A Chaotic Rant: WWE Royal Rumble 2004
- Yeah I know I'm over a month late from turning this in when I said I would, but this has been a rough year, and I'll start trying to meet my due dates for these things better from here on out. I also throw a few jokes in here out of boredome, and that means I'll probably be out of them by the next rant.
-We are Live from Philadelphia, PA
-Your Hosts are for the RAW side JR and King and for the Smackdown Side Michael Cole and Tazz.
-Heat Match: Victoria vs Molly Holly: This is a nontitle match. Both women lockup to start and its broken up by the referee. They trade hammerlocks as Victoria floats hers over into a 1 count. Headlock takeover by Victoria gets a 2 count. Headscissors by Molly gets rolled over into a 2 count for Victoria. Backslide by Molly gets another 2. Victoria dropkicks Molly in the face, but Molly has enough to come back and choke Victoria in the corner and then snapmare her and plant a dropkick in Victoria's face for a 2 count. Molly then stretches out the jaw and follows it up with a WOMEN's HANDSPRING ELBOW for 2. Molly slams Victoria's head into the mat for 2 and then stays on the offensive by applying a variation of a chin lock, but Victoria has enough sense to reverse it into a neckbreaker for 1. La Magistral gets 2 for Victoria followed by another roll up for a 2 count. Victoria decks Molly and scoop slams her and follows it up with a pinning moonsault for a 2 count. Molly gets back on offense long enough to climb the turnbuckle but Victoria halts her up there and reverses it into the Widow's Peak for the 3 count and the victory at 4:59. Pretty tame womens match here as Victoria looked pretty hot in her attire for the night. *1/2
-A decent video package starts the show as no one can say enough about how awesome WWE's Production values are.
-WWE Tag Title Table Match: Ric Flair/Batista vs The Dudleys: Batista on the mic and calls the Dudleys bigger losers than the Eagles, which is a pretty low blow until you consider the fact that the Eagles have blew their shot at the Super Bowl 3 years in a row now. This prompts the Dudleys to attakc on the rampway and both teams brawl until Batista attempts to kill Bubba against the ring-post but misses and nails his arm on the ringpost instead prompting Bubba to run to the other side of the ring and grab a table and slide it all the way across the ring into Batista's ribs which is a pretty innovative table shot. Flair is tossed into the ring by D-von as the bell sounds and D-von Powerslams Flair. Dudleys attempt a double suplex on Flair through the table, but Batista moves the table out of the way. Dudleys double up on Big Dave followed by D-von nailing a swinging neckbreaker on Batista. D-Von sends Batista and himself over the top with a clothesling as Bubba sets up a table in the corner only to have Flair chop away. Bubba fights back Dusty Rhodes style (which brings back alot of bad Flair matches because Flair could never get a great match out of Dusty like he could anyone else) only to get clotheslined by Batista. Batista and Flair manhandle both Dudleys for awhile before D-von hits a clothesline on Flair and Bubba dodges Batista as Dave's arm meets the ringpost again. Dudely's hit a double neckbreaker on Batista or as JR calls it MAH GAWD A REVERSE 3D!!!!! Flair owns both Dudleys a bit before getting thrown over the top. Dudleys move in for the kill until Coach gets involved and tossed into the ring while having his shirt ripped off. Dudleys try a Wasaaaaaaaaaaa attempt up coach as Flair makes the Save and Batista chokeslams D-von through the Table to retain the gold at 4:22. This was pretty shitty as PPV table matches go and kinda goes against the put both opponents through table in order to win rule. This along with extremely weak shots thrown during the brawling make this match a surefire DUD. Flair cuts a victory promo afterwards in Psycho-Naitch fashion.
-John Cena complete with word life knuckles is interrupted midway through a backstage freestyle by RVD. Cena then makes a few drug jokes about Robbie V afterwards, which is always good, although he forgot to say why do you think everythings cool when you're RVD... because you're too messed up for anything not to be cool >_>.
