JOHN "BRADSHAW" LAYFIELD VS. FIT FINLAY

 Before the match, John Legend performs America the Beautiful, then we see a video package on change over a year. Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler are our announce team for this match. This goes back to the Vince McMahon’s illegitimate son angle, last month Mr. McMahon beat Hornswoggle inside a steel cage (but not an official match) and JBL took it to Hornswoggle afterwards, and if that wasn’t bad enough, it was in front of Finlay, handcuffed to the cage. JBL says he did it because he believes Hornswoggle is Finlay’s son. Not McMahon’s… Jeez, just get Maury. JBL makes his way out first as we get this recap, Finlay follows and Hornswoggle makes his return to accompany him to the ring! He actually gets a pop which is pretty cool, but gets lost in the open stadium. JBL cuts Finlay off with a knee through the ropes and takes it to ringside, he clubs at Finlay before getting sent into the ring steps

 

JOHN “BRADSHAW” LAYFIELD VS FIT FINLAY

(Belfast Brawl)

WWE Wrestlemania 24 (30^th March 2008)

   Finlay brings it in the ring and the bell rings to officially start the match and Fit Finlay hits a seated senton before laying in right hands. Finlay throws some plunder in the ring but gets cut off with a trash can shot to the head by Bradshaw. JBL takes shots with trash can lids and cookie sheets, then runs through Finlay with a short-arm clothesline. JBL brings the ring steps into the ring and sets Finlay up for a powerbomb, but is backdropped onto the apron. Fit Finlay lays in a boot then gets some revenge with the cookie sheet. He places the sheet in front of JBL then punches it, it’s only enough for a nearfall. Finlay runs into JBL’s boot, JBL stamps Finlay’s hand and sends him into the turnbuckle. More right hands from JBL drop Finlay in the corner. JBL kicks him before picking up the shillelagh. He hits it off the steps (because you always want to warn your opponent what’s about to happen) but Hornswoggle hits JBL with a kendo stick before leaving the ring like he left the oven on.

 

  JBL turns around into a shot from the shillelagh, which sends him out of the ring. Finlay struggles to bring JBL back in and kicks a trash can that’s over JBL’s head before bringing a table into the ring and setting it up in the corner. JBL reverses an irish whip and sends Finlay into the turnbuckles, but Finlay knocks him down with a clothesline. Lawler compares it to the Clothesline from Hell as I laugh. Fit Finlay grabs the ring steps but JBL takes a breather on the floor, slapping Hornswoggle whilst he’s out there. Finlay jumps onto JBL from the apron with an ax handle and sends his head into the announce table. Finlay rolls JBL into the ring but he rolls through and grabs a trash can lid. Fit Finlay dives through the ropes and is hit with the lid! I hear a small “Holy Shit” chant, which should be louder. JBL rolls Finlay in the ring and covers but only gets 2. In an unintentionally funny moment for me, JBL launches a trash can at Hornswoggle from inside the ring!

 

  John “Bradshaw” Layfield trash talks Finlay, who’s getting to his feet, the trash can molds itself around Finlay’s cranium and we get a replay of Hornswoggle getting run down. Finlay counters the Clothesline from Hell throwing the trash can at JBL and struggles to pick up the lid. He finally gets it and takes his frustrations out on JBL’s skull, then hits the Celtic Cross, he covers 1, 2, no!JBL is sent through the table in the corner, but Finlay still gets a nearfall. Finlaygrabs the ring steps but JBL cuts him off with a kendo stick shot to the knee, JBL hits the Clothesline from Hell and covers for the win.

WINNER: JOHN “BRADSHAW” LAYFIELD

This was as you would expect from the stipulation and the guys involved. I just wish the storyline wasn’t there.  This was hard-hitting and two oldschool bruisers kicking the shit out of each other. It’s sadistic to enjoy to some, but this is good, snug brawling. [star rating] /10

We cut to Kim Kardashian, she does a good job of explaining the rules until Mr. Kennedy cuts her off saying he will become the first two-time winner (Kim does get an extra line in, asking really) it wasn’t as bad as I would have expected it to be.