Wrestlepalooza 1998: RVD and Sabu Steal the Show Before Al Snow Says Goodbye

The bWo versus the Full Blooded Italians gives Wrestlepalooza a light opening match built around familiar personalities and a simple interference-backfire finish. Blue Meanie misses a Meaniesault after Tommy Rich distracts him, but Rich's involvement eventually creates the opening for Super Nova. Nova hits the Novacaine on Little Guido and secures the win. B- rewards crowd familiarity, a clean-enough team result, and the usefulness of starting the pay-per-view with a straightforward rivalry match. The bout is not especially ambitious and relies on manager involvement, but it establishes the show's tone without overstaying its welcome. Its value comes more from character recognition than high-level wrestling.

Justin Credible versus Mikey Whipwreck continues a rivalry that had shaped Credible's first months in ECW. Whipwreck deals with interference from Jason and Chastity, even hitting both with Whippersnappers, before Credible introduces a chair. Whipwreck tries to counter into his own finishing sequence, but Credible reverses and hits That's Incredible on the chair for the pin. B+ rewards rivalry continuity, decisive finishing, crowd investment, and the importance of Credible finally securing another major-event win over the wrestler who had repeatedly frustrated him. The outside involvement keeps the match from feeling completely clean, but the finish gives the rivalry a strong and memorable result.

Chris Candido and Lance Storm defend the ECW World Tag Team Championship against Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten while their own partnership remains unstable. Mahoney nearly wins after the Nutcracker Suite but chooses to grab a chair instead of covering Candido. Storm responds with a springboard dropkick that drives the chair into Mahoney's face, and Candido breaks Storm's cover before taking the pin himself. B+ rewards championship stakes, team tension, a clever finish, and the way the result preserves Candido and Storm's dysfunctional chemistry. The match is solid rather than exceptional, but the champions' selfishness remains central to the story and makes the finish more memorable than a routine retention.

Bam Bam Bigelow versus New Jack is a short power-versus-brawler match built around New Jack's weapons and Bigelow's durability. New Jack smashes a guitar over Bigelow's head and draws blood, but Bigelow survives the attack and eventually lands Greetings From Asbury Park for the pin. B rewards physical intensity, crowd energy, a decisive finish, and the credibility of Bigelow overcoming New Jack's signature weapon-based offense. The match does not develop enough structure or length to become a major attraction, yet it delivers the expected contrast effectively. Bigelow gets a strong rebound result, while New Jack loses without abandoning the dangerous style that defines his character.

Tommy Dreamer and Sandman versus the Dudley Boyz becomes defined by Sandman's neck injury and the improvised structure that follows. Buh Buh Ray sends Sandman into the guardrail, leading to a stretcher exit and leaving Dreamer alone. Spike Dudley temporarily joins Dreamer before outside interference from Big Dick Dudley and Beulah McGillicutty complicates the match further. Sandman eventually returns wearing a neck brace, uses the Singapore cane, and helps Dreamer finish the Dudleys with DDTs. B+ rewards rivalry heat, crowd investment, the memorable return spot, and the official win. The injury angle and numerous participants make the match messy, but its drama carries it.

Rob Van Dam versus Sabu is Wrestlepalooza's clear in-ring highlight and the match that most justifies revisiting the show. RVD enters as ECW World Television Champion after defeating Bam Bam Bigelow in April, while Sabu receives the title opportunity originally promised to him. The partners wrestle for thirty minutes without a decisive fall, and the match ends in a time-limit draw. A rewards athletic ambition, sustained pacing, championship stakes, crowd investment, and the tension created by two closely linked wrestlers testing each other at full length. The lack of a finish is intentional protection rather than a shortcut, allowing RVD to retain while preserving Sabu as an equal threat.

Shane Douglas versus Al Snow closes Wrestlepalooza under difficult circumstances because Douglas is wrestling through a serious injury. The Triple Threat repeatedly interferes, both wrestlers survive major offense, and Snow spends substantial energy fighting through Douglas' allies rather than focusing solely on the champion. Snow attempts a top-rope sunset flip late, but Douglas rolls through and secures the retention. B- rewards championship stakes, Snow's crowd connection, the importance of his final ECW match, and Douglas' toughness in completing the bout. The injury and interference prevent the match from becoming a satisfying pay-per-view main event, and the finish feels more functional than climactic despite its historical consequence.