Written By: Mark Armstrong
Running Time: 286 Minutes
Certificate: 12
Number Of Discs: 2
Studio: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Released: November 26 2018
(Thanks to Fetch Publicity for arranging this review.)
In a year where there have been so many major WWE cards that some of them seem to become forgotten the moment that the following week’s TV shows are taped, Super Show-Down is an example of one such event. Held at the MCG in Australia, it was an important occasion, and judged on its own merits, it was perfectly adequate, but in the bigger picture, it’s almost as if it never happened, even just seven weeks later as I write this DVD review when rewatching the show.
Super Show-Down opens with a fun New Day vs. The Bar match, and is followed by a Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair clash that, while enjoyable, is clearly just another chapter of their feud due to the DQ finish. Next, we get what is nowadays a rare appearance by John Cena as he teams with Bobby Lashley to defeat Elias and Kevin Owens. Since this match took place, Cena has disappeared again, Lashley has turned heel, Elias has turned babyface, and KO has undergone knee surgery prior to what may have been a face turn as Bobby went heel on him. Got all that?
The IIconics enjoy a homecoming win over Naomi and Asuka which is a big moment for them, even if it marks yet another low point for Asuka. AJ Styles and Samoa Joe then put on the best match of the night, a really entertaining No Disqualification match, with AJ wrapping up the main portion of their feud by submitting Joe. After that, it’s a six-woman tag match as Ronda Rousey and The Bella Twins defeat The Riott Squad. Contrary to expectations, Nikki Bella didn’t turn heel on Ronda here; that was saved for Raw two days later, with Brie also going rogue.
Buddy Murphy unseats Cedric Alexander as Cruiserweight Champion in his home country in one of the night’s highlights. The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre is okay but a bit lethargic at times, while the Daniel Bryan-Miz feud grinds to a halt with a finish via small package that is so sudden, it felt like a huge botch. But no, apparently that was the intention, yet it feels extremely strange and is a poor way to end one of the year’s hottest rivalries.
In the main event, The Undertaker loses to Triple H in another No DQ match, with Shawn Michaels and Kane at ringside. If you take the match for what it is and manage your expectations accordingly based on the ages of those involved, it’s a good match, but if you’re expecting something to rival the likes of AJ vs. Joe … well, you may not like it. I appreciated it, even if it wasn’t a patch on their memorable encounters from 2011-2012. Post-match, The Brothers Of Destruction pound DX which set up a subsequent match, stemming from this “Last Time Ever” battle between HHH and Taker.
If you remember old UK shows like Rebellion and InsurreXtion, then this is basically in the same mould as those cards, except on a grander stage, with a bigger budget and slightly more importance. If you compare it to the usual monthly PPVs, you’ll be left wanting more and feeling disappointed. Overall, it’s a decent event, and a nice way to pass the time with a couple of noteworthy matches and moments, but I certainly wouldn’t describe it as must-see.
Overall Rating: 6/10 – Reasonable
