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Submitted by Billy Arceneaux on Sunday, March 21, 2004 at 10:14 PM EST
WWE Velocity Report VIEW FROM THE SEAT: The Wrestlemania XX edition Well, Wrestlemania is now in the history books, and so will be my review. I decided to do this, mainly because I felt some of the reviews I read elsewhere on the net were negative, and that most people reading this may want to know what the GM of Velocity(self-proclaimed) thought about the biggest WWE event of the year. Well, like all Wrestlemania's, this one provided us with some great matches and great memories. But, I did feel that some of the matches didn't quite live up to their full potential. All week, I was thinking about Wrestlemania, and decided that in my review, you will see not only what I thought about certain matches and segments, but also what could've made it better(in my opinion). I hope you enjoy my review, as it took me a while to type. ENJOY! Wrestlemania XX Review - Before 'Mania started, Sunday Night Heat provided us with some good previews for the matches. I was thinking there was going to be a match for Heat, but I guess they felt that 12 matches was more than enough. That's cool. - The evening begins with a wonderful rendition of America the Beautiful, sung by the very talented Boys Choir of Harlem. Throughout the performance, footage of American troops and Americans in general were shown. When the song ended, footage of the monument that will be built on the World Trade Center is shown. Very heart warming. - A video package for Wrestlemania is shown. This included some of the wrestlers thoughts and feelings, and ended with Vince, Shane, and Shane's newborn son, with a voice saying this is where it all begins....again. Awesome package, and very well done. Before the opening match, we see the awesome fireworks display, and the SWEET Wrestlemania entrance set. Probably the best set I've ever seen. Impressive. - John Cena Vs. Big Show(C) for the U.S. Championship Before the match, Cena cut a good promo that got the crowd pumped. His rap was also entertaining, and included some NAUGHTY remarks(involving STD's). The match itself was pretty good, as the fan's were totally behind Cena. I still feel that the Big Show vs. John Cena non-title match in Iraq should've been for the U.S. Title, but with that aside, this was a good way to open the ppv. You could also see the enthusiasm in Cena's eyes. How it could've been better?: Can't think of one. Maybe a rapper in Cena's corner, but without that, pretty good. - Backstage, The Coach meets some superstars, like Teddy Long, before heading to Eric Bischoff's office. Eric, with his new apprentice Johnny "Tough Enough 3 winner" Blaze/Spade, tells Coach to go look for The Undetaker. Coach is hesitant, but does it anyway. This was ok. - Backstage, again, we see Randy Orton, with Ric Flair and Batista, cutting a very good promo on Mick Foley. He recounts all the times he's beaten him up, all the while footage of their fued, from his point of view, was shown. He says that it's Evolutions time, and that Foly/Rock basically don't have a chance. Randy did a good job with this, and I also enjoyed how they were standing in the starway where Orton first beat Foley up. Good way to add heat to the match. How it could've been better?: I thought it was good as it was. - RVD/Booker T(C) Vs. La Resistance Vs. Jindrak/Cade Vs. Dudleys for the World Tag Team Championship This was the first of 2 Fatal 4 way matches for the tag titles. This match, I felt, was ok, but it had the potential to be much better than it was. There was some good action involving all teams, and some pretty good double team moves. However, I still felt this match was a bit lacking. How it could've been better?: In this match, I felt that some 4 way style moves would've been excellent. For example, Booker,RVD, and the Dudleys could've suplexed La Resistance and Jindrak/Cade at the same time. Or, maybe a top rope move turned into a move involving a bunch of the guys(superplex/powerbomb/backdrop, or something). Another thing, I would've booked this match as either a triple threat elimination with RVD/Bookert T, Dudleys, and La resistance, or a NYC street fight between the Dudleys and RVD/Booker T. The triple would've worked because of the abundance of teams in the match, and that those guys are more established teams than Jindrak/Cade(no offense). The street fight would've worked because the Dudleys and Booker/RVD work better, in my opinion, in hardcore style matches. All in all, the actual match that took place was ok, but I felt it lacked a bit. Where was the spinaroonie? - Backstage, The Coach, while looking for The Undertaker, finds Mean Gene Okerlund, Bobby Heenan, the Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young making out. This was pretty funny, and pretty gross, which added to the comedy. I was worried, however, about Heenan. His voice didn't sound too good(throat cancer, I think. Someone correct me), and he was thinner than the last time I saw him. I hope he has plenty more years left, as I have much repect for him. This world would be a less funnier place without him. Very funny segment. - Christian Vs. Chris Jericho This was the first memorable match of the evening. Alot of people will say that Jericho should've had a different match, or a different storyline, but I felt this was perfect for him. The storyline has resembled The O.C.