WWE Extreme Rules - April 25, 2010
by SamoaRowe

-This year’s Wrestlemania backlash will be extreme! Fasten your seatbelts.

-From Baltimore, MD.

-Triple H’s music plays but he’s nowhere to be seen. We discover that Sheamus has attacked him backstage and they are brawling. Referees pull Triple H off, giving Sheamus a chance to strike with a steel pipe.

-Unified Tag Team Champions Big Show and Miz come down to the ring. It turns out they are here to excite the crowd since the street fight got delayed. Miz brags about how fantastic they are and demands some competition. Theodore Long steps up to the plate and forces them into a tag team gauntlet match! The longer Miz talks, the more teams Long adds to the match. If Miz and Show lose, they’ll defend the belts against the winning team the next night on Raw.

Tag Team gauntlet match:
Miz and Show are up against John Morrison and R-Truth. Former partners Miz and Morrison miss a chance to show off how well they know each other. Miz gets double teamed and makes a tag. Show swats Truth down and isolates him. Morrison gets a lukewarm tag and attempts to clean house on Big Show. Morrison counters a choke slam with a modified triangle choke. Truth dispatches Miz to ringside, but Morrison is disqualified for holding onto the hold in the ropes at 3:15.

Mark Henry and MVP are the next team! MVP attempts a quick pin on Show. Miz tags and runs into a clothesline. Henry tags and overpowers an isolated Miz. MVP unloads his arsenal but can’t pick up a victory. Playmaker by Miz, but Show saves with a punch to the head. Miz pins MVP at 5:45.

The final team is the Hart Dynasty, accompanied by Natalya and Bret Hart! They immediately hit the Hart Attack on Miz for the win at 6:19. They celebrate with Bret to general crowd approval. This really didn’t do any favors for the participants, other than a feel good moment for the Harts at the end, *½.

Winners: Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith

Retro Rowe: WWE Wrestlemania 26

WWE WrestleMania 26 - March 28, 2010

by SamoaRowe

I watched the show live last weekend with some friends. It wasn't the "greatest of all time" but it was still a fine show. It was also the first full wrestling event I've watched in HD, so I think I was noticing a lot more of the botches than I normally would, as there seemed to be quite a few scattered throughout the evening.

Unified Tag Team Championship: ShoMiz vs. John Morrison/R-Truth
You could tell from the opening bell that this was going to be short, as they wasted no time hitting their key spots and signature moves. The match only went a little over 3 minutes, so while obviously robbed for time, it was an enjoyable 3 minutes. I'm mainly glad that the tag titles weren't kicked down to dark match status. *1/2.

Randy Orton vs. Ted Dibiase vs. Cody Rhodes
I think I liked this more than most people, as the general perception is that Rhodes and Dibiase came off as the two biggest jobbers who ever jobbed before. They held their own up until Orton took advantage of their dissension and punted Rhodes in the head and RKO'd Dibiase for victory. The more troubling aspect here is how after two solid years of being pushed heavily that the crowd didn't care one bit for either Legacy member. **1/2.

Money in the Bank
Generally brutal and exciting, as usual, just missing the one or two really big !!! spots. The highlight was easily Evan Bourne's Shooting Star Press off a ladder. Sadly, Kofi Kingston botches a run up a ladder for a corner attack. I have to admit, that I did not see the Jack Swagger victory coming, nor did I see him cashing it in less than a week later. I enjoyed this and I liked seeing most of the guys in the match get a spot at Wrestlemania (though again, it's kind of sad just how not over Drew McIntyre is despite months of an aggressive push).

Triple H vs. Sheamus
A lot of folks out there are claiming that Triple H's victory here means that Sheamus is finished. That really isn't the case, as this was a competitive 12 minute match and the feud doesn't seem to be over. There is a big difference between HHH nailing the pedigree on Booker T and waiting an eternity to pin him and Sheamus eating the pedigree and getting pinned immediately after. This was about what I expected, **1/2.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
Like the opening match, I could sense this was going to be quick just by how they were pacing themselves from the opening bell. They packed a lot of action into the 6-7 minutes they got. They even squeazed in a good story, with Punk outsmarting Mysterio most steps of the way, including numerous blocks/reversals of the 619. Ultimately, Rey got the win, so all the kids in the stadium got a feel-good moment. It doesn't appear this feud is over either. **1/2.

Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
This was a mess. It went about 11 minutes, which was about 10 minutes too long. Normally these Vince at 'Mania matches are entertaining train wrecks, but it was like they didn't even try, especially with Vince carting out the entire Hart family and Hart Dynasty from the very beginning, claiming he had paid them off to betray Bret. Even Stevie Wonder could see the coming swerve, as it turns out they took Vince's money and decided to screw him. Bret awkwardly beat down Vince while the crowd waited patiently for the sharpshooter. No rating, but this was bad.

World Heavyweight Championship: Chris Jericho vs. Edge
I really enjoyed this one and got sucked in by it. I was so happy when Jericho won, that it feels a bit more frustrating that he reign would end two days later at the Smackdown tapings. It was also surprising that Jericho got a semi-clean victory, as Edge had foiled his cheating attempts up until the Codebreaker finished things after about 16 minutes. I thought for sure that this was just going to be false finish, so when the referee counted 3 it got quite the surprised reaction from me. I have a feeling that repeated viewings will cause my heart to grow fonder of this bout, but for now I'd peg it at ***1/2.

Divas Tag
This worked a lot better than last year's disasterous battle royal, but still was not a good match by any stretch of the imagination. It was basically each diva hitting the one good move they each know until Vickie attempted a frog splash and won the match. Seriously, Vickie's splash is bound to go down in history as one of the all-time great bad moments in wrestling. *

WWE Championship: Batista vs. John Cena
Maybe it was the HD, but I found this to be largely sloppy and something of a mess up until things got hot down the final stretch. They packed in a lot of reversals and counters that might have been awesome if not for the fact they were so badly executed. Despite all that, I was pretty into the match, and the finish was satisfying. Repeat viewings might help this one as well, ***.

Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker
My sense as the bell rang here was that this match would make or break this show. The stipulations here added a lot, as I couldn't really imagine either man winning because what it would mean for the other. I enjoyed watching this more than I have any other live match in years. The final stretch, where Undertaker helped Shawn up, only to get slapped, and responding with a jumping tombstone piledriver was a fantastic moment and a fitting way for Shawn Michaels to call it a career. I liked this more than last year's Shawn/Taker match, ****3/4.

Retro Rowe: WWE Elimination Chamber 2010

WWE Elimination Chamber

February 21, 2010

by Samoa Rowe

-From St. Louis, MO. Our hosts are Matt Striker, Michael Cole, and Jerry Lawler.

