As I have not yet fully recovered from my illness, I have not had time to do my year end review thing with my friend Joe, and as he is leaving this week, to move away for good, I think I am going to scrap the idea... Instead of doing a comprehensive year end thing, I will just discuss some of the matches I loved this year, and some of the wrestlers who I feel are going to bust out in 2000...then I will do a mini recap of my impressions from the first major PPV of the Millennium, ECW's Guilty as Charged...and then of course onto RAW...

My friend Joe and I talk wrestling a lot...he once told me that there are just certain times when he is watching wrestling, that he just has to say aloud...."I love wrestling". Being a major fan myself, I can completely relate to what he is saying, so today, I am going to take that idea and run with it...the following are matches that made me say to myself..."God, I just love wrestling".

My biggest mark out moment of the year, I'm afraid is not very original, and that would of course be the Ladder Match between Edge, Christian and the Hardy's at No Mercy. But let's face it there is a reason this match is on everybody's list...it flat out kicked ass. Of course I am a huge Christian fan, and it certainly didn't hurt that he was a participant in this match, but that is only a small part of it. First off, the match had a great build-up. The Terri Invitational had been building and building, giving us five excellent matches between these two teams...so for the deciding match up they needed to pull out something special...and boy did they ever. I remember I was hanging out with my friends, watching the PPV, and the match started...it started off a little slow, with Gangrel getting in the way, once he was sent back to the locker room things started to really take off. The pace of this match was absolutely perfect, starting off slowly, and then quickening its pace till all hell broke loose, and bodies were flying off of ladders left and right. The ceiling camera also really helped give an interesting and exciting perspective to what was going on, and the spots they came up with were new and innovative, at least for the WWF. Other contributing factors to the excellence of this match were the crowd reaction which started off as bored apathy but quickly changed to enthusiastic cheering and finally a standing ovation...and the sheer desire of all four men to put on the best match they could, even if it meant sacrificing their own bodies. The announcing for this match was also excellent, as it was obvious that JR and the King were just as impressed as we were at home at what they were witnessing. So basically all of the pieces fit together in this one, to make it a serious "I love wrestling" moment...Props to all 4 men, who I see breaking out in 2000 as well. I expect that Christian and Edge will hold the tag team gold soon, as they have recently gotten very impressive wins over the Dudleys...a very tough team, and they have consistently been working their asses off for at least 6 months, and definitely deserve a run with the titles. After their brief tag team run, I fully expect Edge to bust into singles competition, and quite possibly be a top contender for the IC belt. If the WWF do indeed do the smart thing and restart up their light weight division, I can see Christian being dominant in this division, and get a real chance to elevate himself as well. I really love Christian, but he is definitely lacking a certain charisma necessary to go to that next level. It's almost like he's shy or something, and would rather let his in ring work do the talking for him. Unfortunately in today's world of wrestling mike skills on extremely necessary. Still, I do see him steadily climbing the ladder. The Hardy's frankly deserve a long run with the tag team belts...they are an excellent team and deserve to wear gold once again. The first time they held the titles, they weren't over enough, but they are now...both brothers also have the potential to be great single's competitors as well, again, especially if the WWF restart the light weight division. Either way, I think the future is bright for all four of these men.

Ok, onto another great match of last year...Again, no big surprise here, but I loved the Test vs. Shane match at Summerslam. Like I wrote when the match went down, this was a perfect combination of wrestling, and entertainment. The storyline was there, and the moves were definitely there, with Shane doing the crazy elbow off the top rope onto the announce table. As honorable mention, I just wanted to also say that Shane put on one of the only decent matches at Wrestlemania this year, which I still say sucked ass...but his match vs. xpuke was very entertaining. If Shane decides he wants to do more in ring work this year, I expect great things from him as well, because in my humble opinion, he has the charisma and the in ring ability to become an exciting performer. Of course this is if he chooses to be an active competitor. Seeing as he loves to take major chances in the ring, I am thinking that he will only be pulled out on special occasions, but I'll tell you one thing, I will definitely be tuning in for those...

Ok, so lets take a look at title defenses, particularly the Heavyweight Championship...my personal favorite title defense was the Rock vs. Mankind on RAW, when Foley won the belt for the first time. I have gone over this match in this column before, but it was set up perfectly, and the pop of the crowd, their electric excitement definitely added to the genuine emotional atmosphere of the entire night. To see Foley finally get the title after all he contributed to wrestling was truly a touching moment, and quite possibly my all around favorite moment of last year. Definitely a prime example of the "I Love Wrestling" sentiment. Honorable mention goes to the Rock vs. Stone Cold at Backlash, a match that was truly electric and worlds above their previous meeting at Wrestlemania which left a lot to be desired.

Some other honorable mentions...

Vince McMahon vs. Stone Cold in the cage at St. Valentine's Day Massacre - what can I say, this match beyond exceeded expectations, and saw Vince take an ugly and painful bump which was quite impressive. It also saw the debut of Paul Wight as he came up through the ring to try to save Vince. Good match.

