The Best of Times…The Worst of Times // Royal Rumble

The brainchild of Pat Paterson and everyone’s favourite PPV: as the Rumble hits 30, I look at the best and worst of the show’s history.

Best Rumble Match // 1992

I lose points for originality here but 1992 is the default pick for the vast majority of wrestling fans for good reason: it featured arguably the last great performance of Ric Flair’s career (complete with classic post-match promo); allowed Bobby Heenan to channel his comedic talents to great effect; featured possibly the greatest cast of WWF characters ever assembled in one match; and was the best example of babyface icon Hulk Hogan getting away with being a bit of a dick (why you gotta play Sid like that, Hulkster?) This was probably the night the Royal Rumble truly established itself as appointment viewing on the WWF calendar: now more than just a novelty battle royal, this match, with its drama, unpredictability and moments of consequence and significance, overtook SummerSlam and Survivor Series to become the number 2 show for Vince and the boys.

Honourable Mention: 2007

Worst Rumble Match // 2000

WWF was red hot in 2000 so bringing its greatest gimmick to its home arena of MSG should have been a sure-fire hit, Whilst the undercard was superb, the Rumble match flattered to deceive. In fact, it remains the dullest Rumble match in history, its one fun spot an impromptu dance off between Rikishi and Too Cool for which the crowd came unglued (I remain steadfast that most wrestling fans secretly favour dancing over workrate). All this match is really known for is Road Dogg hanging onto the bottom rope for an eternity and Rocky and Big Show botching the finish. Avoid.

Honourable Mention: 1991

Best Title Match at a Rumble PPV // John Cena vs Umaga (WWE Championship, 2007)

I struggled with this category: I really enjoy the Triple H and Cactus Jack's street fight at 2000 and Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit at 2003 is a wrestling classic. But fans expected those matches to be great: this title bout from San Antonio, contested under Last Man Standing Rules, vastly exceeded expectations. Featuring an innovative spot in which Umaga charged across the announce desks, a mighty juice job from Cena and a frankly mental finish in which the champ used the ring ropes to render his foe unconscious, this match had a bit of everything. It also secured the late Umaga his spot in the huge Battle of the Billionaires match at ‘Mania 23. A true classic and one that doesn’t always get the props it deserves.

Honourable Mention: Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit (2003)

Worst Title Match at a Rumble PPV // Kurt Angle vs Mark Henry (World Title, 2006)

To be honest, the worst title match in Rumble history is probably Triple H vs Scott Steiner from 2003  but as I literally wrote about that last month, I feel I should vary things up. And Angle and Henry sucked so it’s fair game here.  This match, positioned last on the card, therefore going on after the Rumble and a worthier Cena vs Edge encounter, secured said slot simply because the show closing visual was to be Undertaker interrupting the pedestrian action so that he could destroy the ring. That this odd angle led to a belter between Taker and Angle is some consolation but on that fateful night in 2006, this was not Rumble worthy.

Honourable Mention: Triple H vs Scott Steiner (2003)

Best Rumble PPV // 2002

This show featured one of the best Rumble matches ever: Tripe H was a popular winner; Steve Austin had a blast delivering Stone Cold’s greatest hits; Mr Perfect returned and Maven eliminating Undertaker feels even more shocking years later than it was then. The show also had a great undercard: Jericho and The Rock tore it up in the Undisputed Title match and Vince McMahon and Ric Flair had a surprisingly solid street fight. The opening tag is innocuous fun if you watch it now on the Network but I have a soft spot for it based on the DVD release: for some reason, Taz and Spike Dudley delivered commentary on their match and seized the opportunity to mock Stacey Keibler for blowing her slapping spot; as Taz noted, the slap she sent his way would only have connected if he’d been a couple of feet taller.

