Category: WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

HULK HOGAN VS. “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR — NO-DQ WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH (WWE Monday Night RAW: Taped May 13, 2002)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 10 Min.

At a Monday Night RAW taping on May 13, 2002, in Toronto, without any prior build-up, these legends meet yet again. For the first time since 1993, Hogan had just recently regained the title in a three-way clash vs. Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Backlash 2002. Playing himself up as the storyline co-owner of RAW, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair challenges the new WWE World Champion, “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan.

The commentators are Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler.

Note: At the time, Flair was 53 years old – Hogan was 48.

REVIEW:

In fairness, it’s a rare opportunity to see Hogan vs. Flair contesting the WWE Title for the first time since Late 1991-early 92, as their early encounters were deliberately inconclusive. Ironically, they were setting up a pivotal WrestleMania VIII title showdown back then … which never happened, as Hogan opted to ‘retire’ amidst the WWE’s ongoing steroid scandal.

This particular 2002 bout is among the few times that these two wrestling icons clashed in the WWE after their rival WCW imploded. However, watching Hogan & Flair here, when their combined age is now a century, is the wrestling equivalent of the aging Three Stooges in their best-forgotten 1950’s Columbia shorts. The same, old slapstick gags/clichés are half-heartedly served up yet again, but their tired execution falls well short of their prime.

With a run time of only ten minutes, no one would have realistically expected an all-time classic. The bout’s sped-up pacing tries hiding that the “Nature Boy” and the Hulkster are far past their respective primes.

Reminiscent of old TV re-runs, fans will sense when certain pet moves they’ve seen a thousand times or more are coming — i.e. Flair’s upside-down turnbuckle flip-and-run or a far larger Hogan being tossed through the ropes to the floor. Or, for that matter, Hogan brazenly blowing off Flair’s standard-issue offense … or a series of ridiculous late match run-ins to muddle an already-crummy match. Hence, it’s the ghostly vibes of WCW Monday Nitro at its worst all over again.

As was often the case with Nitro, this slugfest isn’t worth ten minutes of breathing. To the shock of no contemporary fan, the outcome doesn’t remotely impact WWE’s next Pay-Per-View: Judgment Day 2002. Its existence is completely forgettable, short of pitting Hogan vs. Flair ten years too late for the WWE World Championship.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

Note: For a satisfying Hogan vs. Flair title showdown, there’s Hogan’s first-ever WCW match back in mid-1994. Facing Flair for the WCW World Title at Bash at the Beach in Orlando, FL, this clash is a greatest-hits medley. In terms of its extra star power, ‘Sensational’ Sherri valets for Flair, while the Hulkster’s ringside entourage consists of Jimmy Hart, Mr. T, and Shaquille O’Neal. The match is available on a Hulk Hogan DVD set released by WWE.

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Blu-Ray Digital Movies & TV DVD Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

HART FOUNDATION VS. THE ISLANDERS – WWE WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH (WWE Entertainment: Taped February/March 1987)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 21 Min.

Filmed by the WWE in March 1987 (or possibly February 28, 1987), this Philadelphia Spectrum house showdown pits WWE World Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation (Bret “Hitman” Hart & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) vs. The Islanders (Haku & Tama). At ringside are the Harts’ manager, Jimmy Hart, and their new associate: evil ex-referee Danny Davis. The two ringside commentators are unidentified, but they are evidently the Spectrum’s PRISM Network in-house team.

The match also appears on the WWE’s 2013 Bret Hart: The Dungeon Collection DVD and Blu-Ray sets.

REVIEW:

Aside from viewing a Harts vs. Islanders battle as a rare opportunity, this title match demonstrates that the WWF’s 1987 tag team scene was very much at the top of its game. All four competitors (with an assist from Davis) deliver solid performances, as it’s a shame that Tama & Haku weren’t given a high-profile push sooner.

Note: After missing out on WrestleMania III, the Islanders excelled at the 1987 Survivor Series as Bobby Heenan’s new heel team. Yet, they were ultimately demoted to a dognapping angle with The British Bulldogs for March 1988’s WrestleMania IV, which was the Islanders’ last real hurrah.

The fact that The Islanders was excluded from WrestleMania III less than a month after this pretty good match speaks volumes. Still, the Hart Foundation’s own progress as new World Tag Team Champions gets the right kind of polish here. For that matter, even the low-key commentators (whoever they are) are surprisingly above-average, though they confusingly misidentify Tama as Haku and vice-versa.

The one downside is that, unsurprisingly, this tag bout relies on house show formula where the same finish was likely recycled most nights.

