Just watched THAT Kane vs. Big Show mach that I've heard people talking about.
The randomness of it. Besides the ending I actually liked it though, however the crowd didn't seem too. Anyone know if there's a 'story' of some sort behind this? Was one of them injured or did they just decide to wrestle like that just to change it up a little.
Reminds me of when Kane did a rana and that time The Giant did kip up in WCW(I know he was smaller then but still). Basically I like big guys doing unexpected stuff like that. It...intrigues me. Not when it's overdone but like once in a blue moon.
Top 10 IYH matches:
1 - Taker/HBK Badd Blood
2 - HBK/Mankind Mind Games
3 - 10-Man Tag Canadian Stampede
4 - Bret/Bulldog Seasons Beatings
5 - HBK/Diesel Good Friends Bitter Enemies
6 - HBK/Jarrett The Lumberjacks
7 - Austin/Vega Beware Of Dog
8 - TAKA/Sasuke Canadian Stampede
9 - Austin/Bret/Taker/Vader Final Four
10 - Austin/Rock Backlash
Even though most of its events were pretty much one-match shows (with the exception of very few, particularly Canadian Stampede, St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Backlash), it did produce some of the GOAT WWF/E matches
Just watched THAT Kane vs. Big Show mach that I've heard people talking about.
The randomness of it. Besides the ending I actually liked it though, however the crowd didn't seem too. Anyone know if there's a 'story' of some sort behind this? Was one of them injured or did they just decide to wrestle like that just to change it up a little.
Reminds me of when Kane did a rana and that time The Giant did kip up in WCW(I know he was smaller then but still). Basically I like big guys doing unexpected stuff like that. It...intrigues me. Not when it's overdone but like once in a blue moon.
They were a team at the time, and Kane was going crazy every now and then leading up to the May 19th crap, and had attacked Show one of the times. So they had a match, but Show wanted to show Kane that he was still his friend so he thought wrestling like that would be fun and prove to Kane that he didn't want to hurt him and shit. Fun match.
Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio
Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Extreme Rules
Damn there were some really vicious spots in this thing. The arm breaker from Del Rio standing on the mini ladder to Christian standing on the big one was pretty sick. Del Rio’s focus on the arm in the latter part of the match is really good. I especially liked the cross arm breaker through the mini ladder. Speaking of the mini ladder, Christian just fucking it into Brodus Clay busted him the hell open. I don’t know if anybody else noticed that but there was a pool of blood on the outside from Clay’s head. Nasty shot. Del Rio gets backdropped from the apron into the ring and right onto a ladder. Both guys are taking their fair share of bumps in this thing. The worst of them all was Del Rio’s splash into the ladder that was sitting between the announce table and the ring apron. He landed really awkwardly too for that matter. The match really comes to life after that spot with Clay and Edge making appearances. Christian wins it with Edge there watching him in a truly special moment almost 20 years in the making. I’m no Christian fan but that was great to see. Brilliant match with some big bumps and awesome spots throughout.
****1/4
Randy Orton vs. Christian
World Heavyweight Championship
May 6th, Friday Night Smackdown
This match will live in infamy for the utter rage that erupted over the result lol. Anyways, I thought the commentary was actually good for a change and only served to compliment the story of the feud to come. Christian, the unproven champion against the multiple time and legitimate champion, Randy Orton. This match was excellent. Fact paced, action packed, crisp and exciting. Can’t wait to watch their OTL encounter.
****
Randy Orton vs. Christian
World Heavyweight Championship
Over The Limit
I loved this the last time I watched it and couldn’t wait to watch it again. It didn’t disappoint. What. A. Fucking. Match. I was completely glued to the screen. These guys just work and their chemistry has to be up there with the other great duos. I also think the storyline is really underrated. It’s fantastic and just fits with the dynamic of the matches so well. Once again this was fast paced and full of action. Never a dull moment. The crowd is hot and split which adds to the atmosphere as well. The RKO/Killswitch reversal into a back Boston crab I think it was, that was awesome and something new from Orton. Probably my favourite moment in the match was the RKO fake from Christian. That was brilliant. He lost the last match that way and faked Orton into thinking he was going do it again only to roll him up for a near fall. Just brilliant. Then there’s Orton’s moment of realization where the light bulb goes off in his head. How the hell can I win this thing? That’s right, the PUNT! He goes for the punt kick but second guesses himself. He wants to win the match but does he want to end Christian’s career? Enthralling character work and this is something that Orton excels at imo. His expressions and mannerisms tell the story. This also comes into play later in the feud when Christian turns heel. Orton goes for it again only to get nailed with a spear. I bought into it and thought it was over. Place is going nuts now and Orton finally wins it in the end with the RKO. Fucking fantastic. This has gone up since my last watch and I loved it so much I watched it again. Why don’t more people love this? Seriously. It’s awesome and I can’t rave about it enough. Just brilliant from start to finish.
