Showing posts with label The Rock. Show all posts

Saturday, December 10, 2016

WWF Raw - 11/1/99

WWF Monday Night Raw
November 1st 1999

-From Washington D.C. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are calling the action.

-The Rock, sore from a recent abduction at the hands of D-Generation X, starts the show with an in-ring promo. He's looking forward to checking Steve Austin and Triple H back into the Smackdown Hotel at Survivor Series and sings for the crowd. Rock shifts his attention to the "blemish on his buttocks more popularly known as Road Dogg" and calls him out for a match.

The Rock vs. Road Dogg
Rock meets Dogg in the aisle and directs him to the ring. Dogg dry-humps Rock and gets clotheslined to ringside for the insult. Road Dogg flees to the back, where Rock foolishly walks into a DX ambush. The match is called off at about 1:00. A pack of referees and Mr. McMahon run in to restore order, but Rock looks finished.
Winner via DQ: The Rock

Retro Rowe: WWE Wrestlemania 27 Review

WWE WrestleMania 27 - April 3, 2011

by SamoaRowe

-I can’t believe I didn’t review this until now (sometime in late 2011). I ordered the show live and about five minutes later learned that the advertised Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus match took place as a dark match. And ended with a no contest when the lumberjacks got involved. And turned into a battle royal. And then The Great Khali won said battle royal. Needless to say, I was pissed off, as the thought of seeing Bryan Danielson compete at Wrestlemania was what pushed me over the line into ordering it. I was then in a grumpy mood for the first hour of the show and had less patience for all the filler than I would have on a normal night. Anyhoo, on to the show!

WWF Smackdown -10/28/99

WWF Smackdown
October 28th 1999

-From Springfield, MA. Our hosts are Michael Cole and Jerry lawler.

-D-Generation X, reunited after breaking up the previous spring, come to the ring to a babyface reaction, despite WWF Champion Triple H firmly entrenched as the top heel in the company. The fans do end up chanting "a-hole" at HHH once he starts talking about being better than Rock and Austin. X-Pac takes a turn on the mic and teases that DX will be bigger than ever with a new member joining. Billy Gunn and Road Dogg challenger Austin and Rock to singles matches later on. Triple H calls out Mr. McMahon to come bow before them. Vince responds on the stage, simply telling DX to suck it. Triple H defiantly announces that DX are taking over. Good reintroduction for DX in a segment that didn't overstay it's welcome.

WWF Raw 10/25/99

WWF Monday Night Raw
October 25, 1999

-From Providence, RI. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-The New Age Outlaws lobby Mr. McMahon for title and grudge matches but everyone is busy tonight. Triple H interrupts, upset that he's scheduled to face Mankind. The Outlaws and Triple H bicker, leading to Triple H goading them into facing Steve Austin and The Rock.

-The Godfather can't find his hos! He breaks down a door and finds them all over Mark Henry. Godfather is disgusted that Henry would hog all the hos for himself.

The Godfather (with Mark Henry and the hos) vs. Viscera (with Mideon)
I wish Raw would start with a match more often, as shaking up the format even slightly makes the show feel more alive. Jim Ross was able to say this will be a great matchup with a straight face, so kudos to him. Viscera wants the Godfather's hos if he wins and offers Henry all the hos he could ever want. This is now a "Winner takes hos" match, and Henry's loyalties are put to the test. Bell rings and Mideon is quickly ejected for interfering. Godfather sets up the Ho Train, but Henry knocks him down by the hair, and Viscera splashes for the win at 2:11. Completely nothing match, just serving up a plot twist.
Winner: Viscera

WWF Smackdown 10/21/99

WWF Smackdown
October 21, 1999

-From Louisville, KY. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are calling the action.

