Review for WWE Tagged Classics: Action! and Hardcore

I love the Tagged Classics series, they are usually a nice trip down memory lane and a look at a particular superstar or theme. This set is a little odd as there doesn't appear to be any link between them. Action! is essentially a Year 2001 in Review disk and Hardcore is a look at the Hardcore style in WWE. I can't see the connection, but that is not to say this is a bad set.

WWE Action! covers the year 2001 in WWE and yes that means we get to relive the misfire that was Stone Cold's heel turn and all the wasted opportunity that was The Invasion. However, there is a silver lining to all this. The Rock and Austin are great for the most part and of course watching Austin singing to McMahon is still as hilarious as ever. We also get a look at Trish Stratus (man I miss Trish!) and also at Stephanie McMahon looking as hot as ever.

The disk also includes seven matches that feature the likes of Stone Cold, The Rock, Triple H, Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho. All are great and help support the main feature. WWE Action! is a nice overview of 2001 and certainly a nice trip down memory lane.

Hardcore is hosted by Mick Foley, the first Hardcore champion and really the only person who could host this type of disk. The disk shows highlights from the 'hardcore style' of WWE. Now those expecting the blood and gore of ECW will be disappointed as WWE's idea of hardcore was the use of everything including the kitchen sink and was never really taken seriously.

It covers the major hardcore performers including Big Bossman, Al Snow, Hardcore Holly and Crash Holly. With Crash Holly, we also look at the 24/7 rule. This basically meant that the champion had to defend the title 24/7 and all you needed was a referee to count the pinfall. This lead to ridiculous encounters with matches occuring in airport lounges, bars and even in an amusement park. Because of this rule in the five years that the title was active there were 229 reigns (in comparison the WWE title has only had 107 since 1963!!!??) and the title was never taken seriously. Compared to the brutal matches by ECW, anything WWE labelled 'hardcore' geneerally felt gimmicky and a little silly. But that's not to say it wasn't enjoyable.

Included on the set are a number of clips highlighting the 24/7 antics and a number of matches. These include not one, not two, not three, but four featuring Steve Blackman. Who? He... Erm... Nevermind! The highlight is definitely a match between Raven and The Undertaker. It's a shame that this wasn't the ECW Raven from 1997 as that match would have been even better.

WWE Tagged Classics: Action! and Hardcore is an interesting set and though I don't think the two go together that is not to say that they are not enjoyable to watch. I wouldn't say they were exactly 'must have' buys, but if you want a little nostalgia of the WWE Attitude era then this is a great set for you.