Showing posts with label Triple H. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Triple H. Show all posts
Mick Foley is a hardcore legend not just physically but also emotionally. He's been in some of the best feuds against new school wrestlers from the start of his career. Mick Foley has been through hell and still prevailed.

Feud with the Undertaker - Arguably the top best feud in both of their careers. During the Undertaker's match against JBL, Mankind brutally attacked him. Afterwards, Mankind continually attacked him and became the Undertaker's nightmare. Finally during Taker's casket match against Goldust for the IC title at In your House 8: Beware of Dog 1996, Mankind cost him the match by using the mandible claw on him and pulled him in the casket. The two faced at King of the Ring 1996. They then faced in a series of brawls leading to Summerslam 1996. Taker interfered with Mankind's match with HBK out of revenge leading to In Your House: Buried Alive 1996. The Undertaker returned, playing mind games on Mankind which led to Survivor Series 1996. Later, Mankind attacked Taker to hold the World Title and burned his face with a fireball culminating at In Your House 14: Revenge of the Taker 1997 for the WWF championship. Mankind cost Taker yet another match and faced each other at King of the Ring 1998. Ultimately, this led to the feud ending at Hell in a Cell 1998.

Why was this feud the best? Because this was the first time someone at the Undertaker's level challenged him. Mankind clearly wasn't scared of the Undertaker and brutalized him in a series of matches. Why did Mankind attack him? He summed it up perfectly in this promo:


Mankind: "..we've engaged in some of the most brutal contests this sport has ever known..but i couldn't help feeling that when it was all said and done..the Undertaker never really knew me at all...do you know what it feels like to sit on an airplane WITH THE STENCH OF YOUR OWN CHARRED FLESH AND YOUR NOSTRILS FOR FOURTEEN HOURS?!?! BECAUSE I DO! AND IT MAKES ME SICK! Do you know what it feels like to walk inside your own home and your wife says 'what is burning?' AND IT'S ME! I NEEDED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO MY LIFE! And for those people out there who find it hard to believe that someone like Mankind could ever receive holy matrimony...i can only say to you TURN OFF YOUR D*MN T.V SET! WATCH ANOTHER WRESTLING PROGRAM! BECAUSE I AM DEALING WITH REALITY! Or real life Undertaker WHERE MY CHILDREN wake up to the sound of gunfire..WHERE WHITE TRASH BOMBARD MY HOUSE WITH ROCKS N CHANT 'DIE MANKIND DIE!' When my three year old girl says to me 'keep me safe daddy, keep me safe' I look into her beautiful little eyes and i say 'I CAN'T DO THAT! BECAUSE DADDY'S ON THE ROAD 300 NIGHTS EVERY YEAR WORKING ON HIS 17TH CONCUSSION! BEING SPIT ON BY VILE SCUM IN UNDERTAKER T-SHIRTS, WRESTLING MAIN EVENTS FOR HALF THE MONEY THAT PUFFED UP PRETTY BOYS MAKE IN THE OPENING MATCH! You ask me for excuses...i don't have any..when your Mankind, you only need reasons.."


Mick Foley vs. Triple H - The feud between Triple H began around Summerslam in a triple threat with Stone Cold. Triple H beat Cactus Jack brutally and mercilessly. The two then faced each other at the Royal Rumble street fight 2000. The feud ended at No Way Out Hell in a Cell 2000.

What made this feud so emotionally powerful is the transition between Mick Foley to Cactus Jack in a never before seen build up. Triple H however exposes Mick Foley's flaws by saying the real Mick Foley is in real life behind Cactus Jack is a kind-hearted man plagued by guilt over what he does to his opponents. Mick Foley responds by bringing out his Cactus Jack persona, scaring Triple H. Although Cactus Jack lost his matches, he made Triple H cower in fear and still walked out the victor in that respect.

Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair - This was a real life feud transitioning into Kayfabe. In Mick Foley's book, he accused Flair of misusing him in the WCW bookings. Flair responded by calling him a stuntman and dismissed his hardcore injuries. In the WWF, they faced each other in a 2 out of 3 falls at Vengeance and an "I quit" match at Summerslam 2006. The feud continued at TNA in a last man standing match in 2007.

