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Crazy Max showing up and having their showcase match on the big promotional shows is pretty endearing. This was a par the course six man for them with the exception that Genki keeps developing and now know how to integrates his surfer persona into his matches better to make them work. Dragon Kid looked a step off from previous matches we have seen him in but still hit some gorgeous highspots. This didn’t hit the top end Crazy Max matches we have seen in the year, but it was very enjoyable while it lasted. ***1/2 (7)

Burning and No Fear are all exploding in one match. Akiyama and Kobashi start off and Jun backdrops Kobashi 10 seconds in. The young punk has learned from his mistakes the night before. They stare each other down and get violent as the crowd erupts again. No Fear then gets a go and while it is a step down from the previous encounter, it is still pretty damn great with Omori winding up with his uppercuts and Takayama not holding back at all on his kicks. After an extended feeling out process from there with a nasty test of strength and Takayama and Kobashi having a go, Sterness takes over and goes to work on Kenta. Running knees for both members in the corner and sending Kobashi into the guardrails. Kobashi is able to reverse the guardrail attempts and hits chops to show he is pissed off. Omori is also worked over for an extended amount of time. This wasn’t at the tip top level of the tags we saw in AJPW in the 90’s but to me it was only a step behind and is actually comparable to something like the Burning vs Ogawa/Misawa tag from October 1999. Ending run is really heated and this is where some people may be divisive. Omori pleads with Kobashi to go for the Burning Lariat and then he takes it out on Kobashi. One Takayama German later and Takayama has pinned Kenta and No Fear is reunited. We get a backstage promo hopefully explaining Omori’s reasoning but it was pretty suspect. Either way, this leads to a great scene of a pissed off Taue coming out and having to be restrained from taking Omori’s head off. Backstage, Taue throws a trashcan at Omori and Kobashi is stomping around all pissed too. This aint ya mommys Kings Road. **** (7.8)

Lawler pulling a Rick Rude appearing on both shows today. This proved that these two don't really have much chemistry as it was a longer match but still pretty dull with a bunch of punching and kicking and not much intensity behind the punches. Tazz just isn't that great of a brawler and added to that was a weak ref bump for the finish. *1/4

A good long match between these two. Alkie is dreadful on commentary and they push the evening gown match later on in the show more than the nuiances of the match. Spanky is much more flashy and he mostly hits here. He even does a really unique pin attempt off of an Irish whip. Dragon works as the heel and is more vicious when on top and getting after the referee for a slow count. Spanky mounts a comeback and hits a really good missile dropkick for a nearfall. Dragon is resilient and the finale of the match is a good bit of back and forth with Spanky being able to hit a tornado DDT and huge splash for the win. Perfectly good professional wrestling and these two continue to develop into damn good workers. ***1/4 (6.5)

Not much of a tag match but Derrick King looks good and it was pleasant to see him leading the way. The other main highlight was seeing Koko mix it up in 2000. Spellbinder and Charlies Laird are both decent. * The big development happens when Lawler arrives in his Kia Sportage. Lawler gives a history lesson of wrestling coming from channel 13 to channel 5. This weaves into him getting to why he left Power Pro and the reason is rooted in the fact they had talent like Kurt Angle in the promotion but Randy Hales and Brandon Baxter were main eventing. He talks about how this aren’t the superstars that kids grew up with in Memphis of old. This was a great way to twist things around with Lawler as a heel but feeling justified. Baxter comes out to dispute things Jerry said. Derrick King also has some shots at him and Jerry says he looks like he is 159 lbs not 189 that Derrick claims. Lastly, Mo comes out and King says he ate his way out of a job with WWF. This brings out Koko who says he wrestled in 8 WrestleManias (fake news) and that Lawler is a nonfactor in WWF as mainly an announcer. A big ol brawl erupts with the entire roster going after Lawler culminating in him going through one of the windows for the doors to open the studio. King is bleeding from the shoulder as the show goes off the air. Fun angle.

