Customer Reviews

WWE Royal Rumble - The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection takes a look at The Royal Rumble cards from 2003 thru 2007. And, for those that wonder, the footage of the now infamous Chris Benoit is intact. Now, lets get to the cards:

Royal Rumble 2003

Big Show Vs. Brock Lesner - A rematch from their Survivor Series 2002 match with the winner getting a slot in The Royal Rumble match later in the card. Not a bad match to start off with.

The Dudleyz Vs. Lance Storm/William Regal (World Tag Team Title Match) - A good tag team bout which saw Regal and Storm's dirty tricks backfire as The Dudleyz collect another tag team title.

Torrie Wilson Vs. Dawn Marie - The second weakest bout on the card. Thankfully, it was kept short.

Triple H w/Ric Flair Vs. Scott Steiner (World Heavyweight Championship Match) - This has to be one of the worst world title bouts ever! I'd stop short of calling it THE worst but its up there! While HHH is a good performer, he has to be in there with someone that compliments his style and Steiner wasn't that guy! It really stunk up the joint!

Chris Benoit Vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Title Match) - This, along with the Rumble itself, saves this card! Despite his twisted and evil actions, no one can take away the fact that Chris Benoit (along with Kurt) gave us one of the best WWE title matches ever. No, I am not forgetting what he did to his family but if this is going to be a true anthology, then I am glad WWE had the stones to keep this match on here. History of any kind shouldn't ever be censored to please people. If that were the case then 9/11 would be forgotten and I am sure if someone suggested that, there would be an outrage.

Back to the match, it was a classic and for those that think it should've been deleted, I say learn to use your DVD menu or your fast forward button! End of story.

The Rumble match itself was pretty good. Pretty well balanced as far as surprises and performances.

Royal Rumble 2004

The Dudleyz Vs. Ric Flair/Batista (World Tag Team Title Match) - This was contested under "tables" rules. The Dudleyz was unable to repeat what they did the previous year against the Evolution duo. Okay match but it seemed a bit rushed.

Rey Mysterio Vs. Jamie Noble w/Nidia (Cruiserweight Title Match) - Lots of action but something seemed dead about this bout. Ends when Nidia's attempt to help Jamie backfires and gives Mysterio the win.

Eddie Guerrero Vs. Chavo Guerrero w/Chavo,Sr. - Okay bout. These two had better matches against each other in the old WCW but this was okay. The real action takes place after the bout as Eddie gives his nephew Chavo and brother Chavo, Sr. a savage beating!

Brock Lesner Vs. Hardcore Holly (WWE Title Match) - Weakest match on the card. Not close to the level of Benoit Vs. Angle but no where near the stinker that Steiner Vs. HHH was the previous year! It had some decent spots but thankfully, it was kept short.

Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels (World Heavyweight Title Match/Last Man Standing) - Now this was much better than the previous years' World Title match! Despite the draw ending, its worth your 20 minutes to watch.

The Rumble match might as well have been called (as DP said) "The Chris Benoit Show" because it was pretty much his show en route to him winning and setting a record. Other notable performances were Randy Orton, The Big Show and the spot when Benoit, John Cena, Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle pretty much put their finishers on The Big Show at one point or another!

Royal Rumble 2005

Shawn Michaels Vs. Edge - This was Edge first serious push in a long time towards single stardom as he took on "HBK" in an exciting opener.

The Undertaker Vs. Heidenreich - This was a casket match and was the weakest match on the card. It has its moments however, especially when Snitsky and Kane get involved near the end.

The Big Show Vs. Kurt Angle Vs. JBL (WWE Title Match/Triple Threat Rules) - Surprisingly good. These three have decent chemistry together. Was never impressed with JBL's ring ability but I will give him this, he does have a good character and gets a lot of heat during this match. Ends when JBL gets a cover on Kurt with the help of his "cabinet."

Randy Orton Vs. HHH (World Heavyweight Title Match) - Okay bout but these two have had better against each other. Don't know if it was legit or just acting but Randy Orton does suffer a concussion after a botched DDT attempt on HHH. The match is over after that.

The Rumble match here was pretty good. Highlights is the showdown between John Cena and Batista at the end as well as a "chop-fest" at the beginning that saw Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero and Hardcore Holly take then-rookie Daniel Puter to the proverbial "woodshed" after Puter makes some cocky comments. Also, it was the beginning of the classic series between Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle that dominated much of 2005 and one spot that saw superstars from both RAW and Smackdown put aside their differences to beat up Iraqi sympathizer Assad in a short but hilarious moment!

Royal Rumble 2006

I'll go ahead and just say it. Watch this one only for John Cena Vs. Edge as it was the best match on the card! Yes, it is one of the rare times I actually give Cena credit! All the other matches (including the Rumble match itself) ranged from okay (Cruiserweight bout) to terrible (Kurt Angle Vs. Mark Henry).

Even The Rumble match wasn't that special this time around in 2006. As much as I love Rey Mysterio, there is no way in hell he should've won The Royal Rumble! While he does have the stamina, there is no way he would survive HHH, let alone Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, The Big Show, Kane and all the other stars that entered that match! One of those heavyweights would've eventually caught him and tossed his a** over the top rope!

Don't get me wrong, I understand what they were trying to do and that was make a feel good moment in memory of Eddie Guerrero (who had died 2 months prior) but they could've picked someone else that had a close connection to Eddie like Chavo or Benoit (don't scoff at that because it was January 2006, long before the tragic events of June 2007) or even Matt Hardy. Anyway, it had its moments but overall, not a great Rumble match.