Honourable Mention: 2007

Worst Rumble PPV: 2006

I’ve already buried the title match but the rest of the show wasn’t up to much either… The undercard featured JBL vs The Boogey Man which was as bad as it sounds and the Rumble itself was uninspiring. Triple H and Rey Mysterio tried to repeat Shawn Michael’s and Davey Boy’s gimmick of surviving the field from the 1 and 2 spot. 11 years may have passed but it still felt too soon to repeat this scenario; about half way through the match it became too clear this was the direction they were going in and the contest suffered accordingly. The pop for Rey after his win probably wasn’t as passionate as expected; sadly, things would only get worse in this regard…

Honourable Mention: 1991

Article by Sean Taylor-Richardson

WWE Best of 2000s DVD Review

Here's the last of our WWE Home Video catch-up! 

WWE's Best of 2000s hit shelves in late April and features Mick Foley and guests introducing some of the best matches of the previous decade. Almost all of the noughties big bouts are here, including Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle's 60 Minute Iron Man Match, Triple H v "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in a Three Stages of Hell Match, Shawn Michaels and John Cena going almost an hour in London, The Undertaker taking on Michaels in the first of their classic WrestleMania matches, 'Taker v Kurt Angle, Steve Austin and The Rock's No DQ match from WrestleMania X-7, Triple H and Batista inside Hell in a Cell, a Street Fight between Cactus Jack and Triple H, Tables, Ladders and Chairs with Edge and John Cena, Shawn Michaels v Kurt Angle, the dream match between Hollywood Hulk Hogan and The Rock, as well as matches featuring Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio and Booker T. 

That's a hell of a line, but does Best of 2000s make the most of it? Let's take a look. 

Mick Foley acts as the host, being joined by Enzo & Cass, Charlotte Flair and Bayley along the way for a series of entertaining skits and interviews that add up to just over 20 minutes. The comedy is hit and miss, but there's also a couple of old references that some will get a kick out off, whilst the interaction between Flair and Foley probably provides the best content.

We begin with Cactus Jack v Triple H in a Street Fight over the WWF Championship (Royal Rumble - Jan '00) in a bloody war (there's a lot of blood on the first couple of discs). The two are near perfect in their roles as Jack takes Triple H on a Hardcore thrill-ride through barbed wire, thumb tacks and steel chairs. The legendary original TLC match is next as Edge & Christian, The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz (SummerSlam, Aug '00) put on the stunt shows to end all stunt shows (or should that be begin all stunt shows). There's some super silly highspots as all six blokes (and Lita) go all out and send North Carolina crazy. 

The original Three Stages of Hell match between Triple H and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (No Way Out, Feb '01) is well-booked and manages to carry it's lengthy 45 minute running time effectively. The regular singles match is physical, but the Street Fight portion takes things up a notch as Trips and Austin bring the toys and beat the shit out of each other. The final inside a Steel Cage manages to build upon the previous two bouts, pulling story threads through and features some wonderful near falls. Throughout the three matches there's a real feeling that these two lads hate each others guts (let's forget they became a team two months later), as they bring the fight and sell the fight, with the post-match selling in particular standing out. 

More blood is next as Austin and The Rock (WrestleMania X-7, Apr '01) put on high-drama in a No Disqualification bout over the WWF title. There's near falls a plenty and a crowd that is completely invested in almost everything the two do, with the first twenty minutes being especially gripping. The appearance of Mr. McMahon is perhaps the only thing that holds this back from being a perfect bout as the heel turn for Steve Austin just wasn't what the audience wanted to see, noticeable by the fact that the audience still goes nuts for Stone Cold taking the title. The Rock v Booker T over the WCW title (SummerSlam, Aug '01) is the only match on the disc that probably doesn't deserve it's slot, as whilst it's not a bad match, I'm sure it didn't even make any Match of the Year lists for 2001. The match is pretty much all shenanigans from the start, with Shane McMahon at ringside causing problems and comes at a time when the crowd was still hot for the Invasion angle. 

The quintessential dream match between The Rock and Hollywood Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania X-8, Mar '02) would become the template for many similar matches in future times. It's big moves, big moments and big drama in front of a crowd that refused to boo Hogan. It's not the best technical match on the set, but it is still completely fascinating. The next year (WrestleMania XIX - Mar '03) Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels takes elements of sports entertainment and elements of traditional pro wrestling and manages to mesh the two into one glorious package. The story of Jericho wanting to break out of being "the next Shawn Michaels" produces some very cool action, with some brilliant mirroring on a couple of near falls. It's crisp, physical and flows towards it's finish almost seamlessly.

