DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu - No Way Out Predictions & The Most Under-Rated PPV Ever?
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at 2:18 PM EST



THE WRESTLING MENU #76

Welcome one and all to the 76th edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

A few readers noticed that my last column was my 75th & that it was originally planned to be a special (wrestler history) column, like my 25th & 50th editions. Well, up until about 2 weeks ago, that was still the plan. But time got the better of me & those columns take an extraordinary amount of time to research & write. It's a shame, as I really enjoy writing up those history pieces. But there's only 24 hours in a day!!!

To read my "History of Al Snow", please click on the following link: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2002_/articles/1038994515.php

To read my "History of Kane", please click on the following link: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2003/articles/1056535684.php


APPETIZERS

Royal Rumble Feedback

I thought I'd just briefly go through some of the feedback that I received over the past fortnight for my Royal Rumble review. The general consensus amongst the readers was pretty much the same, and it meant partially disagreeing with my thoughts on 3 of the matches; The Royal Rumble match, Eddie Guerrero vs Chavo Guerrero & Triple H vs Shawn Michaels. The rest of the card was pretty much unanimously voted as mediocre. If you would like to view my Royal Rumble review, you may do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1075346388.php

Regarding the World Heavyweight Title match, the obvious discussion was about the ending. I definitely do not blame those people (especially those who were live at the event) for being disappointed with the "draw" finish to the bout. And yes, if we do take into account the possible politics involved, it definitely doesn't help matters. But like I said a fortnight back, it didn't bother me too much. I also once again repeat that I don't like 'Last Man Standing' matches & I had more of a problem with the fact that this bout was one of those.

On the Eddie vs Chavo match, I got overwhelmed with the amount of feedback stating that this match was "extremely boring". I'm not so sure about that myself. I think the problem was that it was not what anyone expected. It was one of those matches where the feud was built up for so long & then pretty much blown off without too much intensity. Well actually, the WWE thought it best to pack the aftermath with that intensity. Yes, that was a poor decision, and yes, the match looked more like an ok SmackDown bout than a hyped ppv bout. But I didn't think it was that bad. Hey, a rating of 6 isn't exactly praising it as a match-of-the-year contender.

Now to the Royal Rumble match itself; Many people had problems with the fact that I rated this an 8 & lower than my usual Rumble match rating of 9. The main claim was that this was either the 2nd or 3rd best Rumble match ever. My reasoning was because I thought the huge (& ultimately correct) rumor of Benoit winning, spoilt it a little for me.

Well, as at this point in time, I can't state anything but that. It's my opinion right now. Yes, I have the feeling that I will view the match later on this year & recognize it as the 2nd best rumble match ever (and at least a rating of 9). But as of writing my review (& even now for that matter), I don't view it that way. It's a shame & is the reason why I kept stating that Vince McMahon must stop these information leaks soon.

Yeah, I know... I could stop reading newsposts & spoilers, but that's practically impossible to do when you write a column & want it to be as timely & informative as possible. Oh well, let's just wait & see if the rumored WrestleMania 20 matches all take place, or if Vince has a couple of aces up his sleeve.


MAIN

King Of The Ring '96 Review

Please note that this is a continuation of my monthly series on the 1990's. Over the past few months, I have reviewed SummerSlam '90, WrestleWar '91, 1992: The Year In Review, 1993: The Year In Review, 1994: The Year In Review & SummerSlam '95. Once more, I will include my monthly 'PPV Rating' system, so that we can make some sort of comparison on the quality of ppv cards between now & 8 years ago.


'THE MECCA'. MILWAUKEE, WI. June 23, 1996.

