Halloween Havoc 2000
October 29th, 2000 | MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada | Attendance: 7,582
Oh man, this has potential to be a train wreck. It’s well documented that WCW was having serious problems by this time. Things only got worse heading into this PPV as a large portion of the roster was cut, TV shows (namely WCW Saturday Night, which had run for over twenty years) were cancelled and, to top it all off, Vince Russo even won the WCW World Title. He had to relinquish it due to injury without ever allowing for a proper payoff but I doubt one was planned anyway. It was the 12th and final Halloween Havoc Pay-Per-View.
They start with Pamela Paulshock talking to the fans in the lobby and asking for their picks on the horrible sounding main event. Their opening video package isn’t as bad as it normally is. Commentary is Tony Schiavone, Mark Madden and Stevie Ray.
WCW World Tag Team Championship
Mark Jindrak and Sean O’Haire (c) vs. Boogie Nights vs. The Filthy Animals w/ Konnan
The Filthy Animals are represented by Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman, while Boogie Nights are Alex Wright and Disco Inferno. Bald Alex Wright is a strange look. Three guys were legal at a time during this triangle match. Kidman and Wright teamed up to work over Jindrak, which made sense as you’d want to take out the champions. For the most part, they moved things along at a quick pace. Some of the later WCW shows saw guys work fast but botch a fair amount, which happily wasn’t the case here. There were several near falls and some pretty good spots throughout. The champions did their sweet double hip toss from the floor to the ring on Kidman. I remember them doing that horribly to Sting. Wright, Kidman and Rey all ended up doing different dives outside. Boogie Nights nearly won but taunted too much. That set the stage for the Seanton Bomb from O’Hair, retaining the belts.
Winners and Still WCW World Tag Team Champions: Mark Jindrak and Sean O’Haire in 10:04
A really fun opening contest. They fit a fair amount into ten minutes and allowed everyone to shine. I also appreciate that they were mostly crisp with the work being done. It’s WCW in 2000, so I doubt something will top this on the show. ***¼
The champions and Alex Wright only, for some reason, put the boots to the Filthy Animals until the Wall or Sgt. AWOL or whatever his name was at the time makes the save.
WCW Hardcore Championship
Reno (c) vs. Sgt. AWOL
Reno being bald but having a ponytail was such an odd look. AWOL stayed in the ring and set up a table, but he went through it pretty quickly. Like most WCW hardcore matches, they just wailed away on each other with weapons. However, it was more entertaining than normal. Reno had a garbage can put on his head and AWOL kicked the shit out of it. It looked pretty rad. They fought up the ramp and Reno set two tables up, only to get a backdrop through both of them. Since the event is brought to you by that weird WCW Backstage Assault game, they fought in the back. The finish came back at ringside when Reno hit the Roll of the Dice on a table.
Winner and Still WCW Hardcore Champion: Reno in 10:55
Pretty enjoyable hardcore. I’ve usually liked WWE ones but the WCW hardcore division left something to be desired. Here, it was mostly entertaining though I do think it dragged on a bit too long for what they were doing. **¼
Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak run out to beat up Sgt. AWOL. That causes Chavo and Lash LeRoux to make the save. I think they were Lt. Loco and Corporal Cajun. Man, that stable had no chance.
In typical WCW fashion, there are some rapid fire backstage segments. None of it seemed important enough to discuss.
Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak vs. Corporal Cajun and Lt. Loco
Why didn’t they just stay out the post-match stuff from the last match? Nothing about this interested me or the crowd. They chanted “boring” for a bit. Chavo nearly died on a spot that saw Palumbo drop him on the ropes. Stasiak and Palumbo argued over who would go on to have the worse singles run. Stasiak would win for those unaware. The heels dominated for the most part and while they were booed at times, the crowd really seemed to not give a damn. Their arguing and dissension led to the loss when Stasiak fell to a tornado DDT from Loco.
Winners: Corporal Cajun and Lt. Loco in 9:21
This was a late addition to the card and everyone could have done without it. It was lifeless, heatless and only gets any points because it told somewhat of a story with the Palumbo and Stasiak issues.½*
Konnan and Tygress vs. Shane Douglas and Torrie Wilson
Oh my, Torrie was dressed as Wonder Woman. Tygress started alone and kicked Douglas low. This led to her and Torrie doing some truly bad wrestling. It’s a stretch to call it that. Konnan, who took a beating earlier apparently, showed up to save Tygress. Konnan didn’t sell any effects of an earlier assault. Douglas punched Tygress, prompting Schiavone to say that it’s wrong and everyone in WCW knows it. If that’s why case, why book a match where that is legal? Tygress did her bronco buster (as Mark Madden screamed FACE FULL OF SNUFF) but Torrie pulled the referee in the way. That probably should have been a DQ. Konnan and Tygress somehow hit Douglas with a double Snuff Buster and earned the win.
Winners: Konnan and Tygress in 8:21
This was pretty terrible in every single way. Konnan and Douglas phoned it in, while Tygress and Torrie had no business wrestling. The only redeeming quality was Torrie as Wonder Woman, keeping it from DUD status. ¼*
DNA Match
Buff Bagwell vs. David Flair
Apparently, a DNA match is a First Blood match. I think. Basically, Miss Hancock, David’s girlfriend, was pregnant and he wasn’t the dad. He needed Buff’s DNA to see if he was the dad. Or something like that. Buff didn’t take David seriously for most of the match and it cost him at times. Madden said that maybe David is maturing into his dad. He’s said some dumb things before but that may top it. Buff nailed him with a chair, busting David open. The referee saw it but ignored it until after Buff hit the Blockbuster.
