Oct 7, 2021 14:45:33 GMT 🤯 said:

This one goes out to 1RealSmartAlex 's favorite Davenportian:

When he's winning, he's from Davenport. At a time like this, he's from Buffalo.

Brock is definitely better at this Street Fighter mini game than I ever was. He might even be better at it than System!

Oct 8, 2021 18:53:37 GMT @ness said:

Inspired by my recent watching of Fast Five per UT recommendation:

The Brockbottom has approximately 54.6% more impact than the Rockbottom.

Oct 9, 2021 13:48:17 GMT Emperor said:

The Brockbottom has approximately 54.6% more impact than the Rockbottom.

Sounds like a calculation achieved and vetted by Scott Steiner arithmetic.

EDIT: In reality the entire 🤯 household is losing. So sick and tired of being so sick and tired.

No love for this seat.

Oct 12, 2021 2:33:04 GMT 🤯 said:

No love for this seat.

That's your moving company logo.

2 men and a 1 truck?

How about 1 Streakender Brock.

So at this stage I feel like I'm only warming into the Brocktober festivities. The decorations are still in storage and while I keep an eye out for high ledges so I can do my big bad Brock jump I haven't felt my inner Brock yet.

Suffice to say I've only sat through one Brock match and it's early Brock.

Some incredibly generous soul was nice enough to upload an OVW 2000 match. I'm not sure why but OVW is still so difficult to come by and I think that old pack I had of the early 06 generation maybe gone as well? It's such a shame because I'd love to cover that at some point.

Regardless the match is Brock Lesnar & Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Conway & Mr Black from November 2000. This would mean that Brock is only three months into his career and would only have a handful of matches. OVW results seem really spotty, they don't even have this match listed but I'd be surprised if this was his 10th match. As a result we get white meat babyface Brock Lesnar who just likes to fire up. That's right Brock, knock em down just to tell them to get back up again. Not a lot to write home here for young Brock Lesnar, he hits a shoddy shoulder block and then hits an average dropkick. Shelton who is more advanced steals the spotlight when he gets a ton of air on a back body drop and lands on his feet.

The young Minnesotans were making short work of Conway and Black until the heels turned the tables and whipped the babyfaces into one another. Conway and Black appeared they had the match won until they both tried to attack Shelton at the one time. They took exception to one another, so they hit each other and both went down like a bunch of clowns. The babyfaces got the cover and I still can't believe Cornette has the hide to get so offended over goofy wrestling when he presented THAT on his television.

Serious question...

Is Big Johnny shoot the best authority figure of all-time for bringing Brock Lesnar back to Pro Wrestling?

🤯 did any other authority figure even come close to doing something AS good? Were you a fan of the Adamle Scramble?

No lies, the Adamle scramble drew dimes from yours truly...

Oct 26, 2021 15:17:59 GMT Big Pete said:

Serious question...

Is Big Johnny shoot the best authority figure of all-time for bringing Brock Lesnar back to Pro Wrestling?

🤯 did any other authority figure even come close to doing something AS good? Were you a fan of the Adamle Scramble?

No lies, the Adamle scramble drew dimes from yours truly...

Fuck, now I wish I'd gotten to see Brock dominate in a scramble match.

So I watched the HITC match with Taker. The match was great. The kick out of the tombstone on the exposed ring wood took me out of the rest of the match.

Now imagine if the HITC was the streak ender.

Happy Brocktober all!

I feel like I have so many new matches that I need to watch since I last attempted this!

There's something about plaid country boy Brock with the facial hair. Dare I say he #RATES.

Oct 1, 2022 12:53:20 GMT @ness said:

There's something about plaid country boy Brock with the facial hair. Dare I say he #RATES.

This incarnation definitely Jax my Nia. Amirite, System!?

In order of #BROCKTOBER I plan to finally watch HIACII... might even rewatch the whole shebang start to finish to make it more worthy.

- Unforgiven 02
- No Mercy 02
- No Mercy 03... (Biker Chain but we doing this right)
- The Streak
- Summerslam that year (2014?)... nope apparently they had downtime between encounters...
- HIACII

Are there any missing chapters?!?

🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯

Oct 1, 2022 16:06:08 GMT @ness said:

In order of #BROCKTOBER I plan to finally watch HIACII... might even rewatch the whole shebang start to finish to make it more worthy.

- Unforgiven 02
- No Mercy 02
- No Mercy 03... (Biker Chain but we doing this right)
- The Streak
- Summerslam that year (2014?)... nope apparently they had downtime between encounters...
- HIACII

Are there any missing chapters?!?

🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯

Not unless you want house shows or SmackDowns.

2015 for SummerSlam.

Don't forget all the hype video packages for 2015. It's all good shit, pal!

Oct 1, 2022 16:09:17 GMT 🤯 said:

Oct 1, 2022 16:06:08 GMT @ness said:

In order of #BROCKTOBER I plan to finally watch HIACII... might even rewatch the whole shebang start to finish to make it more worthy.

- Unforgiven 02
- No Mercy 02
- No Mercy 03... (Biker Chain but we doing this right)
- The Streak
- Summerslam that year (2014?)... nope apparently they had downtime between encounters...
- HIACII

Are there any missing chapters?!?

🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯

Not unless you want house shows or SmackDowns.

2015 for SummerSlam.

Don't forget all the hype video packages for 2015. It's all good shit, pal!

Do you actually know about random ass SD! singles matches or just remember them happening?

Oct 1, 2022 16:11:54 GMT @ness said:

Oct 1, 2022 16:09:17 GMT 🤯 said:

Not unless you want house shows or SmackDowns.

2015 for SummerSlam.

Don't forget all the hype video packages for 2015. It's all good shit, pal!

Do you actually know about random ass SD! singles matches or just remember them happening?

He had some tags involving Taker that I'd have to look up to refresh myself, but a banger of a handicap match with Show against Taker in mid to late 2003.

Oct 1, 2022 16:22:45 GMT 🤯 said:

Oct 1, 2022 16:11:54 GMT @ness said:

Do you actually know about random ass SD! singles matches or just remember them happening?

He had some tags involving Taker that I'd have to look up to refresh myself, but a banger of a handicap match with Show against Taker in mid to late 2003.

In that case I'll look into the handicap match as a DVD Extra. Perhaps Baker man style reviews for each match. I'm no Kilgore or Strobe but ya know...

Unforgiven 2002

WWE Championship Match

This match takes place during a down period for me (wmx8 to around Vengeance 03) where I lost interest and really only checked PPV results. Over time I saw most of the good shit. Endless PPV DVDs around the time I got back into things... documentaries and comps. This match I never got around to seeing. Always came off like filler to the main dish. So I've never seen it, but I know it's a no decision match. This is the first time viewing. Live thoughts time!

For starters it's a shitty copy so no entrances. Brock is so young here and yet he's already lined up some bangers on PPV. With the Rock was unexpectedly good. I remember his match with one of the boys, Test @ KOTR being a great hoss match. We all know about HIAC so I'm hoping this ends up being another Ground Zero just all over the place. I only know about the finish being on the stage I think. I'm pumped bro, but then Cole in his lameness kills all the hype in my mind when he uses the term "backside". It's like when people censor cursing on an internet forum or some nonsense. Dude it's PPV for fuck's sake.

