DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu - Bad Blood Predictions, NM '99 Review & VertaBreaker Info
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at 4:26 PM EST




THE WRESTLING MENU #89

Welcome one and all to the 89th edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

I had to make a late change to my lineup today & swap 'Main' topics. A fellow main page columnist posted a controversial column within the last week & while it really has nothing to do with my pre-written topic, I think I will err on the side of safety with regards to the timing of my particular topic. Don't worry though, that topic should surface two weeks from now.

Not long now until the cell is lowered!!! On with the show.....


APPETIZERS - VertaBreaker Info

The main portion of my last column a fortnight ago was given to the results of my 'Greatest Finishing Move Ever' poll. Like many of my readers, I still cannot believe that the 'VertaBreaker' won. If you have yet to view that column, you may do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1085603245.php

I gave a pretty terrible description of the move to those who have not yet had the pleasure to see it. So I thought I would help you all along by passing on some reader feedback concerning the finisher. Firstly, a description sent in from Ben Hooker. It's simple & a lot clearer than my description from last week. Ben describes it as "A Back To Back Double Underhook Piledriver".

I actually forgot to mention last week that the move has been referred to by some as the 'Gori Driver' after Gori Guerrero. It's not too dissimilar to the move that Chavo Guerrero occasionally uses, but it focuses more on the neck & head region.

Julian Phoenix passed on that the move can be seen on The Hurricane's entrance video contained on the 'Ramped Up! Volume 1' DVD that the WWE have released.

KidT89 has emailed me & told me that the finisher can be performed on both the SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain & Shut Your Mouth video games.

But I think the one place where everybody should go to see the move being performed is Shane 'Hurricane' Helms' official website. The site is http://www.shanehelms.com/ . From the main page, you can just click on 'Videos' & there is 4 or 5 different versions of the VertaBreaker there. Downloading is super easy, as you can just right click on the link & save it to a file of your choice. I recommend the versions involving Billy Kidman & Shannon Moore. The Kidman one is a front view which really shows the awesomeness of the move. While the Moore version is a side view which illustrates exactly how the opponent should protect their neck in the move.

Just a couple more quick notes. A couple of readers, most notably Justin Miller, told me that the move was first used in Japan by a female wrestler named Megumi Kudo. Her version was called the 'Kudo Driver'. To be fully honest with you, I wouldn't be surprised if every move on the list originated in Japan. I do realize that many moves are taken from Japan, Mexico or anywhere else in the world & claimed as their own by WWE superstars. I can only go by what I know, and that is North American wrestling.


Finally, just getting off the VertaBreaker, a few people have asked me if the Steiner ScrewDriver can be seen anywhere. I only had one reader (Alex Salinas) contribute with regards to this. Unfortunately, it's on a video game: N64's WCW/nWo World Tour.


MAIN

No Mercy '99 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, King Of The Ring '96, Survivor Series '97 & Halloween Havoc '98. 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 & 5 years ago.

'Gund Arena'. Cleveland, Ohio. October 17, 1999.

THE GODFATHER defeated MIDEON (With Viscera): The crowd were pretty pumped up for the entrance of the ho's & then practically went to sleep for the 8 minute duration of this boring match. What was the Mideon gimmick anyway? He was better as Phineas I Godwinn (which isn't saying much for his career). Even with heaps of interference from The Artist Formerly Known As Mabel, Mideon couldn't beat the over-rated Godfather. Match Rating...3

THE FABULOUS MOOLAH (With Mae Young) defeated IVORY to win the Women's Title: This match was terrible (even by women's matches' standards). Jerry Lawler said it all when he asked JR "Is it just me or am I watching this match in slow-motion?" Even Ivory messed up a suicide dive. To top it all off, the title was won by the 72 year old Moolah. The match itself lasted all of 3 minutes. Match Rating...1

THE HOLLY's (HARDCORE & CRASH) defeated THE NEW AGE OUTLAWS: Just before this event, Crash & Hardcore had just caused the NAO the tag titles against The Rock & Sock Connection. Due to this, there was some ill-feeling to this match, which surprisingly turned out to be decent. The Holly's actually made quite a good team back then, and it was a bit of a shame that they weren't used more as a team, as it is arguable that neither of them could get over as singles performers. Match Rating...6