Winner: Buff Bagwell in 5:40
Of course. There has to be at least one DUD on every WCW 2000 show it seems. This was all kinds of bad. Buff didn’t seem to care and David was always terrible. DUD
Lex Luger shows up to raise Buff Bagwell’s hand before clotheslining him. SWERVE BRO! Even Schiavone asks “how many times is Luger gonna turn on people?” He sends Buff into the post, causing him to bleed and allowing David to steal his DNA, rendering the entire match pointless.
Three Round Kickboxing
Ernest Miller w/ Ms. Jones vs. Mike Sanders w/ Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak
How many times can you showcase the Natural Born Thrillers in one show? Cat stole the show with a straight up “boy I’m gonna whoop your ass” before the match. He had a clear advantage here but somehow doesn’t win in the first round. Madden spent the match hyping Sanders as the valiant underdog, while the other commentators kind of laugh at Sanders. In the third round, Miller nailed a cartwheel kick that nearly knocked out Sanders. Shane Douglas showed up to try and rally Sanders but he had no chance. Shane got a chain and laid out Miller behind the referee’s back, which nearly kept him down for a knockout. He laid out Sanders in sudden death twice but fought Douglas outside and got counted out.
Winner via countout: Mike Sanders
This was poorly booked, executed in even worse fashion and all around trash. Late WCW is really making me consider giving out negative stars. For now, it gets my lowest score. DUD
“That 70’s Guy” Mike Awesome vs. Vampiro
Look, I understand That 70’s Show was a popular show at the time. I really liked it. But to make a character based on it and use a talented big man like Mike Awesome is so disappointing. Vampiro came out with a damn samurai sword for some reason. Vampiro apparently had a World Title shot the following night and Vampiro goaded him into putting it on the line. Vampiro bumped like a novice throughout this. Awesome clipped himself on a dive and Vampiro did something right by safely catching him. They did some sloppy fighting in the crowd for a bit. Vampiro hit an ugly top rope belly to belly. He seemed to be very unsafe as he just looked completely careless. He also did a move off the top that I don’t even know what to call. A table was brought in, which the referee allowed and the commentators were completely confused about. Outside, an Awesome Bomb hit for two. Who made this Falls Count Anywhere? A top rope Awesome Bomb finished it inside.
Winner: Mike Awesome in 9:49
Holy crap. What the hell was that? This might be the worst three match stretch in wrestling history, with this somehow managing to be the worst. Yes, they were worse than a mixed tag with two women who were green and a poorly booked kickboxing match. This was truly one of the worst matches I can recall. DUD
WCW Canadian Championship
Lance Storm (c) and Jim Duggan w/ Major Gunns vs. Gen. Rection
You know, you can’t really make a guy a serious contender if his name is Gen. Hugh E. Rection. Storm was so hot coming into WCW and winning three belts. Now, they’d stuck him with Jim Duggan and placed him in a feud with the Misfits in Action. Wow. Stevie, Tony and then Rection all either talked through or interrupted the Canadian National Anthem. Rection used the crowd to try and overcome the numbers disadvantage. After his hot start, the heels took advantage of Rection and it lasts far too long. How did WCW manage to put on, like ten match cards that somehow all went on for too long? Major Gunns turned on Team Canada somewhat by attacking Elix Skipper, who ran down to help. Rection barely nailed a moonsault on Duggan and won.
Winner and New WCW United States Champion: Gen. Rection in 10:06
I feel like WCW ran the handicap or tag matches for singles titles angle very often. This lasted too long, was bad outside of Lance Storm’s work and had a mostly dead crowd outside of typical patriotic chants. Even Schiavone looked bored afterwards. ¼*
Jeff Jarrett vs. Sting
This couldn’t be as bad as the previous few matches right? Sting got an advantage early on until someone dressed as old school surfer Sting appeared in the aisle. I thought the fake Sting angle died with the nWo. Sting left the ring to brawl with him and took him out. The fight moved to the crowd where a second surfer Sting showed up. He looked horrendous. Sting kicked his ass and a THIRD fake Sting showed up. What the hell am I watching? The Wolfpac music hit and Wolfpac Sting showed up. Oh what the fuck? It finally caught up to Sting and allowed Jarrett to get in the driver’s seat. Sting rallied and applied the Scorpion Death Lock only for a fifth Sting to come up through the ring and pull him under. No worries, Sting came back up seconds later and dumped out the new Sting, who was covered in blood. The lights went out and a SIXTH Sting showed up, only to get his ass kicked too. Sting #5 made it back in and hit Sting with a guitar, but he no sold it and laid him out. Finally, Jarrett got his own guitar, with tons of shards in the ring and the referee felt that didn’t warrant a DQ.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett in 14:39
Why? Seriously, just why? This screams Vince Russo. So much overbooking nonsense. Six Stings was too way too much, it went on for the entire match and Jarrett came off looking like a complete joke. At least it was more entertaining than the last few matches in a train wreck kind of way. ½*
WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Booker T (c) vs. Scott Steiner w/ Midajah
WCW was still paying Michael Buffer too much money to do shitty introductions. Steiner attacked a production guy backstage because he was upset about not being in the main event. Booker tried to get the crowd into it early but there was next to no heat for this one. Steiner jawed with fans, even going over the railing. He hit Booker with a chair, but no DQ was called. Steiner put Booker through a table and was in firm control. So much so that he did his trademark pushups. Booker did the babyface rally but Steiner kicked out of his finish. Steiner used a pipe on Booker, but no DQ was called. He hung Charles Robinson in the tree of woe and guess what? No DQ. More referees showed up until one finally called for the DQ.