And they kissed lol. They have to be real badasses otherwise someone was holding in a corpsing. First time I really cared about any story. Dude it's so simple and so good. Brock is the REAL wrestling version of the cocky heel. Or at least what Vince and the GP would want to see. Dude yes, just beating each other. Young upstart who clearly has IT, but not there just yet. 75%. Taker entering his nature boy JTTS for main eventers like HBK will be for Raw. Ultimately he earns his respect because yeah I'm a shithead but it exists for a reason. Honestly without the Taker series Brock doesn't earn his stripes. Let's fucking GOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Did we just not give Brock/Goldberg a chance (due to them leaving) or were they just doing boring shit? These lockups aren't getting the same heat and they look the same. Is it all based on energy or backstage? With one of those all time great bumps through the ropes. Those feel too perfect to be planned but then again Lesnar is freakishly athletic. Taz telling Brock not to trade hands with Taker. Maybe that's why you're where you're at in 2002. It ain't your height (it was) it's you got no VISION. Ya know I'll never not enjoy seeing that leaping clothesline of Taker's. Feels like it makes less sense than the Shuffle in terms of connecting/damage but still mark out.

What I always enjoyed about Brock having a heel manager like Heyman as I guess it was putting a lid on getting over as a strong face for a time. Hard to do when you always wreck everyone, but he acts as a slight chance of heel heat. Because he could beat anyone without the assist at the end of it. Taker's pants riding up, I like seeing shit out of order like that. Yeah man leave it, shows you this is a real fight. Annnnd he fixed it. WEAK. But he makes up for it when they mention SOUP BONES. Dude I just love the irish whip powerslam. Orton especially but it feels like it's more worthy as a finisher or at least a possible match ender than A LOT of finishers. Am I wrong?

The ribs as a story being introduced. Dude it's like the fucking animal kingdom. Wear it down, ain't nobody winning "points" in him vs. me. Puts it over in more with it being used to put down Hogan. Little does he know that'll be him a decade later. He may not take him out with the win, but the damage is done. It's deep. Just manly shit. Feels like Brock is like THIS is why I'm here. Taker be like I'm still standing Jeff Hardy style. The ropes again. Guess that's the story. Contained was Brock's domain. Taker only has a fighting chance if there's NO BORDERS. It is gonna be Ground Zero with Brock bumping like a mad man.

Belt shot behind the ref's back, making sure Taker still strong. Where does Taker rate on the big boot? Is he "textbook" as far as instructional visuals? The quality I can't tell if the banshee scream upon impact is Heyman or Taker. Heyman randomly appearing as the manager for random big guy (Brock) was a great weasle run. Like his removal six months ago was IN THE PAST move on bro. Like you felt like he was a snake using Brock. Just slime being the lubricant to get these monsters together. Chokeslam with a ref bump, classic. Though can't recall the last time it got the 3 but like a superplex we pretend to be surprised when it isn't.

V1 random run in, I guess Brock ain't taking a Last Ride and they gotta get shit in. Heyman hires random heels to run in? Or was there another story going on? Wait this is 02, so just regular Matt? When did we get the facts? I thought 03. 20 years dude. Same deal with spinebuster (Brock's chokeslam?)... maybe he did finish someone like Scotty 2 Hotty with? But c'mon dude a real star. THAT WAS 3! Yeah you're right, ring the bell.

Taker's best is just when he's flying. Flip clothesline, "old school" (cringe), the classic Mania leap and jumping DDT. Is he a goat or is he an HBK manufactured one that's arguable one way or the other? With how often the refs get murked why don't they have midcarders on ref duty? They'd still sell for their "betters" but they should in theory be more safe? But that thinking doesn't belong here.

Dude I love it. Brock using a chair, Taker big boot and grabs it. Like okay this how we gonna do it? It's not Shawn HIAC or Eddy/JBL but a really nice head shot there. Leg drop another Taker off his feet. Dude just flies more than the cruisers. Taker backdropped and looked nasty. Dude bumping crazy too. Refs with untucked shirts from the back always look like fans. I love this. You ain't the king, this ain't your domain. Not if you didn't win handily. Another time could go different. Lesnar like you got lucky wasn't even my final form. BITCH. The chase. Brock through the sign.