WWE Championship (Elimination Chamber):
Sheamus © vs. John Cena vs. Ted Dibiase vs. Randy Orton vs. Triple H vs. Kofi Kingston

Kingston checks his back during his entrance, a clever nod to him getting ambushed at last year’s event. Sheamus poses with the WWE title in front of each pod, which is pretty awesome. Sheamus and Kingston start the match and have a nice back and forth exchange. Kofi blocks a hip toss onto the steel and lands a high cross body. Sheamus takes control after hitting some back attacks. 5 minutes have passed and Triple H is let out of his pod. Triple H and Sheamus have a heated confrontation and a slugfest breaks out. HHH, the seasoned veteran, takes control. Triple H blocks the Celtic Cross and nails a DDT for 2. Kingston rejoins the fight with a cross body on Sheamus. Kofi unleashes Controlled Frenzy and the Boom Drop on Triple H on the steel. Sheamus gains control of Kofi. With 10 minutes gone, Randy Orton charges out of his pod and he cleans house on everyone. Orton repeatedly smashes Sheamus and then Triple H into the chain wall. Kingston wipes everyone out with a cross body over the ropes. Orton counters Kofi with a drop-kick. HHH squares off with Orton and eats a scoop slam. A flurry of near finishers breaks out. With over 15 minutes gone, Ted Dibiase joins the match. Dibiase considers whether or not to attack his mentor, Orton. Dibiase decides to help Orton back up and they start working together. Legacy forces Kofi’s head through the chain wall for a vicious attack. Legacy turns their attention to Triple H. Dibiase suggests that Orton deliver the spike DDT onto the steel and it connects! Dibiase and Orton stand outside Cena’s pod as it opens at the 21 minute mark. Cena fights his way out of the chamber and cleans house on Legacy. Cena drops Dibiase onto the steel with an Attitude Adjustment! Orton saves Dibiase from the STF and signals the RKO. Cody Rhodes runs in and slips a lead pipe to Dibiase. Typically, Dibiase accidentally clocks Orton with the pipe, before dropping Cena. Dibiase eliminates Orton at 23:55! Orton realizes what’s happened and gives Dibiase the “I’ll deal with you later” look before leaving. Sadly, Kingston plants Dibiase for an elimination at 25:25. Sheamus drops Kofi with a Brogue Kick. The Celtic Cross finishes Kofi at 26:06. Sheamus turns his attention to Cena and nails a backbreaker. Sheamus punishes Cena in a tree of woe. Triple H saves Cena from the Celtic Cross with a low blow. The Pedigree finishes Sheamus at 28:30! The WWE Champion has been eliminated! We’re down to Cena and Triple H. Cena locks on the STF and Triple H taps at 30:16. This was pretty tame by EC standards, but it told several stories and nicely set up a bunch of Wrestlemania matches, ***¾.
Winner and new WWE Champion: John Cena

Retro Rowe: WWE Royal Rumble 2010

WWE Royal Rumble

January 31, 2010

by Samoa Rowe

-From Atlanta, GA. Our hosts are Michael Cole, Matt Striker, and Jerry Lawler.

-Savannah is our official ECW ring announcer! I’m surprised TNA hasn’t hired her yet and then acted surprised when their fans didn’t recognize her.

ECW Championship:
Christian © vs. Ezekiel Jackson (with William Regal)

This would prove to be the final ECW title match ever on pay-per-view, as the brand was soon scrapped in favor of NXT. Jackson has a clear size advantage and forces Christian to get creative. Jackson gets flustered but manages to hit a short arm clothesline to take control. Christian counters a press slam and delivers some attacks to the head. Jackson knocks Christian off the turnbuckles to regain his momentum. Regal gets kicked out of the arena for coming too close to Christian at ringside. Jackson dead lifts Christian off them at for a choke slam and continues an extended beating. Jackson’s superplex to blocked and Christian nails a flying uppercut. Christian makes his comeback with quick attacks. Christian’s diving head butt misses and he eats a clothesline for 2. Christian absorbs a backbreaker and delivers a tornado DDT! They trade counters until Christian delivers the Killswitch to retain at 11:57! This was a surprisingly game opener, **¾.
Winner and still ECW Champion: Christian

Retro Rowe: WWE TLC 2009 Review

WWE Tables, Ladders, and Chairs
December 13, 2009by Samoa Rowe
-From San Antonio, TX. Our hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and Matt Striker.

ECW Championship (Ladder match):
Christian (c) vs. Shelton Benjamin

They have a basic back and forth match in the early going. They battle for control of a ladder at ringside. Christian nails a top rope dive to earn control of the ladder. Christian climbs but Benjamin cuts him off. Benjamin (almost) lands on his feet on a sunset flip and sprints up but ends up getting tossed to ringside. Christian lifts the ladder but gets tripped up and gets smashed in the forehead. Benjamin stalls for time while a medic attends to Christian's open wound. For some reason they battle on a ringside ladder and Benjamin hits a scary somersault senton to the floor. Shelton props a ladder up on the announce table and apron and they fight around it. They trade ladder attacks in the ring. Christian gets knocked off the ladder and eats a spinning heel kick. Benjamin climbs but Christian nails an inverted DDT. Christian tries to ram Shelton off the turnbuckles with the ladder, but Shelton counters and leans the ladder into a winning position! Christian tips it, but Shelton lands on the turnbuckles gracefully! Shelton leans the ladder on purpose to come crashing down on Christian! That exchange was awesome! The fight continues with Benjamin power slamming Christian off the ladder. Shelton grabs the belt but gets the ladder pulled out from under him. Shelton is hanging for a while before Christian climbs up and knocks him off. Benjamin returns the favor, leaving Christian hanging. Christian falls into a power bomb into a ladder! Christian counters a sunset flip power bomb! Shelton attempts a German suplex onto the propped ladder, but it's blocked. Christian frog splashes Shelton on the ladder! Benjamin is dead so Christian easily climbs and grabs his title at 18:02! This started out as a basic ladder match, but then they started taking risks that really paid off, ***¼.
Winner and still ECW Champion: Christian

Retro Rowe: WWE Survivor Series 2009 Review

WWF Survivor Series 2009
by SamoRoweNovember 22, 2009

-From Washington D.C.

-Our hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and Matt Striker. This particular Survivor Series did a terrible buyrate and almost prompted Vince to scrap Survivor Series as a concept. The show took place the night after a big Brock Lesnar fight on a UFC pay-per-view and that seriously hurt the numbers. It wasn’t until Wrestlemania 26 did a disappointing buyrate the night after another UFC show that Survivor Series was added back to the 2010 pay-per-view schedule.

Traditional Survivor Series match:
U.S. Champion The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre, and Sheamus vs. Evan Bourne, Finlay, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, and IC Champion John Morrison

A new era is upon us, as Sheamus is making his pay-per-view debut! Most of the heel midcarders in this match are still stuck in the midcard three years later. Swagger and Bourne go toe to toe in the early going. Bourne is at risk at being isolated and has to overcome an eager Ziggler. Bourne counters Swagger with a knee drop but gets caught in a Ziggler crab. Bourne leaps into a hurricanrana for a near fall. Hardy gets a hot tag and delivers a double elbow with Bourne. Hardy’s side effect and Bourne’s SSP finishes Ziggler at 3:55. McIntyre storms in and delivers an underhook DDT to eliminate Bourne at 4:10. Finlay charges in and soon finds himself face to face with his fellow Irishman, Sheamus. A Miz distraction allows Sheamus to nail a Brogue Kick to eliminate Finlay at 5:10. Hardy rushes in but eats a Sheamus power bomb. The heels isolate Hardy and beat him up for a while. Morrison finally gets a hot tag and overwhelms Swagger. Morrison dodges a Swagger Bomb but Miz prevents Starship Pain. Springboard kick by Morrison, but McIntyre prevents a cover. The good guys clear the ring and the ref takes a bump in the chaos. Morrison outmaneuvers Swagger and finally puts him away with Starship Pain at 12:04. Miz blindsides his former partner and takes control. Benjamin gets a needed tag and nearly pins Miz with a roll-up. Benjamin springboards off the turnbuckles with a cross body. Benjamin nearly puts Miz away with some suplexes. Sheamus assists, allowing Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale to eliminate Shelton at 14:55. Hardy rushes in but soon has to fight out of the heel corner. Hardy has an uphill battle against McIntyre but delivers his patented leg drop for 2. Again, Sheamus distracts, causing Hardy to miss a moonsault. McIntyre’s DDT finishes Hardy at 17:05. Morrison is alone against Sheamus, McIntyre, and Miz! Morrison takes quite a beating as the heels keep making tags. Morrison gets a hope spot in against Miz, but Sheamus storms in. Morrison fights heroically, but he springboards into a thrust kick. The Celtic Cross finishes it at 20:49! The outcome signaled big pushes for the survivors. This was solid, yet unspectacular, ***.
Survivors: Sheamus, The Miz, and Drew McIntyre

Retro Rowe: WWE Bragging Rights 2009 Review

WWE Bragging Rights

October 25, 2009by Samoa Rowe

-From Pittsburgh, PA. Our hosts are Michael Cole, Todd Grisham, and Jerry Lawler.