Winner via disqualification: Booker T in 13:27
So Scott Steiner didn’t want to become World Champion? They were sluggish for most of the match and this had no flow to it at all. And of course, in classic WCW fashion, the finish was extremely blah.¾*
Goldberg vs. Kronik
So it’s a handicap match and, a storyline was in place that said Goldberg’s next loss would result in him getting fired. Kronik showed up and wanted a forfeit. At the perfect time, doctors showed up in the back to clear Goldberg. He showed up and Kronik double teamed him a bit. Never fear, Goldberg quickly rallied and speared Adams through a table. He pinned him but also had to pin Clarke, who full nelson slammed him. Again, never fear. Goldberg speared him and won via Jackhammer.
Winner: Goldberg in 3:24
Okay, so we’re just going to end the PPV with a squash match? The new streak reached 14-0 and it did so in dreadful fashion. ¼*
Overall: 1.5/10; Horrible. Oh my goodness. WCW 2000 again brings me one of the worst Pay-Per-Views of all time. Seriously, this is abysmal. It’s like WCW was purposely putting on the worst possible shows. Think about this. The first two matches combined for five and a half stars. The next nine managed two and a half and I might have been generous. Never watch this show. It is absolutely dire. My next “Random Network Review” is scheduled to be Clash of the Champions XXVII!
Raw History
Episode #129
October 2nd, 1995 | Grand Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The show starts with a replay of the Smoking Gunns winning the WWF Tag Team Titles last week.
1-2-3 Kid vs. Razor Ramon
Before things get started, they recap the history between Kid and Razor, focusing on Kid’s two wins, including the one in 1993. Kid lights Razor up with some kicks, getting off to a hot star. Razor nails a fallaway slam but his momentum gets stalled when Dean Douglas comes out to take notes. He walks out shortly after. Kid misses a spinning heel kick and eats a clothesline that ends things at 2:55. Kid apparently isn’t happy with that and attacks. Tim White decides this is somehow legal and formal, allowing the match to continue. They go to commercial and when they return, we find out that Razor beat him again, only for the match to continue once more. What is even happening? Razor could hit the Razor’s Edge but chooses not to, using a small package for the win instead.
Winner: Razor Ramon in 6:13
That was certainly odd. Razor got back his Raw wins against the Kid and then some. Strange match that wasn’t too good. *¼
Not done yet, Kid tries to rollup Razor after the bell again. Kid feels remorse and turns his back to Razor so Razor could attack. Razor decides against it, instead shaking Kid’s hand.
Vince and King plug the upcoming In Your House Pay-Per-View. They then hype a special hotline that you could call to tell them whether or not you believe OJ Simpson was guilty.
Barry Horowitz vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley
Less than two months ago, Horowitz got his push and even picked up a win over Skip at SummerSlam. The crowd actually chants for him and pop for his multiple flash pin attempts. Vince is unintentionally hilarious on commentary discussing the OJ trial. His bewildered response of “WHO?” when King mentions Clarence Mason is splendid. Horowitz seriously picks up about six near falls in various ways. He sets too early on a back body drop, leading to the Pedigree.
Winner: Hunter Hearst Helmsley in 5:34
That was way more fun than it had any right to be. Barry had the hot crowd firmly behind him and the near falls made it enjoyable. **
PG-13 vs. Al Brown and Sonny Rogers
This is the debut for PG-13, who are the current USWA Tag Team Champions. Vince even mentions it. They get an insert promo dissing the WWF Tag Team Champions, the Smoking Gunns. Also of note, they come out to the old Men on a Mission theme. They look alright in the ring, hitting a Russian leg sweep/dropkick double team move. They get in a majority of the offense and win after Wolfie D tilt-a-whirl slams JC Ice onto a jobber.
Winners: PG-13 in 3:42
This worked well enough as a debut.
Next week, we get a preview of Camp Cornette when Owen Hart, British Bulldog and Yokozuna take on Diesel, Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker!
Bret Hart vs. Jean-Pierre Lafitte
Lafitte reminds me of Hakushi in the way that he got a PPV match with Bret Hart and a rematch on Raw before their significant pushes ended. Seriously, where did Hakushi go? They start hot and end up fighting on the outside. It is Bret, the babyface that sends Lafitte into the steel steps. Once they are back inside, it’s time for Lafitte to take over. He has his hip toss countered but instead of going up for Bret’s hip toss, he just lays him out with a clothesline. Lafitte holds serve for a while and I like a good chunk of his offense. Bret sneaks in a small package for two but his real opening is when Lafitte misses a top rope leg drop. Back outside they go and Bret takes a MAJOR steel steps bump. He always made everything look so damn good. However, back inside and he goes into the FIVE MOVES OF DOOM. Lafitte interrupts them a bit but gets hit with a superplex. Bret finishes off the pirate with the Sharpshooter.