I always groaned at DQs on PPV unless it's IYH (did a lot lol... but I guess that's all the b ppvs are, iyh rebranded - debate the additional hour didn't make them better?) but looking back I liked it. Too many ref bumps bringing on the DQ really sells a reason for HIAC. Having a match like THAT how do you not have the biggest ego. Brock's run is art and life comingled. Feels like he's proving himself on two fronts. Same with Taker. Brand split he's establishing himself in that way. Slowly clinging to his spot like a dragon final boss.

Wonder if they knew when this went down? Probably not. Was the streak even a "thing"? I feel it was a coincidence until 21 when he started having real matches. Simplicity. Sometimes that all it needs. I liked this match. Probably won't ever returned. I say probably like it has any shot, but yeah. Not mad I watched that.

#Brocktober has officially begun a day late.

Merry Brocktober all!

Brock Lesnar vs. Chris Benoit
Seoul, Korea December 4th 2003

On December 2nd, Brock Lesnar and Chris Benoit had one of the all-time great TV matches. Here you had the indestructible Brock Lesnar, THE WWE Champion, a freak of nature who outclassed Benoit in every aspect except for one. See, Benoit had the Crippler Crossface, Brock Lesnar's kryptonite and like Diamond Dallas Page, Benoit could synch that in anywhere. So you have this extra cautious Brock who will desperately do anything to avoid the Crossface which gave the match a much needed hook beyond Benoit chopping, suplexing and headbutting anything.

Sadly we only have the highlights here, but even the fans of Seoul are giving Brock a hard time about tapping out. This appears to be largely the same match, right down to one of the all-time great ref bumps of all-time - where Benoit inadvertently kicks the referee as he counters the BossLesnar Slam into a Crossface. The only change here is that Brock goes full heel and low blows Benoit so hard he smashes his testes into smithereens. Kind of a lame duck finish, but it's all just to get heat on Lesnar and build to the 'send the fans home happy' ending where Benoit locks on the Crossface and Brock taps out to send the fans home happy.

Still, this is the return match we never got on TV and to prove the SmackDown match wasn't some fluke they put on another great match for the fans of Seoul. It's a shame we never really got a return match - I think the only match that came close in this style was the Danielson match from 2018 - which was one of those 'now I can die happy' type of matches.

Seoul, Korea!?!?

Rumour has it that after the crowd reminded Brock, 'he tapped out' he came to terms and tapped out of Pro Wrestling altogether for a few years!

No Mercy 2002

WWE Championship inside HELL IN A CELL(tm)

Alright let's give some background on this match. I didn't see this match live as it was part of that core 2002 where I didn't pay too much attention to things beyond "who gots the belts yo". I did eventually see it a few years after the fact and I was blown away. I was still in the edgy IF THEY DON'T FLY OFF mindset when judging the Cell. What's the point, brah? Ignoring the initial concept of the structure was to contain them in ways a regular cage could not... the highspots were just a by product. And while HIAC "1" did have some oohs and aahs in that way, it's tame by standards today. Kinda like WMX's ladder...

Anyways I thought it was amazing, just a brutal fight highlighted by Heyman (if I remember) taking face bumps via his tie. Like the original everything came together. Heel goes over, but it's earned and there's some good shots in as well. And Brock even cements his right to the throne by going up top so you can't say nothing happened there. And then they force a face turn via Big Show that they retconned a month later to Angle what? But I suppose after beating Taker in HIAC where can you really go?

It was always a go-to when listing the GOATs of this match. It and the original are my go-to's even though I've only seen this one once and the original a handful of times. Or perhaps just once and a bunch of highlights. HIAC I I've noticed over the years has been getting more praise than it was during my time watching. Maybe a thread for another day. Onto the match, yeah?

This video took some finding, but it looks like it includes everything hype video and entrances. You love to see it. Right off the bat Cole in his lameness (seriously his voice) brings up the fact that Taker made it famous. It's always a weird flex in kayfabe for the deadman. All his specialty matches and he loses them all generally. I guess it sells that Taker is already a threat and with no rules whatcha gonna do? Still it's like how they always bring up the Hardys being ladder specialist. Are they though? Turnbuckle yes, but clearly it was E&C, and especially Edge who were the masters. Needs no mention as the people put them over hard, but the monkeys in the truck really nail these promo videos. Maybe it's just the modern version of Taker's powers. He sells the idea of fear. What if we lock you in with Jason and give him steel chairs legal? Yeah that's so much worse.

