Welcome to Seven Things, a list that will run weekly and consist of very eclectic topics. These are of my opinions and doesn’t express the views of others on WrestlingOnEarth.
With everyone watching the most random of old wrestling PPV’s on the WWE Network these days, I decided to list some matches that are not discussed often as they seem to be lost in the history books of pro wrestling.
These aren’t the most underrated matches because underrated matches usually have enough fans hyping it to a point where it becomes underrated. These matches are a level below underrated. We’re going beyond the depths of hipsterism here for this newest edition of Seven Things.
Reminder: If you have any suggestions for future lists, feel free to share them in the comments or send them to me on Twitter: @typicalROHfan.
7. Kane vs. Big Show vs. Raven (Wrestlemania X7)
Hard to call a Wrestlemania match under the radar, let alone one at the greatest Wrestlemania of all time but no one ever discusses this match. I love it for the sheer insanity. I’ll hype this match for the rest of my wrestling fandom life!
Big Show and Kane rarely provide excitement and Raven’s WWF run is remembered by little to no one but these dudes did some crazy shit in this hardcore match. Guys are hit with various weapons, someone goes through a glass window and Kane does a motherfucking leg drop off the stage.
6. Jason Jett vs. Kwee Wee (WCW Greed)
One of my favorite people on Twitter (JP aka @IAmHOLLYWOOD__) has recently put over how the first two matches on WCW Greed, the company’s last ever PPV, were amazing. With no memory of this, I watched them and he was indeed correct.
The match was awesome and Jason Jett looked like he could have been the next really good cruiserweight so it’s a shame WCW went under just a few weeks later. I highly suggest finding Greed and watching the first two matches. The other match was Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio vs. Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo and it was excellent.
5. Tajiri vs. Steve Corino (ECW Hardcore Heaven 2000)
Steve Corino cut a very intense heel promo on Tajiri before this match and it led to a really violent but well done match. Corino is one of the more underrated performers in the ECW history and Tajiri is one of my personal favorites I feel he doesn’t get his due respect. If you’re looking to see some of the better work from either man, be sure to watch this match.
4. Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio vs. Disco Inferno and Alex Wright vs. The Natural Born Thrillers (Halloween Havoc 2000)
A gem hidden in WCW 2000. Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio are one of the greatest tag teams of all time and it’s a shame their legacy was lost in the silliness of WCW 1999-2001. Disco Inferno and Alex Wright were among the most underrated performers in WCW, even though this match happened when Alex Wright was bald after a failed stint as Berlyn, a time we wish to forget in our Alex Wright loving hearts.
The Natural Born Thrillers of Sean O’Haire and Mark Jindrak looked really awesome in this match. Every time I see some old O’Haire stuff, I get bummed out that his wrestling career never panned out and he never hit his potential. This match showed how talented everyone involved was. Really great stuff.
3. Dean Malenko vs. Scotty 2 Hotty (WWE Backlash 2000)
The only memorable Dean Malenko singles WWF match. Well, at least the only one I remember. Amazing contrast in styles as Scotty was more of a fun, comedy act and neither of those two words were ever associated with Dean Malenko’s wrestling, as he was more technical and intense.
They meshed for one of the most surprisingly awesome bouts. WWF’s Light Heavyweight Championship was on the line here and this was probably one of the greatest matches involving that afterthought of a title. Before Scotty 2 Hotty shaved his head and looked like a “glazed donut face” on NXT, check out his best match.
2. Juventud Guerrera vs. Blitzkrieg (WCW Spring Stampede 1999)
The WCW Cruiserweight division was one of the best ideas in the 90’s that led to so many great matches and exposed an abundance of unique talent. This was an example of both those things. Forgotten cruiserweight great Blitzkrieg was awe inspiring in the ring and Juvie was an overall great fixture.
The match was one I had no memory of until about a month ago and when I watched it, I was quite impressed. If you enjoy high flying wrestling and the original cruiserweight style, this is likely the match for you.
1. Chris Jericho vs. Raven (WCW Halloween Havoc 1998)
Look, I know this statement is ridiculously unpopular but this is probably my favorite Chris Jericho match of all time. The match is kind of short, totaling under 8 minutes but the crowd is RED HOT and the action is so exciting. A rare heel vs. heel match where the crowd is on fire. Kind of like Batista vs. Randy Orton will be like at Wrestlemania. I kid.
One of my favorite PPV’s ever, be sure to check out Halloween Havoc ’98 starting with this opening match, of course. Every movement in the match had me going, both as a kid and today as an adult. The fantastic but underutilized WCW talent showcased with Raven and Jericho putting on a very fun match.