–Boyz 2 Men sing “America the Beautiful” to kick off the show. They receive a Cena-like mixed reaction.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are live from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
D-Lo Brown
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – March 22, 1999
–Steve Austin arrives at the arena and comes across a driver of a Coor’s Light truck. Product placement 101.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are calling the action and they are live from Albany, New York. This is the last RAW we have to hear called by Cole for a while so I am happy about that. This is the go home show for WrestleMania XV.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – March 8, 1999
–A video package chronicles Steve Austin attacking the Rock on Sunday Night Heat and Paul Wight not trying to save the Rock from the assault.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are calling the action and they are live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – March 1, 1999
–A video package recaps the Undertaker’s recent threats against Vince McMahon, culminating in the Undertaker burning a teddy bear at the end of last week’s RAW.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are doing commentary and they are live from Cleveland, Ohio.
–The Corporation comes out and Vince McMahon discusses how the audience does not understand his capacity to love. He fires Kane for losing the inferno match to the Undertaker last week and has orderlies come down to send Kane to the insane asylum. However, Chyna comes to Kane’s aid and they fight them off. Chyna tells McMahon that she can control Kane and asks for Kane to be booked against Steve Austin, with Kane’s job on the line. McMahon counters by also putting Chyna’s job on the line. Mankind then joins the festivities and volunteers to referee the Steve Austin-Kane match to prove himself worthy of refereeing the title match at WrestleMania XV. McMahon agrees on the condition that Mankind is able to defeat the Undertaker on tonight’s show (this is later clarified in the broadcast to mean that McMahon will consider Mankind for the role at WrestleMania based on how the match goes). The Undertaker’s voice then comes on via the loudspeakers and he says that he has already told McMahon what he is going to take from him.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – February 22, 1999
–A video package recaps the Rock winning the WWF title in a ladder match against Mankind on last week’s show.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
–Vince McMahon comes out to hype tonight’s Inferno Match between the Undertaker and Kane. He welcomes Paul Wight to the ring, who is booked to be the guest referee at WrestleMania. Cole is trying to get Wight over as “The Big Nasty,” so I guess it is good that “The Big Show” name was chosen instead. WWF Champion The Rock also comes out, quickly getting into a verbal confrontation with Wight, telling him to “Know his role.” McMahon’s efforts at playing peacemaker get nowhere until Mankind marches onto the stage and volunteers to referee the WrestleMania main event, as well as referee a Rock-Wight encounter tonight. Wight then proceeds to challenge the Rock to a match, which the Rock gladly accepts and he says he will put the WWF title on the line too.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – February 15, 1999
–A series of narrated photographs recaps last night’s St. Valentine’s Day Massacre pay-per-view.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are live from Birmingham, Alabama.
–Commissioner Shawn Michaels comes out and welcomes out the participants in the WrestleMania main event: WWF Champion Mankind and Steve Austin. Before anything can be said between them, Vince McMahon interrupts, wearing a neck brace and selling his beating from Austin the previous night. McMahon claims to be a broken man and that he wants a fresh start with Austin on the condition that Austin apologizes. Austin does apologize, but only for beating McMahon more than he intended. McMahon tells Michaels that people deserve a WWF title rematch between Mankind and the Rock because their match last night ended in a draw so he needs to do his job and book it for tonight. Mankind says he needs a week to recover, bringing out the Rock, who continues to goad Michaels into booking a title match for this evening. Mankind decides to take on the Rock after all and to make sure that there is a winner Michaels announces that tonight’s title match will be a ladder match. After that, McMahon welcomes out Paul Wight, who he says will be the special guest referee of the title match at WrestleMania. Austin simply flips him off from the ring to end the segment.
What the World Was Watching: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: In Your House
So after being away for several months due to some work obligations, “What the World Was Watching” returns by picking up where we left off in 1999. The Steve Austin-Vince McMahon rivalry is continuing and they are set to do battle in a steel cage match where if Austin loses then he surrenders his WrestleMania title shot. The Undertaker is busy with his Ministry of Darkness nonsense and Mankind is keeping the Rock busy before WrestleMania.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are doing commentary and they are live from Memphis, Tennessee.
What the World Was Watching: Saturday Night Raw – February 13, 1999
–Even though it is the height of the Attitude Era, RAW was still being pre-empted by the Westminster Dog Show. As a result, this is Saturday Night Raw. At least it is in Skydome and that is always a cool visual.