-The theme for tonight is “Raw vs. Smackdown.” The brand split was on it’s last legs as even by this time Raw and Smackdown guys would show up on the other show on a fairly regular basis.

United States Champion The Miz vs. Intercontinental Champion John Morrison

Hey, these two used to be a successful tag team! And they both hold secondary titles! I know why they’re fighting! I’m just impressed it’s on pay-per-view and not in an unadvertised 3-minute match on Raw.
Morrison shines in an early mat-based exchange. Miz fights back but Morrison shows off with a standing shooting star press. Miz tosses Morison, but spends too much time gloating. Miz stumbles out of a pinning predicament, they sloppily counter each other, and Miz gets dumped to the floor. Miz counters and sends Morrison crashing to the floor. Miz takes control and targets the back. Morrison takes a beating but finds his second wind. Morrison goes for the pinfall but Miz gets a foot on the ropes. Miz rolls out to avoid Starship Pain but eats a corkscrew plancha to the floor. Miz rebounds with a double axe handle off the top. Morrison counters the Skull Crushing Finale but Starship Pain is countered as well. Miz quickly makes the cover for the win at 10:52! This was a lively opener, just a bit sloppy at times, **½.
Winner: The Miz

Retro Rowe: WWE Hell in a Cell 2009 Review

WWE Hell in a Cell

October 4, 2009 by Samoa Rowe

-Those of you who are long-time DWB readers (or just Erick and Scrooge) might remember that in 2008-2009 I was trying to keep up with all the WWE pay-per-views as they aired or came out on DVD. Well, in the fall of 2009, I just couldn’t take it anymore. There were too many shows, with too many repetitive matches, and the October double shot of Hell in a Cell and Bragging Rights just ensured that I was tapping out. Now, three years later, I’m finding that I miss doing this, and enough time has passed that some of these shows might seem interesting in retrospect. Here goes nothing.

From Newark, NJ. Our hosts are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, Jim Ross and Todd Grisham for Smackdown, and

World Heavyweight Championship (Hell in a Cell match):
CM Punk © vs. The Undertaker

It was still somewhat eyebrow raising for a World title match to open a pay-per-view at this point. In the coming years, it would become routine. Punk was doing a nice job getting over as the obnoxious straight-edge champion, so naturally they needed to drag Undertaker out of semiretirement to do something about it. Undertaker makes it clear from the opening bell that under no circumstance should we perceive CM Punk to be in his league. Punk scores with the ring steps and goes to work on the knee. Punk delivers a suicide dive, pushing the Dead Man into the cell wall. Only six minutes into the match, they start ramping up for what seems to be the finishing sequence. Undertaker surprises with the Last Ride but Punk kicks out! At least, Punk is going to retain a shred of dignity. Punk counters Old School for 2. The near falls are forced, but are starting to get over. Undertaker counters a chair shot and finishes Punk with the choke slam/Tombstone sequence at 10:22. This felt like a house show main event that happened to take place inside Hell in a Cell, **.
Winner and new World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker

Retro Rowe: WWE Breaking Point 2009 Review

WWE Breaking Point - September 13, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-From Montreal, Quebec. You know what that means right? Screwy finishes, and no Hart Dynasty in action, that’s what! I’m also banking on some bizarro world crowd reactions, let’s just hope any haven’t been edited off the DVD.

-Our hosts are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross, Todd Grisham, Matt Striker, and Josh Matthews. The pay-per-view has a submission theme for the main events.

Unified Tag Team Championship:
Chris Jericho and Big Show © vs. Mark Henry and MVP
Jericho is surprisingly cowardly and hapless against MVP. Jericho vents with some slapping, but MVP almost puts him away with a neckbreaker. Henry tags, but Jericho quickly puts Big Show in the match. “Let’s go, Big Show” chant from the audience as the giants lumber around. Henry goes for a Bodyslam, but Jericho interferes. Show gains the advantage, with Jericho getting some cheap shots in along the way. Henry is briefly isolated before clothes lining Show and making a lukewarm tag to MVP, who cleans house. Jericho kicks out of the ballin’ elbow drop but the Walls are countered. Big Show gets a blind tag and spears the life out of MVP. Jericho wears down MVP for a few minutes, but a desperate DDT by MVP allows a hot tag to Henry. The crowd wakes up as Henry gets some convincing near falls in. Big Show clocks Henry with the knockout blow from the apron, allowing Jericho to make the pin at 12:11. Not bad, just not very good either, **.
Winners and still Unified Tag Team Champions: Chris Jericho and Big Show

Retro Rowe: WWE Summerslam 2009 Review

WWE Summerslan - August 23, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-The hype package opening the show is interrupted by Shawn Michaels and Triple H making shadow puppets and altering it. They suggest their opponents, Dibiase and Rhodes, are in love with one another (if that’s not a case of projection, I don’t know what is). It’s kind of lame, but it’s also something different, so huzzah.

-From Los Angeles, CA. Our hosts are Jim Ross, Todd Grisham, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, Josh Matthews, and Matt Striker.

Intercontinental Championship:
Rey Mysterio © vs. Dolph Ziggler
These two had a good *** match at the last pay-per-view, so let’s see if they can top it. Ziggler is hungry but Mysterio is all business, and the action goes back and forth. Mysterio nails a standing moonsault for an early near fall. Rey delivers a hurricarana off the apron to the floor. Dolph sloppily counters another hurricarana into a turnbuckle powerbomb, allowing him to take control. Rey shows signs of life but eats a hard clothesline, allowing Ziggler to retain the advantage. Big gut buster by Ziggler gets a near fall. Springboard senton by Rey, who rolls through a sunset flip to build some momentum. Ziggler counters a springboard with a drop-kick, evening the playing field. The pace quickens with some extremely convincing near falls by Dolph, with some surprise counters along the way. Rey’s second 619 attempt connects but the diving head butt doesn’t! Ziggler makes a cover but only gets 2! There’s an audible “Let’s go, Ziggler” chant from the fans, just so you know. Rey counters a second rope gut buster with a hurricarana for the win at 12:24! The finishing sequence was fantastic, it reminded me of the great matches Rey had with Jericho earlier this year, ***¼.
Winner and still Intercontinental Champion: Rey Mysterio

Retro Rowe: WWE Night of Champions 2009 Review

WWE Night of Champions - July 26, 2009

by SamoaRowe

-From Philadelphia, PA.

