAT finish at the end.

(I couldn't find the match by itself, so the first 3 minutes or so consists of "The Hostile Takeover" promos...forgive me).

Enjoy, friends.

[Slim Pickns]

Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior vs Sgt. Slaughter, Genral Adnan, and The Undertaker

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Here's something a found a while back searching random matches while bored at work. This takes place on the tour that lead up to Summerslam 91. I was trying to find exactly when Sid Justice either debuted or was announced as I believe Summerslam was his first time in the ring.

Its basically the Summerslam Main Event with Mustafa replaced with Undertaker. It gives the duo of Hogan and Warrior and much tougher task, but just seems odd as Taker doesn't fit in with the Iraqi sympathizer. This could have easily been the Summerslam plan until they realized it doesn't work and ended up leaving Taker off the card.

[Y 2 Jake]

I watched Summer Slam 1991 again recently and I was curious as to where Undertaker was. He really looks out of place in that team. He does usually. But he's just plain wrong with them. That's almost as bad as when he teamed with Luger & The Steiners and he was wearing a coat with a stars and stripes lining.

[Slim Pickns]

I watched Summer Slam 1991 again recently and I was curious as to where Undertaker was. He really looks out of place in that team. He does usually. But he's just plain wrong with them. That's almost as bad as when he teamed with Luger & The Steiners and he was wearing a coat with a stars and stripes lining.

Undertaker was announced as being in the building during the IRS vs Greg Valentine match. He didn't appear at the actual PPV. On the video release they had a reception for Savage and Elizabeth. Savage and Liz were opening gifts, one of which was a Snake. Jake Roberts and Taker appeared and attacked Savage.

Undertaker could not look right teaming with anyone back then. Here's my last example.

Undertaker and The Ultimate Warrior vs The Berzerker and Papa Shango

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Not only does Taker look out of place, but everyone as well. Berzerker teaming with Shango? A viking and a voodoo doctor teaming up against two men who just finished trying to stuff each other in caskets. Weird doesn't describe this enough. The finish is weird to when Warrior and Taker shake hands. This is when Taker started heading in the wrong direction, he was making friends.

[Y 2 Jake]

Well you could write a whole book on all the crap that Taker was involved in from his debut in 1990 to his current run now. Most of the book would consist of years 1991-1995. If there was something stupid that needed doing, you could be certain that Taker would be involved in it. The only highlight for me in the years before Goldust & Mankind was his final Casket Match with Yokozuna.

Taker really did come around at (only) just the right time. He was a prelude to all the wacky gimmicks that started in the early 90's. A year or so later and he probably would have got lost in the shuffle. That year gave him a head start over the likes of Shango, Bezerker, Doink and others.

[Slim Pickns]

True, he got a head start, but he was also pushed as a legit threat right from the beginning. He went undefeated all year then beat Hogan. He showed no signs of weakness, even against tough competition. It was when he turned face that he started into all the wacky stuff. He didn't really fit in with any faces and didn't look normal fighting heels (like the above Berzerker feud). It got to the point were WWF was bringing in guys simply to feud with him, who would then leave when the feud was over. Its actually pretty amazing that Taker lasted through 96. Though looking back, he did take constant breaks which helped him from getting stale.

[klunderbunker]

I've never seen this match, and I think that's the way it should stay. If my memory is right this is just a classic example of WWF throwing together two feuds together in a tag match. Berzerker at the time was trying to stab Taker with his sword (go figure), and Shango was cursing the Warrior. This just doesn't make any sense at all. I could see an interesting feud with Shango and Taker in a battle of the mystical, but Warrior and Berzerker I can't picture doing much in any way shape or form. Taker was just stumbling frmo one feud to another at this point as they knew he was something special but there was no one that matched up with him in any decent feud at the time until Yoko showed up a few years later.

[Slim Pickns]

Undertaker and Berzerker suffered from the same problem, they didn't lend themselves to feuds very well. Berzerker was pushed as a powerful viking who only wanted to hurt people. As soon as he lost a single match, everything would go downhill. Its not a gimmick that can evolve, you would have to change it completely. He went to WCW and wrestled as John Nord.

When you through the two together, you get a clusterfuck tag match like this one and a feud that last a little over a month. Undertaker seemed out of place being overpowered by a half retarded Viking, after he was coming off such a dominant run. If I remember correctly, the Warrior Shango feud didn't last too long either.

[klunderbunker]

That's exactly right. Berzerker and Warrior were both very limited with their gimmicks. Berzerker couldn't cut a promo and if he started making sense, it wouldn't work as it'd be like Eugene or George Steele acting like the Genius. Warrior was just nuts and bounced off the wall like he always did. Shango, like Berzerker, was impressive because of his mystique. As soon as he was defeated, he was done. Taker was limited at the time because of how he was booked. Now that he's as insanely established as he is, he can pretty much do whatever he likes in the ring and no one could care less because he'll get cheered to high heaven anyway. These four couldn'tve been worse to put together at the time and the match shows.