Love the use of color here. I know it's carny and a tad dated by today's standards, but you just don't FEEL it when it's not there. You don't need it, but it's the difference between ordinary and extra. And while Taker is no Big Show as far as credibility is concerned, being a gatekeeper to main eventers... he really did have the respect of all fans alike. Even if he was hardly going over anyone of name value, he was always sold seriously in the ring. Botched slap from the jezebel to Taker. Wow Brock playing mindgames via Heyman to bring in an old flame. And she slapped Taker BEHIND the ear LMAO. This was during the SD! Six era, right? Because this seems like really great stuff. If Heyman blew his load in six months, what a six months to have. I guess they were still lingering on from the Attitude Era. Still seems like it's really good and intense. Putting over Brock huge on Smackdown.

I think I finally see the appeal of the Undisputed belt cosmetically now. Cole says Taker knows how to train for this match. How dude? Brock has been in WWE for like six months as a main roster guy. Is this strapping a rocket done to perfection? Or was Angle? Brock selling the cast and wants out. Cole says no way out (tm) but clearly that's not true given all the ones up to now. If anything they might be the only real chance of that happening. Hayman shouting as this match goes on. That's either gonna make this awesome or get annoying real quick.

What did you do when you were 25? I know it wasn't be half naked in front of millions as you bleed while play fighting this other guy in a cage made out of fence. As Brock is vulnerable for the first time... now I get Taker's role at this point. It was never to be the guy. Cell is just the final boss level. Suddenly thinking about a pro wrestling company as a theory. Lesnar apron, Taker top rope. Not the visual I was hoping for, but I appreciate the college try here. So crazy seeing color and the medical guy with the gloves. Like the story here of Brock finally being out of his element. Has been off since he got busted open.

Dude honestly it feels like it's just where the match left off. Replace the sign for one of these posts/grating spots and it's like the match continued. This is simply Halloween II, the fight lingers. Just refs aren't being cock blocks about the action in the sequel. Heyman getting involved via the cage also really tells another great story. Heyman realistically couldn't do much to stop the action. Taker PROB could've put Brock away if he focused on just that. Attention on Heyman for minor justice and bam Brock takes over. That alone cost him. 30 seconds flat... the HEAT.

Only a few Cells deep, but was falls count anywhere always an option? Seemed odd here, but whatever. Clearly this is where Brock becomes a man. Not for nothing there was always something meaningful behind the "manly wails" of being in pain but not giving in. Sort of the audio version of being afraid of the Monkeys from Oz. Cast off and honestly they didn't do anything so far that they couldn't have inside a regular cage. Brock with some Ultimate X kicks and Taker with the every match gotta have tope suicida. Nothing and the ROCK MEANS NOTHING sounds as glorious as the steel steps making a thud.

Brock bled, Heyman bled, Taker bleeding. When is ref's turn? 🤯 does the Brock deserve some recognition in the spinebusta game?

Taz: Undertaker has never been pinned. Has never submitted.

Bro what are you talking about? Maybe he was trying to put over him in Cell matches, but it's not even true. They moved on without addressing it. I won't forget though. Ya think HOOK was old enough to be in attendance? Did he take notes? Taker doing a lot of damage with a broken hand out of cast. Perhaps it was actually cursed and Brock took the armor off? Yeah stop acting like the chokeslam is a match ender. STAPH IT. I am so jaded and broken I haven't been able to believe since 7th grade.