Note: Amusingly enough, the announcers mention that the Spectrum’s main event that night would be WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan & “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. Kamala & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. It’s a good bet that, in terms of tag action, the Harts and the Islanders outclassed them.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Blu-Ray Digital Movies & TV DVD Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

UNDERTAKER VS. TRIPLE H – “HELL IN A CELL” (WWE WRESTLEMANIA 28: Taped April 1, 2012)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 31 Min. +

In a sequel to their brutal encounter at WrestleMania 27, this WrestleMania rematch one year later pits Triple H against the Undertaker in what could quite possibly be The Game’s most iconic match. Shawn Michaels steps in to referee this Hell-in-a-Cell cage match. From Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida, on April 1, 20212, Jim Ross, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, and Michael Cole call the action in this ‘End of an Era’ bout.

As for the match’s run time, when looking at it from the entrance of Shawn Michaels to the mesmerizing finish, it lasts a whopping 50:22. However, in terms of actual ring time, the match goes for 30:40. Calling it a slobber-knocker would be an understatement! This match appears on the WrestleMania 28 DVD and Blu-Ray sets.

REVIEW:

Though Triple H has a reputation for not jobbing to many, he sells very well here.. Not to say that he doesn’t get his fair share of offense, but it takes a while. “A vile, vicious, malicious attack,” as called by J.R., sums up what lengths The Cerebral Assassin is willing to go to prevail. In total, Triple H performs about five moves that aren’t in conjunction with a foreign object. This could show a lack of wrestling skill or maybe his will to win, but, either way, The Game doesn’t impress from an in-ring standpoint. Maybe it’s him getting carried up the rampway, then a cut above his eye, or showing just pure exhaustion, Triple H does pull off acting skills that makes anyone wonder why he didn’t co-star alongside The Rock in The Tooth Fairy. In all seriousness, however, he does a great job conveying the battle-tested veteran finally meeting his toughest match.

The Undertaker has had arguably the greatest career in pro wrestling history. Decades after decades of consistent gold, this classic shows that even while pushing 50, he can still look like the most dominant force in the company. With hard hitting strikes and ruthless aggression, he looks like he wants to send Triple H home on a stretcher. Though not as heavily reliant on weapons as Triple H, Undertaker’s relentless rights and lefts make up most of his offense.

Despite having the durability of a slice of soggy bread, Shawn Michaels contributes to makes this match great. Sure, he isn’t wrestling, but his facial expressions and reactions truly convey someone with as many mixed emotions as he has. His distressed/torn apart look is probably the best part of the bout. Does Shawn align himself with his friend Triple H? Or does he side with The Undertaker … the same man who retired him just two years prior? It keeps anyone guessing as to what The Heartbreak Kid will do next!

WrestleMania XVIII is the best-selling WWE PPV in history, and this match clearly shows why. On its surface, this match is a slow-paced, half-hour brawl heavy on weaponry. Yet, all of this doesn’t matter. The so-called ‘End of an Era’ earns its hype, as this brawl marked the last time Triple H or The Undertaker performed at an exceptionally high level. Now, yes, they could’ve looked good because the match is fixated on weapons rather than wrestling, but they both come out better than they did coming in. Even when, at times, it oozes of WWE’s scripted stench, this slugfest should be on anyone’s WrestleMania radar!

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Blu-Ray Digital Movies & TV DVD Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

BRET “HITMAN” HART VS. “MR. PERFECT CURT HENNIG (WWE Entertainment: Taped April 29, 1989)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25 MIN.

Filmed by the WWE on/about April 29, 1989, at a house show at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, it’s Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. “Gorilla” Monsoon and “Lord” Alfred Hayes are the commentators – it’s possible that they recorded voice-overs for this match, since they aren’t actually visible on-screen at ringside.

The match is included on the WWE’s 2013 Bret Hart: The Dungeon Collection DVD and Blu-Ray sets.

REVIEW:

As Hart attests in his autobiography, he and Hennig, as second-generation performers in their prime, were so evenly matched (and worked safely together) that their WWE house show battles made for professional bliss. It’s no wonder that their chemistry could steal a house show’s audience from the main event on any given night. Including their standard-issue finish (or maybe just a slight variation of it), this particular showcase is no exception.

Hennig (i.e. his sheer athleticism; a few of his patented flops/pratfalls) demonstrates why he was the best technical heel in North America in 1989 – with the possible exception of the NWA’s Ric Flair. Noticeably, Hennig’s ‘Mr. Perfect’ gimmick is still in development, as his in-ring style here resembles his 1987-88 heel run as AWA World Champion.

Still a part-time singles performer at this juncture, Hart already exudes the legendary presence he would have in the 90’s. Unsurprisingly, this showdown (including some friction after the bell) is a terrific prelude to their Intercontinental Title showdown at SummerSlam 1991, in spite of Hennig’s real-life back injury. A subtle bonus is that Monsoon & Hayes playfully nail their commentary track observing these guys work with methodical precision.

