Random Match Review 8/11/17

Steve Austin vs. Val Venis – WWF Smackdown 10/21/99; Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky

Thank you again to whoever voted. This match beat The Midnight Express vs. The Midnight Rockers, Alex Shelley vs. Christopher Daniels and Bobby Fish vs. Kyle O’Reilly. This match comes to us from the 9th episode of Smackdown. During this odd era, Val Venis was in the midst of a push, even defeating Mankind at No Mercy the previous Sunday. A Mankind who was just WWF Champion two months prior. Meanwhile, Steve Austin was on the road to a WWF Title match (vs. HHH and Rock) at Survivor Series, though we all remember how that turned out. Rock and Mankind got into a verbal spat to start this episode, leading to a match for Rock’s spot in the title match. Val, wanting a main event spot, interrupted and challenged Austin for his. Austin went right at Val, probably looking to put him in his place. Not only did he kick his ass, but he outsmarted him on a few occasions, until Val connected on a big clothesline. He worked Austin’s neck and back, which made sense given Austin’s history. Austin turned it around they brawled outside. A lot of post-neck injury Austin matches involved brawling and he usually made it work well. Val used a chair on Austin’s knee behind the referee’s back and you wondered if Val would pull off the upset. Never fear, as it led nowhere because Austin hit the Stunner to win in 9:53. Some of this was good and some of it lacked. I thought Austin kind of toying with him and being one step ahead early was good. Val was smart in how he swung the tide, but his offense wasn’t very interesting. I wish something came of the chair shot, as Austin just shrugged it off to win. However, it was a solid TV match. Back to the midcard you go, Val. [**¾] Voting is now open for tomorrow’s match at strawpoll.com/x29g154d