Okay, so I really stunk it up with my predictions. I admit it; I was wrong, dead wrong. Two out of Eight is a pretty low score (especially since Trish's victory was a gimme). What can I say? It would have been a better PPV if I were right. Maybe I was too busy predicting what the WWE should have done, instead of what they did do. Or maybe I'm just making excuses for my ineptitude.

       All in all, Judgment Day was a decent show, not spectacular by any stretch of the imagination, but not as horrible as Backlash. There were a few solid matches, some surprises, and a lot more energy than their last show. I think the WWE showed that they are improving, but also showed that they have a long way to go.

       The show kicked off with the Intercontinental Title fight between Eddie Guerrero and Rob Van Dam, who had a solid, if not unspectacular, match at Backlash. The chemistry between the two frog-splashers has improved since then, and this match proved it. However, I would not call it spectacular. Improved, but not spectacular. The match was highlighted by RVD expanding his repertoire by using a submission maneuver, a manevuer I'm not completely sold on. I just think that these two are poorly matched to deliver an excellent performance. As good an in-ring performer as Eddie Guerrero is, he just doesn't bring enough heat (Latino or otherwise) to help elevate RVD. Van Dam, on the other hand, seems incapable of elevating himself vocally, and is resorting to too many spots per match to try and elevate himself in the ring. I think RVD needs to match up against higher-impact performers to help contrast his high-octane style (as evidenced by his "victory" over The Undertaker on Monday). I was wrong about RVD regaining the IC strap, but this should signal a move to bigger and better things, like the King of the Ring, perhaps?

Result: Eddie Guerrero retains the title via pinfall.

       One of the two matches I correctly predicted was a non-event. They wisely kept it short so as to not expose the competitors obvious shortcomings. The match had a lead-in as D-Von showed off more of his Reverend character, and Vince showed more of his interest in Stacy's backside. Then Trish proceeded to kick said backside. As with most women's matches, this one seriously lacked in physicality and featured a few blown moves. The highlight was probably Deacon Bautista delivering a slam to Trish with the official's back turned, creating a possible victory pin for Stacy. Trish came back to nail Stacy with a poorly- executed Bulldog (not even her modified "Stratusfaction" Bulldog finisher) and cover her for the victory.

Result: Trish Stratus retains the title via pinfall.

       Following the match, the two half-brother Dudleyz met for the first time since the brand extension, and, predictably, the heel D-Von, with the help of the Deacon, attacked the now-face Bubba. In a turn on the ordinary, D-Von was now the one calling for the tables, as Bautista brought in the table and the two got wood on Bubba. As I suggested, this helps viewers and Dudley-fans everywhere to separate the two former tag partners. Strangely, this bit seemed to last longer than the match attached to it.

       What the hell happened here? I was well on the way to not only correctly predicting the winner of this match, but also correctly predicting the finish of the match. In came Paul Heyman, after getting brutalised by the Hardys, to get the pinfall, just as I said. Then what happened? The unthinkable. Heyman actually pins Jeff Hardy for the 1-2-3! Obviously, Paul Heyman has a lot of pull in the WWE, to convince them that this was a good idea. At least they tried to undue some of the damage done to one of the most popular tag-teams in WWE history (I feel weird typing WWE history, given that there is no such thing) by having the Hardys beat the nWo, twice, the next night on RAW. Still, they've been getting their asses handed to them pretty regularly of late. From a monster like Lesnar, I understand. But from Paul Heyman?

       Until the pinfall, the match was pretty good. Lot's of up-tempo action, both from the Hardy Boyz and Brock Lesnar. There was even the payoff of the Hardys taking it to Heyman. But the pinfall? Unforgivable.

Result: Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman win via Heyman pin over Jeff Hardy.

       I blew this one. Obviously, Austin is the better competitor than a fifty-plus year old Ric Flair and a big disappointment like The Big Show, but I figured that the only reason why the WWE was still kicking the nWo around was to do something with it, something they failed to do at Wrestlemania. Instead, the Rattlesnake put an end to it again. Part of the reason my prediction failed was that Booker T was involved in a comedy skit instead of this match (as I'll discuss later). Still, this wasn't a bad match, even though I'm not a big fan of multi-person matches (besides tag team matches, that is). The best parts were the interactions between Flair and Austin, something that I'm sure will culminate into a one-on-one PPV match. Austin unveiled some of that patented Stone Cold humour, which helped lighten the match a bit, but the best parts were when he and Flair exchanged chest slaps. I, and the crowd in Nashville, had great fun alternating between "Wooooo!" and "What!" chants with each slap. The Big Show also had some good moments in the match. Perhaps there is hope for him yet. The match ended when X-Pac, the single worst performer in the WWE, blew a save and cost the nWo the victory.

Result: Stone Cold Steve Austin pins Ric Flair for the victory.

To read the review on the rest of the matches, including Hell in the Cell and the WWE Championshop Match, click HERE.

For more WWF content on this site, click on any of the following:

THE YEAR 2001- YEAR IN REVIEW- See how the superstars of the WWF stacked up using my rankings system for the entire year of 2001. Who was number 1, Stone Cold or Kurt Angle? Who were the top tag team, The Dudley Boyz or The Hardy Boyz? Along with my usual brand of commentary is new photos and stats for the year 2001, including title reigns and PPV information.

THE YEAR 2000- YEAR IN REVIEW- See how the superstars of the WWF stacked up using my rankings system for the entire year 2000. Who was number 1, The Rock or Triple H? Who were the top tag teams? Also, the title pictures for each belt from the WWF Championship all the way down to the Light Heavyweight Title, with my own commentary on each reign.

LITA- ONE MAN'S OBSESSION- I admit, I was in love with Lita. I also admit that this behaviour did become a bit of an obsession. I have since conquered this insanity, but you can still see pictures of the Team Extreme Diva, biographical info and random career facts, all presented while I was attempting to come to terms with the fact that I was in love with someone I saw on TV.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS- Ranking archives dating back to November 2000. Missed a posting? Want to track my biases? Find all past information here.

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