This feud was intense mainly because it was genuine and heated. Both were so focused in ending each other's careers over what happened in the past.

Mick Foley vs. Abyss - Probably the lesser known but most emotionally and brutal feuds that Abyss had with Mick Foley. It started when Abyss saved Mick Foley from Kevin Nash wielding his barbed wire bat at Hard Justice 2009. Fueled by rage, Mick Foley brutally beat Abyss to a pulp and later explained that the feud result from Abyss costing him a match and stealing his barbed wire. The two engaged in a few brawls until they had a heated confrontation leading to Bound for Glory Monster's ball match 2009.

This feud was powerful because it was so full of raw emotion, anger, betrayal, brutality, and drive. According to the story, Abyss as a child was abused by his father but was empowered to grow watching Mick Foley on T.V. He joined the pro-wrestling business taking inspiration from Mick Foley. When he thought Mick Foley was his friend after Mick gave him a flannel shirt, Mick Foley turned heel and quickly betrayed him. Mick Foley wrecked Abyss' self esteem by calling him a cheap copy but Abyss responded by listing his achievements at TNA. Why was the match at Bound for Glory important? Because it was all about Abyss's character growth, proving that he was worthy to be among the hardcore legends. Mick Foley provided a plot twist when he revealed he was only testing Abyss reputation as a hardcore wrestler. This feud conclusively gave Abyss a push.

In summary, this is what separates Mick Foley from other hardcore legends because he had a story to his hardcore matches.
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While this may never be possible now that the Undertaker has retired, these are some of my biggest fantasy matches in which if i were a booker - i would plan them immediately. It's unfortunate that WWE could not plan these official matches. I thought some of the Undertaker's matches were unnecessary like a second Kane match or a second Triple H. If the Undertaker still had his undefeated streak, this is how i would've written his legendary match cards.





The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle - If i were a storyline writer, i'd have Kurt Angle taunt the Undertaker, flaunt his win at No Way Out, put him through the ankle lock again, then finally take his Athleticism to the next level - end the Undertaker's undefeated streak. Both are very competitive fighters as Kurt Angle has experience in legit amateur wrestling while the Undertaker is experienced in MMA. Both have devastating submission holds but which one would dominate the ring - the Ankle Lock or Hell's Gate?




The Undertaker vs. John Cena - Both have legendary careers. John Cena has had more titles than the Undertaker and equally devastating moves. John Cena has enormous strength and great story-telling abilities. He's been in several main events like the Undertaker has. They only wrestled a couple of times ending usually in a no-contest. I would've written an ambitious rivalry between the two for a shot for a WWE title at Wrestlemania. Perhaps making an "I quit" match would be more suitable.

The Undertaker vs. Stone Cold - This would've made a huge main event during the Attitude Era since Stone Cold and Vince McMahon were feuding at the time. If Vince unfairly booked Stone Cold to face the Undertaker in a streak vs. career match, it would've gained so much potential. Both are brutal in their approaches to wrestling in the ring. Stone Cold is a brutal legendary brawler when it comes to a detested opponent. He would be the ideal candidate for the Undertaker seeing how their championship matches went.




The Undertaker vs. Goldberg - From the matches i've seen from Goldberg, he's a devastating wrestler in the ring. His finisher is ridiculously painful from the looks of it. Goldberg is a dominant athlete and an aggressor. Goldberg is very strategic in his approach like the Undertaker.







The Undertaker vs. Sting - Rather than feud with the Authority, i'd have Sting feud with the Undertaker for a match at Wrestlemania. To make things more interesting, i'd book it at Hell in a Cell match. Both are similar in stature, signature moves, submission holds, appearance, and legacies. After all, both men probably wanted to have a match together before Wrestlemania 32.



I'll reiterate, t's a shame that these matches never occurred for whatever reason. Nevertheless it's nice to dream about what could've been differently.
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Since i was a kid, i knew Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of my all-time favorite pro-wrestlers the moment i watched him.