-Cruiserweight Championship Match: Rey Mysterio Jr (C) vs Jamie Noble: Both men trade waistlocks to start as Mysterio then sets Noble up for the 619 only to get flapjacked. Noble stomps and chops away at Mysterio followed by a front suplex across the top rope which gets a 2 count. Snapmare followed by a kick to the spine gets another 2. Rey is ripped into the ropes and rolls up Noble for 2 and then is clotheslined down for 2. Rear chinloack by Noble into an abdominal stretch. Mysterio battles out and gets whipped into the ropes, and Dropkicks Noble in midair midway through a reversal. Mysterio pounts away and hurricaranas Noble and then hits a Mysterio bulldog for 2. Mysterio goes for a springbaord crossbody and gets reversed into a ribbreaker. Tiger Driver attempt is blocked as Noble stays on the offensive and bounces off the ropes only to have his leg pulled by Nidia allowing Mysterio to hit the 610 and a springboard leg drop for a 3 count and to retain the title. at 3:14. Match was way way too short not to mention the ending came out of nowhere as these two with proper booking and given enough time are capable of wrestling classics with one another, and its sad that because the WWE doesn't put alot of emphasis on the Cruiser division they weren't allowed to, but as weeks go by it seems the WWE is starting to take a hint and put more focus on that division so that is nice to know. 3/4*
-Crappy Originals CD promo followed by a buildup for out next matc which is pushed like it is a guranteed **** encounter. If only that were true...
-La Familia Fight!!!!!: Eddy Guerrero vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. w/Chavo Sr: They circle each other before locking up and stayed locked up until Eddie pushes off. Chavo slaps Eddie as Eddie says its on Homes and drives Chavito into the corner only to have Nick Patrick break it up. Eddie hammerlocks Chavo inot a drop toe hold and then a rear chin lock. Chavo backs Eddy into the corner and gets a chop in as both men lock up again only to have Eddy back Chavito into a corner and get a chop of his own. Chavo and Eddie Lock up a 3rd time as Chavo headlocks Eddie adn then gets whipped into the ropes and hits a shoulder block a couple times and then acts like he is back bad Tarzan in seach of Jane and pounds his chest. Eddie and Chavo trade chops until Eddie gets a thumb to the eye. Eddie takes Chavo down with a single leg takedown into an armbar. Eddie gets a couple of one counts before chavo reverses leverage and hurricaranas Eddie and himself over the top rope. Chavo tries to go back outside to attack Eddie, but the referee stops him allowing Chavo Sr to grab eddie's legand make him land face first on the steel steps. Chavo pounds Eddie on the outside and then tosses him in the ring as both men trade mounted punch positions until Eddie hits another elbow. Chavo breaks it and gets a backsuplex for a 2 count. Chavo then goes for some rolling suplexes but only gets 2 before Eddie blocks. Eddie then prevents a tornado DDT attempt as he headbutts Chavo twice and then shows Chavo how the rolling suplexes are supposed to be done and gets the coveted hat trick. Eddie follows it up with a Frog splash for the 3 and the victory at 8:04. Eddie ties Chavo Sr by his tie on the bottom ring rope and then pounds away at and bloodies up Chavo Jr as you can see Eddie's rage with each vlow as Chavo Sr. goes what are you doing Eddie thats your kid man. The match was like a 25 minute classic in the making that got trimmed down and abruptly ended in 8 and that always kills the rating and makes it dissapointing especially on the 3rd biggest PPV of the year. **
-Fanatic Promo for the greatest DVD set ever released. If you haven't bought the Flair DVD set yet and you're a wrestling fan how dare you as the 2nd Disk alone makes it worth the 27 bucks or however much you have to fork over for the DVD.
