WWE SUPERSTAR COLLECTION: REY MYSTERIO (FSM 90; Feb 13)
Information - DVD Region: All Regions - Distributor: WWE -Price: $9.99 - Other info: 90 mins - Release: Out now - Weblink: www.WWE.com
Rey Mysterio may have already received four dedicated DVD releases, but as one of WWE's most popular and consistent performers, there is always going to be scope for more. This release in the Superstar Collection series tracks some of the former AAA star's more recent feuds.
The opening contest is taken from The Bash 2009, where Mysterio challenges Intercontinental champion Chris Jericho for the title, with the added stipulation that if Jericho wins, Rey will unmask. The feud between the pair was one of the in-ring highlights of 2009, and this match is a prime example of that. The contrast between Y2J's vicious offence and Rey's aerial attack forms a superb 15 minutes of action.
The Intercontinental title is once again the focus as Dolph Ziggler faces Rey for the belt at Night Of Champions 2009. After a slow start, the match is brought to life by Ziggler's attempt at a powerbomb, which ends with Mysterio landing on the top turnbuckle. A nasty spill to the outside and a devastating gut-buster from the top rope gives Dolph a further advantage, with Rey's reign as champ looking dangerously close to ending. Once again, it's a fantastic bout.
The third encounter is certainly very different, as Mysterio takes on Batista inside a steel cage from a January 2010 edition of Smackdown. The winner would become the No.1 contender for the World heavyweight championship, and with such a size and weight disadvantage, Mysterio tries to use his speed to defeat "The Animal". This is a short bout that would have benefitted from an extra 10 minutes, which says something for Mysterio's effort throughout.
The masked man's most memorable feud of 2010 was against CM Punk, and Over The Limit saw them face off with the stipulation that if Punk won, Rey would have to join his Straight Edge Society, while if Rey triumphed, Punk would have his head shaved. The barber's chair at ringside comes into play during the bout, as Mysterio takes a nasty bump head-first into it. Punk then focuses the majority of his attack on Mysterio's head and shoulder that was injured in that moment. Rey's ability to absorb punishment, and to quickly strike when his opponent makes the slightest mistake, offers an exciting conclusion.
With a bargain price for four quality matches, this DVD set represents a good chance to own several peak moments in Rey Mysterio's storied career.
From the Fighting Spirit Magazine archive. Byline: FSM Staff.