Unified Tag Team Championship:
Chris Jericho and Big Show © vs. Ted Dibiase and Cody Rhodes
Big Show is replacing the injured Edge as tag team champion. Big Show easily overpowers Rhodes in the early going. Dibiase tags but runs into a shoulder tackle. Jericho tags and Show whips him into Dibiase. Jericho and Show work to isolate Dibiase. Show botches a double team move, going to slam Jericho onto Dibiase. Rhodes tags but gets beaten down. Dibiase pulls the ropes, sending Jericho to ringside. Rhodes capitalizes and works with Dibiase to isolate Jericho. Rhodes breaks out a moonsault and gains a near fall. Jericho hits an enziguri but Dibiase prevents the hot tag. The isolation on Jericho continues. Jericho locks the Walls of Jericho on Dibiase! Big Show can’t stop Rhodes from interfering with a DDT. Cover by Dibiase gets 2 (the crowd is firmly behind Jericho now). Big Show makes the blind hot tag but he has to fight off both Legacy members. Jericho nails the Codebreaker on Dibiase, and Show finishes him with the Colossal Clutch at 9:31. A bit sloppy at times and completely by the numbers, but I was impressed they were able to get the crowd so interested into a heel vs. heel match, **½.
Winners and still Unified Tag Team Champions: Chris Jericho and Big Show

Retro Rowe: WWE The Bash 2009 Review

WWE The Bash! - June 28, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-Live from Sacramento, CA.

ECW Championship Scramble:
Tommy Dreamer © vs. Christian vs. Jack Swagger vs. Finlay vs. Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas)
The rules aren’t the same as the scramble matches from Unforgiven last year, as two men start the match and someone new enters every couple of minutes. Swagger and Christian are the first two and wrestle back and forth. Swagger takes control, wearing Christian down with submission holds and power moves. Missile drop-kick by Christian turns the tide as they are joined by Finlay! Finlay cleans house. Flying uppercut by Christian ends a streak of dominance by Finlay. Swagger manages to pin Finlay after attacking the eye and becomes the current ECW Champion at 4:55. Christian and Swagger battle it out as the medical team looks at Finlay’s eye at ringside. Tommy Dreamer joins the fray at the six minute mark and cleans house for a bit, picking up some near falls along the way. Awkward bit as Swagger tosses Dreamer onto Christian’s side. Swagger drags Finlay back to the ring, but he ends up eating a Celtic Cross. Finlay is the champion at 8:13! Swagger attempts to slam Christian off the top rope when Mark Henry joins the match at 9:30! Henry powerbombs Swagger and Christian off the turnbuckles! Henry cleans house and we have less than five minutes remaining in the contest. Henry nails the World’s Strongest Slam on Dreamer to become champion at 10:35. Henry and Swagger are dumped to ringside, and Finlay nails a suicide dive on Swagger. Dreamer dives onto Swagger! Christian dives onto Dreamer! Henry climbs the top rope, but Swagger cuts him off, and nails the Vader Bomb to become the champion at 12:24. Killswitch on Swagger, but Dreamer breaks the cover and DDTs Christian to become champion again at 13:28. Despite a series of near falls, Dreamer manages to beat the clock and retains the title at 15:00. Lively opener, that allowed everyone to look good, **¾.
Winner and still ECW Champion: Tommy Dreamer

Retro Rowe: WWE One Night Stand 2009 Review

WWE Extreme Rules - June 7, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-From New Orleans, Louisiana.

United States Championship:
Kofi Kingston © vs. Matt Hardy vs. William Regal vs. MVP
Four-way stand off to begin things, with Regal sacrificing Hardy to MVP and Kingston (who form an alliance in the early going). Kingston hits a dive to the floor and follows up with a flying cross body for a near fall on Regal. Kofi and MVP butt heads, perhaps by accident, as things hit an awkward pause. Kofi livens things up but gets pummeled by Regal. MVP botches a powerbomb of Kofi and Regal off the top. Hardy tries to capitalize with a series of near falls. Kingston takes the fight to Matt and slams Regal onto him. Regal just barely breaks up a Kofi pinfall. Kofi tries to keep the ring clear, but Regal suplexes him into Hardy. MVP tries to pick up the scraps, but Hardy stops his momentum. MVP drops the ballin’ elbow but Regal breaks the count. Regal tries to clean the ring, but Kingston bounces off the ropes and hits Trouble in Paradise to retain the gold at 6:43. Rushed and sloppy, though Regal almost saved this, *½.
Winner and still United States Champion: Kofi Kingston

Retro Rowe: WWE Judgment Day 2009 Review

WWE Judgment Day - May 17, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-From Chicago, IL. Welcome to the annual event that might as well be renamed “$40 Build to Extreme Rules.”

CM Punk vs. Umaga
Punk is the hometown boy, so naturally the crowd is hot for him and naturally he’s going to lose. Punk uses his quickness in the early going but Umaga is a strong sumbitch and easily turns the tide. Once Umaga takes the upper hand, he hangs on to it, with the match seemingly becoming an extended squash for a long duration. Umaga smartly works the shoulder, weakening it for his claw grip. Punk is kicked off the apron and comes back with a sunset flip attempt, but Umaga blocks and crashes all his weight down on Punk’s chest. The beat-down continues, with Punk showing signs of life here and there. The tide turns after Umaga misses a diving head butt. Punk connects with a dive to the floor and enjoys a nice comeback, with a few near falls sprinkled in. Umaga reverses Go To Sleep with a Samoan Drop and gets 2.5. Punk dodges the Spike and connects with some hard kicks. Punk is too hurt to hit Go to Sleep and eats an onslaught of punishment, with Umaga putting him away with the Samoan Spike at 11:52. This surpassed my expectations by building up to a very hot finish, **½.
Winner: Umaga

Retro Rowe: WWE Backlash 2009 Review

WWE Backlash - April 26, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-Live from Providence, Rhode Island. Jim Ross, Michael Cole, and Jerry Lawler are on commentary.

ECW Championship:
Jack Swagger © vs. Christian
Swagger starts strong, targeting the waist and head. Christian slaps the taste out of Swagger’s mouth and outsmarts, nailing a flying elbow. Headlock by Christian. Shoulder tackles by Swagger and a press slam to the floor! Swagger chokes at ringside and brings Christian back in the hard way. Waist lock by Swagger, into a cover for 2. More waist lock goodness. Swagger counters a clever attack by Christian, stomping him to the mat with authority. Bear hug by Swagger, who lowers Christian’s shoulders down for a cover. Swagger keeps the bear hug locked on. Christian battles out and escapes a press slam. Swagger quickly nails a gut buster for 2. Another waist lock by Swagger. Hard whip by Swagger, but Christian counters into a rope assisted kick. Swagger plants Christian and goes for a bomb off the turnbuckle but it’s countered. Christian is fired up and unleashes a number of strikes. Swagger blocks a DDT but gets caught in a sunset flip for 2.5. Power slam by Swagger. Christian blocks the gut-wrench suplex but gets driven into the turnbuckle. Tornado DDT by Christian gets 2.5! They battle onto the apron, where Swagger attempts a deadly suplex. Christian blocks and flips Swagger back into the ring. Christian goes high risk, but Swagger counters with a back drop off the top! Vader Bomb by Swagger gets 2.9! Christian slaps the face and counters Swagger with a pinning predicament for 2.5. Swagger plants Christian for 2.5. Swagger unties some turnbuckle padding , but Christian does the same. Christian drives Swagger into the exposed steel and nails the Killswitch for the victory at 11:00. This was all over the place at times, but Swagger busted out some cool tricks and Christian took him to school for an exciting opener, ***.
Winner and new ECW Champion: Christian

Retro Rowe: The 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania (Don't call it "Wrestlemania 25") Review

WWE WrestleMania 25
by SamoaRowe

April 5th 2009

-Written on April 6th 2009

-From Houston, Texas. Our hosts are Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, and Michael Cole.