–A video package recaps the Austin-McMahon feud from the Royal Rumble up to last week’s show.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “the King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This is the “go home” show for St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – February 1, 1999
–Footage of Mankind defeating the Rock for the WWF title during Halftime Heat is shown. There was a spoiler for that match since this show was taped nearly a week before that match aired.
–Shane McMahon tells the Corporation that Vince McMahon is on a separate assignment in Texas, so he lets them know that he is in charge. Test, Ken Shamrock, and the Big Bossman have no idea where Kane is.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from Tucson, Arizona.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – January 11, 1999
It has been a long time since the World Was Watching appeared here on the Blog. That was partly due to some career moves on my part and just a general lack of time. That is solved for the time being, though, so we will head back into 1999. The last recap ended – somewhat fittingly – with Mankind’s upset title victory over the Rock. The Road Dogg also defended his Hardcore title against Al Snow out in the snow on the last show and the tasteless Terri Runnels pregnancy angle began with D-Lo Brown. Needless to say, 1999 will be a combination of some memorable moments and some really wacky Russo booking.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are live from Houston, Texas.
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – January 4, 1999
I had a small scare
last week as I could not find my 1999 RAW DVD set to recap these shows. I eventually found it, so we trudge forth
into another year of WWF action. One
could argue that 1999 was a turning point in the Monday Night Wars as the WWF
expanded its lead over WCW, although there were several times when WCW may have
been able to capitalize on the WWF pushing some midcard talents up the card to
regain the lead. This is also the height
of Vince Russo’s power within the company as he will be booking RAWs until
October.
last week as I could not find my 1999 RAW DVD set to recap these shows. I eventually found it, so we trudge forth
into another year of WWF action. One
could argue that 1999 was a turning point in the Monday Night Wars as the WWF
expanded its lead over WCW, although there were several times when WCW may have
been able to capitalize on the WWF pushing some midcard talents up the card to
regain the lead. This is also the height
of Vince Russo’s power within the company as he will be booking RAWs until
October.
–Michael Cole and Jerry “the King” Lawler are
doing commentary and they are taped from Worchester, Massachusetts.
doing commentary and they are taped from Worchester, Massachusetts.
–A video package recaps
Shawn Michaels getting fired on last week’s show and giving Sweet Chin Music to
Vince McMahon. Kevin Kelly narrates a
small tribute to his career, which Vince hilariously interrupts by shouting “Get
that sentimental crap off the screen!”
The Corporation walks out with him and Vince promises that Michaels will
not be attending the show since he is not brave. As Vince talks, Brisco sneakily attaches a Brisco
Brothers Body Shop sign to Kane’s back without him knowing, which is a great
touch. The Titantron
shows that Michaels has showed up backstage and quickly comes onto the stage
with D-Generation X. Michael Cole
screams about whether this means DX and Shawn Michaels are back together, a
question that should obviously answer itself.
We get some corporate speak as Michaels says that he has an ironclad
contract as commissioner so Vince cannot fire him. After replaying the Royal Rumble drawing that
Vince and Shane McMahon held several weeks ago where Vince received #30 after
wishing he was #2, Michaels gives Vince his wish. I have to give them credit for justifying
this with Michaels saying that when Vince entered the Rumble he became a
wrestler and under Michaels power.
Michaels also promises to give Vince a surprise before tonight’s show is
over and that it will drive him “Stone Cold crazy.”
Shawn Michaels getting fired on last week’s show and giving Sweet Chin Music to
Vince McMahon. Kevin Kelly narrates a
small tribute to his career, which Vince hilariously interrupts by shouting “Get
that sentimental crap off the screen!”
The Corporation walks out with him and Vince promises that Michaels will
not be attending the show since he is not brave. As Vince talks, Brisco sneakily attaches a Brisco
Brothers Body Shop sign to Kane’s back without him knowing, which is a great
touch. The Titantron
shows that Michaels has showed up backstage and quickly comes onto the stage
with D-Generation X. Michael Cole
screams about whether this means DX and Shawn Michaels are back together, a
question that should obviously answer itself.
We get some corporate speak as Michaels says that he has an ironclad
contract as commissioner so Vince cannot fire him. After replaying the Royal Rumble drawing that
Vince and Shane McMahon held several weeks ago where Vince received #30 after
wishing he was #2, Michaels gives Vince his wish. I have to give them credit for justifying
this with Michaels saying that when Vince entered the Rumble he became a
wrestler and under Michaels power.
