Plot Details: This opinion reveals everything about the movie's plot.

Originally aired on New Year’s Eve 1999, WWE Eve of Destruction was a decent effort to show some of the highlights of the year 1999 for WWE, and beyond. It’s nothing that’s must see and is far from being definitive, but it’s not harmful, either.

Full matches are not shown but, rather, highlight reels. Here are the matches overviewed in the video:

Mankind (Mick Foley) vs. Undertaker
Hell in a Cell
King of the Ring (June 1998)

One of the most infamous and widely seen matches in WWE history. The second Hell in a Cell match began on top of the structure, as Foley and Undertaker decided to start on top of the roof of the cell to distinguish themselves from the first, violent Hell in a Cell. ‘Taker throws Foley off the top through the announce table, but Foley refuses to allow himself to be carried away on a stretcher. Foley then gets choke slammed through the roof of the cell, but still continues the match! This brutal match up- seen and talked about ad nauseum to the point where Foley says he’s sick of the match- set the standard by which all later HIAC and cage matches in general would have to follow, yet it still remains one of a kind and gut wrenching to watch (Foley’s fall from the top of the cell and his bumps onto thumb tacks are particularly squeamish to watch).

‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon
Steel cage match
St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (February 1999)

Stone Cold and Vince McMahon brought their legendary feud to a head inside the steel cage. One has to really respect Vince McMahon for being willing to compete in a match (How many bosses would do that) and to take sick bumps, such as going through an announce table.

The Rock vs. Mankind
Last Man Standing match for WWE championship
St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

This match was extremely entertaining and hilarious to watch clips of (The Rock doing color commentary on his own match, for instance, or singing a song for the crowd). The double count-out ending was a bit of a rip off.

Shane McMahon vs. X-Pac
European Championship
Wrestlemania XV (March 1999)

This match being on the video is questionable, since there are other moments from Wrestlemania XV that people remember even more (Rock vs. Austin, for instance). However, this match does have some good stuff, namely the usage of the weight belt for whipping by both men and the surprise ending with Triple H turning on X-Pac.

Stone Cold vehicle moments
The most entertaining part of the video, as Stone Cold discusses about his most memorable vehicle assaults on WWE. These include the zamboni from which he launched an attack on Vince McMahon, the monster truck he used to destroy The Rock’s car and, of course, the beer truck.

Edge & Christian vs. the Hardy Boys
Ladder match,Terri Invitational finals
No Mercy (October 1999)

Match of the year for many in 1999 that set a new standard for ladder matches, as two (then) up and coming tag teams put on a show to remember, with many sick bumps and an awful lot of heart and passion. If it seems stale today, that’s because a thousand and one ladder matches involving these guys and others have followed since then.

Eve of Destruction sets the clips of the various matches a cavalcade of rock, alternate rock, metal and rap music, although I cannot name many of the songs because they’re mostly forgettable (One notable exception is “Gain” by Virgo Merlot, which plays over the clips of the Hell in a Cell). The clips are also dispersed throughout by interviews from various superstars involved. All of them stay in character, seemingly walking the line between their wrestling personas and real-life personas. Few of them give anything insightful to their matches or their mindsets at the time, with little said beyond a superficial extent (Example: Someone might say “Yeah, it was cool when The Rock did that” or “I was stunned when Foley fell off the top of the cell”). Foley gives the best comments to set up and show what he can remember about his attitude and feelings toward Hell in a Cell, although those same comments are also said in his book Have a Nice Day. The teams involved in the No Mercy ladder match also say some good stuff, although it is pretty much regurgitated in the later video Tables, Ladders and Chairs (Ironically, the comment that sticks out the most for them is one that Foley gave them after their match).

1999, in hindsight, was somewhat of an overrated year for pro-wrestling. Entertainment wise there was plenty to have, but the wrestling quality of WWF/E improved drastically in 2000 and 2001, mainly due to the roster becoming deeper, more balanced and diverse. The storylines may not have been more memorable and what not, but WWE’s fans began to feel that they were getting more for their money, thanks to the departure of Vince Russo. Then again, I only really started becoming a wrestling fan later in 1999, so I probably have a soft spot for the years that came after. The current product is certainly inferior to what came before it.

Eve of Destruction is nothing to take too seriously: It is not a complete and thorough coverage of WWE’s best moments (At least up to when the video came out). However, it provides a decent way to wile away a rainy day (Like is going on where I live right now!) Don’t expect much more then that and you’ll be fine.

Before the start of the video, several promo spots are given for other WWF videos. One they advertise that I especially recommend is the 2000 Royal Rumble pay-per view, which includes a very memorable table match between the Hardy Boys and the Dudley Boys (That, also, led to many more similar matches), a brutal street fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack that still remains one of my greatest memories of wrestling and an entertaining Royal Rumble that saw The Rock win in a controversial fashion.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day