Personally, I loved the Rock vs. HHH on Raw when Chyna turned on HHH and DX. This was a swerve I didn't see coming, and I have actually gone back and watched this match more than once. Also I believe it is one of HHH's best matches, as he actually looked impressive in the ring, and he looked worthy of winning the belt.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of the Chyna vs. Jeff Jarrett matches for the Intercontinental belt. The first one at Unforgiven, and the second at No Mercy. Both were excellent and full of high drama.

Of course I am going on pure memory here, and I am sure I am forgetting some matches, but these are the ones in the WWF that stick out in my mind...now onto the ECW.

I am still relatively new to the ECW, but I really love it. They just offer a totally different product than the big two...their in ring work speaks volumes...that is what they are centered around. So basically, almost every match I have seen the ECW put forth has been incredible, but there are some that stick out more than others...

Mike Awesome vs. Taz vs. Masato Tanaka at Anarchy Rulz - this match was quite simply mind blowing. After Taz is quickly eliminated, Tanaka and Awesome proceed to just destroy each other with an arsenal of moves the likes of which I have never seen. Then when Taz comes out and gives his emotional farewell, placing the belt on Awesome, we are talking spine chilling emotion here folks. I have said it before and I will say it again, when Tanaka and Awesome get in the ring together, something special happens, and I think it probably has something to do with the fact that neither man seems to have any regard for their own bodies, and are willing to sacrifice themselves to put on 5 star matches. Well it works...the other 3 meetings between these two men, their rematch at November to Remember and their two matches on TNN were also amazing, but if I had to pick one meeting, it would have to be the one from Anarchy Rulz because of the TAZ factor, and because, I didn't have any expectations going into that one, because I didn't know Awesome was even going to wrestle. I have heard that Tanaka wants to come work for ECW full time, and I really really hope this happens, as he is a major talent who will fit right in with ECW.

Speaking of Anarchy Rulz, there was so much on this card that was incredible that I would be remiss if I did not mention the other two matches that simply blew me away. The first was Lance Storm vs. Jerry Lynn. I am telling you, they should have these two face off more often. Both of these men are flawless technicians and this match was amazing. This match went on for 15 minutes, and I didn't even want it to end. What's even more amazing is that Jerry Lynn worked this match with bruised ribs. I absolutely adore both of these men and hope to see more of them in 2000. Lance finally has some gold around his waist, and hopefully Jerry Lynn will find a way to distinguish himself as well. I still hold some hope that perhaps this year he will be able to get the TV title from RVD, but I ain't holding my breath....

Speaking of which, I was only able to catch one of their legendary battles, but what a battle. I had very high expectations for this match because I had heard about their other meetings, but damn if I still wasn't blown away. The crowd was actually behind Jerry Lynn, because that's how impressive he was...near falls, high flying moves...this match had it all, but of course RVD pulls out the win in the end. This match definitely makes the list....

But getting back to Anarchy Rulz...the three way dance between Tajiri, Super Crazy and Guido was also a stunner. I have seen Tajiri vs. Super Crazy one hundred times, but it never, ever gets old...you got moonsaults, stiff kicks and the Tarantula to name just a few highlights, but this mere verbal description doesn't do their match ups justice. So I will just say that if you still haven't checked out ECW what are you waiting for, if you are truly a wrestling fan you will not be sorry.

One other match and I will get on with the rest of my column...not a great match, but Dreamer and Raven vs. the Dudleys on the first big TNN show was awesome for different reasons than the in-ring action. The return of Raven to his roots was really exciting for me, and to see him in the middle of the crowd holding up the tag team belts was truly a great moment.

So these are the matches that have touched a special place in my heart this year...and as for who I think is going to bust out this year, I do have some thoughts on the subject...

Rikishi Phatu - this guy is over huge right now, and I see him definitely taking it to the next level soon...his work ethic is outstanding, and damn the man has rhythm.

The Dudleys - I think we have only started to see what the Dudley's have to offer, and if the WWF actually give them a chance to talk more they will be the most hated tag team in no time.

Tazz- I expect major things from Tazz when he finally debuts in the WWF...he will go to the top before long.

Chris Jericho- Obviously Jericho has only begun to show us what he is capable of, and I look forward to him defending the IC belt in the future.

Lance Storm - this guy is such an amazing talent, he has the in ring skill, and now he has some gold, plus he has Dawn Marie as a valet...this guy is definitely going places.

Jerry Lynn - I seriously hope that Jerry Lynn is able to find his niche, because I love watching this man work.

I think most of the ECW roster will have a chance to bring it to the next level this year, because it is such a small company. I can't wait to see what the ECW has to offer us this year...

Speaking of which, this weekend we got the first major PPV of the New Year with Guilty as Charged. I was super pumped for this PPV, as I have totally enjoyed the other ECW PPV's a lot. Although I did enjoy this PPV as well, it was definitely missing something...

The opener was a little slow as Mickey Whipwreck just didn't seem to have the crowd very behind him. The action was decent, but nothing really there to get the crowd ready or pumped.

