WWE: Getting Rowdy: The Unreleased Matches of Roddy Piper (DVD)

You know, when I initially saw the match listing for this Roddy Piper "Unreleased" DVD set, I was really disappointed--because the content just seemed lackluster and uninspiring. Unlike the "Unreleased: Never Before Seen Matches 1986-1995," the current "Unreleased" series seems to have quickly morphed from truly "unreleased" and unseen dark matches to a combination of dark matches and matches that haven't previously been released on DVD. But at least with the Macho Man Randy Savage "Unreleased" set, there was a decent amount of dark matches to counterbalance the other footage. This Piper DVD, however, appeared to contain two truly "Unreleased" pieces of video in the collection, and upon my initial assessment, this set appeared to be an instant disappointment.I knew Roddy Piper, and that brief friendship back in 2001 meant a lot to me during an extremely difficult period of life; Roddy was very good to me, and in the interim, whenever I came to an event or appearance, he treated me like gold. Roddy's death broke my heart--and his loss still saddens me to this day to be honest. I never really publicly discussed the friendship with Roddy and the circumstances that caused us to meet, but I felt strongly enough about Roddy's loss to discuss our brief past in the preface of my last comedy novel--a book that was also dedicated to Roddy's memory. And after his death, it took me a long time before I could watch any of Roddy's work again. So all that said, with really only one truly "unreleased" dark match on this "Unreleased" collection being of personal interest, I still had to buy the set--hoping that perhaps it would exceed my expectations. And quite frankly, it most definitely did exceed those expectations--pretty much instantly.Before purchasing, along with the lack of actual "Unreleased" footage, I was also concerned that this set was somehow going to turn into a vehicle for Ronda Rousey; thankfully, this was not the case, and while the Rousey segments were kind of lengthy at times, they were tastefully and respectfully done, and you can tell Rousey's love for Roddy is genuine.The format for this collection was much better than the silly round table discussion on the Macho Man "Unreleased" set wherein the only tolerable, credible and respectable member of said discussion was Sean Mooney.Again, most of the footage on this "Unreleased" Roddy Piper collection previously aired or could be seen elsewhere if you look hard enough--but overall, the content for Disc One is still gold, and the matches and promos selected are all stellar. (More on Disc 2 later...) The promos, especially the one regional promo featuring Piper and a garbage can, really exemplify the magic that was Roddy Piper.And realistically, while again, there is only one previously unseen dark match in this collection, perusing a few databases of comprehensive match listings for this era in the WWF, there actually weren't many Piper dark matches that hadn't already been released on other "Unreleased" sets. In fact, as much as I was initially disappointed in the lack of dark matches, looking around online for a few minutes made me understand why the truly "Unreleased" content was scant: there weren't many other dark matches for Piper that we haven't seen elsewhere and no unique match combinations of matches we haven't seen before either ... you know, like something on the lines of a Hulk Hogan vs Jake Roberts kind of thing.However, here are a few selections that I wish had been included in this set.--The Roddy Piper "For Everybody" video from the 1985 "Wrestling Album." This seems like a given for this DVD set, and the idea that this video for Piper's iconic (albeit censored) cover of this song wasn't included is kind of inconceivable. The video featured Piper signing in a night club, and this seems to be a missing gem in the realm of WWF footage.--Piper & Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff & Cowboy Bob Orton from late 1986.--Piper vs. The Undertaker. This match seems to have mainly taken place on the house show circuit during The Undertaker's initial heel run.--Piper vs. Ric Flair Steel Cage Match. This is the match where Piper wins and leaves with both belts--and a match that was documented with photos a select few times in WWF publications--including the Roddy Piper memorial magazine. (A fancam of this match exists, but the quality is pretty bad.)--Piper vs Randy Savage. This very brief series took place during the summer 1989 and was covered in some of the Apter magazines--including a cover story. Additionally or alternatively, one of the Piper vs. Savage IC title matches from late 1986 would have been nice as well.--Piper vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts. This match was advertised on the front cover of the Coliseum video release, The 1992 Battle of the WWF Superstars--but the match was not included in the video and the match has never surfaced since. This match would have been a fun addition .. .especially considering it would prove to be the only released WWF singles match between Piper and Roberts.--In the realm of already seen footage, I wish they would have included more of Piper's brilliant work during his brief pairing with Sean O'Haire during his "Devil's Advocate" gimmick.The one truly "Unreleased" dark match on this DVD features Piper vs. Mr. Perfect. Now, the Piper-Perfect feud was, if memory serves me correct, mainly a house show and dark match feud--with matches surfacing on Coliseum Video and on broadcasts of arena shows. Despite the fact that all of Piper-Perfect matches were basically the same, these matches were, in my opinion at least, some of the best for both guys, and this unreleased match is a refreshing variation of their normal match with a surprise ending that was really fun to see. For me at least, the DVD was worth buying simply for this match alone.The DVD set also includes an "Unreleased" Piper's Pit featuring The Brooklyn Brawler--which is variation of the same Piper's Pit segment that was previously included on "Unreleased: Never Before Seen Matches 1986-1995."On the negative side ... here we go with Disc 2 ... which is kind of inferior when juxtaposed with Disc One, but because of the content on Disc One, and the WWF footage on Disc 2, I stand by my five star rating.Disc Two pretty much consists of WCW footage and sporadic WWE appearances from 2003-2014. Personally, I would have rather seen more classic WWF footage--even previously seen footage--from the 1985-1995 period versus anything from WCW ... especially considering that the WCW match selections were sub-par at best--with typical, nonsensical, formulaic finishes typical of WCW from that era. And I definitely could have done without Piper's Pits with John Cena, Rusev, Ryback and Daniel Bryan. But it's interesting to see these recent segments in a back-to-back kind order because they really exemplify the cookie-cutter and formulaic nature of WWE programming--wherein each segment looks and feels the same and seems to be executed and presented in the identical fashion. Seeing these semi-recent segments back-to-back is really a testament to how poor, redundant, sophomoric and predictable WWE programming has become; and at the same time, seeing the classic Piper segments is a real testament to the individuality and magic of not just the 80s and 90s eras in wrestling--but a testament to the magical genius of Roddy Piper who could make you believe what he was saying ... even when he was talking to a garbage can--something that none of the contemporaneous WWE roster can successfully achieve while working with living, breathing people.

Looks great!

Five stars just because it’s Roddy Piper. Most of the matches are WWF house show matches recorded for TV but never aired. The title “Unreleased” is a little flexible, because the true gems here are the matches that aired on Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling in the early 80s. The archive interviews with Roddy are cool to see, but I wish they had interviewed more people than just Ronda Rousey sharing their memories of Roddy. There are some Piper’s Pit segments, which really shows Roddy in his element. He was by far the best wrestler on the mic. If you’re a die hard fan, I highly recommend it. If you’re a new fan, I would suggest picking up the “Born to Controversy” set instead.

Many of the matches on this DVD set of Roddy Piper I watched for the first time which was neat.The DVD started out with a Piper match from the early 80's and progressed to his last Piper's Pit in the 2010's.His story was well told but there was a little too much of Ronda Rousey in my opinion. I would have preferred to listen more to the opinions of his peers from the 1980's.Overall still an enjoyable DVD set featuring an all-time legend and honestly this could've been a 3-disc set with more matches from the 80's but we got what we got and I am fine with it

Great dvd about Rowdy Roddy. A fun character who made wrestling seem real. Not many like him left. R i P to R Piper

What's not to like about Rowdy Roddy Piper: charismatic, entertainer, smiler and sweet. One of those wrestler that are present for years and have to retire because of age. Watching this video felt like he is still around. Thank you Piper for the memories.

Excellent brand spanking new DVD! Hot Rod!

Always a fun watch!

My wife loves it

roddy piper a legend of the wrestling worldsome great unseen matches; promos and pipers pit's on 2 disksa great watch of the late great legend

I’ve been a fan of Roddy Piper since I first saw him at wrestle mania one. His first DVD was great. This was just a filler of old house WWF matches that weren’t that entertaining and seemed more focused in promoting Rowdy Rhonda Rousey who talks about Roddy a lot on this 2 disc DVD set. If you’re a fan I’d pass on this DVD and instead buy Born To Controversy DVD which was very well done. That said as fan I couldn’t give this any less than 3 as there is and was only ONE Rowdy Roddy Piper.

This was a great DVD, it had matches, Moments, classic stuff and stuff from 2015 before he died. I thought this dvd was great, it had matches from the '80's and 90's and then it had a few from when you came back during 2003-2006 period. I highly recommend this DVD for all the Rowdy Roddy Piper fans out there!!

A great dvd with unreleased matches and moments of the great Hot rod Rowdy Roddy Piper!