The longest match (and the first TV bout) on the set is Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle's 60 Minute Iron Man Match over the WWE title (SmackDown - Sep '03) and if you could find two better performers to put on this kind of match then you're a better man than me. The story-telling and psychology from the get go is superb, with the two throwing out little nuggets of narrative and then pulling them through. Those little touches are mixed with big moves, like German suplexes and highspots (like the Angle Slam into the post) as the two take advantage of the vast canvas that they have to paint their picture on. The performances of both men, as Lesnar sells his left knee and ankle wonderfully and Angle does a brilliant out on his feet, man possessed turn that at times drives the contest. The closing five minutes are gripping with the scoring system being used better than ever before or since and both men telling the story all over their bodies and facial expressions. The bout is helped by the strength of the commentary from Michael Cole and Taz, who make sure the viewers notice ever little detail that Lesnar and Angle include, whilst heightening the drama further. 

Randy Orton's career maker opposite Cactus Jack (Backlash - Apr '04) is one of the most brutal matches WWE has ever put on, with all sorts of hardcore weaponary used creatively by the pair. The story of the young rookie wrestler attempting to tangle with the rough and tumble former death match fighter takes on a life of it's own from a couple of minutes in and develops into something quite special by the finish. The spots with Eric Bischoff appearing and leading into the fight on the entrance ramp give extra depth to a match that Orton has still to top in his WWE tenure. Lita and Trish Stratus main eventing RAW (Dec '04) is the only Women's match present and whilst it's not up to the level of most of the set, it's worth considering that it very well could have been, had Lita not straight-up murdered herself on that infamous suicide dive. 

Shawn Michaels against Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 21 - Apr '05) is perhaps two of the best wrestler's the world has ever seen going at it for almost half an hour and it's wonderful. Just the stuff with Sweet Chin Music and the Ankle Lock is incredible, but there's so much more than just finishers going on here. This bout is a great example of Michaels' selling ability, as he grabs the entire Staples Center and has them reacting every small action and reaction. Hell in a Cell houses Batista and Triple H (Vengeance - Jun' 05) for a battle that builds and builds. The pair use the structure and a variety of weapons, with the work with the barbed wire wrapped steel chair standing out, with the contest having a tangible feeling of animosity and bile. Whilst the two piss buckets of blood, there's still enough clever flourishes, like the finish, that make this stand out beyond the violence level. 

Kurt Angle and The Undertaker (No Way Out - Feb '06) put on a superb mix of wild brawl and back and forth reversals. Taker's favouring his ankle throughout puts Angle over as a threat effectively and means anytime The Olympic Gold Medallist goes for his signature hold the bout turns on it's head. The final five minutes are pretty much perfect as the two blend their big moves and submissions, keeping the viewer glued to the screen and on the edge of their seat. This bout really deserved to be on that year's WrestleMania 

The peak of the Edge v John Cena feud came with their Tables, Ladders and Chairs match (Unforgiven - Sep '06) and it's here in all it's Canadian patriotic glory. Both men take massive bumps, with the iconic FU off the ladder through two tables being the most memorable. The hot crowd create a unique home town atmosphere and whilst some of the spots don't come together as well as they could've, both cover for it well. Cena shows he can really mix it up opposite Shawn Michaels (RAW - Apr '07) as they go almost an hour in one of the best matches WWE has ever aired. The match twists and turns as both focus in on body parts and sell them like their lives depended on it. Whilst Cena's technical wrestling ability gets a spotlight, it's his body language that steals the show as he plays up his frustration at being unable to put HBK away, first turning it on Michaels and then the referee and even his own arm at one point. The call-backs to WrestleMania 23, with Cena constantly going for the STFU and the slick finish round off the lengthy, but fully engrossing battle.