[Slim Pickns]

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Some Midgets

Not an important match by any means. Or even a great one. In fact I'm only posting this because of the match it replaced. Before this match happened Vince, J.R. & Lawler sad at ringside and gave a very half hearted Brian Pillman tribute. Vince said that the match between Brian Pillman & Dude Love wouldn't be taking place. But he had something that was more than suitable as a replacment. Out come the midgets. Now I like Max Mini as much as the next guy. But he's no Mick Foley. Not only was this a poor replacement. But talking about Pillman then having Lawler having a good time laughing at the midgets 5 minutes later doesn't look too good to me.

Dude Love vs. Brian Pillman would have been an awesome match.

Now that I think of it, how many times have the "minis/midgets/juniors" had stints in the WWF. They were here in the 80's, gone, then came back twice in the 90's and were even on Smackdown as recent as 2005. You think they'd realize it just doesn't work here.

The back story of this is one of the saddest moments in wrestling for me personally. Brian Pillman was one of my childhood favorites. He was the sole reason I watched WCW with my dad. He died the day before this PPV in my hometown. I didn't get to see Pillman while he was here and I still think about that until this day. I legitimately miss him, Henning, and Rick Rude. Same with Eddie, but to a lesser extent.

[curtishouse27]

I've never seen this video...I remember an old coliseum video that the million dollar man hosted and it was pretty much the same scenario without the lumberjacks but they went to the instant replay because of Gorilla Monsoon and the decision was reversed. I think this video shows that Owen truly is a former WWF champion. Long live the King of Harts Owen Hart! Even though you're gone Owen, you will NEVER be forgotten.

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Owen Hart Wins The WWF Title

So people can finally stop going on about how he never got to hold the big one. At the very end of the match he does indeed hold that title. I don't know why the decision was reversed, or why nobody has ever posted this before. But it's intresting. I'd kinda forgot how intresting Owen was in 1994. Shame he didn't keep that up.

[curtishouse27]

Couldnt understand a word those commentators said.

FACT

But good little match. Old school Taker was very entertaining in his own way IMO. And Tito is so damn good, and very forgotten in the annuals of time. I dont think he ever won a singles match in WM, despite competeing at every one of them (I think) all the way up until 8. Enjoyable, old style worked match IC, and the cackling Paul Bearer adds to the vintage value LOL

Don't know if this has been mentioned but Tito did win at the first Wrestlemania against the Executioner I think...Flying forearm followed by the figure-four leglock. He also beat Papa Shango in a dark match at WM 9...I think that should count...Tito is definitely one of the most underrated wrestlers of all-time...Just have to look at his matches against the Hammer for the IC title to see how awesome he truly was.

[Slim Pickns]

WWF's FIRST LADDER MATCH

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This is the actual first ladder match that has been talked about but rarely seen (in comparison to HBK vs Ramon). Bret Hart brought the idea to WWF, but it wasn't popular until showcased on PPV. This match is important, not only because it gave us two stellar HBK vs Razor matches, but its pretty much the only reason guys like Jeff Hardy and Edge got their names out there. The video quality is low, but the match is pretty good. Its tame compared to what you see today, but back then the ladder was pretty much just to climb, jump, and fall off of.

[DC24]

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Owen Hart Wins The WWF Title

So people can finally stop going on about how he never got to hold the big one. At the very end of the match he does indeed hold that title. I don't know why the decision was reversed, or why nobody has ever posted this before. But it's intresting. I'd kinda forgot how intresting Owen was in 1994. Shame he didn't keep that up.

Was that at a house show; because WWE.com never shows him as the WWF champion listed at no time during time; only Bret Hart,Yokozuna,Diesel and God Forbid Bob Backlund. But Owen did deserve it he had alot more talent than alot of wrestlers on the current the Vince has.

[klunderbunker]

Mating Game with Jim Neidhart

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Back in the 80s, WWF was known for not only it's wrestling, but it's entertainment. This is a prime example of that. THis whole segment is like something out of a dream sequence. It's very rare to see Anvil in something by himself, let alone a pretty well done comedy bit. The jokes on here are great and a bit intense for the early 80s. It's pure nostalgia and I love it. Although I could go without Anvil rubbing his nipples at the end.

[klunderbunker]

Ted Dibiase as WWF Champion

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This was on February 6th 1988 as Ted Dibiase had been given the title by Andre the night before, only to have it stripped the next day on Superstars. This to me was a classic example of what could have been. If my memory is correct, Savage was only given the belt at WM 4 because Honky Tonk didn't want to drop it to Savage. Had that not been the case, Dibiase could have either won the tournament or defended it at Mania. Either way it could have allowed for the ultimate showdown of the 80s with Hogan facing Dibiase for the belt. This is something that I would have loved to see more often, as I've always thought he was the greatest heel of all time, bar none.

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

D-X vs. Rated RKO at New Years Revolution
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This match has just entered my favorite matches list. Everything about this was great. All four men really gave it there all in this one. Now I know people thought that this version of DX wasnt that good, but I love this match. Triple H tore his fucking quad in this match, and still competed for a good 10-12 minutes. Then Shawn Michaels realized that Triple H was hurt and stepped his game way up. This may not have been a technical classic, but Im a sucker for crowd involvement, and the crowd was definitely involved. My hats off to Rated RKO as well, it takes them to make this match wonderful.

[klunderbunker]

I remember this match and Monkey's right, it's great because the crowd ate it up. This is also I believe the match where Edge is lining up for a mega spear and has the most amazing look on his face that sent a chill up me. I always thought that was when he clinched his main event spot. These four guys beat the crap out of each other in a war. I was always sad that this feud never really got settled as it could have been epic to say the least.