Michaels also promises to give Vince a surprise before tonight’s show is
over and that it will drive him “Stone Cold crazy.”
–Opening Non-Title
Contest: Steve Blackman pins Ken
Shamrock (Champion) after Billy Gunn gives Shamrock a Fameasser at 3:25:
Contest: Steve Blackman pins Ken
Shamrock (Champion) after Billy Gunn gives Shamrock a Fameasser at 3:25:
The former mixed martial arts allies collide here and Dan
Severn walks out a minute into the bout still sporting a neck brace. After a few brief minutes of action, Shamrock
nails Severn when Severn gets on the apron and Billy Gunn uses that opportunity
to interfere and cost Shamrock the match.
How Severn fits into all of this, since he is feuding with Owen Hart, is
not explained. Rating: *
Severn walks out a minute into the bout still sporting a neck brace. After a few brief minutes of action, Shamrock
nails Severn when Severn gets on the apron and Billy Gunn uses that opportunity
to interfere and cost Shamrock the match.
How Severn fits into all of this, since he is feuding with Owen Hart, is
not explained. Rating: *
–The Rock and Vince
McMahon are on the cover of Southwest Spirit magazine!
McMahon are on the cover of Southwest Spirit magazine!
–The camera catches
Ken Shamrock and Billy Gunn brawling backstage before WWF officials separate
them.
Ken Shamrock and Billy Gunn brawling backstage before WWF officials separate
them.
–Mankind comes out
and says that he wants a WWF title shot against the Rock at the Royal Rumble
since he beat him at Rock Bottom. He
calls out Vince, who walks out and runs down how Mankind doing things to
appease the people is pathetic. Vince
says that Mankind does not deserve to be the number one contender because he
has not paid his dues and that he will probably never wrestle for the title
again. Instead, Vince books a match
between Mankind and Triple H, with the winner getting to enter the Royal
Rumble. A guest referee will officiate
the match and that referee will be Shane McMahon. Austin-McMahon gets a lot of attention from
1998-1999, but the Vince-Mankind interactions were a close rival to that feud
in terms of compelling and entertaining television.
and says that he wants a WWF title shot against the Rock at the Royal Rumble
since he beat him at Rock Bottom. He
calls out Vince, who walks out and runs down how Mankind doing things to
appease the people is pathetic. Vince
says that Mankind does not deserve to be the number one contender because he
has not paid his dues and that he will probably never wrestle for the title
again. Instead, Vince books a match
between Mankind and Triple H, with the winner getting to enter the Royal
Rumble. A guest referee will officiate
the match and that referee will be Shane McMahon. Austin-McMahon gets a lot of attention from
1998-1999, but the Vince-Mankind interactions were a close rival to that feud
in terms of compelling and entertaining television.
–Chyna and her friend
Sammi are shown talking backstage.
Sammi are shown talking backstage.
–Mark Henry beats
Goldust via disqualification after Goldust hits Shattered Dreams at 3:40:
Goldust via disqualification after Goldust hits Shattered Dreams at 3:40:
Henry really needs a new ring attire as he is still
sporting his Nation of Domination-style gear.
Cole makes sure that we know all about Henry’s “tree trunk size legs.” Word is that such a moniker was quite an
honor before Big Show showed up the following month with his “frying pan size
hands.” Henry has Goldust beat until
Chyna and Sammi appear on the ramp and this distractions causes Henry to fall
prey to Shattered Dreams. I never got
the logic of the Shattered Dreams move.
Why use something like that in clear view of the referee when you know
it will get you disqualified? Rating:
¾*
sporting his Nation of Domination-style gear.
Cole makes sure that we know all about Henry’s “tree trunk size legs.” Word is that such a moniker was quite an
honor before Big Show showed up the following month with his “frying pan size
hands.” Henry has Goldust beat until
Chyna and Sammi appear on the ramp and this distractions causes Henry to fall
prey to Shattered Dreams. I never got
the logic of the Shattered Dreams move.
Why use something like that in clear view of the referee when you know
it will get you disqualified? Rating:
¾*
–After the match,
Chyna and Sammi come to the ring, with Chyna confessing to Henry that he is too
much man for her, and that she and Sammi want to take a load off of his
mind. Henry faints at this offer.
Chyna and Sammi come to the ring, with Chyna confessing to Henry that he is too
much man for her, and that she and Sammi want to take a load off of his
mind. Henry faints at this offer.
