[Andy3000]

I've actually got HBK/Batista at ***3/4. It's one of my favourite matches of the year, maybe my outright favourite, although even at ***3/4 I wouldn't call it one of the best.

5.15.89 Hart Foundation v Twin Towers (WWF Wrestlefest 89):

Yeah, uh, I’m not even surprised anymore – these 80s Hart Foundation tags are ALL awesome whether they’re talked about or not. Needless to say, this was fucking great. It’s regular tag formula with the hot opening leading to the work over period by the heels, transitioning into the hope spot for the babyface only to get cut off, then there’s more heel work over before the hot tag eventually comes and that leads to the finishing stretch. I actually find myself loving Bret in the face in peril role as much as Shawn during his Rockers days the more I watch from the Hart Foundation. This is similar to the awesome Demolition tag I talked about last night, except it gets 5 more minutes and that’s enough to make it even better. Bret’s awesome as the face in peril; Jim’s awesome as the house o’ fire clearing the ring; Bossman’s great at keeping Bret beat down and he himself takes some big bumps for a 300 pounder, and Akeem really isn’t as bad as some people like to think, so overall everybody held up their end and brought the babyface and heel psychology that was needed.

I’m interested in comparing the Rockers’ stuff to the Foundations as I’d seriously consider both of these teams the best in the Federation’s history and this just further proves that statement. If this had a clean finish I’d give it ****, hell, if WWF had clean finishes for at least 75% of their tag matches during the 80s they would have had an absolutely AMAZING tag division, but as it stands, the count-out finish, while not exactly terrible, puts it just below the other **** Hart Foundation tags from the decade. ***3/4

[Crossface]

Their stretcher match is EASILY better IMO, here's my review of the match (I know most rate it a whole lot lower than me):

HBK vs Batista (Stretcher)

After the disappointment at Backlash and the often underwhelming stretcher stipulation I wasn’t expecting too much but I also had a feeling I may just be pleasantly surprised because Batista is usually good in gimmick matches and they had more storyline/psychology to play off as the feud had developed to be far more intense and interesting. Batista’s intensity and “hate” for Michaels at Backlash was really lacking for how much he supposedly wanted to make him “pay” but he was so much better here and it felt personal. HBK hasn’t looked so genuinely worried and hesitant at the start of a match since his heel days against the Undertaker in 97 IMO.

HBK picks Batista apart just like at Backlash but this time it’s actually meaningful and exciting to watch. Batista’s offence in this match is just great, his intensity is at an all time high and this match gave him a hell of a lot of credibility in my eyes. Jericho’s delusional/obsessive involvement in the match is a little bizarre but I liked it as it definitely added another dimension to the match and feud in general.

HBK’s resilience was tested like it hadn’t been in a LONG time and his selling is fucking INCREDIBLE. I can tell that people will either love/hate the last few minutes of the match but I enjoyed it. A great finish to an awesome encounter of a superb feud – delivering as good of a stretcher match as I thought possible. A unique match that was very original, entertaining and one of Batista’s more enjoyable matches he’s put out there.

***3/4

[INVINCIBLE]

Angle3000, you're wanting to make me watch a lot of Hart's work. I'll get to a lot soon and then give you feedback. Never seen their match against twin towers

Haven't watched ONS either. The stretcher match seems great. Looking forward to watching it soon

[Andy3000]

Yeah, so, this is really irrelevant to everything, but I know some will find it amusing (especially Austin101). I just downloaded Lil' Wayne's new album and on the song "Mr. Carter" he drops this line -

"Macho Man Randy Savage, far from average, above standards. Quote, flow, so, pro"

Again, this is pretty much spam, but for any old school wrestling fans I thought it might get a chuckle. I marked .

Guess I'll try and make the post less spam-ish by adding another Bret match review:

4.25.88 Bret Hart v Bad News Brown (WWF from MSG):

This was the follow up to their Wrestlemania 4 battle royal confrontation (where Bad News double-crossed Bret, essentially turning the Hitman face after his revenge beatdown) and it’s mostly about Bret getting a win over Bad News as payback rather than beating the shit out of him which would come in the following match from June. Needless to say, this was very solid, and both guys who have good chemistry from their Stampede days managed to click here too. It’s obviously building to a blow-off match (as every time limit draw from MSG back in the day did) and you always got the sense that their next one would kick into a higher gear as this one just seemed stuck in the middle somewhere, Still though, I enjoyed it and Bret getting pissed at the end after the bell, slapping Bad News as if to say “well, I never beat you this time, but you DID fuck with me at ‘Mania so…” was a nice way to set up the rematch. Plus, by the time June rolls around these 2 are REALLY bitter. Good match! ***1/2

Pretty sure I forgot to post this one before, but if I did then my bad.

EDIT: Invincible, I could try and find it online somewhere. It's awesome, seriously.

[Seb91]

I gave both Batista/HBK matches ***3/4. Jericho's interference however was baffling.

[The Clique87]

Originally Posted by Austin101

[b]

5) Main Event- The 2008 30 Man Royal Rumble Match


I found it pretty dull and boring as I've seen it three times now, not very sold to be honest but the Rumble's are stll always fun!

In the end The final two participants were Triple H and John Cena. Cena won by reversing a Pedigree attempt into an FU over the top rope at 51:38 to win the Rumble!

So it was a good Rumble though overall, it definately isn't one of the worst but it definately wasn't anywhere near one of the best.

Still had its moments.

Not BAD.

** 3/4

Great review of the Rumble 08. I thought it was a good PPV for what it was. I agree with your ratings except for this match which I'll give *** - for now. It wasn't the best that's for sure. Meltzer loved it, he gave it **** 1/4.

My top five Royal Rumble matches:

1. 1992
2. 2001
3. 2002
4. 2007(For the simple fact this has my favorite final two showdown)
5. 2004

I thanks for the compliments on the Edge/Taker series. I enjoyed the hell out of every single one of those matches. Those PPVs would be good pick ups. I'll probably just wait till they get on WWE 24/7.

I look forward to your WCW PPV and Bret Hart reviews.

[bigcal]

Meltzer gave the 2008 RR match ****1/4? Wow, I can't think of any reason it would be over *** myself lol.

Great reviews everyone that has done one over the last few pages while I was in bed !

I have started my Raw 2000 reviews now. I have decided to do a month at a time instead of posting reviews for each individual show. There is a good chance I can get a month done per day, but I think I will spread it out over 2 days so I don't get bored .

[Seb91]

Like i've said many times, the 2008 rumble sucked with the exception of HBK/Taker opening, the HHH/Foley square off and Cena's shock return.

[The Clique87]

Pretty much HBK91. Funny he gave the Rumble such a high rating and Flair/HBK such a low rating. Personal Pref. as always ...

bigcal, are you just doing Raw matches or will you review segments also?

[bigcal]

Originally Posted by HBK91

Like i've said many times, the 2008 rumble sucked with the exception of HBK/Taker opening, the HHH/Foley square off and Cena's shock return.

QFT!

Those are pretty much the only reasons I didn't give it the worst RR match rating ever. While I only gave it **1/2, it still wasn't the worst ever.

Edit: Clique, I am reviewing and ratings matches, and just reviewing segments. It would be pointless for me to rate segments as most of them are really short and would be between a DUD and * most of the time .