Royal Rumble 2007

The Hardyz Vs. MNM - Great tag team match to begin the card. It has to be watched.

Bobby Lashley Vs. Test (ECW Title Match) - Weakest bout on the card. It was more worthy of ECW on Sci-Fi than a PPV.

Mr. Kennedy Vs. Batista (World Heavyweight Title Match) - These two had a good bout. Most of which was carried by Kennedy. Ends with Batista winning after having his leg worked over by Kennedy for several minutes.

John Cena Vs. Umaga (WWE Title/Last Man Standing) - If you want wrestling, then you won't find it here! This was just a straight brawl and, to be honest, one of Cena's better bouts! I loved when he used the ring ropes to choke out Umaga in the STFU. As I said, one of his best and believable bouts.

The Royal Rumble match was very good overall. The last 10 minutes with Undertaker Vs. Shawn Michaels is worth just forwarding to that part alone! It was their first face off since The Royal Rumble 1998 in that casket match that put Shawn on the shelf until 2002.

Overall, this is a good collection to get just for the nostalgic value. Worth your $30 bucks or so.

2003 - I'm still wondering how WWE would have the best & worst matches in Rumble history on the same card. That was the case here as WWE Champion Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit wrestled in a classic match which many consider their best match ever...to the point to where Chris Benoit got a standing ovation after the match although he tapped out & lost. The other match was Triple H vs. Scott Steiner...the less said, the better because this was absolutely horrible. The Rumble match itself had some good moments like Jeff Hardy finally getting his hands on Matt for how he left RAW and Tommy Dreamer bringing in weapons & getting "hardcore" but the big highlight here was the storyline between Jericho & HBK with help from Christian that resulted in both of their elimination's. Brock Lesnar would go on to win it at the end (#29) after having a good match with Big Show earlier in the night.

2004 - The Chris Benoit Show would be the proper title for this Rumble as Benoit did what HBK did in '95 by starting #1 & winning the Rumble at the end with a hard-fought finish with Big Show. WrestleMania XX was right around the corner so this Rumble setup alot of the storylines going into the Rumble such as Mick Foley's return at the expense of Randy Orton, the first signs of the Undertaker returning to his "deadman" character, and the interaction between Brock Lesnar & Goldberg. The other standout matches on here was the awesome Last Man Standing match between HBK & HHH, and Eddie vs. Chavo.

2005 - This Rumble match was a step-down from the previous years but is still a solid showing that included the buildup for the "dream match" at the time between HBK & Kurt Angle, Benoit & Holly having a chopping contest on Daniel Puder's chest, and the finish that results in Vince McMahon injuring his quad...by getting into the ring. The undercard here was strong as there wasn't a bad match. Triple H vs. Randy Orton, JBL vs. Big Show vs. Kurt Angle, Edge vs. HBK, and Undertaker vs. Heidenrich in a casket match with cameos from Snitsky & Kane. This was just a fun Rumble PPV from top to bottom.

2006 - This was the worst Rumble since the '99 edition as they had alot of matches that just weren't going to be any good and a Royal Rumble that was so dry & boring. Rey Mysterio ended up winning the Rumble at the end & becoming the third man to start out the Rumble & win it in the end (he entered #2) but besides the return of Shane McMahon to help eliminate HBK...there's nothing else here noteworthy. The only match here worth talking about was the Cena vs. Edge match that was really a fun match to watch as Cena put on a good performance while Edge made the best of his main event opportunity.

2007 - WWE heavily rebounded from the previous edition with the latest Rumble. The undercard featured good performances MNM & Hardyz in their match. The other match to look out here is the Cena/Umaga last man standing match as it was one of the best performances from both men and the ending with Cena having to chokeout Umaga with the ringropes was something. The Rumble match itself was fun to watch, as it was your average Rumble with the last 10 mins. really being something you wouldn't want to miss with Undertaker, HBK, and Rated RKO.

What do you expect from the uniquest paper-view ever created. There is the royal rumble from 2004 to the past royal rumble which was 2008's. I mean if your new to this stuff get the first one but if you know all about get the whole set because it is entertaining baby!!!!

2003

Can Scott Steiner dethrone The Game's title reign and can the rabid wolverine Chris Benoit defeat Kurt Angle and capture the WWE title? Also who will win the 30 man over the top rope Royal Rumble and go on to Wrestlemania?

-Brock Lesnar vs. The Big Show: This was to determine who would join the other 29 men in the Royal Rumble later that night. Its the usual match these two had, it was short with Brock hitting some big suplexes and Show hitting some power moves. Brock hits the F-5 and pins Show to go on to the Rumble. 6/10.

-World Tag Team Championship Match, Lance Storm & William Regal (Champions) vs. The Dudley Boyz: Its a typical tag team match that saw the Dudleys brawl and use their strength while Storm and Regal used technical wrestling and some dirty tactics and they also isolated D'Von and wore him down. D'Von hits Storm with Regal's brass knuckles and pins him to win the tag titles. 6/10.

-Stepmother vs. Stepdaughter Match, Dawn Marie vs. Torrie Wilson: Thanks to the horrible storyline involving Torrie's dad marrying Dawn then "dying" shortly after we have this match. Its really the usual women's match where both try to put some emotion into the contest but it just doesn't work. Torrie hits a neckbreaker and pins Dawn after about 3 minutes. 3/10.