CHYNA defeated JEFF JARRETT (With Miss Kitty) To Win The InterContinental Title: In the weeks leading up to this pay-per-view, Jarrett had been verbally & physically beating up every woman in the WWF. Chyna got her title match here in this bout dubbed a 'Good House-Keeping Match' as there were household appliances around the ring that were legal as weapons. Average angle & gimmick at least had some heat to it & Jarrett was probably the right body size to be a male opponent for Chyna. Jarrett initially won the match using the title belt, but the match was re-started when the referee declared the title was not legal as it was not a household item. Chyna later won using a guitar. It should be noted that the title had to be taken off Jarrett as he was on his way to WCW. The match played out like a humorous hardcore match & somehow tickled my fancy a little. Oh, & remember; Tongs & Testicles don't mix. Match Rating...7

THE ROCK defeated THE BRITISH BULLDOG DAVEY BOY SMITH: This was the last attempt by the then WWF to push Davey Boy (may he rest in peace), but unfortunately he was way past his best at this point. Rocky, as per usual, lowered himself on the card to give a push to a colleague. This match suffered from it's predictability factor in that The Rock was never going to lose. Average 7 minute match. Match rating...5

THE HARDY BOYZ defeated EDGE & CHRISTIAN In A Ladder Match: This was the deciding match in a 'Best Of 5' series where the winner would get $100,000 & Terri's managerial services. The Hardyz were referred to as 'The Brood' at this stage & were accompanied to the ring by Gangrel. This was supposedly the 1st ever tag-team ladder match in WWF history & was fought under Tornado rules (ie: no tags needed). If I could find 1 fault with this match that was partially ahead of its time, it was that it was a little too much of a spotfest. But that's being way too picky. These 4 guys gave 100% & put their bodies on the line for the full 16 minutes that this bout lasted. Not only that, but it is arguable that if it wasn't for the success (& quality) of this match, then we may have been deprived of future Ladder & TLC matches, that I'm sure we have all enjoyed a great deal. Match Rating...10

INTERMISSION: As per usual after a hot match, the WWF had 2 backstage segments to try and cool the crowd done. The first was a silly one of Foley trying to sell his book, only to get beat down by Val Venis. The second had Rocky challenging the winner of tonight's main event, only to get a sledgehammer beatdown by HHH.

VAL VENIS defeated 'MANKIND' MICK FOLEY: Passable 11 minute match with a stupid finish. Venis got the pin when he put a sock (Mr.Rocko) on his hand & grabbed Mick's testicles. Mick then fell backwards & Val got the pin. Apart from the finish, Val showed a great array of offense in this match proving that he has always been under-rated. Unfortunately, as per usual, the crowd paid no attention to it. A possible forerunner to Val's demotion shortly after. Match Rating...6

X-PAC defeated FAAROOQ, KANE & BRADSHAW In A Four Corners Elimination Match: It was sure strange seeing this match, as it may have been the last time X-Pac was cheered in the WWE. Your enjoyment of this match depended on whether you were into the feud of these 2 tag-teams at the time. Personally, I was neither here nor there about it & this match was mainly used to get X-Pac over as an 'against-the-odds' face. I think we all know how that turned out!. Match Rating...6

TRIPLE H defeated 'STONE COLD' STEVE AUSTIN In A No Holds Barred Match To Retain The WWF Title: This feud had lasted for approximately 3 months, after Triple H put Austin on the shelf with continuous chair shots to the knee. At the previous months 'Unforgiven', Austin (as a special enforcer) counted to 3 to proclaim Triple H the world champ. Further fuel was thrown on the fire when HHH faked a snake bite to the face a week or two before this match, only to once more attack Stone Cold. The scene was set for this match when the ring was not used for the first 8 minutes. It wasn't the last these 2 would be outside the ring, but this match was better when it was inside the squared circle. Both wrestlers gave 100% for 22 minutes before The Rock accidentally hit Austin with a sledgehammer leading to the easy Triple H win. Match Rating...8

PPV RATING (52/90) = 58

Looking at the key, I have basically given 'No Mercy '99 a 'C' grade & said that it was 'Average'. This pay-per-view was pretty much the norm in 1999. At each event, there would be one really good midcard match & the main event would also be pretty good. Yet, the rest of the card would let the show down as a whole. Having said that, No Mercy '99 is definitely worth the watch for the excellent ladder match & a couple of other pretty good matches.