Commentators: Vince McMahon, Jim Ross & Owen Hart

'STONE COLD' STEVE AUSTIN defeated 'THE WILDMAN' MARC MERO (With Sable) In a K.O.T.R Semi-Final: This is an often forgotten match in Austin's career, but it was an extremely important one. Not only that, but it is also forgotten & under-rated in general. Mero had heaps of potential as a wrestler (before his knee injury), and often was the near-perfect blend of heavyweight & cruiserweight. This style mixed interestingly well with Austin's methodical approach here. The final third of this 17 minute match is especially excellent. The perfect opener to a pay-per-view. Match Rating...8

JAKE 'THE SNAKE' ROBERTS defeated VADER (With Jim Cornette) In a K.O.T.R Semi-Final: Short 4 minute match which didn't prove anything in isolation. But the aftermath did, as Vader upgraded his monster status by injuring Jake's ribs, leading into the K.O.T.R final later in the night. Pretty much a storyline bout, where Vader was disqualified for pushing the referee, when about to take a DDT from Jake. Match Rating...4

THE SMOKIN' GUNNS (With Sunny) defeated THE GODWINNS (With Hillbilly Jim) to Retain the WWF Tag-Team Titles: While both their singles careers failed, I didn't mind Bart & Billy Gunn as a tag-team. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about The Godwinns. This 10 minute match was very inconsistent & tried to rely too much on the angle of Sunny leaving The Godwinns for The Gunns. It wasn't terrible by any means, and it did have a few good spurts of energy. But as a whole, the bout struggled. Match Rating...6

THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR defeated JERRY 'THE KING' LAWLER: Before the match, Lawler gave a classic & hilarious crowd-bashing promo that lasted long enough to be included in the match rating. In fact, it lasted longer than the match itself, which was Lawler cheating for 3 minutes, and then the Warrior no-selling a piledriver & squashing the King in the final minute!!! Match Rating...6

MANKIND defeated THE UNDERTAKER (With Paul Bearer): This was Mick Foley's first WWF pay-per-view match. It had been really built up well, with Mankind popping up out of nowhere in the preceding 2 months to cost 'Taker many matches. The bout itself wasn't exactly technical brilliance, but it gone the job done more than sufficiently in terms of storytelling & character advancement. On top of that, there was more than decent brawling (for 1996). Mankind wins when The Undertaker falls unconscious while in the Mandible Claw at the 18 minute mark. Match Rating...7

AHMED JOHNSON defeated GOLDUST (With Marlena) to Win the InterContinental Title: This is somewhat of a guilty pleasure of a feud & match for me. Sure, Goldust played mind games with all of his opponents back then, but it worked best of all in this storyline, because of the intensity of Johnson. And sure, Ahmed often nearly killed himself & his opponents in matches (have a look at his dive over the top rope in this bout), but that negative worked as a positive during this match. I also really liked the pacing & psychology in this 15 minute match, as Ahmed controlled the first 4 or 5 minutes through sheer anger, but that results in him almost burning himself out. Goldust takes over for the majority of the bout, but of course, Ahmed eventually makes the comeback (after Goldust gave him mouth-to-mouth CPR) & becomes the InterContinental Champion. Match Rating...7

NOTE: Before the K.O.T.R Final, Brian Pillman came out on crutches for his WWF debut, to give an interview (conducted by Jim Ross). It was intense & eccentric, and had me counting the minutes until his wrestling debut in the federation. In my opinion, one of the most memorable interviews ever!!!

'STONE COLD' STEVE AUSTIN defeated JAKE 'THE SNAKE' ROBERTS to Become King Of The Ring: The 5 minute squash of a match (Jake was super-selling the rib injury) was simply a prelude to the main purpose of this bout; The 2 minute K.O.T.R victory speech by Austin afterwards (which is included in the match rating I have given). "Get that piece of crap out of my ring", "Austin 3:16", "Whooped your ass", "Serving notice to every one of the WWF superstars", and "That's the bottom line 'cause Stone Cold said so" were all included. Never will there be more said & will a career be made, in as little time as this. Ten minutes after one of the most memorable interviews ever, comes possibly the best interview ever!!! Match Rating...7

