by Logan Scisco
We kick off our
next round of reviews by covering the 1998 season of Monday Night Raw. 1998 is when the WWF finally turned the
Monday Night Wars in its favor and began the process of grinding WCW to dust
(assisted by poor WCW booking patterns and the AOL-Time Warner merger). The year saw the creation of new stars, the
continuation of a more mature product, and Steve Austin solidify himself as one
of the greatest WWF stars of all-time.
next round of reviews by covering the 1998 season of Monday Night Raw. 1998 is when the WWF finally turned the
Monday Night Wars in its favor and began the process of grinding WCW to dust
(assisted by poor WCW booking patterns and the AOL-Time Warner merger). The year saw the creation of new stars, the
continuation of a more mature product, and Steve Austin solidify himself as one
of the greatest WWF stars of all-time.
I’ve also decided
to modify my rating style for this set of reviews. I don’t like doing star ratings for TV events
because of the length of the matches, so when I review the pay-per-views I’ll
revert to the star rating, but for the TV shows I’m going to do an average
point system. If a match or lengthy interview
segment is worthwhile, it will receive a point.
Otherwise, it won’t. I hope that
this can better clarify the good and bad elements of a show. If everyone hates it I can revert to stars, but
that’s my logic.
to modify my rating style for this set of reviews. I don’t like doing star ratings for TV events
because of the length of the matches, so when I review the pay-per-views I’ll
revert to the star rating, but for the TV shows I’m going to do an average
point system. If a match or lengthy interview
segment is worthwhile, it will receive a point.
Otherwise, it won’t. I hope that
this can better clarify the good and bad elements of a show. If everyone hates it I can revert to stars, but
that’s my logic.
–The show begins
with Steve Austin in the parking lot talking about how everyone in the locker
room wants to get him and he sent them a “3:16” message on their pagers. He encourages the audience to watch tonight’s
show where he will strike first at everyone that is out to get him.
with Steve Austin in the parking lot talking about how everyone in the locker
room wants to get him and he sent them a “3:16” message on their pagers. He encourages the audience to watch tonight’s
show where he will strike first at everyone that is out to get him.
–Jim Ross, Michael
Cole, and Kevin Kelly are in the booth and they are live from New Haven,
Connecticut.
Cole, and Kevin Kelly are in the booth and they are live from New Haven,
Connecticut.
–Opening
Contest: Ken Shamrock beats Faarooq
(w/Kama Mustafa & D-Lo Brown) via submission to the ankle lock at 5:02
shown:
Contest: Ken Shamrock beats Faarooq
(w/Kama Mustafa & D-Lo Brown) via submission to the ankle lock at 5:02
shown:
This match has some back story because Faarooq injured
Shamrock in the first round of the Intercontinental title tournament back in
September. The Rock also volunteered
Faarooq to take on Shamrock in his contest on last week’s show. During the match, Ross keeps hyping Shamrock
as a future WWF champion. Faarooq works
the ribs and the Rock comes down to ringside shortly before the commercial
break. The Rock tries to direct
interference whereby Kama will hold a chair in the corner so that Shamrock can
be whipped into it, but heel miscommunication results and Shamrock wins to go
three-for-three against the Nation.
Shamrock had some good selling in this match, but the match never worked
up a consistent pace. 0 of 1
Shamrock in the first round of the Intercontinental title tournament back in
September. The Rock also volunteered
Faarooq to take on Shamrock in his contest on last week’s show. During the match, Ross keeps hyping Shamrock
as a future WWF champion. Faarooq works
the ribs and the Rock comes down to ringside shortly before the commercial
break. The Rock tries to direct
interference whereby Kama will hold a chair in the corner so that Shamrock can
be whipped into it, but heel miscommunication results and Shamrock wins to go
three-for-three against the Nation.
Shamrock had some good selling in this match, but the match never worked
up a consistent pace. 0 of 1
–After the match,
Faarooq argues with Kama on the floor as the Rock and Shamrock stare each other
down in the ring. Before they can do
anything, though, Steve Austin runs out and gives each of them a Stone Cold
Stunner before exiting through the crowd.
