Eyes On Wrestlemania: 6 Underrated Mania Matches

By @TrueGodImmortal

Wrestlemania has always had a number of great matches and moments. However, some matches tend to be slept on in terms of the overall card and today, as Mania nears, I wanted to look back at a few underrated matches from the card. What matches make my list? Keep reading to find out.

*The Steiner Brothers vs The Headshrinkers
Wrestlemania 9

-I will be real: Wrestlemania 9 is awful. It's one of the worst shows in Mania history, but the truth remains that one of the better matches in the history of the event went down. The match of the night features these two teams going at each other for supremacy, and it was a fun contest. The match was given 15 minutes and they made sure to maximize their time for sure. The Steiners would win, but both teams put on quite the show and were the highlight of an otherwise lackluster event.

*Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
Wrestlemania 17

-There are better matches from these two. There are more classics in their catalog together. However, there is no other Mania match that features these two one on one. The year prior they were involved in a triple threat that disappointed a little bit, but this match made up for that in a major way. The action was hard hitting and a technical masterpiece, with Angle walking away with the victory. I was shocked that Angle won this match, but it was still a very solid contest and should be mentioned more when talking Mania matches.

*The Undertaker vs Ric Flair 
Wrestlemania 18

-At one point, I thought both Taker and Flair were beyond their primes and this match wouldn't be good. I was sadly mistaken. This match showcases Taker as a brutal heel, and features enough nostalgia despite him dominating through the duration. Flair doesn't get in much offense, but he does have a great moment when Arn Anderson pops in to hit Taker with a spinebuster. That would end up being a top moment at the event and it made this match even more memorable. Taker would win this cleanly, but it was a great match to watch overall.

*JBL vs Finlay
Wrestlemania 24

-I loved Mania 24, and a big reason for that is because of the wrestling. One of my favorite matches from Mania 24 is the opener, which features Finlay and JBL going at it with everything they had. It was a short but sweet Belfast Brawl that went down and got a bit brutal considering. JBL and Finlay went at it for 9 minutes, but they fit a lot into that short time. When it was all said and done however, JBL would finish the match victorious, pulling off a solid win to open WM24.

*CM Punk vs Randy Orton
Wrestlemania 27

-I could have chose Cody vs Rey Mysterio, but I don't like that match as much as this one. WM27 was a horrible show in many ways, but there are a few matches on the undercard that made up for the big time matches that truly disappointed. One of the matches that fit that description is this encounter between Orton and Punk. Punk was always good in big match situations and this was no different. Orton came with his A game and we got a solid match in the middle of the card that ended with Orton winning via RKO of course. If only this match was given a few more minutes, it would have been even better I'm sure. 

*Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton
Wrestlemania 31

-The most memorable moment of WM31 for Seth isn't this match. It is the MITB cash in at the end of the main event, but this match is actually his best work. I still believe this is the best match from the card and the action throughout was pretty fun. Seth went toe to toe with Orton and attempted to take him down, but Orton just kept coming. The end of this match features one of the greatest RKO reversals of all time as Seth went for the Curb Stomp, but Orton reversed it in mid air and landed one of the most fluid RKOs ever. Orton wins, but Seth would have the last laugh at the end of the show. Still, this was a really good match that doesn't get enough credit.

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 2:41 AM  3 comments

EOTR Retro: Wrestlemania 30 Review

By @TrueGodImmortal

The day is approaching. Wrestlemania 34. In New Orleans. The last time the WWE was in New Orleans for Mania, things went extremely well.... for the most part. Considered by many to be the best Mania of the last 7 or 8 years (maybe longer), Wrestlemania 30 saw a company that had alienated their audience in a way try to right their wrongs and fix everything. After the disastrous Royal Rumble win by Batista and the nonsense that Daniel Bryan had to endure to get to the main event, the WWE set up a dream scenario for the biggest event of the year where Bryan would face Triple H earlier in the night and then go on to take on Batista and Randy Orton for the WWE Title if he was able to defeat Triple H. Along with that, WWE would bring back Hulk Hogan for the event and have him become the host of Mania, and they would tease appearances from The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Also on the card, The Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar, John Cena vs Bray Wyatt, and more.

After a Pre-Show match between four teams over the WWE Tag Team Titles, the show would kick off with Hulk Hogan in the ring as the host to a resounding cheer. Hogan would be interrupted by Stone Cold, giving us a once in a lifetime moment with Austin and Hogan at Mania together. The Rock would interrupt later and we would be treated to a segment with the three biggest stars in the history of the business. It was a great moment for nostalgia and one of my favorite moments of Wrestlemania, but it was merely a precursor to what would be a shocking and inspiring night in WWE. What about the rest of the Mania card? Let's revisit it, shall we?