Brock signaling for the Last Ride and Taker looks too damn big to pull it off given the head between legs position. Taker countered so they both just wasted 2 finisher bars in HCTP. BRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHKKKKK. Man imagine if Heyman was doing third party commentary for all of Brock's matches. Brock doing the 10 punches in the corner... he clearly didn't watch WM17. Makes ya wonder if certain builds are just too difficult to do the move without turnbuckle assist. Messy ass mat from the blood, but unlike a dirty ass indy ring... this feeds the visual.

Tombstone countered into a manly fought F5, the same alternative finish animation they used in HCTP. Might be "F5-2" or something. Pin is academic. Man imagine if a war like this (say HIAC2 to come...) was what ended the streak. Taker wasn't the guy, but Brock gave him a look like he knew this was the first time he was truly tested. Heyman gave him a few cheap shots, but overall this was 50-50. Brock posing at the top with the belt almost telling you hey I didn't need to do it because there's really no one at my level to get dumped. Taker took a beating worst than the first Foley bump did.

I always placed this and the original as the go-to's, nothing else really coming close. I had a "thing" for No Way Out 2000 for a while... but meh. Never seen End of an Era. Anyways does it still hold up? I remember Heyman taking some bumps and it just being a bloody fight. Like remember when Taker cowardly (he only wins when Brock is injured lmao) asked him if he wanted to GO after he lost to Cain? This is what happens. Just two dudes GOING. Like Brock didn't actually become wwe champion when he beat the rock. He was the current holder of the belt, yes, but it wasn't until this match that he WAS the champion. So bad that Raw had to counter it with six guys inside an edgier cell. Could a singles match inside the chamber work as an extreme cage or nah? So yeah I say it does at least to what memories I have of these matches. Maybe not as perfect as I remember, but if watching a match a while after it airs and it HITS ya... it had to be good, right? Fuck it you convinced yes it's still great.

High ranking on their respective singles greats too. I think upon rewatch I'll always side with the first one for various reasons, but this is a worthy direction in a different way. Like this was one of those matches that you're like, hey maybe we did it wrong... or maybe that doesn't have to be the gimmick.

I dunno what those old territory memphis blood baths are all about, but if it's anything like this... I might finally get it. People were going crazy about RVD and Kane (and later Booker)... and I'm just like, yeah sounds about right for an IC level guy. RVD should be WHC. Who cares man? It ain't even the real belt ya mark. THIS IS MAIN EVENT SHIT. I dunno if this reviews make sense and I'm not doing Brocktober justice, but I'm trying here.

Biker Chain (if these were awesome why not this? Even if lesser?
WM30 (didn't hate it and even if not the main story I always liked the idea it was just putting the old guy down... prove me wrong dad, which he did with his comeback)
SS15 (never seen)
HIAC2 (never seen)

I gotta hustle or we'll be on November to Remember Appreciation Month. Maybe the match was just better when I'm out of my mind upon reading that mess.

I think I've fried my brain. There's nothing left. This feels less like a review and more like a this is the conversation we could have if we watched the match together. Which you probably shouldn't do. Slice of Pi idea. Put a match in tha background and just viiiiiibe with your guest.

@ness with a wild match review. You love to see it.

Oct 10, 2022 22:02:51 GMT @ness said:

I was still in the edgy IF THEY DON'T FLY OFF mindset when judging the Cell. What's the point, brah?

Same here. I'll go so far as saying I actively disliked the Brock/Taker cell match at the time. HBK/Taker, Taker/Mankind, and HHH/Cactus were all waaaay better to 2002 me. Armageddon 2000? Also way better. Even HHH/Jericho (at least they went up top!) was better. Obviously Brock & Taker weren't getting thrown off the cell I wasn't a big enough mark to think that. But surely Matt Hardy Version 1 would upon interfering! That was the word on the street. So nobody got throw off the Cell. It was just a "boring big man 80s brawl." And stupid Brock won again. **. It grew on me when I watched it again years later with different expectations. But during that in between stage, when it slowly started gaining popularity, I couldn't believe people actually liked it. 

No idea if the Biker Chain match is any good. It probably isn't. But it was a lot of fun live even with the FBI getting that main event rub lol