(a show that I am guilty of watching. I'm a nerd), but was a good buildup for the match. Both men went at it like crazy, hitting awesome moves and getting the crowd into it 100%. The ending, which saw Christian capitalize on Trish "accidentally" hitting Jericho, was done well, although I would've liked it if Y2J had won. But when Trish turned on Jericho, I knew that this was not over. Trish slapping Jericho was a shock to me, as I thought the 2 would makeout. Instead, the CLB ends up swapping spit with one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. At least Jericho still has his wife. Overall, a great grudge match and ending that will hopefully lead to more.Oh, yeah, this was also the televised return of Ref Tim White, who has been on the injured list since the Y2J/HHH Hell in a Cell 2 years ago. He tried to ref this match at a house show a few weeks ago, but had to be replaced when he started to feel pain in his shoulder. I was happy to see him ref this match, and it really shows his love for the business. All of that was, in my opinion, a Wrestlemania moment. How it could've been better?: Maybe as a ladder match, but it really wasn't needed. Great job. I can honestly see Christian becoming a World Champion sometime in the next few years. I also see Jericho as champ this year, by the way. Again, great match. - Backstage, Mick Foley is being interviewed when The Rock jumps in and puts the electricity into everyone. He talks about how everyone, including The Hurricane and Rosey(Hamburglar/Grimace), Jimmy Snuka and Don Muraco, and the people know that it's their night, If you smellllllllllllllllll, what the rock and sock is cookin! Great promo, very funny and electrifying as always from The Rock. - Evolution(Ric Flair, Batista, Randy Orton) Vs. The Rock & Sock Connection(Rock, Mick Foley) This was the second memorable match of the evening. I was very impressed with Orton, but was unimpressed with Batista. No offense, but all I've seen him do so far is shoulder tackles, weak spinebusters, and powerbombs. He's got all the potential, but potential won't get you anywhere until you reach it. Flair was great, as well as hilarious. I loved his attempted people's elbow and the fact that he thinks he can do a top rope manuever(sorry, but it never works. Well, I think a few time it did, but thats it). Both The Rock and Mick Foley had great chemistry with each other, and both didn't seem to have ring rust at all. I loved Micks elbow off the apron, Orton's coward/heel work, Flair's heel/comedy work, and Rocks electrifying prescence/ability. The ending, I felt, was pretty cool(out of nowhere RKO by Orton), although I really wanted Rock/Mick to win. Some will say that this match should not have happened, and it should've been Foley/Orton, but I disagree. This match was not only extremely entertaining, but also added to this fued. I want to see Foley rip Orton apart more than ever. After being defeated(Just barely), the HOT, and The Rock give Foley a well deserved ovation. Great match, great work, great moment. How it could've been better?: Actually, the match was fine as it was. If I had to book it, I would've had it be Flair/Orton w/Batista Vs. Rock/Foley w/Hurricane. Hurricane could make sure that Batista didn't try and get involved, which would lead to some interesting small guy vs. big guy stuff. The match by itself was awesome, and didn't need my semi-suggestion. Great job, very fun to watch. - Next, Mean Gene introduces the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame inductees on the Wrestlemania entrance. One by one, Mean Gene says a little something about each inductee, and announces their names. The inductees were Sgt. Slaughter, Bobby Heenan, Jesse Ventura, Tito Santana, Don Muraco, Junkyard Dog(passed away. Represented by his daughter), Big John Studd(passed away, represented by his son), Harley Race, Greg Valentine, Pete Rose(first celebrity inductee), and Superstar Billy Graham. This was a great segment that touched me(not there, you perv!) and made me really proud of all inductees, including Pete Rose. He will go into the baseball hall of fame one day, but at least the WWE is recognizing