Faarooq argues with Kama on the floor as the Rock and Shamrock stare each other
down in the ring. Before they can do
anything, though, Steve Austin runs out and gives each of them a Stone Cold
Stunner before exiting through the crowd.
–Jim Cornette comes
out with Howard Brody and Dennis Coralluzzo of the National Wrestling Alliance
(NWA). Cornette announces that both men
will award the NWA North American championship to the winner of our next match.
out with Howard Brody and Dennis Coralluzzo of the National Wrestling Alliance
(NWA). Cornette announces that both men
will award the NWA North American championship to the winner of our next match.
–NWA North
American Championship Match: Jeff
Jarrett defeats Barry Windham to win the title at 3:34:
American Championship Match: Jeff
Jarrett defeats Barry Windham to win the title at 3:34:
The North American championship was a real NWA title and
it was the second most prominent title in the promotion. Reckless Youth (remember him?) was the
previous champion, but the NWA vacated the title in December 1997 for use in
this angle. Cornette educates the
audience about the NWA on commentary, but Cole has to ask him if it is a bogus
promotion to show off his stupidity. Windham
uses his size and power to dominate much of the match, but Jarrett puts his
foot on the bottom rope to avoid being pinned after a lariat. After that, Coralluzzo distracts the referee
and as Windham prepares to give Jarrett a superplex, Cornette runs into the
ring and hits him in the back with his tennis racket. Windham manages to complete the move, but is
knocked out and Jarrett pins him to win the title. 1 of 2
it was the second most prominent title in the promotion. Reckless Youth (remember him?) was the
previous champion, but the NWA vacated the title in December 1997 for use in
this angle. Cornette educates the
audience about the NWA on commentary, but Cole has to ask him if it is a bogus
promotion to show off his stupidity. Windham
uses his size and power to dominate much of the match, but Jarrett puts his
foot on the bottom rope to avoid being pinned after a lariat. After that, Coralluzzo distracts the referee
and as Windham prepares to give Jarrett a superplex, Cornette runs into the
ring and hits him in the back with his tennis racket. Windham manages to complete the move, but is
knocked out and Jarrett pins him to win the title. 1 of 2
–After the match,
Jarrett struts around with his new title, but Steve Austin runs out and gives
him a Stone Cold Stunner.
Jarrett struts around with his new title, but Steve Austin runs out and gives
him a Stone Cold Stunner.
–The announce team
proceeds to break down the house show circuit.
proceeds to break down the house show circuit.
–Ken Shamrock tells
the announce team that he would love for the Royal Rumble to come down between
him and Austin.
the announce team that he would love for the Royal Rumble to come down between
him and Austin.
–Sunny comes out in
a schoolgirl outfit to do guest ring announcing duties for our next match.
a schoolgirl outfit to do guest ring announcing duties for our next match.
– Skull &
8-Ball defeat Sniper & Recon (w/The Jackyl) when Skull pins Recon with a
DDT at 3:39:
8-Ball defeat Sniper & Recon (w/The Jackyl) when Skull pins Recon with a
DDT at 3:39:
If you were expecting a wrestling classic, you can forget
it here, but since the time on it is short it’s a tolerable matchup. The Jackyl keeps laughing when Recon misses
big moves, justifying his behavior by saying that Recon is just trying to be a
star. The Disciples of Apocalypse end
this out of nowhere after all hell breaks loose after the hot tag. Speaking of nowhere, this feud is headed
there, but that’s because the booking team has no idea what they want to get
out of either team. 1 of 3
it here, but since the time on it is short it’s a tolerable matchup. The Jackyl keeps laughing when Recon misses
big moves, justifying his behavior by saying that Recon is just trying to be a
star. The Disciples of Apocalypse end
this out of nowhere after all hell breaks loose after the hot tag. Speaking of nowhere, this feud is headed
there, but that’s because the booking team has no idea what they want to get
out of either team. 1 of 3
–After the match,
Kurrgan comes out and a three-on-two beatdown commences, which allows Kurrgan
to show off his size and strength.
Kurrgan comes out and a three-on-two beatdown commences, which allows Kurrgan
to show off his size and strength.
