DVD Review: nwo The Revolution

DVD Review: n.W.o The Revolution

In 1996 the world of professional wrestling took a turn for the better. As the industry waned slightly and the main two companies (WCW and WWE) struggled to sell out arenas somebody needed to do something to break the status quo.

The moment that changed it all was when former WWE main eventer's Scott Hall and Kevin Nash decided to leave the organisation for some big money deals with their rivals WCW.

WCW was then under the leadership of Eric Bischoff (currently one of the key men behind TNA). Bischoff had gained power recently and whilst the product had grown steadily and even procured the talents of former WWE figurehead Hulk Hogan, he still felt something was needed to go to the next level.

Cue Hall (and subsequently Nash) appearing on WCW live TV. Both cutting some killer promos that seemed to allude to the fact that the pair were invading the company on behalf of the WWE (which they were not). The storyline gained momentum quick and saw Nash and Hall become two of the hottest commodities in wrestling ever.

The next big turning point was when during a six man tag match at Bash at the Beach Hall and Nash took on the trio of Lex Luger, Sting and Randy Savage (three men they had been intimidating for weeks). The punchline here was the lack of the much-hyped third partner for the Outsiders (as Hall and Nash were now known). This was the key moment in n.W.o history, as perennial good guy Hulk Hogan came to ringside, we all thought he was there to help Sting and Co. but he did the unthinkable and aligned himself with the Outsiders to pummel the WCW boys.

Hogan's heel turn was a landmark event. No one saw it coming and this DVD uses that as its main factor in the success of the n.W.o.

There have been other DVDs focusing on the New World Order, but this is the definitive version. Here we are presented with a nice history of the concept and wonderful array of talking heads, who were there at the time. The only major face missing is The Hulkster (whose TNA contract restricts his inclusion), but he does feature in events heavily. It is nice to see some people like Mike Rotunda, Lex Luger, Arn Anderson, Dusty Rhodes, Billy Kidman and many others all give their two cents in relation to what made the story line work and inevitably implode.

The documentary here covers everything from the n.W.o's introduction to their demise. When it was at its peak the faction saw a weekly introduction of new members (mostly on huge cash deals) and the group ran amok in the company. The problem was the group got too big for its boots and expanded too far. As WCW ran into financial problems and closed its doors the WWE decided to rejuvenate the n.W.o for one more run and re-introduced Hulk, Hall and Nash to the WWE audience. It was however a short-lived thing and never really caught off the way it had before.

n.W.o. The Revolution is a three disc (two on Blu-ray) set that not only features the stoy of the faction, but some of the best matches (both WCW and WWE) that it had to offer. There are also some nice extras which include such things as the Hall and Nash intros and much more.

On the match front we have bouts featuring Rowdy Roddy Piper, Dennis Rodman, The Steiner Brothers, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Jay Leno and Sting, all of them battling some member of one of the New World Orders roster.

Fans of the late 1990s wrestling industry will lap this up. Newer fans will enjoy seeing just what leaps and bounds were made during this era in the sport and how guys like Hall, Nash and Hogan have became so powerful in the business.

n.W.o. The Revolution is available now on DVD and Blu-ray.

Check out ww.silvervision.co.uk for this and more WWE releases.

RRP £29.99 (DVD), £34.99 (Blu-ray)

By Phil Allely

WWE Kaitlyn Pics

Edge interview highlights

WWE Hall of Famer Edge took more fan questions on Twitter this week. Here are somehighlights:

*
When asked if it was all the TLC matches that hurt his neck, he
replied, "that and the spears over the years." He noted that the hardest
hit he took was at WrestleMania 23 when Jeff Hardy put him into a
ladder.

* What does he think about women's wrestling these days?
"I don't think they get a shot, and that's why most leave. No
incentive."

* Did his recent neck surgery go good? "very, can't say enough about my doc, Dr.Maroon at UPMC"

*
If he could have one more match it would be against Christian or Steve
Austin. Edge noted that he accomplished "all that and then some" when it
comes to his career.