-World Heavyweight Championship Match, Triple H (Champion) w/Ric Flair vs. Scott Steiner: Its Steiner's first official WWE match since his debut in Nov. of '02 and WWE really tried to build Steiner up and make him look unbeatable but the match is pretty laughable at times. Steiner seemed a few steps off, even having to hold the ropes when he chopped Hunter and was unable to hit some moves without a little or a lot of help from his opponent. The DQ finish also was pretty bad as Trips had to resort to hitting the ref a few times before he finally rang the bell. 5/10. The post match beatdown by Scott was better than the match itself.

-WWE Championship Match, Kurt Angle (Champion) vs. Chris Benoit: Probably one of the best WWE title matches I've seen on PPV, these two worked so well together as both were great technical masters. Benoit really goes all out and almost has Angle beat, Kurt also hits his usual suplexes and leg locks. Angle locks on the ankle lock and vices the leg and after a long time in the move Benoit finally taps out. 10/10. Great moment post match where the crowd gives Benoit a massive standing ovation.

-The Royal Rumble Match: Shawn Michaels is #1, Chris Jericho is #2 and we are at the main event. Actually Christian tricks Michaels as Jericho sneaks up behind Michaels, low blows him, beats him up with a chair and then eliminates him after about 90 seconds. Its actually not a bad Rumble as Jericho is the highlight of the night (couldn't help myself there) as he lasts about 30+ minutes plus before being eliminated by Test. There's a nice dash of hardcore weapon use when Tommy Dreamer comes into the match. Also there's a couple of good face offs between the Hardys and Brock and the returning Undertaker. Brock ends up tossing Taker over the top rope to win and go on to Wrestlemania. 7/10.

Its not a bad Rumble but its nothing way too memorable beyond the WWE title match and the Rumble itself.

2004

Will Hardcore Holly get the ultimate revenge on Brock Lesnar by taking the WWE title from him, can Triple H retain the world title against his former best friend Shawn Michaels and also will Chris Benoit realize his dream of main eventing Wrestlemania entering the Rumble at #1?

-Table Match for the World Tag Team Championship, Ric Flair & Batista (Champions) vs. The Dudley Boyz: Nice pre-match promo where Batista makes a comparison between the Dudleys and the hometown NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles. Short but good match here that saw Flair and Batista beat the Dudleys at their own game as Batista hit a spinebuster out of nowhere drilling D'Von through a table as the champs retain. 6/10.

-WWE Crusierweight Championship Match, Rey Mysterio vs. Jamie Noble: Very short match here that has some good moves but is again short. After Nidia (who was "blind" at the time) accidentaly trips up Noble, Rey hits the 619 and the leg drop off the top rope for the win to retain his title. 5/10.

-Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero: This was about Eddie saying he would beat Chavo in the match then beat him up afterwards and you could see it early on as he went to get more physical but kept holding back, which allowed Chavo to gain an advantage. The crowd was very much behind Eddie and this was actually a good match that told a good story, Eddie does win a hard fought match-up after hitting the frog splash. 7/10. The post match beatdown he gave Chavo and Chavo Sr. was pretty good too and he left his nephew Chavo bloody in the middle of the ring.

-WWE Championship Match, Brock Lesnar (Champion) vs. Hardcore Holly: In September of '02 Brock accidentaly broke Hollys neck due to a botched powerbomb, Holly returned a few months before and we have this match. Holly does well even trying to break Brock's neck by holding a full nelson on and even going to the outside while having it locked on. Brock was more of the defensive here which didn't suit him as no one really bought into Holly as a main eventer. Brock ends up hitting the F-5 and pins him to retain his title. 6/10.

-Last Man Standing Match for the World Heavyweight Championship, Triple H (Champion) vs. Shawn Michaels: A forgotten one in their rivalry as I feel this was a great main event title match, both really got in some hard hitting shots, both men bled heavily and to me this was one of the best Last Man Standing matches since you actually believed Michaels would win. Shawn hits Sweet Chin Music on Trips but both men can't answer the count so its declared a draw. 9/10.

-There's a bantering back and forth with Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman which is decent but Stone Cold Steve Austin coming down and stunning both men was the highlight of the segment.

-Nice interview with Goldberg where Brock Lesnar interrupts and it lays the ground work for their upcoming Wrestlemania match.

-The Royal Rumble Match: Chris Benoit is #1 and Randy Orton is #2, which was a great way to start off the Rumble. Kane came in and laid waste to everyone in the ring, but was distracted by his brother the Undertaker's gong and he got tossed over the top by Booker. Mick Foley made a suprise return and eliminated himself and Orton with a Cactus Jack clothesline. Big Show also faired very well in this one and at one point it took five men to keep him down including Kurt Angle and Benoit. Goldberg had a good but brief showing before Lesnar came in and F-5'd Goldberg and Angle tossed him out shortly after. The final showdown of Benoit and Show was very good as Chris locked on a front face lock and slowly but surely he worked Show over the top to the floor and Benoit is going to Wrestlemania. 8/10.

Good event here, the World title match and Rumble do elevate this one but none of the matches are terrible at all.

2005

Are JBL's days as champion numbered as he faces two opponents in a Triple Threat Match, can Randy Orton defeat his mentor and recapture the World Title? Of course the big question is who will win the 30 man over the top rope Royal Rumble and cement their spot in the main event of Wrestlemania?