The implosion of Rated RKO provides us with a neat heel v heel bout between Randy Orton and Edge (RAW - Apr '07) which often gets overlooked because it came just a week after Cena v Michaels. The pair trying to out each cheat each other gives the bout a different narrative and some cool mirror spots, before Orton puts over Edge massively with a face full of crimson.  Jeff Hardy gets his showcase against Triple H (No Mercy - Oct '08) as The Game becomes the default heel, jumping Hardy from behind and driving the bout. Hardy's underdog babyface act shines against the established main eventer and provides from some strong near falls that the Portland crowd buys into. It's arguable that the Shawn Michaels v Chris Jericho Ladder match that directly followed it on the PPV was a stronger contest, but with one HBK v Y2J bout already on the set, this bout is still worthy of it's inclusion. 

Too many The Undertaker v Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25 - Apr '09) isn't just the best match of the decade, but the greatest bout that WWE ever produced. Whatever bout you feel deserves that accolade, it's inarguable that Mr. WrestleMania challenging for the Undertaker's WrestleMania streak is a true masterpiece, a work of art. JR closes by saying "I feel like we've just seen heaven" and I think he may be right as the two legends go for almost half an hour of physical action and barely put a foot wrong. There's a plethora of convincing false finishes as the crowd grow into the match and end up going batshit crazy by the conclusion of the war. The set rounds off with Rey Mysterio putting his mask up against Chris Jericho's Intercontinental title in pacy outing, that uses it's gimmick to create real drama. The last stretch is really edge of your seat stuff, with a series of reversals and near falls, before heading towards it's rather clever conclusion. 

Finally...

ATPW Scale Rating - 9.02/10 

Best of 2000s is brilliant collection of matches, that offers 4 discs of (more or less) the best WWE had to offer throughout the decade. The selection is pretty much spot on, with each match (with perhaps the exception of The Rock v Booker T) being worth it's place on the discs. I would've liked to have seen an Eddie Guerrero bout (vs. Brock Lesnar from No Way Out 2004 stands out) but all the other big name wrestlers of the decade are present (with the obvious exception). If you're a new fan and want to jump into some of wrestling's more recent history then this is a fantastic place to start.

WWE ECW Unreleased VOL. 3 DVD Review

WWE's ECW Unreleased VOL 3 is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray, available from www.wwedvd.co.uk and all other good home video stores. The three disc set features over twenty matches from ECW, ranging from 1993 to 2000, alongside a handful of promos and connecting segments from Joey Styles, Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie. The set includes matches from the likes of Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Terry Funk, Cactus Jack, The Eliminators and many more. 

Disc One

The set begins with a basic tag bout from Hardcore TV pitting Kevin Sullivan and the Tazmaniac against Tommy Dreamer and Shane Douglas, that shows little signs of what the promotion would become. Dean Malenko and Too Cold Scorpio put on a nice display of technical prowess, that is cut short before it can develop fully. The crowd is disrespectful of the action throughout chanting "Boring", a chant that appear way too often throughout the DVD, almost exclusively for technical wrestling. "All American" Ron Simmons and Shane Douglas have a surprisingly good World Heavyweight Championship match on Hardcore TV, telling a great story throughout. 

A bloody weapon-based brawl for the World Tag Team Championship with the Public Enemy opposite Sabu and The Tazmaniac is a must-see for any fan of hardcore wrestling. Announced as a "Dream match", the newly christened "Human Suplex Machine" Taz teaming with Eddie Guerrero (accompanied by Paul E. Dangerously) battle "The Shooter" Dean Malenko and Too Cold Scorpio in a very different match. It's a superb showcase of a variety of different wrestling styles from all four men in the ring, especially in the early stages, although lacks any attempt at storytelling. Almost certainly remember for Taz breaking his neck during the match, Guerrero's performance to keep the match going after the incident is a testament to the skill of the WWE Hall of Famer.

Cactus Jack vs. Sabu from Holiday Hell is exactly what you'd expect it to be, being a bloody hardcore brawl. However, it was Jack's promo prior to the match that was the highlight for me, as his incredible character work works the crowd into a frenzy before the match even begins. A weird segment that includes a pull apart brawl and a ambush attack, eventually errupts into a tag team match with The Eliminators taking on Rey Misterio, Jr. and 911, I have no idea what was happening at any point.

