Parental Advisory: Explicit Content (WWF - Royal Rumble 2000 (DVD))

Member Name: Smark1985

Product:	WWF - Royal Rumble 2000 (DVD)
Date:	16/08/01 (613 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The Street Fight is considered by many to be the greatest match of all time, and is certainly the most violent.

Disadvantages: Perhaps too "hardcore" for some?

As a devoted, and very loyal, fan of the World Wrestling Federation, known more commonly as the WWF, for 11 years, it is fair to say that I have collected a fair amount of WWF merchandise during that time. As I virtually grew up with wrestling, I had it all, you name it. Wrestling Figures (which are now becoming collectors items!), Replica Belts, Mugs, Hats, Bed Duvets, Clocks, Pencil Cases, I won't bore you any more, but you get the idea. Now, the only wrestling-related products I buy are magazines, and, of course, Videos. Over the years I have built up a very respectable collection, of which I am very proud (does that sound sad?!), in all, I have 54 WWF Videos, dating from 1987 to present day. There was a time, not too long ago, when I would be buying Videos because I simply had not seen them before, but now, with the introduction of Digital TV into my household (more about that later), I am buying Videos of events I have already seen. Why? Well, I am now simply collecting. That is just the fact, I buy solely to bolster my collection.

It all started way back in 1992, when, as a Christmas present, my Uncle bought me a WWF Video. Previously to this, I had only rarely seen wrestling upon trips to my Cousins, but was captivated. Something about it appealed to my wild imagination, and I was suddenly wrestling's biggest fan. Anyway, I watched the Video immediately, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I was thrilled. I have now had that Video (Survivor Series 1990 to those that are interested) for 9 years, and I really wouldn't like to know how many times it has been religiously watched, but I'm pretty sure we are talking about hundreds! In fact, due to the number of times it has been shoved in and out of my VCR, and fast forwarded and rewound, the sound quality has drastically deteriorated to the extent that you have the increase the sound significantly to hear a word of the commentators! Ever since I was given that Video, wrestling has
been my one passion in life. From that point on, I would save all my money, and wait until I had enough to buy a Video. In all, I suppose I must have been averaging about 3 or 4 a year. But, I was happy. Since then however, I have been averaging about 8 or 9 year! So, year after year, the Videos piled up. From a row of 10 sitting neatly on my old bookcase, I have now had to buy a chest of drawers to store the 50+ in, and I have nearly filled that up!

I digress. Anyway, I suggested that Wrestling Videos be put up on dooyoo, and here I am writing on them. The first Video event I have chosen to review is "Royal Rumble 2000". This event is quite a special one to me, as it is the first one I ever stayed up to watch live, as it was on Channel 4. So, whenever I watch this Video, I am reminded of that night where I had goose bumps all over my body. I don't quite know how, but the night I watched it in my living room seemed very atmospheric, and is an experience that hasn't been re-created since. As soon as this Video was released, I went straight out to buy it, as it is one that I had to have in my collection, not just because of what it meant to me. The WWF creative team must have been working overtime before this event, as they arranged some of the best matches in WWF history.

The Card

Street Fight for the WWF Championship:
Triple H (Champion) vs. Cactus Jack
This very personal affair between two of the biggest names in Sports Entertainment is a brutal contest that is not for the weak at heart. A culmination of a long running angle (story line) between the two, they both give their all in front of a sold out Madison Square Garden crowd. Blood is shed, bones are broken, and respect is earned in what many feel is the most violent WWF match of all time. Buy the Video for this match alone.

30 Man Royal Rumble Match:
To determine the top contender for the WWF Championship Title at WrestleMania 2000
The trad
itional 30 man Battle Royal. Two wrestlers start in the ring, and every 60 seconds, another joins the battle. The ring can quickly fill up, and in this case, it doesn't take long. Lasting over an hour, this is truly a war between 30 of the toughest superstars. Unfortunately, the ending is all too predictable, but all the shenanigans that come before that have to be seen to be believed! All of the stars of the WWF are involved such as The Rock, and there are even a few surprise entrants!

Triple Threat Intercontinental Title Match:
Chris Jericho (Co-Champion) vs. Chyna (Co-Champion) vs Hardcore Holly
A rather confusing angle led up to this match, but thankfully it is all settled conclusively in a highly entertaining match. The uneasy alliance built up by Chris Jericho and Chyna in the weeks leading up to this completely falls apart, with Hardcore Holly thrown in for good measure. The MSG crowd are strangely quiet during this match, and that doesn't really help you get involved, but stick at it and you will witness a great wrestling display from all three combatants.

