EOTR Match Of The Week: 1992 Royal Rumble Match

By @Phranchize19

Background
After an indecisive battle between Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker for the WWF title once again, the president of the WWF at the time decided to vacate the title. The winner of that year’s Royal Rumble would be crowned WWF Champion.

The Match
With a Royal Rumble match, it is tough to really point out what went on so I'll start with the big moments in the match. One, 
Randy Savage almost eliminating himself just to attack Jake Roberts was actually a fun moment and would seemingly set up their feud to continue. Another moment would be Roddy Piper coming out to attack a fatigued Ric Flair. Then, it was fun to see The Undertaker coming in and dominating, which would set him up for the future. Of course, the match was won by Ric Flair, who became the WWF Champion and gave the speech of a lifetime following the win.

Key Eliminations
-Ted Dibiase being tossed out first
-Undertaker being eliminated by Hulk Hogan
-Hogan eliminated two people in short order
-Hogan being eliminated by Sid
-Flair eliminating Sid with Hogan’s help
-Nikolai Volkoff being eliminated shortly after his arrival
-Bulldog eliminated after being in for a lengthy time period
-Ric Flair not only had the most eliminations in this match with 5 but he set the record (at the time) for the longest time in the Royal Rumble match with just over an hour.

Grade and Analysis
This match set history. It was great considering all the talent and Hall Of Fame guys involved. Flair’s performance was legendary as well as seeing how long Bulldog went. The continuation of the Sid and Hogan was the real story in the match as well as the end of the Savage vs Roberts rivalry. Hearing Heenan on commentary was hilarious as he rooted for Flair. Undertaker’s performance sort of stood out although I felt he could’ve stayed longer, especially considering the fact that Sid had not come out yet. All in all, if this isn’t the greatest Rumble in history, it’s very close to it. 

Rating: 10/10

-Phranchize 

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Eyes on the Ring 11:18 PM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker

By @Phranchize19

We continue our theme for the month on Ruthless Aggression PPV main events. We have a forgotten yet good one for you this week as we look back at Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker in a Biker Chain Match WWE Championship from No Mercy 2003.

Background
Brock Lesnar turned heel and won the WWE Title from Kurt Angle. Undertaker, who had recently feuded with John Cena, was named number 1 contender at No Mercy by Stephanie McMahon. Lesnar would defend the title in a separate match but Taker would interfere in that match and let it be known that their title match was a Biker Chain Match in which a Biker Chain would be suspended above the ring and whoever grabbed it would be able to use it.

The Match
We start with the Deadman attempting to corner Lesnar, who is playing keep away. Lesnar would get his famous shoulder thrusts in but Taker would then take control. Lesnar would block an Old School attempt by Taker. Lesnar would then make a mistake and Taker would take control but then Lesnar would take over for a while until the Undertaker's big boot would regain control of the match. Taker would finally get Old School on Lesnar and attempt a pin fall. The action would spill outside and Lesnar would remain in control out there. Lesnar would get Taker back in the ring and continue the assault. Taker would try to gain control but a missed corner boot got Lesnar back in the driver's seat. The match would again spill outside and Lesnar would keep control of the match. After the action comes back to the ring, Taker would punch his way back into this match as Lesnar and Taker would trade control until Taker would attempt to go for the chain but the lights would go out. Taker would climb down but Lesnar would be up and he would gain control again. The steps would then get involved in the match as Lesnar would drop toe hold Undertaker into the steps. Taker would block more attempts of his head being smashed in the steps. Taker would regain control and attempt to get the chain again only for Lesnar to stop him but Taker reverses his attempt into a submission. Lesnar would low blow Taker and hit Taker with the steel steps.

Taker would kick out of multiple pinfalls. Taker would thwart Lesnar's attempts at hitting him with the steel steps and then Taker would attempt to take Lesnar’s head off with the steps now. Lesnar would counter and maintain control. Lesnar tried to get the chain for the first time and Taker would almost hit a last ride but Lesnar counters. Taker would try a choke slam which Lesnar countered and after an attempted pin, Taker would lock in another submission on Lesnar. who would counter with brute strength. Taker would get a sleeper on until Lesnar countered it into an F5 but Taker would get a foot on the ropes before the three count. Lesnar would attempt to get the chain again but Taker would hit a top rope chokeslam. Taker would attempt to get the chain now, but the FBI would interfere and jump on Taker and while he got rid of them, Lesnar would recover and attempt a F5, but he would get countered and suffer a Last Ride. Taker would take out the FBI once and for all next. Nunzio would try to get the chain only to be knocked off by Taker. Taker would climb up and get the chain but Vince McMahon would push Taker off the top rope. Lesnar would get the chain and hit Taker with it and get the pinfall to retain.