–The Twix Rewind
segment is the Undertaker helping Kane clear the ring of the superstars that
tried to attack him on last week’s Raw.
segment is the Undertaker helping Kane clear the ring of the superstars that
tried to attack him on last week’s Raw.
–D-Generation X
comes out. Chyna is pushing Triple H in
a wheelchair because he has suffered a dislocated knee cap that might require
surgery. Triple H brags about costing
Owen Hart the WWF title last week and he dares Owen to come out and face
him. Owen appears on the Titantron and
lets Triple H know that when his right knee heals he is going to destroy his
left one. Owen tries to sell the “blackheart”
element of his character, claiming that he has no conscience and feels no pain,
but the result is a corny promo that Triple H mocks before ending the segment. 1 of 4
comes out. Chyna is pushing Triple H in
a wheelchair because he has suffered a dislocated knee cap that might require
surgery. Triple H brags about costing
Owen Hart the WWF title last week and he dares Owen to come out and face
him. Owen appears on the Titantron and
lets Triple H know that when his right knee heals he is going to destroy his
left one. Owen tries to sell the “blackheart”
element of his character, claiming that he has no conscience and feels no pain,
but the result is a corny promo that Triple H mocks before ending the segment. 1 of 4
–The 1-800-COLLECT
Slam of the Week is Vader hitting a moonsault on a jobber on Shotgun Saturday
Night.
Slam of the Week is Vader hitting a moonsault on a jobber on Shotgun Saturday
Night.
–We get another
recap of Steve Austin’s rampage on tonight’s show.
recap of Steve Austin’s rampage on tonight’s show.
–Since we are in
hour two, Jim Ross and Jerry “the King” Lawler take over announcing duties.
hour two, Jim Ross and Jerry “the King” Lawler take over announcing duties.
–Owen Hart beats
Savio Vega (w/Los Boricuas) with a rollup at 4:05:
Savio Vega (w/Los Boricuas) with a rollup at 4:05:
Owen starts this like a Steve Austin match, aggressively
going after Savio and incorporating a Lou Thesz press in the early going. It doesn’t take long for D-Generation X to
appear by the entrance and that gives Savio an opportunity to turn the
tide. The Boricuas also assist Savio in maintaining
the advantage, but this leads to another referee coming out and ejecting them. However, this doesn’t happen quickly enough
and Savio is able to get out of a Sharpshooter when Jose tries to get into the
ring. Owen still wins with a rollup shortly
thereafter. Lackluster matchup and Owen’s
in-ring style does not really fit this hard edged character that they want him
to play. 1 of 5
going after Savio and incorporating a Lou Thesz press in the early going. It doesn’t take long for D-Generation X to
appear by the entrance and that gives Savio an opportunity to turn the
tide. The Boricuas also assist Savio in maintaining
the advantage, but this leads to another referee coming out and ejecting them. However, this doesn’t happen quickly enough
and Savio is able to get out of a Sharpshooter when Jose tries to get into the
ring. Owen still wins with a rollup shortly
thereafter. Lackluster matchup and Owen’s
in-ring style does not really fit this hard edged character that they want him
to play. 1 of 5
–After the match,
Owen tries to go after Triple H, but the Boricuas attack him and then bring him
to Triple H to slap around. They make
sure to collect their payment before leaving.
Owen tries to go after Triple H, but the Boricuas attack him and then bring him
to Triple H to slap around. They make
sure to collect their payment before leaving.
–Paul Bearer comes
out looking disheveled and he tells the Undertaker that he hopes he loses to
Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble. The
storyline here is that Kane has left Bearer after last week’s events, so Bearer
is freaking out. He begs Kane to come
home before leaving in despair. Really
nice promo to continue the slow burn for this angle. 2 of 6
out looking disheveled and he tells the Undertaker that he hopes he loses to
Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble. The
storyline here is that Kane has left Bearer after last week’s events, so Bearer
is freaking out. He begs Kane to come
home before leaving in despair. Really
nice promo to continue the slow burn for this angle. 2 of 6
–Backstage, Austin
is shown leaving a locker room and Mark Henry is shown in pain on the
floor. So Austin has attacked another
victim.
is shown leaving a locker room and Mark Henry is shown in pain on the
floor. So Austin has attacked another
victim.
