WWE Vengeance
July 21st, 2002
Detroit, Michigan
July 21st, 2002
Detroit, Michigan
This PPV opening video package is probably one of my favourites, and I’ve written plenty of video packages in BTB land that are loosely inspired by this one. It’s based around the Pulp Fiction bible passage and it’s great. Awesome opening.
Match One
Tag Team Tables Match
Bubba Ray Dudley and Spike Dudley vs. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero
A really good opening choice here. Four guys who throw down, working a little stiff, even Spike. They literally just beat the hell out of each other even before the tables come into play. This is also Benoit’s first PPV match back in thirteen months, and he looks AMAZING, which probably isn’t surprising based on his performances on Raw. I really enjoyed that this wasn’t just a bunch of contrived table spots and near misses. Benoit and Eddie literally beat the hell out of Bubba for a big portion of the match, not even worrying about the tables. Strategically, that makes a lot of sense, don’t play into the tables game with the experts, and just beat them up before they’re easy game to put through the table at the end. Spike has moments where he gets absolutely brutalised as well, which is basically what Spike does best. Benoit and Eddie are just so crisp here, from virtually start to finish, a really good watch. I think the way they structured the match by not spamming tables meant the crowd reaction when tables did finally get introduces was great. Once the tables did get introduces, the teases of somebody getting put through were all done well. One spot in particular that I really liked where Spike was about to get whipped into the table, but Bubba tackles Spike to prevent him going through the table. That was awesome. The only negative about the way that they structured the match is that the ending feels rushed. They go from no table action, to basically every elimination occurring within a minute or so of each other. Eddie got drive through a table on the outside with a Dudley Dog off the apron, Benoit Military Pressed Spike over the top rope and to a table on the outside, and Bubba gives Benoit the Bubba Bomb through the table to win. A good opener here. ***
Tag Team Tables Match
Bubba Ray Dudley and Spike Dudley vs. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero
A really good opening choice here. Four guys who throw down, working a little stiff, even Spike. They literally just beat the hell out of each other even before the tables come into play. This is also Benoit’s first PPV match back in thirteen months, and he looks AMAZING, which probably isn’t surprising based on his performances on Raw. I really enjoyed that this wasn’t just a bunch of contrived table spots and near misses. Benoit and Eddie literally beat the hell out of Bubba for a big portion of the match, not even worrying about the tables. Strategically, that makes a lot of sense, don’t play into the tables game with the experts, and just beat them up before they’re easy game to put through the table at the end. Spike has moments where he gets absolutely brutalised as well, which is basically what Spike does best. Benoit and Eddie are just so crisp here, from virtually start to finish, a really good watch. I think the way they structured the match by not spamming tables meant the crowd reaction when tables did finally get introduces was great. Once the tables did get introduces, the teases of somebody getting put through were all done well. One spot in particular that I really liked where Spike was about to get whipped into the table, but Bubba tackles Spike to prevent him going through the table. That was awesome. The only negative about the way that they structured the match is that the ending feels rushed. They go from no table action, to basically every elimination occurring within a minute or so of each other. Eddie got drive through a table on the outside with a Dudley Dog off the apron, Benoit Military Pressed Spike over the top rope and to a table on the outside, and Bubba gives Benoit the Bubba Bomb through the table to win. A good opener here. ***
In the back, Eric Bischoff says he’s here to sign the most ruthless athlete he knows of. He finds Triple H walking towards Stephanie McMahon’s office and Bischoff tells him not to do that. Triple H says he’s going to hear both sides, and like Eric said, always negotiate. A fine segment to put over the Triple H signing as a big deal, with both GM’s jostling over him.