Highlights
-Taker piledrives Lesnar into the steel steps
-Taker hits the Suicide dive on two of the FBI members

Grade and Analysis
This match wasn’t all that. It’s a solid contest no doubt but I felt like the energy and intensity lacked from both men. I felt both men knew this was a holdover feud for something new and it showed. The crowd seemed tired by the time this match came on. There wasn’t a whole lot in the way of storytelling but still a solid contest nonetheless.

Rating: 6/10

-Phranchize 

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Eyes on the Ring 11:28 PM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Batista vs Eddie Guerrero

By @Phranchize19

Continuing our theme of Ruthless Aggression main event matches, we have an undefeated gem for you this week. Let's take a look at Batista vs Eddie Guerrero for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Mercy 2005.

Background
Batista would be drafted to Smackdown as the World Champion. Eddie Guerrero had finished a feud with Rey Mysterio and would earn a shot at the World Title. Eddie would try to convince people that he turned over a new leaf. Many would be skeptical of this new Eddie, including the World Champion. Eddie would parlay that he and Batista were friends even though they were going to have a World Title match. Batista would lay down the law that if Eddie betrayed him, he would get hurt.

The Match
The match begins with a stare down and a bit of chain wrestling. The feeling out process would continue until Eddie tried to pin Batista. We would see Batista use his strength in a knuckle lock. Batista would maintain control until Eddie rolled out of the ring. Batista would again maintain control until Eddie picked up the aggression. Batista would again maintain control with a headlock until the action picks up. Batista would get a near fall and Eddie again rolls outside the ring. Eddie would grab a steel chair but then throw it down. Batista would not take this kindly and grabbed Eddie by the throat. Eddie would counter which would lead to a frog splash. Eddie would only get a near fall but he would maintain control in the match with a body scissors. While Batista would try to come back, Eddie would attack the back again to maintain control. Eddie would take the turnbuckle off and think about using it but thought against it and dropkicked Batista in the face. Eddie would maintain control until Batista's power would take over but Eddie would dropkick the leg of Batista. Batista would try to roll up Guerrero, but would only get a two count. Eddie would get back into the driver seat of this match soon after. Eddie wouid accidentally run over the referee and after seeing both the ref and champ down, Eddie would then give that sly grin and grab a chair, but then Eddie would again think it over and would throw out the chair. Batista would see Eddie with the chair and would then go on the attack. Batista would attempt a Batista Bomb but he could not execute and instead executed a spine buster. Eddie would kick out of a pin attempt. Eddie would get control again and execute the Three Amigos. Eddie would then attempt a frogsplash but Batista moves and executes the spinebuster and then he would get the three count.

Fact: Eddie was actually set to defeat Batista to become World Champion at another PPV rematch but he would tragically pass away.

Highlights
-Eddie Guerrero gives his Lie, Cheat and Steal grin with both the ref and Batista down
-Eddie frogsplash on the back of Batista
-Eddie shakes Batista’s hand after the match but once Batista turns his back we see the grin

Grade and Analysis
This match was a gem. Batista was still learning as a main event star and Eddie was the perfect person to teach him what to do. Batista led a lot of this match surprisingly and he did a good job. The story of Eddie turning over a new leaf gave this story an extra wrinkle that it needed. Eddie played his role perfectly and he shined. The crowd was hot for both of these men to win the match. A few beats away from it being a true classic but a VERY solid outing nonetheless.

Rating: 8/10

-Phranchize 

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Eyes on the Ring 11:55 PM  1 comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: The Rock vs Hulk Hogan 2

By @Phranchize19

Background
As you all know we got a dream match at Wrestlemania 18 featuring two of the biggest names that wrestling has ever seen. They put on a memorable clash that saw the return of the yellow and red shortly after. While Rock and Hogan would both win the Undisputed Title during the year, they would meet again in 2003, this time with Rock being the heel due to his jump to Hollywood while Hogan was there wrestling.

The Match
We begin with The Rock stalling to get the match started. Hogan turned around and Rock would try a sneak attack only to be thwarted by Hogan. Rock would get back outside and Hogan would come out and start pummeling on The Rock but rock would gain the upper hand. Hogan would gain the upper hand by slamming Rock’s head into the turnbuckle then mocking The Rock’s spit punch. Rock would then gain the upper hand and deliver the Rock Bottom only for Hogan to kick out but Rock would use Hogan’s belt on Hogan. While Rock would sip water in a mocking manner, Hogan would counter and begin to use the belt on The Rock.

