WWF: WrestleMania X-Seven

It is December 23, 2009 when I am typing this review. I am stuck behind a hotel desk with nothing to do. I am bored beyond belief. I am so bored that I've chosen to type a review of arguably the most beloved "WrestleMania" of all time. It's not my personal favorite (more on that later), but it's still very good.*********************************************1) Intercontinental ChampionshipChris Jericho (champion) v. William Regal (WWF Commissioner)---What better way to kick off a show than two gifted wrestlers who've refined their craft all over the world? Regal was capable of some great technical contests, and Jericho has always been one of the best in the world. These two mix it up quite well. I would've preferred if these guys got to have a longer match, but I suppose that's a compliment to how well these guys worked together."7.0 / 10"______________________________________2) Right To Censor v. Tazz & The APA---After a corny backstage segment where Texas' own Bradshaw gets all worked up, we get a pointless but watchable filler match. If you're expecting these 6 guys to tear the house down, you've come to the wrong place. If you're okay with a trio of good guys win one over a band of hated villains, then you won't mind watching Bradshaw win one in his home state."4.0 / 10"______________________________________3) Hardcore ChampionshipRaven (champion) v. Kane v. Big Show---This one is just nuts! The WWF often treated the Hardcore belt with crazy antics that usually involved brawling all over the arena. But what makes this one better (in my opinion) is that it's goofy AND still violent. There are a couple of genuine ouch moments in this fight. Raven takes the worst of the beatings in this one, almost being severely injured at one point by a golf cart. Big Show and Kane also get to shine, even if I had a hard time believing that guys this large would have any problem winning a match like this. I'm not giving this Triple Threat a very high score, but I still had a good time watching it."6.5 / 10"______________________________________4) European ChampionshipEddie Guerrero (w/ Perry Saturn) v. Test (champion)---This title bout is really the only one that disappoints me, because in 2001, I loved watching either of these guys wrestle. I was hoping for a good showdown between the globally-respected Guerrero and the criminally-underrated Test. Sadly, something was just off here. Basically, I loved watching Test slam and toss Eddie around, but whenever Eddie was in control of the contest, these two just didn't click. Plus, Saturn's ringside involvement was kinda dull (though his pink pimp had is something to behold). Not a terrible match, but a huge letdown considering how much I loved watching these guys."5.5 / 10"______________________________________5) Kurt Angle v. Chris Benoit---I want to put things in perspective here, because by now, 99.9% of wrestling fans agree that any Angle/Benoit contest is worth a PPV purchase. But by "WM 17", these guys hadn't mixed it up a whole lot. I think most of us were expecting a fast-paced back-and-forth blockbuster. Instead, Angle & Benoit gave us a most delightful surprise: very old-school, amateur-style mat wrestling. The first five minutes are such a shock, as Angle & Benoit use takedowns & holds that might 'LOOK' boring to the typical WWF fan. But then those of us who were initially bored realized that we were watching the most intelligent and sensible form of in-ring competition. It made us question why superstars ever run off the ropes, when waistlock takedowns are much more effective. Don't worry, the pace gradually quickens, and the contest grows into one of the PPV's best. I believe that Angle & Benoit outdid themselves in later matches, but this encounter sure made one hell of an impression."8.0 / 10"______________________________________6) Women's ChampionshipIvory (champion) v. Chyna---On Amazon, you'll often read wrestling reviews that use the term "Push The Storyline". Here's your textbook example. The point isn't whether Chyna will fail to get her revenge or reclaim her gold. The point is whether the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. While I would've preferred a longer competition for the title (I had great admiration for both women), the outcome was inevitable. These storyline-pushers are hard to score. No matter what number I put, the bottom line is that