Match Two
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
Jamie Noble (c) w/Nida vs. Billy Kidman
I’m not that big on WWE Kidman but I thought he put on a pretty good performance here. He showed a lot of good fire as the babyface trying to fight back and got the fans behind him somewhat. I love the idea of Noble consistently working on his opponents legs, but then for this match, he works on Kidman’s arm. It’s like a strategic change up, although doesn’t make a lot of sense with his submission being the Trailer Hitch. Also, probably more effective to go after Kidman’s leg so he can’t spring off it for the Shooting Star Press. Kidman does a good job of selling the arm though and takes a sick looking bump into the ring post shoulder first, which sends him falling outside of the ring. Once Kidman took over on the comeback, he expectedly turned up the pace of the match. The issue with this, and where the match probably gets hurt some, is once he’s on offense, Kidman completely forgets about his injured arm. Of course, there’s the obligatory YOU CAN’T POWERBOMB KIDMAN spot also. In the end, Kidman goes for a Shooting Star Press but Noble rolls out of the way and rolls Kidman up for a near fall. When they both get up, Noble hits him with the Tiger Driver for the win. A level below the opener but still good. **3/4
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
Jamie Noble (c) w/Nida vs. Billy Kidman
I’m not that big on WWE Kidman but I thought he put on a pretty good performance here. He showed a lot of good fire as the babyface trying to fight back and got the fans behind him somewhat. I love the idea of Noble consistently working on his opponents legs, but then for this match, he works on Kidman’s arm. It’s like a strategic change up, although doesn’t make a lot of sense with his submission being the Trailer Hitch. Also, probably more effective to go after Kidman’s leg so he can’t spring off it for the Shooting Star Press. Kidman does a good job of selling the arm though and takes a sick looking bump into the ring post shoulder first, which sends him falling outside of the ring. Once Kidman took over on the comeback, he expectedly turned up the pace of the match. The issue with this, and where the match probably gets hurt some, is once he’s on offense, Kidman completely forgets about his injured arm. Of course, there’s the obligatory YOU CAN’T POWERBOMB KIDMAN spot also. In the end, Kidman goes for a Shooting Star Press but Noble rolls out of the way and rolls Kidman up for a near fall. When they both get up, Noble hits him with the Tiger Driver for the win. A level below the opener but still good. **3/4
In the back, Kurt Angle talks about how he’s going to win tonight. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman then approach him. Heyman talks up the idea of Brock vs. Angle at Summerslam and how much Brock respects him. Kurt and Brock then shake hands. Kurt then tells Heyman to save it. He’d love to face Brock at Summerslam, and if Brock messed with him the way he screwed with The Undertaker last week, Angle would take him down. It’s not the summer of Brock, it’s all year Angle. Brock then gets in Kurt’s face and wishes him luck. Similar to the ‘Taker segments on Raw, some awesome foreshadowing here. Fun to see these guys on camera together for the first time.
Match Three
WWE European Championship Match
Jeff Hardy (c) vs. William Regal
I know he has his fans, but I’ve never been the biggest Jeff Hardy guy, therefore in his state in 2002, I wasn’t expecting to like this at all. They actually put together a solid match though, which really shocked me. It’s clear they’re trying to keep Hardy’s momentum going after the awesome stuff with Undertaker a week or two ago. Despite how different their styles are, one being brutal, one being sloppy, they kind of mesh together surprisingly well. Jeff had a few bumps where he definitely wasn’t bumping as good as he was for ‘Taker, but it is what it is. I think some of Jeff’s sloppiness comes across as recklessness or living for the moment, so you can pretend he’s just following his gimmick really closely. Hardy gets a fluke Roll Up to win which makes me think they might fight again sometime soon. Solid enough. **1/4
WWE European Championship Match
Jeff Hardy (c) vs. William Regal
I know he has his fans, but I’ve never been the biggest Jeff Hardy guy, therefore in his state in 2002, I wasn’t expecting to like this at all. They actually put together a solid match though, which really shocked me. It’s clear they’re trying to keep Hardy’s momentum going after the awesome stuff with Undertaker a week or two ago. Despite how different their styles are, one being brutal, one being sloppy, they kind of mesh together surprisingly well. Jeff had a few bumps where he definitely wasn’t bumping as good as he was for ‘Taker, but it is what it is. I think some of Jeff’s sloppiness comes across as recklessness or living for the moment, so you can pretend he’s just following his gimmick really closely. Hardy gets a fluke Roll Up to win which makes me think they might fight again sometime soon. Solid enough. **1/4
In the back, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair both congratulate WWE European Champion Jeff Hardy and put him over. After Jeff leaves, Hogan says he might use a Swanton later. They then talk about how terrible both the new General Manager’s are. This was fine. Another big rub for Jeff. How did he not capitalise on the push they were giving him at this point? Crazy.