him for his epic fued with Kane. I have great respect for all of the new hall of famers, and wish them all, and their families, the best. Another great moment. - Torrie Wilson/Sable Vs. Miss Jackie/Stacy Keibler in a Playboy Evening Gown match Honestly, when I first read that this match was going to be booked, I was completely against it, as I'm sure most others were. But, when all was said and then, this match really surprised me. It started with all women, except for Miss Jackie(who was forcibly undressed), undress and wrestle in their unmentionables. I was impressed with Torrie's top rope/barefoot crossbody. It must be hard enough doing a crossbody from the top with clothes on, just imagine doing it barefoot! I hope she didn't scar up her foot. The match was basically what it was going to be, and that's eye candy. The ladies did show some pretty good moves and nearfalls, leading to Torrie pin Miss Jackie in a compromising position. This reminded me of Torrie and Stacy's Lingerie match from No Mercy 2001. It was entertaining and not bad at all. How it ould've been better?: Nudity? Not sure, it was what it was and that's all it was ever gonna be. Entertaining and fun, some surprisingly athletic moves, but not exactly on the level as the greatest match of all time(William Regal Vs. Naked Mideon from No Mercy 2000. Just a joke, but I did like that match. Very underrated). - Backstage, Eddie Guerrero talks with Chris Benoit. He tells Benoit this is the biggest night of his life, and basically pumps Benoit up for his match. This was awesome. I loved it when Eddie said that noone really expects Benoit to win, and Benoit responds, very passionatley, with, " I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE!". I was standing up in excitement, just from those few words. Both Eddie and Chris did a great job of not only pumping the fan's up, but themselves as well. I BELIEVE! - Cruiserweight Open for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship I really wasn't sure what to expect from this match, as I didn't know the rules until it was announced. The match, unfortuanately, went by too damn fast. I really wanted to see some one-on-one matches in it, like Dragon/Mysterio, Noble/Nunzio, and Chavo/Mysterio. I knew that some of the falls would be quick, but damn! I at least thought we'd get to see a full 12-18 minute Rey Vs. Chavo. This did hurt the match, but it really wasn't all bad, it just wasn't what I expected. The moves were crisp and innovative, the cruiserweights actually got to be on ppv, and Rey Mysterio not only came out dressed as The Flash(last year he was the Daredevil), but he acted just like the Flash, too. He was running, flying, and jumping so much I thought he was a real superhero! The ending was also too quick, with Chavo Sr. helping Chavo retain. Also, we didn't get to see Akio wrestle at all. I know he was hit with the mist, but he could've sucked it up. Some great parts of the match were Kidman's Shooting Star Press to the outside(looked a bit like Lesnars from last year), Dragon's Asai DDT, Nunzio's boot to the face(the fan's chanted, "Lets go Guido!), Mysterio's Code Red(an Amazing Red move) from the toip rope, and basically everything else Mysterio did. Not a bad match, but it went too quickly. How it could've been better?: Two ways: 1=longer matches in between falls 2=The evening starts with the Cruierweight Open, with the winner facing Chavo later in the night. This, I feel, would've given the cruiserweight belt some more importance, and provide us with another cruiserweight match. Overall, ok match, good performances(especially Rey), but could've been much better. I wonder if Mysterio will be Spiderman next year? That would RULE! - Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg w/ Stone Cold as Special Ref Very interesting situation here. Going into this match, we found out that not only was Goldberg's contract going up after Wrestlemania, but Lesnar was going to leave after 'Mania as well. Basically, you've got what could've been fued of the year, ending in a match that will be the last we ever see of either men(at least for a while). This was either going to be really good, or fairly odd. This was fairly odd. The crowd knew both men were leaving, and really laid into them with chants of, "You Sold Out!" , "Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye!", "Boring", and "This Match Sucks!". The match itself did take a while to get started(probably out of confusement), and did have some good power struggles and moves, but wasn't the match we were all hoping for. Goldberg won with the jackhammer, and Austin got some good revenge but stunning both Lesnar and Goldberg(his way of saying goodbye). The crowd switchced from liking Goldberg, to booing Goldberg. The only one in the