Money in the Bank Ladder match:
CM Punk vs. Finlay (with Hornswoggle) vs. Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kane vs. Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas) vs. Kofi Kingston vs. MVP
Match kicks off with a giant brawl in the ring. Kane and Henry clear the ring and continue brawling. Shelton and Christian bring in a ladder and wipe out the big guys. Kingston drop-kicks the ladder into Christian and Shelton, with it landing on the makeshift team. Kofi drives the ladder onto the veterans. Finlay returns but walks into a boot from Kane, who then races to the top with Henry. MVP and Punk return to make the save. Everyone teams up to dump Kane and Henry to ringside before racing to the top again. Kane and Henry return and knock both ladders over, sending four guys crashing. Kane tosses one ladder and climbs another, but Henry pushes him off. Henry tosses a ladder, but Finlay dodges, then kicking Henry to the floor. Suicide dive by Finlay onto Kane! Christian, MVP, Kingston, and Punk all take turns diving onto their opponents. Shelton climbs a ladder at ringside and dives off onto the others! Spectacular! Even Henry attempts a dive, but Finlay cuts him off. Hornswoggle brings in a mini ladder, uses it to climb onto Henry and hit a tadpole splash off of him to the floor. Fun stuff. Finlay and Kofi fight over a ladder, with Kofi using the ladder to propel himself around. Finlay uses the step ladder to slaughter his opponents. Henry pushes Kofi off the ladder. Henry tries to set up the ladder, but Kofi sprints up and almost gets the case before getting dropped off in sickening fashion. World’s Strongest Slam onto the ladder! MVP attacks Henry but Shelton stops him from climbing. Benjamin dives off a propped ladder, but MVP powerbombs him in midair! Christian pulls MVP off the ladder, but CM Punk almost has the case. Christian gets caught in a GTS position on the ladder but reverses into an Unprettier! MVP tries to climb again, but Shelton climbs up three ladders from the floor to cut him off. Shelton attempts a sunset flip Powerbomb but they mess it up. Shelton powerbombs MVP onto others on the floor. Finlay and Shelton race to the top, but Finlay is knocked off and bounces off the propped ladder on the way down. Shelton sets up a second ladder and races with Christian. The ladder falls over with Shelton hitting the floor, but Christian pushes off the ropes to go back to climbing! CM Punk stops him from the case (to big boos). Punk is caught on the steps, but Kane slams Christian off! Punk grabs the case, but Kane grabs his throat. Punk kicks Kane to the mat and takes the case at 14:24! CM Punk is the repeat winner! Tons of fun, as always, though a couple of botches hurt this a tad, ***¾.
Winner: CM Punk

Retro Rowe: WWE No Way Out 2009 Review

WWE No Way Out - February 15, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-They are airing from Seattle, Washington. Our hosts for the evening are Jim Ross and Tazz for Smackdown, Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole for Raw, and Matt Striker and Todd Grisham for ECW.

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match:
Edge © vs. The Undertaker vs. Vladimir Kozlov vs. Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Big Show
Jeff Hardy and Edge start the match in the ring. Hardy dominates in the early going before running into a big boot. Edge tries to put Hardy away quickly. Jeff fights back with his educated feet. Edge blocks the Twist of Fate but Jeff tries again and hits it! Hardy goes high risk, missing a swanton bomb. Hardy counters the spear with an inside cradle and pins Edge around the 3 minute mark! Edge is outraged and the crowd is genuinely pleased. Kozlov is let out of his cell and puts Hardy down with a boot. Hardy kicks Kozlov off but flies into a head butt. Kozlov shoves Jeff into the chamber wall. Kozlov drives Jeff into the chains again before hitting a fall away slam into the ring. Kozlov pounds Hardy on the turnbuckle before hitting another fall away slam for a near fall. Backbreaker gets 2 for Kozlov. Cue the waist lock. Hardy counters, drop-kicking Kozlov into the corner and gets a near fall himself. Whisper in the Wind by Hardy leaves both men down as Big Show joins the match. Show goes right to work on Jeff, with Kozlov joining in on the fun. The two on one beat down continues for a while until Kozlov charges into Show. Show and Kozlov trade shots and block each other’s suplex attempts. Show drops Kozlov as Triple H enters the match. HHH goes right after Big Show, nailing a face buster. Knee lift by Triple H drops Kozlov. Spinebuster on Big Show by Triple H! HHH blocks a Twist of Fate and knocks down Jeff. HHH low bridges Kozlov onto the steel platform. Show saves Kozlov from a Pedigree on the steel. Side slam on Triple H by Show gets a near fall. HHH and Show brawl while Kozlov beats down Hardy. Show catches Hardy and uses him to ram Triple H into the cage. HHH and Hardy take down Show and nail a double suplex on Kozlov. Whisper in the Wind on Triple H leaves them both down as The Undertaker’s cell opens!

Business picks up as The Undertaker immediately targets Big Show and Kozlov. Undertaker cleans house on everyone, but Show saves Hardy and Triple H from a double chokeslam. Taker knocks down Show and goes old school on Triple H, but it’s interrupted by Big Show, who eats a DDT on the steel for his trouble. Taker tries again and hits old school on HHH. Kozlov pummels Taker into the corner until Taker counters with the Last Ride, eliminating Kozlov at 23:01! Chokeslam on Undertaker by Big Show! Show blocks a pedigree, sending HHH crashing onto the steel. Show press slams Hardy onto HHH on the steel. Hardy is tossed into the wall but hangs on to climb onto a pod. Show trips Jeff on the pod and climbs up for an attack. Undertaker climbs up as well and superplexes Show to the mat! Pedigree on Big Show, but Triple H is too tired to capitalize. Hardy swanton bombs Show from off the pod! HHH covers Show to eliminate him at 26:13! Hardy misses Whisper on the Wind, leaving Triple H to duke it out with Undertaker. Taker is crotched on the ropes by HHH while attempting old school on Jeff. Hardy uses Taker for Poetry in Motion on HHH into the steel. Jeff walks into a Tombstone piledriver from Taker and is eliminated at 28:38. It’s down to Triple H and Undertaker, with Taker picking up control after a big boot. Taker misses a running big boot. HHH flies into a chokeslam, earning Undertaker a very close near fall. Snake eyes by Undertaker, but Triple H rebounds with a Spinebuster for 2! Taker blocks a pedigree on the steel with a catapult into the cage. Taker tumbles into a Tombstone position and nails the piledriver, but Triple H gets a rope break! Pedigree by Triple H gets 2.9! They stumble to their feet for a slug fest. HHH escapes a Last Ride and nails the Pedigree for the win and the title at 35:58! It’s difficult to be annoyed with another Triple H title run when the match was this good, a true epic, ****.
Winner and new WWE Champion: Triple H

Retro Rowe: ROH Survival of the Fittest 2005 Review

ROH Survival of the Fittest - Sep 24, 2005

by SamoaRowe

-I’m waiting for some WWE tapes to arrive in the mail, so I figured I’d review the first ROH event I ever attended. For those of you who are familiar with DWS, I took this event in with Viceroy Virus and GreatWhiteChoate.

