What the World Was Watching: WWF Monday Night RAW – October 18, 1993

Vince McMahon narrates a video package that likens Cold War summits to the one that will take place later tonight between Randy Savage and Crush.

McMahon, Bobby Heenan, and Savage are in the booth, live from Poughkeepsie, New York.

Opening Contest: The Steiner Brothers (36-1) defeat P.J. Walker & Tony DeVito when Scott pins DeVito after the Steinerizer at 3:07:

The comedy starts early as Howard Finkel announces the enhancement talents and McMahon immediately refers to Walker as “Cory Student” and keeps that going throughout the match. Normally that would be forgivable but Walker made some waves with an upset over Irwin R. Schyster several weeks ago. So an error like that should not happen. Walker is brave enough to take the Steiner Screwdriver, knocking him out of the match as Scott drags him to the corner and forces DeVito to tag in. The crowd reacted well to everything the Steiners did and this bout kept them strong for Survivor Series.

McMahon acknowledges Shawn Michaels’ suspension. This leads into a phone poll about whether WWF President Jack Tunney should lift it. Calls cost fans 99 cents per call. The hype is followed by a Face to Face bit where Diesel urges fans to vote in favor of Michaels because he is talented. Mr. Perfect urges fans to vote no because Michaels did not meet his contractual obligations.

Irwin R. Schyster (6-2) pins Scott Taylor after the Write Off at 3:29:

Even though IRS is feuding with Razor Ramon he did not meddle in last week’s Intercontinental title match. Now that Ramon has the title that would theoretically make IRS a top challenger. On his way to the ring, IRS threatens fans with time in Sing Sing prison if they do not pay their taxes. No mention is made of the Ramon-IRS feud as McMahon hypes USA Network’s showing of Pet Cemetery. The squash goes too long for what IRS is doing, something even he senses as he abandons the abdominal stretch spot near the ropes quickly and does the Write Off.

McMahon stops Heenan from using the company’s phone to vote in the Shawn Michaels poll.

Tatanka (35-0-3) pins Mike Sharpe after the Papoose to Go at 3:01:

Sharpe is one of Tatanka’s favorite whipping boys, losing twice to him this year and twice in 1992. Heenan brings up Savage’s controversial talk on Radio WWF about Hulk Hogan, leading Savage to argue that Hogan is a prima donna who thinks he is the messiah. He welcomes a summit with Hogan on RAW and argues that Hogan might be responsible for his problems with Crush. Savage popping off makes the match background noise but it is not like fans think Sharpe is going to break Tatanka’s streak. The last time Tatanka beat a quality opponent was Mr. Hughes on August 9.

Joe Fowler does the Survivor Series Report. No new matches are announced but the graphic for the Hart Family is funny as Keith’s picture appears to come from the 1970s and Bruce has a multi-colored headband that makes him look like a member of the Partridge Family. At the end of the segment, Fowler tells fans that Crush has arrived in the arena. Crush is shown at the entrance with Heenan. He has changed his look from clean shaven to a goatee.

Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Luna Vachon) (35-3-1) defeats Dennis Diamond after a slingshot splash at 3:00:

Heenan returns to the announce table, cutting an entertaining promo against Savage about how Crush is mad and he had better be prepared to go to the hospital. Some elements of the crowd chant for Doink the Clown as Bigelow tosses Diamond around the ring. As Bigelow goes to finish the match, McMahon informs viewers that 65% of callers do not want Shawn Michaels to return to the WWF.

Diesel begs viewers to call in so Shawn Michaels can be reinstated. He gives the “Yes” number for people to call if they do not want Michaels back in a funny bit. While Diesel had limitations in the ring at this point of his career tonight’s promos showed that he had charisma.

Heenan gets in the ring and welcomes Crush, who walks out with Mr. Fuji. Savage, who is sitting at the announce table, shakes his head. Crush argues that Savage became jealous of him when he became the better wrestler and Heenan and Fuji helped him “see the light.” He adds that Savage did not have his back when he wrestled Yokozuna months ago, allowing him to take several Banzai Drops because Savage wanted him out of the WWF. After Crush warns Savage to stay out of his way, Savage gets up and gets in the ring. He takes off his sunglasses to warn Crush that he is making a mistake listening to Heenan and Fuji. Savage offers to talk out their differences privately and urges Crush to shake his hand. Crush thinks it over, pushes Heenan away, and finally shakes hands with his mentor. A disappointed Heenan leaves the ring as Savage and Crush exit. Crush holds Savage’s hand up in the aisle but holds onto it to pull him into a clothesline. He drops Savage across the guardrail from a gorilla press position as WWF Champion Yokozuna and Jim Cornette walk out. Savage is bleeding from the mouth as he bit his tongue while taking the guardrail bump, which adds to the power of the angle. Crush throws Savage into the ring as the crowd chants for Lex Luger. The newly turned heel drops Savage with a thrust kick and drags him into the corner for a Yokozuna Banzai Drop. Yokozuna tries to do a second one but WWF officials succeed in pulling Savage out of the ring.

McMahon reveals that 64% of fans do not want Michaels to have his suspension reversed versus 36% who do.

Tune in next week to see the 1-2-3 Kid battle Marty Jannetty! Also, Diesel, Ludvig Borga, and Crush will be in action!

The Last Word: The Randy Savage-Crush segment was great, suckering the crowd in with the belief that Crush was overreacting and disappointing them when Crush went through with the heel turn. The WWF needs good heels so Crush turning was for the best since his babyface character became a geek by the end of his feud with Doink the Clown.

Up Next: WWF Superstars for October 23!