1) Carlito vs. Chris Masters. Nothing terrible here, but nothing special either. In my opinion, these two are not yet experienced enough to carry a PPV match on their own. **
2) Umaga vs. Ric Flair. Not much to say about this one. Umaga is just a Rikishi-style "wrestler", and Flair should have retired about a decade ago. *1/2
3) Trish vs. Mickie (Women's Title). This match begins aggressively, especially on Trish's part, but then she hurts her shoulder for real and we get a quick and cheap DQ ending. Disappointing. *1/2
4) RVD vs. Shelton Benjamin (Winner Takes All - MITB contract AND the IC title). Now this is what I call a match! An ideal combination of ground wrestling and aerial spots, and an amazing display of athleticism by two of the best wrestlers on the WWE roster. Match of the night. ***1/2
5) Kane vs. Big Show. Incredibly sluggish big-man match, but the "mystical" storyline surrounding it (which was meant to promote Kane's movie "See No Evil", and was completely dropped after a few weeks) is good for a few (unintentional) laughs. **
6) The McMahons vs. HBK and "God" (No Holds Barred). I didn't care at all about the Vince-HBK feud, nor am I fan of draggy hardcore brawls. HBK tries to save this match with some high-risk moves, but there is only so much you can do with Vince McMahon and the Spirit Squad in the ring. **
7) Edge vs. Cena vs. HHH. Triple Threat for the WWE title. The wrestling here is not brilliant by any means, but the dynamics of a triple threat are well-worked-out and (along with a hot crowd) make this enjoyable. ***
Footnote: Matt Striker is so good on the mic that he even makes a sketch with Eugene (almost) tolerable.
2) Umaga vs. Ric Flair. Not much to say about this one. Umaga is just a Rikishi-style "wrestler", and Flair should have retired about a decade ago. *1/2
3) Trish vs. Mickie (Women's Title). This match begins aggressively, especially on Trish's part, but then she hurts her shoulder for real and we get a quick and cheap DQ ending. Disappointing. *1/2
4) RVD vs. Shelton Benjamin (Winner Takes All - MITB contract AND the IC title). Now this is what I call a match! An ideal combination of ground wrestling and aerial spots, and an amazing display of athleticism by two of the best wrestlers on the WWE roster. Match of the night. ***1/2
5) Kane vs. Big Show. Incredibly sluggish big-man match, but the "mystical" storyline surrounding it (which was meant to promote Kane's movie "See No Evil", and was completely dropped after a few weeks) is good for a few (unintentional) laughs. **
6) The McMahons vs. HBK and "God" (No Holds Barred). I didn't care at all about the Vince-HBK feud, nor am I fan of draggy hardcore brawls. HBK tries to save this match with some high-risk moves, but there is only so much you can do with Vince McMahon and the Spirit Squad in the ring. **
7) Edge vs. Cena vs. HHH. Triple Threat for the WWE title. The wrestling here is not brilliant by any means, but the dynamics of a triple threat are well-worked-out and (along with a hot crowd) make this enjoyable. ***
Footnote: Matt Striker is so good on the mic that he even makes a sketch with Eugene (almost) tolerable.