Rock would counter with a DDT and then put Hogan in the Sharpshooter. Hogan would then break the Sharpshooter which tossed Rock out of the ring. Rock would maintain control with a clothesline. Rock would try to attack with a chair but Hogan reversed it and would use it on Rock. Hogan would then get low blowed by the Rock, shifting momentum again. Rock would then hit the Spinebuster and attempt the People’s elbow but Hogan would Hulk up after kicking out. Hogan would then go to his Five Moves of Doom to pin Rock but the lights go out. Vince McMahon comes out and feigns innocence. While Hogan was facing McMahon, the ref slides the chair to The Rock who uses it on Hogan. Rock would then Rock bottom Hogan and the referee counts three. The Rock wins.

Highlights
-Rock hits the DDT, gets up and then smells the cooking
-Rock performs a Sharpshooter in Montreal
-Rock would attempt a Double People’s Elbow
-Fans chant "You Screwed Bret" to Vince McMahon

Fun Fact: The Rock is one of the few men to have not been defeated by Hogan in a one on one match, joining the likes of Goldberg and Sting.

Grade and Analysis
This was a solid contest. Not a classic, but I feel like it was more entertaining than their first encounter. I felt their first match was big simply because of the guys involved. Not to say it wasn’t a great match but still. With this match, The Rock’s theatrics get you every single time. Even though this feud was more of a placeholder to Hogan vs McMahon and Austin vs Rock III, it still served its purpose. Michael Cole and Tazz did a great job on commentary but nothing compared to JR and King at Mania. Still, a good match IMO. 

Rating: 7.5/10

-Phranchize

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Eyes on the Ring 12:29 AM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Bret Hart vs Diesel

By @Phranchize19

Survivor Series is over now, but I wanted to close out November with a look at one of the best matches at the PPV that wasn't a traditional Survivor Series match. Let's go back to 1995 and take a look at Bret Hart vs Diesel, the classic main event for Survivor Series.

Background
At Survivor Series 1994, Bret Hart had lost the WWF title to Bob Backlund via forfeit. Coincidentally, Diesel turned face that same evening. Three days later, Backlund lost the WWF title to Diesel in 8 seconds. Diesel’s reign as champ would begin in 1994 and he would meet Bret Hart on 2 separate occasions for the WWF Title, once at the Royal Rumble and once at the 1994 King Of The Ring, when Bret was the champ. Each time, their encounters were good as Bret made Diesel work and pushed him to the limit. When Survivor Series 1995 arrived, we had their third PPV match. Let's look back at this match.

The Match
We start with both men taking the protective padding off of two of the turnbuckles. As the match began, Hart would attempt to go after the legs of Diesel but Diesel would take control throughly. Bret would attempt to slide out of the ring only for Diesel to come after him. Diesel would then bring the brutality into the match by striking Bret with a chair. Diesel would attempt a Jacknife powerbomb but Bret would block it then bite Diesel and slowly begin to take control. Bret would attack the legs of Diesel next. Bret would lock a figure four leglock in but then break it and get back on the attack of the legs. Diesel would then regain control but Bret would counter again and take control.

Bret would get a chair and while Diesel would block the first few attempts, Bret would eventually go to work on a tied up Diesel with a chair. Bret would literally wrestle Diesel while his leg was still tied. Diesel would finally counter and throw Bret Hart off the top rope. Diesel would untie his leg and proceed to take control of the match. Diesel would throw Bret into the exposed turnbuckle chest first. Bret Hart would again take control of the match but Bret couldn’t keep him down for a three count. Diesel would then take control and attempt his powerbomb on a seemingly lifeless Bret Hart but Bret would sucker him in and roll him up and get the three count to win the match and the title.

Highlights
-Bret Hart gets thrown into exposed steel hitting the back of the head
-Bret would tie Diesel’s leg to the turnbuckle
-Diesel would knock Bret Hart off the ring apron into a table

Grade and Analysis
When you look at Kevin Nash’s career, he hasn’t exactly had many classics but this was one of them. Bret was one of the few that could make Diesel look great as well as bring out the best in him. Bret was such a magician in the ring and his ring psychology is one of the best ever if not the best. These two crafted a beautiful story and the Diesel heel turn at the end of the match was beautifully done. With a year of teasing it as well as showing signs of stress as WWF champ, he finally cracked.  The announce team of McMahon, Jim Ross and Mr. Perfect sold this story perfectly and the crowd was thoroughly engaged.