-Mankind comes to the ring and reacts to The Rock seemingly throwing out his book, which conveniently gives him the the chance to make a sales pitch for the viewing audience. Mankind sits his "big fat ass" down on the apron for a sit-out until Mr. McMahon gives him some attention. Vince shows up and listens to Mick rant about how all the fans forgot about his accomplishments while he was trying to have fun in a Rock n' Sock jacket. He's not okay with The Rock ahead of him in line for the WWF title and wants to kick his ass tonight and take his place in future main events. The Rock comes to the ring, doesn't like what he's hearing from Mick, and proceeds to verbally put him in his place as only The Rock can. Rock accepts Mick's challenge for later and Mick calls him an insecure little boy before taking off. Rock stays behind with Vince looking to find out if he's the only #1 contender, and they're interrupted by Val Venis, who is trying to claw his way into the main event scene. Val wants to face Stone Cold, so Austin marches his way to the ring. Austin makes a a face at Rock before knocking Venis out of the ring.

WWF Raw 10/18/99

WWF Monday Night Raw
October 18th 1999

-From Columbus, OH. Our valiant hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-The Rock comes to the ring to talk, and he sure does have a lot to say about what happened at No Mercy. He's sporting taped ribs after getting assaulted with a sledgehammer by Triple H. The Rock is gunning for the WWF title at Survivor Series, in honor of the peoples' ribs. The crowd just adores him. Rock wants everyone to know that when he hit Stone Cold with the sledgehammer, he was aiming for Triple H. Now he'll just have to settle for shining up the hammer and sexually assaulting The Game with it at Survivor Series. That's not really what The Rock said, just how I interpreted it. Austin joins him in the ring and this actually gives me chills. Austin has a bone to pick with Rock for declaring himself #1 contender, as well as being stupid enough to cost him the WWF title. They're about to fight when Mr. McMahon interrupts to ruin the moment. Vince wants to know what Triple H wants to do. HHH shows up and flaunts his success in properly annoying fashion. Of course, this results in Vince making a triple threat main event for Survivor Series. This was actually a rather great opening segment, with all four guys feeling larger than life.

WWF Smackdown 10/14/99

WWF Smackdown
October 14th 1999

-From Birmingham, AL. Our hosts are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.

-Mankind visits Mr. McMahon in search of a favor. Apparently, Vince once told Mick to leave him alone, and he did, therefore he's owed something in return. He wants a shot at the Tag Team Championship for the Rock n' Sock Connection. Vince agrees, but doesn't think Rock will want the match.

-The New Age Outlaws come out to a huge ovation. They're simultaneously feuding with the heel Holly Cousins and babyface Rock n' Sock Connection, but they're always babyfaces for their entrance and mic work. They're interrupted by a somber looking Triple H, sporting a fake bruised face. I think we're supposed to think he got attacked by the rattle snake on Raw. He cuts a sob story promo about how this has been his dream but never imagined the business would turn into having to kill yourself for the fans. He says this is the last time anyone will ever see him, teasing a retirement. Before he goes, he wants Mr. McMahon to come look him in the eyes and know never to put anyone in his situation again. A concerned looking Vince shows up and listens to HHH's speech. The segment drags on forever before just ending with HHH saying he'll forfeit the title later.

Retro Rowe: WWE Summerslam 2002

WWE Summerslam

August 25, 2002

by SamoaRowe

-From Uniondale, NY. Our hosts are Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Michael Cole, and Tazz.

Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio

Rey ambushes Kurt with a hurricanrana from behind. Angle goes after the ankle, but Rey sets up 619, which misses. Angle drops Mysterio hard on the floor to gain the advantage. Sick German suplex by Angle, who slows the pace to wear out Mysterio. Rey ducks a punch but Angle counters with a side slam. Kurt applies a half crab but Rey counters into a roll-up. Angle’s clothesline keeps Rey down. Rey hits a jawbreaker but Angle counters with a belly to belly throw. Rey sets up a dive, but the ref says no. Rey leaps over the official and wipes Angle out on the floor! Springboard leg drop by Rey gets a near fall! Angle goes for the ankle lock again but gets caught with 619! The West Coast Pop only gets 2! Rey catches Kurt on the top rope for a hurricanrana, but Angle awkwardly counters into the Ankle Lock! Rey taps at 9:21. Rey had a lighter frame at the time of his debut and was eager to please against a top name in Angle. Great opener, ***¼.
Winner: Kurt Angle

WWE Vengeance

July 21, 2002

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Detroit, MI. Our hosts are Michael Cole, Tazz, Jerry Lawler, and Jim Ross.