[Y 2 Jake]

I don't think it's a good match at all. In fact I think that whole feud was really disappointing. But it's great to watch Shawn Michaels literally grab everybody by the scruff of the neck and tell them what to do. HHH couldn't do a thing. But Edge & Orton looked totally lost. HBK saved face for all of them.

[Paul Revere]

I have always loved that match. Great performances from everyone. HBK in particular, because he took over the reigns and made DX look good one last time and it set the pace for his upcoming program with John Cena. Edge and Orton almost bleed to death to make them look good. Triple H did what he could and you have got to respect that.

[Mighty NorCal]

Love that match Monkey, just love it. Thats what the buisness is all about. HBK is fucking great, and may be the best guy in the buisness currently at taking care of other guys in the ring. Just ask Ric Flair. I love how he just goes crazy after he figures Trips is hurt, and starts flying around. "shit.....fuck....shutup referree"

*punch in the face*

:lmao: just an awesome match. Blood. injuries. a rabid mob crowd. This was war.

[realblackhart]

With that said, I give you.. the single greatest promo in wrestling history. THE promo, that started E.C.W.

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Overall Thoughts: Shane Douglas wasn't a great man, but he will forever be remembered in the history of wrestling as the guy who spit on legacy. He single handedly destroyed a name in the "N.W.A." dispite them still being around today, for him to do what he did then.. was unheard of at that time.

Shane Douglas is one of my favorite Superstars because of this promo alone, and this is why I post it for all to see. He later became a pretty damn solid Main Eventer in E.C.W., and it was with that that W.C.W. signed him away to become something huge.. unfortunately he was held down by Ric Flair. (or so the story goes)

Douglas' feud and personal issues with Ric Flair are far deeper than "I" know of, but if they branched into storylines from what happened in W.C.W., and Douglas' cheap shots in a lot of E.C.W. promos.. then its definately heated.

This was ground breaking for "Eastern Championship Wrestling" to rename themselves "Extreme." And if it wasn't for this promo, you wouldn't see the likes of R.V.D., Taz, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Lance Storm or several others.

Guilty As Charged 2001: Rob Van Dam v. Jerry Lynn:

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Overall Thoughts: Okay, final match/promo of the night so I can give others the chance to speak/post.

I was torn on what match to post, as a final for the night. And I was dead-set on it being a Rob Van Dam classic. But not the watered down version most of you are used to from his W.W.E. days. So I came to the decision that it had to be R.V.D. v. Taz, or R.V.D. v. Jerry Lynn. And naturally, whenever an R.V.D. v. Lynn match is in the thoughts.. you just can't look away from that.

So then it broke into WHICH of their classics, should I show. Well, instead of wasting more time.. I went with the final Pay Per View match EVER, in E.C.W. history. The runner-up was their Hardcore Heaven match, in which Jerry Lynn picked up the victory.

Anyways, the reason I went with this as a match in general is because R.V.D. and Jerry Lynn were two of the main guys, main reasons, that got me into watching E.C.W. Sadly, I didn't start until August of 1999 and as a result I missed A LOT of tremendous things.

This match showcases the absolute best of the best that both men brought to the table. In each of their contests, they continued to get better and better. They'd find counters to the counters they countered before. (yes, thats right) They're like cruiserweights in heavyweight bodies.

And its matches like these, that I greatly wish W.W.E. would adapt to. Storylines were barely seen in E.C.W., and those that were, were often shitty. But the one thing that carried them.. was their talent. And these two showcased a HUGE deal of it.

Final Note: At the beginning of the first part of the R.V.D./Lynn match, it actually shows Rhino becoming the last "official" E.C.W. Champion, in true E.C.W. fashion.. (not scripted on a match-card, just a random run-in/turned Championship match)


One of my favorite matches of all time, Talent all around. I only wished Vince respected Lynn enough to do something with him if he had him again. RVD on pot in basically every ECW match he had and was still the whole F'n show. I would like to see him back too.

[klunderbunker]

I got to thinking the other day that this could be something fun to try. Wrestling has been around for a very long time and there's been a lot of matches that are forgotten. Since yesterday was the 25th anniversary of Hogan winning the WWF Title, I thought I'd give this a shot and have a daily anniversary match. Each of these matches happened on this day in history x amount of years ago. I'll try it for a few weeks and see how well it works. For the record, I got this idea and most of the matches from another blog that I read.

So to begin with, from 11 years ago, Chris Benoit vs. Raven-Souled Out 98.

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At the time Raven hadn't wrestled much and the only way that he would was under Raven's Rules, meaning No DQ. Benoit was getting beaten up by the Flock for weeks leading up to this and this match was the showdown between Raven who was said to be a former champion from "an independent company in the north east". At the time Benoit was just starting to break through the mid card and get some real support behind him. He could go hardcore as well as anyone else could and this was no exception. One of his standard great fights. Enjoy.

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

See, I've never been a fan of Raven. Most people flock (no pun intended) to him like he is a god. When in reality he hasnt done much. He wasnt that good in the ring at all. Most of his matches were sloppy, and the only part of the matches I like are the end of them. Why bow down to a man who's claim to fame was winning a title in a bingo hall?