–A video package
recaps Marc Mero’s treatment of Sable and Tom Brandi’s intervention on her
behalf.
recaps Marc Mero’s treatment of Sable and Tom Brandi’s intervention on her
behalf.
–“Marvelous” Marc
Mero (w/Sable) beats Tom Brandi by disqualification when Steve Austin
interferes at 3:47:
Mero (w/Sable) beats Tom Brandi by disqualification when Steve Austin
interferes at 3:47:
Why is this match not happening at the Royal Rumble? Seems like easy midcard fodder for that show
instead of throwing it on Raw. The crowd
works up a loud “Sable” chant when Mero hides behind his valet when Brandi
charges after him at the beginning of the contest. Mero gets knocked out of the ring and falls
on top of Sable, but when Brandi goes to help her he gets a double axe
handle. Mero hits a TKO, but when he
goes for another Steve Austin runs in and gives Mero a Stunner. The crowd comes unglued for that and that was
because of Mero’s display of carelessness for Sable that occurred throughout
the match. 3 of 7
instead of throwing it on Raw. The crowd
works up a loud “Sable” chant when Mero hides behind his valet when Brandi
charges after him at the beginning of the contest. Mero gets knocked out of the ring and falls
on top of Sable, but when Brandi goes to help her he gets a double axe
handle. Mero hits a TKO, but when he
goes for another Steve Austin runs in and gives Mero a Stunner. The crowd comes unglued for that and that was
because of Mero’s display of carelessness for Sable that occurred throughout
the match. 3 of 7
–Call
1-900-737-4WWF to find out what old NWA stars Jim Cornette is recruiting and
hear who is attending the WWF’s training camp!
1-900-737-4WWF to find out what old NWA stars Jim Cornette is recruiting and
hear who is attending the WWF’s training camp!
–We get ANOTHER
recap of Steve Austin’s rampage. Do we
need to hit back to this every time come back from commercial?
recap of Steve Austin’s rampage. Do we
need to hit back to this every time come back from commercial?
–Flash Funk
defeats The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust (w/Luna Vachon) by
disqualification when Luna interferes at 2:32:
defeats The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust (w/Luna Vachon) by
disqualification when Luna interferes at 2:32:
Goldust comes out in blackface and an afro, showcasing a
70s persona in his latest display of weirdness.
I’m surprised that the WWF signed off on this in 1998, but you can bet
that they would never do it today after going public. Flash nearly wins after a spinning heel kick,
but Luna pushes him off the top rope when he tries to the Tumbleweed in plain
view of the referee and costs her man the match. The short length of the contest prevented
some of Goldust’s traditional stalling and that helped it significantly. 4 of 8
70s persona in his latest display of weirdness.
I’m surprised that the WWF signed off on this in 1998, but you can bet
that they would never do it today after going public. Flash nearly wins after a spinning heel kick,
but Luna pushes him off the top rope when he tries to the Tumbleweed in plain
view of the referee and costs her man the match. The short length of the contest prevented
some of Goldust’s traditional stalling and that helped it significantly. 4 of 8
–After the bell,
Goldust hits the Curtain Call but Vader runs out and Goldust flees.
Goldust hits the Curtain Call but Vader runs out and Goldust flees.
–A video package
hypes Steve Blackman.
hypes Steve Blackman.
–Call
1-900-RUMBLE-98 to register yourself in the Steve Austin pickup truck
contest! It’ll cost you $1.99 or you can
send a postcard to Devon, Pennsylvania.
1-900-RUMBLE-98 to register yourself in the Steve Austin pickup truck
contest! It’ll cost you $1.99 or you can
send a postcard to Devon, Pennsylvania.
–Last week’s reveal
of Chainsaw Charlie is shown.
of Chainsaw Charlie is shown.
–The Headbangers
appearance on Regis and Kathie Lee is shown.
These guys got sent out on a lot of the WWF’s public relations work at
this time despite doing squat in the ring.
appearance on Regis and Kathie Lee is shown.