I wanted a much longer match, but was satisfied overall with this glorified squash."4.0 / 10" ("8" for story conclusion & execution, "2" for short contest)______________________________________7) Street Fight - Guest Referee: Mick FoleyShane McMahon (WCW Owner) v. Vince McMahon (WWF Chairman)---History has shown us how this angle played out, but the WCW angle wasn't really the primary focus yet. At the time, the McMahon mania was almost as maddening as the year before. Vince was an unfaithful husband in an affair with Trish Stratus, while wife Linda was comatose, daughter Stephanie remained "Daddy's Little Girl", while Shane was the only moral and sensible one on the family. Oh, and Mick Foley somehow became the referee. You with me so far?...Oh well, the video package will explain everything. Frankly, I loved the craziness of this fight. Vince and Shane aren't afraid to pummel each other with slaps, garbage cans, and kendo sticks. Throw in an announcer table crash, a ringside catfight, a miraculous coma-recovery, Mr. Socko, and the debut of Shane's Coast-To-Coast..... man this is one wacky scenario! Bottom line - even if you hate the McMahon Family storylines, I think this one will entertain most."7.0 / 10"______________________________________8) TLC II - Tag Team ChampionshipsThe Hardy Boyz v. Edge & Christian v. The Dudley Boyz (champions)---Perhaps the most popular Ladder Match of all time, this one is sure to please fans of hardcore or weapons action. These three teams gave the tag division a huge jolt for over a year, and this was kind of their swan song, even though there was a TLC 3 a couple months later. It was time to put this saga to rest, and all six men did a great job of doing so. Actually, each team gets an accomplice to join the fun (Rhyno for E&C, Spike for the Dudleyz, Lita for the Hardyz). Everyone is game for the bumps, bruises, and battered bodies. However, for a long time, I've felt TLC II was overrated; I think I've finally nailed my nitpick. There's simply too much. I have great respect for these men (and woman) putting their bodies through so much carnage. But TLC II is one of those Ladder Matches where it delivers 50 high spots when 20 would've been fine. TLC II isn't satisfied with only having a handful of great moments, which makes a believable hard-hitting Ladder Match become an over-the-top spotfest. I love TLC II; it's an excellent display from all involved. But it's not the masterpiece that most have claimed it to be."8.5 / 10"______________________________________9) Gimmick Battle Royal---While this was neat in theory, WWF really dropped the ball with this one. About 20 or so wrestlers participate in a traditional over-the-top battle royal, with all wrestlers being known for some sort of crazy character. For every respectable guy like Earthquake or Iron Sheik, there's a Repo Man or Gobbly Gooker to keep things from getting too serious. Frankly, this is the fastest Battle Royal I've ever seen, as these guys just fall over the ropes in lazy fashion. Only a few eliminations have any creativity in them. I don't mind fun throwaways, but this one came off as lazy."4.0 / 10"______________________________________10) Triple H v. The Undertaker---Oddly enough, the Undertaker's 9th match at "WrestleMania" wasn't tagged with the "Undefeated Streak" that hovers over his appearances today. It was still such a bizarre coincidence that nobody ever beat Taker at this event. Anybody who was paying attention the Streak, however, surely paid attention to HHH. After all, his career skyrocketed in 2000, and 2001 was off to a very promising start. This one features very little in the way of technical competition, and quickly becomes a slugfest that goes into the crowd for most of the match. Everything was going fine until a weakass spot occurred: HHH is chokeslammed from a high platform onto a foamy crashpad, and you don't even get a hard "oomph!" to let you know it was supposed to hurt. Thankfully, when the two return to the ring, the match ends with a series of counters and kickouts that are well worth the wait. This is a good match, but when you think back on the foamy crashpad and the referee being down for over 10 minutes, it's a tad silly."7.0 / 10"______________________________________11) WWF Championship - No Disqualifications`Stone Cold' Steve Austin v. The Rock (champion)---I have to be fair and admit that Austin/Rock matches