Slash continues to be the big dog in Power Pro and beats the Bulldog here. Bulldog has a very meat and potatoes approach that is refreshing in some ways but certainly lacks polish in other areas and when a move is off for him, it is way off. Baxter helps run some interference for Slash. *1/4

A pretty awesome match just a shade behind the 1987 tag version. This is one that has never grabbed me at points when I have done a live watch but it sung now. You had a good variety between power matchups and also the Busters/Rockers/Bret etc mixing it up with each other. The double turn still doesn't make a lot of sense but the Conquistadors deep run is a neat curveball that was unexpected. ****

This is more like the OVW I am used to. Nothing offensive in ring but nothing too exciting and it certainly doesn't match the screaming that is happening on commentary. This is a coal minor glove match to set up the big house show and Conway and Black are having problems with each other. Not the most interesting angle at all and it shows that some of the other prospects in OVW still have a ways to go IMO. *1/4

Show as a face feels fresh and he grabs a hold of Synn until the Disciples come in to help out. Judas throws ashes into Big Show and the beatdown commences. Flash delivers a nice senton bomb to the outside. That is short lived as Flash gets worked over. Fun work and Leviathan is not involved in this match as they are saving the big showdown of him vs Big Show. That is smart. Flash makes the hot tag and Leviathan comes in. The battle between him and Show is a ton of fun. Synn botches a fireball shot and the Disciples retreat. After the break, we get a Disciples video to Voodoo from Godsmack. This is well done and overall this is probably some of the best stuff we have seen from OVW. Cornette is still yelling of course but Leviathan and Big Show both feel bigger than life which kind of plays to the gravity and urgency Cornette calls everything with. **1/4

Romeo has such a thick Southern accent that it made me blush. Steve Martin has words for Romeo and the match is on. They are setting up the Toccoa house show on commentary and mention Lazz and Shank being in the prison. They cut to commercial right after Bailey rams Romeo into the post. We come back from break discussing how great AJ already is and how he is only going to get better. AJ gets huge air on his frog splash but Romeo is able to kick out. Romeo doesn’t show a ton throughout this match in timing his comebacks or making a lot of his strikes look powerful. Romeo does have decent color from the post shot. Larry Goodman gets a shoutout on commentary from Getz. Another great swantom bomb from AJ misses and Romeo rolls him up for the fluke pin. The pin pops big for that as AJ and Bailey throw a shit fit. *3/4

I get why with the way this show was set up how this was the main event but this had much less juice than almost all the matches we have seen. That being said, this did have some fun moments at points with Taue vs Misawa going after each other, Ogawa raking eyes, Ikeda looking like he fits in and guys like Izumida that we wont see very often throughout the decade. The finish was never in doubt and Inoue is still struggling mightily to find a place but overall this wasn’t a total waste of 23 minutes. **3/4

The announcer losing his mind when Kobashi debuts the black/purple gear is glorious. This was a match where the mold is broken again. Akiyama seizes an opening at the start and gives an Exploder and assisted piledriver to Kobashi on the ramp. Why not as his tactics have worked this time. However, Kobashi has had enough of this shit. He gets some time to recover while Rikio gets worked over, gets tagged in and then unleashes a fury of two lariats that knock both Akiyama and Kanemaru out. The shock when the count happens for Akiyama is excellent. I am loving this feud and I am loving NOAH's booking so far. *** (6.1)

Kikuchi kicks Takayama as he comes in the ring and Taka just stares him down. NOAH is making Taka look awesome and I am here for it. After Taka takes it to Kikuchi for around five minutes, he has no choice but to resort to some dirty tactics. A rake of the eyes and then he cranks out the arm of Takayama. A great submission with Kikuchi hanging on the outside of the ring just wrenching on the arm. Takayama is feeling the pain and starts cranking it up a notch with some knees that looked brutal to regain an advantage. A couple of more knees and the referee has to call for the bell. Takayama is pissed off now though so he gives another for good measure. Kikuchi should just stay down but he refuses and Takayama drills him again and then stands triumphantly on top of Kikuchi. The push of Takayama keeps going and it is glorious. ***1/2 (7.1)