match with a consistent fan reaction was Austin, as the fans loved him(as do I, but not in the gross way you pervs!). I wasn't sure what the fans meant by saying Lesnar sold out, as he is only attempting a new profession, not going to the NWA-TNA or turning ultra heel or something. Kinda odd. Oh, and I think a girl was trying to show off some skin during this match. How it could've been better?: I was expecting these two to literally destroy the ring. I thought maybe a spear breaking through the ropes, a slam through the mat, and other super power stuff would happen. That would've made a great moment. Also, maybe if Austin, before the match, had called the wrestlers to the middle of the ring, grabbed a mic, and said, " I want this match to be as unclean as possible. I want to see biting, clawing, eye poking, blood loss, and anything else that you can do to kick each others asses!" That would've been awesome. Overall, odd match, ok match, and the major element that made this match very interesting: the "farewell" from the CRAZY ASS FANS! For it was them that made this a memorable moment. - Next, Vince Mcmahon came out to thank the fans for making Wrestlemania what it is today. Very classy, in my opinion. I also liked how he didn't come out to any music, which showed that he wasn't trying to play a character; he was just being himself. - Rikishi/Scotty 2 Hotty(C) Vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team Vs. The Basham Brothers Vs. APA. I didn't really mention this before, but I felt that 2 fatal 4 way tag title matches was a bit of overkill. I really wanted to see the tag belts defended in a normal tag match, since the last time the tag belts have been defended in a normal tag was back at WrestlemaniaXV. I really like the team of Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty, as I feel both are very good wrestlers. The match itself, much like the first 4 way match, was lacking. I think the main problem was that we had not only already seen a 4 way match, but just experienced Goldberg/Lesnar. Scotty and the Kish retain and dance to celebrate, in what was an ok match that involved some good moves and mat work, but was lacking. How it could've been better?: A few things= 1-Hotty/Kish Vs.FBI 2-Hotty/Kish Vs. World's Greatest Tag Team or 3- an 8 man tag with Kish/Scotty/APA Vs. TWGTT/Bashams Basically, it never should have been a 4 way. On Velocity a few weeks ago, The Kish/Scotty took on the FBI, and it was very good. Also, maybe some fans should have been brought into the ring to dance with Rikishi and Scotty. Overall, it was an ok match, but could've been better. - Edge is Coming. AWESOME! - Next, Jesse Ventura comes ut and interviews Donald Trump, who is sitting at ringside. They have a pretty entertaining segment, with The Donald talking about how he likes Mania, and that he would support Jesse if he got back into politics. Jesse says that we may need a wrestler in the white house in 2008. Very good and funny segment. - Victoria(C) Vs. Molly Holly Womens Championship Hair Vs. Title In this match, if Molly could not beat Victoria, she would be shaved bald. I thought that this stipulation definetly added to the match, although it didn't really need it. Molly and Victoria have put on some awesome matches in the past few months, and this match wasn't much of an exception. What I mean is that for a match with an important stipulation as losing hair, this match was pretty short. The match was pretty athletic, and the crowd was into it more so than the previous match, and was behind Victoria. Victoria won after countering her own move. I was pretty surprised(and at the same time pleased) to see Molly lose her hair. Her character deserved it, and this really showed how much of a team player she really is. Overall, the match was a bit short, but ok. The hair clipping and brawl before it was pretty cool, and memorable. How it could've been better?: Considering the stipulation, this match would have been better if it were a bit longer. That's the only thing it really needed. Ok match, but a little short. -Eddie Guerrero(C) Vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship Awesome. This was the next memorable match of the evening. I really enjoyed this match, and felt it was the best One-on-One match of the evening. Both men showed off their technical wrestling ability, and brought the energy back to the crowd. Now, some say the crowd was dead for this match, but they must have been watching something else. Now, the fans didnt chant during every second of the match, but were very into it. A lot of it may have been out of respect, or maybe the fact that the ppv was going pretty long. I also liked how one side would chan, "Lets go Angle!", while the other side said, " Angle Sucks!". The match was great, but