Match Four
Chris Jericho vs. John Cena
For a guy who has had a reputation for the prime of his career as somebody who can’t wrestle, Cena looked pretty good here, wrestling more than what he currently does. They tell a pretty simple story here of the arrogant veteran trying to take advantage of the determined rookie. More solid work from these two, although there’s a couple of times where Cena almost makes some awkward moments by missing things he wouldn’t normally. And things really heat up into a really fun finishing run. Jericho even tries to cheat and it’s not enough, and then Cena sneaks a Roll Up for the win. I’ve voiced my displeasure for multiple matches in a row finishing with the same flash pin scenario. A pet peeve of mine for sure. Match was solid again. **1/4
Chris Jericho vs. John Cena
For a guy who has had a reputation for the prime of his career as somebody who can’t wrestle, Cena looked pretty good here, wrestling more than what he currently does. They tell a pretty simple story here of the arrogant veteran trying to take advantage of the determined rookie. More solid work from these two, although there’s a couple of times where Cena almost makes some awkward moments by missing things he wouldn’t normally. And things really heat up into a really fun finishing run. Jericho even tries to cheat and it’s not enough, and then Cena sneaks a Roll Up for the win. I’ve voiced my displeasure for multiple matches in a row finishing with the same flash pin scenario. A pet peeve of mine for sure. Match was solid again. **1/4
In the back, Eric Bischoff and The Coach are leaning side by side against the wall waiting outside Stephanie McMahon’s office. Stephanie’s attorney attempted to enter the room. Bischoff asks the lawyer if those are contracts, and the lawyer says these are legal documents but he’s not at liberty to discuss what kind. A nice tease here that Triple H is planning to sign with Smackdown.
JR and The King now come out to take over from Michael Cole and Tazz on commentary. Cool. This half/half split is weird.
A video package airs hyping the Brock Lesnar vs. Rob Van Dam match.
Match Five
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Rob Van Dam (c) vs. Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman
Brock is already the number one contender for the WWE Undisputed Championship by this point, so it was unlikely they were going to give him the Intercontinental Title here. Felt like a placeholder more than anything for Lesnar here, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t deliver. This one starts off fun, the fans heavily behind RVD and he keeps Lesnar off balance with his fast-paced offense. Brock eventually took over though and when he did, things continued to be good, because RVD puts on one of his better selling performances. Brock’s displays of strength are epic also. There’s an amazing spot when Brock first takes over, where RVD attempts a Moonsault off the apron, but Brock catches him, and Powerslams him outside of the ring. From there, Brock did whatever he wanted with RVD, and it was all relatively good. Brock’s selling when RVD fights back is very good also, very realistic yet out of control at the same time. Not sure how else to put it, Brock is just a great seller. RVD’s comeback perfectly captures the fact that the damage is building on his body, but also plenty of desperation and hope for the fans. A hot finishing run with some good near falls, but that ends when RVD hits the Five Star Frog Splash. RVD pins Brock, but Heyman pulls the ref out and Brock gets’ DQ’d. Disappointing ending, although I get it with future booking plans in mind, and still a good match. ***
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Rob Van Dam (c) vs. Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman
Brock is already the number one contender for the WWE Undisputed Championship by this point, so it was unlikely they were going to give him the Intercontinental Title here. Felt like a placeholder more than anything for Lesnar here, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t deliver. This one starts off fun, the fans heavily behind RVD and he keeps Lesnar off balance with his fast-paced offense. Brock eventually took over though and when he did, things continued to be good, because RVD puts on one of his better selling performances. Brock’s displays of strength are epic also. There’s an amazing spot when Brock first takes over, where RVD attempts a Moonsault off the apron, but Brock catches him, and Powerslams him outside of the ring. From there, Brock did whatever he wanted with RVD, and it was all relatively good. Brock’s selling when RVD fights back is very good also, very realistic yet out of control at the same time. Not sure how else to put it, Brock is just a great seller. RVD’s comeback perfectly captures the fact that the damage is building on his body, but also plenty of desperation and hope for the fans. A hot finishing run with some good near falls, but that ends when RVD hits the Five Star Frog Splash. RVD pins Brock, but Heyman pulls the ref out and Brock gets’ DQ’d. Disappointing ending, although I get it with future booking plans in mind, and still a good match. ***
After the match, referee Charles Robinson is mad at Heyman and starts punching him. That’s until Brock goes after him and throws the ref off of Heyman, which allows RVD to nail Brock with a Flipping Senton. The brawl between these two continues and they end up back in the ring. RVD sets up Brock for the Van Terminator, but Heyman holds RVD’s leg. Brock pulls RVD away and nails RVD with an F5 on the steel chair. I’m still questionable on the booking here. Why book Brock to lose here? Even if it is by DQ. And then he needs Heyman’s help to beat up RVD after the match as well? Really strange you’d make him look so vulnerable considering what’s coming.
In the back, Stephanie McMahon walks out of her office looking sad. Eric Bischoff is happy and asks Stephanie, he didn’t, right? She thinks about it, says Triple H signed and then walks off. Triple H walks out of the office and Bischoff yells at him about signing, but Triple H says those were divorce papers. Triple H says as far as business goes; he hasn’t made up his mind. Another good segment to hype the decision. LOVE the divorce papers playing into this the way it did, a really fun detail. Continuity for the win.