-Speaking of Great segments as Flair interrupts Benoit's interview and reminds him that he is the greatest technical wrestler alive, but everyone knows you take second everytime you go ou. Them's fighting words, but that potential classic will have to take place later. One could hope for a stage like wrestlemania, but Benoit's gotta win the gold there so nope can't do that. Hell why not have a round robin for the Title with Flair, Benoit, HBK, and Jericho. Now that'd be great, but now we have to come back to reality as Flair lets out a few Woooooooos and sprays champagne all over the place.
-Build up for our smackdown side of things as one can only pray this one isn't as bad as Douglas/Pitbull from Barely Legal.
-WWE Championship Match: Hardcore Holly vs Brock Lesnar: Holly knocks Brock off the apron midway through Bock's Pyro as both men brawl back and forth before Hardcore blocks an F-5 attempt and pushes Brock into the steel ringpost that is getting little to no love tonight. Holly then drives Brock's shoulder into the post again and slides Brock into the ring as the bell sounds Lesnar dodges a double axe handle off the top as he then start stomping away at Hardcore. Snap Suplex by Brock as he follows it up by non chalantly tossing Holly outside and goes to work on Holly's back out there. Back in Lesnar gets a 2 count and then applies a grapevine waist lock. Brock finally releases the hold and stomps at Bob Holly before performing a nicely done stalling high angle fisherman's suplex. Lesnar cover, but only gets a 2 count and then goes back to applying the gutwrench/waist lock. Holly fights back to his feet and gets in a bearhug position to get a few punches and then comes off the ropes and gets caught by a Lesnar Overhead Belly to belly. Lesnar follows it up by applying a rear naked choke on Holly until Bob gets to his feet again and tries to knockdown Brock before finally being successful with a running clothesline. Dropkick by Holly quickly followed by an alabama slam. Holly then locks on one of my favorite submission holds to use in a full nelson and refuses to let go before finally getting in the ring to break the count and then applies it on the apron, but Brock counters it into a guilliontine jaw breaker. Hardcore attempts a Fullnelson again but Lesnar hip toss takeovrs Holly and then hits the F-5. Which is enough for King Brock to retain the gold at 6:30 Match was extremely repetitive and seemed like rest hold city. Not to mention Brock made Holly seem like too easy of an opponent considering the fact that they've been feuding since November. Oh well not like it matters anyways as Holly was just filler until WWE could find a more meaningful feud in Eddie Guerrero and Goldberg for Brock. * for the whole thing.
-HHH and HBK are shown getting prepared for their match segwaying into the build-up video as the HBK mark in me is praying for Shawn to win and a Benoit vs Shawn match at Mania at that time. I think the perfect song for this build up video for this feud is "Never Gonna Stop"- Rob Zombie as it may be Edge's theme, but its also a good way to describe this whole mess.
-WCW........ er I mean World Heavyweight Championship match: HHH (C) vs Shawn Michaels: Last Man Standing Match: They stare each other down to start while Shawn politely says, "Remember Hunter we need to use psychology in order for people to buy into this match." Too bad it'll be thrown out the window a few minutes into this match. Main Event Lockup starts us off as they back into and hug each other in the corner for a while. They trade back and forth chops and punches as I get breathless during the live viewing of this from woooing. Side headlock takerover by HHH as they trade pinfalls and then the show of back strength by Michaels as they get back to back and then HHH knees Shawn. They trade chops once more as Hunter hits his Facebuster and then begins driving his shulder into Shawn in the corner twice. Hunter then gives Shawn a backbreaker. Second Back Braker attempt is prevented by Shawn as he attempts a knee breaker only to have hunter block and then Shawn perform a dragon screw leg whip followed nicely by a figure four which was a brilliant spot in their RAW match as Naitch was going nuts, but thats not the case here. Shawn finally greaks the hold as Hunter gets a 2 count before getting up and having Shawn dropkick the knee for a 3 count. Hunter ducks a HBK crossbody sending Shawny boy