maybe could've gone longer. Also, Angle's career is in jeapordy, as most know that he may need another neck surgery than could force him into retirement. Aside from members of my family, Angle is my hero. When I read his book, I identified with him. I hope we have'nt seen the last of Angle, and I also wish him and his family the best. Eddie won the match by undoing his boot, allowing him to slip out of an ankle lock. Very cool and awesome finish. How it could've been better?: Maybe 2 out of 3 falls. Not much to change. I loved the match, as it had my heart racing by the end. - Undertaker Vs. Kane I'm a big fan of Undertaker. When I was a little kid, I used to watch wrestling with my brothers. Some of my favorites were Rick Rude, Bret Hart, Shawn Micheals, Jake Roberts, and Sting. Back then, I didn't know the difference between WCW and WWF, I just watched both cause I liked wrestling. Undertaker scared the crap out of me. I remember seeing him put Duke the Dumpster in a bodybag. During one storyline, the Undertaker had gone missing. I was afraid that he was hiding in my room, waiting to put me in a bodybag. Right off the bat, you know Undertaker is a big favorite of mine. I loved the storyline going into this matc, and loved both Kane and Undertakers entrances. Seeing Paul Bearer was a surprise, and seeing Taker in his "New" deadman persona was awesome. Some were disappointed, but I loved it. His cloak, his hat, his look, everything! Now, some makeup wouldn't have hurt, but it was still pretty cool. The match itself was pretty good, as it was basically just the return of the deadman.I thought Kane's face was pretty cool, as it showed that he didn't believe that Undertaker was back. I don't know why, but I thought Kane might somehow pull out the win. Pretty good brawl. Someone wrote that the fans chanted, " You Suck!", at the Undertaker, but what that person may have heard was , " TOMBSTONE! TOMBSTONE!". Undertaker wins, the crowd loves it, and Undertaker poses in the black light. Awesome, memorable moment. How it could've bee better?: The entrance was cool, and the match was cool, but if it could've been better, here's how= Taker and Kane brawl to the outside, possibly with Bearer hitting Kane with the urn, leading to Taker winning by countout. Kane, pissed off, Tombstones Taker, and grabs a casket from underneath the ring. He throws Taker in it, and locks it. He begins to pur gasoline all over it, and prepares to set it on fire, until Taker's arm breaks throught the casket and grabs Kane by the throat. Taker busts out of the casket, and Tomstones Kane on the steel steps. He then places Kane in a bodybag, and walks off. Like I said, the match itself was awesome, and was very memorable. - HHH(C) Vs. Chris Benoit Vs. Shawn Micheals Hands down, the GREATEST match of the night, and most memorable moment! When most others lost faith, I BELIEVED! I BELIEVED BENOIT WOULD WIN! The match was tremendous, as all men brought their A games to the table, even HHH. This was Triple H's best performance in months. I was very proud of all 3 men in this match. The crowd was COMPLETELY for Benoit, and whenever Micheals and HHH got any offense, the crowd booed. Great mat work, great moves, great buildip, GREAT ENDING! A pinfall is a good way to end a match, but making someone TAP is more official. The person tapping is saying, " I Give UP! NO MORE! YOU WIN!". When HHH was stuck in the crossface, I was screaming for him to tap. When it happened, I punched my couch a few times and nearly pissed my pants! When Benoit had finally won, you could see not only the happiness in his face, but also the relief, as he FINALLY reached the top of the mountain. When Eddie Guerrero came out and hugged Benoit, and I had to struggle to hold back my tears. It was very emotional, and very memorable. You can't get any better than that. AWESOME! - The highlights Music Video for Wrestlemania XX aires, and I was very impressed, as the WWE always does a great job with their video packages.OVERALL: GREAT WRESTLEMANIA that was well worth the money! I give it an A-. Some lukewarm matches brought it down a bit, but the great matches and moments made this event extremely fun, entertaining, and emotional. GREAT JOB! Well, that's all for my review. Thanx for reading! I you have any questions, answers, comments, hatemail, or pictures of of a fan at Wrestlemania XX sheering for Lesnar, send me your feedback at Jaba4017@aol.com In the subject heading, please type "Wrestling" as I get lots of junk mail. I hope yall enjoyed the Velocity Report and the Wrestlemania Review. God bless, and I invite you to come back next week for another edition of.......THE VELOCITY REPORT!!!!!!!!! *NEW GALLERY* Hot Photos of Shawn Michaels' Wife Rebecca!!
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