Next was the six person tag match with Danny Doring accompanied by that complete skank Electra and my favorite Amish Chicken plucker Roadkill with Simon Diamond, once again Dickless vs. Nova, Kid Cash and Jazz. This match left me very puzzled when most of the participants suddenly disappeared without a trace. This allowed for Chris Chetti to come out and help out Nova who was getting beaten down by Doring and Roadkill. Chetti took to much time trying to give oral pleasures to Electra (although it is beyond me why any man would want to put their mouth down there), and ended getting hit with the Amish frog splash from Roadkill. An ok, match but a bit too much of a clusterfuck to really figure out what was going on.

Out comes Tajiri, Corino and Victory, and I am starting to get excited. Is Jerry Lynn going to team up with Super Crazy or Tajiri? Instead they swerve us and have Tajiri team with Super crazy and take on Guido and Jerry Lynn. I think the booking of this match really hurt it. It was a let down to have the arch enemies Tajiri and Crazy partner up...Some great spots in this one, but I feel that Paul E. and company blew this match with the booking...still can't really complain, as I got to see Lynn and Tajiri in action.

New Jack vs. Angel - couldn't care less...

Much to my surprise and shock the Sabu vs. RVD match is next. I thought for sure this would be the main event. RVD cut a super promo before the match, which had me laughing my ass off. As suspected, these two pushed each other to the limit, and took some crazy ass bumps...and much to my shock once again, RVD came out victorious, and Sabu walked off, apparently ready to leave the ECW. I think this is only the beginning of this feud, as Sabu is obviously not going anywhere...will RVD drop the belt to him at a later date?...I don't know, at this point I wonder if RVD will ever drop the belt. All in all an excellent match, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Next up was my favorite match of the night, the Impact Players vs. Tommy Dreamer and Raven for the Tag Team Titles. This match came off really well, as Raven and Dreamer looked pretty good out there. Kudos to Lance Storm for changing his entire wrestling style to accommodate this type of match. And of course the end was perfect as Raven sacrificed himself to save Francine. What can I say, I am a sucker for this storyline. It is a credit to Raven that he brings so much depth to his character, and I feel myself getting totally wrapped up in his warped relationships with both Tommy and Francine. Can't wait to see where this is going.

Finally we have the Main Event of the evening...Little Spike Dudley vs. Mike Awesome. I have to say, I thought this match was definitely amazing, but it made me very nervous for both men's safety. Mike Awesome is a freakin monster, and Spike is crazy for letting his body be used as some kind of projectile. Crazy bumps all over the place, tables smashed...flying leaps out of the ring, acid drops onto tables, and finally an incredible power bomb off the top rope onto a table to finally put Spike down. This match had me holding my breath more than once. Kudos to both men for giving their all, esp. little Spike.

All in all, the PPV ended on a high note, as the last three matches were very entertaining. Like I said I enjoyed it, I just didn't enjoy it as much as the last two...

Ok, I realize this rant has gone on for a long time and I haven't even gotten to RAW yet, so here goes, my quick RAW rant...

I LOVED RAW. The mutiny by the entire roster was a stroke of genius. To have their number one demand be the reinstating of Foley was the best. First off it was a true sign of respect for Foley, who has totally earned it, and it was a completely original way for him to be brought back without falling back on Vince and Shane coming in to clean up the mess. Personally, I love the way the WWF seems to be handling the retiring of Foley. They are giving him the kind of sendoff he totally deserves. If last night proved anything, it is that Foley is truly AWESOME. He is the best on the stick, because he does it without catchphrases, and he comes up with original things to say for each situation he is in. His torturing of the faux Mankind was hysterical...his use of Tori to exact revenge using Kane was as JR said a stroke of genius...and we won't even go into the pedigree on the announce table bump which made me cringe. There is nothing this man will not do to entertain his dozen's and dozen's of fans.

Besides, the reinstating of Foley the set up for the disintegration of DX was also very cleverly done. All of the disgruntled employees, demanding that DX fight each other. The Outlaws forced to fight each other, HHH forced to fight X-Puke, and then after the damage was done, and the in fighting had begun, they were forced to compete together in a four man tag match against the Acolytes and the Rock and Sock Connection. Brilliant booking by the WWF, esp. to have DX walk out on HHH when he needed their help the most.

Quick side note: Shockingly, Road Dogg didn't seem to be very over at all, even when he was doing his little schtick, the crowd seemed apathetic at best...

I am dying to find out what the WWF is going to do next with DX abandoning HHH. Who does he have left? Stephanie? I can't imagine she will be of much use to him now, esp. since it seems that none of the wrestlers are willing to listen to her anymore.

The rest of the card, with the whole wrestler sign up for matches on a sign up sheet idea was also solid. The Edge vs. Val Venis match was a great contest, and introduced the intriguing Edge is marrying Val Venis's sister, but picks Christian as his best man story. The Hardys looked really solid against Angle and Blackman, and picked up a convincing win. It's always great to see Bossman and Albert get their asses kicked, as they have had it coming for a long time. Phatu and Too Cool continue to amuse, as I don't ever get tired of seeing these guys out there, wrestling or dancing. All in all a very solid RAW, which ended with Foley throwing off his mask, and turning into Cactus Jack in front of our very eyes. The Blood pouring down his face, the mad look in his eyes, the ass kicking he gave HHH...yes I would definitely say that Cactus was in the house...

God I love wrestling....