SHAWN MICHAELS (With Jose Lothario) defeated 'THE BRITISH BULLDOG' DAVEY BOY SMITH (With Jim Cornette & Diana Smith) to Retain the WWF Championship. Special Referee: Mr.Perfect: Man, the Bulldog was an enigma!!! Every now & then throughout his career, he looked bloody awful. But when he was on top of his game, and was in the ring with someone that could carry him (EG: Bret Hart at SummerSlam '92 or HBK here), he looked a genuine main eventer. This bout was a very good mix of wrestling styles with above-average intensity. There were a few too many restholds for a 20 minute match, but apart from that, this was very good. The aftermatch shenanigans involving Vader, Owen Hart, Ahmed Johnson & The Ultimate Warrior were also entertaining. Match Rating...8

PPV RATING (53/80) = 66

A PPV Rating of 66 in my system is basically a B & a "Good event that was worth the money". But when you keep in mind that both Jake Roberts matches were basically there for storyline purposes only, and I didn't include the tremendous Brian Pillman interview as part of the ratings, this event probably deserves an 'A' rating. Do not under-estimate the importance & quality of this ppv!!! The WWF took a huge risk with the mix of wrestling & sports-entertainment on this night & it worked near perfectly. Superb promos by Austin, Pillman & Lawler, were mixed with top-notch angles such as Mankind vs 'Taker, Ahmed vs Goldust, and Austin becoming truly stone-cold. On top of that, 5 matches rating at least a 7 out of 10, is more than what one can realistically expect. A must watch which shouldn't be forgotten or under-rated!!!

Now, this is where I would usually choose a topic emanating from the above review & discuss it in the 'Dessert' section of my column. But I'm not going to do that today. But fear not, I will next week. And furthermore, it will lead to another of my ever-popular polls. Look out for it next Wednesday.


DESSERT

No Way Out Predictions

Man, there are a few matches that could go either way on this card. And there are so many X-factors that will effect the result of some of the matches. I still have the feeling that Vince has one curve ball to throw at us for the WrestleMania 20 card, and I think we will know what it is after this pay-per-view has been completed. As at the time of posting this column, there are only 5 official matches listed for the card. However, I believe that the initial 2 matches I have listed below will most probably take place.

THE APA vs CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN: Well, everybody that reads my column should know that I prefer cruiserweights opening up a show. But what gives me the feeling that if Bradshaw & Faarooq are on this card, that they may play the role of The Dudleyz & attempt to get the crowd warmed up!!! Either way, this match (if it occurs) is purely filler. If anything, it should be the first step for Haas & Benjamin to get a shot at (& dethrone) the current champs of Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty. Winners: Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin

HARDCORE HOLLY vs RHYNO: These 2 are naturals to have many matches together in a lower to midcard feud. I'm sure the intensity will be good, but I'm not sure if either of them are well known for carrying their opponents. Bottom line; It could get ugly, folks!!! This is the type of bout that actually will test the 2 concerned. Will either prove that they should be used higher up on the card (if the bout takes place)...??? I wouldn't bet any money on it. Holly basically main-evented the last ppv, so he should get the win here. Winner: Hardcore Holly

REY MYSTERIO vs CHAVO GUERRERO JR for the CruiserWeight Title: The first of the matches on this card where the WWE has done a decent job with the feud, with only 3 weeks build up. Because of that, you get the feeling that this angle may last through until WrestleMania 20. That might suggest a Chavo victory here with Rey possibly regaining the title in March. While I usually go with my gut feeling on these predictions (which is Rey retaining here), I suggest the long-term angle takes precedence here. Chavo usually wrestles well with Rey, so this should be real good if given more than 10 minutes. Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr

JAMIE NOBLE vs NIDIA: Why? Why? Why? Vince vs Steph. Christian & Jericho vs Trish & Lita. Disco Inferno vs Jacqueline. Why do we have to be subjected to this!?!?!? And now, we learn that Noble will be blindfolded!!! There better be some classic slapstick comedy in mind, or else this could stink up the card. Blindfolded or not, Noble must win this match (is that the correct word!?!?!?). Winner: Jamie Noble