That being said. Christ Benoit can drag a good match out of anyone. As evidenced here. This match is seemingly back and forth with a few good spots. My favorite being in the end when Benoit makes Raven pass out from the crippler crossface. I guess for a Raven match it was good. Nice pick KB.

[klunderbunker]

Raven is someone that I view as similar to Steve Austin at his peak. Now before you jump down my throat hear me out. Austin was easily more over for his character than his in ring work. I defy anyone here to name 5 classic Austin matches. I don't mean matches that are memorable. I mean matches that you look at based just on the in ring work and think of it as a classic. I have what I would consider a good knowledge of wrestling history and I can think of only a handful, mainly with Bret Hart on the other side of the ring. However he is easily one of the most over guys in the history of the sport. Raven was the same in ECW. His matches were ok at best, but his character was great. It was so great that it overshadowed his lack of in ring mastery. He was trained by Jake Roberts and you can see a lot of Roberts in Raven, which is certainly a good thing.

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

Raven is someone that I view as similar to Steve Austin at his peak. Now before you jump down my throat hear me out. Austin was easily more over for his character than his in ring work. I defy anyone here to name 5 classic Austin matches. I don't mean matches that are memorable. I mean matches that you look at based just on the in ring work and think of it as a classic. I have what I would consider a good knowledge of wrestling history and I can think of only a handful, mainly with Bret Hart on the other side of the ring. However he is easily one of the most over guys in the history of the sport. Raven was the same in ECW. His matches were ok at best, but his character was great. It was so great that it overshadowed his lack of in ring mastery. He was trained by Jake Roberts and you can see a lot of Roberts in Raven, which is certainly a good thing.

Austin vs. Triple H 3 Stages of Hell, Austin vs. Hart - WM 13, Austin vs. HBK - WM 14, Austin vs. The Rock wm 15. Austin vs. Angle Unforgiven 2001. There I did it. Not that hard.

Raven was a piece of shit. Literally. Im going to catch flack for it but so was his trainer Roberts. The only good thing either of them have done was the DDT. Roberts had good psychology in the ring as well. Something Raven strived for. He tried so hard to be like Roberts, which is what I think his downfall is. His character was not even that great. If Vince McMahon cant make you any better than what you already are. It's time for a new gimmick. I'm sorry, but Raven was shit. Case closed.

[klunderbunker]

Raven never was meant to be someone that was a big company player. If he debuted today in the indies with that character it could be amazing all over again. The idea of the man with the back, terrible childhood that is coming back for vengeance on those that hurt him as a kid is interesting to say the least. Now once he went to the bigger companies they tried to water him down. What was he in WWE anyway? In ECW Raven't Nest had some great workers in it. In WCW aside from Saturn his best was who, Scotty Riggs? It was an attempt to make him great in the mainstream and it jsut failed. He's always been an indy guy based on his character. Benoit got a great match out of him as some people could, which is similar to Austin. His in ring work never was great, but as a whole I always liked him.

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

Oh KB don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to lambaste you for liking Raven. God no. I just don't see the appeal myself. I've always had the mentality that while bigger isn't always better it sure helps. This is what I was thinking was holding Raven back. In ECW he pushed the envelope. When he went other places he couldnt do that, but yet tried to be the same character. He needed to mix it up a bit. Which in my opinion he never did. That's just me though.

[klunderbunker]

I've never been sure how much of that you can really blame on his, at least in WCW. They tried to copy his ECW character, right down to him mentioning Dreamer and Beaulah's real names in promos from his childhood. It bombed for more than one reason. he was blaming people for his issues that no one had a clue who they were and they weren't coming. That's both his and their fault. The whole concept just bombed in WCW as he would do little more than sit in the front row and have his lackies do his bidding. That can work when the lackies are awesome like when he had Foley, the Eliminators, the Dudleyz and Brian Lee working for him. When a person can build an army that strong it makes him look that much stronger. Had WCW given him a similar army in WCW it could have worked much better. Instead he gets a bunch of jobbers and Saturn. What were they really expecting?

[Kevin "Big Monkey" Nash]

You make a valid point. When your strongest link is Saturn or Kidman. You have a problem. But I still think he could have done a little more. Not follow the mold he was given and do something else with it. What? I dont know. He sure as hell couldnt do what he was doing in ECW. But he could have done a little more. Maybe a face run and feuded against some members of the NWO. Maybe a union with Sting when Sting was still the crow figure. I don't know. I think that could have been cool. But then again, that's just me.

[klunderbunker]

Today we go back 5 years to the 2004 Royal Rumble to see Evolution defend their tag titles against the Dudleyz in a tables match.

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This match is a great example of a team that's past their prime putting over a young star. Batista is easily the biggest focus in this match. Flair was put with Batista to help him mature and that worked wonders for the Animal's career. He was a champion when the belts still meant a little something and he was at a major pay per view against one of the best tag teams of all time in their "specialty match". On a side note, when's the last time they won a tables match anyway? But anyway, this match showcased Batista just like WWE was hoping for and the Dudleyz were pretty much living on their names by this point so they had nothign to lose. Great little match that kicked off the show.