-Edge vs. Shawn Michaels: For months Edge was obsessed with proving he deserved to be in the main event and be the champion and he targeted HBK as his first victim. This was a great opening match, it starts off fast with Michaels hitting a big clothesline sending Edge over the top, from there it stays at a good pace. Edge gets some moves in and thanks to some dirty tactics has the advantage for a few minutes, before the expected comeback from Shawn occurs but Edge doesn't stay down. Edge has the Educator on Shawn but he gets to the ropes, then Edge reverses a roll-up and grabs the ropes to keep Michaels down for three. 8/10.

-Eric Bischoff and Teddy Long are backstage talking about which brand will win the Rumble, then Eddie Guerrero and Ric Flair select their numbers, with Ric looking thrilled and Eddie not so happy. However Eddie has the last laugh as he steals Ric's number and runs off then Flair notices and runs after him.

-Heidenreich is backstage trembling about the upcoming casket match, Snitsky shows up saying he has an idea to help him and to call this segment uncomfortable would be an understatement.

-Casket Match, The Undertaker vs. Heidenreich: This was the end of this terrible rivalry, only terrible cause Heidenreich was really bad in the ring and even Taker could only get so much out of him. Its not a bad casket match but there have been way better. After some action, Snitsky and Kane interfere and Taker ends up nailing the Tombstone and puts Heidenreich into the casket and shuts the lid to win the match. 5/10.

-Teddy is talking to Eddie about him stealing Ric's number, Eddie eventually gives it back and Ric's wallet which angers him more, funny stuff. Triple H and Batista end up having a bit of a face off which again pushes the upcoming split of Evolution.

-Eric is talking to Christian and Tomko, Christian picks his number and he seems happy with it. John Cena comes in, Christian tries doing a rap which doesn't go over well, Cena counters with one of his own and walks off.

-Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship Match: JBL (Champion) vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Big Show: This match was very well done and really gave each man a chance to shine. In the opening minutes Show beats up on JBLand Angle even hitting a couple of loud loud chops in the corner. The pace really doesn't slow down, except when Show spears JBL through the barricade. There's interference from JBL's cabinet and Angle's henchmen Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, JBL gets rolled back into the ring somehow hits a clothesline from hell on Angle to retain the title. 9/10.

-Batista is walking backstage, Carlito asks him to sign a petition, bites into his apple but decides not to follow through when Batista threatens him. The Animal walks in and picks his number, Eric ends up saying Evolution is banned from ringside, Batista says he'll tell Triple H.

-World Heavyweight Championship Match, Triple H (Champion) vs. Randy Orton: After having won the title back at New Year's Revolution we have this match where Orton was out for revenge after being kicked out of Evolution months before. Also what was played up is how Randy had suffered head trauma in the weeks before so he kept stumbling around at points in the match to sell it. Its not a bad match, Randy takes it to the Game early on, but keeps getting more boos as the match goes on, Trips does wear down Randy for a few as he targets the head which keeps with the theme that Orton had a concussion coming into this match. While the ref is down the sledgehammer is brought out, Orton attempts to use it but ends up getting the pedigree and Trips covers to retain his title. 6/10.

-Nunzio is walking to the ring happy with his number when Kurt confronts him and takes his number, which causes Nunzio to run off. Eric & Teddy are talking when JBL and his cabinet come in celebrating his title win, Teddy interrupts by saying JBL would face Big Show at No Way Out in a Barbwire Steel Cage match.

-The Royal Rumble Match: Eddie Guerrero is #1, Chris Benoit is #2 and what a way to start off as these two know each other so well and go full force from the get go. Funny part when #3 Daniel Puder comes in, gets beat up and chopped by both men then by #4 Hardcore Holly and tossed out soon after. Its not a bad Rumble, Benoit and Guerrero have good showing as does Edge at #7, Rey Mysterio at #8 and Shelton Benjamin at #9. The best part may have been when Muhammad Hassan entered at #13 and was ganged up on and tossed out by about 8 guys. This Rumble is likely most remembered for Batista and John Cena going over the top and hitting the floor at the same time. As the refs debated who won, Vince McMahon came out, hit the ring but tore both his quads as he left his feet, so he sat in the ring looking goofy. The match was restarted and Batista ended up tossing Cena out of the ring to win the Rumble. 8/10.

Its a pretty good event, the only really bad match is the casket match, there's also a good Rumble which always elevates this PPV above others during the year.

2006

After cashing in Money in the Bank can Edge prove he's a true champion by defeating John Cena, can the new World Champion Kurt Angle stop the path of destruction caused by the World's Strongest Man Mark Henry and will Rey Mysterio win one for his late friend Eddie Guerrero by winning the Royal Rumble match and going on to the main event of Wrestlemania?

-Texas Tornado 6 Way Match for the Cruiserweight Championship: Kid Kash (Champion) vs. Funaki vs. Jamie Noble vs. Nunzio vs. Paul London vs. Gregory Helms: The key here was to qualify you needed to be a former cruiserweight champion and Helms was a suprise entrant having come over from Raw. Its the usual spot filled match with plenty of near falls, double even triple teaming at times and the expected dives to the outside, like London's Shooting Star Press from the top rope. The crowd was pretty pumped up by the end, where Helms hits the Shining Wizard on Funaki and covers him to win. 7/10 as it wasn't the greatest cruiserweight match but the pace never slowed down.

-Vince McMahon is backstage with Teddy Long and Vince says he will supervise the superstars picking their numbers tonight. Triple H and Randy Orton come in and pick their numbers with Trips not looking very happy at all.