****3/4 and my new MOTY so far.
Randy Orton vs. Christian
World Heavyweight Championship
Capitol Punishment
This match has an entirely different feel to it right from the get go. It isn’t a respectful battle between 2 champions trying to prove who is the best. This one is much more of a fight. They play off the concussion suffered by Orton beautifully and Orton’s selling is borderline fantastic. Let’s call it really good. Any time his head takes some impact, he’s selling it like a boss…until he starts pounding the mat waiting for the RKO lol but other than that, it’s good. Christian goes for the spear, Orton leap frogs and goes for the RKO, Christian blocks and hits the spear. Great near fall. Once again things ends with an RKO. This is probably the worst match in their series but in saying that, it’s still a good match and lays the foundation for the Summerslam No DQ match between them the next month.
***1/2
I'll be watching the Summerslam match possibly later on or if I don't get time tomorrow. Orton/Christian though :mark:. I think they get overlooked due to Punk/Cena in 2011 but this series needs more love if you ask me. Absolutely fantastic stuff here. Looking forward to their NO DQ bout.
They were a team at the time, and Kane was going crazy every now and then leading up to the May 19th crap, and had attacked Show one of the times. So they had a match, but Show wanted to show Kane that he was still his friend so he thought wrestling like that would be fun and prove to Kane that he didn't want to hurt him and shit. Fun match.
Oh okay, yeah that does make sense. JR was speaking about sportsmanship between them but I forgot that they were friends around this time before Kane started to freak out about May 19th. Thanks.
The Christian/Orton program definitely gets a lot of love, though I'm only a fan of the Smackdown match and huge fan of OTL where I felt they had the best dynamic: Christian as the underdog babyface with Orton as the proverbial glass ceiling he has to beat to ascend up the ranks of WWE. Minute Christian turned I lost great interest. Didn't think Christian as the heel was nearly as engaging, sympathetic and prone to working smart spots (such as the RKO fakeout as a callback in the SD match) as he was as a babyface and thought both CP and MITB were far lesser bouts. MITB more so with it being more of an angle advancer to prolong the feud into Summerslam. Didn't like the DQ stip even if Christian trying to taunt Orton made sense: it just wasn't what I wanted to see. Summerslam I'm not a big fan of, suffers from some of the pitfalls of WWE gimmick matches these days with how it doesn't differentiate itself in terms of structure and presentation. Too many of the bumps felt elaborate and gunning for a grand reaction as opposed to conveying hate and selling the end of the feud. The finish was also one of those blatantly setup spots that made no logical sense other than for Orton to hit the RKO.
OTL match is brilliant though, even if I think Christian is the better guy by a fair bit in it. He drove the match with his vulnerability, desire to prove to himself and the world that he could beat Orton as well as him incorporating some very smart spots you associate with babyface Christian. Orton was very good and definitely proved this is where he can work best under the current Viper character (withholding on the punt nearly costing him was a very smart nearfall), but I think Christian's sympathy and character made an emotional attachment apparent which combined with the smart pacing, timing of the counters and way the nearfalls were built to created that atmosphere.
Good to see Rock n Roll Express/Midnight Express and Midnight Express/Southern Boys from WCW 1990 get some love. Check out Midnight Express/Fantastics from 4/26/88 as well. At this point would happily call it the best tag in US history.
MNM-Heindrich/Animal- **
Christian/Booker T- **1/2
Benoit/O.Jordan- US Title- **3/4
Taker/Muhammed Hassan- **
Mexicools/BWO- DUD
Mysterio/E. Guerrero- ***
T.Wilson/Melina- DUD
Batista/JBL- **1/2
Thoughts: This show was really horrible, even Rey/Eddie wasn't that good, I gave the match a *** rating, because it was great to see a nice match after 3 bad ones. Batista/JBL wasnt that bad, only that the end was stupid, that's not really the best way to end a bad PPV
****1/4 for Eddie/Rey. Not your traditional great wrestling match between them, but some EPIC storytelling and character work from Eddie. My personal favourite from their series.
Batista vs Eddie Guerrero No Mercy 2005
First time seeing this match and I must say it was a lot of fun to watch. Match starts of with some basic chain grappling. Eddie gets frustrated as several attempts to escape a headlock by Batista proves null and after receiving a scoop slam off the rebound he quickly rolls to the outside. A frustrated Guerrero looks for help in the form of a steel chair but sets it back down after looking at it for some time. I don't know the storyline going into this match but the story of this match was basically Guerrero trying his best not to resort to underhanded tactics. After dropping the chair, Guerrero turns around to find Batista with his head sticking through the second rope. Batsita grabs Guerrero by the throat, raising him up on the apron but Guerrero is a desperate attempt to survive hot shots Batista.
From here Guerrero begins to wear down the big man constantly going after the back using a various amount of submission holds including body scissors, a half boston crab and a camel clutch. Guerrero brings his special brand pf psychology to the match once again by removing the tag rope. Just like how he contemplated using the chair, Guerrero fixes his eyes on the rope for quite some time but eventually drops, resorting to a legal tactic- a basic drop kick to the head.
Eddie attempts to get Batista into a Texas Cloverleaf but the size difference just won't allow Guerrero to get the big man on his stomach. Batista (who rarely is put in such a position) rolls Guerrero up with a small package but he kicks out. After getting to their feet, Batista reverses an irish whip sending Guerrero to the corner. However, Guerrero does an up and over and upon landing falls backwards knocking down the referee. Whether or not it was on purpose, we don't know. I'd like to think the momentum caused Guerrero to lose his balance and that's how he fell onto the ref
Guerrero once again brings his deep level of psychology into the match. Having realized a downed official, Guerrero returns to his trusty sidekick- the steel chair. Just as he is about to his The Animal with it, for the second time, Eddie drops the chair. Whatever it is, Eddie just doesn't want to resort to illegal tactics.
Batista begins to mount a comeback and just as he is about to put Guerrero away with the Batista Bomb, the bad back catches up with him. Guerrero hits the three amigos, climbs the turnbuckle and sets himself up for the frog splash. Eddie, realizing Batista wasn't completely out, rolls through the frog splash and runs straight into a spinbuster. Batista pinning Guerrero to retain the title.
★★★3/4
I had this match at 4 stars up until the end. I don't know. It just seem to come out of nowhere and didn't feel like the big pay off such a match truly deserved. Still a great match though even with the out fo nowhere finish.
I didn't know they had a match at MITB as well. Whoops. Guess I'm going to have to go and find that now since I don't have it in hard copy. Although the fact that I completely forgot about it doesn't say much. I'll tell you though, that Randy Orton compared to the Randy Orton we have now are two different people. That Orton cared. This Orton clearly doesn't. As a mark for the guy, it's sad to see. I really hope something lights a fire under his ass this year and gets him back into form or at least trying again. I guess this is the result of having a career the likes of his before you hit 35. He has nothing left to achieve.
I didn't know they had a match at MITB as well. Whoops. Guess I'm going to have to go and find that now since I don't have it in hard copy. Although the fact that I completely forgot about it doesn't say much. I'll tell you though, that Randy Orton compared to the Randy Orton we have now are two different people. That Orton cared. This Orton clearly doesn't. As a mark for the guy, it's sad to see. I really hope something lights a fire under his ass this year and gets him back into form or at least trying again. I guess this is the result of having a career the likes of his before you hit 35. He has nothing left to achieve.
Its the least of their matches. Doesn't get an extended amount of time and is more of an angle advancer. Think Jericho/Punk WM 28 in the opening with Jericho goading Punk into a potential DQ and make it 15 minutes instead of 5 and you have a rough illustration.
Eh, as I said I found the only strong matches to be when Christian was the face. Minute he turned I just think the pairing lost a lot of strengths Christian brings as a babyface and the matches lacked that spark, build and compelling work that made the Smackdown and moreso OTL encounters so special and engrossing. Orton's Viper character in part is the problem. It forces him to be more languid and monotonous in terms of his ring approach and methodical work and it just sucks any bit of tension, passion or excitement out of a match. Admittedly he does look far more blatantly casual these days, probably in no small part because of the suspensions and position he finds himself in on the card.
Doesn't help the guy's body is brittle with all the nagging injuries so the chances of him breaking away from the methodical style which is likely done to preserve his body isn't happening anytime soon. I don't even think Orton going heel drastically fixes the problem. He's better by default as the heel since he isn't a good enough babyface worker to emote well enough to bring a crowd into a match and his comebacks lack the flair and fire that is needed in a babyface comeback. That being said, 2009 Orton outside of the odd match and performance was a far cry from 2004-06 heel Orton in terms of interesting and engaging control segments.
It's also sad for me to look at Orton. Heck it was just 2 years ago I was marking out for the guy. Now, I don't know. Like everyone, I loved his run as the legend killer but I'm probably in the minority here when i say that I also enjoyed his 2010 babyface run. The ovations Orton used to get back in 2010. And of course, like I mentioned, his 2011 run was also good with his series of matches with Christian.
But now, he just doesn't care. You can see it. The way he walks, talks, wrestles. Everything about orton just screams "I really don't wanna be here right now" It doesn't help that one week we get Orton/Barrett and the following Orton/Cesaro.