Tables Match:
Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley vs. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero

Benoit immediately goes to work punishing Spike. Bubba tags but gets doubled teamed by the Radicalz. Bubba knocks Eddie off the apron but gets caught in Benoit’s German suplex. The beating on Bubba continues until they feel ready to set up a table at ringside. Spike charges and dives over the ropes onto Guerrero. Benoit whips Spike into the ring steps for good measure. Bubba’s comeback is thwarted and the Radicalz bring a second table into the ring. Bubba takes a double superplex but Spike moved the table out of the way. The Radicalz lean a third table in a turnbuckle and whip Spike towards it, but Bubba tackles Spike to save him. Bubba finds his second wind and unleashes a series of power moves. Spike assists with a double stomp onto Benoit and the WASSUP diving head butt to the groin. Benoit makes Spike tap to the crossface but gets caught with a Samoan drop from Bubba. Bubba puts himself through the table when Benoit dodges his senton. Spike outmaneuvers the Radicalz to send them both crashing to ringside. Spike counters a suplex and puts Eddie through a table with a Dudley Dog off the ring apron! Benoit press slams Spike over the ropes and through a table! Benoit sets up a fresh table but Benoit puts him through it with the Bubba Bomb for the upset win at 14:55! The Dudleys had to scratch and claw for that victory. Surprisingly dramatic opening contest, ***¼.
Winners: Spike and Bubba Ray Dudley

Retro Rowe: WWE King of the Ring 2002

WWE King of the Ring

June 23, 2002

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Columbus, OH. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

KOTR Semifinal:
Chris Jericho vs. Rob Van Dam

This match is kind of infamous for Jericho arguing with fans online about the quality. Jericho thought this was a ***** classic, the internet just kind of shrugged. The match begins competitively, at least until Jericho slaps RVD for being a show-off. RVD returns the favor with a kick to the face and they sprint through an exchange. RVD scores with a somersault plancha to the floor. Jericho blocks a Frog Splash by kicking the official into the ropes. Jericho nails a superplex to gain control. RVD struggles to make a comeback but manages to unload his bag of tricks. Jericho leaps over a leg sweep and delivers an enziguri. Jericho busts out a German suplex for a near fall. RVD comes back with a split legged moonsault. RVD has a reversal for most of Jericho’s move set. Jericho almost steals the pinfall with the ropes and nails a Bulldog. The Lionsault misses but so does the Five Star Frog Splash! The Lionsault connects but RVD kicks out. Jericho briefly applies the Walls and pulls RVD by the hair to the top rope. RVD shoves Jericho down for the Frog Splash for the win at 14:28. Great opener as they went into a higher gear in the final stretch, but not an all-time classic, ***½.
Winner: Rob Van Dam

Retro Rowe: WWF No Way Out 2002

WWF No Way Out

February 17, 2002

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Milwaukee, WI. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-We kick things off with the re-debut of the New World Order consisting of Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall. This was pretty surreal at the time, though it would have meant so very much more had they arrived about eight months earlier to save the WCW Invasion angle. Nash addresses the heat they have in the locker room, claiming that all they want to a clean slate. Hall says the n.W.o. are a bunch of marks who just want to work with the best WWF superstars. Hogan finally gets the mic and the crowd chants his name. He says they’re not here to kill the WWF, only to make it better. Hogan thanks Vince McMahon for this opportunity. This felt like a shoot, which I suppose is what they were aiming for.