-Mickie James vs. Ashley w/Special Guest Referee Trish Stratus: After the great opening match, we have this women's bout where its not bad Ashley went after Mickie as she was upset over James actions the past few weeks. Ashley does a bit of good mat wrestling and targets the arm of Mickie working it over, but James does come back slapping on a single leg boston crab digging her foot into Ashley's back. Mickie continues the assault on Ashley on the outside of the ring, then works on her back som more, Ashley comes back but gets powerbombed out of the corner and Mickie covers for the win. 5/10. Side note: Trish's referee outfit was very distractin during this match.

-Vince is backstage with Candice, Victoria and Torrie, then Big Show and Rey come in to pick their numbers, Show looks happy while Rey looks up and says "Eddie, you got me".

-JBL w/Jillian Hall vs. The Boogeyman: For weeks the Boogeyman had targeted both Jillian and JBL playing mind games, which were way better than this match was as it was pretty bad. After a couple of minutes of stalling, JBL attacks Boogey and beats him down, but Boogey comes back clotheslining JBL and ends up hitting a pump handle slam and covers him to win in fairly quick fashion. 2/10.

-Once again backstage with Vince, Shelton and his momma come in and he picks his number looking happy. Mercury and Nitro pick theirs and also look quite happy with their choices.

-The Royal Rumble Match: Not thats not a typo, the famed battle royal is not the main event of the PPV for pretty stupid reasons but more on that later. There were a few storylines coming into this match, RVD returning to action after a year off cause of a knee injury, Shawn Michaels feud with the McMahon's continuing and could Rey win this match with Eddie watching over him? As Lillian Garcia was ready to announce the start of the Rumble, the Spirit Squad come out to a chorus of boos and do a bad cheer then leave.

Triple H is #1 and Rey Mysterio is #2 and we are under way, these two even team up at one point to eliminate #3 Simon Dean. The match itself is standard for a Rumble match with surprise returns in Goldust and Tatanka, good showings by various superstars but especially Trips and Rey who last virtually the entire Rumble. Its not a bad Rumble however its not one that is really memorable, however one cool spot was Trips eliminating Kane & Big Show at the same time, much like Shawn Michaels did in '96 with Vader & Yokozuna. Randy Orton and Rey are the last two and Rey ends up sending Orton over the top rope to the floor and Mysterio is going to Wrestlemania. 7/10.

-Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit and Chavo Guerrero are given congrats to Rey when Edge comes in and says if he decides to face Edge for the title at Wrestlemania then his fairy tale won't have a happy ending.

-WWE Championship Match, Edge (Champion) w/Lita vs. John Cena: After cashing in Money in the Bank at New Year's Revolution to win the WWE title, Cena was out for revenge in this rematch. Interesting entrance by John as he was on a huge ramp in the air as he walked to the ring and the match itself was good, Edge does hit a spear into the steel steps then works John over for a few targeting the head and ribs. Cena comes back hitting his usual set of moves, Lita prevents a pin but gets knocked down accidentaly by Edge then he gets hit with the FU, Cena locks on the STFU and Edge taps out. 7/10.

-Todd Grisham tries talking to Edge but he walks off, then Lita gets in Todd's face, Hacksaw Jim Duggan appears and does his trademark phrase much to the crowds delight.

-World Heavyweight Championship Match, Kurt Angle (Champion) vs. Mark Henry w/Daivari: WWE had built up Henry as a monster in recent weeks but this was a fairly average main event to say the least. Angle does try to take Mark down but he just overpowers Kurt with his strength and size for the first few minutes, then Mark wears down the champ with power moves and even counters the Angle Slam and the Ankle Lock a couple of times. Kurt finally hits some suplexes including a couple of big german suplexes, even locked on the Ankle Lock and hit the slam but Daivari distracts the ref who gets knocked down. A chair is brought in, Kurt hits a couple of big shots, but Mark kicks out, then Angle sends Henry into an exposed turnbuckle and rolls him up for three. 4/10. As Kurt was celebrating, The Undertaker's music hits and he motions that he wants the title, then does some lightning trick that collapses the ring.

The event itself isn't a bad PPV but not a terribly great one and to not put the Rumble on last was horrible booking. They could've done the Taker/Angle confrontation at the next Smackdown with the ring collapsing, but instead they did it here and thus made Rey's whole run for the title seem second rate.

2007

Three title matches and the 30 men over the top rope battle royal that will determine who will have a shot at the champion of their choice at Wrestlemania 23.

-The Hardys vs. MNM: This was stemming off of the facial injury Joey Mercury suffered in the ladder match at Armageddon a month earlier. This match was much like their face/off at the infamous PPV December to Dismember, in that it was a good classic tag team match that did build and build into a great contest. Both teams used plenty of double teaming and the Hardys do take this one when Jeff hits a Swanton on Nitro for the win. 8/10.

-Funny backstage thing with Edge making fun of Kelly Kelly only to get it turned around on him. Orton and Edge have a bit of a face/off despite being tag team partners. King Booker makes an appearance as well.

-ECW Championship Match, Boby Lashley (Champion) vs. Test: One rivalry I just didn't got into, nothing against both men though I never bought into Lashley as a World Champion. This was power vs. power though Bobby does have the amateur advantage. Lashley does hit an impressive delayed vertical suplex on his 275 lb. opponent. Test does work on Bobby's shoulder after slamming it into the ring post. Its not a bad match, but the ending killed it as Test just walked away and got counted out, which killed all momentum for this match. 6/10. Post match sees Lashley drag Test to the ring and hit a running powerslam.