*Daniel Bryan vs Triple H

-The best match of the night opens the show and it was excellent. Daniel Bryan was essentially at the top of his game, and he was the most popular wrestler at the time. He had fought to get a title shot and he would have the opportunity to do so during the early part of the show if he defeated Triple H. If Triple H won, he would have the chance to fight in the main event, but it was clear what the plan was. Bryan would defeat all remaining members of Evolution and move on to become the World Champion. The action here is excellent as there is technical wrestling, brawling, and an amazing finish that saw Bryan notch a huge career victory over Triple H and prepare himself for the main event. It was showtime. 

*The Shield vs Kane and The New Age Outlaws

-The match was a squash match and it was more comedic than anything. Lasting only three minutes, The Shield would destroy Kane and The Outlaws, staking their claim as the best force in the company. There isn't much to say about this match aside from the fact that The Shield dominated and walked away as the winners without an issue. This was dominance for sure by The Shield.

*31 Man Andre The Giant Battle Royal

-Another match that didn't have a substantial build to it, this match didn't seem to really have a purpose. It was clear that the match would be full of the leftover superstars who wanted a spot on Mania and of course, this match would feature names like Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, and more before Cesaro would pull off the big victory. Cesaro was essentially the most over guy in the match and eliminating Big Show gave him unprecedented momentum that of course, the WWE messed up. Still, this was a big moment for Cesaro.

*John Cena vs Bray Wyatt

-So, Wyatt was on the verge of becoming a big star, he just needed a win over Cena. Cena, a man who had been a main eventer for over 8 years at this point, should have put Wyatt over at the highest stage for wrestlers. Instead, Wyatt would put up an amazing effort before he would end up losing the match cleanly, and it didn't nothing positive for his career. The truth is, when we look back at the match, it all builds up to the inevitable and it was clear from a mile away. Cena defeats Wyatt and ruins his momentum before moving on and becoming champion a few months down the line. Wyatt however, seemed to lose his footing after this match and never recovered.

*Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker 

-So, this is the match. This is the end. This is where Undertaker decides to end his streak. This is where Brock Lesnar ends his streak following a relatively boring match. This is where Brock finally ends the streak. This is where the world of wrestling changes. Well, that's a bit dramatic. Still, one could truly look at this match and see the end of an era. Taker hasn't been the same since. Now, I'll be honest. Brock became a much more lazy wrestler after this match and honestly, this battle just didn't have the action I hoped it would. Taker had a concussion halfway through and that definitely was important to the outcome, as he seemed out of it and the match suffers as a result. It ended so strangely and I didn't expect to see him actually lose the match. When he did, time stood still. Brock became the one in 21-1 and the wrestling world was never really the same for The Undertaker as a result.

*Vickie Guerrero Invitational 

-A match for the WWE Divas title that didn't really capture my attention. I don't remember much of the contest and I honestly don't want to revisit it too much. All that I know is that it was full of women with name value like Layla, Naomi, Natalya, and more, but they would all fall to the woman who had the division on lock, AJ Lee. Aside from that note, this match is useless, but AJ gets another notch under her belt.

*Daniel Bryan vs Batista vs Randy Orton 

-The main event was excellent. Batista won th Rumble and Bryan won his way into the contest, so the stage was set. Orton had been a subpar champion and Bryan was the most popular guy at the time, so this was the perfect storm. Bryan came into the match injured but that just added to his legend. The action here was fast paced and it's the best Mania main event of the last 5 to 8 years honestly. Bryan would step up big time and the crowd would be on his side, with him making Batista tap to win the title to the excitement of the fans who witnessed it. Yes, Wrestlemania is a big event, but no big event is complete without good execution. The execution for WM30 is one of the best in recent years, and the crowning of Daniel Bryan makes this Mania a true classic.

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 2:40 AM  No comment

Eyes On Survivor Series: 5 Underrated Matches

By @TrueGodImmortal

Well, Survivor Series will probably done by the time you read this. Regardless, when you look at the November PPV, we know of many matches that are popular and well known by all. I wanted to take a moment and look back at some matches that are actually slept on and deserves more credit as well. Let's take a look at 5 underrated matches from Survivor Series.

*The Rock vs Mankind
Survivor Series 1998

-A match that would alter the landscape of the WWF needs to get more credit. When we look back at Survivor Series 1998, one match that gets discussed the most is The Rock vs Mankind. However, the match is discussed more for the heel turn of The Rock and the start of the Corporation officially more so than the match itself. The match itself is actually pretty interesting from top to bottom, as both Rock and Mankind take each other to the limit in an attempt to garner a victory and the WWF Title to win the Deadly Game Survivor Series tournament. When all was said and done, The Rock walked out with the title and with Vince and Shane by his side..... for better or worse.

