Top 10 SummerSlams : Number 10 – SummerSlam 1999
Edge and Christian (File Photo)
In this series, I take a look at the top 10 SummerSlams in the history of the WWE. SummerSlam started in 1988, and has since become the second biggest PPV in the calendar year. We’re merely days away from the biggest party of the summer, and hence, I’ve decided to rank the top 10 SummerSlams.
Today, we start with number 10, which happened in 1999. Going into the event, the main event was a triple threat match between the champion, Steve Austin and the two number one contenders, Triple H and Mick Foley. The build up to the match was phenomenal, as Chyna was made the number one contender before Foley and Triple H were named joint number one contenders. Also, the second main match on the card was between the Unholy Alliance (The Undertaker and Big Show) against X – Pac and Kane for the WWF tag team championships. Also, The Rock faced Billy Gunn in a “Kiss my ass” match.
Undercard:
Jeff Jarrett (with Debra) defeated D’ Lo Brown for the WWF Intercontinental championship and the WWF European championship
This was at a point when the two titles meant a lot in the WWF. I remember watching D’ Lo at this point, after he turned face, and he gathered some good reaction from the crowd, while Jarrett didn’t. I only liked Jarrett because of Owen Hart and Debra. Anyway, it was a good opener which saw Mark Henry turning on D’Lo Brown, which enabled Jarrett to pick up the victory.
Rating: ** ½
Tag team turmoil for the number one contender spot
Match 1: Edge and Christian beat the Hardy Boyz
This was the beginning of the now legendary feud between E & C and Hardys. Hardys were a part of the Brood at this point, and put on a solid tag team match with E & C and took control for most of it. E & C came back and picked up the victory after Christian nailed a flying elbow on Matt.
Rating: ** ¾
Match 2: Edge and Christian beat Mideon and Viscera
A sloppy encounter that ended soon (thankfully) when Edge nailed the spear on Mideon for the three count.
Rating: * ½
Match 3: Edge and Christian beat Droz and Prince Albert
This was one of the last matches for Droz before he got paralysed. Edge and Christian were climbing up the ranks as the best tag team in the company, and hence were advancing in the tag team turmoil. Edge connected with the downward spiral for the pinfall victory.
Rating: * ¾
Match 4: The Acolytes beat Edge and Christian
The good run of E & C came to an end when Bradshaw connected with the clothesline from hell to pick up the victory for his team. This would be the beginning of great things for E & C though, who went on to become one of the greatest tag teams of all time.
Rating: * ½
Match 5: The Acolytes beat the Hollys
There was nothing special about this, and the Acolytes picked up the victory after a spine-buster. The crowd didn’t care too much about it either.
Rating: *
It was around this time that Chris Jericho was making his presence felt in the WWF. He interrupted Road Dogg and made fun of him. I loved the cocky Jericho; he was one of the best heels of his time.