Considering the match doesn’t embrace the WWE’s cartoony style, this low-key Hart vs. Hennig battle is a treat for fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

WWE BROTHERS OF DESTRUCTIONS – KANE & THE UNDERTAKER (MATTEL/WWE ACTION FIGURES BATTLE TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by the WWE through Mattel in 2017 as part of its 43rd series, this ‘battle’ two-pack features The Brothers of Destruction: Kane and the Undertaker.

REVIEW:

These two ‘basic’ figures definitely live up to that branding. This means that the figures have limited articulation, as compared to their higher-end (and higher-priced) counterparts, but that’s okay. When trying to replicate two fifty-something guys as action figures, it’s probably more accurate to say they can’t move quite as freely. This set also comes with a shovel to use as a weapon or a burying tool (for landscaping purposes).

Starting with The Undertaker, this version of ‘The Deadman’ is very reminiscent of his SummerSlam 2015 look. The main issue is that this figure’s eyes are bugged out, making it more of a distraction than a help. One good thing about this figure is that his tattoos are accurate; however, they’re all with brown printing, unlike higher quality alternatives. Besides that, he’s not that bad — but the figure just feels cheap. The same cannot be said for Kane. ‘The Big Red Machine’ has great red stitching, plus a flame running up his left leg. The face is really detailed, though it’s still inaccurate. This figure feels more like the menacing Kane from the late 90’s in a newer outfit rather than a 51-year old part-timer. Still good though!

Is this pair worth tracking down? For younger kids, sure! One thing about having two figures is that siblings can trade off on them and play WWE wrestling together. As for adult collectors, this isn’t anything more than a run-of-the-mill attempt to cash in on fans of either Kane or The Undertaker.

BONUS FEATURES:

The bonus is the gray plastic shovel for them to share.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

BRITISH BULLDOG – WWE SUMMERSLAM 1992 (MATTEL BASIC WWE ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ (approximately six-inch) WWE figure represents “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith. Specifically, it’s Smith’s look for his pivotal title showdown vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion, former tag-team rival, (and real-life brother-in-law) Bret “Hit Man” Hart at London’s Wembley Stadium in August 1992. To describe WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. This figure’s limited articulation doesn’t allow his abdomen & ribs to bend; 2. The legs can bend at the knees, but they can’t extend into splits; and 3. His calves won’t rotate.

REVIEW:

In terms of a facial likeness, there’s no mistaking it’s Davey Boy Smith. The limited articulation provides the ability to bend elbows; swivel his waist; rotate wrists and ankles; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose. In terms of its production quality, the figure is impressively sculpted and sturdily built. The paint quality is also high-caliber, but his entire outfit is a paint job, including the white left pantleg lacing. For posing purposes, the figure is stiff, but it stands up well when the feet are properly positioned. There are holes in the bottom of the feet for pegs, but a display base isn’t included. For the most part, this British Bulldog is a solid buy at its standard retail price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

It’s disappointing that there aren’t any accessories, such as a WWE I-C title belt, Winston the Bulldog, or his sparkling Union Jack ring robe. Those types of extras are reserved for WWE’s ‘elite’ figures.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective. Its theme predictably reflects SummerSlam 1992.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

BRITISH BULLDOGS (2003 WWE/JAKKS PACIFIC ACTION FIGURES TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this two-pack commemorates a prominent WWE tag team of the 1980’s: Tommy “Dynamite Kid” Billington (approximately 6¾-inches) and cousin Davey Boy Smith (approximately 7-inches) as “The British Bulldogs.” Their classic Union Jack attire is painted on consisting of: blue-red-and-white tights (with tightly-attached rubber knee pads – the grinning Smith has blue knee pads and Dynamite has black pads); white wrist tape; and matching white-blue-and red boots with white lacing.

Their limited articulation and ripped sculpting serves as a precursor to that of WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures. Specifically, each figure’s articulation points allow or won’t allow: 1. Their heads will turn slightly both ways. 2. 360-degree rotations are possible with the arms. The arms also bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible. 3. The upper body will bow, but the waist & abdomen don’t move. 4. Sporting decent flexibility, the legs will bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits. Walking and kicking poses are at least workable. 5. Neither the legs nor the calves rotate.

REVIEW:

In terms of their resemblance to the Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith, their likenesses are relatively close. It should be noted, however, that Smith didn’t actually sport a dreadlocks hairstyle until his solo WWE return in early 1991. Also, the Dynamite Kid figure represents one of the few ever made of him — quite possibly, it’s the only one for now. In terms of production quality, the figures are impressively sculpted and sturdily built for the Bulldogs’ roughhouse style of wrestling. Their paint quality is also high-caliber.