Tag Team Turmoil:
Scotty 2 Hotty and The Hip-Hop Hippo Albert vs. Christian and Lance Storm

Storm locks up with Scotty, but finds himself overwhelmed. Albert tags and drops Storm with a press slam and delivers the giant swing to Christian. Albert is briefly isolated, but makes a lukewarm tag to Scotty. The match quickly breaks down and Storm saves Christian from The Worm. The Unprettier finishes Scotty at 2:55.

Jeff and Matt Hardy, accompanied by Lita, make their return after a short hiatus. The Hardy Boyz clean house. Matt’s leg drop is blocked by interference from Storm, shifting the momentum. Storm and Christian try to isolate Matt, but he quickly counters by dropping Christian on the ropes. Jeff gets what is supposed to be a hot tag and delivers some rapid fire offense. Matt saves Jeff from Storm’s Half Crab and a miscue results in Storm knocking out Christian with a kick. The Swanton Bomb finishes Storm at 6:11.

Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley, accompanied by Stacy, are the next team to square off with the Hardy Boyz. The fresh Dudley Boyz quickly gain the upper hand. Bubba counters a superplex but misses a splash off the top. D-Von and Matt get fresh tags, but Matt cleans house. Stacy saves Bubba from Matt’s Twist of Fate, but Lita pounces on her. Bubba attacks Lita and nails Matt with the Bubba Bomb. Lita sneaks in a Lita-carana. The match breaks down until Matt pins D-Von with a roll-up at 10:49. The Dudleyz are sore losers and deliver the 3-D on Jeff on the floor.

Billy and Chuck are the next team. With Jeff down and out, we’re left with Matt in a handicap match situation. Matt does a valiant job fighting off Billy and Chuck initially, but Billy’s Fame-asser ends it at 12:18.

Farooq and Bradshaw are the final team and initiate a brawl. Farooq nails a shoulder block on Chuck and tags in Bradshaw to continue dishing out punishment. Billy and Chuck successfully isolate Farooq for a while. Farooq counters with a Spinebuster on Billy and gets the hot tag to Bradshaw. Billy suffers the Clothesline from Hell and the A.P.A. win at 16:34. This was a typically frustrating Tag Team Turmoil match, as everything felt rushed and no one was in there long enough to gain anything from it, *½.
Winners: Farooq and Bradshaw

Retro Rowe: WWF Unforgiven 2000

WWE Unforgiven

by Samoa Rowe

September 24th 2000

-From Philadelphia, PA. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler (with Michael Cole covering for Lawler for a while). The big story going into this show is the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin after missing almost a year of action. Austin is gunning for the man who ran him over.

The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and The APA (Faarooq and Bradshaw) vs. Right to Censor (Val Venis, Bull Buchanan, The Goodfather, and Steven Richards)

The Dudleyz take care of Goodfather in the early going, until the former pimp saves himself with a back drop counter. Buchanan tags but ends up on the receiving end of Bradshaw's swinging neck breaker. Buchanan counters with a springboard elbow. Venis tags but suffers a hard Irish whip from Bradshaw, followed by a fallaway slam. Venis counters D-Von's Irish whip and nails a powerbomb. RTC takes control by isolating D-Von for a short heat sequence. Bubba gets a hot tag and cleans house on RTC. The match quickly breaks down, and the Dudleyz hit the Doomsday Device on Val, but Goodfather saves the match. Richards catches Bubba with the Stevie Kick for the Venis pinfall at 6:02. Kind of a useless opener, with cheap heat vs. spinning wheels, *1/2.
Winners: Right to Censor

WWF SummerSlam 2000

by Samoa Rowe

August 27, 2000

-From Raleigh, NC. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

Right to Censor (The Goodfather, Bull Buchanan, and Steven Richards) vs. Rikishi and Too Cool (Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay) (with the Hos)