It goes like this:
RAW week 1: Orton vs Barrett
SD Week 1: Orton vs Barrett
RAW Week 2: Orton vs Cesaro
SD Week 2: Orton vs Cesaro
RAW Week 3: Orton vs Barrett
SD Week 3: Orton vs Barrett
RAW Week 4: Orton vs Cesaro
SD Week 4: Orton vs Cesaro
And there's one month of booking Orton right there. You can tell in his matches that he's just going through the motions and once you've seen one Orton match, you've seen them all at this point. But like I also mentioned, when you get Orton vs Barrett twice a week, every other week it can only be so interesting.
I just realized that WWE uploaded the full match (not really full) of Jericho/Punk from Monday. That's awesome, I wish they'd upload full segments/promos/matches of RAW all the time but sadly I understand. It must be a bitch to upload short versions of it anyway, especially when you try to upload most of that during the ending of the show or during the show.
Mysterio/Guerrero GAB 2005 proves why the amount of moves and holds don't mean shit in pro wrestling.
Guerrero played a true heel in that match. I love how he was getting some cheers at the beginning but the from the moment he started toying with Dominic, everyone started to hate him. Well I know I did. Man, Eddie was such a dick in that match.
Its the least of their matches. Doesn't get an extended amount of time and is more of an angle advancer. Think Jericho/Punk WM 28 in the opening with Jericho goading Punk into a potential DQ and make it 15 minutes instead of 5 and you have a rough illustration.
Eh, as I said I found the only strong matches to be when Christian was the face. Minute he turned I just think the pairing lost a lot of strengths Christian brings as a babyface and the matches lacked that spark, build and compelling work that made the Smackdown and moreso OTL encounters so special and engrossing. Orton's Viper character in part is the problem. It forces him to be more languid and monotonous in terms of his ring approach and methodical work and it just sucks any bit of tension, passion or excitement out of a match. Admittedly he does look far more blatantly casual these days, probably in no small part because of the suspensions and position he finds himself in on the card.
Doesn't help the guy's body is brittle with all the nagging injuries so the chances of him breaking away from the methodical style which is likely done to preserve his body isn't happening anytime soon. I don't even think Orton going heel drastically fixes the problem. He's better by default as the heel since he isn't a good enough babyface worker to emote well enough to bring a crowd into a match and his comebacks lack the flair and fire that is needed in a babyface comeback. That being said, 2009 Orton outside of the odd match and performance was a far cry from 2004-06 heel Orton in terms of interesting and engaging control segments.
I like Orton's methodical style. I loved him as the Legend Killer but I'm probably one of the few who liked him just as much as The Viper. But it doesn't work if he's face. That's why I think a heel turn will sort of help fix some problems at least. As far as the Christian matches go, agreed that they take a hit once Christian turns. That much was obvious from the drop in quality between OTL and CP. I loved the story of the SD and OTL matches though, just loved them. One of the rare instances where DAT MANAGING MANAGER OF SMACKRAW BOOKAH TEE is bearable as a commentator. Aside from the ring action itself, I give kudos to the commentary team for adding that little extra kick. They were great. I can remember really liking the Summerslam match though. We'll see whenever I get around to watching it.
And since people are talking about it, I'd say OTL is both Orton and Christian's best singles non-gimmick match. Actually, I can't think of a better match for either of them tbh. I'm also probably the only person who has this match rated so highly. I just loved it.
Orton's best non gimmick match is vs Mysterio, Smackdown 4/7/06. Coincidentally its also his best ever match imo.
Cal is spot on with Christian though. Swagger/Christian 2/24/09 will forever be the mantle for which all Christian babyface peformances will be measured against. Such brilliant storytelling of the veteran vs rookie dynamic, terrific selling by Christian throughout and into his comeback, Swagger using his agility smartly to counteract Christian's intelligence, the way in which both men use their respective strengths to constantly seize momentum and how the control segment and Christian injury plays into the opportunistic finish. Its just flawless.
Agreed on Eddie vs Mysterio GAB being a great match and Eddie performance, second best in their feud behind 6/23/05. Eddie is a remarkably sleazy bastard and plays a true despicable heel and its just a masterclass in character work and how to add so many unique touches into his work in playing off the crowd and building the match around Rey's comeback. I say it everyime the match gets brought up, but Eddie getting crotched and then readjusting his tights to loosen his crotch a bit is just the sort of intricate and attention to detail visual only Eddie could think to add to the match.
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Wrestling Forum
23.4M posts
266.5K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to all Wrestling enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about WWE, AEW, Ring of Honor, Impact and all forms of professional and amateur wrestling.