DESSERT

Bad Blood Predictions

LA RESISTANCE vs CHRIS BENOIT & EDGE for the World Tag-Team Titles: This match which was added on the past episode of Raw will most likey be the opener due to Benoit doing double duty. I actually don't mind that this bout is taking place. It has the potential to be more than decent, have good heat attached to it & should advance the Benoit-Edge storyline significantly. It will also hopefully be an opportunity to establish La Resistance as more credible champions, as they're sure to retain. Winners: La Resistance

EUGENE vs JONATHAN COACHMAN: Another match I don't mind being on the card because the storylines have been heading that way for a while now. I still think though, that the actual bout should have had an extra week's buildup. Pure entertainment should be the order of the day here & hopefully the WWE can pull another rabbit out of the hat. I think the byplay could even lead to some decent wrestling. I will be interested to see how the WWE show Eugene reacting to a loss, but there's time for that down the track. It's still too soon. Winner: Eugene

VICTORIA vs GAIL KIM vs LITA vs TRISH STRATUS for the Women's Title: I still am unsure what to make of the new Victoria. I can see what the WWE are trying to do, but I don't think it's working, nor going to work. I still think that she can get by on wrestling ability alone, but I have the funny feeling that I may be in the minority there. It casts an overall air of unpredictability over this match as well. As does the fact that Lita & Trish were added to the card late. With her new submission based offense, Gail Kim is really starting to make a name for herself in this division, and it may just be time for a title change. I really don't think that Trish or Lita need the title right now, with the storylines that they are involved in. This is a tough one to predict. Winner: Gail Kim

CHRIS JERICHO vs TYSON TOMKO: Pretty much the same opening comments as the Eugene vs Coach match. While feuds are being built quite well, the actual matches aren't. I'm a little concerned as to where this feud is heading. It really is just an extension to the Jericho vs Christian feud, so it's all going to come down to what Tomko shows in the ring. There are plenty of questions here: Will this feud now go on for months? Will Christian appear to interfere? Will Jericho forever be stuck in midcard hell? Will Tomko be able to remain standing up after delivering a boot to the face? I know who should win, but I'm unsure that he will!!! Winner: Chris Jericho

RANDY ORTON vs SHELTON BENJAMIN for the InterContinental Title: I do like the way this feud has been brought along slowly & have no problem whatsoever with Edge sort of interrupting the flow there for a while. Hey, Orton is the cocky champ & he should believe that he could beat anybody after defeating Mick Foley a couple of months back. I've liked his reign so far & I do think it is bringing back some prestige to the title. When someone does finally defeat him for the belt, it's going to be a big thing. However, it's not going to be Shelton Benjamin in June 2004. I've been pleasantly surprised at Benjamin's progression since joining Raw, but he still has a few bugs to iron out (he especially needs a potent finishing move). Hopefully, these 2 can keep up the pace. If they can, it will be a very good bout. If they can't, it's just going to be average like their Raw match from 10 or so days ago. Winner: Randy Orton

CHRIS BENOIT vs KANE for the World HeavyWeight Title: It's a shame, but I get the feeling that this is going to be predominantly a storyline match that moves both participants on to other feuds. There is a possibility that Edge, Matt Hardy & Lita could all get involved here. But I am really not sure in what capacity, as I don't 100% know where each of the storylines are heading. Hopefully, it doesn't take away from the match too much, because I still believe that Kane can be carried to excellent matches by the best in the business. In fact, this is a little challenge for Benoit. If he can get an 8 out of 10 match out of Kane, I really think he deserves to hold the title past SummerSlam. Winner: Chris Benoit

TRIPLE H vs SHAWN MICHAELS in a Hell In A Cell Match: While everyone is thinking about the quality of this match & what daredevil stunt will be performed by who, one question that has escaped attention is who will win the match. Both are rumored to have time off afterwards to sell injuries resulting out of this match, so that really doesn't point to anyone in particular. I think it would make more sense for Triple H to win, as he is more likely to contend for the World HeavyWeight Title sooner. But I can see the WWE going with a fan-friendly ending to the pay-per-view. As for the quality of the match, I just get the feeling that when these 2 guys are on, they are really on. My expectations are high. Winner: Shawn Michaels

Well, there you have it: Bad Blood 2004. I think most people have been looking forward to this event for a while. Now that it is upon us, I have to admit that the card could have been built up a little better. But on paper, it is a very good card & I can still see it being a very entertaining show. A lot will depend on the Hell In A Cell match, but I am confident that it can deliver. While there is enough quality on the undercard to suggest that the remainder of the card will be above average.


Ok, that's another one in the books. I hope you enjoyed edition #89 of 'The Wrestling Menu'. Feel free to give me your opinion on any of the topics which I have discussed today: Your memories of No Mercy '99. And of course, how you think I will go with my predictions for Bad Bllod. It's actually a tricky little ppv to predict. As always, I will reply to all feedback. My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com

Next Wednesday in 'The Wrestling Menu', I will obviously have my Bad Blood Review. Let's hope that the event can at least get up into the 'B' region in ratings. I didn't write a topic concerning my 1990's review today which I usually do, so I will next week. It's probably a pretty obvious one concerning the continued rumored return of an ex-WWE star. That, plus a whole lot more timely professional wrestling discussion, 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.












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