Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 118: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Scott Norton (Nitro 3/8/99)

Usually I look at the set matches on paper and see all kinds of potential in a match up. This one looks like a horrible style clash and a cluster-fuck, but then, it’s gotta be on this set for a reason. Cat and mouse games perhaps? Mask-less Rey, bring home the goods, please!

Rey is doing a giant-killer gimmick after beating Nash and then Bam Bam Bigelow (Spike Dudley had that story in ECW with Bigelow). Norton kills him hard and slowly early. Nothing to great, not even in a jobber squash match sort of way, though I’m not saying the bumps don’t hurt Rey or look horrible. Rey sells his back big time on the floor, so at least this has some logic to it. Danielson versus Morishima, or HBK-‘Taker this is not. Clotheslines, chops, and bodyslams. On the up side it’s a very decent simple match story they are telling.

Spot and bump of the match is Norton tossing Rey Jr. from the ring straight to the floor for a back bump. Heenan is pretty amusing on commentary in this match. Of course, it rarely has anything to do with the actual match, but they get over the stakes just fine. Norton keeps pinning Rey then picking him up at two. At about six minutes Rey, having had only one short hope spot, kicks Norton in the balls and pins him. Norton sells it well, if not a bit dramatic. 2 ¼ and 4.5/10.