Match Six
No Count Out, No Disqualifications
Booker T vs. The Big Show
They go through the motions a little bit here. It’s okay, but nothing special, as they basically just killed time until they got to the two big spots of the match. Kind of sad that this is the last taste of the New World Order story that we will get. As expected, Booker gets thrown around like a rag doll by the bigger man for most the match. Booker runs off the announce table to Scissor Kick Show through the Spanish announce table. It’s a cool spot and when they are back in the ring, Booker hits a Houston Hangover (think Harlem Hangover) off the top for the win. Another solid match but probably the least of all the matches so far. At least Booker got the win, based on his crowd reactions, this man needs to be pushed. **
No Count Out, No Disqualifications
Booker T vs. The Big Show
They go through the motions a little bit here. It’s okay, but nothing special, as they basically just killed time until they got to the two big spots of the match. Kind of sad that this is the last taste of the New World Order story that we will get. As expected, Booker gets thrown around like a rag doll by the bigger man for most the match. Booker runs off the announce table to Scissor Kick Show through the Spanish announce table. It’s a cool spot and when they are back in the ring, Booker hits a Houston Hangover (think Harlem Hangover) off the top for the win. Another solid match but probably the least of all the matches so far. At least Booker got the win, based on his crowd reactions, this man needs to be pushed. **
Next up is in ring promo time from Triple H as he comes out to decide which show he was going to be on, either Raw or Smackdown. Eric Bischoff comes out and offers to introduce Hunter to his friends in Hollywood. Stephanie McMahon then comes out to do her pitch as well, and just as it looks like Triple H will stay with Smackdown, Shawn Michaels comes out. He convinces Triple H to come hang out at Raw with his friend, so Triple H apologises to Steph and signs with Raw. Solid stuff, nothing crazy, but cool to see Shawn/Trips potentially realigning.
Backstage, Rikishi says he’s disappointed in Triple H for not signing with Smackdown because it really hurts the young guys on Smackdown. Like the idea of them trying to make this a big deal like this. This one feels way more forced than the free agency Stone Cold one earlier in the year though, which hurts it. However, I’m taking Rikishi talking about Triple H as epic continuity, because they are so close after they worked together to run down Austin…
In the back, Booker T and Goldust are asked about Triple H. They both say they don’t care about Triple H coming to Raw. Goldust says he’s the game, but they have the biggest joysticks. Lol, good one liner they’re from Goldust, and again, a good segment at making Triple H signing feel like a big deal. However, this kind of ruins my theory for why they asked Rikishi.
We get a video package hyping the upcoming WWE Tag Team Championship match.
Match Seven
WWE Tag Team Championship
Edge and Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Christian and Lance Storm
This was pretty solid, with three good wrestlers being able to carry Hogan to a somewhat respectable match. Which is kind of funny, because the other three handled the work rate, and Hogan probably handled having the crowd invested in the match, as he got a nice ovation throughout. His ovations have been so up and down this year but feel like the taped Smackdowns are probably always playing tricks on me. Edge starts off like a house on fire in typical fiery babyface fashion, as he continued to show how far he has come as a wrestler in the last six months. Hogan unfortunately looks even more slower and beat down than usual, and he botches heaps of stuff. Genuinely doesn’t look good and doesn’t sell either. The other three tried to work around him until Tests interference is thwarted by Rikishi. Chris Jericho then runs in from the crowd and hits Edge with one of the tag belts. Jericho runs off through the crowd and Storm gets the pin. New champs. I’m glad they are putting the straps on the anti-American group because they are an enjoyable act, and their promo work, especially Storm, has been really good recently. I can deal with the interference from Jericho as well, since he’s got his pending showdown with Edge on Smackdown. Solid match, no thanks to Hogan. **1/4
WWE Tag Team Championship
Edge and Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Christian and Lance Storm
This was pretty solid, with three good wrestlers being able to carry Hogan to a somewhat respectable match. Which is kind of funny, because the other three handled the work rate, and Hogan probably handled having the crowd invested in the match, as he got a nice ovation throughout. His ovations have been so up and down this year but feel like the taped Smackdowns are probably always playing tricks on me. Edge starts off like a house on fire in typical fiery babyface fashion, as he continued to show how far he has come as a wrestler in the last six months. Hogan unfortunately looks even more slower and beat down than usual, and he botches heaps of stuff. Genuinely doesn’t look good and doesn’t sell either. The other three tried to work around him until Tests interference is thwarted by Rikishi. Chris Jericho then runs in from the crowd and hits Edge with one of the tag belts. Jericho runs off through the crowd and Storm gets the pin. New champs. I’m glad they are putting the straps on the anti-American group because they are an enjoyable act, and their promo work, especially Storm, has been really good recently. I can deal with the interference from Jericho as well, since he’s got his pending showdown with Edge on Smackdown. Solid match, no thanks to Hogan. **1/4
Kurt Angle is walking through the backstage area when Eric Bischoff stops him. Bischoff tries to get him to sign to Raw. Kurt tells Eric that he has a title to go win. Nice little segment to show off focused Kurt, but also love the GM’s trying to poach each other’s talent.
