Tuesday, August 26, 2008

8/26/08 ECW

Star rating key:
(negative stars) = Huh?! (BS finish; most squash matches)
DUD = Boring match (or could not enjoy the match)
1/4* to 3/4* = It had watchable moments.
* to *3/4 = Average match.
** to **3/4 = Above average match.
*** to ***3/4 = Great match; usually saved for PPVs
**** to ****3/4 = Match of the year candidate
***** = The rarest of all matches. A classic.
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8/26/08 ECW:
Matt Hardy vs. John Morrison (ECW Championship Scramble Qualifying Match): Two athletic stars going at it in this one. I would have hoped both would be in the scramble. Impressive moves as always from Morrison...that split-legged corkscrew is just amazing. Morrison tried to get the heel win with the foot on the ropes, but I like that the ref caught it and then Hardy tried the quick roll-up. Great back-and-forth action; several exciting near-falls boost the rating. Hardy countered the Moonlight Drive about four times and hit the Twist of Fate for the win. Crowd was into it for most of the match. Fantastic opener; logical to give the most time for this one. ***1/2

The Miz vs. Evan Bourne (ECW Championship Scramble Qualifying Match): Nice fast-paced start; excellent countering and basic wrestling skills. Bourne hit some of his usual quick, high-flying offense, while Miz smartly tried to slow the pace down a little and ground the high-rising star. Some nice near falls. The crowd definitely got back into the match at the end after being indifferent otherwise. Nice clean win for Miz. Rating is not as high as the first one because of less crowd reaction and there were flashier spots in the Hardy match. **3/4

Chavo Guerrero vs. Tommy Dreamer (ECW Championship Scramble Qualifying Match): Again, good basic wrestling from both men. Nice wrestling holds from Chavo. Good offense by Dreamer. Of course, Bam Neely gets involved, allowing Chavo to hit the Frog Splash for the win. Just your average match, in my opinion; nothing breathtaking. *

Finlay vs. Mike Knox (ECW Championship Scramble Qualifying Match): Already some good history between these two, so that scores some points off the bat. The match had a slow pace, as both wrestlers are more known for power or brawling. The powerslam on the outside from Knox was a nice spot. Crowd got back into it a little when Finlay got on the offensive near the end of the match. Shillelagh shot to Knox's head got the win. Good stuff, but still a high-end average match to me because the match just seemed too basic. *3/4

So our ECW Championship Scramble will feature Mark Henry defending against Matt Hardy, The Miz, Chavo Guerrero, and Finlay. Should definitely be a PPV-caliber match.

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