Winner: Bret Hart in 14:01
As always, Bret Hart puts on a solid performance. Lafitte was a good opponent for him and both of their matches were pretty good. This show could use Bret a bit more often. ***½
Jerry Lawler talked trash throughout the entire match, leading Bret to confront him afterwards. Bret kicks his ass until Isaac Yankem shows up to hit the DDS on the mat. Ugh. Thank goodness Bret is set up for a World Title match in November. This Lawler feud was never good. Bret is helped to the back and Vince announces that Bret will face Isaac Yankem in a Steel Cage in several weeks.
Before the show ends, we hear from the units in the six man tag main event. Jim Cornette and Owen Hart handle most of the talking for their team, which is good. Undertaker doesn’t fully click with the personalities of Diesel and Shawn Michaels. As Undertaker says some weird stuff, HBK reacts in pretty funny fashion.
Lastly, the OJ fan vote is in! 51% say he’s not guilty. Come on WWF fans, you’re better than that.
Overall: 6/10. A pretty good episode of Raw here. The main event was one of the better matches they we’ve seen this year. Bret was good like that. PG-13’s debut was decent and the Horowitz/Helmsley match was pretty fun for what it was. I wasn’t a fan of the opening match though, which is extra disappointing considering the men involved.
Reliving Nitro
Episode #5
October 2nd, 1995 | Denver Coliseum in Denver, Colorado
Big pyrotechnics opening and the hosts are Eric Bischoff, Bobby Heenan and Steve “Mongo” McMichael as always. Ric Flair storms into the commentary section to shout about how he’s coming for Arn Anderson. They recap some of the insanity from last week before our opening contest.
Lex Luger vs. Randy Savage
If Lex Luger loses, he will leave WCW. Commentary spends their time during the entrances shitting on the WWF. Their collar and elbow tie up takes them to the outside and they still refuse to pull apart. After a commercial break, they trade shots and the crowd is totally into everything. Savage gets two on a small package before going up for a press slam. They do a great of playing these two as equals several times. Both men are down after colliding on shoulder blocks. After some more fun, we get a ref bump leading to Savage hitting the big elbow. He covers, but of course there is no referee. The Giant shows up and enters the ring, chokeslamming Savage. Luger hoists Savage up and wins via Torture Rack.
Winner: Lex Luger in 8:32
A really solid match that turned out to be better than expected. They did a great job showing them as equals while also furthering the Dungeon of Doom angle. ***
Disco Inferno’s theme hits and he just shows up on the stage to dance. He’s not even booked. Eddie Guerrero shows up for his match, making his Nitro debut, and scolds Disco.
Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero
A few months earlier, these two had one of the best matches in ECW history as they bid farewell to that company. While these two do some good old fashioned WRESTLING, commentary talks about Hulk Hogan’s limo being nearby. Just as they start to graduate from mat work, they decide to cut to Hulk Hogan’s arrival. SERIOUSLY? YOU COULDN’T DO THIS AFTER THE MATCH? Hogan screams about the Giant for a bit. Back to the match, and they both go over the top rope. Props to Mongo, who clearly doesn’t know some of the stuff these guys are doing, but hypes it enthusiastically. Guerrero leaps off the top rope, taking out Malenko on the outside. Once back in, Eddie nails a damn Brainbuster but Malenko gets the knees up on the Frog Splash. Both guys jockey for position until Eddie blocks a rollup and scores the three.
Winner: Eddie Guerrero in 5:30
A damn fine wrestling match here. I would have ranted it higher if they didn’t have the stupid Hogan interruption. Outside of that, this was two guys doing their best to steal the show despite only having five minutes. ***¼
Mean Gene is in the ring and out comes Hulk Hogan in a neck brace. Hogan tells a story about a tiny Hulkamaniac named Jason Pittman that is getting ready for surgery who told Hogan to stand up to the Giant so he’s going to do that. Hogan leaves to high five the fans until a woman throws powder in his eyes. The “woman” comes over the rail and beats up Hogan with a cane. It’s revealed to be the Taskmaster. Giant and stupid ass Zodiac show up as well. Giant does the NECK SNAP OF DOOM on Hogan again, before the Taskmaster shaves Hogan’s mustache off. The American Males and Nasty Boys run in to try and stop it but Giant ends all of them. Apparently, there was a scheduled tag match between those teams so I’m thankful for the Giant preventing it.
Arn Anderson vs. Ric Flair
Flair wants vengeance after losing to Arn at Fall Brawl, so he starts quickly. Anderson goes after the arm but Flair lays into him with tons of chops. Arn pulls a page out of Flair’s book, raking the eyes. They end up brawling on the outside where Flair takes a back body drop. Inside, Arn is back to work on the arm. That doesn’t last long as they are back outside where Arn takes the back bump now. Inside, Flair locks in the Figure Four. Brian Pillman runs in and climbs the ropes, getting Arn disqualified before he actually does anything.
Winner via disqualification: Ric Flair in 8:17
Unlike their Fall Brawl match, this felt like two guys that didn’t put in all of the effort for the TV match. It’s as if they were killing time leading into the finish. **¼
Brian Pillman and Arn Anderson start beating up Ric Flair, who is all alone. After the final break, Bischoff announces that next week, Flair gets Arn in a Steel Cage. We also get Sabu vs. Mr. JL, Hawk vs. Big Bubba and Sting vs. Shark.
Overall: 6.5/10. This week, I’d give Nitro the slight edge over Raw. From an in-ring standpoint, this was better than Raw but it suffered from the issue of trying to do too much at times. The show is like a non-stop train wreck at times. They had a strong opener and really good second match, only to mess it up with a complete cutaway to a backstage segment. Overall though, I liked both shows this week.
PROGRESS Chapter 58: Live Your Best Life
November 26th, 2017 | Electric Ballroom in Camden, Greater London | Attendance: 700
PROGRESS returned home to the Electric Ballroom for Chapter 58. Jim Smallman went into his usual back and forth with the crowd. In a change of pace, this show opened with the PROGRESS Championship match.
PROGRESS World Championship: Travis Banks [c] vs. Matt Riddle
Riddle beat Banks back in July in an excellent match. After some mat grappling, they moved into chopping the hell out of each other. It felt like Travis wasn’t just trying to win, he was out to prove he could hang with the guy he lost to. The physical style continued as they fought outsider, with the highlight being Riddle nailing an exploder into a bunch of chairs. When Banks got going inside, Riddle tried some submissions. He got near falls on some of his best offense. From the Bro to Sleep to a German to a BIG BOY SENTON, Banks kept kicking out. Banks countering an ankle lock into the Lion’s Clutch made for a great close call. The same goes for Riddle stopping the Slice of Heaven with a rear naked choke attempt. The final stretch saw them throw bombs at one another. Riddle kicked out of an avalanche Kiki Krusher at one and then survived Slice of Heaven and another Kiwi Krusher. That was a bit much. Banks went right into the Lion’s Clutch and Riddle tapped at 17:20. What a wild way to start the show. I preferred their first match, even with the Pete Dunne interference. A bit of overkill in the finish, but that was the right blend of brutality and grappling. [****¼]
Riddle and Banks hugged after the match.
Jimmy Havoc and Mark Haskins w/ Vicky Haskins vs. M&M
M&M are Maverick Mayhew and Connor Mills. “Please don’t die” and “save the children” chants for M&M. Havoc and Haskins attacked before the bell, but M&M turned it around and nailed some dives outside. Their hot streak was short-lived, as Haskins and Havoc just dominated. They cut off Mayhew’s hot tag attempt and hit their Kiss of Death finish. Mills broke up the pin, only to get rewarded with an apron DVD and diving double stomp. Mayhew was left alone to get annihilated. He was finished off with an Acid Rainmaker/Superkick combo at 7:02. Exactly what it needed to be. M&M showed flashes, but this was the Havoc and Haskins show. They dominated and looked great. [***]
Post-match, Vicky teased a promo, but dropped the microphone and flipped off the fans.
Eddie Dennis vs. Jack Sexsmith
Both men are good, they’re just not people I’ve managed to fully connect with. I do enjoy Sexsmith much more than Dennis, though. Dennis jumped Sexsmith at the bell. He proceeded to basically murder Jack with a crucifix bomb into the ring post. It looked brutal. Jack got back in before getting counted out, but Dennis kept up the beating. Sexsmith started a rally, including bringing out Mr. Cocko and the Crippler Cockface, but Dennis survived. Dennis went back to hitting a barrage of offense. He had the match won, but kept picking Sexsmith up to add more damage. The referee eventually called for the bell at 11:15, as Dennis just continued to smash the back of Sexsmith’s head on the mat. It reminded me of Dennis/Dunne from a while back, only with a more vicious Dennis. Good storytelling, though I still just can’t get into Dennis. [**¾]
Eddie Dennis looked to continue the assault after the match, until Travis Banks ran out. Dennis laid out Banks at the end of the last chapter. Dennis ran from Banks and cut a promo about how he never received a singles PROGRESS Title match, despite being there since Chapter 6. He told Banks that if he wanted a fight, he’d have to put the title on the line.
No Disqualifications Number One Contender’s Match: Dahlia Black vs. Jinny
This got video package treatment. Jinny came out wearing a Jimmy Havoc style mask, prompting “JINNY, JINNY, JINNY FUCKING HAVOC” chants. I popped. Dahlia charged the ring and the fight was on. They battled to the stage, where Dahlia powerbombed Jinny through a table. A barbed wire chair came into play and Jinny took a suplex on it. SHE’S HARDCORE! They kind of messed up a spot where Jinny hit a moonsaulting Dahlia with a kendo stick. Jinny turned a bit too late and barely caught her, but made up for it with some vicious shots right after. Dahlia was next to take a table bump, just before Jinny brought out thumbtacks (in a fashionable purse, of course). It backfired as she got hit with a Samoan drop onto them. Dahlia survived a Styles Clash, but couldn’t kick out of a second onto a steel chair, giving Jinny the win at 12:02. The good was that this was violent like it needed to be and featured some crazy spots. Both girls gave it their all and took some big bumps. The bad was that a few spots came off awkwardly and I wish they incorporated Dahlia’s leg more, since that’s how the rivalry began. Still, very good stuff and I’m glad Jinny’s finally getting a title shot. [***¼]
After intermission, Jim Smallman had a lot of fun with a fan who was getting married next weekend. When asked whose theme he’d walk down the aisle to, he said Ringkampf. Jim made him to a complete Ringkampf style entrance, which he did well. His surprise that Timothy Thatcher stood behind him was great. Awesome moment.
