The Road is Jericho: Disc 1 Review
It's been quite a while since my last DVD review. I've missed doing them and I'll definitely be doing more in future, and might even do-over some old ones!
This is one I bought quite recently as I'm quite a big fan of Jericho's. So let's get started with this first disc.
The format of this set is mostly just a match compilation with Jericho telling stories in between them which works pretty well. Before I start I would absolutely recommend Jericho's first set as it has an excellent documentary feature and a match list to die for. Here's a link to the review I did for it a while ago; http://prowrestlingtvreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/breaking-code-behind-walls-of-chris.html
Chris Jericho vs Pitbull #2
From ECW Hardcore Heaven 1996 and the TV Title is on the line. Jericho has only had around twenty matches in ECW, so it's always nice to see one and they're usually good. Jericho says that Pitbull was one of his favourite opponents in ECW. Pitbull looked impressive, and I especially liked the Gorilla Press turned into a Tombstone. Good match, but the outside shenanigans with Shane Douglas and Francine with no explanation was a bit distracting. Still I liked the match as it had a good power vs speed dynamic which always works. The finish was impressive too. ***
Chris Jericho vs Ultimo Dragon
From WCW Bash at the Beach 1997 and the Cruiserweight Title is on the line. I would easily say that Dragon is one of Jericho's best ever opponents. I've only seen a few matches between the two but they were always fantastic. There's one on Jericho's other DVD that takes place in Japan which is worth the price of the disc alone. The agility of both guys here can only be called outstanding. This was one hell of a match as they seemed to counter every move that the other guy had. So many nearfalls and false finishes that made it so exciting to watch with no dull moments at all. The dead crowd didn't help, but this was a crowd conditioned to only care about the nWo. Still an awesome match that was a show stealer. ****
Chris Jericho vs Dean Malenko
From Uncensored 1998 and the Cruiserweight Title is on the line. This storyline was excellent with Malenko taking time off from wrestling and Jericho humiliated him on a weekly basis until Malenko returned in an amazing surprise reveal and beat him for the Title. This is the start of the feud. I loved the '1004' on the back on Jericho's tights. Jericho was hilarious with his heel mannerisms like telling the ref to ask Malenko if he gave up even though he was on the ropes. A good match with Jericho dominating most of it. Malenko fought back when he could but Jericho proved he was the better man here with Malenko tapping to the Liontamer. ***1/2
Chris Jericho vs X-Pac: Steel Cage
From No Mercy 2000. Jericho and Pac fought quite a lot at the start of Jericho's WWE career. According to Y2J, Vince McMahon hand-picked Pac to work with Jericho and improve his WWE style in the ring. I think it worked out pretty well for him. You can only win this match by escape. This was a pretty entertaining match with the cage used well. Jericho trying to get the Walls of Jericho on top of the cage was a cool visual and his fall looked brutal. The finish was cool with X-Pac landing balls first on the door to give Y2J the win. This was fun but could have been way longer. Still I enjoyed it while it lasted. ***
Chris Jericho vs Kane: Last Man Standing
From Armageddon 2000. Yes this feud started over a cup of coffee spilled over Kane. I think that's the most memorable part of this feud. This one started off straight away with both guys fighting in the entrance-way. Even though Kane was on offense most of the time, this was still a very entertaining match to watch, mostly thanks to Jericho's great 'face-in-peril' routine that made him very sympathetic to the crowd. This wasn't a very brutal match but it was still a lot of fun and Kane's best match in a while. ***1/4
Chris Jericho vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
From Raw June 4th 2001 and the WWE Title is on the line. Mick Foley was the outside referee here. This was at the point where Jericho and Benoit were being elevated towards the main event. Didn't really get the point of Foley being there since he saw Austin hit the low blow and Earl Hebner did nothing about it. It was inevitable that Hebner would be knocked out forcing Foley to take charge. Foley accidentally hit Jericho with a chair, leading to the Stunner and a win for Austin. Fun match with a bit too many shenanigans for my liking. Still it was a good match overall. ***1/4
Chris Jericho vs Booker T
From Raw July 16th 2001 and the WCW World Title is on the line. Of course this took place during the critically acclaimed Invasion angle. Jericho mentions having some nice chemistry with Booker in his WCW days. Damn good, short match here that had the crowd going nuts by the end even though it only lasted about five minutes. Nick Patrick did make me laugh here with the way he avoided handing Jericho the win, even if it didn't make Booker look very good. Still I had fun with it. **3/4
That's the end of the first disc and it was a good way to start with some fun matches from Jericho's early career. The next disc has some rarer matches and what I remember as an excellent match with The Rock. See you next time.
