Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is easily the hardest WWE DVD I've ever tried to find, but it was worth the 40 bucks I spent on it. The "Vengeance" PPVs from the WWE are always an entertaining event, but this 2002 edition is the absolute best of them all! Read on...
Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley take on then-recently returned Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit in a Table Match. This is a strange contest, because only one man is supposed to be in the ring at once, yet there are no DQs. However, this makes for some good Tag Team wrestling, especially from Benoit and Eddie. If you go in expecting a Tag Team match w/ less focus on Table spots, you're in for a solid experience. (7.5/10)
Jamie Noble defends the Cruiserweight Championship against Billy Kidman in an excellent contest. There's little-to-no involvement from Nidia, which lets these two great light-heavyweights put on a spectacular show. Not quite as good as their "Survivor Series 2002" matchup, but so what? (8.5/10)
The worst match is William Regal challenging Jeff Hardy for the now-shelved European Championship. The backstory is Regal cries when he loses his recent matches, which is an amusing setup. But both men are sloppy, and frankly don't look very good in this one. Could've been worthwhile, but just poorly executed. (4.0/10)
Now for some nostalgia, Chris Jericho accepts pre-thug John Cena's challenge for a "SmackDown" rematch. This is a solid contest between the rookie Cena (he was only w/ WWE for a month at the time) and Jericho. It isn't going to blow anyone's socks off, but it reminds me that Cena can freestyle-wrestle when given the chance. Won't shut up Cena's detractors, but maybe this will calm us down a bit. (6.5/10)
Rob Van Dam and Brock Lesnar compete for RVD's Intercontinental Championship in a King-of-the-Ring 'rematch', of sorts. The Michigan crowd is wild not just for RVD, but also for this fast-paced, hard-hitting blockbuster! I don't want to give away the ending, but it might disappoint some fans. But I forgive the decision because RVD and Lesnar kept battling it out w/ weapons afterwards. Also, the finish 'maintained' both men's careers. Tied with the main event for the best match on the card! (9.0/10)
While in the new nWo, Big Show and Booker T began a feud, and got booked for this PPV match. Vince McMahon then disbanded the nWo after some roster setbacks, yet this match stayed on the card. Booker and Show put on a No Disqualifications Match that's never boring, but not particularly good. However, there are some neat spots, and it won't take up much of your time. (5.5/10)
One huge attraction of this PPV isn't even a match at all. Triple H must choose a brand to wrestle for. It becomes an entertaining in-ring segment that was built-up for weeks, and came to a conclusion here. Without giving away too much, HHH rips on both Eric Bischoff (RAW GM) and Stephanie McMahon (SD GM and "ex-wife"), and everyone is entertaining while on the mike. To my pleasant surprise, this promo is worth the PPV airtime.
The next match is Christian & Lance Storm challenging Edge & Hollywood Hulk Hogan for the Tag Team Championships (the only belts at the time). The Un-American angle was a good one, and having Hogan/Edge win the titles on July 4th 2002 was also cool. So, this feud had a nice two-week build-up. As for the actual contest, Hogan is up to his usual tricks, while the other guys do most of the work. What can I say? Somehow Hogan is forgiven for his lack of participation. The tag team action could've been better, but the crowd is great, there's some neat interference, and the match is still worth a viewing. (6.5/10)
In the main event, the tremendous feud between The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, and The Rock came to a close in this energetic Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship (there was only one title back then). This is a rare example of chaotic buildup resulting in an even more frenetic match. I don't agree when Jim Ross yells, "greatest Triple Threat I've ever seen", but it's darn close. Stolen finishers, non-stop action, false finishes left-and-right, crazy crowd...this match just about has it all! It's missing the indescribable something to make the match perfect, but all three of these men deserved to win the title, making this main event a forgotten classic! (9.0/10)
OVERALL
To complement the strong PPV card, there are some neat Extras on the DVD:
* Hogan and Edge's Tag Team Title victory (solid match)
* Trust Company's music video of the PPV theme (good song)
* "WWE Confidential" coverage of Eric Bischoff (good stuff)
* Post-match interviews (more good promos)
The "Vengeance" PPVs have established a good legacy with the WWE PPV lineup. The first Undisputed Champion ('01), the PPV return of Kurt Angle ('03), two show-stealing title matches ('05), the return of DX ('06)...these events are always entertaining.
But this is the definitive "Vengeance"!
I don't give 5 stars to WWE PPVs or DVDs very often.
You may have to dish out some money for it, but with good Extras and an even better wrestling card, "Vengeance 2002" is worth it.
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