Probably a bit too long for what this was but overall it was again nice to see how progressed Kenta and Marufuji are becoming. Scorpio helps flash out the undercard of NOAH with an established veteran that gets the crowd behind him. I didn’t remember much about Richard Slinger besides always thinking he had the most boring look and name in existence but he was fine here grinding it out against Kenta and Marufuji with body scissors and other mat based moves that show dominance. He kept things moving along to not make the match too mundane. The ending run was strong in giving the rookies just enough offense while retaining that they still had some growth to go to defeat a team like Scorpio and Slinger. *** (6)

Morishima jumps Vader at the bell and the fight is on. This is worked like a Brock 2017 match where it is a straight fight from the gate. Morishima shows some fire and gives a go to Vader but he comes back with a mauling and ends up winning with a flurry of punches knocking Morishima out. I think NOAH having Vader is important and a nice coup for them and he had a hell of an aura in this match. *** (6.2)

Santo is back in CMLL and I will always take a dose of these two against each other. I wouldn’t say this was worked in a hateful manner but it was certainly chippy at points most notably when Santo does his tope and hits Pepe Casas. There was also an interesting development early on with Shocker extending an invite to Tarzan Boy to join him in the rudo locker room. Overall, this felt like a first fall to a great match but I will take what we can get. The Olympics airing has kind of derailed CMLL a good bit based in what we have seen lately and having Santo back can only be seen as a positive. ***1/4 (6.6)

I get they are trying to humanize Kane but his pre match promo here was bad with him sounding whiny and being too vulnerable as the monster about to go for a chance at the title. The streak continues lately of SmackDown having the best WWF tv match of the week and this is one of the better Kane matches period honestly. It was kept at a good length and the pace never lets up. Rock being stalked by Kane looked believable and Rock does a great sell job especially around the outside area having to use a bell and other tactics to gain the advantage. All of Rock’s comebacks throughout the match are cut off by Kane and the crowd seems to really believe a title change is possible when Kane grabs Rock’s throat when he goes for the People’s Elbow for the first time. Kane goes up top and gets pounded down by Rock and now Rock is looking for a big move on the outside. Ref gets bumped and out comes Angle with a chair. Angle smashes Kane and Rock with the chair. Referee is back and they tease a countout with Kane placing Rock back in the ring at a count of 8. Chokeslam from Kane and a nice dramatic kickout by Rock with the referee still hurting. This gave Kane a good visual victory over the champion. Rock uncorks a miracle Rock Bottom off of some punches and both guys are down again. Rikishi now comes in the ring and hammers Kane calling for the DQ. Really smart booking here given what is about to happen and kudos to both Rock and Kane for an exciting match. ***1/4 (6.7)

Backstage, HHH tells Steph that she cost him the #1 contendership. The relationship here is still rocky. Steph says if she is such a liability, then she shouldn’t be there at all. Angle comes out for his match and talks about how much of a roll he is on. Angle gets in a potshot on Cal Ripken. Angle brings out his pals, Edge & Christian. Match itself is fine with some good comedy involving Too Cool and Rikishi including a stinkface to Kurt. Knowing what is about to come down the pike with Rikishi, it was good to get a six man from him and Too Cool one last time. Finish is an interesting development as Steph runs down and throws Sexay off the top rope and right into an Angle Slam for the pin. Right as Steph leaves backstage, Kurt asks her to be her permanent manager and she says she appreciates that he cares for her and understands her worth. **

Some back and forth promos and a quick match but the hate was there. I think one thing that Benoit didn’t get enough credit for was that he was remembered as being too robotic but he has gotten personal feuds over this year with Rock, Jericho and now HHH. HHH interferes a couple of minutes in and slams HHH with a chair. HHH gets some color and that is a ready made feud for the No Mercy PPV. *1/4

A really fun break from everything. Porky has to be one of the all time great comedy workers as he always finds new ways to entertain. The best spot here was when he goaded Shocker into dancing and then fainted when Shocker raised his arms and he smelled his arm pits. The lead up to the Porky dive on all three rudos to end the second fall was also excellent. Overall, this was a lighthearted affair with good comedy work and then Silver King decides to take off Parka's mask and things get really serious for the finish with tons of old timers coming out to goad King. ***1/2 (7)