-Vince confronts John Cena backstage about his match against Umaga saying basically that Cena has no chance to retain his title.

-World Heavyweight Championship Match, Batista (Champion) vs. Mr. Kennedy: This was during Kennedy's best run in WWE and the crowd did start to cheer for him just as much as Batista at a few points in the match. Batista does get slammed knee first into the ring steps and Kennedy did almost have Batista beat, using a leg lock on the animals bad knee. Kennedy does have Batista down for the 3 count but the ref is down. Batista does come back hitting a Batista Bomb out of nowhere to win and retain his title. 7/10. Kennedy really does shine in this match.

-Another backstage thing where Kevin Thorn, Ariel, Hornswoggle and even The Great Khali make appearances. The comment Kelly Kelly made got a reaction out of Ron Simmons and guess what it was.

-Last Man Standing Match For The WWE Championship, John Cena (Champion) vs. Umaga: This was actually a decent rivalry though pretty short and this was supposed to be a match Cena couldn't win cause of his rib injuries and the fact the stipulation favors Umaga, who targets Cena's ribs in the early going with Cena favoring them a lot. There was a sick spot where Cena threw the steel steps out of the ring right into Umaga's face. Later Cena gets busted open badly and this is actually a really good last man standing match that saw Cena use the disconnected top rope to choke out Umaga in the STFU which kept Umaga down for the 10 count. Cena retains, 10/10.

-Sandman comes in and selects a number, canes himself in the head and leaves. Flair comes in and after selecting his number Kelly Kelly, Layla and Brooke dance with him for a bit.

-A video hype package is played showing the history of the Rumble match, including the superstars in this one.

-Ric Flair is #1 and Finlay is #2 which is a good way to start out and this unfolds into a good and sometimes great Rumble. Most guys get a good chance to shine, Edge lasts for over 40 minutes entering #5. Also The Hardy's and MNM wrestle here despite having wrestled already in the opening match. There's a nice spot where Sabu gets eliminated being chokeslammed by Kane through a table. Khali enters late and throws a bunch of men over the top rope. Undertaker is #30 and it comes down to him and Shawn Michaels, which is the best moment of the Rumble as they have a good albeit short encounter. Undertaker ends up elminating Michaels to become the only man to win entering at #30 and also goes to Wrestlemania to face the champion of his choice.

This is a good PPV well worth getting.

If you don't have each of these Rumbles on DVD already its worth buying all of them in one bundle.

Royal Rumble 2003

Big Show Vs. Brock Lesner - Better IMO than their SSeries encounter. This whole Rumble event was built around Lesnar as the winner of the winner match would get the final entry. Guess who won lol.

The Dudleyz Vs. Lance Storm/William Regal (World Tag Team Title Match) - This was good. But it was with 4 men I could never get into. Still, I enjoyed this.

Torrie Wilson Vs. Dawn Marie

Triple H w/Ric Flair Vs. Scott Steiner (World Heavyweight Championship Match)

Chris Benoit Vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Title Match) - a CLASSIC materpiece! Then again, every time these two met, it was a masterpiece. Benoit got a well deserved ovation after the match.

The Rumble match was one of my favorites. Some great moments: Christian coming out using Jericho's entrance, Christian trying to get Edge to join him only to get a Spear, Edge & Rey getting it on, Nowinski thinking he eliminated Edge & Rey at the same time only to get a dropkick & leg drop from them at the same time, Jericho's & Brock's runs, Kane outsmarting RVD who didn't seem to care lol, Taker's return which included eliminating Maven who tired to do what he did in 2002, tricking Kane & interaction during & after the match with Brock.

Royal Rumble 2004

The Dudleyz Vs. Ric Flair/Batista (World Tag Team Title Match) - Did not like it.

Rey Mysterio Vs. Jamie Noble w/Nidia (Cruiserweight Title Match) - Good match. It's with crusierweights so what else is there to expect, but action?

Eddie Guerrero Vs. Chavo Guerrero w/Chavo,Sr. - I was looking forward to this but was surprised by the match that happened considering how well they work & know each other. Disappointing.

Brock Lesner Vs. Hardcore Holly (WWE Title Match) - This was the weakest on the card & it was a World Title match. Same thing as Steiner/HHH. At least this was shorter than that.

Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels (World Heavyweight Title Match/Last Man Standing) - Wow! That's all I can say. I thought their SSlam 02 & 2 Out of 3 Falls at Armageddon 02 were their greatest. And it was along with this despite the ending.

The Rumble match was pretty much as DP said, "The Chris Benoit Show" & fittingly so IMO.

Royal Rumble 2005

Shawn Michaels Vs. Edge - Great opener, something that seems to be consistent (well most of the time) at the Rumble ppvs.

The Undertaker Vs. Heidenreich - Taker deserved way much better. All I can say.

The Big Show Vs. Kurt Angle Vs. JBL (WWE Title Match/Triple Threat Rules) - Better than I thought it'd be. Had Angle not been here, I don't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did.

Randy Orton Vs. HHH (World Heavyweight Title Match) - Not bad. But they'd have better bouts later in their careers.

Pretty good Rumble match. I remember Angle getting superkicked out of it by HBK, who cost HBK to be eliminated which set up their tremendous feud. Another great moment: London selling the clothesline that eliminated him. WWE dropped the ball with London & Kendrick.

