DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu - No Mercy Review, Raw Review & Taboo Tuesday
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 9:20 AM EST






THE WRESTLING MENU #104

Welcome one and all to the 104th edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

Here's a strange one for you in my column today: There will actually be a review of No Mercy from someone who saw it!!! Seriously, I don't usually read other reviews/comments/opinions on a pay-per-view before writing & posting my own. But I had a day off yesterday & decided to have a look around. I have never seen so many people comment on something they didn't see. Some of them even commented on match quality. How? I wouldn't have the foggiest!!!

By all means, share your opinions on future storylines emanating from an event. But don't put down the actual quality of an event, purely because of what you read, and the final result of the matches!!!

On with the show.....


APPETIZERS - Taboo Tuesday

Initially, this topic was going to be about who I believe should be in the main event of Taboo Tuesday against Triple H, and why. However, that might fit better in my predictions column next week, the way it's going. So, due to many emailed questions from loyal readers, I'm going to give my general thoughts on the interactiveness & premise of the upcoming Raw brand pay-per-view.

Overall, I think this idea is worth a shot. It's basically a first, and that in itself, should result in a decent buyrate. However, there are so many flaws in the premise (which I will discuss in a moment), that if the WWE delivers a sub-standard event on the night, then they shouldn't even consider doing it again. Or anything interactive for that matter. Bottom line, the quality of the event on Tuesday the 19th is paramount for this whole idea. The WWE must not only come up with a few surprises (in any form), they must also ensure that the match (& segment) quality is above average.

The main problem with the whole premise is continuity. The WWE have been heading a certain way with their storylines, feuds & angles. What sense does it make for anyone (the fans or the WWE) to go in a completely different direction? They've actually done a decent job in trying to bring some of those angles to a semi-end. For example; Having Christian wrestle Shawn Michaels on Raw this past week, or involving Orton more directly with Flair, rather than Triple H. However, at the same time, these things highlight the problems, instead of completely resolving them.

Another problem with the whole concept is that it's pretty much booking on the fly. Sorry if this sounds offensive, but booking on the fly by fans, is practically the same as booking on the fly by the WWE, in my opinion. In fact, I think it's pretty much fact (no matter how many bad decisions they've made over the past few years) that the WWE have better experience at booking than the majority of fans do. Furthermore, while some element of surprise will be there on the night of the event, will it negate the possible/probable adverse effects on WWE programming over the next month or so.

Yet another problem I see, is that of less heat & intensity being involved in some matches, because the relevant feud has not been given time to build up. For example, will there be any anticipation at all for the Chris Jericho InterContinental Title match, other than who his opponent will actually be. Hell, it reminds me of the debut of the Rock-A-Billy character if anything!!! And that, my friends, is definitely not a good thing.

Funnily enough, the one match that this whole concept could work in, is the World HeavyWeight Title match. I just feel that even though Triple H has only recently won the title, his character (of being against basically everyone but Flair & Batista) & the circumstances surrounding Randy Orton's title win & subsequent loss, result in the timing being just right for this.

The only problem here, is that the WWE have to follow through & give us 3 or 4 quality opponents (which they have) who are basically all involved heatedly with Triple H right now (which they haven't). This would even help make Hunter look like a strong champion, in my opinion. But instead, they wasted practically 2 weeks solely concentrating on semi-ending his feud with Orton. All the while, Edge delivered no promos, HBK was totally involved with Christian, and Benoit was.... Well, poor Chris didn't really get anything, did he? Yes, the WWE made a step in the right direction this past Monday night, but it may have been a little too late.

At the end of the day, this type of premise needs perfect timing. But that's almost impossible to fluke for even half the card. In fact, thinking about it, this is exactly what WCW should have done during that infamous period when Vince Russo & Eric Bischoff "started again". Remember, when they ended all storylines & literally started again? That way, the choices that the fans had, could almost have been infinite.

Like I said earlier, this idea is worth a shot. It should get a good buyrate, simply because it is basically the first time that the WWE have tried this. Furthermore, I'd be lying if I said that I won't be anticipating a surprise or two. But if the surprises don't come our way & everything goes as planned (by the WWE & not the fans), then this idea should never see the light of day again.


MAIN - No Mercy Review

For those that cannot recall my previous PPV review columns, this is the key that explains what the final PPV Rating means:

<50: Ask for a refund for not only your money, but also your time. [F] (G.A.Bash '04)
50-54: Mediocre & disappointing. [D] (EG: Unforgiven '04)
55-59: Average. [C] (EG: Royal Rumble '04 & No Way Out '04)
60-64: Worth A Watch. [C+] (EG: Vengeance '04)
65-69: Good event that was worth the money. [B] (EG: SummerSlam '04)
70-74: Very good. [B+] (EG: WrestleMania 19)
75-79: Make sure you add this ppv to your video or dvd collection. [A] (EG: SummerSlam '02)
80+ : Make sure that the video or dvd is locked in a safe & cannot be erased. Memorable. [A+]

EDDIE GUERRERO defeated LUTHER REIGNS: With 2 cruiserweight & 2 tag matches, this sure was a strange choice for an opener. I had a feeling it would be early on the card though, and it wasn't a totally terrible decision. Started off well enough, but it soon deteriorated into the typical big man vs smaller man match. The psychology in Luther attacking Eddie's back, worked to a certain point, but it all went on a little long (thus resulting in Luther pretty much looking like the prototypical hoss, which I don't think he is). When all was said & done, 2-3 minutes of restholds needed to be shaved off the 13 minute duration. Decent ending sequence carried by Eddie, where (in a tribute to The Big Bossman) he stole a baton/nightstick from a ringside policeman. Match Rating...6

SPIKE DUDLEY defeated NUNZIO to Retain the CruiserWeight Title: Above average cruiserweight match which proves how important this division is to the SmackDown roster (and especially it's ppv's). These 2 are arguably not even in the best 5 cruiserweights that the WWE have, yet when given a fair amount of time (9 minutes) & a half-decent feud, they come up with a good match. Easy to see how some people wouldn't have liked this bout, but I thought the mixture of styles worked well. Nunzio has the small intangibles that could be of value to SmackDown (at least in the short-term). Furthermore, the interaction of Buh-Buh, D-Von & Johnny Stamboli at ringside, added to the heat of the bout. Match Rating...7

BILLY KIDMAN defeated PAUL LONDON: Another very good match, which was sufficiently different to the cruiserweight bout before it, to make the 2 matches complimentary to each other. Started off with good intensity & London dominating in the prototypical exciting cruiserweight fashion. Then, as Kidman slowly took over, the psychology was top-notch. I really liked the way Kidman didn't immediately go ultra-heel, but worked to it slowly. All the while, the intensity kept up, and the action was entertaining. To top it all off, the ending sequence was exceptionally booked; Kidman blocked London's version of the Shooting Star Press, hits his own for the pin, and then semi snaps after the match to hit it again, as London lay bleeding on a stretcher. Match of the night. Match Rating...8

RENE DUPREE & KENZO SUZUKI defeated REY MYSTERIO & ROB VAN DAM to Retain the WWE Tag-Team Championships: Kenzo may not be the greatest wrestler around, but I am starting to chuckle at his comedic efforts. His rendition of "Born In The U.S.A" here, was no exception. This was the 3rd good match in a row!!! As expected, Rey & RVD kept the pace of this bout up, and for the most part, the tag champs kept up well (although Kenzo predictably looked lost on occasions). Dupree kept up his rollercoaster ride over the past few months, with a tremendous performance here. Good mix of everything (without anything special), it was entertaining, and was kept at a good length (9 minutes). Match Rating...7

THE BIG SHOW defeated KURT ANGLE: At the 4 minute mark of this match, Angle got himself intentionally counted out, but Teddy Long predictably came out & restarted the match. While it slowed the momentum of the bout a little, it definitely didn't ruin it, as it was all part of telling what was a decent story. TBS dominated the first half of the match in usual 'Giant' fashion. That was until Angle predictably got the big fella off his feet & worked on the ankle & knee. It got quite competitive at this point (despite a ref bump), but then Angle went for the tranquilizer gun. Cue TBS getting mad & a chokeslam off the top rope later, this match was over. Hard to rate due to it's pace. Definitely watchable & you could see what they were attempting. But too plodding & predictable. Match Rating...6

JOHN CENA defeated BOOKER T to Win the United States Title: Not what the series needed to cap it all off!!! To be honest, this match pretty much summed up the 'best of 5' series. Decent intensity to start off with, but then the next 3 or 4 minutes was average. The bout then started to build well, if a little too methodically. Then an F-U & Cena is our new U.S champ. Not bad, but disappointing & very anti-climactic. What was the point of a 'best of 5' series, if it was going to end in an average 10 minute match!?!?!? This should have been a 20 minute show-stealer. Match Rating...6

RICO, CHARLIE HAAS & MISS JACKIE defeated THE DUDLEY BOYZ & DAWN MARIE: .Pretty much a filler match with a strong emphasis on entertainment & humor. However, to that effect, the bout did it's job more than satisfactorily. The ladies did the little they had to, while The Dudley Boyz played the heels to Rico's usual shenanigans. Haas looked a little lost at times, until he was asked to wrestle later on in the match. That's when he kickstarted what was actually a really good ending sequence that finished with Rico landing a moonsault for the pin. A little hard to rate, but better than your usual filler. Match Rating...6

JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD defeated THE UNDERTAKER in a Last Ride Match to Retain the WWE Championship: The first 6 or 7 minutes of this 21 minute match was pretty much 'more of the same' after their SummerSlam bout. In fact, it was a fair bit worse, to be honest. But then I have to once more give credit where credit is due, as these 2 gave their all in a streetfight type of match. Huge chairshots, table spots & a tombstone on the steel steps may have been things we've seen before, but they were performed very well here. Unfortunately, the (rumored) ending was poor, with Heidenreich interfering on behalf of JBL. It did leave a sour taste in the mouth, however it's hard to downgrade the actual match too much because of it. Match Rating...7