–Congratulations to
Jesse Ventura, who was inaugurated as Minnesota’s governor earlier in the
day. You see, all of this was due to the
WWF giving him an opportunity years ago!
What is interesting is that Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the inauguration
and would become California’s governor four years later.
Jesse Ventura, who was inaugurated as Minnesota’s governor earlier in the
day. You see, all of this was due to the
WWF giving him an opportunity years ago!
What is interesting is that Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the inauguration
and would become California’s governor four years later.
–Dennis Knight is
shown chained in a cellar at an undisclosed location.
shown chained in a cellar at an undisclosed location.
–Test and The
Godfather (w/the Hos) wrestle to a double disqualification at 1:59:
Godfather (w/the Hos) wrestle to a double disqualification at 1:59:
This is before Test got the theme that repeated his name
over and over again so he has this weird country-style tune that is not fitting for a former Metallica bodyguard.
The Godfather does not offer Test the hos, so you know that he means
business. Cole also lets us know that
Test has “amazing athletic ability” for – get this – stepping over the top
rope! Test and the Godfather brawl on
the floor as the referee loses control of the match and Val Venis runs down to
fight with Test before WWF officials break them up. If you recall, Test and Venis have a
lingering issue from the last show where Test cost Venis his Hardcore title
shot.
over and over again so he has this weird country-style tune that is not fitting for a former Metallica bodyguard.
The Godfather does not offer Test the hos, so you know that he means
business. Cole also lets us know that
Test has “amazing athletic ability” for – get this – stepping over the top
rope! Test and the Godfather brawl on
the floor as the referee loses control of the match and Val Venis runs down to
fight with Test before WWF officials break them up. If you recall, Test and Venis have a
lingering issue from the last show where Test cost Venis his Hardcore title
shot.
–Shawn Michaels is
shown having a fun conversation with DX backstage. Cole is still shocked that they are back
together!
shown having a fun conversation with DX backstage. Cole is still shocked that they are back
together!
–Royal Rumble
Qualifying Match with Shane McMahon as the Special Guest Referee: Triple H (w/Chyna) defeats Mankind with a
sunset flip at 2:55:
Qualifying Match with Shane McMahon as the Special Guest Referee: Triple H (w/Chyna) defeats Mankind with a
sunset flip at 2:55:
This is a pretty mediocre match, but there’s a reason behind
all of it. Mankind dominates much of the
action until Triple H hits a sunset flip from the apron and Shane McMahon,
after kicking Mankind’s hands away from the ropes, registers a quick three
count. Triple H gets on the mic to tell
Mankind that he does not regret winning in such a fashion as it gets him closer
to the WWF title, but he also wishes him a “Happy New Year!” by Pedigreeing
Shane. Mankind proceeds to put Shane in
a submission hold and threatens to break his shoulder unless Vince gives
him a title shot later in the evening.
Vince agrees to that and also agrees to make it no disqualification
under duress. This was such a great
piece of storytelling as the McMahons master plan backfired and babyface
elements that shared a common hatred of the McMahons worked together to make
that happen.
all of it. Mankind dominates much of the
action until Triple H hits a sunset flip from the apron and Shane McMahon,
after kicking Mankind’s hands away from the ropes, registers a quick three
count. Triple H gets on the mic to tell
Mankind that he does not regret winning in such a fashion as it gets him closer
to the WWF title, but he also wishes him a “Happy New Year!” by Pedigreeing
Shane. Mankind proceeds to put Shane in
a submission hold and threatens to break his shoulder unless Vince gives
him a title shot later in the evening.
Vince agrees to that and also agrees to make it no disqualification
under duress. This was such a great
piece of storytelling as the McMahons master plan backfired and babyface
elements that shared a common hatred of the McMahons worked together to make
that happen.
–After the segment,
WWF Champion The Rock angrily walks out and complains to Vince about being
booked to defend the title.
WWF Champion The Rock angrily walks out and complains to Vince about being
booked to defend the title.
–D-Lo Brown
wrestles Edge to a no contest at 4:30:
wrestles Edge to a no contest at 4:30:
This match does not have a story, but it serves as a
small trial run for two guys that the company had high hopes for at the
time. Only one of them eventually made
it to main event status, but that is the way things go sometimes. D-Lo hits a nice Sky High when Edge dives off
the top rope, but PMS walks out to take all of the attention away from that. Terri
Runnels, who is showing her “pregnancy,” distracts D-Lo and when D-Lo goes
after her, Terri falls off the steps.