-From Dorchester, MA. Our hosts are Lenny Leonard and Dave Prazak.

-Austin Aries and Roderick Strong can hardly believe it’s been a whole year since the first Survival of the Fittest tournament. Aries had a star-making performance last year, but came up short in the finals, so this year will be his redemption. Strong politely disagrees, saying it’s going to be his year.

Survival of the Fittest Qualifier:
Sal Rinauro vs. Jay Lethal

They exchange wristlocks in the early going. Rinauro counters into an armlock, but Lethal reverses into a pinning predicament. Rinauro goes after the arm some more. Lethal rebounds with a spinebuster for 2. Lethal targets the back, but Rinauro surprises with a drop-kick. Belly to back suplex by Rinauro gets a near fall. Hip toss backbreaker by Lethal! Back suplex by Lethal isn’t enough for the win. Sal counters out of a crucifix submission. Rinauro gets caught on the ropes but counters with a flying bulldog. Rinauro nails a springboard DDT. German suplex by Rinauro still isn’t enough. Lethal rebounds with a running suplex. Flying head butt by Lethal gets 2. Sal gets some near falls but misses a springboard kick. Lethal pops up with the Dragon Suplex for the win at 11:35. Perfectly good opener here, they made that look easy **¾.
Winner: Jay Lethal

Retro Rowe: WWE Royal Rumble 2009 Review

WWE Royal Rumble - January 25, 2009
by SamoaRowe

-The show is originating from Detroit, Michigan. The commentators are sad because Vince McMahon got hospitalized due to Orton’s punt to the head of death. A lot has changed since the days of Jim Ross marking out because Stone Cold sent Vince to the hospital, eh? Anyhow, our hosts are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, Jim Ross and Tazz for Smackdown, and Matt Striker and Todd Grisham for ECW.

ECW Championship:
Jack Swagger © vs. Matt Hardy
They lock up for a shoving contest. Hardy connects with some shots, sending Swagger to ringside to recollect. Hardy pursues, directing Swagger to the ring for a clothesline. Swagger retreats to the floor again. Swagger returns and takes Hardy down, applying his amateur wrestling skills. Hardy reverses a wrist lock, but gets taken down again. Swagger is focusing on the arm. Hardy drop-kicks the face and nails a bulldog. Cover by Hardy gets 2. Hardy goes top rope, but Swagger pushes him to the floor. Back to the ring, Swagger returns to working on the arm. Swagger blocks a clothesline and nails a big boot for 2. More arm work from Swagger. Another desperate clothesline by Hardy gives him an opportunity to build momentum. Another bulldog by Hardy gets a cover for 2. Hardy goes drives an elbow off the second rope and gets another near fall. Belly to belly suplex by Swagger gets a cover for 2. They reverse suplexes, but it’s Swagger who nails a DDT. Swagger plants Hardy on the top rope but his superplex is blocked. Hardy hits a moonsault for 2.9! Well, it was a sloppy moonsault, so I can’t say I blame him. Twist of Fate and Side Effect are blocked. Swagger delivers a hard fought Gut Wrench Bomb for the win at 10:29. Nothing too exciting, but Swagger looked credible here, **½.
Winner and still ECW Champion: Jack Swagger

Retro Rowe: WWE Armageddon 2008 Review

-This event was held in Buffalo, New York. Our hosts for the evening are Jim Ross and Tazz for Smackdown, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, and Matt Striker and Todd Grisham for ECW.

Matt Hardy vs. Vladimir Kozlov
Fortunately, Hardy’s ECW title is not on the line. Seriously, the best part about Kozlov is his badass entrance music. Hardy is on the defense in the early going as Kozlov backs him around the ring. Shoulder thrusts by Kozlov, but Hardy counters, getting some near falls from roll-ups. Sick back suplex by Kozlov, but he botches tossing Hardy into the ring post. Kozlov tries again and gets it right. Kozlov goes to work on Hardy’s arm. Kozlov slams Hardy by an arm lock and keeps focusing on the arm. Hardy counters with a chin breaker but Kozlov hooks the arms for a series of head butts. Cover by Kozlov gets 2. Kozlov goes back to wearing down the arm. Hardy eventually counters again with a chin breaker on the ropes. Hardy goes high risk with a double axe off the top. Hardy throws Kozlov to ringside and attempts a cross body off the apron. Kozlov catches Hardy in mid-air, but Hardy counters, knocking the Russian’s skull into the ring post. Back to the ring, Hardy gets a side effect for 2. Kozlov blocks the Twist of Fate and strikes Hardy flying through the air. Cover by Kozlov is stopped by a desperate rope break. Roll-up by Hardy gets 2. Kozlov knocks Hardy into the ring post and plants Hardy for the win at 9:04. Leave it to Matt Hardy to get an enjoyable match out of Kozlov, **¼.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov

Retro Rowe: WWE Survivor Series 2008

-Originally written sometime in early 2009. 

-Yeah, I know this is late. But Survivor Series is the only WWE pay-per-view from 2008 that I haven’t reviewed yet, and I actually attended this one live, so it’s taken me a while to get around to it.

-From Boston, MA. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Tazz for Smackdown, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, and Matt Striker and Todd Grisham for ECW. Ross reports that Jeff Hardy was found unconscious at his hotel and will probably not make it tonight.

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination match:
Shawn Michaels, Cryme Tyme, The Great Khali (with Ranjin Singh), and Rey Mysterio vs. JBL, MVP, John Morrison, The Miz, and Kane
Rey starts against MVP and they fight back and forth. Rey picks up control with his speed and tags JTG. Rey and JTG nail MVP with stereo kicks. MVP drop-kicks the knee and nails the drive-by kick to pin JTG at 1:40. That’s MVP’s first pinfall in months. MVP shows off and walks into a chop from the Great Khali, who pins him at 1:56. Kane enters the ring and squares off with Khali. Loud “Khali” chant as Kane gets his ass handed to him. Kane attempts a chokeslam but Khali blocks. Rey tags and frog splashes Kane off Khali’s shoulders, pinning him at 3:28. Morrison charges in, pummeling Rey into the corner. Rey outmaneuvers Morrison, nailing a head scissors takedown. Shad tags and press slams Morrison. Shad gets tripped on a head of steam allowing Morrison to take control. Miz tags and helps Morrison double team Shad. Miz and Morrison keep making tags, but Shad takes them down with a double clothesline. Shad cleans house. Morrison saves Miz from a finisher, allowing Miz to nail the Reality Check to eliminate Shad at 6:38. Shawn Michaels enters the ring and locks up with Miz. HBK hits some chops before getting clotheslined into the corner. Miz catapults HBK into Morrison for a shot and then gets set up for a sick elbow drop. JBL tags and pummels Michaels to the mat. Swinging Neckbreaker and elbow drop by JBL gets a cover for 2. Michaels blocks and fights back but Miz gets a fresh tag. Miz targets the eye, causing it to bleed. Morrison tags but can’t get a pinfall. Morrison elbows the eye and works a headlock. Michaels fights out and skins the cat, fending off Miz in the process. Morrison takes down HBK and mocks the kip-up. Scoop slam by Morrison sets up a flying elbow, but it misses! Miz and Rey get fresh tags, with Rey cleaning house. 619 and Frog splash finishes Miz at 11:45. Rey sets up Morrison for the 619, but JBL gets a blind tag and knocks down Mysterio. “You can’t wrestle” chant for JBL as he methodically beats down Rey. Morrison tags and maintains the beating on Rey. JBL tags and targets Rey’s back. JBL attempts a superplex by gets elbowed off. Standing moonsault by Rey connects! HBK gets a hot tag and cleans house. JBL rolls to the floor but gets caught with a splash from HBK. They slug it out on the floor and Michaels makes it to the ring before getting counted out. JBL is eliminated by count-out at 18:08. Morrison is waiting to catch Michaels off guard but eats Sweet Chin Music, allowing Michaels to win the match at 18:14. This was a fine way to open the show as the match turned out to be a real crowd pleaser, ***.
Survivors: Shawn Michaels, The Great Khali, and Rey Mysterio

Retro Rowe: WWE Cyber Sunday 2008 Review

-It’s time for the WWE.com preshow! Todd Grisham is here to handle the festivities. Jim Ross and Tazz are on commentary. Benjamin will be facing R-Truth, MVP, or Festus. R-Truth wins with 59% of the votes.