Lita interview highlights

Former Women's Champion Lita spoke with WWE's website this week to
promote the new WWE '13 video game. Here are some highlights from the
interview:

WWE.COM: What is your favorite Attitude Era moment you were involved in?

LITA:
I could make a laundry list. I think the first thing for me that was
definitely Attitude Era–based and my first really main storyline with
WWE was with Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs. myself & Essa Ríos. [I
was] the first woman Chyna interacted with, and to be in there with them
was great. They had their funny story going on, and you never knew what
my story was with Essa Ríos, so that was one.

I think also, when I
had a run in with Triple H & Steve Austin when they were together
as The Two-Man Power Trip. Looking back on that, I was just excited to
be out there with Triple H and “Stone Cold.”

WWE.COM: What are the differences between Attitude Era Women and today’s Divas?

LITA:
I think the women of The Attitude Era really did a good job at figuring
out who they were and what they wanted to portray to the fans. So each
woman was such an individual — you were never going to get Lita and
Ivory confused. You’re not going to get the two confused, as opposed to
now, is it the hot athletic girl with the short shorts on? No, it’s the
other hot athletic girl with the short shorts on. It was about setting
yourself apart.

WWE.COM: Which Diva today would best fit in The Attitude Era? Is there a Diva today you’d most like to compete against?

LITA:
I think it’s interesting to see the Divas of today and to see who the
fans are attaching to. Obviously, right now, it’s AJ Lee, who’s not the
strongest; she’s not one of those classically hot chicks. But she sets
herself apart, and you have emotion when she’s out there and you get a
sense of who she is, and so I think that’s really cool to see the kid
that wasn’t supposed to make it being the one that’s out there, and
that’s who the fans want to know more about.

TNA Turning Point 2012 Review

TNA Turning Point 2012

by Phil Allely

Jeff Hardy retained his prized gold in the main event of TNA's Turning Point PPV and former champion James Storm saw his dreams come true as he netted a number one contenders spot for the belt.

TNA's Turning Point PPV continued the on-going storyline of the mysterious Aces & 8's members and their association with former Team 3D member Devon. We were also treated to a few key challenge matches and more, all of which gave fans the opportunity to join in the excitement of the ongoing storyline featuring the invading group.

TV Title holder Samoa Joe opened proceedings up with a successful title defence against his former pal Magnus. Brit Magnus is far better as a heel and his work against the talented pro Joe proved his worth here. After a few nice teases Joe nailed the submission win.

Although a very exceptional grappler Eric Young has seen his career lend itself towards the more comedic side of things. His partnership with ODB has made Impact Wrestling house shows an event to see. Here we were greeted by the combos of ODB/Young versus Tara/Jesse Godderz. This fun encounter ended with EY nailing a nice looking elbow drop to take the win for his team.

In a nice change of pace for a TNA PPV outside interference did not effect Rob Van Dam's successful defence of his X Division Title next. RVD and opponent Joey Ryan gave us all a fine example of how to construct a match without any interjections. Of course following Van Dam's bout winning 'five star frog splash' the champ was flattened by Ryan's associate Matt Morgan.

Ace's and 8's member Doc (a familiar shaped grappler to a former WWE one) tackled Joseph Park next in a match that needed Park to channel the aura of his brother Abyss. Park is a fun character, but he runs away from violence and Abyss does not, fans would appreciate a more violent approach to proceedings we are sure. Doc was well on form here and nailed a choke slam for the storyline efficient win.

With tag teams thin on the ground TNA's best duo (Kazarian/Daniels) faced new Tag Team Champs Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero in a reasonably paced scrap. The combo of Kaz/Daniels are well worth a viewing every time they appear. The union between big man Henandez and veteran Guerrreo have boded well here. The Mexicans pulling off the win with ease.

The TNA World Title scene took a new step when Austin won the belt. The fact that Jeff Hardy was able to wrestle the gold away from him meant that the roster were having ot be on top form to get a shot at the gold.