First Ever Tag Team Table Match:
Hardy Boyz vs. Dudley Boyz
Inspired by the Dudley Boyz love of tables, this match is a first in the WWF. This match was so popular that it has since been a constant part of WWF programming, and it is not hard to see why. The four men involved put everything on the line in this very physical encounter and they show WWF fans hardcore action only previously seen in the now defunct ECW. A real trend-setter, although perhaps more of an experiment, this match is a breathtaking bump fest (a match in there are many dangerous moves) and it has the crowd enthralled from beginning to end. Coupled with the Street Fight main event, this is WWF hardcore action at it's very best!

Miss Rumble Swimsuit Competition
The inaugural Miss Rumble Swimsuit Competition is a welcome aside from the tense action that comes before and after it,
and is just a bit of fun. Featuring WWF female performers Ivory, Terri Runnels, Jacqueline, Luna, B.B, and The Kat, at the eleventh hour there is another participant announced, which may not be what you are hoping for. This results in some extraordinary scenes which will leave you picking up the Video case just to confirm what you are watching, you simply will not believe your eyes as this unfolds!

Tag Team Championship Match:
New Age Outlaws (Champions) vs. Acolytes
Perhaps the one disappointment of the night, this match was never really allowed to get started, and was given just 4 minutes. Taking that into account however, the four men pull off an entertaining encounter for the Tag Team Titles. But, even though the action is fast and furious, it is all too brief, which is a shame as it seemed ready to start just as it was ended.


Tazz vs. Kurt Angle
The debut of ex-ECW World Champion Tazz is greeted extremely well by the crowd, but not so well by the unsuspecting Kurt Angle, who was told he was facing a mystery opponent. Completely thrown off guard, this makes for a superb wrestling display by both men, in a match that was littered with every suplex you can imagine. This match is a great start to what turns out to be a great event.

Running Time

This Video is longer than your average film, and runs for a total of 166 mins, or 2 hours and 46 minutes to you and me. The whole Video is crammed with superb matches, and revealing backstage interviews, and gives you little chance to get bored. In fact, you will probably be sad that it ends, and the nearly 3 hour event just won't seem long enough!

Picture and Sound Quality

As is the case with all WWF Video releases, both the picture and sound quality is absolutely perfect, and you will see every punch, kick and slam in perfect colour. Every joke by colour commentator Jerry Lawler, and all the analysing by veteran Jim Ross will come through your speak
ers crystal clear, and it will almost seem as if they are talking to you!

Content

Royal Rumble has been given an 18 certificate by the BBFC, but it is blatantly obvious why. As I mentioned earlier, the Street Fight is seen by many to be the most violent match in WWF history, and the Tag Team Table match is just as brutal. Combine them with the Swimsuit competition which leaves very little to the imagination, this is not for the younger fans. If you are a Parent, then I suggest you use your own discretion as to whether you buy this for an under 18 child.

Cover Design

The cover of the Video looks very professional, and will catch your eye straight away. It shows all the main wrestlers who feature in the Video, such as Triple H, Cactus Jack, Rikishi, The Big Show, and, everyone's favourite (except mine!) The Rock. The back cover is detailed, and has the full list of matches that are featured on the Video. You can certainly have no complaints about the design, as everything is there. Just try!

Extras

This is a superb Video, that is crammed with many exclusive interviews that were never seen on TV. Winners and losers from the majority of matches are interviewed, and they speak their mind about their match. Make sure you don't stop the Video at the end, as there is special footage of Triple H, heavily bandaged, after his amazing 30 minute match with Cactus Jack. He explains how he gashed his leg during the match, and gives some brief thoughts on how he thought it the match played out. This is an extremely interesting insight backstage, and makes you appreciate the Video even more, as opposed to what you taped off the TV, you will feel that it is £15 well spent!

Conclusion

This Video is one of my best, and takes pride of place in my collection. The wide range of monumental matches on hand, combined with the revealing backstage exclusives make this a must have purchase for any self respecting WW
F fan. If you are just getting into the WWF, then this is the perfect place to start, as it is a great example of what the WWF is all about - Sports Entertainment at it's very best.

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