These guys got sent out on a lot of the WWF’s public relations work at
this time despite doing squat in the ring.
–Non-Title
Match: The New Age Outlaws (WWF Tag Team
Champions) beat The Headbangers when Billy Gunn pins Mosh after a face
miscommunication at 4:58:
Match: The New Age Outlaws (WWF Tag Team
Champions) beat The Headbangers when Billy Gunn pins Mosh after a face
miscommunication at 4:58:
This match proceeds nicely, with both teams exchanging
double team maneuvers. The Godwinns
appear by the entrance, apparently scouting the Outlaws for a tag team title
shot that they are owed. Thrasher and
the Road Dogg give each other simultaneous low blows when they dropkick each
other at the same time. This cues the
hot tag and all hell breaking loose, but the Headbangers blow a Stage Dive
attempt when Thrasher jumps too early for the flying leg drop and Gunn rolls up
Mosh for a clean win. This had a creative
finish that solidified the credibility of the Outlaws. The loss cements the Headbangers status as
one of the lower ranked teams in the division.
5 of 9
double team maneuvers. The Godwinns
appear by the entrance, apparently scouting the Outlaws for a tag team title
shot that they are owed. Thrasher and
the Road Dogg give each other simultaneous low blows when they dropkick each
other at the same time. This cues the
hot tag and all hell breaking loose, but the Headbangers blow a Stage Dive
attempt when Thrasher jumps too early for the flying leg drop and Gunn rolls up
Mosh for a clean win. This had a creative
finish that solidified the credibility of the Outlaws. The loss cements the Headbangers status as
one of the lower ranked teams in the division.
5 of 9
-After the match,
Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie run out and the Outlaws walk back to the
locker room.
Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie run out and the Outlaws walk back to the
locker room.
–Don King hypes
WrestleMania XIV, but says that his contract negotiation with Vince McMahon to
make Mike Tyson a part of it has not been finished. It’s close, though!
WrestleMania XIV, but says that his contract negotiation with Vince McMahon to
make Mike Tyson a part of it has not been finished. It’s close, though!
–Footage of the
Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker is shown in
order to hype the Shawn Michaels-Undertaker title match at the Royal Rumble.
Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker is shown in
order to hype the Shawn Michaels-Undertaker title match at the Royal Rumble.
–WWF Champion Shawn
Michaels comes out and says that he will show the Undertaker is a loser at the
Royal Rumble. He calls out the
Undertaker and druids wheel out a casket.
The casket is covered in graffiti like last week and Michaels calls for
Triple H and Chyna to get out of it. No
response happens so Michaels continues his juvenile antics. Triple H and Chyna then come out on the ramp
and warn Michaels that they are not in it and before Michaels can put two and
two together, the Undertaker bursts out of the casket and pulls Michaels inside
as we go off the air. AWESOME closing
segment, even if it was predictable. 6 of 10
Michaels comes out and says that he will show the Undertaker is a loser at the
Royal Rumble. He calls out the
Undertaker and druids wheel out a casket.
The casket is covered in graffiti like last week and Michaels calls for
Triple H and Chyna to get out of it. No
response happens so Michaels continues his juvenile antics. Triple H and Chyna then come out on the ramp
and warn Michaels that they are not in it and before Michaels can put two and
two together, the Undertaker bursts out of the casket and pulls Michaels inside
as we go off the air. AWESOME closing
segment, even if it was predictable. 6 of 10
The Final Report Card: The first show of 1998 started pretty rough,
but the second hour was full of fun segments and matches so that barely saves
the show with a 6/10 rating. Austin’s victory
at the Rumble was very obvious, but at least the WWF booked it in an
entertaining way that placed him on the perfect trajectory to challenge for the
title at WrestleMania.
but the second hour was full of fun segments and matches so that barely saves
the show with a 6/10 rating. Austin’s victory
at the Rumble was very obvious, but at least the WWF booked it in an
entertaining way that placed him on the perfect trajectory to challenge for the
title at WrestleMania.
Monday Night War Rating: 3.3 (vs. 4.3 for Nitro)
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Up