Number One Contender’s Match: Strangler Davis vs. Timothy Thatcher
Davis has an Atlas Title shot, which was on the line here. Davis is 2-0 against Thatcher, including a win via ref stoppage at Chapter 56. After about a minute of action, unknown music hit. Rob Lynch, Davis’ former partner, returned to PROGRESS to a huge pop. The distraction let Thatcher roll him up to steal it at 1:38. [NR]
Lynch hit the ring and the LONDON RIOTS exploded! They had a pull apart brawl and a stunned Davis scurried up the ramp. Their match before Lynch left was very good, so I’m interested in this feud. Lynch’s arm was still messed up, so he’s not cleared to wrestle yet. When the dust settled, Thatcher got on the microphone and sent a message to his buddy WALTER, that he’ll take his title shot whenever WALTER is ready. Since he didn’t really compete tonight, Thatcher issued a challenge to anyone willing.
Chris Ridgeway vs. Timothy Thatcher
Ridgeway got a nice pop for his chapter debut. I’ve yet to see him, but have heard good things. Apparently, Ridgeway competed in a dark match before the show. Lots of grappling from these two in the early stages. Though that’s Thatcher’s specialty, Ridgeway held his own. He rallied with a series of kicks, but got caught in a Fujiwara armbar. Ridgeway tapped out almost instantly at the 6:13 mark. Not much here. Was hoping for more from Ridgeway, though maybe this wasn’t the best match for him to debut in. [**¼]
Flash Morgan Webster vs. Joseph Conners
Webster’s coming off a very good match against Keith Lee. Conners had attacked British Strong Style recently, but nobody seems to care. He got some “Adam Cole” related remarks from the crowd. They didn’t like anything Conners did. A few “boring” chants and even one audible fan saying, “DO SOMETHING INTERESTING.” The fan was not wrong. Webster took a beating, though it was hard to buy into it when he survived so much against the much more imposing Keith Lee. Conners finally did something cool, hitting a sunset flip bomb into the turnbuckles. Though Flash hit Pinball Wizard, he seemed hurt. Conners hit a flurry of elbows and won with a cradle Flatliner in 12:41. A technically fine match that suffered from Conners being boring. Outside of one or two spots, he was just so uninteresting that myself or the fans tuned out. Flash tried, but it wasn’t enough. [**]
PROGRESS Women’s Championship: Toni Storm [c] vs. Alex Windsor
Windsor won a four way at Chapter 57 for this shot. She also made the Semi-Finals of the tournament to crown the first Women’s Champion, losing to Laura Di Matteo. Toni avoided a shot and took Windsor to SUPLEX CITY! Her hot start also saw her nearly hurt herself on a tope suicida. Luckily, she was alright. Windsor turned it around with a backdrop onto the edge of the apron. That made Toni’s back the target of Windsor’s offense. It made Toni vulnerable in a way we haven’t really seen during her title reign. Toni got in some hope spots, but Windsor kept going to the back. She caught a dropkick into the Sharpshooter. Toni fought free and hit Strong Zero from out of nowhere to retain at 11:09. This was better than expected. Toni’s been on a roll, but Windsor targeted the back expertly and it showed that one little thing could make the champion vulnerable. Toni mostly sold it well, except during a few comeback moves. It also sold how the Strong Zero could be hit from anywhere to seal the deal. [***½]
PROGRESS Tag Team Championship: #CCK [c] vs. Grizzled Young Vets
As usual, Zack Gibson cut a heat filled promo before the bell. He referenced how often CCK seem to be injured. Once the match started, the crowd was obviously way behind #CCK. The champions got a chance to showcase their great tandem offense, which caused the challengers to head outside in frustration. The Vet’s tandem offense getting “shit fucking tag moves” chants compared to the “sick fucking tag moves” chants for #CCK was great. Things moved outside, where Lykos hit a somersault off a small balcony. They went all over the Electric Ballroom. It led to Gibson taking a crazy bump off the stage and onto some chairs. Lykos was taken out, leaving Brookes alone against the challengers. Brookes got trapped in the Shankly Gates and had to tap out at 16:12. The ending felt anti-climactic and the fans fell to a hush. This match didn’t go the way I expected. It had bigger spots, though wasn’t as fluid as it could’ve been. Lykos injured his shoulder during the match. [**¾]
Overall: 6/10. Back to back outings from PROGRESS that were only above average. Not their best string, though that could be because they’re still setting up a lot of what’s to come. Havoc and Haskins got more build, new Tag Champions were crowned, Toni Storm continued her dominant run, new contenders for the Women’s and Atlas Titles were crowned and Rob Lynch returned. So, it was an eventful show, just not one that featured a bunch of great matches. Riddle/Banks was awesome and I really liked the two women’s matches, but nothing else really stood out.
Survivor Series 2013
November 24th, 2013 | TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
The fall of 2013 proved to be a brutal period at times. As they headed into the winter, the focus came off of the most popular babyface, Daniel Bryan, and instead, Big Show was thrust into the title picture. The Wyatt Family was fresh, John Ce had just returned and CM Punk was (unbeknownst to fans) on his way out of the company. As usual, this show includes traditional Survivor Series matches, which are almost always fun. This was the 27th edition of the Survivor Series.
