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Help with a collection

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John Petuka is out to collect all of the greatest promos in the wrestling world, and needs the help of the loving embrace that is the BoD Spotlight.

I don't know why it sticks out in my mind, but the pre-match promo for Punk vs Jericho at WM had me excited for the match. It probably helped that I don't watch Raw, so I just got the best of. Also, the Bully Ray 'History of Aces & Eights' videos on youtube are absolutely fantastic. Brilliant stuff. Anyway, here's his email & list of what he has so far...



"Because I'm a nerd, I'm trying to compile the best wrestling promos (or pre-match videos) known to man.  Some of them tell a magnificent story while others just get you pumped for the match.  Feel free to contribute to this list as I want it to be as thorough as possible...

"Do I have everybody's attention now?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7xzcIvdqjA
The awesome MitB video.  It picks up on the drama and humor when Punk tells Vince to apologize around 1:40 into it.  

"Bret Hart vs Vince McMahon"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkvTI1IunW4
Civil Twilight's music sounded so good here, they used more of their music for one of their Rock-Cena promos earlier this year, I believe.  Another great video.  Classic Vince moment at 2:10 as you see his evil reflection on Bret Hart's sunglasses.

"Running Up That Hill"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgauGnovoSE
A great and dramatic summary of Shawn Michaels' last feud against Undertaker at WM 26.  It's such a well-crafted story and this video matches it.

"Steve Austin Survivor Series 1996"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DV0RHVteLs
There were probably about 4 or 5 of these leading up to Survivor Series and it was essentially Stone Cold finding his voice.  He had been developing his character throughout the summer and fall, but these promos were a stroke of genius.  Why doesn't WWE do anything like this anymore?

"Flair vs HBK - 2003"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C14oT3belk
Just a nice and forgotten mix of their mini-feud in 2003.  It takes a cool and dramatic turn around 1:30 in.

"Flair vs HBK - 2008
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAVHVfB-W0
Old Yeller.  If you don't feel like listening to the Leave the Memories Alone part, skip to about 2:20.  

"The Rock, Pre-Rock Bottom 1998"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJDJPVJob54
Lost and forgotten, this is just a smooth telling of the Rock's transition into heeldom after teasing a big time face turn in late 1998.  1:15, things get interesting and you get a pretty badass beat.  The Rock's a millionaire; he's the WWF champ.

"Stone Cold-Rock: My Way"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgO2-XnM5yM
Not forgotten at all--the one everyone remembers. WM17 pre-match promo.

"HHH-HBK: Fight"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH8fQWuyBxI
Summerslam 2002.  So many good memories.  Already excited about HBK's comeback, this just made ya crazy with anticipation before the match.  Includes the "Fight" song that was on the Anthology CD around 2:50.

"I'm damn sick and tired"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y2huUfkxw8
I believe this is before Fully Loaded 1998.  It's a nice mix of where the Austin-McMahon feud and title picture at the time.

"Survivor Series 1997 - Hitman vs HBK"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8IYEATV7I
A little chaotic but symbolic of their feud.

"2000 PPV intro compilation"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMrHLS5yro0
Okay, this is kind of cheating, but look at how cool WWE was in 2000.  20 minutes of pre-event promo packages.

Comments

  1. Chris HirschJune 6, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    It was before an Armageddon, maybe 2000 I think, "The End is Here" video.