Disc Two

The second disc begins with a match that is criminally short between Bam Bam Bigelow and Cactus Jack from Just Another Night, in which the after-match becomes a little silly. A promo from Cactus Jack and Raven is absolutely incredible, full of emotion and manipulative storytelling, this should be seen by anyone looking to improve their promo abilities. A slow burning clash between Shane Douglas and Chris Jericho for the Television Championship features some lovely sequences and a series of well-done near falls. The finish is frustrating in the realms of a DVD set, calling for a rematch that isn't included, but it's still a good watch. 

Just because the match takes place in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, one of Raven and Tommy Dreamer's many singles matches is a great inclusion on the set. It's a big ol' brawl with some top notch near falls, that unfortunately ends up getting a little over-booked in it's conclusion. The Eliminators are so over with the Philadelphia crowd as they collide with The Dudley Boyz at Hostile City Showdown which certainly helps the home video experience. It's another brawling bout that travels what feels like the entire arena, with plenty of weapon shots. Kronus absolutely pisses blood which won't be for everyone, neither will Buh Buh Ray's fake southern accent in his pre-match promo though. 

From earlier in the same event Rob Van Dam and Taz (accompanied by Bill Alfonso) have a short but enjoyable bout. A lengthy promo from Big Stevie Cool does what ECW did best, pulling real life events into the companies current angles, even if Richards comes across as a little forced. A rehash of the main event from the original ECW PPV main event see's Big Stevie Cool, Raven and The Sandman battle it out in an absolute clusterfuck of a match for the chance to face Terry Funk for the World Heavyweight Championship. The bout is chock-full of interference, to point where there is very little action between the three guys actually in the match. The winner against Funk is also included with the first section of the match telling a good story, but being let down by a wank finish.

Disc Three

Shane Douglas putting the World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Bam Bam Bigelow from Hardcore TV is a short but fun encounter, worthy of inclusion here. The lengthy introduction the segment including "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Francine, Chris Candido and Tammy Lynn Sytch has a number of twists and turns to keep things interesting, in front of a loud crowd. Candido is in action next in a short, fast paced bout, filled with big impact moves and good story elements, opposite Lance Storm from Cyberslam. A technically sound and smooth collision between Yoshiro Tajiri and Taz from Hostile City Showdown is let down by a finish that makes Tajiri look like a twat.

On their way to the WWF, The Dudley Boyz challenge Spike Dudley & Ball Mahoney for the World Tag Team Championship in a brief clusterfuck of a bout. The resulting promo and bout with Tommy Dreamer and Raven is a classic ECW moment, it's mind boggling that this hasn't been put out by WWE before. The crowd is reserved in Poughkeepsie for a decent encounter between Rhyno and Rob Van Dam over the Television Championship, which does effect the match, especially on some nice near falls. It's a shame that one of the pairs earliest matches is chosen here, as they would a number of matches on ECW's House show circuit over the next three months.

Rhino and Corino are back next for a curious tag team encounter with Tommy Dreamer and "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes from ECW on TNN, as part of Rhodes' brief run with the company in 2000. The match is watchable, but I couldn't tell you why. Two under the radar ECW roster members get the time to shine next as EZ Money and Kid Kash put on a match in the style that would become synonymous with TNA's X Division. Whilst the earlier segment is a bit of a mess, the contest is packed with flips and tricks with some well-done near falls throughout.

The Double Jeopardy match from November to Remember closes the set in a confusing batchshag (I'm trying not to clusterfuck again). Steve Corino, Justin Credible, Jerry Lynn and The Sandman have a match that left me questioning the universe, especially the first section which is completely bypasses any storytelling possibilities that the concept might offer itself to. There's blood and weapons and stuff to disguise the lack of anything really happening, with Sandman turning up late and then twatting everyone with his singapore cane a few times. Luckily the match is (almost) saved by the closing section between Corino and Credible with a well-done turn and some tremendous near falls, it's just a shame the encounter lacked the foundation that the earlier portion should have provided.

Finally...