Backstage, HHH says he has a bad feeling. As he is warming up, he pleads with Steph to stay in the back because he doesn’t want anything to happen to her. Steph runs into Benoit who asks how her head is. Steph slaps the shit out of him and he just smiles. HHH jumps Angle at his entrance and this is worked straight as a chaotic brawl. It is really well done and the intensity is up for these two. In fact, it may be better bell to bell than their PPV match. HHH sends Angle through a table with an elbow drop as Steph comes out. Benoit comes out again and HHH attacks him. Angle is now recovered and goes to hit a chair on HHH until Steph stops him. With Steph still on the apron, Benoit drags her down. This gets HHH going after her and allows Angle to sneak from behind and hit the Olympic Slam to become the #1 contender. After the match, HHH gives Steph the business and tells her that she should have stayed backstage. Steph is crying as HHH walks away. Really good tv main event and another match to add to HHH’s 2000 resume. ***1/4 (6.7)

Rock starts out with a promo. The insults he throws Kurt’s way work even if they are juvenile including the big one of Kurt having monkey piss rolling down his leg during his medal ceremony. Kurt comes out and says Rock is in big trouble buster. He demands a match tonight. Foley makes an appearance and says someone wants a piece at Kurt more than Rock. Here comes HHH and Steph and HHH is getting chants. HHH has jokes and piles on Angles Olympic triumph too mimicking the crying with Foley. HHH pretty much puts to rest any Steph/Kurt relationship saying they aren’t friends and Steph holds up the ring to affirm that notion. This is a weird sudden turn with Steph agreeing. HHH turns his attention to the title and tells Rock that he never beat HHH for that so Rock is keeping it warm until HHH is ready. That is better character work from HHH. Foley sets up Angle vs HHH and says the winner is the #1 contender for the title. Benoit interrupts that and throws his name in the hat as a contender. Kane also makes an appearance and makes a stake. Rikishi also comes out and wants Kane. Foley is starting to lose control which this kind of plays into the angle that will happen. Foley sets up a tag match with Rikishi/Rock vs Kane/Benoit. Rock has more insults for Kane and Benoit to end the promo. Tag action was strong with Rikishi being the enforcer for Rock and Benoit and Kane actually working together and providing to be a well oiled unit. That doesn’t last long when Rock makes his comeback and things implode. Benoit throws Kane back into the ring and right into a Rock Bottom but Rock allows Rikishi to hit the ass splash on him for the win. *1/2

Basic action to start but Too Cool acts a little heel with Sexay getting pissed at Jeff's weird ass dance that does get cat calls from the crowd. Edge and Christian try to interfere but it goes awry and Jeff gains the win with the Swantom. During the break, E&C have a chat with Foley and they are really showing off their personality opposite Foley. Foley gives them a shot at the Hardcore Title since he is keeping his word of not offering E&C another shot at the tag titles while the Hardy's have them. *

Foley comes out and describes that he is taking over the investigation. Foley is getting more and more consumed with this. Austin comes out and they have not exactly friendly conversation. I like this because I can see both points. Foley says he has cracked the case and out comes Mr. Ass. Mr. Ass explains that he didn't run over Austin but saw the person that did had blonde hair. Austin says he believes him and then gives him a stunner. Tag match starts up and it only goes 90 seconds before the rest of RTC comes in to interfere. Austin comes in and stuns everyone. Richards looks like he is going to escape but Chyna grabs him by the balls and throws him in. Eddy gets in the ring and is laughing before he gets stunned. Austin enjoys a beer bath and out comes Foley and says he either has to suspend or fine Austin. Foley is about to tell Austin what he has decided to do when he gets stunned. Austin is acting really possessed. It is an interesting wrinkle to his character. 1/4*

What a weird match. Jarrett's gold tights with the black look really smooth. The actual in ring of this match is worked well but yet you have so much nonsense. The comedy of the boxes with the Hall picture and blow up doll are so odd and then you have Beetlejuice from Howard Stern fame cost Jarrett the match and the title. I couldn't tell whether the match wanted to be comedic or serious and this didn't have the pacing or chops to play it all off like others in wrestling history. Booker is the champion again but it feels like he was bailed out by Beetlejuice of all people which does no one any favors. Steiner attacks after the match and we honestly get a wrestling show going off the air with Tony screaming in horror "Look at Bettlejuice." WCW Everybody. **