    ReplyDelete
  2. aboynamedartJune 6, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    I'm gonna go with Jake Roberts at Wrestlemania VI.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chris HirschJune 6, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    Paul Heyman promo railing against Vince and WWE before Survivor Series 2001. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrOwFrF01kM

    ReplyDelete
  4. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Needs some Dusty...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxC3oAD1iUg

    ReplyDelete
  5. flair4dagoldJune 6, 2013 at 2:15 PM

    This still cracks me up.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY_AQdCNmlU

    ReplyDelete
  6. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    Who are you to doubt this promo should be on the list.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZe6LvqQaVk

    ReplyDelete
  7. Greg PhillipsJune 6, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Not sure if it counts, but here's my all-time favorite Raw segment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lf9Ar861Ws

    ReplyDelete
  8. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Who are you to doubt this promo should be on the list?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rygKxk3Svg4

    ReplyDelete
  9. DarrenJune 6, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    Well....first thing that comes to mind is any of the 1995 Mick Foley promos from ECW....specifically, the "Cane Dewey" and "How to stay awake....in the midst of a long drive with Mikey Whipwreck" (where he sings smells like teen spirit......like Bob Dylan!) promos...no collection can be complete without the brilliance of Cactus Jack from 1995.

    How to stay awake....
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0hsoRsbOXQ

    Cane Dewey
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28KH9YiJ9DI


    (couldn't find the Uncle Willy promo, but thats a good one as well)


    Outside of that, the Dusty Rhodes promo on Baby Doll after she turned on him and New Jack from Hardcore Heaven 96 fresh outta jail are classics as well

    ReplyDelete
  10. ONITA100June 6, 2013 at 2:25 PM

    One of my favorite my match promo's, that led to my favorite tag match ever

    [/img]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V7JfMUEtGM[img]


    Steiner's vs. Sting/Lugar Superbrawl 1 promo

    ReplyDelete
  11. DarrenJune 6, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    This one is pretty awesome, but the one after the Baby Doll turn....where he calls himself the Boogeyman is arguably better

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0sFhGM83VE

    ReplyDelete
  12. Greg PhillipsJune 6, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    If we're talking video packages, here're a few that stand out to me.

    Can't find it online, but the video package for the fatal four-way at Backlash 2008 (Orton-Cena-HHH-JBL, I believe) is outstanding. It's black-and-white, set to the great song "In Time" from the Punisher soundtrack.


    The Rock-Cena package from 28 was awesome.


    Can't stand the guy as a performer, but Miz's video at 27 was great.


    And I was always a sucker for the Flair-Steamboat "Final Countdown" video.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Greg PhillipsJune 6, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    "Anti-Hardcore" is my pick for the best wrestling promo ever.

    ReplyDelete
  14. TenGermansJune 6, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    Best ever:


    http://youtu.be/jP4U-Uzx4Uc

    ReplyDelete
  15. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    If we're adding video packages I've go to with this one.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10RPajzemw0

    ReplyDelete
  16. CM GentlemanJune 6, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    The Flair promo in 1998 when he returns after being fired by Bischoff for going to one of Reid's amateur wrestling tournaments and missing a Thunder taping. And then his promo where he strips down to his boxers and handcuffs himself to the ring. These promos show why Flair is the master of the promo. He can make you laugh, make you cry, piss you off, get you amped up for a match, and just generally be all around entertaining.

    ReplyDelete
  17. kbjoneJune 6, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Still my favorite "promo" ever:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggf6pjWIhd4

    ReplyDelete
  18. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    One of the reasons I think he'es the greatest promo of all time is that he puts his opponents over as well as himself and he needs so little time to do. The hard times promo lasts three minutes, Punk can drone on for quarter of an hour and sell less tickets.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rob CerroneJune 6, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    This should have been the first one on the list

    ReplyDelete
  20. Joe KlunkJune 6, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    Chills, Jerry. CHILLS!

    ReplyDelete
  21. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    I have a soft spot for the Dragon Gate anime opening!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzuiYY8jbRk&feature=related

    ReplyDelete
  22. Joe KlunkJune 6, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Plus, any Savage or Snake promo form This Tuesday in Texas. "It felt so good, I should have had to pay for it!"

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mike MearsJune 6, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Miz's "Hate me Now" video was amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  24. WILLYOUSTOP?!?June 6, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    Am I the only one who read that as all "the best pornos in the wrestling world," then had a horrible vision of One Night in Chyna?

