DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu - Vengeance Predictions, Rumble 2000 & JBL As Champ
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, July 7, 2004 at 7:01 AM EST






THE WRESTLING MENU #93

Welcome one and all to the 93rd edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

Before I kick off today, I'd just like to thank all those readers who emailed me with feedback about my differently structured & toned column last week. All that feedback has been taken on board & I really do appreciate it. I think the consensus was that it's a good change of pace every now & then, but isn't something I should do each & every week. That was my initial opinion as well, so consider it a done deal.

That column last week disappeared off the front page fairly quickly, so if you did not get an opportunity to read it, you may do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1088597074.php


APPETIZERS - JBL As Champ

In my column last Wednesday, I asked many questions & gave many comments on a large & wide range of issues concerning professional wrestling currently. I got answers & opinions to many of the points (although no-one informed me what the hell that black thing is in Kenzo Suzuki's mouth), but 2 issues stood out constantly in amongst the feedback I received. Surprisingly, neither of them were related to my questions & comments sections. They both were with regards to what happened at 'The Great American Bash'.

The first item was the talent (or actually the lack of it) possessed by Kenzo Suzuki. Going by the feedback I received, it's unanimous that he has no talent. Not only should he not be receiving the large push that he is, he shouldn't be receiving any push at all!!! The second & most prevalent item discussed was JBL winning the WWE Championship. Not so much the match itself, but just the fact that he is the WWE Champion. I don't think I even mentioned the fact last week (apart from saying he won the match), let alone discussed it. Yet, this was the main discussion point in feedback. I think that says something!!!

So what is my take on the fact that Mr.Layfield is our current WWE champion...??? Hopefully, this doesn't come off as either contradictory or sitting on the fence, but here goes..... The one thing I am strong on is that JBL should never have been in a position to win the WWE Championship this early into a gimmick change.

Over the past 2-3 months, you can see that he (or the WWE) has been constantly tweaking his character to see what fits best with both the audience & the angle he has been involved in. Unfortunately, he is still doing that tweaking, in my opinion. I personally would rather not have our WWE Champion not entirely confident in his character. If he was given time in the midcard first to do this, I think it's safe to say that we would be seeing a more legitimate title contender & people wouldn't be as upset with him being the champ now.

Having said all that, I'm not totally against him winning the title. Well, I suppose I am, because of what I just said. But it doesn't really offend me a great deal. It is worth a try having this type of a heel character holding the title. It really could shake things up & indirectly benefit others on the roster. For example, I'm hoping that crowds will even further get behind Eddie Guerrero now, proving once & for all that fans do want him as WWE Champion. JBL's character is decent. It isn't necessary original, but it has had a long enough break for it to be relatively fresh in 2004. Bottom line... While the timing & circumstances could have been better, the title reign is worth a try.

Of course, I'm not forgetting the major problem with JBL as champ: His wrestling talent. I definitely have never been a huge fan of his in-ring skills & thought that he was perfectly suited to tag-team wrestling (see the example in the 'Main' section of today's column). I have no doubt that his title reign will be more talk than action. I also have no doubt that we may see some disappointing main events (both tv & ppv) during his days as WWE Champion. But if his title reign is managed properly by the WWE, then this hurdle can easily be avoided.....

Firstly, he cannot hold the title for more than 3 months. I do think, whether it's a singles or triple threat match, that Eddie should win back the title at SummerSlam (but JBL should as cleanly as practically possible defeat Eddie in the SmackDown cage match next week). The other thing is that the WWE should only have Bradshaw in there with quality wrestlers that can partially carry him. Eddie is the obvious one, but they can think outside of the square here. At least Spike Dudley made the match semi-entertaining last week!!! But no Undertaker (unless it's a triple threat match), John Cena, Kenzo Suzuki, Hardcore Holly or Billy Gunn. Good choices could be Charlie Haas, Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam.

Many people who stated that JBL has ruined the tradition of excellence with being the WWE champion do have a point to some extent. But there are arguments to suggest that this has occurred many times before. I won't get into comparisons here, or else I will be here all day. One negating point to that which I have is... Does being the WWE champion have as much prestige nowadays, since the brand extension...??? I mean, let's be honest, if the rosters were all one, JBL would not be the main titleholder. Well, I hope he wouldn't be. So I think that's worth taking into account. Oh well, we will just have to wait & see how this plays out, I suppose. But right now, I repeat that "it's worth a try".


MAIN

Royal Rumble 2000 Review

Ok, I've decided to stretch out my 1990's Review series into the new millennium. But fear not, I will only be choosing the very best pay-per-view events from the years 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003. I hope you enjoy them all.

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 & No Mercy '99. 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.

'Madison Square Garden'. New York. January 23, 2000.