United States Championship:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. R-Truth
Benjamin seems to be just as annoyed with Truth’s attempts to get “What’s up” over as a catchphrase as I am. They lock up with Benjamin gaining the upper hand. Truth slugs back and dances around the ring to avoid Benjamin’s offense. Big kick by Truth throws Benjamin off his game. Benjamin fights back with a hard kick to the face, gets a cover for 2. Chinlock by Benjamin. Truth elbows out and trades shots. Benjamin reverses an Irish whip but misses a corner splash. Series of clotheslines by Truth and the corkscrew forearm. Truth goes high risk but Benjamin leaps up. Truth blocks the superplex and connects with a missile drop-kick. Cover by Truth gets 2.5! Truth runs into a leaping DDT and gets pinned at 3:24. Short, but lively, *½.
Winner and still United States Champion: Shelton Benjamin

Retro Rowe: WWE No Mercy 2008 Review

-To be quite honest, I have almost no interest in watching this pay-per-view other than to keep up my streak of reviewing the recent shows. The word of mouth going around the internet is that both main events delivered, so hopefully I’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. (2016 Rowe: Uh, yeah, you're in for a total surprise. I wonder why I wasn't more optimistic about the Jericho/Michaels blow-off, considering that feud had completely fueled my fandom for the year). 

-The opening video package is different than usual, incorporating a 50’s style intro and then transitions into a music video set to "All Nightmare Long" by Metallica (great song, by the way). (2016 Rowe: that entire "Death Magnetic" album is sooo underrated. Great comeback effort by Metallica before things got weird again).

-From Portland, Oregon. Our hosts for the evening are Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross, Tazz, and Todd Grisham. Matt Striker is missing from action, so Jerry Lawler is filling in for the ECW title match.

ECW Championship:
Matt Hardy © vs. Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas)
Yep, the ECW title is opening another pay-per-view. And some people still like to argue that it’s a “main event” belt. They lock up and Henry unsurprisingly has the strength advantage. Hardy goes for a headlock but Henry easily tosses him off. Shoulder block by Henry leads to a stretch of dominance. Hardy eventually counters and begins to target Henry’s knees. Henry fights back with a clothesline, but is selling the abuse his knees took. Hardy slips free again and goes back to work on the left leg. The action spills to ringside, where Henry shoves Hardy to the floor. Hardy rebounds quickly and continues to punish the leg. Henry kicks him off and hits a big boot with the good leg. Cover by Henry gets 2. Henry splashes Hardy off the second rope, selling the injured knee nicely along the way. Time for a neck vice. Hardy tries to mount some momentum, but runs straight into a bear hug. Hardy tries to counter with a sunset flip, but Henry holds onto the ropes. Hardy escapes a splash. Hardy mounts some offense, connecting with some elbow shots off the second rope. Side effect by Hardy gets a cover for 2.5. Henry blocks the Twist of Fate and hits a big splash. Henry’s knee is too injured for him to go for the immediate cover, so Hardy kicks out. Hardy blocks the World’s Strongest Slam by repeatedly hitting the leg and nails the Twist of Fate at 8:01 to retain the title. Surprisingly solid big man/little man match up, **½.
Winner and still ECW Champion: Matt Hardy

Retro Rowe: WWE Unforgiven 2008

-Originally written in the fall of 2008. I was such a mark during this time, though I fancied myself a smarkety smart mark. 

-Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho settle their score and all three brand championships are defended in “innovative” scramble matches. The rules don’t favor the champions, so it will be a real trick for Triple H, CM Punk, and Mark Henry to hang on to their title belts.

-They are airing live from Cleveland, Ohio. Our hosts for the evening are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, Jim Ross and Tazz for Smackdown, and Todd Grisham and Matt Striker for ECW.

ECW Championship Scramble:
Mark Henry © (with Tony Atlas) vs. Matt Hardy vs. The Miz vs. Finlay (with Hornswoggle) vs. Chavo Guerrero (with Bam Neely)
Each of these scrambles has a 20 minute time limit, two superstars start the match and a new star arrives every five minutes, whoever gets a pinfall is the temporary champion, and whoever is the champ at the end of the match is the official title holder.

Matt Hardy and The Miz are the first two participants. They exchange holds in the early going. Things pick up with The Miz hitting a hip toss and targeting the head. The Miz blocks a bulldog, but unwittingly hangs himself up in the turnbuckle. Hardy hits an innovative sit-out power bomb and gets a 2 count. Clothesline by Hardy gets another 2. Miz hangs Hardy on the second rope and dives over to target the head. Cover by Miz gets 2, leading to a chinlock. Sunset flip by Hardy, but Miz blocks the cover. Clothesline by Miz gets a near fall. Miz hits the Reality Check, but Hardy rolls from the ring. By the time Miz gets him in a pinning predicament, Hardy easily kicks out. Five minutes have passed, and Chavo Guerrero enters the fray. Chavo disposes of Miz and hits Hardy with the frog splash to become the temporary ECW Champion. The crowd actually popped for that too, which I find surprising. The Miz goes on the offense against Chavo. Rolling Liger kick by Chavo sends Miz to the floor, setting up a dive. Hardy is up and goes after Chavo. The Miz goes high risk, but is met by Chavo. Miz knocks him off, and hits a flying cross body on both Hardy and Guerrero! Hardy cleans house. Side effect on Chavo by Hardy is enough for a three count, making him the current ECW Champion. Hardy dumps Guerrero and works a headlock on Miz. Things lead to a stand-off.

Ten minutes have passed, and Mark Henry confidently makes his way to the match. Miz, Hardy, and Guerrero try to triple team Henry, but he effortlessly throws them off. Henry cleans house. Henry slams Chavo and temporarily regains his ECW Championship. Hardy slingshots himself into Henry’s fist and tumbles to the floor. Henry continues to dish out the punishment to Guerrero and Miz. Chavo finds himself stuck in the world’s strongest bear bug. Hardy attempts a high risk move but Henry catches him with another bear hug. 15 minutes have passed and the final man, Finlay, joins the match. Hornswoggle immediately hides under the ring, as Finlay strikes Henry with a DDT, trying to get the quick pin. Henry uses yet another bear hug to slow down Finlay. Hornswoggle provides the distraction, and Finlay knocks Henry with the shillelagh. Hardy assists in dumping Henry, but Finlay strikes Hardy with the Celtic Cross. Finlay becomes the temporary ECW Champion! Missile drop-kick by Miz takes out Finlay. Hardy hit’s the twist of fate on Miz and wins the title! Frog splash on Miz by Chavo almost gets a pin, but it’s broken by the others. Henry returns and his pinfall attempt on Miz is also interrupted. Hardy keeps breaking up Henry's frequent pinfall attempts. Finlay attempts the Celtic Cross on Hardy, but Henry breaks it up. Henry and Hardy are on a virtual stand-off as less than a minute remains. All five men are all over each other as the time expires and Hardy is declared the winner at 20:00! There were some slow parts, but this did a great job of establishing the scramble rules and setting the tone for the evening, ***.
Winner and new ECW Champion: Matt Hardy

Retro Rowe: Summerslam 2008 Review

-Originally written in August 2008. 