Alongside the first two Volume's of ECW Unreleased this set works well at provided a cross section of ECW's product, featuring a number of different styles throughout. All the big ECW names are there, alongside names associated more with other groups, like Ron Simmons and Dusty Rhodes which adds a new element of intrigue to their particular matches. The match quality is mixed, ranging from god-awful to pretty good, but almost everything seems to have it's place on the set.

I've left out any real review of Joey Styles, Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie's presentation segments, as it would be difficult to talk in too much detail without spoiling your enjoyment of these if you purchased the DVD. The same goes for a number of added promos that are also included here.

Worth a look at getting if your interested in introducing yourself to the product, with a smattering of important moments in company history, although perhaps starting with the other two volumes would be a better place to start. If you've already got your hands on those two and enjoyed them, you won't be disappointed with this.

WWE OMG! Volume 2 - The Top 50 Incidents in WCW History DVD Review

WWE's OMG! Volume 2 - The Top 50 Incidents in WCW History is out now on DVD (There's a Blu Ray version too), available from www.wwedvd.co.uk. The three disc set, features a countdown of the (WWE Home Video's version of) the Top 50 Incidents in WCW History (surprising, huh?). Detailing the some of the most memorable moments in the history of WCW, some of which many wish they couldn't remember. There's also fourteen complete matches, featuring The Road Warriors, Cactus Jack, Sting, Big Van Vader and Randy Savage.

 

The cover of this DVD tells you pretty much all you need to know about the tone of this three disc set. If you're expecting a lot of vintage WCW moments, just like the original WWE version of the DVD presented, then you'll end up very disapointed. Instead the countdown focuses, almost exclusively, on those moments when WCW had wrestling fans everywhere shaking their heads.

It's strange that WWE still feels the need to take shots at a company that not only no longer exists, but they own. Especially with WWE using WCW PPV's as a big selling point for the WWE Network, it seems a bizarre decision to ridicule the company in such a manner. Yes, there are some terrific moments included in the countdown, like Magnum TA and Tully Blanchards "I Quit" Steel Cage bout and the formation of the NWO, but not enough to really justify everything else. Yes, a lot of WCW's later output was abhorent, but I'm sure there was enough good stuff to make this countdown worthwhile (especially considering the WWE version was almost all positive)

To add to the clips shown for each moment, there is a selection of interview clips to give depth and context. Again, if your expecting new insight on these moments, you'll most likely be disapointed, as the interviews are a hodge podge collection of interviews from other sets. If you're a regular to WWE Home Video releases you'll recognise a lot of what is included here. There's also a couple of times where an interviewee pops up for a matter of seconds, before disapearing to be never seen again. A prime example of this would John Cena, who turns up to give an incredible insight, by saying putting the World title on David Arquette was a bad idea, without any explanation as to why.

There some entertaining moments and moments where terrible moments are made entertaining by the surrounding interviews and production. This is a fun DVD to watch with a couple of mates and a few beverages, and have a bit of a giggle at some of the ill-advised antics of World Championship Wrestling, but that doesn't make it a very good documentary. It's lacking any real love and attention that made the previous 3 disc release Ladies and Gentleman...My Name is Paul Heyman such a pleasure to watch. 

Matches & Moments

Similar to the main feature, the matchs and moments included on the next two discs are a selection of WCW's most face-palmable moments, lightly seasoned with some good wrestling at times. 

The set kicks of with the Midnight Express tackling the Road Warriors in a Scaffold match at Starrcade 1986, adding context to Jim Cornette's horrific fall that was included in the countdown. I've never been a fan of Scaffold matches and this slow, plodding and mainly awkward affair didn't do anything to change that.

Despite Jim Ross's best efforts on commentary, Robocop saiving Sting from the Four Horseman at Capital Combat 1990 is a kayfabe-shattering pile of shite. The excitement continues as the Chamber of Horrors from Halloween Havoc 1991 is presented. Whilst the majority of the cometitors try their hardest to create a believable and fairly brutal battle, the match was never going to be able to get past what is a terrible, terrible concept for a match. Two of the competitors from the match, go on to have the first enjoyable tussle of the set. Cactus Jack and Big Van Vader have a back and forth brawl, on a April 1993 edition of Saturday Night, that suits both men down to the ground. It's a shame that the finish of the bout leads to the mind-boggling Jack amnesia angle. 