aren't my favorites. They're good matches, but aren't the glorious classics that most fans believe they are. Frankly, my favorite Austin/Rock match took place in England, and was released in the United States on DVD. But as overrated as I think this main event is, it is a very solid way to end a "WrestleMania" PPV. The charisma and hard work from these guys can't be overstated. The match is pretty long (in a good way), and these guys pulled off the impossible: They delivered a "WrestleMania" rematch that didn't feel like a complete retread. But I have some big problems with this one. First off, Debra McMichael's role as Rock's manager was completely forgotten. Secondly, the No-DQ stipulation was a pleasant but illogical surprise. Howard Finkel basically announced it on the microphone, and we were as confused as we were excited. Also, I'm not a fan of stolen finishers (Rock doing the Stunner, or Austin doing the Rock Bottom). Finally, as everyone knows, "WM 17" ends with a huge twist as Vince McMahon helps his sworn enemy Steve Austin to win the gold. But the twist is cheapened when Rock kicks out of the assault, only to get bludgeoned with a few more chair shots. We didn't need that false hope of The Rock surviving, because it was pretty obvious he wouldn't. I know I've trashed this match more than I've praised it. I guess when everyone gives it endless praise, I feel compelled to bring it off its untouchable pedestal. The Rock/Austin rematch at "WM 17" is quite good, but I don't think it's a masterpiece. Then again, "WrestleMania X-Seven" isn't my favorite of the series. How fitting."7.0 / 10"______________________________________"WrestleMania X-Seven", without question, is the most popular edition of the annual extravaganza. I really like it, but have a handful of others that I enjoyed more. I liked a few different "WM" PPVs more for a variety of reasons. I loved the one-trick pony that was "WM 12" (1996). I loved the All-State Arena crowd from "WM 22" (2006). I loved most of "WM 13" or "WM 21 (1997, 2005), even though they bombed in their final stretches. I loved the constant supply of solid matches in the underrated "WM 7" (1991). Most of all, I love "WM 19" (2003) from start to finish.But as another reviewer explained to me (Jose, by the way - look up his reviews), "WM 17" has something for everybody. You have a couple technical wrestling matches. You get a few silly exhibitions. You get a handful of weapons & hardcore action matches. You get a squash. Some storylines begin; others are brought to a close.I know I basically typed a review explaining why "WrestleMania X-Seven" isn't my favorite. Forgive the rambles. An hour or two later after typing my review, sitting behind my hotel desk, I'm still bored on a slow day with nothing to do.

Wrestlemania is the super bowl in sports entertainment. I bought this when I was 11 right as it came out on VHS baby lol. It took place in the Astrodome in Houston Texas, and had over 65,000 fans there.1. Chris Jericho versus William Regal, this was a good opening match for the Intercontinental title, I remember as the lights turn off for Jericho's entrance, you could still see everything from the light outside or something, it was not dark at all. It had a good promo as well for the match, two very good technical wrestlers. Jericho was battling a shoulder injury but still had a good match. 6.5/102. The APA and Tazz versus The Right To Censor, this was a good match to have just as a filler, Bradshaw and Jacqueline had a good promo, talking about Texas and the Astrodome and such than they came out and pretty much destroyed, Bradshaw had a awesome clothes line from Hell on the Goodfather. 7/103. Raven versus Kane versus The Big Show, for the Hardcore Title, This was a one of the best hardcore title matches I have seen. Sadly though I think Kane got screwed by putting him in this match, he lasted over a hour in the Rumble, and got put in this match...oh well...they fought through the crowd and into the backstage, through a window, a wall, a door, Kane drives a golf cart, all ends up on the stage and Kane does a legdrop of the stage, its a must see. 9/104. Test versus Eddie Guerrero for the European Title, I really did not think this was a filler match, but Eddie used his high flying ability and Test used his power, really turned out to be an alright match. 