Next up we saw former champs AJ Styles, Bobby Roode and James Storm step in to the ring for a number one contenders match. Styles worked his socks off here, but still fell to a Storm 'superkick' the cowboy winning and netting himself a shot at the world champ.

Newly designated Sergeant at arms of the Aces and 8's Devon faced Kurt Angle in a decent match next. Angle was seeking revenge for his recent beat-down and Devon was asserting the power his associates have on TNA. As usual Angle made his opponent look a million dollars and gave Devon a fair amount of spots. Kurt did however lock in his patented ankle lock for the submission victory.

Ladder matches are a tough thing to consider (both as grappler and fan) the wrestler has to risk his body against the steel item and trust that his foe is as willing to do the same. Jeff Hardy and challenger Austin Aries are two prime examples of wrestlers who willingly give up their bodies for their art. This match was a by the book stroll through ladder match psychology and bouts of old. Hardy was back on form and Aries as always showed his true talent too, the ensuing match was a mixed bag if high-risk spots, near falls and much more.

Hardy grabbed the win by overcoming Aries to snag the belt.

TNA Turning Point 2012 was a fun outing for the company. The results may not have been ground breaking, but the results will shape the company for a while. James Storm will make a formidable world title chaser, Aries will be a great challenger and the Aces and 8's storyline seems to continue.

By Phil Allely

Steve Austin Interview Links

Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of The Score Television Network and the
Baltimore Sun spoke with WWE legend and film & tv star "Stone Cold"
Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR). Highlights:

- How he's recovering from knee surgery and if he'll ever compete
again and the fact that he would be willing to entertain an offer rfom
WWE and where exactly that process is at right now.

- Discusses the release of the WWE '13 video game in which he is a
focal point, and does it bother him that CM Punk is on the cover.

- Talks about the return of his reality tv series Redneck Island on
CMT. "I consider myself the king of rednecks."

- Why an Austin/Hogan dream match never happened. "I don't think I
just ever wanted to wrestle the guy I guess."

- Finally Austin gives his opinion on the recent CM Punk/Paul Heyman
"Fake Heart Attack" incident and if he thinks it crossed the line. "I
believe in pushing the envelope in an aggressive fashion. But when a
guy dam near dies at ringside, let it go."

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Jeff Hardy interview highlights

Jeff Hardy joined Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman on Busted Open after his ladder match with Austin Aries last night. Here are some highlights from the interview.

On what he thought of the ladder match last night: "Before last night, I went back to watch some of the TLC matches and myself and the Undertaker and there is a lot for me to live up to in those matches. But I haven't seen it back because I got knocked silly numerous times. So once I see it back, I'll have a better idea of my opinion."

What is on the horizon with his contract expiring soon? "In January when that rolls around, I'll make a decision. I've pretty much made that decision. The music is going to be a huge part of it as far as keeping me around. We haven't signed anything yet, but we are getting close."

James Storm as the number one contender: "I forget where it was, but we wrestled at a live event and it wasn't too long ago, I think it was before Bound For Glory and we had a crazy good match. It's babyface vs babyface, but we have different styles, but its going to be great for sure. A lot more technical, probably throw some extreme touch in there, but you never know with James what's going to happen."

If he's still excited to be wrestling: "Of course! It is my evolution. I will ease out of wrestling and into my next step which is going to be music and maybe eventually balance both. But yeah it's just fun to have them support me like they are, even with my paintings and we're talking about this website. There is a lot of exciting things that are in the works. It's probably going to keep me around, and I'm just taking it slow. Right now I am the world champion, so I've got a lot to focus on and we keep recording new songs. It's just getting more exciting. The future has a lot to offer."

If he will change his wrestling style: "I'm going to change it big time when I leave and I come back as Willow the Wisp one of these days. My vision of this character is just an extension of myself. It will be basically from the imagination of Jeff Hardy. Willow the Wisp instead ofpainting my face, he'll just be wearing a mask. In a world that makes no sense, back in the Omega days it was so fun to be him and I never worried about making sense. I was in my own little world under that mask. At 36 years old, if I can do something like that it's going to be a blast. It's going to be a huge change of style for me."