Things return to normal as Dustin Rhodes and The Blacktop Bully go at it in the King of the Road match at Uncensored 1995 Seriously, why did anyone think this was a good idea? Even the commentary is dire. WCW's obsession with vehicle based wrestling continued at Halloween Havoc 1995, with Hulk Hogan and The Giant going head to head in a Monster Truck Sumo match! It's as bad as it sounds, a complete waste of money and does nothing for nobody. The closing stages of the moment are even worse, as WCW continues it's effort to destroy kayfabe. The two go on to have a wrestling match on the same show, which only really shows up just how green The Giant was at this point, before an overbooked to shit finish. 

A run of moments focus on the formation of the NWO, as Scott Hall debuts on a May 1996 episode of Nitro, with a cool promo, heaped with intrigue for what was to come. Hall is joined by Kevin Nash at Great American Bash 1996, with Hall absolutely nailing it once again on the mic. Eric Bischoff is a good stooge, but in hindsight this makes little sense. It's then time for the big one, as Hall & Nash battle Randy Savage, Sting and Lex Luger at Bash at the Beach 1996. It's easy to forget just how good this match is, when the closing moments is so iconic. Three good moments in a row? WCW was on a roll in 96.

That roll continues into early 1997 as Sting hands his decision to the NWO at Uncensored. Even without the months of build, it's easy to see that this an important moment, that sets up Sting vs Hogan superbly. The run continues to a July episode of Nitro, when "La Parka" takes on Randy Savage. The match itself isn't anything special, but it's what happens in the closing stages and after the match that makes this such a great moment. However, signs of the oncoming shit-storm appear with the NWO's parody of Arn Anderson's retirement speech. It's not particularly and certainly isn't tasteful. To make things even worse, it sounds like there's absolutely no heat and not even a chance for Anderson to get retribution. 

Goldberg vs. Hulk Hogan from a July 1998 episode of Nitro is next and whilst it's easy to argue that this match should have been on PPV, it's still a very cool moment with an uber hot crowd. The match is booked down to a tee and Hogan allows Goldberg to look like a star. Another WCW movie crossover see's Rick Steiner lock horns with Chucky. Jesus Christ. It's made out that the doll is an actor, but is for some reason still called Chucky. Just stupid. Before the madness truly sets in, Bret Hart and Goldberg keep the dream alive on a March 1999 episode of Nitro, with a well worked swerve segment that get's a great reaction from Hart's home crowd. 

From this point on it's diaherea-esque stream of sloppy shits. WCW in the Year 2000 should be avoided with a barge poll. Firstly, Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff "reboot" WCW, in another segment full of kayfabe breaking references, that only the "dirt-sheet" readers would get. There's references to guys wrestling on the other channel at the time, who jumped ship from WCW, surely this is counter-productive exercise? Vampiro and Sting's Human Torch match from The Great American Bash 2000 (certainly not as Great as Dawley) is up next. For a big gimmick match with a long feud behind it, the crowd couldn't give a shit about the match and rightly so. It's a stupid match, with a ridiculous looking stunt. On the same show, Kevin Nash and Jeff Jarrett wrestle a piss poor, over-booked build up match to Goldberg's heel turn at the end. Nash' no-selling is at it's worst here. 

Judy Bagwell on a Pole match. Vince Russo winning the World title. The San Franciso 49'ers Match. That's what this DVD closes with. By the end of the 49'ers match, I was ready to give up entirely on wrestling. All four are over-booked with some of the stupidest gimmicks ever to grace the circle that is squared. I don't want to see these matches ever again, please stop putting them on DVDs!

Finally...

Whilst the documentary had, at least, some redeeming features, with the terrible moments being fleeting and supplemented with interviews, as the other two discs are at times painful to watch. Seeing some of the moments in full back after back could very lead someone to hard drugs. I'm sure the experience they had would be infinitely better than watching the last hour and a half of the third disc. WWE's representation of WCW...Just Say No.