[klunderbunker]

We are now at perhaps the most boring day in the history of wrestling, January 26. There have been no PPVs, and a grand total of 3 tv shows, the biggest of which was the 1998 Nitro. This show was two days after the Souled Out from Saturday, which had been nothing more than a PPV to bridge the time from Starrcade to Superbrawl and had one of the most lackluster cards that I can ever remember. One of those matches was Scott Hall vs. Larry Zbyszko, which ended with Dusty Rhodes turning on WCW to join the NWO. Here we have Scott Hall facing Lex Luger in the "main event" of Nitro.

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This match showed the biggest issue of WCW at the time: the show almost always ended on a clusterfuck. We have Sting and Savage, two guys not even in the main event fighting while Hogan, who Hall was allegedly mad at, taunt him? What in the hell am I watching? Luger is nowhere to be seen at the end of this match. The whole thing was just an excuse for a wild brawl, which by this time was rapidly losing its luster for WCW. Hope you enjoy it and tomorrow we go back to bad matches you had to pay to see.

[klunderbunker]

Today the flashback is just one year as we go back to the 2008 Royal Rumble to see Edge take on Rey Mysterio for the World Title.

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Now this match to me is interesting in that it was little more than a mini filler feud for Edge before the war with Taker continued. Few people that Mysterio had a chance but at the end of the day he put on a clinic and made us think for a few seconds that he could win. That to me is the sign of a good wrestling match: you don't know who is going to win. Wrestling is all about convincing us that something is real. In this match Rey convinced me that he had a chance to win a match that I didn't think he had a chance in. That to me is the sign of a good match out of both. Good 15 minute match that's well worth the time.

[klunderbunker]

For the 29th, we switch companies finally to see perhaps the two biggest stars of all time go at it again one on one on Monday Nitro to renew their rivalry again. The Real American against the Nature Boy, one on one.

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This match from 13 years ago is pre NWO, which is where you can see one of my favorite eras of WCW. Flair was at an interesting time in his career here as he was going insane over the success of Hulk Hogan. This would ultimately lead to him joining with the Dungeon of Doom to form the Alliance to End Hulkamania to take on Hulk Hogan and Savage at Uncensored. That show was important in that it was so awful and Hogan was shoved so far down the fans' throat that the main event was booed out of the building. Depending on the sources you listen to, it was that night that the decision was made that a change needed to be made to Hogan, and three months later the NWO was born.

As for the match it's somewhat above average to me. These two always has the big match feel to it and this is absolutely no exception. Anytime you get them in the ring together it's just fun all around. Another great entry from these two and worth the time it's given.

[klunderbunker]

DUe to my internet being down on the 28th, today you get a double shot which I doubt people will read. Last year, the night after the Rumble, DX was unearthed again for another squash match, this time against Umaga and Snitsky.

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This was a classic example of why the latest incarnation of DX is just awful. What was the point in bringing them back at this time? This match was nothing more than a way to get some cheap ratings for the show by saying that DX is back. It's like calling the name of the band that released Chinese Democracy Guns N Roses. The lineup is so different now that it's the same in name only. There's a glimmer of the original in there, but that's it. DX isn't the contraversial group that they used to be. They're two main eventers that use the same music. Not a big deal at all and an annoying thing in the WWE right now.

[klunderbunker]

13 years this time as we see a match from WCW's C or D show, WCW Power Hour. It was a show that came on I believe Sunday nights at 6:05. As you can see the production values are pretty low at this point and the crowd couldn't really be less into this match.

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Orndorff just looks miserable here and I can't say I blame him. This is a feud that went absolutely nowhere as Orndorff was just dull and Cactus was being buried by WCW for not being good enough in their minds. So WCW just put these two into a feud on their lower level TV shows and I think they had a PPV match at some point. Even the commentators seem to be searching for something to care about in this match. It kind of represents the whole direction of WCW as they just didn't know what they were doing. This would go on for another year and a half until Hulk Hogan came over and changed wrestling forever. These years are called the dark years of pro wrestling and it's realtively easy to see why.

[klunderbunker]

11 years ago today at ECW's Hostile City Showdown, we had a handicap match featuring the superteam of Bam Bam Bigelow and Taz against the Triple Threat of Shane Douglas, Lance Storm and Chris Candido.

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Triple Threat was one of the most powerful stables in ECW with a revolving door of members. This incarnation had Storm and Candido as the tag team champions and Douglas as the World Champion. Soon after this Bigelow would join the team after Storm was kicked out. They were the dominant heel team in ECW for a good while but this is in their twilight as a unit. Their opponents include Taz who was a monster in ECW. This was a grudge match I suppose you'd call it, but more just a big time heel vs. face match that I think goes over quite well. Have fun.

[klunderbunker]

Now that we're on the Road to Wrestlemania, I thought we should take a look at a match that helped to set the stage for one of the most famous matches in Wrestlemania history: TLC 2. This was in the middle of one of the funnest tiems in tag team wrestling since the 1980s and the glory days of the division. At the time the Dudleys were the reigning tag team champions and they were being challenged by Matt and Jeff Hardy who had won the right to challenge on the Monday Night Raw three days before this. The catch: it's the Dudleyz bread and butter, a tables match.

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This match is a solid tv match that is the division at its best. These two teams and Edge and Christian had some wars throughout the years and this is just a sampling of what was coming exactly two months after this. It's two of the best tag teams of the era going at it for the World Tag Team Titles on Smackdown!