This is the infamous “miscarriage angle” that Jim Cornette still gets
hot about in shoot interviews and with good reason as this served little purpose and probably bothered some viewers who may have gone through
such an awful experience in their lives.
And of course, the whole thing also ruined this match. Rating: *½
small trial run for two guys that the company had high hopes for at the
time. Only one of them eventually made
it to main event status, but that is the way things go sometimes. D-Lo hits a nice Sky High when Edge dives off
the top rope, but PMS walks out to take all of the attention away from that. Terri
Runnels, who is showing her “pregnancy,” distracts D-Lo and when D-Lo goes
after her, Terri falls off the steps.
This is the infamous “miscarriage angle” that Jim Cornette still gets
hot about in shoot interviews and with good reason as this served little purpose and probably bothered some viewers who may have gone through
such an awful experience in their lives.
And of course, the whole thing also ruined this match. Rating: *½
–Shane McMahon,
Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson, and Kane walk out, with Kane still sporting the
sign on his back from earlier in the show.
I love how Kane is such an outcast that not a single person backstage
bothered to tell him about it for the last ninety minutes. Shane gets on the mic and books an impromptu
handicap match that pits the stooges against Kane since they were “remotely
responsible” for Mankind’s attack him a few weeks ago. Patterson hilariously offers Kane a
cigarette, which is rebuffed, and the stooges eat some chokeslams. Kane also teases chokeslamming Shane, but is
convinced not to do so under threat of going back to the insane asylum.
Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson, and Kane walk out, with Kane still sporting the
sign on his back from earlier in the show.
I love how Kane is such an outcast that not a single person backstage
bothered to tell him about it for the last ninety minutes. Shane gets on the mic and books an impromptu
handicap match that pits the stooges against Kane since they were “remotely
responsible” for Mankind’s attack him a few weeks ago. Patterson hilariously offers Kane a
cigarette, which is rebuffed, and the stooges eat some chokeslams. Kane also teases chokeslamming Shane, but is
convinced not to do so under threat of going back to the insane asylum.
–Dennis Knight begs
for help as the Acolytes tell him that “It’s time.” I would be begging for mercy if someone tried
to get me to watch that pay-per-view again too!
for help as the Acolytes tell him that “It’s time.” I would be begging for mercy if someone tried
to get me to watch that pay-per-view again too!
–Hardcore
Championship Match: The Road Dogg
(Champion) beats Al Snow (w/Head) 8:35 with a piledriver on some wooden crates:
Championship Match: The Road Dogg
(Champion) beats Al Snow (w/Head) 8:35 with a piledriver on some wooden crates:
Snow has still not gotten over his bloodbath at the hands
of the Brood, sporting his blood drenched shirt from several weeks ago. Snow kills himself to get over here, going
through a table on a moonsault off the ringside barrier and taking chairshots
and cookie sheet shots to the head.
Speaking of cookie sheets, Road Dogg adds a small touch by unbending a
cookie sheet after he smacks Snow with it, which in wrestling terms makes his
blows pack more power or something like that.
What the match is notable for is that spills out of the arena
where a snow shower is taking place.
Referee Jack Doan cannot even maintain his footing as he keeps sliding
on black ice. Road Dogg ends the match
with a piledriver, continuing his run of entertaining title defenses. Rating: ***
of the Brood, sporting his blood drenched shirt from several weeks ago. Snow kills himself to get over here, going
through a table on a moonsault off the ringside barrier and taking chairshots
and cookie sheet shots to the head.
Speaking of cookie sheets, Road Dogg adds a small touch by unbending a
cookie sheet after he smacks Snow with it, which in wrestling terms makes his
blows pack more power or something like that.
What the match is notable for is that spills out of the arena
where a snow shower is taking place.
Referee Jack Doan cannot even maintain his footing as he keeps sliding
on black ice. Road Dogg ends the match
with a piledriver, continuing his run of entertaining title defenses. Rating: ***
–The Acolytes toss
Dennis Knight into a smoky room where screams can be heard and close the door
behind him.
Dennis Knight into a smoky room where screams can be heard and close the door
behind him.
–Shawn Michaels
leaves the arena to get the “Stone Cold surprise” and wishes DX well. After Michaels leaves, Triple H suggests to
the camera that things may not turn out well and sure enough, Michaels cannot
get into his car because he has the wrong key.