to the floor. HHH takes apart both ringside announce tables allowing one of the pieces to nail Fink in the head. Shawn tastes the steps as Hunter begins pounding away afterwards on the Smackdown Announce table. Hunter then attempts to suplex Shawn through the Spanish announce table, but Shawn counters and pucnhes HHH until he falls and dodges the Spanish Announce table much to the fans disapproval. Double axe handle from Michaels as he then brings Hunter back into the ring and climbs the Tunrbuckle only to get kicked in midair and Hunter to attempt a Pedigree. The Pedigree is reversed into a back body drop sending Hunter to the floor. Hunter is up at 5 as Shawn lies in await and attempts a springboard crossbody as Hunter ducks making Shawn land through the Spanish announce table and do a blade job as you kinda get used to JR implying MAH GAWD NOT BLOOD ANYTHING BUT A BLADE JOB MAH GAWD! Shawn struggles to get up at 6 as Hunter knocks him back down just to get him back up and toss him back in the ring. HHH pounds away at Shawn on the inside in a mount position. Shawn gets up at 7, but is quickly pounded back down as Shawn just gets up at 6 and begs for more of a punishing just to get knocked down again. You can't blame HHH for not giving Shawny boy what he wanted >_>. Shawn gets up and says bring it on punk and begins to trade blows with Hunter before HHH says enough of this and spinebusters Shawn back down to the mat. Shawn's back up at 7 and is easily knocked back down as Hunter goes find a chair to become a trusty companion for this match. HHH then nails Shawn in the back with the chair as Shawn gets up at 9. HH goes to pedigreee shawn on the chair, but Shawn reverses into a slingshot into the corner. Shawn then scrambles Hunter's brains with a nice chair shot, and now Hunter is up and blading as if these two wrestle each other and one Blades by God the other should blade too. Hunter is back up at 6 adn then both men trade shows before Shawn finally hits the flying forearm making it pretty obvious as what's coming next. Shawn nips up at 7 and punches away and hits an atomic drop and then another flying punch followed by an HBK Style Elbow Drop as Shawn signals for the band to start Tuning up as the Michaels mark in me is totally digging it. Hunter ducks the Chin Music and low blows Shawn. Both men are up at 7 as they exchange rights and then Shawn applies a sleeper. Shawn finally lets go and HHH is down for the count and is up at 8. Shawn stays on Offense unti Hunter gets a desperation DDT. Shawn's up at 8 and attacks Hunter int he corner and then gets an Irish whip reversed into one on the corner as he flips on top of the turnbuckle and HHH goes for a back suplex, but Shawn reverses into a Crossbody. Both men get up at 8 as Hunter pedirgees Shawn as Shawn finally is up at 9. Shawn then plants HHH with an Awesome superkick as both men are knocked out for the count as Shawn teases like hes going to get up but then stays down for a 10 count as its a Draw at 22:44. The Crowd completely hates and turns on the ending as HHH gets stretchered out of the ring and Shawn after being laid on a stretcher decies to walk out of the ring on his own accord. Well the ending was the best forseeable one so that both men wouldn't lose any heat, but the ending to the RAW classic and this match are pretty identical which kinda tells you the brainthrust couldn't think of a better one. This match proves to give HHH a loophole for not jobbing to Benoit at Mania also which I hate. Both men seemed to tell Psychology goodbye though as there seemed to be some in the first 7 minutes or so, but after that it kinda just was forgotten and if they had remembered that it probably woulda been a way better story told and a way better match all in all. Shawn however tried to do another awesome performance and Drug the matches Rating upward so it wasn't too bad and is MOTN thusfar. ***, but that's the great thing as we still have one more match to go to hopefully save my 35 bucks.
-Wrestlemania's coming and I have a feeling the extra hour given to this show is nothing to hoot and holler about. I think it'll be a great show if the curisters are allowed to shine in their match and the two main events deliver the good stuff.
-Nice Rumble build up as by this time you realize it'd take a ***** Rumble match to save everyone who ordered this show's money, but then again wierder things have happened in wrestling.