So the show opens with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon coming to the entrance to cut a promo. Not something I enjoy on my Pay-Per-Views. They at least keep it short and just basically introduce the show. It leads into the video package, which highlights the main matches on the card but is nothing special.
WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Goldust, Rey Mysterio and the Usos vs. The Real Americans and the Shield w/ Zeb Colter
Zeb Colter cut a pre-match promo that saw him and Cody Rhodes twerk. I’m not making this up. It is the one year anniversary of the Shield’s debut. Dena Ambrose and Rhodes started out with some fine back and forth. Ambrose began arguing with the referee, allowing Rhodes to roll him up and eliminate him at 2:13. It was certainly a surprisingly quick elimination for a guy that had been booked well for the past year. As things broke down, WE HAD US SOME FLYING USOS MAGGLE. They calmed again and the Real Americans did their thing for a bit. Despite this, Swagger was next out after a 619, superkick and splash at 8:13. The bad news continues for the heels when Cesaro is gone at 9:58 on a Rhodes rollup but not before he showed off his incredible power. The former Tag Team Champions, Rollins and Reigns, are left alone. They isolated one of the Usos for a while and it leads to Reigns spearing him to send him packing at 14:33. Rhodes flew in with some offense, including a near fall after a moonsault on Rollins. He had Cross Rhodes countered, Reigns blind tagged in and ended him with a Spear at 15:44. Rollins planted the remaining Uso with the Curb Stomp to even the score at 16:47. Mysterio and Rollins had a good back and forth for a bit. We nearly saw a countout when Reigns hilariously slid Mysterio under the ropes and to the outside hard. Mysterio rolled up Rollins to get rid of him at the 19:43 mark. Reigns, now left alone, had to overcome the odds. Goldust and Rey got some near falls in but couldn’t put down the future megastar. Reigns hit a spear on Goldust and he’s gone at 22:58. Mysterio flew in but his 619 was stopped with a spear and Reigns won it for his guys.
Winners: The Real Americans and the Shield (Sole Survivor: Roman Reigns) in 23:23
The first of many instances where Roman Reigns would overcome the odds. I thought this was a good but just shy of great Survivor Series tag. No real dead spots, some fun eliminations and the first real star making moment for Reigns. A really fun opening contest. ***¾
Since everything has to be about the Authority, we see them talking backstage. Randy Orton wants to make sure that things are still good between them after some tension last week.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Big E Langston (c) vs. Curtis Axel
Six days earlier, Big E Langston dethroned Curtis Axel to become Intercontinental Champion. Axel no longer has Paul Heyman, officially ending the relevant portion of his career. Commentary spent the first minute or so discussing great IC Title matches of the past. They tried to hype up the importance but it made me realize even more how far the title has fallen. Both guys went back and forth, with neither one gaining a clear advantage. Big E brought THE STRAPS DOWN but Axel held the ropes to prevent the Big Ending. Big E kicked out of the PerfectPlex before retaining with the Big Ending.
Winner and Still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Big E Langston in 5:50
Technically, they didn’t do anything wrong. However, the crowd or commentators couldn’t have cared less and it showed. It felt more like filler than a title match. *½
The perfect Renee Young enters the ring after the match to interview Big E Langston. He goes the cheap pop route, mentioning Boston and the Patriots. Promo gets about the same rating as the match.
In the back, Divas Champion AJ Lee tries to hype up her team for the Survivor Series match coming up. Her teammates don’t trust her because of the things she’s done in the past few months. Kaitlyn gets in face but AJ turns it around by pointing out that Total Divas didn’t want any of them. Funny enough, Alicia Fox, Summer Rae and Rosa Mendes would end up on the show.
Team AJ Lee (WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee, Aksana, Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Rosa Mendes, Summer Rae and Tamina) vs. Team Total Divas (Brie Bella, Cameron, Eva Marie, Jojo, Naomi, Natalya and Nikki Bella)
The Total Divas team came out to the Total Divas theme, which is pretty awful. Everything that happened came at rapid fire. Within the first 1:24, Naomi eliminated Fox with a split legged moonsault. The Funkadactyls worked over Rosa who actually kicked out of a move. That might have been the first time she ever did that. She is truly pathetic in the ring. Cameron missed a move and ran into the turnbuckle, getting eliminated by Rosa at 2:28. I can’t believe Rosa got a pin in her career. She taunted, allowing Nikki to get rid of her with a Bella Buster at 2:45. Summer Rae, who got a great pop, came in and danced. Nikki tried to one up her by doing the WORM. For some reason, her WORM goes backwards. Nikki dropkicked her and she’s gone at 3:27. Eva got tagged, got “you can’t wrestle” chants and ate a gutbuster instantly. She was out at 4:01 and then Kaitlyn did the same to Naomi at 4:34. The eliminations kept coming as Brie sent Kaitlyn home with a missile dropkick at 5:12. AJ Lee laughed at all of this. Aksana got rid of Brie at 5:42, before Nikki ended her with the Rack Attack at the 6:04 mark. AJ and Tamina were left against Jojo, Nattie and Nikki. Tamina came in and played the powerhouse. The fans chanted “we want Jojo” throughout Tamina working over Nikki. Nikki tagged Jojo, even though she never wrestled in the past. Jojo showed some fire and even rolled up Tamina for two. The crowd ate it up. Tamina put her down with a Samoan drop at 9:28 but tagged AJ to get the pin. She tagged back out to avoid doing actual work. Tamina gave up to the Sharpshooter, even though AJ broke it up at 10:51. Cole said Natalya and AJ were the sole survivors but was wrong. Nattie made AJ tap to the Sharpshooter too.
