Let's begin with the most important thing here: the "Scramble" gimmick that this PPV introduces and uses in three title matches does not really work. Although the time limit and the countdown clock do lend some suspense to the action, the fact that a pin or a submission won't even give you an elimination, much less the title, renders all pins (and submissions, not that there are any of them anyway) except the last one pointless. A more logical strategy for the contestants in this type of match would be to sit around and have a chat and maybe a cup of coffee for the first 18 minutes or so (as anything they accomplish until then inside the ring will only tire them out without awarding them anything permanent), and then start wrestling in the last 2 minutes. Besides, you can spot the winner of the last match (for the World Heavyweight Title) the moment he appears. The rest of the matches are largely forgettable; Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels has some stand-out moments, but on the whole it's an overlong, masochistic spectacle. ** out of 4.
Review of WWE Unforgiven