-Tazz and JR are doing commentary for the Rumble match as Deputy Dawg Austin, Paul Heyman, and Eric Bischoff do an entertaining, but pointless segment to entertain the fans at the event.
-Meanwhile Brock and Goldberg have a meet and greet for the second time as Goldberg uses the term putting yourself over in a WWE promo. Goldberg also calls Brock a bigger coward than Foley, and as some of the rednecks (Which I'm not one of) down here in Alabama would say.... Woooooooooooooo WE thems sounds like Fighting words.
-JR calls Foley a coward as I always love the extra touch that Tazz does with his Keys to victory.
-30 Man Royal Rumble: Its time to let the marking out begin as its not secret to those I chat with and those that don't know me, well the Rumble is one of my favorite matches to watch as they generally tend to be fun. Benoit as we already know draws #1 and Randy Orton takes #2 as I'm already saying to myself this should be interesting. They lock up to start as Benoit shows toothless agression in the corner, which carries over into the midle of the ring w/shoulder block & stomps followed by a snap suplex Orton battles backa nd melee's on Benoit. Benoit bounces back and gives Orton the kitchen sink as Mark Henry comes out at #3. Henry controls both men and proves that he is only good for being fat and slow but it isn't long before Benoit battles back and show's Henry how this is going to be. Tajiri is out at #4 and kicks the everliving crap out of Orton. Handspring elbow by Tajiri on Orton. Benoit then ends up turning a snap suplex into a pair of Germans. Henry tosses Orton over, but Orton hangs on. Bradshaw's #5 and Clotheslines everyone Straight to hell... or really nowadays its more like HECK, but Benoit sets the tone for the owning nature of the match by giving Bradshaw a Crossface and says NO CLOTHESLINES FOR YOU. Bradshaw stands up with the crossface still locked in and Benoit in a firemans carry and attempts to dump Benoit over, but is eliminated instead. Bradshaw pretends to be mad, but he's probably just thinking to himself woohoo! It's Beer time drinking time, and before I forget wanna know Bradshaw's secret for winning stocks? It's get really really drunk and then pick shit at random you'll be shocked how much money you can gain if you're a Smart DRUNK! Henry's the only one standing and Picks on poor Randy as Orton battles back. Rhyno comes out at #6 and goes right for Benoit, but not before hitting Orton. Benoit dodges a gore and Rhino meets Henry who was just a victim of green mist and is caught in a tarantula by Tajiri thus eliminating Tajiri. Shortly after Benoit dumps Mark Henry over the top and good riddance I say. Orton and Rhino try to eliminate Benoit, but Chris prevents this and and Rhyno knocks down both men. Rhyno tries once again to eliminate Benoit as Mattitude comes out at lucky #7 and comes in just to trade blows and then delivers a side effect with Rhyno. Benoit tries to eliminate him, but its a no go as the ways of Mattitude are strong. Rhyno works on Hardy as Steiner comes out at 8 and clotheslines everyone and suplexes all of them. Steiner is stopped by 2 Benoit Germans as Orton is about to be eliminated by Mattitude before Benoit halts that as Matt Morgan draws #9 during a Benoit Backsuplex on Mattitude. Morgan comes in and unleashes some HOSS VIOLENCE (which is basically a powerbomb and a few kicks and shoulder strikes). Hurricane comes out at #10 and crossbodies mattitude, but its quickly disposed of and dumped over the top rope my Matt Morgan. Morgan attempts to follow it up by doing the same to Mattitude, but Matt has been watching his Rockers videos and Skins the cat. All six men fight back and fortha s Booker T comes out at #11 and reminds Steiner that he's still just a SUCKA. He then axe kciks orton, but is denied by Hoss Morgan. Kane comes out at #12 and cleans house by chokeslamming everything in sight. The Clock ticks down for #13 as the lights go out and the gong of the Undertaker sounds making Kane pause and say shit I gotta do the J-O-B to