*Randy Orton vs Shawn Michaels
WWE Championship
Survivor Series 2007

-If anything, this match gets big points for trying to be innovative for the most part. There are stipulations placed on the match that make it intriguing and could have worked against it, but it actually made the match flow a little more natural. For Orton, he couldn't get disqualified or else he would lose the title, and for HBK, he couldn't use the Sweet Chin Music or else he would lose the match. The action was exciting watching HBK try to find more offense to put Orton down and at one point, he forgets he can't use the Sweet Chin Music and it ends up costing him the match. That was an amazing thing to witness and Randy took advantage to retain his title.

*CM Punk vs Alberto Del Rio
WWE Championship
Survivor Series 2011

-When we got to Survivor Series in 2011, there was only one man in the company who had the audience truly in the palm of his hand: CM Punk. After the botching of his Summer of Punk storyline, the WWE would see Punk fight his way back to the title scene and he got a chance to make things happen against Del Rio. This match wasn't perfect, but it had some fun action and the crowd was ready for Punk to win. After 17 minutes  of action, Punk pulls out the victory by submission, and begins his historic title reign that broke records. I think this match gets overshadowed by the return of The Rock, but it was the best match on the entire card and has gone underappreciated.

*Triple H vs Ric Flair
Last Man Standing Match
Survivor Series 2005

-I almost forgot this match took place until I went back and pulled up this event on the Network. Triple H and Flair had an old school style feud, with a few matches that gained my attention, but the biggest match they had was this nearly 30 minute battle that saw Flair give all he had and Triple H taking him to the limit. Triple H was the Last Man Standing, as he beat Flair bloody and utilized his sledgehammer to secure the win. When I look back at some great Triple H matches, this deserves more credit for sure.

*Shawn Michaels vs Triple H vs John Cena
WWE Championship Match
Survivor Series 2009

-The final run of DX was underway during the time of this match and it made for an intriguing idea of whether or not Triple H and HBK would fight each other and who would end up pinning Cena if it came down to it. That was put to rest when HBK started the match kicking Triple H out of the ring. After that incident, we would see a lot of fun action with all three, but in the end, Cena would retain his title and walk away with the victory of course. This is a fun match overall, and despite Cena winning, I didn't hate the result at all. This is probably the most underrated match at the event overall honestly. It's that good.

-True

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Eyes on the Ring 12:36 AM  No comment

EOTR Retro: What If Wade Barrett Won The WWE Title In 2010

By @AmeenKnows

Everyone's favorite game is a game of "What if?" and I've already gone into what if John Cena had stayed drafted to Smackdown a year after the topic of this story here. In 2010, Wade Barrett was experiencing, unfortunately, the biggest push of his career as the leader of the group of future up and comers, The Nexus. Now I don't have to tell you who they are because you know already but in November of 2010 Wade Barrett was blessed with two title shots at Randy Orton's coveted WWE Championship. The first he won by disqualification at Bragging Rights, but the title did not change hands.

In the midst of this potentially great storyline, John Cena was forced to join the Nexus after losing a match to Barrett at Hell in a Cell. So with Barrett's upcoming rematch at Survivor Series it was ultimately decided that John Cena would be named special guest referee. Leading up to the event it was Barrett who threatened to fire Cena if he didn't win the title. Cena being the goody goody two shoes he is, called the match down the middle and Randy Orton would go on to retain which means no job for Cena. That didn't last very long as Cena would go on to single handedly wash the Nexus and get his job back then, figuratively and literally, bury Wade Barrett before we kicked off 2011. But what if we could undo all that by having WWE pull the trigger on a Barrett title run? Just a year earlier, WWE had built up Sheamus to be a dominant monster and gave him a WWE Championship run by beating, guess who, John Cena. Shocking. Barrett had more Charisma, was a better talker and he could go in the ring so why not champion him?

So let's just say Barrett does win. That means Cena is no longer part of the Nexus and doesn't have to rampage on them to get his job back by making the group look sorry. Orton was a lackluster champion but he served a purpose for putting The Miz's Money in the Bank Cash In over. So in this hypothetical scenario we’re going to push that back. Orton is owed an rematch, Cena is still a foe and Miz is biding his time. Let's fix this by continuing the feud and booking Orton vs Barrett at TLC in place of Miz for the WWE Championship. Cena and Miz need something to do so we can have them stake their claim to the title in a segment and have them jumped by Nexus which sets up a Tag Team match between Miz and Cena and Two Nexus members. Now seeing as Barrett just won the title I don't want to take the belt off him just yet with a Miz cash in or Orton win so he leaves the arena with both his title run in tact and his group still thriving after Miz walks out on Cena for the win on Nexus's behalf.