RIKISHI & SCOTTY 2 HOTTY vs THE BASHAM BROTHERS & SHANIQUA for the WWE Tag-Team Championships: The thing I don't like about the team of Rikishi & Scotty, is that the structure of their matches is so predictable. Do you think Rikishi might get a hot tag sometime during this bout!?!?!? I think it's safe to presume so. The addition of Shaniqua to the match could add an interesting element, both in the form of entertainment & wrestling. But it better be booked well, because it could also come off as disastrous. I can't see the point in giving the titles to the face team for all of 10 days, so they should retain here. Winners: Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty

KURT ANGLE vs THE BIG SHOW vs JOHN CENA In A #1 Contenders Match for the WWE Championship: Here's where things get interesting. The result of this bout & the main event should theoretically go hand in hand. That is, if Angle wins here, then Eddie should defeat Lesnar. But this is where I think a curve ball may be thrown our way. We know Bill Goldberg will get involved somewhere, and even Hardcore Holly may make his presence felt. I'm still not entirely sure how things will end up, but my hunch is that the winner of this won't get the title shot at WrestleMania 20 because of what happens in the main event. Winner: Kurt Angle

BROCK LESNAR vs EDDIE GUERRERO for the WWE Championship: I am really interested to see how this match goes. I don't mean the result, I mean the quality of it. I don't think these 2 have fought before & the mix of styles will be fascinating to watch. I think we all know that Goldberg will get involved, but I hope the WWE give Brock & Eddie a good 15 minutes alone, before that happens. Make no mistake, this a test to the reaction that Eddie gets as a main eventer. But I can't see him main eventing WrestleMania just yet. Hence, I'm predicting a DQ finish here. Winner: Eddie Guerrero by Disqualification

If you didn't understand my reasoning as to what I think will happen regarding the participants in the final 2 matches, leading up to WrestleMania 20, I will briefly explain now. I think that due to the Goldberg interference against Lesnar, a WrestleMania bout will somehow be made between the two. As Kurt won his #1 Contenders Match & Eddie technically didn't lose his bout, these 2 should square up in another #1 Contenders Match at WrestleMania 20. Well, that's my hunch anyway.

Back to 'No Way Out'; All in all, this looks to be a lopsided pay-per-view. The 2 main events look great, but most of the rest of the card looks very average. I think the WWE have done decently though, considering that it is only 3 weeks after The Royal Rumble. I'm not expecting a great deal from this card, especially when keeping in mind that the need to set up WrestleMania 20 storyline-wise may take precedence over the actual quality of wrestling during the event. Probably one other match will be added (bringing the total up to 8). At a guess, it could be (a) Tajiri vs Kidman, (b) Tajiri & Akio vs Kidman & London, (c) Orlando Jordan, The Cat & Lamont vs The FBI, or (d) Billy Gunn vs A-Train. To keep it simple, if any of those matches take place, I'm predicting a face win.


Ok, that just about does it for edition #76 of 'The Wrestling Menu'. My predictions always seem to be commented on in one way or another, so please don't hesitate to let me know of your opinions on the upcoming pay-per-view. I think the unpredictability factor here is quite high, so I will be interested to see what you all think. Furthermore, if you recall watching the 1996 King Of The Ring, let me know if you think I'm over-rating it. I'm really interested on any opinion about that ppv. You know that I will reply to all e-mails. My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com

Next Wednesday in 'The Wrestling Menu', I will have my review of No Way Out. Here's hoping for a good ppv this Sunday. Also, I'm sure something will come out of the card that I will comment on. Furthermore, I will return with my first poll in quite a few months. This one will emanate from my 1996 K.O.T.R Review today. Look out for that column same Wednesday time & same LOP channel next week. Until then, this is DaveyBoy signing off & asking you to remember that dinner is best served in 3 courses.













• WEDNESDAY NEWS: One of TNA's BIGGEST STARS Headed to WWE Besides CAGE?, WWE World Title Spoilers, HOT NEW PIX, More!!!
  

• Quick Links -
  [Back to LOP] [News Archives] [Results] [Columns] [Forums]