[klunderbunker]

Just a fun little one here. This was when Goldberg was starting to get noticed big time and the Streak was starting to really pick up steam. It shows what WCW was capable of when it got ahold of something that worked. They were able to push him to the moon and beyond so it makes you wonder why they couldn't do it with anyone else, ever.

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This also shows the easily biggest flaw in the Streak: he beat mostly jobbers. Mark Starr? Sounds like a bad porn actor. It's one thing to do this once in awhile but it was the M.O. of Goldberg. He would just destroy a jobber in seconds and the commentators tried to make you think he beat Hogan every night. It worked at the time but now looking back it's starting to show just how weak it was.

[klunderbunker]

Now we're getting to some of the good stuff. For those of you that may not have heard of it, the WWF ran 5 shows called the Main Event. usually one or two a year, this was the forerunner to Monday Night Raw. It was on prime time during the week and usually drew insane numbers. This match was from the second of these shows and set the stage for the Main Event of Wrestlemania 5. Here we see Hulk Hogan and WWF Champion Randy Savage teaming against the Twin Towers of Akeem and the Big Boss Man.

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This match is important because it was one of the best angles of the time. Hogan and Savage had been teaming together for months now and the tensions were beginning to build. At the Royal Rumble Hogan had accidently eliminated Savage when the Towers were in the ring, leading to this tag match. Keep your eye on Liz to see what happens here, sparking one of the best feuds of the era.

[klunderbunker]

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to Raw we go. We go back to 2002 to a time when the NWO was about to step into the WWF for the first time to see one of the last main events before that took place. In this case, we see the ultra team of Steve Austin and the Rock squaring off with the American Bad Ass and Y2J.

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This show was interesting because soon thereafter, the whole focus of the show went flying off in the other direction. The NWO showed up and whatever feud was coming here was thrown out in favor of Austin against the Outsiders and ROck vs. Hogan. Jericho went on to feud with HHH who earlier in the night had been told that his wife was with child. This show really began to set the stage for WM 18 which had some great and some not so great moments.

[klunderbunker]

It's rare in this series that I've put up a match with any historical signifigance, but this one should make up for it. 21 years ago Thursday, Hulk Hogan lost the world title after holding it over 4 years. Ted DiBiase manages to get Andre to steal the belt using an evil twin brother referee. The sight of DiBiase with the title still is almost chilling.

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This show and match was a big deal for many reasons. A show like this was shown on prime time tv on a weeknight, which is more or less the ancestor of Monday Night Raw. You hear about WWE getting 3s in the ratings. This match got over a 15, the highest rating ever for a single show. It set the stage for WM 4 and eventaually 5 as well as stunned the world. Hogan losing on national television? Mind blowing.

[klunderbunker]

This match/feud is my answer to those that say WWE did nothing after the Invasion. Here we have perhaps the two best in ring technicians ever going at it in a rematch of perhaps the greatest match ever, as Chris Benoit battles Kurt Angle in a non title match on Smackdown.

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What makes this match special is that while they just had a war a few weeks ago at the Rumble, they manage to pull out all new stuff here. These two are as crisp in the ring as you could possibly want and they're nothing short of a treat to watch. Both of them are men that I'd love to watch wrestle every day of my life as they're never boring. It's the crossface vs. the ankle lock in another classic.

[klunderbunker]

In the business of sports entertainment, there are three major aspects: in ring wrestling, character, and mic skills. As important as in ring promos are, a lot of characters are built up through segments that happen in the backstage area. Over teh years we've seen hundreds of them: some funny, some serious and some indifferent. This thread is to ask you what you think is the best ever. What promos/segments made you laugh or be interested in a character or upcoming match?

For me, the funniest segment that I've ever seen was at Cyber Sunday when DX was talking about how people should vote for various referees that night, and HHH says Shawn isn't contraversial anymore. A backstage guy comes up to them, and Shawn asks for his name. As for the rest, here it is.

x3060l

So what are some of your favorites? Comedy or serious, up to you.

[Pippen]

Yes that was by far the funniest backstage segment ever. I remember just watching that over and over because it was so funny. It just had that thing about it, for example Shawn saying "And you , you, you are controversial. You sleeped with whats her name." and Shawn superkicking every guy he saw. It was just a good segment. One of those many DX did when they got back together.

[Kenan]

One of the many encounters between Rock and The Hurricane in 2003. I love it because it helped Helms get over with the crowd and help solidify the Rock as a heel at the later stage of the career. I especially loved the beginning as the Rock always owned Coach.

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[agentmichaelscarn]

This maybe not be the best but its the funniest one for me that came to mind. Technically its not a single segment but they are all in 1 episode and have the same people so its close enough. Its Classic E and C with Angle. Also has HHH and Foley which is a plus. Hilarious stuff.

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[klunderbunker]

9 years ago Saturday there was a huge ten man tag from the WWF with DX and the Radicalz against the Rock and Sock Connection and Rikishi/Too Cool.

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This match is a great example of the huge feuds that went on in the company around this time. This had three feuds put together for one megamatch that just kind of works. Instead of the individual feuds that are currently going on, the whole show had at least something that linked all the matches. Here, HHH had given the radicalz their contracts to screw of Cactus Jack, who HHH was feuding with. See what they did there? That would be something WWE could use today.