    ReplyDelete
  25. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    Also got a rather splendid one for the Pro Wrestling NOAH: European Navigation tour. It literally consists of five minutes of finishers to sound of Elton John. Not sure its the greatest of all time but its fun trying to spot who's who.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpFa88rUfoE

    ReplyDelete
  26. kbjoneJune 6, 2013 at 2:57 PM

    Here's a quick list: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Mj84OuviI


    10: Before it all went to dogshit... semi-literally.
    (Watching currently... 9-1 to come.)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your_Favourite_AssholeJune 6, 2013 at 3:00 PM

    that one where chyna and lita got the giggles

    ReplyDelete
  28. aaronmantonJune 6, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    As far as promo videos, this is PURE gold: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMaMIdTiEgM

    Promos as in speeches, here is the best from one of the best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2W63rYGcQI

    ReplyDelete
  29. Greg PhillipsJune 6, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    Seconded.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Greg PhillipsJune 6, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    You have the best username here.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Greg PhillipsJune 6, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    Excellent.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Nick SaikleyJune 6, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    I didn't start watching WCW until Hogan joined so I didn't know jackshit about Dusty Rhodes outside the polka dots from WWF home video. This was my very first Dusty Rhodes promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGG1QGU1VEg

    ReplyDelete
  33. The FujJune 6, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    wait...


    im confused.


    is this supposed to be pre match hype vids or just backstage interviews?

    ReplyDelete
  34. kbjoneJune 6, 2013 at 3:29 PM

    We're treating it as both.

    ReplyDelete
  35. WhoDatNinjaJune 6, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    Coolest wrestling happening I ever saw live

    ReplyDelete
  36. AverageJoeEverymanJune 6, 2013 at 3:52 PM

    I have done something similar but just for pre made video packages. Here are a couple that dont get mentioned much or enough:
    Any of the special event Raw openings (15th, 20th, and Raw 1000 are all great mash up retrospective openings)
    All the different iterations of the "Try and lace my boots" Attitude promos from 1997 (the Don West in me would say "Just try and find the ultra rare Bret Hart version!!")

    Just about any of the PPV openings done by Freddie Blassie. Just such a great voice.

    ReplyDelete
  37. AverageJoeEverymanJune 6, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    "The Rock-Cena package from 28 was awesome."
    I put the one set to FUN's "Tonight" on my disk. I loved the moment when Shawn is giving his thoughts on the event and the music gets quiet and he just says "Epic" then the chorus blasts in.

    ReplyDelete
  38. CM GentlemanJune 6, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  39. spicollidriverJune 6, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    this. "let me touch her again." soo evil.

    ReplyDelete
  40. spicollidriverJune 6, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    this video right here:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BWq1Nkzaas


    maybe the best custom made video I have ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
  41. OfficerFarvaJune 6, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    HBK Montreal 2005!

    ReplyDelete
  42. kbjoneJune 6, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    According to Jake, A&8 should NOT be using hammers, but blackjacks. He even offers a couple of them.

    ReplyDelete
  43. The FujJune 6, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    But on the flipside, Dusty was

    1. the booker and had to get people over.

    2. everybody else... even people he wasnt feuding with mentioned dusty in their promos. So it wasnt hard for him

    ReplyDelete
  44. The FujJune 6, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    Ah... well theres some good ones, but ill like to throw in some Jimmy Garvin and of course

    Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K4i1l22jCw

    ReplyDelete
  45. The FujJune 6, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    super gay.

    ReplyDelete
  46. The FujJune 6, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    Tell' em Bam-Bam!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chEV5x0AY2U

    ReplyDelete
  47. OfficerFarvaJune 6, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    The Miz video promo from WM 26 is great also, chronicles his rise from reality star to WWE champion.

