This past Monday on Raw, the main event was John Cena taking on Daniel Bryan. Seeing this match brought back memories of the WWE Velocity days. What do I mean, you might ask? Well, it just so happens that Cena and Bryan are the vocal points of today’s “Remember When”.
Do you remember when John Cena and Daniel Bryan faced each other on Velocity?
Velocity was a low midcard show for Smackdown back in 2002-2006. It mostly featured the underused talent. It was pretty much like what Superstars and NXT are today. Back in February 2003 John Cena was in the midst of his Dr. of Thuganomics gimmick. He had a match at Velocity against a local jobber named Bryan Danielson. On the show, Bryan was billed from Philadelphia even though he’s actually from Washington. I think it was because he was Wrestling for ROH at the time and I believe ROH held most of their shows in Philly.
Anyway The match itself was actually pretty good for a match that was under 4 minutes. John did OK and Bryan definitely held his own against the good doctor. After watching this match, I was surprised that DB wasn’t added to the WWE roster as part of the cruiserweight division. I think he would have added something to it, plus matches with him and Rey Mysterio, Billy Kidman, Tajiri, etc. would’ve been great.
Does it compare to the match they had on Raw last Monday? I don’t think it does given that both guys are now main eventers, are former World Champions, and have a lot more experience. Both of them have definitely come a long way since 2003. I wonder if even they remember that match from Velocity.
2003- Dr. Thuganomics vs. The American Dragon
2012- The Face of WWE vs. The Goat Face of WWE
Y U leave out beautiful banner? lol.
I remember it well, I always watched velocity. It aired on Saturday mornings here if I remember correctly.
Bryan certainly would remember that match as it was his WWE debut. I’m not sure why Danielson was not added to the roster, perhaps he was too small but as you said he could of been a cruiserweight.
It’s funny how much both men have come since 2003.
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Cena needs to go back to wearing those pants. lol
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Reminds me of that Ricky from ECW guy’s pants. You know, the one with the towel and annoying face.
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Ricky O-Riley?
In OVW, he used to go by the name of Atlas DeBone. He actually had an odd charisma.
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No, Ortiz.
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Ricky Ortiz was Atlas DeBone/Ricky O’Riley in OVW. Lets not forget Atlas Ortiz.
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Yeah, Ortiz! It was the “O-Rally Towel” he carried!
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Ah, I see. Hey, this was like two “DYRW’s” in one.
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*In Damien Sandow voice* You’re welcome
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*does cartwheel*
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