Royal Rumble 2006

I can't even review this. It was that bad. I'll just give some moments:

1. Rey's Rumble match performance (too bad his win happened AFTER Eddie's passing)

2. Tatanka & Taker's returns

Those are the only things I liked.

Royal Rumble 2007

The Hardyz Vs. MNM - Must be watched. It's a great tag match.

Bobby Lashley Vs. Test (ECW Title Match) - I like Test. But this was not his best. In fact, it's one his worst. As for Lashley, never liked him.

Mr. Kennedy Vs. Batista (World Heavyweight Title Match) - Good match. Here, the challenger carried the Champion. IMO, Batista did not reach his full potential till the feud with Taker which thankfully for Batista lasted the rest of the year.

John Cena Vs. Umaga (WWE Title/Last Man Standing) - One of Cena's best.

The Rumble match wasn't bad. Slow to begin with though so you might wanna fast forward to these moments: Kane chokeslamming Sabu through the table to eliminate him, HBK's run, Taker fighting with both members of Rated RKO & the entire time the final 2 men were left. And I'm talkin about UT/HBK.

The Royal Rumble has always been my favorite event in wrestling and the years on this dvd give justice to it.

2003: This was a pretty good Rumble but not as good as some of the others before it. The event started with Big Show and Brock Lesnar going at to determine the last person in the Royal Rumble. This was a good match that saw Brock put the Show on his shoulders and F5 him to the mat and become the last man in the Rumble. The next match saw the Dudley Boys win the tag titles from William Regal and Lance Storm. This was a solid tag match. One of the most retarded storylines in the history of the WWE was between Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie. Just watch this match and see why. The Raw world title match with Triple H and Scott Steiner was another solid match although not as good as some fans hoped it would be. Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit would put on a wrestling classic for the Smackdown world title and maybe should have been the match of the year. The Rumble match was again predictable as everyone knew that they were priming Brock Lesnar for a title run and that's what happened. Brock won the Rumble and began a title run at Wrestlemania 19. All in all a good Rumble that I would give three stars!

2004: I didn't like this Rumble because there was only 2 good matches on the whole card! The opening was the Dudleys going against tag champs Ric Flair and Batista for those belts in a table match. On paper this looks like a good match but in reality it was dull and very short. The next match was a cruiserweight title match between Rey Mysterio and Jamie Noble. This was another dull match that was also short. Eddie Guerrero against Chavo Guerrero was also another bad match. The Smackdown title match between Brock Lesnar and Bob Holly was intense but also, again, short. Now I did like the world title last man standing match with Shawn Michaels and Triple H. It was fast and hold for hold fun and also bloody but I like most of the fans in the arena wanted a clear cut winner and not a double countout. The Rumble match was great and featured Chris Benoit winning the Rumble by coast to coast at number 1. It was a suprise and not predictable for me. The only thing I hate is that the WWE says that Benoit wrestled for over 60 minutes, however, if you calculate the time of the entrants which is 30 entrants at one minute and 30 seconds a piece, that equals 43:30 when all 30 men are in the ring. So for Benoit to last over an hour the Rumble would have to go well over 15:00 once all 30 men are in the ring and that just doesn't happen. In reality he goes for around 50:00. Still quite an achievement! All in all this is a crappy Rumble that I would give two stars!

2005: This is a good Rumble. It started with a contest between Edge and Shawn Michaels. I knew this match was going to be good and it delivered. It was maybe the best match on the card and once you watch it you'll see why. The coffin match between Undertaker and Heidenreich was not that great. I never understood the push for Heidenreich, I never thought he was that good, but Taker does a pretty good job against him. I did like the Smackdown world title match between JBL, Kurt Angle and Big Show. JBL was maybe the most unexpected champion of all time and I really thought he was going to drop the strap this time around but low and behold when the dust settled JBL was still the champ. The Raw world title match with Triple H and Randy Orton was not that good. It was slow and after Orton gets dropped on his head during this match he is never the same (not sure if he suffers a legit concussion or not). The Rumble match itself was again predictable as everyone knew either John Cena or Batista was going to win. Of course it came down to them and they eliminated each other! Oh no not another 1994! Vince McMahon comes out and slides into the ring (blowing his knees out in the process) and demands a restart which sees Batista win the Rumble. All in all a good Rumble that I would give two stars!

2006: To me this was a weak Rumble from start to finish. The opener was a open cruiserweight invitational for that title that saw the Hurricane win. Not a great match but pretty good. The match between Mickie James and Ashley was a joke. Ashley had no business being in the ring with someone as good as Mickie and thus we get this farce of a match. The next match between JBL and Boogeyman was even worse. The Boogeyman is one of the worst characters that the WWE has ever created. He has no wrestling ability and is all show. To me, he's worse then, gasp, the Ultimate Warrior. They had the Rumble early this year and saw Rey Mysterio enter at number 2 and win the whole thing. To me this was a suprise. I didn't think he would win especially at number 2. Triple H drew number 1 and I thought he would win the whole thing. So this was worth seeing. The world title matches between Edge against John Cena and Kurt Angle against Mark Henry were both boring and really should have been saved for television. All in all a good Rumble with a suprise appearance from the Undertaker at the end to challenge Kurt Angle for the title. I would have to give this Rumble two stars!

2007: This was a good Rumble. The opener was a great match between two highflying teams of the Hardy Boys and MNM. I liked this match and thought it lived up to its potential. The next match was for the ECW world title and pitted Bobby Lashley against Test. I was always a Test fan and thought he should have won this match. I was a little disappointed when Lasley won by countout but that's how it is. The next match was for the Smackdown world title and featured Batista defending against Mr Kennedy. Not a good match and just sub par. I really like the Raw world title last man standing match between John Cena and Umaga. I thought on paper this match would suck but in reality it may have been the best last man standing match I have seen. I don't like John Cena, in fact I think he should never been a world champion in the first place, but I will give him his props in this one: Cena owned the ring and earned my respect in this match. The Rumble match was last and featured a great finale as the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels exchanged blows and holds to see who would go to Wrestlemania to compete for a world title. When it was over the Undertaker had won his first Rumble and became the first person to win with the number 30. All in all a great Rumble from start to finish. I give this Rumble three stars!

This Royal Rumble Set is a tough one to call. Two of the Rumbles from this set are basically saved only by one match from it's card. The other three Rumbles are very good.

Now I'll be honest, I did not purchase this Royal Rumble set. I have all of these Royal Rumble PPV's either taped on VHS, on DVD, or have seen live on PPV. So with that siad, I do not know what has been blurred or edited out or what music has been altered.

2003 - This is the first of the two Rumbles that is basically saved thanks to one match. That match was the classic WWE Championship Match between WWE Champion Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit. Many regards it as one of the greatest WWE Championship matches in history. The Royal Rumble Match was won by Brock Lesnar as earlier in the night defeated the Big Show to enter the Royal Rumble Match. Highlights in the Rumble Match includes Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho beginning their three month feud leading up to Wrestlemania XIX, Chris Jericho having the best showing in the Rumble Match, and the return of the Undertaker. Other matches from this card are World Heavyweight Champion Triple H vs. Scott Steiner, Dawn Marie vs. Torrie Wilson, & The Dudley Boyz vs. William Regal & Lance Storm for the World Tag Team Championship.

2004 - This Royal Rumble event hosted from Philadelphia where we see for the only second time in history Chris Benoit winning the Royal Rumble Match from entering at No. 1. Highlights in the Rumble match includes Randy Orton making his Royal Rumble debut and having the best showing behind Chris Benoit at the age of only 23 at the time, signs of the Undertaker returning to his "Deadman" gimmick, Mick Foley being a surprise entrant, and Goldberg participating in his first and only Royal Rumble Match only to be eliminated by Brock Lesnar. The card also hosts a brutal Last Man Standing Match as Triple H defends his World Heavyweight Championship against Shawn Michaels. Other bouts includes WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly, Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero, World Tag Team Champions Ric Flair & Batista vs. The Dudley Boyz in a Tables Match, and Rey Mysterio vs. Jamie Noble for the Cruiserweight Championship.

2005 - The Royal Rumble Match this year for the first time since 1994's Royal Rumble Match ended in controversary in almost having a dual champion in Batista and John Cena. Once Vince McMahon came out (while injuring himself in the process) and restarted the Rumble, it was Batista who came out victorious. Also the Rumble Match consists of the interaction between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels that led to their match at Wrestlemania 21 and also Ric Flair participating in his first Royal Rumble Match since 1993. This Royal Rumble event also hosts a great World Title Match between the World Heavyweight Champion Triple H and Randy Orton. A very good Triple Threat as JBL defends his WWE Championship against the Big Show and Kurt Angle. Other bouts includes a fantastic opening bout between Shawn Michaels and Edge and also a Casket Match as the Undertaker vs. Heidenrich with cameo appearences from Kane and Snitsky.

2006 - This is the second Royal Rumble event of this set that was basically only saved because of one match. Even though it isn't as good as Angle/Benoit from 2003, but the WWE Championship Match between John Cena and Edge was the match of the night. This year's Royal Rumble Match was won by Rey Mysterio after being the second entrant and also setting the record for being the longest entrant lasting one hour and two minutes in the Rumble Match. Triple H follows Mysterio in having the second best showing after entering at No. 1 and lasting all the way to the final three. Shawn Michaels' feud with Mr. McMahon continues here at this Royal Rumble that led to their No Holds Barred Match to take place at Wrestlemania 22. Other bouts includes World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle vs. Mark Henry with the return of The Undertaker, JBL vs. The Boogeyman, Mickie James vs. Ashley with Trish the Special Guest Referee, and also Gregory Helms winning the Cruiserweight Open for the Cruiserweight Championship.

2007 - Argubably the best Royal Rumble card from this set. This Royal Rumble was top notch from top to bottom with only one flaw. The Undertaker won his first ever Royal Rumble Match in his career here after entering at number 30 and having a great match with Shawn Michaels being the final two in the Rumble Match. Other standouts in the Royal Rumble Match was the team of Rated RKO consisting of Randy Orton and Edge. The undercard holds a great Last Man Standing Match as the WWE Champion John Cena battles Umaga, World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Mr. Kennedy, and The Hardys vs. MNM. The only flaw from this Rumble event was the ECW bout as the ECW Champion Bobby Lashley took on Test.

This Royal Rumble set I recommend getting. The three Royal Rumbles Match that worth seeing here are 2004, 2005, and 2007. 2003 and 2006 are watchable but doesn't come close to the other three Rumbles.

This is a great product and i got it at a great price, it was easy and fast to order from amazon.com!!