TAZZ defeated KURT ANGLE: Tazz's WWF debut as Kurt Angle's mystery opponent was the perfect opener to get the MSG crowd super hyped up. Tazz's entrance was excellent & was one of those 'chills down your spine' moments!!! Extremely short match which only lasted about 4 minutes. But it was fast-paced, intense & suplex-filled (by both men) while it lasted. Angle was definitely one WWF opponent that could have a classic match with Tazz. More a spectacle, than a match, but a very good one. Match Rating...7

THE HARDY BOYZ defeated THE DUDLEY BOYZ In A Tag-Team Tables Match: ECW-like match which was very spotty, but had a more than sufficient amount of 'WOW' factor involved to compensate. There were a couple of genuine "holy $hit" moments which even the WWF cameramen couldn't keep up with!!! Anyone that thinks Jeff Hardy (near his best) is of no value to professional wrestling should (re-)watch this bout. A bit too short in duration at 10 minutes to be a 10 out of 10, but still extremely entertaining. Match Rating...9

MAE YOUNG defeated IVORY, TERRI, JACQUELINE, B.B, LUNA & THE KAT to Become Miss Rumble 2000: Twelve minute segment that was done purely & simply to gross fans out / make people laugh, by having Mae flash her boobs to everyone!!! I think this is the only time I have ever passed one of these contests. Pretty sad, huh!?!?!? But Mae was genuinely hilarious & so were the censored signs that came up on the screen way too late!!! Segment Rating...6

CHRIS JERICHO defeated CHYNA & HARDCORE HOLLY In A Triple Threat Match to Win the InterContinental Title: Strange & sometimes awkward 7 minute match that was hurt by it's unpredictability (Jericho was never going to lose). Somewhat different than the usual triple-threat match because Chyna was involved. But any positives she brought to the table were negated by the awkwardness of anytime she is actually wrestling in this match. Meanwhile, Holly is..... well, his usual mediocre self. Match Rating...5

THE NEW AGE OUTLAWS (ROAD DOGG JESSE JAMES & BILLY GUNN) defeated THE ACOLYTES (BRADSHAW & FAAROOQ To Retain The WWF Tag-Team Titles: The last thing I was expecting from this match was an intense fast-paced bout. But when the match only lasts a little over 3 minutes, then anything can happen. All finishers were hit, there was an X-Pac run in & basically all 4 wrestlers weaknesses were hidden. We even get to see Faarooq's messy spinebuster twice... DAMN!!! I liked this as much as I could like a 3 minute match. Match Rating...6

TRIPLE H defeated CACTUS JACK In A Streetfight to Retain the WWF Championship: Twenty-seven minutes of brutal hardcore action. But to call this just a "hardcore" match is not giving it enough credit. It was intense, pretty much non-stop & very hard hitting. Hell, it even told a story. Make no mistake that this was the moment that truly elevated Triple H to a main event superstar. Complete with thumbtacks, chairs & a barbed-wire covered 2x4, this match had it all. Probably fairly easy to find faults when viewed under a microscope, but the entertainment value was too high to do that. A classic. Match Rating...10

THE ROCK WON THE ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH: Definitely not one of the best Rumble matches of all time. In fact, it was arguably one of the most lackluster considering it's usual high standard. The lack of depth on the roster at the time showed with Jericho, Chyna, Holly, Faarooq, Bradshaw, Gunn & Road Dogg all pulling double duty for the night. Rikishi dominated the first 3rd of the match. Of all people, Big Bossman dominated the middle 3rd. While the only 3 genuine chances to win the match (The Rock, The Big Show & Kane) battled it out towards the end. The Rock won by cleverly eliminating The Big Show at the 52 minute mark. Match Rating...7

PPV RATING (50/70) = 71

Looking at my 'PPV Ratings' key, I have basically given 'The Royal Rumble' 2000 a 'B+' grade & said that it was 'Very Good'. Make no mistake that this is one of the WWE's best ever pay-per-views. In fact, it's almost a flawed masterpiece to a certain extent, as there's many things that could have been better about the event, yet it still rated so highly. What I liked especially, was the predominantly clever booking by the WWF at the time. Looking at my review, you would think that I would be wishing that the event had an extra 30 minutes tacked on to it. But I'm unsure that I do. Would the opener or tag match rate any higher if it went any longer? Well, maybe an extra 2 or 3 minutes wouldn't have hurt. The women's segment, while having the usual T & A, also had genuine laughs. Finally, the double duties involved in the Rumble match, at least didn't further expose the lack of depth in the roster. It's just a shame that the battle royal didn't have too much excitement about it. All in all, I definitely recommend this event.


DESSERT

Vengeance Predictions

I've been really disappointed with the way that this pay-per-view has been built up. With exactly a week remaining until the event, only 3 matches were officially made. This past week on Raw, only 2 were added. That is just not good enough!!! The quality of the last 2 SmackDown pay-per-views should have proven this. But more frustrating is that building up feuds for ppv matches was exactly what the brand extension was for. Was it a good idea in theory? Yes. Is it happening? No. It's very disappointing on the WWE's behalf & it will be interesting to see if Raw can overcome what SmackDown hasn't been able to.