a no selling deadman. He's busy complaining about his misfourtune as Booker T takes advantage and sends Kane over the top rope, but Kane isn't too happy about this as Spike Dudley proves to be the real #13. Spike is quickly killed by Kane as Kane destroys him ont he entrance ramp. Rikishi enters at #14 as you can tell Mcmahon is showing a lot of Hoss love inthis rumble match tonight. Rikishi kicks down a few folks and Stinkfaces Morgan as we are being informed of how Benoit eliminates Rhyno. Rene Dupree cockily enters at #15 and eliminates Matt Hardy and begins doing his Frenchie French dance as Rikishi says, "no sir I do the dancing around here" and superkicks Dupree over. A-train enters at 16 as Morgan is said Tah Tah to by Benoit. Shoryly after Orton dumps Rikishi and Booker T in quick succession over the top. A-train manhandles benoit in the corner as Orton says I'm just chilling. Shelton Benjamin enters at 17 as Benoit says goodbye to A-train. Benjamin takes care of Orton before missing a superkick and being sent over the top by Orton. Benoit and Orton trade shots and then collide heads as The Cat and Lamount dance their way in the ring at #18. Both men dance their way for a bit as I bet Mcmahon finds this the funiest of em all, but it does turn into a funny bit as Benoit eliminates Lamount's wig and then Lamount and Orton eliminates The Cat as Orton mounts back on the attack on Benoit. Kurt Angle brings an interesting mix to things as he enters at 19 and knocks down Orton as Benoit and Angle tease another classic in a long line of them. Angle gets Benoit on the mat and looks at Orton who works while taking it easy, Angle then snap suplexes Benoit. Angle tries to eliminate Benoit who hangs on as Rico draws #20 and is quickly knocked down and controled by Orton. Rico comes back w/ a facebuster and a kick to the head as he tries to eliminate Orton, but Orton makes i tlook to easy and RKO's and firemans carries Rico over the top. Test is #21, but is laid out backstage as Orton knocks down everyone. Austin screams at someone and tells him to go to the ring as Foley comes out and the crowd goes apeshit. Foley goes right for Orton and whips his ass Cactus Style. He then delivers a Cactus clothesline elminating him and Orton. Foley then allows Orton to have a meet and greet with the steps and then nicely adds more pain by choking him with a camera wire. Christian enters at #22 during all this. Foley hits a referee with the steel steps as Orton then lays out Foley with a chairshot as that's probably Mick's 1 billionth one. Orton pounds Foley against the railing and then carries Foley up the rampway. Foley fights back and brings out socko, but poor Nunzio is #23 and meets Socko instead of Orton as Randy gives Foley the Nut Shot of death and heads for higher ground as Foley trails after him. Back in the ring Angle's nearly elminated, but holds on as Christian attacks Benoit. Angle then Germans Christian and Benoit shortly later. Angle gets back up and tries to eliminate The Peeps Champ himself, but its no cigar as Big Show slowly enters at 24 and gives the hoss butt bump of death to Angle and follows it up by manhandling Benoit and Christian. All 3 take turns taking shots at Show, but Show makes easy work of all 3 and knocks em all back down. Jeircho enters at 25 and quickly reminds Angle that he's still his bitch. Jericho chops show, but is headbutted down. The 3 Canadian C's and Angle try to eliminate Show, but they can't and Show pushes all 4 off and hits Christian. Haas enters at 26 and goes straight for Christian tasing a potential **** match if booker properly, but Jericho shows up and help's C-man double suplex Haas. Nunzio is shown on camera reminding us that he's brilliant and isn't dead, but is just enjoying the show. Vitamin C try to eliminate Benoit, but Benoit hangs on. Christan then goes to elmininate Jericho, but Chris says hold up I do the elminating on this team and skins the cat and then drives a shoulder into Christian and backdrops him over the top. Jericho is nearly