Tool Cool have adopted he hos (including the future Victoria) in light of the Godfather abandoning them. Scotty 2 Hotty has a hot start against Buchanan, who eats a Too Cool double suplex. GMS dumps Goodfather to ringside, where he shoves down the hos! HOW DARE HE DISRESPECT THE HOS! Right to Censor takes control and trap GMS in their corner for a short while. Rikishi gets a hot tag (three and a half minutes in) and cleans house on RTC. Rikishi and Too Cool pile RTC up for butt splashes in the corner, and the match breaks down. Scotty looks for the Worm on the Goodfather, but Richards ambushes with the Stevie Kick for the win at 5:11. Holy short match! Still, emotions were running high in this one, *¾.
Winners: Right to Censor

Retro Rowe: WWF Fully Loaded 2000

WWF Fully Loaded

by Samoa Rowe

July 23,2000

-Whoa, this WWF event is rated TV-MA! Granted, it’s been at least ten years since the last time I watched this show, I don’t remember it being that violent. It could be due to heavy Chris Benoit involvement.

-From Dallas, TX. Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross are on commentary.

Test, Albert, and Trish Stratus vs. Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, and Lita

Matt starts with Albert after a short clusterf*ck. Matt is unusually clumsy here, slipping on the turnbuckles and tumbling off the apron. Matt manages to catch Test with the flying leg drop. The Hardyz double team Test (and I start to wonder if Matt is drunk when he’s off again) and Jeff wipes Test out at ringside. Test catches Matt with a big boot and tags in Trish. Matt ducks a slap and Test gets knocked down, allowing a near pinfall on Trish. Lita tags (to a huge pop) but Trish escapes with a tag to Albert. The Hardyz save Lita from Albert with Poetry in Motion. The Hardy suplex Albert and then Trish assists in a triple suplex on Test and Trish. Albert recovers to press slam Jeff to ringside, and T&A cut the ring in half. Jeff takes quite a beating but manages to make the hot tag to Matt, who manages to hold it together with a burst of offense. Test pump handle slams Matt, but Jeff breaks the cover with a Swanton bomb. Matt DDT’s Albert while Lita hits Test with a tornado DDT. Lita wipes out Albert with a cross body on the floor and a hurricanrana on Test. Albert cheap shots Lita’s injured ribs, allowing a power bomb from Test. Trish demands a tag and makes a cover for 2. Running bulldog by Trish but Lita catches her on the top rope for a superplex. The Hardyz clear the ring of T&A so Lita can finish Trish with the Litasault at 13:10. Lita was the star of this match, it was hard not to root for her against the men. Well-booked opener here, **¾.
Winners: The Hardy Boyz and Lita

WWF Backlash

May 21, 2000

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Louisville, KY. My hosts and your’s are Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler. This review is brought to you (but not endorsed or sponsored by) the WWE Network.

-It’s worth mentioning that this pay-per-view is being sponsored by Army Men for the Panasonic 3DO! I bet you all have fond memories of that particular home console.

-DX and the McMahons are having a private party in the back. Vince McMahon berates Hardcore Champion Gerald Brisco for being late and demands to know where Pat Patterson is. Vince sends Gerry off to get coffee and rallies the troops for their matches later. X-Pac and Road Dogg will beat the Dudleyz, Shane will defeat Big Show, and Triple H will reclaim the WWF title in the Iron Man match against The Rock.

-Gerald Brisco is ambushed by the Head Bangers (they were still a thing?) and gets chased away.

-Kurt Angle cuts a promo on his way to the ring. He’s coming to terms with his newfound status as a heartthrob to teenage girls. Angle is joined by Edge and Christian, wielding strange brown sacks. Christian intentionally mispronounces “Louisville” while annoying the fans with a disingenuous faux baby face promo. They set up a five second pose (for those with the benefit of flash photography) dressed up as a redneck jug band (complete with fake teeth and a banjo). This was pretty funny and still managed to generate heat.