LA RESISTANCE vs RIC FLAIR & EUGENE for the World Tag-Team Titles: This match which was made this past Monday night by GM Eugene is an interesting one. It is basically 2 heel teams, but Flair & Eugene always get their fair share of cheers. Many people have wondered if the WWE would ever put a title on Eugene in his current gimmick. Well, the answer might be "yes" & it might be a lot sooner than we all expect. La Resistance have stabilized the division to some extent over the past couple of months, but they really are not generating the heel heat that I think the WWE were expecting. I'm a little undecided on the outcome of this match & it's all going to depend on how long Triple H is going to drag Eugene along. Or is it!?!?!? I smell comedy either way, so..... Winners: Ric Flair & Eugene

KANE vs MATT HARDY in a No Disqualification Match: This is one match where I forgive the late announcement. The 2 have basically been feuding for the last 3 or 4 weeks & it was always going to be pretty obvious that they would meet at this ppv. I'm not really sure that the WWE have done a good job in building up Matt to be a genuine threat, but at least he is playing the role decently. Making the bout a 'No Disqualification Match' also adds some sort of unpredictability to it, I suppose. This could actually be pretty good if it's booked well & both men are on top of their games. But something tells me that I shouldn't put any money on it. Winner: Kane

BATISTA vs CHRIS JERICHO: I have sort of liked how this feud has come along. There hasn't been anything startling or shocking, but through a match here & a confrontation there, some sort of intensity should exist in this match. That's all you can ask for as a fan, especially considering that this could only just be categorized as a midcard match. I am with the masses that suggest that Batista has been improving in the ring. Nothing super significant, but improvement nonetheless. I also like the fact that he is using a lariat/clothesline as a secondary finisher. It's a great idea, as long as they don't go overboard with it. As for who will win... I think it depends on who is going to win the InterContinental Title match on the same night. One heel will win & one face will win. Winner: Chris Jericho

RANDY ORTON vs EDGE for the InterContinental Title: Again, this feud has been built up steadily, if unspectacularly, over the past month or so. It's been fine by me. I wasn't a huge fan of the Orton-Benjamin feud & initially expected this feud & match to be better. Now I'm not as certain & I think the proof will be in the pudding with this match. If you told me 3 or 4 weeks ago that this match was taking place on this ppv, I would have almost guaranteed an Edge title win. But I've since done a backflip. Two main reasons: (1) I don't think Edge is back to his very best just yet & (2) I think Chris Jericho is better suited to be the one that knocks Orton off after a long title reign. Whichever way the win goes, I really do hope that this is a great match, as these 2 guys are a huge part of the WWE's future. Winner: Randy Orton

CHRIS BENOIT vs TRIPLE H for the World HeavyWeight Title: Another match which has been built up steadily, rather than in an 'in-your-face' type of way. I can forgive that here, as these 2 have a recent history & should be able to get the job done in the ring anyway. This isn't a very easy match to predict actually, as you never know with Triple H. I wish I could remember when he is going to start filming that movie he is acting in, as that may give me a hint as to the winner here. Overall, I have definitely been happy with Chris Benoit's title reign & think he will retain here. Plus, I really think that the WWE may want to hold off until SummerSlam before they change the direction of many of their titles. Winner: Chris Benoit

So there we have the 5 matches that have officially been announced for Sunday night. Like I said in the opening paragraph, I think that's very disappointing from the WWE. What scares me the most is that the tag-team title match includes a team who will be a duo for the first time ever. Furthermore, with at least 2 further matches having to be added, I don't see much depth to add. I'm guessing we will have a women's match. Maybe Nidia vs Molly. Or Nidia & Victoria vs Molly & Gail Kim. I'm going a face upset to win that one. Tyson Tomko will probably get a match against either Rhyno, Val Venis or Tajiri. Tomko should emerge victorious there. Garrison Cade vs Tajiri maybe (Cade to win that one if it occurs). Other than that, I have no idea. I suppose Rosey & The Hurricane are always a chance to pop up.


On that note, that's all I have for edition #93 of 'The Wrestling Menu'. Feel free to give me your opinion on any of the topics which I have discussed today: Your memories of The Royal Rumble of 2000. And of course, how you think I will go with my predictions for Vengeance. It's actually a tricky little ppv to predict. I'm willing to listen to whatever you have to say regarding JBL as your WWE champion as well!!! As always, I will reply to all feedback. My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com

So, what's on the agenda for next week's 'Wrestling Menu'...??? Man, I tell you that I really want to take a week's break to recharge the batteries. But I can't because the WWE feel that they need to have a pay-per-view every other week lately. I really wish they would re-think this decision to have 2 events in one month sometimes. Anyway, enough of my whingeing, I will have my Vengeance Review next week, as well as my comments on a topic emanating from my Royal Rumble 2000 Review today. I'm sure I will have more. Look out for the 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.












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