December 26, 1993
From the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield, MA
Your hosts are Jim Ross and Gorilla Monsoon
Steiner Brothers vs. Mike Bell & The Executioner
Ross talks about both Steiner brothers being part of the Royal Rumble match as Scott works over Bell to start. The Executioner boots Scott from the apron but Scott still manages to hit Bell with an overhead suplex. Gorilla says that Bell was a former bartender and bouncer then played “organized” baseball for nine years as Rick tags in and hits a clothesline. The Executioner is now in as Scott presses him over his head for a slam then uses a powerbomb before the Frankensteiner gets the win (2:53).
Thoughts: Another win for The Steiners as they are still being pushed to eventually defeat The Quebecers for the Tag Team Titles despite the fact the Hart Brothers are getting the title shot at the PPV. And, like we saw on “Superstars,” once again the announcers kept giving backstories on the enhancement talent although they came off as phony whether they were or not in how the lines were delivered.
WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. We are told of Bret & Owen teaming up to face The Quebecers at the Royal Rumble for the Tag Team Titles as Lord Alfred is appalled at the “stupid gullibility ” and “naive innocence” from Owen as the Tag Team Titles are blinding him of his brother Bret’s greed.
Crush w/ Mr. Fuji vs. Mike Davis
Crush chops down Davis as what appears to be a mild “Fuji Sucks” chant breaks out from the crowd. Its a miracle that Fuji could even get something like mild heat at this point. Crush misses a corner splash then Davis follows with a pair of dropkicks. Crush catches Davis with a thrust kick then beats him down as the announcers talk about the stakes of the Royal Rumble match and the Yokozuna/Undertaker casket match. The announcers now talk about the Crush/Savage feud as Crush hits Davis with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for the win (3:20). After the match, Crush puts Davis in a head vice.
Thoughts: The announcers did not spend that much time on the Crush/Savage feud as they were talking about other things such as the Yokozuna vs. Undertaker match for the PPV.
We see some of the Ludvig Borga vs. Tatanka match from the 12/20 edition of “Monday Night RAW” then learn of Tatanka vs. Borga taking place at the PPV.
“The Rocket” Owen Hart vs. Paul Van Dale
If you haven’t heard before, Van Dale is the father of current WWE Superstar Carmella. Van Dale knocks Owen down but Owen fights back then works the leg. Owen stays in control then uses a Sharpshooter for the win (1:55).
Thoughts: Owen once again used the Sharpshooter as he once again acts similar to his brother Bret.
The Kwang video airs.
Lane welcomes IRS to the ring for an interview. IRS yells at the tax cheats in attendance to shut up and listen before talking about Razor losing the fool’s gold he wears around his neck. IRS then says Razor has a few screws loose after Shawn hit him with two Razor’s Edges on the floor. IRS is pissed over Lane’s accusation that he has the chain inside of his briefcase then refuses to open it up for us to see. IRS then promises to have all of Razor’s gold after the Rumble, prompting Lane to say he does then have the chain, then IRS gets even more pissed before leaving. They are really trying to get over the angle where IRS has Razor’s chain. Although, its pretty easy to see with Shawn looming in the background for Razor to feud over the IC Title that Razor will likely be retaining his title at the Rumble.
Royal Rumble Report airs.
Jeff Jarrett vs. Scott Taylor
Jarrett cheap shots Taylor after a break in the corner then skies him with a back drop. We then hear from Jarrett in an insert promo as he is going to prove to be the best wrestler in the WWF and how it will soon be the “Double J-F.” Gorilla says that Jarrett’s strut reminds him of Buddy Rogers as Taylor uses a hip toss and an arm drag before firing away in the corner. Jarrett then floats over and calls out Bret, Undertaker, and Savage while choking out Taylor then soon after that uses a running powerslam. Jarrett then drops an elbow but ducks his head and gets hit with an uppercut. Jarrett then catches Taylor with a punch in the gut and finishes him off with a jumping DDT (3:38). After the match, Jarrett tells the crowd he will not sing or dance for them until he changes this to the “Double J-F.”
Thoughts: For a new talent like Jarrett he sure did sell quite a bit for Taylor. Speaking of Taylor, he continues to impress in the enhancement talent role.
The “WWF Unbelievable” ad with Yokozuna as Santa Claus airs.
Next week in action are Tatanka, The Headshrinkers, Doink the Clown, Men on a Mission, and Shawn Michaels. Plus, a special interview with Yokozuna and more!
Final Thoughts: Again, not much happening here as all the big news revealed was previously seen on “Superstars.” With the most of the card already announced and just 12 more spots in the Rumble match left to fill we are going to find out the rest of the entrants in the coming weeks.