What makes him a legend that is so loved by millions? Because he redefined an era in the WWF/WWE. Back then, pro-wrestlers dressed professionally and athletically. Pro-wrestlers were about sportsmanship. Stone Cold broke from traditional ideals of what a pro-wrestler ought to be and led a rebellion. He dressed casual, used foul language, disrespected other pro-wrestlers, attacked his boss and anyone else if they got in his way.


Following the character of "The Ringmaster" came a Stone Cold Steve Austin is the Robin Hood of the WWF/WWE only that he is an almost indestructible anti-hero. Unlike other faces, Stone Cold doesn't portray the qualities of a charismatic face which is original. Stone Cold is a flat out anti-hero. He's arrogant, selfish, cruel, outrageous, funny, mean-spirited, tough, and so forth. He cares about no one but himself although he likes to entertain his fans. Stone Cold is his own authority and it's his pride that makes him a solid character. Overall, Stone Cold is a believable character with his strengths and weaknesses.  

Stone Cold has made some of the most memorable promos in WWF/WWE history. For example, after defeating Jake the Snake Roberts in a King of the Ring match, Stone Cold Steve Austin had this to say: 

"The first thing i want to be done is to get that piece of crap outta my ring! Don't just get him outta the ring, get him out of the WWF because i proved son you ain't got what it takes anymore! You sit there and you thump your Bible and you say your prayers and it didn't get you anywhere! Talk about your Psalms, talk about John 3:16. Austin 3:16 says i just whipped your a**!" 

This was the debut of the "Austin 3:16" phrase and the beginning of a new era. Stone Cold centered a solid fanbase with slogans such as "Hell yeah!" and "What?" or "that's the bottom line cuz Stone Cold said so!" He gave a mix hilarious promos, fierce ones, but sometimes he said nothing at all. His eyes and face said it all. This is what made his promos so revolutionary and his rather apathetic attitude towards what happens to his opponents. This is another example: 



"Sportsmanship? What a load of crap! Don't preach your morality to me..Steve Austin doesn't have any compassion...You want mercy? Take your a** to church.."



One of the things that separates Stone Cold from many others is that he builds a strong relationship with his fans. He shouts "oh Hell Yeah!" or asks them questions such as "If you want to see Stone Cold Steve Austin unleash hell, gimme a hell yeah!" He lets fans toss beers to him. Other superstars do not know how to get fans riled up well.

Ringwise, Stone Cold has some of the most devastating moves including his finisher - the Stone Cold Stunner. As far as in-ring psychology and story-telling, Stone Cold does it like no tomorrow. He comes straight at his opponent wasting no time. He was a total expert in using the Thesz press and other moves.


He's had some of the best feuds/rivalries leading to the greatest matches with Bret Hart, the Undertaker, the Rock, Triple H, Vince McMahon, and more. 

One of his best matches was with Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 13. Their rivalry began when Stone Cold won the 1996 King of the Ring tournament and taunted Bret Hart. Stone Cold insulted him leading Hart to accept. The two faced each other at Survivor Series 1996 with Hart beating him. The match continued with them participating in the Royal Rumble 1997 match. He eliminated Stone Cold but it didn't count as they were distracted with Mankind and Terry Funk. Stone Cold then began challenging Bret Hart's status as a legend as he kept whining. Stone Cold kept proclaiming himself to be the best and living by his words. An angry Bret Hart after being attacked challenged Stone Cold to a submission match at Wrestlemania 13. The match could only be won through submission. It was hard to watch Bret Hart apply the Sharpshooter on Stone Cold through the ring post and how Stone Cold gave everything to win. Stone Cold was busted open and Bret Hart finally applies the sharpshooter on Stone Cold. Just when you'd think Stone Cold would submit, he fights the pain and almost breaks the hold unlike any other pro-wrestler. He passes out but never submitted. Bret Hart may have won the match due to referee decision but Stone Cold kept his pride to the end.

Another outstanding feat was during the Harts feud when Owen Hart tombstoned Austin and Stone Cold broke his neck but still won the match. Stone Cold should've been carried out on a stretcher but chose to walk out like a champion.  



What i love about Stone Cold is that he's not afraid of anyone including the Undertaker. He makes no excuses for why he can't compete against the best. Both had some of the most epic clashes over the WWF title with Stone Cold winning some matches. 