    ReplyDelete
  48. GideonStargraveJune 6, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    It's a Caliber post, so I'm pretty sure that consideration never took place.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:11 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Lrh1y84sY

    ReplyDelete
  50. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlOyfqaMc-8

    ReplyDelete
  51. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nby6VzVCxRw

    ReplyDelete
  52. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    If you can find it, the Bret-Shawn highlight clip from "Wrestlemania All Day Long" is great.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_HV9gNGi24

    ReplyDelete
  54. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:21 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8t2CewlAjY

    ReplyDelete
  55. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GGQdZpj9Rg

    ReplyDelete
  56. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06J7QGFpkKw

    ReplyDelete
  57. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RD0S3zZ_8w

    ReplyDelete
  58. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:24 PM

    (Please forgive the crazy multi-posting everyone. I'm finding these one by one.)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:25 PM

    Another great one is the promo for the Elimination Chamber match at New Year's Revolution in 2005.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVg-x0i39qE

    ReplyDelete
  61. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m356B0oUezw

    ReplyDelete
  62. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q23uzTeSJbE

    ReplyDelete
  63. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UruNVAtbRaw

    ReplyDelete
  64. npavlou22June 6, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    This will get buried under all this guy's posts, but the Sting Crow teaser video for Starrcade was well done in its simplicity.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaryn8QUyUo

    ReplyDelete
  66. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIv9PmFFMc

    ReplyDelete
  67. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    (just an extended version of the last one)

    ReplyDelete
  68. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iToZEIoCBI

    ReplyDelete
  69. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:40 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT28F-oSTDQ

    ReplyDelete
  70. Eric GriffithJune 6, 2013 at 6:40 PM

    Dude...knock it off. Don't apologize and then keep doing it. Put them in one post.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 6:41 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3wBPbfWgbk

    ReplyDelete
  72. JohnPetukaJune 6, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    Looks like I asked the right question at the right time. A lot of these are really good. I was looking for this Undertaker one in particular, too. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  73. kbjoneJune 6, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    This one's great,

    ReplyDelete
  74. kbjoneJune 6, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Them two could be gold... either against each other or aiming at some other unlucky soul.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Power_of_Hogans_HOF_RingJune 6, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    This one you've got to skip to 2 minutes in, but once the Michaels-Austin stuff starts, it's great.

    ReplyDelete
  76. DarrenJune 6, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    Lololol @ Tracy Smothers "and G is for jail....cause a thug cant spell"

    ReplyDelete
  77. DarrenJune 6, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    This one is classic for a whole nother reason

    ReplyDelete
  78. AngelNovellaJune 6, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6hp4X-cVKs

    ReplyDelete
  79. AngelNovellaJune 6, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    I don't know how to post those big images to get it noticed... but...


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6hp4X-cVKs

    ReplyDelete
  80. OfficerFarvaJune 6, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    I've never seen that match and have 3 words... WHAT THE FUCK?!?! Anyone know the backstory as why HHH won after doing nothing for 25 minutes and getting 1 move in? Goldberg seemed legit over, more so then I ever thought he was in WWE.

    ReplyDelete
  81. PhilStubingtonJune 6, 2013 at 10:44 PM

    Love this one - I posted it earlier but the screen grab didn't work so its hard to see what it is. They did a great HHH one about the same time to U2's Impossible Day:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EavMkvcORy8

    ReplyDelete
  82. npavlou22June 7, 2013 at 6:06 AM

    He was hurt and he was HHH. That's all you need to know.

    ReplyDelete
  83. bignasty96June 7, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    I love finding excuses to post the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP4U-Uzx4Uc

    ReplyDelete
  84. hmmJune 7, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    Yea this one was great. Set up the match perfect

    ReplyDelete
  85. ONITA100June 7, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    Might just be one of the best put together indy promo pieces. Perfect in every level, hypes you up for the match, which is what its supposed to do

    ReplyDelete
  86. bramma23June 7, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    HBK in Montreal, 2005

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6vASwhleU4

    Kurt Angle, "I'd Make Jesus Tap Out"

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjvFMjPD5zg

    Just a few.

    ReplyDelete

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