[klunderbunker]

Now we have a match that I had never seen before last night. 23 years ago, there was a guy in the WWF that had a lot of potential. He was named Randy Savage. Over the years he went on to many title reigns and championships, but here we see his first title shot: an IC title match with WWE Hall of Fame member, Tito Santana.

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This match has a lot of good qualities. For one thing, the match is great. These are two of the best in ring workers you'll ever find anywhere and I almost defy you to find a bad match from either of them. The historic value is great as this match cememted Savage as a legitimate big named star. This reign went on for over a year and was ended by Steamboat in the classic we all know.

[klunderbunker]

In light of Regal's recent angle, I thought we'd take another look at him in one of his older matches as he was still Lord Steven Regal. His opponent 11 years ago is none other than DA MAN.

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This was after WCW shot itself in the foot at Starrcade 97, but their apparentl savior came in the form of a Steve Austin rip off known as Goldberg. This however is a very odd little match. Watch this match carefully and you'll immediately see that it's a strange one. The reason is very simple: Regal is shooting on Bill. He was supposed to go out and lose in an almost complete squash but instead he worked very stiff and made Goldberg look bad. Look at the spear and jackhammer. They look terrible. Regal sells them like a regular tackle and a suplex. He almost refuses to sell any of Goldberg's power and instead wrestles as well as he can. Not sure what his punishment was, but I can't imagine it was good.

[klunderbunker]

For all of those international enthusiasts out there in our audience, (and IC), I present you with one of the most brutal matches in the history of wrestling anywhere anytime. These two monsters have a legendary rivalry that has rarely been topped in any country at any time. I present to you, Stan "the Lariat" Hansen vs. Big Van Vader!

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While it's rare in Puroesu for two big men, especially Americans to have a big rivalry for a title, these two did it and did it as well as anyone. These matches weren't about wrestling. They were about brawling. There was another match where they spilled out into traffic and caused a jam, resulting in them being banned from wrestling each other anywhere in the country. Think about that for a minute before you watch this epic war.

[Mighty NorCal]

In the business of sports entertainment, there are three major aspects: in ring wrestling, character, and mic skills. As important as in ring promos are, a lot of characters are built up through segments that happen in the backstage area. Over teh years we've seen hundreds of them: some funny, some serious and some indifferent. This thread is to ask you what you think is the best ever. What promos/segments made you laugh or be interested in a character or upcoming match?

For me, the funniest segment that I've ever seen was at Cyber Sunday when DX was talking about how people should vote for various referees that night, and HHH says Shawn isn't contraversial anymore. A backstage guy comes up to them, and Shawn asks for his name. As for the rest, here it is.

x3060l

So what are some of your favorites? Comedy or serious, up to you.


:lmao:

I was dying in a hospital when this PPV happened, so i have never seen this, and it was fuckin hilarious. Nice job by the newer DX, and the usual HBK-HHH rederick. The superkicks walking down the hallway were certainley different, and was an unexpected, funny, segment. Well done DX, ya still got it

[klunderbunker]

13 years ago, WCW had another one of their, ahem, great ideas in the form of a goliath known as Loch Ness. Standing just under 7'0 tall and weighing just under 700lbs, this guys sucked, like, REALLY sucked. WCW yet again manages to ruin a suprise by having his name pop up before his 'debut". This is kind of a match but it falls into a DQ soon thereafter.

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This right here is a great example of what WCW was doing wrong at the time. There was already a similar and better monster in the form of the Giant aka Big Show, so why did they need this guy? It was a waste of a salary and a roster spot as well as just a waste of time. He lasted about 3 months, eventually getting a tv title shot somehow which he lost. He was gone after that April. Ummm, enjoy?

[klunderbunker]

Ok so raise your hand if you thought Against All Odds sucked. Ok now put your hands down so I can see the wall back there again. While it did indeed suck, it doesn't mean that the series sucked. Today we begin two back to back Against All Odds shows with the first one being from 3 years ago. This was during Joe's absolute dominance of absolutely everything, including the X Division. Right here we have him facing perhaps his two greatest rivals in a rematch from the absolute classic they had at Unbreakable.

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This match, while not as great as their match from September of the previous year, is still eight kinds of awesome. This is what TNA was supposed to be about: guys going out there and giving everything they have to entertain the fans and damn if they didn't do just that right here. This shows what the X Division could do when given the chance, and it's a damn fine match.

[klunderbunker]

Now, we've seen Joe vs. Daniels vs. Styles and Joe came out on top. That of course leaves one question: who was second best? One year beforehand we found out as the Phenomenal One took on the Fallen Angel in a thirty minute Iron Man Match.

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This match shows that Iron Man matches can work if kept down to a lower time limit. The hour long matches just don't work that well as it takes too long to set something up and the workers have to stall for way too long. In a thirty minute match, you can have a twenty minute back and forth affair or even a domination, with ten full minutes for someone to make a comeback, leading to the finish. Keeps stall time down to maybe a fourth of what it would be in a sixty minute match. Well done TNA. Good match. Enjoy guys.

[klunderbunker]

It's a double shot today as we link up with the WWE forums to showcase the match where The Big Show Paul Wight debuted, a cage match between Steve Austin and Vince McMahon from St. Valentine's Day Massacre. A total beating of McMahon that was important only for the finish with the arrival of the Show.