7/10 R.I.P to both men.5. Chris Benoit versus Kurt Angle, to a traditional wrestling fan this match is awesome, so in my eyes it was great. I really loved watching Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in the ring, and when they are put against each other, there is nothing better. Alot of wreslting holds and greco-roman suplexes. Kurt Angle was a coward at the time, but I could watch his matches all day. 9/106. Chyna versus Ivory for the womens title, This match took about 3 minutes, it was totally obvious that Chyna would wipe the floor with Ivory, and she did. Ivory was a bad in ring wrestler and talent in my eyes. 4/10.7. Shane Mcmahon versus Vince Mcmahon in a street fight, Very good match with one of the best story lines ever behind it, when Shane bought WCW from under Vince. A very good match, considering these guys wrestling maybe 5 times a year. Shane pulled off some amazing moves in this one, also the whole Mcamahon family was at ringside as well. Mick Foley was the special guest referee as well. Ended in dramatic fashion as well. Shane comes out victorious. 9/108. Edge and Christian versus the Hardy Boyz versus The Dudley Boyz in TLC II, this was in my opinion the best TLC match, I really enjoyed this match, it is very hard to describe in words, you just have to see it.9. Gimmick Battle Royal, It was cool to see the oldies come back for a bit, Doink the Clown, The Iron Shiek, Hillybilly Jim, and others, it was really short, but a fun match. 7/1010. Triple H versus The Undertaker, this was not your typical wrestling match, it was a full blown brawl, they were in the ring for about 10 minutes, Taker punches the ref out, and they brawl throughout the stadium, and it is a overall great match. I am pretty sure you guys know who wins this one.11. Stone Cold Steve Austin versus The Rock for the WWF title, A very very good promo, Austin is obsessed with being the champ, and this is a very good match, better than their match at Wrestlemania 15, I really enjoyed this match, and I watch the last 5 minutes all the time, even though it was the turning point, I loved when Austin was a heel. It was awesomeThis has been a review by Random Hero, and I really enjoyed this pay per view, and if you want a good wrestling tape, this one is very good.

Match 1:WWF Intercontinental ChampionshipChris Jericho (c) vs. William RegalA solid start to the night. Both men put a good shift in.Match 2:Six Man Tag Team MatchTazz & The APA vs. Right to CensorFast paced but quick and not too much to get excited about.Match 3:Hardcore Championship Triple ThreatRaven (c) vs. Kane vs. Big ShowGreat hardcore match. Raven has good spells in this match despite being at a severe height and strength disadvantage. Very entertaining.Match 4:WWF European ChampionshipEddie Guerrero (c) vs. TestNot a bad match. Both men have varied styles from one another so not too bad all in all.Match 5:Kurt Angle vs. Chris BenoitAnother strong performance from both of these guys. Not their best match ever but certainly worth a watch.Match 6:WWF Women's ChampionshipIvory (c) vs. ChynaNot great, not bad. But Chyna's in-ring abilities are always good to watch.Match 7:Street FightVince McMahon vs. Shane McMahonVery entertaining match. Shane o'Mac always puts on a good show and Wrestlemania was no exception. Very good bout.Match 8:WWF Tag Team Championship TLC matchDudley Boyz (c) vs. Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & ChristianOnce again these 6 guys put their bodies on the line to produce another spectacular match-up. Even better than their TLC match at Summerslam 2000.Match 9:Gimmick Battle RoyalAlways good to see the legends make a comeback and where better to do it than Wrestlemania. Not much in ring action to get excited about but a good little watch.Match 10:The Undertaker vs. Triple HGreat match. Very balanced contest in which both men fought hammer and tongs for the win.Match 11:WWF Championship No Disqualification MatchThe Rock (c) vs. Stone Cold Steve AustinAnother great Wrestlemania performance by both men. They both always seem to turn it up on extra notch on the big occassions like this which is why both men in my opinion will always be a cut above the rest in the WWE. A shock ending to look forward to too.

これまでにいろいろな試合をＷＷＦ[ＷＷＥ]で見てきた。だが、こんなにおもしろい試合が集まった大会は無い。今はいない、ストンコールド。戦う相手はザ･ロック。賭けるはＷＷＦ[ＷＷＥ]世界ヘビー級ベルトだ。ゴングを鳴らすとたん、二人の猛攻が始まった。だがしかし、最後はあんなどんでん返しがあったとは.....。他にも、ＴＬＣ戦の第２弾や、ビンスマクマホンＶＳシェインマクマホンの親子対決も収録されている。