Kurt Angle and WWF Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian vs. Too Cool (Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, and Grandmaster Sexay)

Team ECK jump Too Cool from behind but the tables are quickly turned as they all get splashed in the corner before retreating. GMS starts with an enziguri on Edge and the hip hop missile drop-kick. Scotty and GMS double team Edge with elbow drops. Christian tags but Scotty catches him with a vertical suplex, followed by the moonwalk. GMS uses his body to shield Scotty from a hard Irish whip. Team ECK retreats again and GMS loses his pants while dancing. Rikishi tags and plows through Edge and Christian and pulls Angle into the ring but misses a butt drop. Rikishi avoids getting cut off from his partners and tags in Scotty, but Angle prevents the Worm with a hard clothesline. Scotty gets isolated instead and is properly beaten down before making the hot tag to Rikishi. Team ECK gets piled in the corner for a Rikishi splash. Angle takes the Stink Face but retaliates with a DDT. Rikishi bounces back with double clotheslines but Edge puts him down with a spear. Scotty finally delivers the Worm to Edge. Christian clocks Rikishi with the ring bell, but the ref misses it. GMS saves Rikishi with the Hip Hop Drop on Edge. Angle is late making the save and Rikishi pins Edge at 9:44. I don’t think that was supposed to be the finish, Angle’s timing looked off. Either way, the crowd is pleased with this strong, high-energy opener, **¾.
Winners: Rikishi and Too Cool

Retro Rowe: WWF Backlash 2000

WWF Backlash

April 30, 2000

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Washington D.C. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-Debra makes her first appearance in months to serve as ring announcer for the opening contest. Jerry Lawler can barely contain his glee.

WWF Tag Team Championship:
Edge and Christian © vs. D-Generation X (Road Dogg and X-Pac, with Tori)

Even in 2000, Road Dogg was doing his fan-friendly promo routine despite being a heel. Speaking of dispositions, this is a heel vs. heel match up as Edge and Christian had been acting gradually more obnoxious since winning the Tag Team titles at Wrestlemania. Edge gets the better of X-Pac in the early going. Road Dogg doesn't fare much better, suffering a Christian cross-body off the back of Edge. Road Dogg thumbs the eyes of Christian to isolate him in DX territory. The DX beat down includes X-Pac's Bronco Buster, Road Dogg's dancing jabs, and some cheap shots from Tori. Edge interferes with an uncharacteristic diving head butt on Road Dogg. Christian reverses with a double DDT and makes the hot tag. The match quickly breaks down and X-Pac accidentally clocks Tori in the face among the chaos. With the referee distracted, Christian clocks X-Pac with the ring bell to allow the Edge pinfall at 9:21. The crowd loved that finish. Good opener, **½.
Winners and still WWF Tag Team Champions: Edge and Christian

WWF No Way Out

February 27, 2000

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Hartford, CT. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler

-I had an extremely difficult time picking my first show to review on WWE Network, but this one just kept calling out to me.

Intercontinental Championship:
Chris Jericho © (with Chyna) vs. European Champion Kurt Angle

Angle cuts a short patronizing promo, promising to return to Hartford later on as the hero they all deserve. Jericho responds by calling “Kirk Angel” an ignoramus. The crowd is red hot for Jericho at the opening bell. They keep a fast pace, with Jericho dropping Angle over the ropes for the drop-kick off the top. Jericho misses a clothesline and hits the ring post, but he rebounds with a moonsault off the ring steps! Angle crotches Jericho on the top rope for a belly to belly superplex. Jericho rebounds with a double underhook backbreaker, but Angle retaliates with a German suplex for 2. Angle goes to work on the hurt arm, but Jericho surprises with a spin heel kick. Jericho makes a comeback, complete with a dead lift power bomb. Angle rolls into a cross arm breaker! Angle nails the Olympic Slam but is too slow to cover and gets 2. Jericho avoids a belt shot and applies the Walls! Angle escapes and tries another belt shot, but Jericho inadvertently knocks him into Chyna against the steps. Angle blocks the Lionsault with a title belt and wins the match at 10:11. They packed a lot of action into a short amount of time, the cheap finish works in the context of Angle’s ongoing story, **¾.
Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Kurt Angle