Royal Rumble is coming up so a number one contender needs to be decided so I say we have a Triple Threat match that originally included Barrett, Sheamus and Orton and make it Cena, Miz and Orton. This also pushes back CM Punk's takeover of the Nexus so we'll get back to that. Let's say Cena wins here, Miz goes ballistic and attacks Orton setting up Miz and Orton at Royal Rumble. At RR, Nexus helps Cena retain and Miz cheats his way to beating Orton again. Eliminaton Chamber comes with Cena, Miz, Orton, Barrett, Punk and whoever else you wanna throw in for filler, say R-Truth. Miz gets eliminated early, Nexus comes to ringside and pass Punk a lead pipe that he uses to eliminate Barrett. Cena ends it by beating Punk and Miz cashes in after the Nexus jumps Cena again.

Punk comes out the next night and has a mic segment with Barrett. Punk explains that the Nexus was tired of being berated by Barrett who had become a dick to them after winning the WWE Championship. The Nexus comes out and Barrett gets jumped but escapes and he crosses over to Smackdown. Punk later in the night attacks Orton and their WrestleMania feud is right on track with 2 months in between for Orton to take out the New Nexus and Punk to explain his motivations. Miz cashed in on Cena so this means Cena can let go of the Nexus feud because the WWE title takes precedence over the Nexus which means their feud is on track and The Rock starts mocking them just a week later than he officially did which means everything is right on track for Mania. Barrett goes to Smackdown, starts the Corre and instead of Orton stealing the World Heavyweight Championship from Christian, its Barrett who does it after Extreme Rules, they feud for the summer and you have another star who's potential wasn't wasted.

-Ameen

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Eyes on the Ring 3:43 AM  No comment

Eyes On WWE: The 5 Best No Mercy Main Events

By @TrueGodImmortal

With the No Mercy PPV on the way and two huge main events on that night coming, I wanted to continue the vibe by talking some of the best main events in the PPV's history. No Mercy gave us a number of great matches over the years, including in the main event, but which are the cream of the crop? Let's take a look at the best of the best and rank the 5 greatest No Mercy main events.

5. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Kurt Angle vs Rob Van Dam
WWF Championship Match
No Mercy 2001

-More of an underrated gem than true classic, this match was one that really showcased why Austin couldn't be a heel. He was good in his role, but the crowd never wanted to hate him. The crowd wasn't sold on Angle as the ultimate face either, but they loved Rob Van Dam. RVD wasn't ready to be champion, but he showed out and performed well in this match. By the end of the match, RVD had earned the respect of the crowd and the competitors, but it was Austin still with his WWF Title in tact. Overall, the action by all three men made for an exhilarating contest and one of the best No Mercy main events.

4. Kurt Angle vs The Rock
WWF Championship Match
No Mercy 2000

-I was never sold on Angle for the first year of his career. His gimmick was annoying to me, and as a heel, he was doing his job, but I had no idea he was going to win the title. It didn't seem like a win over The Rock was realistic, but sure enough, Angle came in and delivered a near classic with The Great One. The action in this match was crazy from the interferences to the final result, and Angle would use all of this to win the No DQ contest. As the ref counted to three following an Angle Slam, a new star had arrived and his name was Kurt Angle, now the WWF Champion.

3. Randy Orton vs Triple H
Last Man Standing WWE Championship Match
No Mercy 2007

-Far from a match I was really interested in, this contest surprised me. For one, the WWE Title picture was in disarray after Cena was injured and had to vacate it, but we would witness three title matches in one night. The first was between Orton and HHH to determine who would be the new champ. Triple H won the first contest, then defeated Umaga and had to endure a third match on the night. This was the best of them all, as Orton and HHH took each other to the limit in this battle to see who would be the last man standing. That man turned out to be RKO, and the Age of Orton officially began with this match.

2. Chris Jericho vs Shawn Michaels
World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match
No Mercy 2008 

-There was nothing quite like the HBK vs Y2J feud of 2008. It's one of the best feuds of the last 15 years without question, and maybe the best of them all. This match was the end of the road and is honestly the best match between the two besides Wrestlemania 19. Jericho and HBK went at it with the title hanging from up high and they delivered a classic. The only thing that I would have liked to occur was a title change as HBK winning the belt, even for a short reign would have been fun to see again. Still, Jericho ends up winning the match and the feud, retaining his championship in one of the most entertaining ladder matches of the late 2000s.

1. Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker
Hell In A Cell WWE Championship Match
No Mercy 2002

-You could flip a coin between the top two choices and you wouldn't pick a wrong answer. However, if I had to make the choice, I'm going with this one every time. This is one of the greatest Hell In A Cell matches ever, and it's the best contest between Brock and Taker, and it's a brutal match. Blood is aplenty, brutality and punishment is all over, and both men give it all they have. Taker had been coasting for the most part, but his feud with Brock brought out the best in him and he gave Brock his best match thus far in the WWE. Of course, Brock win the match, but not without going through the fight of his life. This is a classic and it deserves to be ranked at the top of the No Mercy list.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 3:39 PM  120 comments