WWE LIVE IN THE UK APRIL 2013 (FSM 96; Aug 2013)
Information - DVD Region: Region Two - Distributor: Fremantle Media - Price: £12.99 - Other info: 316 mins - Release: Out now - Weblink: www.WWEDVD.co.uk
London's O2 arena was tasked with hosting WWE's TV taping in April, when the company made their first 2013 visit to the UK. Both Raw and Smackdown were headlined with appearances from The Undertaker.
Raw starts with an appearance by Triple-H, who interrupts Paul Heyman in a continuation of his feud with Brock Lesnar. With Heyman one of the all-time greats on the microphone, and Triple-H excellent when he has a point to make, it's a good, if short, duelling promo that ends with the former ECW owner getting into the kind of altercation that he has no chance of winning.
Another highlight is a fine match between the newly-crowned World heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho. The Undertaker's return to the UK is promoted as the big deal it is, as he teams with Kane and Daniel Bryan to face The Shield, in what is a superb effort.
Unfortunately, however, not everything was a hit on the Monday show. A poor Divas Battle Royal is followed by a somewhat confusing confrontation between Mick Foley and Ryback that ends with John Cena and The Shield getting involved.
Disc One also features the episode of Main Event taped during the tour, the focus of which is on Mark Henry facing The Usos, Santino Marella and The Great Khali in a series of Gauntlet matches that are better best forgotten.
The second DVD commences with Superstars, which features Kaitlyn and Layla versus Aksana and Tamina in a match that's as bad as it sounds. Smackdown follows on, and includes an exciting, weapons-laden No Disqualification match between Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger. Fandango receives a loud reception before, during and after his tussle with Justin Gabriel. Both Big Show versus Sheamus and Randy Orton versus Mark Henry are passable outings, before the gripping final bout in which Dean Ambrose faces The Undertaker. It's testament to the veteran that he manages to make the match competitive, as he gives Ambrose enough of a credible attack.
Orton and Sheamus team up to face The Prime Time Players in the main event of Saturday Morning Slam, in what is an enjoyable 10-minute showing. A bonus match with Chris Jericho defending the WCW title against Kurt Angle from Rebellion 2001 is a worthwhile 15-minute addition.
As you might expect, these releases are geared towards those who attended the live events, as souvenirs of their evening. Fans of The Undertaker may also take interest, as he features in the two best matches over the course of the set.
From the Fighting Spirit Magazine archive. Byline: FSM Staff.