Rating: 10/10

-Phranchize 

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Eyes on the Ring 12:38 AM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: The Undertaker vs Batista

By @Phranchize19

Starting off the next chapter of our match in the week series, we take a look back at the best matches at Survivor Series that aren't traditional Survivor Series matches. Today, I wanted to start with a gem, Batista vs The Undertaker in the Hell In A Cell match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Building up to the match, there were big implications at stake and their year long feud would finally culminate at one of the big 4 PPVs. Who would leave the Cell victorious?

The Match
We start out with both men going back and forth. Undertaker attempts the first pin and then begins to take control. Undertaker would attempt to bring in a chair but Batista spears Him. Batista attempts to use the same chair but Taker counters him. Undertaker would take the battle outside of the ring and take control of the match again. Undertaker would dominate until Batista counters Old School. Batista would then start a small rally and start ramming the Undertaker into the cell but Undertaker would counter and bust Batista open. Undertaker would then attempt old school but Batista would counter once again.

Next, Batista would bust the Undertaker open. Batista would attempt to hit punches while Taker was in the corner but Taker would counter with the Last Ride. Batista would again take control and hit the Undertaker with the spinebuster twice. Batista would then bring a table into the match and uses it against The Undertaker. Then, Undertaker would rally and perform a tombstone on Batista who would surprisingly kick out. Undertaker would then tombstone Batista on the steel steps and seem to be near victory. Edge would then interfere and cost the Undertaker the match, allowing Batista to retain and beginning the next chapter.

Highlights
-Undertaker drives Batista’s throat into a chair.
-Batista counters Old School into a spinebuster.
-Batista would ram the steel steps into the Undertaker's head 4 times.
-Batista hits the Batista Bomb through the table.
-Undertaker counters a Batista Bomb and Batista lands on the steel steps.

Fun Fact
Batista is the only man to have defeated the two men who have dominated this match in Undertaker and Triple H. Batista is also the only man to walk in as world champ at multiple Hell In A Cell matches and leave with the title still in tact.

Grade and Analysis
This was as physical as it gets. JBl and Michael Cole added to this with great commentary. I thought both men performed very well. This match was relatively short considering but with that Survivor Series card being as stacked as it was I get it. Edge interfering added to this great story and left us with a cliff hanger and more questions than answers. I thought Batista did a fantastic job letting Undertaker lead the match and Undertaker as usual gave us a superb performance. A little more brutality wouldn’t have hurt though, but overall this was really solid.

Rating: 8.5/10

-Phranchize

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Eyes on the Ring 9:11 AM  1 comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro's Ladder Match

By @Phranchize19

The final IC Title Match for this month of choices comes from a special contest that took place on Monday Night RAW in Novemeber 2006. A rare ladder match for the IC Title took place on the show between two fierce competitors. Let's take a look at Jeff Hardy vs Johnny Nitro.

Background
Jeff Hardy made his triumphant return to WWE after Summerslam. He had his sights set on the IC title, which Nitro had been holding for a while. After a series of matches, Jeff finally wrestled the title away from Nitro. Nitro would not take that lying down so he brought in a ladder to punish Jeff Hardy. The next week, the match was made for RAW.

The Match
Jeff and Nitro started off with traditional wrestling but we knew it would get more physical. Both men would go back and forth until Nitro would take control early on but the resilience of Jeff Hardy shone bright and came storming back. After a few spots that only Jeff Hardy could attempt, the match picked up steam. Nitro would then show he was no slouch and could match Hardy spot for spot. In the end, Hardy traps Nitro under the ladder and Jeff climbs and retrieves the title.

Highlights
-Johnny Nitro baseball slides the ladder which ricochets into Jeff Hardy’s face
-Jeff Hardy dropkicks a ladder which folds up Nitro
-With both men at the top of the ladder, Johnny Nitro dropkicks Jeff Hardy and both men fall.
-Jeff Hardy misses the Swanton Bomb right onto the ladder
-Jeff Hardy powerbombs Nitro off of the ladder

Grade and Analysis
This was an astounding match. For Nitro’s first time in a Ladder Match, he surely made the most of the moment. We all know Jeff Hardy will bring it in a Ladder Match, as he’s the best Ladder match performer in wrestling history but you have to applaud Nitro’s performance. These two had excellent chemistry and this match showed that 100%. The crowd being heavily invested made this better as well.

Rating: 9.5/10

-Phranchize 

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Eyes on the Ring 2:51 AM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Chris Benoit vs Chris Jericho vs Eddie Guerrero vs X-Pac

By @Phranchize19

We continue our Intercontinental Championship series with a fast paced match from some of the best wrestlers ever.