-Welcome to the "Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer!" Tonight, Cena and Batista battle for the first time, Triple H faces his biggest challenger yet, CM Punk sets out to prove himself against his biggest naysayer, and Edge and Undertaker bring their rivalry into the infamous Hell in a Cell.

-Our hosts for the evening are Jim Ross and Tazz for Smackdown, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, and Matt Striker and Todd Grisham for ECW.

Montel Vontavious Porter vs. Jeff Hardy
MVP attempts a big boot right out of the gate, but Hardy is ready for him. Hardy lures MVP to ringside and batters him around. Cover by Hardy gets 1. Scoop slam by Hardy and an over the ropes leg drop. Hardy works the arm. MVP gets the rope break and the match restarts. They exchange kicks, with Hardy getting the upper hand. Hardy runs into an overhead belly to belly suplex from MVP, earning a cover for 2. MVP works the head and arm. MVP transitions into a camel clutch. Hardy counters with a monkey flip, but MVP wraps himself around the leg for a hold. Hardy gets a rope break, so MVP kicks him around a bit. Hardy tries to use the ropes for a catapult, but MVP catches him in process and continues to dish out a pounding. MVP places Hardy in the tree of woe, and MVP snaps his head to the mat. Cover by MVP gets 2. Hardy escapes a power bomb and counters with a Neckbreaker. Hardy mule kicks MVP into the corner, but MVP blocks the corner drop-kick. Cover by MVP gets 2.5. MVP drop-kicks Hardy to the corner but Hardy counters the big boot with a clothesline. Side Russian legsweep by Hardy and a pinning combination for 2. MVP counters the corner drop-kick again, but Hardy counters into a sunset flip. Whisper in the Wind by Hardy, who goes high risk. Shelton Benjamin runs in, so Hardy dives onto him on the floor. Hardy goes for the Swanton bomb on MVP, but misses. MVP hits the drive-by kick to the head and picks up the win at 10:10. This was a good way to open the show, ***.
Winner: MVP

Retro Rowe: WWE Great American Bash 2008 Review

-Again, not a review I'm all that proud of, just want to save it for my own reasons. Written in 2008 around the time the pay-per-view aired. 

-They are airing live from Long Island, New York. Our hosts for the evening are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, Jim Ross and Mick Foley for Smackdown, and Mike Adamle and Tazz for ECW.

WWE Tag Team Championship:
John Morrison and The Miz © vs. Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder vs. Jesse and Festus vs. Finlay and Hornswoggle
Festus clears the ring as the bell sounds. Miz and Morrison dish Hornswoggle into the path of Festus. Hornswoggle rolls up his sleeves for a fight, which is just simply adorable. Festus is distracted, and Hornswoggle launches himself to the floor on the champs. Festus gets his hands on The Miz and dominates him, making a quick tag to Jesse. Monkey flip by Jesse is followed up with a Neckbreaker variation. The Miz kicks out of a cover, but Festus gets a tag and continues the hard hitting assault. There’s an audible “We want Finlay” chant in the building, and the crowd gets their wish, unfortunately Finlay is immediately dropped. Morrison tags and isolates Finlay, keeping things fresh with The Miz. Finlay escapes a hold, but Miz immediately hit’s a side Russian takedown. Morrison tags and catapults onto a propped Finlay. Morrison works a headlock. Finlay fights to his feet, but eats a Neckbreaker. Finlay mounts a comeback against the champions. Zach Ryder gets a blind tag and aggressively jumps Finlay. Hawkins gets a tag and dishes out a beating before tagging his partner back. Finlay hit’s the Celtic Cross on Ryder, but Hawkins prevents a pinfall. Finlay gets a blind shillelagh shot. The Edgeheads rebound and put Finlay in a chinlock. Hornswoggle tags and takes down Ryder with a hurracanrana. Jesse gets a blind tag (to some heat) and cleans house on Ryder. Festus gets a tag and dishes out the punishment onto Ryder, and takes a moment to kick Hawkins off the turnbuckle. Festus fights off Miz and Morrison. Hawkins prevents Jesse and Festus’s double team, and Hawkins and Ryder pick up the win at 9:06. The match was standard, but this was a pretty lousy way to end Miz and Morrison’s lengthy title run, **.
Winners and new WWE Tag Team Champions: Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder

Retro Rowe: WWE Night of Champions 2008 Review

WWE Night of Champions - June 29, 2008
by SamoaRowe

-Originally written soon after the live airing in 2008. This is not a review I'm particularly proud of, it's very wordy and I think I had my "super mark" hat on while writing more than my "critic" one. Still, I don't want to lose it, so here it is. 

-Every championship in the WWE is on the line. Tonight, Batista and John Cena try to take a World title back to Raw, as they challenge Edge and Triple H.

-Our hosts for the evening are Jim Ross and Mick Foley for Smackdown, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for Raw, and Tazz and Mike Adamle for ECW. They are airing live from Dallas, Texas.

WWE Tag Team Championship:
John Morrison and The Miz © vs. Finlay and Hornswoggle
Thanks to the draft, Finlay and Hornswoggle are official ECW superstars now, so the titles aren’t going back to Smackdown any time soon. Finlay and Morrison kick the match off for their respective teams. Finlay dominates early, smashing Morrison with his forearm. Finlay claws the shoulder, but Morrison blocks a turnbuckle smash and reverses. Morrison tries leaping over the ropes onto Finlay on the floor, but Finlay pulls out of the curtain, crotching the Shaman of Sexy. Hornswoggle tries to make the save, but Miz and Morrison drag him into the ring. Finlay makes the save, cleaning house on the champions, and battering Hornswoggle around. Finlay and Morrison are still the legal men, but Miz provides a distraction, allowing the champions to gain momentum. Miz tags works the chin. The champions botch a double team spot, as Finlay falls off of Morrison’s knees as Miz attempted a springboard elbow drop. Miz tags and but takes an inverted atomic drop. Hornswoggle tags and hit’s a tirt-a-whirl head scissors on Miz and a bulldog! Cover by Hornswoggle gets 2. Morrison cheap shots Hornswoggle. Morrison tags and aggressively shoves Hornswoggle around. Miz and Morrison appear frustrated that a leprechaun has given them such a challenge and vent their anger on poor Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle dodges a charging Miz, but Morrison tags and cuts off a tag to Finlay. Hornswoggle sneaks through Morrison’s legs to tag his father. Finlay cleans house on the Miz and Morrison. Finlay hit’s the Celtic Cross on Morrison and positions him for the Tadpole Splash, but Miz makes the save. Morrison tosses Hornswoggle off the top and pins him for the win at 8:48. The right team went over here, but Finlay and Hornswoggle make for a surprisingly effective team. This was entertaining, **½.
Winners and still WWE Tag Team Champions: John Morrison and The Miz