Throughout his career, we see his character develop. We see some of his fears but nevertheless he uses those fears as a motivation to overcome them.



For these reasons, Stone Cold has popularized the WWF/WWE during the Attitude era so much that WCW went out of business. Stone Cold will be forever remembered as a pro-wrestling legend that represented what pro-wrestling is about - entertainment. 
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When the Great Khali entered Smackdown in 2006, i was scared. His height and intimidating yet mysterious presence was known as he devastated the Undertaker. His roar was monstrous and his eyes inhuman. His physical appearance and size were jaw-dropping. I've seen him completely pulverize wrestlers in the ring almost to death. It is even reported that he accidentally killed a pro-wrestling doing a flapjack slam. There was a period when the Great Khali was unstoppable against WWE's best: Kurt Angle, Batista, Rey Mysterio, and others. He was at the top of the food chain, being the most dominant out there. When the Great Khali stepped in WWE, all hell broke loose. During that time, the Great Khali ruled in tyranny and everyone secretly knew it. He didn't need a title, all he needed was fear.

Many people believe that a large buff guy is a brainless moron with no fighting techniques at all. While this might be true, they're still fearsome. The Great Khali was born a giant. His enormous size is never to be underestimated. In the old tale of David and Goliath, David in his humility and quickness defeats the giant Goliath. However in the WWE, no one trains to be a David. Many wrestlers train to be a giant and when faced with a bigger giant, they aren't prepared. They lack the superior strength and speed. I've seen smaller wrestlers who are smart and more agile than the Great Khali but end up losing regardless. This is because they're stuck with such a fragile and small body that can do little damage to the monstrous size of the Great Khali.

Take for example his vice grip submission. How do you think Batista would break out of that hold? Hitting him? Trying to pull his arms away? Getting to the ropes? How do you fight a man who's 7 feet tall and weighs 347 pounds being a body builder Batista's size? Once Khali gets a hold, you'll be passing out in minutes and have a limited amount of time before you go to sleep. Once you get in this hold, i see very little counters.

People don't call him "the Great Khali" for nothing. He doesn't need speed or agility because his legs are in themselves dangerous. Often, Khali would kick a pro-wrestler in the face and the moment his foot made contact, the ropes on the ring almost break from the explosive impact of the pro-wrestler's back hitting the floor. It gets worse when he executes the Punjabi plunge. He lifts his opponents up with both hands then slams them as you hear the loudness of the impact. The slams are so devastating that Khali's opponents do not recover from them after one or two times. It's as if they fell from a tall building as they crash into the concrete.




Another one of his fatal moves is the Khali chop. This move is so violent and powerful, it can knock out an opponent if landed to the head. It looks downright painful when delivered straight to the chest.

Of course if your fast enough, you can escape some attacks like Rey Mysterio did. However what's a kick or a punch going to do? He's too tall and too strong to be ground so easily. Had this been a real life situation, you might have a better chance at fighting him. Unfortunately, pro-wrestlers options are limited to sport rules. He can take so many blows from someone like Triple H and even if Khali is knocked off balance, there's no guarantee he will stay there very long. You can only take a few and once you do, your finished.

Because of these moves and the creative ingenious of the old writers of WWE, they've made a monstrous wrestler that is powerful - maybe too powerful. In his earliest time on Smackdown, he's been demolishing our childhood heroes along with our hopes. The crowd must've been struck with fear as he steps over a fallen opponent for a pin. He was on a rampage and i can imagine the writers despite their creative ingenious talent, regretting ever making the monster.

WWE probably struggled to find a middle ground where Khali would not be too powerful or too weak with no success. As WWE fell into the more PG-rated setting, they slowly changed the Great Khali into a soft, family friendly, entertainer. He was reduced to no more than a punching bag for WWE legends such as John Cena. When the WWE gave him this role, the Great Khali stopped being great.

I cannot blame them nonetheless. I feel that the Great Khali might have been too powerful of a heel to keep within any roster. It would take too much work to equalize him with the other pro-wrestlers. Even if this were to happen, it would strip him away of who the Great Khali is. While many people use the word "great" too often, the Great Khali is probably the only person who lives up to his fearsome and ferocious name.





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