eliminated as Billy Gunncomes out a 27 and quickly sucks up the ring, but Fameassers everyone in the ring reminding everyone that he's the ass in this arena. Jericho begins to own everyone before being Germaned by Benoit as Cena comes out at 28. What no mid-rumble freestyle... oh well. Cena then tosses Nunzia in the ring as Nunzio tries to make Cena ignore that hes sitting out there in a funny bit. Show quickly attacks Cena as Nunzio tries to eliminate show, as show looks at him like what the. RVD spins, taunts, and flip flops his way into the ring at 29 as everyone says no taunting for you and tries to quickly get rid of him. Cena nails an F-U on Angle as Goldberg IS NEXT at #20 as he does what he's good for and spears and knocks the hell out of everyone. Haas is eliminated by Berg and then Nunzio is Crushed by a sick Spear as Bill then tosses Billy Gunn over the top rope. Nunzio is gorilla pressed over by Berg as Goldberg then tries to Jackhammer Show, but Brock comes in and F-5's Goldberg and then leaves as I actually believe it or not goes nuts as Brock tells Bill. Bill buddy, consider yourself OWNED! Goldberg stares down Brock as Angle dumps him over the top, but not before Brock gets called a sumbitch. All 5 of the little guys try to elmiminate show, but Show is big, fat, and slow and knocks all 5 down. Angle then takes a page from Naitch and chop blocks show's knee as Jericho Lionsaults and RVD *****'s show. Cena then 5 knuckle shuffles and Benoit nails the oh so sweet Diving Headbutt. Angle then lets everyone know that Show needs to go and they all try to pick him up bt can't. They finally get him moving as Show knocks em all down and eliminates Cena who lands badly on his knee. Rob tries to fippidy flop around to eliminate Show but Show makes an easy Job of Robbie V and dumps him over the top
FINAL FOUR: Benoit, Show, Jericho, Angle: Show tries to elminate Jericho, but Chris skins the cat and knocks show back, but show shoves him down. Show tries again to elminate Jericho, but Chris says no sir once again, and Jericho bulldogs show and locks him in the walls as show taps, but Angle attacks Jericho and nearly gets eliminated until Show chokeslams Jericho over. Show sidewalk slams Angle and chokeslams Benoit. Angle tries to german show, but show uses his big ass to his advantage and butss Angle. Show chokes Angle, but Angle battles back and Angle slams show. Benoit attacks Kurt, but gets Angle slammed himself. Angle reverses a chokeslam by show into an ankle lock. Show gets to 1 leg, but show flips over the top and eliminates Angle while hanging on as Angle has a 1992 Hogan Rumble temper tantrum. Show stands on the apron as Benoit nails a flying headbutt flipping Show back into the ring. Benoit runs off the ropes but is caught and then reveres a chokeslam into the crossface. Show moves to his feet and slams Benoit back down. Show waits for Benoit to get up and then gorilla presses Benoit, but Benoit applies a headlock and holds on slowly, but surely until Show flips over and Benoit wins the RUmble at 61:35. Benoit's celebration and look on his face afterwards is priceless as this Rumble match is just as great the 10th time I've watched it as it is the 1st time I watched it. ***** and I can only pray that Benoit's chase is ended at Mania with a job.
-Final thoughts: Well that undercard looked good on Paper, but didn't live up at all. Shawn vs HHH then kinda started things up the upward track, but that Rumble match saved my damn $35. Benoit's performance was great, and the rumble match it self was almost as great as the 92 Rumble, as Heenan's commentary makes that one easily better for many reasons. I'm going to reccomend this show just for the Rumble match alone, and y'all should definitely get a copy of the tape or buy the DVD for this one. Next I should be bringing the No Way Out rant as I'd get into this show more but I'm rushed to finish as I'm only allowed 2 hours on the computer a day.
Until next time this is Matt Chaos!
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