For posing purposes, one’s options are limited, but the Bulldogs stand up well when their feet are properly positioned. However, there aren’t peg holes in the bottom of their feet for display bases. Their elongated feet are instead protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses. For those remember Smith & Dynamite’s hard-charging style blending aerial tactics with high-impact moves, seeing this fan-friendly duo again really is a welcome treat.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The extras are a WWE World Tag Team Title belt (why JAKKS Pacific didn’t include two of them is unknown) and their mascot: a rubber bulldog representing their mascot, Matilda.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. It offers some cool nostalgia re: the Bulldogs’ enduring contribution to ‘80s tag team wrestling.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE (WCW BOBBLEHEAD STATUE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 25, 2020

SUMMARY:

At eight inches tall (including its 1¼-inch display base), this hand-painted bobblehead statue depicts pro wrestling icon Diamond Dallas Page in his ‘Bang’ taunting pose. The “Bang! Diamond Dallas Page” wording is written/engraved in black pen. This bobblehead was evidently released sometime in the later nineties (maybe 1997 or 1998) as official WCW (World Championship Wrestling)/NWO (New World Order) merchandise. However, it can’t be confirmed whether or not Page’s autograph is legitimate.

The smooth and rock-hard texture of the wrestling ring display base suggests that it is perhaps made with a resin.

Note: This loose statue was purchased as is, without packaging and missing the fourth ring post.

REVIEW:

Despite so little info available about its manufacturer, this bobblehead is still impressive. Re: his ceramic head, its spot-on paint job and detailing (including Page’s molded dirty blondish-brown hair and beard) are superb, right down to his mocking sneer. Attached to a most likely ceramic body (which even replicates his upper arm tattoos), this bobblehead makes for a mini-masterpiece. The hardened support base is plenty durable, as its thin black fabric-covered band effectively acts as the ring ropes. Whoever sculpted this statue deserves kudos for a top-tier homage to Diamond Dallas Page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

STING & LEX LUGER (WCW/FUNKO STATUETTE TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 24, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2017, this power-packed tag team recreates their dominance of the long-defunct World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from the late 80’s through the late 90’s. Sting colorfully sports a vintage look, as a golden scorpion adorns his light green tights. Luger’s Funko corresponds to his mid-90’s appearance when he started pairing black boots with his non-distinctive trunks upon returning to WCW. Capable of 360-degree head turns, both mini-statues are the standard size (about 3.75 inches tall). They easily stand up for display options.

Note: Luger’s Funko is slightly shorter than Sting’s, though the real Luger is actually two or three inches taller than Sting.

REVIEW:

Including spot-on paint jobs, Funko’s rendition of WCW’s two premier ‘super-heroes’ is both flawless and impressively durable. Case in point: Sting’s light green-and-black face paint is immaculate. For that matter, both Sting’s spiky peroxide-blond crewcut and Luger’s dirty blond mullet are rendered exactly the way fans would remember them. Hypothetically, the only item missing is a pair of WCW World Tag Team Championship belts. Considering all factors (especially, their wacky potential as a desk/shelf decoration), this Funko two-pack is a wonderful homage to that other wrestling league that held its own vs. the WWE.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE (WWE/FUNKO STATUETTE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 24, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2014, this variant (specifically, the purple & white wrestling trunks) of Randy “Macho Man” Savage is a faithful vinyl rendition of the two-time WWE World Champion. As to his attire, this Funko is a homage to his late 1980’s Macho Madness prime. Savage is the standard Funko size (about 3.75 inches tall). His wrestling ensemble consists of: a familiar orange bandanna with his name spelled out; his wide yellow-framed shades; white triple-starred purple wrestling trunks; white wrist and knuckle tape; yellow knee pads; and white-laced yellow wrestling boots. Easily standing up for display options, this Funko Randy Savage statue can also swivel his head a full 360-degrees.

REVIEW:

As the “Macho Man” was fond of saying … Oooooh, yeaaaah! Including a spot-on paint job, Funko’s rendition of Savage (including his trademark shades) is near-flawless. A mild disappointment is that the triple-star pattern on his trunks is repeated slightly bigger on the backside rather than replicating the gaudier look of placing his name there in white surrounded by white stars. As to what else is missing, it’s really more wish fulfillment. Pairing this colorful Funko with one of his classy manager and then-wife, Miss Elizabeth, as a nostalgic two-pack would have made sense – at a minimum, even just placing the eagle-themed WWE Championship title belt around his waist would have wonderfully complimented this vintage look.

Considering all factors (particularly, its wacky potential as a desk/shelf decoration), this Funko Randy Savage still makes an awesome gift for any Macho Madness fan. Long live Macho Madness!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars