Sorry Jill, It's The Deal. (Wrestlemania 13 (DVD))

Member Name: Smark1985

Product:	Wrestlemania 13 (DVD)
Date:	02/09/01 (169 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bret Hart and Steve Austin, possibly the greatest match of the nineties.

Disadvantages: The main event was awful, as were some of the pointless mid card encounters.

Expect the unexpected. That is practically an unwritten rule in life, and every sector of business. No-one can be truly prepared for what can happen in life, but you should always attempt to be ready if disaster strikes. A back up plan is always needed, as it might come into play at any given time. When WWF Champion Shawn Michaels was injured in February 1997, the whole federations plans were thrown into jeopardy. Without their top draw, and with the biggest calendar event of the year right around the corner - WrestleMania, the title scene was in a state of confusion, as the storyline writers struggled to devise new ways for the main event picture to be intriguing, for WrestleMania.

To be honest, they didn't do a very good job, and it was all a tad confusing, as the World Title was changing hands too often to keep up with. In an attempt to put the WWF Title on a recognisable face, the Pay-Per-View before WrestleMania "Final Four" would feature a four way match for the WWF Title. Bret Hart would go on to win this, and he was the Champion, apparently going into WrestleMania. Not so, as the writers seemingly had another idea. Just one day later, Sycho Sid defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Title, and he would have it leading up to WrestleMania. His opponent was not yet known, although it turned out to be The Undertaker. Yippee, another big men war. Thankfully, amidst all of this Bret Hart was having a superb feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and this was the focal point of most WWF Television in the countdown to 'Mania. Although not billed as such, the match between Hart and Austin was, in the eyes of the fans, clearly the main event, and stole the show on the night. The whole card of WrestleMania 13 is not great, and is actually rather poor. No real feuds were evident in many of the matches, and the event certainly lacked the magic of WrestleMania, on paper at least. While it is certainly not the best WrestleMania, it is not the worst either,
and all in all, is a solid PPV, made memorable by one outstanding match.

Card
WWF Championship Match
Sycho Sid (Champion) vs. Undertaker

As is the case with so many WrestleMania main events down the years, this is a war between two behemoths, not capable of producing anything other than average work when together. Sadly, this really is a dire display, and does absolutely nothing to enhance the prestige of the World Title as you will find yourself desperately trying to get involved in this, but you just can't. Both Sid and 'Taker don't seem to be anything close to their best, which can actually be good. In fact, for the majority of this, they hardly seem to be trying. Even interference from Bret Hart does nothing to save this awful match, and it turns out to be the major factor in the way this event is looked at now, which isn't really fair. Unfortunately, this match is so bad that it will be a case of stopping the video before the main event... ironically the match you are supposed to be looking forward too the most.

Grudge Match
Bret "The Hitman" Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Special Referee: Ken Shamrock

This feud has gone down as one of the best in wrestling history, and this match is the pinnacle of their truly outstanding rivalry. It started in November of the previous year, when Bret Hart returned from injury. Upon his return he wanted to face who he saw as the best wrestler in the WWF, Stone Cold Steve Austin. So the two met at Survivor Series and pulled off a superb match that was a legitimate contender for 'Match of the Year'. But the rematch, which is tied with a Submission stipulation, is the show stealer of WrestleMania 13, was the 1997 'Match of the Year'. It is truly an exceptional performance from both men, and it tells a magnificent story that sees Hart go from fan favourite to hated villain in just one match. Genius. This had all the ingredients of a cla
ssic going in, and it really does deliver. The emotional hatred that seeps out of both characters is tremendous, and the in ring action is frighteningly physical. You will be lucky to ever see a more well worked match than this in your life. This match has been pointed at for the reason why the crowd weren't involved in the main event, as they simply didn't care about Sid and Undertaker having seen the match of their lives. A true classic, this is as good today as it was 4 years ago.

Chicago Street Fight
Ahmed Johnson & The Legion of Doom vs. Faarooq & The Nation of Domination

Rarely will you witness a more violent, action packed match than this. The major players in this match, Ahmed Johnson and Faarooq, are attempting to settle a rivalry that has lasted more than six months. While it does not end here, it goes a long way to decide who is the better man. Personally, I would have liked to see Johnson and Faarooq, one on one, but as they are accompanied by their 'friends', this is a chaotic Street Fight that lifts the violence factor in the WWF to unseen levels. This match alone was perhaps the catalyst for the hardcore action that followed it down the years. It had been done in ECW, but this was an experiment to see if it would work in the WWF. Judging by the overwhelming crowd reaction, it worked! I would say that you will see every weapon used bar the kitchen sink, but Hawk of the Legion of Doom brings one down to ring... so..! You may have difficulty deciding what brawl to watch as this match ensues, but that is the beauty of Video. As soon as the match ends, you can rewind it and see what you missed first time! Believe me, you'll want to.

WWF Tag Team Title Match
Owen Hart and The British Bulldog vs. Vader and Mankind

Again the victim of confusion regarding storylines, this is a fairly pointless encounter that does nothing to enhance any of the characters, and is effectively a time filler, quite a s
hame considering what is on offer. Unusually, the team of Hart and Bulldog were long-time Tag Team Champions, and nobody really expected them to lose to a team who were thrown together at the last minute. All four men are capable of great work, and this match really isn't that bad, but it simply doesn't offer anything new and is not what you expect to see at the biggest event of the year.

Goldust w/ Marlena vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley w/ Chyna

Looking back, this is a very intriguing match, as it was held at a time when Chyna had just been introduced to the WWF as Helmsley's (Triple H's) female bodyguard. Goldust was a very underrated wrestler, but always managed to pull off great matches. This encounter with intense rival HHH is no different, and the two go at it tooth and nail for the duration, an impressive 14 minutes. The two ringside watchers. Marlena and Chyna, were obviously going to play some part in this, and sure enough they did. In what still ranks the defining moment of Chyna's early part of her career, Marlena ends up falling into her, and is subsequently shaken and tossed around like a rag doll. This may not be the most endearing image to some, but it is a shocking display of strength from Chyna. Despite the melees outside of the ring, inside the two combatants produce a great match which turns out to be one of the better on the night.

WWF Intercontinental Title Match
Rocky Maivia (Champion) vs. The Sultan

While this may not seem like the best of matches, if I tell you who the two wrestlers are known as today, then you just might be more interested. As most wrestling fans will know, Rocky Maivia is indeed The Rock. His opponent in this match, The Sultan, is better known to millions of you now as Rikishi. Yes, that's right, this is somewhat of a family affair. With that in mind, you would have thought this would be a passable match. Sadly, it isn't, and is [excluding the main event] the w
orst match of the night. A real shame given the calibre of the wrestlers involved, this could be classed as a wasted opportunity, especially as it was fought for the Intercontinental Title, which has seen some superb matches over the years at WrestleMania. One to be forgotten.

Four Team Elimination Tag Team No.1 Contenders Match
Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon vs. The Headbangers vs. The Godwinns vs. The New Blackjacks

Ignore the horrifically long title, basically this is a Tag match involving four teams, wrestling for the number one contendership. Wait, have I just made that even more drawn out and confusing?! Anyway, forget that, this actually is a good match involving some very talented wrestlers, most notably the team of Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon. Unfortunately, this eight man mess is not the best place to showcase their talents, and the untalented oafs of The Godwinns do their best to ruin this match. Thankfully, three teams can make up for one, and this really is an entertaining match that is nice and easy to get involved in. Just pick a team and hope they win, simple!

Rating/Content

This Video, according to those nice people at the BBFC, feel this should only be seen by persons of 18 years and over. While I hate to agree with such toffs, I have to, this easily warrants an 18 certificate in my book, as it really is adult viewing in many cases. The Street Fight is just an all out war that involves more weapons than you might see at an Army camp, and the Grudge Match sees much bloodshed, and is really focused on by the cameras. Unusually, and perhaps to underline the brutality of the contest, Vince McMahon, who commentates on the event with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, on two occasions apologises for the violence and bloodshed in the Street Fight and Grudge Match respectively. Not one for the kids.

Conclusion

Truly a mixed bag, this WrestleMania is by no means the most memorable, and genuinely lacks that special
feel. While the majority of the card is very disappointing, if you persevere then you will find some absolute gems. The Hart-Austin match has gone down in history as one of the true great matches of the era, and I suggest you buy this Video solely to witness a classic encounter the likes of which just don't happen anymore. Thirteen is unlucky for some, and with Shawn Michaels' injury, and subsequent title confusion, it proves unlucky for the WWF.

Summary: