January 2005

I love me some Super Parka and matches like this are the reason why: slow, methodical brawling with thoughtful rudo work. Even Monterrey, with all its bullshit, can't prevent this from being an entertaining singles match. It's hard to believe at times that Nicho used to be Psicosis. I sometimes wonder what sort of runs he could have in Mexico if he hadn't dropped his mask so cheaply. Still, if Super Parka can be awesome walking around in a skeleton outfit with a Superman "S" on the chest, Nicho can try a bit harder too. I really need to go on a Super Parka binge. I think I like him better than the actual Parka.

This had a surprisingly weak build-up for a WWE match, and features two of the biggest ham actors in the history of professional wrestling, but it's not bad considering that they weren't able to smash their way through any announcer tables and had to tell a story between the ropes. There are a few cringe moments but also some good stuff. You can occasionally see Taz and Michael Cole in the background. Cole looks bored, but Taz is focused on the match. I can only imagine the hyperbola if Cole were on commentary. The reason this match is a footnote in WWE history instead of something more fondly remembered is that Edge cheats to win and hams it up afterward. They also didn'…

This was a perfectly solid Triple H vs. Orton match. I had no complaints about the work and was happy to see a clear, definitive end to the feud. However, I will point out that it was very clear and very definitive, as Orton never had a chance to hit the RKO while Triple H finished Orton with a pedigree. Triple H evaded the RKO three times, IIRC, which is telling given Orton's gimmick is that he can hit the RKO from anywhere. It's a cool move and was given the Stone Cold Stunner treatment over the course of Orton's face run, but Triple H put that to bed. They worked a concussion angle prior to the finish. I assume it was designed to give Orton an out for the loss, but it …