In the back, Stephanie McMahon watched that conversation on a monitor when Marc Lloyd appears. He asks her about Bischoff’s signings and potential signings. She says that’s alright that Kurt Angle talks to Bischoff because she’s in direct contact with everyone on Raw, and when the time is right, she’ll rip the heart out of Raw. Nice to get Steph’s reaction, this was fine. I find the whole wrestlers watching other backstage segments from backstage on a monitor, only to then seemingly not realise they are on the big screen to be interesting. Oh well, decent promo from Steph.
Hype video for the main event airs, and “Downfall” by Trust Company works so well for package.
Match Eight
WWE Undisputed Championship Match
Triple Threat
The Undertaker (c) vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Rock
An awesome main event by three top level, main event experienced guys who know how to tell a story and engage a crowd. ‘Taker’s been showing some face tendencies over the last few weeks, and it’s clear his heel run is ending, as his pop here matches the pop of The Rock. Admittedly Rock’s popularity has been starting to dwindle all year, but he’s still a top three guy for sure. Angle is annoyed early on because he can’t get the attention of the other two, who have plenty of personal animosity towards each other. When Angle finally gets their attention, he regrets it. Triple Threats usually don’t have much psychology but ‘Taker constantly throwing Angle out of the ring in the early stages, because he wants to inflict punishment on The Rock was great. Match is off to a hot start and never really dips, with a nice section where Angle goes nuts with Suplexes on Rock. They do go a bit finisher happy in the second half of this, which could be seen as a fault, but it’s a minor one considering how good everything else is. Not sure stealing each other’s finishers is needed for a thrown together match like this. That should only really be dusted out in matches where there’s a big, personal feud, in my opinion. Angle and Rock settle in to doing a fair bit of the in-ring stuff, and ‘Taker kind of just brawls with whoever ends up out of the ring. ‘Taker and Angle recycle the Triangle Choke spot from their match a few weeks ago on Smackdown, which is a fine way to play off that drama. ‘Taker’s arm isn’t hooked in the hold though so it looks awful, as if he could just slide his head out whenever he felt like it. JR is amazing on commentary in the finishing stretch, as finally Rock hits his own finisher, the Rock Bottom on Angle to score the win. Incredible, loved this, not perfect, but very entertaining. ****
Holy shit. I didn’t realise how awesome Vengeance was. This was a great PPV, hoping they can continue the momentum into Summerslam.WWE Undisputed Championship Match
Triple Threat
The Undertaker (c) vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Rock
An awesome main event by three top level, main event experienced guys who know how to tell a story and engage a crowd. ‘Taker’s been showing some face tendencies over the last few weeks, and it’s clear his heel run is ending, as his pop here matches the pop of The Rock. Admittedly Rock’s popularity has been starting to dwindle all year, but he’s still a top three guy for sure. Angle is annoyed early on because he can’t get the attention of the other two, who have plenty of personal animosity towards each other. When Angle finally gets their attention, he regrets it. Triple Threats usually don’t have much psychology but ‘Taker constantly throwing Angle out of the ring in the early stages, because he wants to inflict punishment on The Rock was great. Match is off to a hot start and never really dips, with a nice section where Angle goes nuts with Suplexes on Rock. They do go a bit finisher happy in the second half of this, which could be seen as a fault, but it’s a minor one considering how good everything else is. Not sure stealing each other’s finishers is needed for a thrown together match like this. That should only really be dusted out in matches where there’s a big, personal feud, in my opinion. Angle and Rock settle in to doing a fair bit of the in-ring stuff, and ‘Taker kind of just brawls with whoever ends up out of the ring. ‘Taker and Angle recycle the Triangle Choke spot from their match a few weeks ago on Smackdown, which is a fine way to play off that drama. ‘Taker’s arm isn’t hooked in the hold though so it looks awful, as if he could just slide his head out whenever he felt like it. JR is amazing on commentary in the finishing stretch, as finally Rock hits his own finisher, the Rock Bottom on Angle to score the win. Incredible, loved this, not perfect, but very entertaining. ****