PPV RATING (53/80) = 66

Looking at the key, I have basically given 'No Mercy' a 'B' grade & said that it was a 'good event that was worth the money'. I think I very much agree with that comment & grade. In all honestly, I was quietly confident that this would be a good event & could not understand why so many people were not interested in it. It received a good rating despite 3 matches (Eddie vs Luther, Booker vs Cena & TBS vs Angle) being slightly disappointing. But there was always going to be enough meat on this bone to make it worthwhile. There was some questionable booking decisions, but all in all, the match quality was above average. If the WWE can fix the SmackDown main event scene & make it truly exciting, then they're not as far away as some people would have you think. A job well done.


DESSERT - Raw Review

I wasn't initially going to do a Raw review today, as it was coming off the back of a SmackDown pay-per-view. But because Raw was emanating from Madison Square Garden & had a Shawn Michaels vs Christian main event advertised, I couldn't resist. That, plus I won't be able to do a Raw review after, or is that before, Taboo Tuesday. Well, it's both in my case, and I will explain next week. Remember that the following review isn't really a review... It's more a comments section, and a sarcastic one at that.

- Good idea to start off with a recap of the well put together Orton/Flair angle from last week. You know why? It reminds the fans to forget that Orton & Triple H hate each other, for the time being.

- Good opening promo. Yes, it was pretty much Triple H saying the same old thing, and it did go on for a while. But it put over Taboo Tuesday quite well & announced the Flair vs Orton match. I think I'll vote for a submissions match to save the WWE the embarrassment of not having a single person vote for one of the 3 options.

- Very solid television match between Shawn Michaels & Christian. Nothing super special & it's probably one too many clean HBK pins this year for my liking. But this was almost ppv quality.

- Lita was provided with a flight to Raw this week!!! She agrees that "Snitsky's a dead man". Well, that didn't really add anything new, did it?

- You know what Snitsky reminds me of? When a movie director needs someone to play an extra without notice, they usually turn to a crew member & say "you just have to memorize one line". Maybe Snitsky is the make-up guy for the divas!!!

- I was actually enjoying the Benoit vs Batista match until Orton ran in. That would have been another match at the next ppv in normal circumstances. Will it happen now!?!?!?

- More good hyping (& information sharing) of Taboo Tuesday by Bischoff. Gee, what a surprise to see that Carmella was the mystery woman that Bischoff was talking to earlier in the night... I thought it was Stevie Richards!!! Meanwhile, Christy vs Carmella at the ppv could be a genuine trainwreck.

- JR proves that he doesn't listen to Lillian Garcia, by stating that the next bout is non-title, about 5 seconds after Lillian announced it was a title match. La Res wins quickly & then Rosey moves his own mask around to slam Hurricane... Directing a live show must be so much fun.

- Ok, who's the idiot that let Rodney Mack talk!?!?!?

- Stacy defeated Molly. All I heard was "slut, slut, slut". Actually, Stacy winning another match does lead me to ask one question: Will she win the Women's Title at Taboo Tuesday?

- Good, if way too short main event lumberjack match between the 2 wrestlers who maybe should be headlining the next Raw ppv. While I like the idea of insinuating that anyone might be Jericho's opponent at Taboo Tuesday, pushing tension between him & Rhyno is mind-bogglingly stupid.

This was a very strange episode of Raw, and the reason is quite simple; What I wrote about in the 'Appetizers' section of today's column. The WWE had to basically do a ppv hype show now, even though there are still 2 Raw episodes to come before the pay-per-view. To that effect, the show was satisfactory. It also included 1 really solid match & 2 decent, if way too short, bouts. But when picked apart, some of the individual aspects of this show were terrible. The sarcasm factor from myself was obviously high & that's never a good sign. But at the end of the day, the WWE did make me care a little more about Taboo Tuesday.


Ok, that's all I have for edition #104 of 'The Wrestling Menu'. Please don't hesitate to let me know what you thought of my ratings for No Mercy. I'm sure more people purchased this event than I think. The same goes for my thoughts on Raw, or the build up to Taboo Tuesday. As per usual, I will reply to everyone. My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com

Next week in the 'Wrestling Menu', I'm going to attempt to piece together a predictions column for Taboo Tuesday. It will probably be the earliest on the web, but let's face it, we probably won't know most of the card (& it's specifics) until the night. Furthermore, I could not resist reviewing a second pay-per-view from 2001 & talking about it. I have hardly mentioned the much-discussed (expected) biggest angle of all time, so it's about time that I did that in my 105th column. Look out for that column same Wednesday time & same LOP channel. Until then, this is DaveyBoy signing off & asking you to remember that dinner is best served in 3 courses.













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