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This match isn't important for the beatdown that Vince gets. While it's fun to see the Boss get his ass handed to him, it's ultimately the arrival of the big man that signals WWE landing a huge blow to WCW as it steals away one of the young guys for a change. This marked the beginning of the exodus of the WCW core to the WWF, eventually leading to guys like Jericho, Guerrero, Benoit and others to come back to the WWF, resulting in the balance of power shifting in the Monday Night Wars. WWF had already made up a lot of ground by improving their own product, but this was their first move that struck a blow against WCW. While it doesn't look like a lot on the surface, the ramifications here are huge. Take a look.

[klunderbunker]

We're going to follow up on that cage match with the match from the next night on Raw. With Austin winning the cage match and becoming the number 1 contender for the title, that means he needs a champion to face right? Well at the time, Mankind was the WWF Champion. I don't ever recall Mankind vs. Austin for the belt at Mania, but I do recall Austin vs. Rock. Therefore, on this night, 10 years ago, the Rock challenges Mankind of the WWF title in a ladder match!

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Now this match has a few important aspects to it. To begin with, it sets the stage for the first ever one on one world title match between Austin and the Rock. With Rock as top heel and Austin as top face, the war was on and it started oin that night. Big Show makes his Raw debut and with his blonde hair flowing, sets up his Mania match with Mankind, to an extent. The wars were on and WCW was sitting back on pins and needles, praying that they could stay afloat.

Note: for once I had two great options, but i picked this over Eddie Guerrero and Brock Lesnar for the belt. That's been seen way too much.

[klunderbunker]

For February 16th, there really wasn't much to choose from. I did however stumble upon this match. In another entry from the what were tehy thinking files of WCW, we have Booker T, a man that had shot his way up the WCW roster and had captured the Television title, defending against......Rick Martel? Yes, the Rick Martel that had played the Model. However, in this match, he's a guy in a leather ring jacket with black tights named Rick Martel. That's it. Perhaps the most generic wrestler imaginable.

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While WCW was still firmly in control of the Monday Night Wars, WWF had a foothold at this point with Austin's rise to the World Title reaching its apex. This is a classic example of what were tehy thinking? Why Rick Martel? he hadn't done anything of note in about 6 years at this point and was completely random for this story. It's not like he was over huge or anything. He was a name from the past that was relatively obscure. Just makes me scratch my head.

[klunderbunker]

Backed up a few days because of school, but back to work again.

On February 17, 2008, John Cena and Randy Orton continued their rivalry, as Cena uses the title shot he earned by winning the Royal Rumble a month early, as he challenges Orton for the WWE title at No Way Out.

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This match always seemed to be hotshotted to me. Why do this match at No Way Out? It set up the triple threat at Wrestlemania, which I never thought that much of for the most part. This is the Austin/Rock of this era. Why waste it on a show like this, especially with this ending? I don't get it.

[klunderbunker]

It was one of the last WCW PPVs, and based on what I'm seeing, that's a good thing. This was around the time when WCW simply didn't give a damn about anything anymore and the booking showed that. Scott Steiner was just beating everyone up with no challenger in sight, so they put him in the ring with Kevin Nash in a 2/3 falls retirement vs. belt match for the title. Anyone else see a train wreck coming?

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This match is nothing short of a clusterfuck of a fight. It involves weapons to attempt to make it passable, but the company knew it was dead. There's no thought to this match, no real backstory and no need for these stipulations. WCW was over and the booking ideas just came from nowhere. That's what made this time fun. It was so messed up that it was great.

[The Lariat]

For all of those international enthusiasts out there in our audience, (and IC), I present you with one of the most brutal matches in the history of wrestling anywhere anytime. These two monsters have a legendary rivalry that has rarely been topped in any country at any time. I present to you, Stan "the Lariat" Hansen vs. Big Van Vader!

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While it's rare in Puroesu for two big men, especially Americans to have a big rivalry for a title, these two did it and did it as well as anyone. These matches weren't about wrestling. They were about brawling. There was another match where they spilled out into traffic and caused a jam, resulting in them being banned from wrestling each other anywhere in the country. Think about that for a minute before you watch this epic war.


Another gem from the Japanese collection...Stan Hansen v/s Hulk Hogan

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I only remembered Stan Hansen from his WCW days in the late 80's/early 90's. The Luger/Hansen matches were awesome. The 'Lariat' scared the hell out of seven-year-old me back in the day. I found this gem recently. I love how it showcases how Hogan CAN wrestle, and how entertaining and stiff Hansen is. And watch the ending of the match. It's two giants in the wrestling world (YES, Hansen was an ICON in Japan) do battle a few weeks removed from Hogan losing to the Warrior at WM 5. LARIATO!

[The Lariat]

Lex Luger versus Stan "the Lariat" Hansen for the US Title Halloween Havoc 1990

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I just have to post this match. Luger was as stiff as they get in the ring. So was Hansen. This match was on a STACKED Halloween Havoc card that also featured Anderson/Flair v/s Doom, Sting v/s Sid, and the Nasty Boys v/s the Steiner Bros. This was Luger's first loss in nearly a year. It was fitting he would eat one of the stiffest finishers in the business. Enjoy.