Winners: Team Total Divas (Survivors: Natalya and Nikki Bella) in 11:29
A massive chunk of that match was sloppy. They threw too many girls in there so things got super rushed. When it slowed down and got to the Jojo stuff and everything after, it clicked. The crowd ate up the entire Jojo part. ½*
Mark Henry vs. Ryback
Ryback, in his heel “I’m not a bully” run, issued an open challenge that was answered by Mark Henry. Henry defeated Ryback for some incredibly stupid reason at WrestleMania earlier in the year. Ryback was showing off his power but was equally matched in that category here. He dominated the early portions before running shoulder first into the ring post. Henry had a short comeback that featured a surprising cross body before the World’s Strongest Slam.
Winner: Mark Henry in 4:46
Did they not book enough for this show? While it worked as a positive return for Henry, it effectively killed heel Ryback. Outside of the cross body, which made me giggle, this was dreadful. ½*
World Heavyweight Championship
John Cena (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio
In August, Cena left with an elbow injury. He returned way earlier than expected, getting an instant World Title shot and dethroning Del Rio for it at Hell in a Cell. This was Del Rio’s rematch. They played up Cena’s elbow still having issues and him not wearing the protective sleeve over it for the first time. Del Rio wisely targeted the arm throughout the match. The problem was that, while the crowd started hot and was pretty pro Cena, they sat on their hands for most of Del Rio’s offense. I liked Del Rio making sure his offense was surrounded on the arm. Like when he hit his enziguri, it was right on the injured arm. It picked up towards the end, with some close calls from both men. There was a great spot where Del Rio countered a cross body into the Cross Armbreaker but of course, Cena NEVER GIVES UP! He powered out and retained after the Attitude Adjustment.
Winner and Still World Heavyweight Champion: John Cena in 18:47
These are two very good performers who almost never clicked in the ring. While this went a bit long, I found it to be one of their better matches. Focusing things around the arm was a great idea. Even though the outcome was obvious, I thought they did a good job of building drama. A bit more from the crowd before the climax would have helped the score. ***¼
Guys that couldn’t make the card like R-Truth, Los Matadores, Fandango and Santino Marella, did a backstage segment about WWE figures.
CM Punk and Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper w/ Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt spent the duration of the match on his rocking chair outside. Bryan was insanely over, so naturally, he wasn’t in the title picture where the fans wanted him. Right from the start, this was a great battle of two smaller technical guys against to powerhouses. Punk and Bryan had to cut down the trees with quick tags and smart strategies. They eventually focused on Punk and worked the hot tag to Bryan. After he did his thing, we got the spot of the match when Harper countered a top rope rana with a super powerbomb, though Punk broke up the count. That led into Bryan taking the next heat for a bit. Punk did his thing with the next tag, even taking out Bray on a dive to the outside. After a bit of a frantic finish that saw Bryan hit the running knee on Rowan, Punk ended Harper after a Go to Sleep.
Winners: CM Punk and Daniel Bryan in 16:51
Really good tag team match here. Harper and Rowan were always severely underutilized as a tandem, while Punk and Bryan just gelled excellently together. This worked very well in most aspects. Outside of their 2014 matches with the Usos and the Shield, this is the best you’ll find from Harper and Rowan. ***¾
WWE Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs. Big Show
For the people who said that Daniel Bryan was only over because of the “Yes” chant, I’d point to this program. Show did his own “Yes” chant for a bit and it never quite caught on. Nobody really gave a damn about this feud. The company also didn’t go all in on heel Orton, making him into a little bitch instead of the “Viper.” In the buildup to this, he even said “I don’t think I can beat the Big Show by myself.” Way to build up your champion WWE. Orton stalled and ran a lot early on. Within that time, the fans chant for “Daniel Bryan”. Show began to dominate, but the fans had little to no interest in any of it. They did a ref bump, allowing them to fight in the crowd for about twenty seconds. Show knocked Orton out a ringside but then Triple H, Stephanie and Kane walked out onto the stage. That opened the door for Orton to hit the RKO, which he followed with the punt and retained.
Winner and Still WWE Champion: Randy Orton in 11:09
Well that was pretty boring. Both guys are veterans that know what they’re doing, however they’ve never really had any chemistry. Throw in the crowd not wanting this main event and tame “Viper” and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. *
Randy Orton’s celebration is cut short by the arrival of the World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena. Cena poses with his title while Orton does the same, planting the seeds for their unification match a month later.
Overall: 3.5/10; Not good. I’ve heard some people call this the worst PPV in WWE history. While it isn’t good by any means, that’s overdoing it. Three of the seven matches are good (opener, Punk and Bryan tag and World Title match), which instantly puts it over some other terrible PPVs. I do admit that everything else on the show is rather dreadful and boring. According to my randomizer, next on“Random Network Reviews” is Halloween Havoc 2000!