Background
Jericho has an obnoxious way about him that fans love. We all know the history between Jericho and Stephanie McMahon. Jericho at No Mercy had injured X-Pac with a power bomb and following that, he injured Eddie Guerrero with the Walls of Jericho. In January, Jericho won the IC title from Benoit in a Ladder Match so all three of these men had an axe to grind with Jericho. With the way Jericho insulted Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon decided it would be fair if all three men got a shot at Jericho and the IC title.

The Match
This match starts with Jericho vs Eddie with Benoit and X-Pac battling outside. Once Benoit disposed of X-Pac, he and Guerrero double team Jericho. Jericho finally gets the upper hand only to be stopped by X-Pac. As the action continues, Benoit and Jericho fight outside while Guerrero and X Pac fight inside. After X-Pac takes a frog splash, Jericho interrupts the count. Jericho is then pummeled by Benoit and is pinned but Guerrero puts the foot on the rope. Benoit and Guerrero again double team Jericho. After a few pin attempts, Benoit and Guerrero finally begin to fight each other. As they fight each other, Jericho and X-Pac come in and attempt a double pin only for a near fall. We get back to Jericho vs Benoit in the ring. After these two go back and forth, the other competitors come to the ring. Jericho has maintained control at this point and Justin Credible comes out, but is attacked by Jericho. After Benoit is disposed by X-Pac and Credible, Jericho hits the lionsault on Guerrero but X-Pac breaks up the count. We finally get all four men in the ring where Benoit suplexes Guerrero. X-Pac then hits a mean spinning kick on Benoit and while trying to gloat, he gets rolled up by Jericho who wins the match.

Highlights
-Benoit tells Guerrero to go up top in an attempt to double team X-Pac but puts him in the crossface instead 
-While X-Pac is attempting a Bronco Buster Jericho drop kicks him
-Guerrero reverses an Irish whip by Benoit into a hurricanrana
-Jericho puts all 3 men in the Walls of Jericho in a span of about 20 seconds 
-Benoit is pulled out of the ring and Credible and X-Pac both superkick him
-Guerrero performs a Mr. Perfect style neckbreaker on Benoit while he has the cross face applied to X-Pac

Grade and Analysis
While not a classic, this was still a fun Intercontinental Championship bout. The storytelling about what Jericho has done to all these men in the months preceding was smart. The action was fast with very few down spots. It wasn’t opening the show but this could’ve opened it as it was an energetic match that didn’t fail to disappoint. Lack of time hurt the bout more than anything, but it was a solid contest

Rating: 7.5/10

-Phranchize

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Eyes on the Ring 9:11 PM  No comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect

By @Phranchize19

This month, we will be discussing Intercontinental Championship matches and what better way than to start off with this classic match.

Background

Mr. Perfect had been Intercontinental Champion for a while and after wrapping up a feud with the British Bulldog, it was announced that former member of the Hart Foundation Bret Hart would be the number one contender.

The Match
Bret Hart keeps Perfect grounded with a series of headlock takedowns and a few pinning predicaments. Perfect would then go on the attack by taking Hart out of his game. The action would then spill outside where Perfect mostly maintained control. Once Bret got control of the match, he would set it up as if he was attempting a sharpshooter only to fake out Perfect and stomp on his gut. The newly acquired manager Coach would get involved only to be knocked out by Hart. While Hart was distracted, Perfect would regain control. Perfect would then hit the PerfectPlex only for Hart to kick out at two which was a rarity and I don't think anyone had done that at the time. Perfect would then try to leg drop Hart only to get trapped in the sharpshooter and forced to submit.

Highlights
-The entire match because Perfect’s back was in pieces and he went out there and performed gracefully

-Perfect attempts to leave the match only for Hart to tear off his wrestling gear

-Perfect kicks the ring rope to low blow Bret Hart

-Perfect attempts a leg drop that gets reversed into a sharpshooter which is one of the best reversals I’ve ever seen

Grade and Analysis
This entire match was a testimony to how dedicated Mr Perfect was to this business. With a shattered back, he still went out there and gave the performance of a lifetime. The psychology was excellent as it showed the veteran champion vs the rising up and comer. Having Hart’s parents in the crowd was also a great piece of psychology. The moves performed in this match aren’t supposed to be done by a man with a bad back. Bret Hart also showed how great he would become with this breakout performance. Great match.

Rating: 10/10

-Phranchize

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Eyes on the Ring 2:18 AM  No comment