He is locked out of the arena and a voice calls his name as we head to
commercial. When we return, he is a
bloody mess on the hood of his car and is attended to by medical personnel. A
replay shows that the Corporation was responsible for the assault.
leaves the arena to get the “Stone Cold surprise” and wishes DX well. After Michaels leaves, Triple H suggests to
the camera that things may not turn out well and sure enough, Michaels cannot
get into his car because he has the wrong key.
He is locked out of the arena and a voice calls his name as we head to
commercial. When we return, he is a
bloody mess on the hood of his car and is attended to by medical personnel. A
replay shows that the Corporation was responsible for the assault.
–No
Disqualification Match for the WWF Championship Match: Mankind (w/D-Generation X) pins The Rock
(Champion w/The Corporation) to win the title after Steve Austin hits the Rock
with a chair at 8:48:
Disqualification Match for the WWF Championship Match: Mankind (w/D-Generation X) pins The Rock
(Champion w/The Corporation) to win the title after Steve Austin hits the Rock
with a chair at 8:48:
The Rock is recovering from his gyno surgery, so he is
wrestling his track outfit here. An
entertaining sequence takes place when the Rock rips off Cole’s headset to give
some comments and then Mankind beats up the Rock, takes the headset, and
announces to the world that he has “testicular fortitude” in a really corny
way. They make full use of the no
disqualification stipulation, with the Rock putting Mankind through the
announce table with a Rock Bottom and punishing him with the stairs and ring
bell. Lawler makes sure to take a dig at
WCW too by saying that this “is not a title match that begins two minutes
before the show ends.” Despite being no
disqualification, the Rock feels that he has to hide hitting Mankind with the
title and the same is true for the return of Steve Austin to arguably the
loudest pop in the history of the company – interference that gives Mankind an
improbabe WWF championship run. It
never gets old seeing Austin return here as people jump up and down in the
front row and lose their mind at the title change. Another great part of the end sequence is Billy
Gunn moving at 100 miles per hour to knock Shamrock for a loop after Shamrock
blasts Mankind with a chair. The match was
not good, but the heat for the closing sequence was incredible. Rating: **¼
wrestling his track outfit here. An
entertaining sequence takes place when the Rock rips off Cole’s headset to give
some comments and then Mankind beats up the Rock, takes the headset, and
announces to the world that he has “testicular fortitude” in a really corny
way. They make full use of the no
disqualification stipulation, with the Rock putting Mankind through the
announce table with a Rock Bottom and punishing him with the stairs and ring
bell. Lawler makes sure to take a dig at
WCW too by saying that this “is not a title match that begins two minutes
before the show ends.” Despite being no
disqualification, the Rock feels that he has to hide hitting Mankind with the
title and the same is true for the return of Steve Austin to arguably the
loudest pop in the history of the company – interference that gives Mankind an
improbabe WWF championship run. It
never gets old seeing Austin return here as people jump up and down in the
front row and lose their mind at the title change. Another great part of the end sequence is Billy
Gunn moving at 100 miles per hour to knock Shamrock for a loop after Shamrock
blasts Mankind with a chair. The match was
not good, but the heat for the closing sequence was incredible. Rating: **¼
The Final Report: This is a notable show in the company’s
history because WCW famously had Tony Schiavone spoil Mankind’s victory
by saying that “Cactus Jack” would be winning the title and sarcastically
saying “that’ll put butts in the seats!”
The spoiler did not cause RAW to lose the ratings battle that night, but
it is a myth that viewers immediately turned off Nitro when they heard
Schiavone’s words and flocked over to RAW.
Still, that idea has acquired its own place in WWF lore like the DX “tank”
turning the Monday Night Wars around.
The title change and the build up to it is what makes this RAW fun and
it overshadows the offensive stuff such as the Terri miscarriage angle and the
other silly booking related to Mark Henry and Sammi. Unfortunately, not all shows would be able to
make up for Russo’s weird ideas in 1999, but at least this one hit a
home run to start the year.
history because WCW famously had Tony Schiavone spoil Mankind’s victory
by saying that “Cactus Jack” would be winning the title and sarcastically
saying “that’ll put butts in the seats!”
The spoiler did not cause RAW to lose the ratings battle that night, but
it is a myth that viewers immediately turned off Nitro when they heard
Schiavone’s words and flocked over to RAW.
Still, that idea has acquired its own place in WWF lore like the DX “tank”
turning the Monday Night Wars around.
The title change and the build up to it is what makes this RAW fun and
it overshadows the offensive stuff such as the Terri miscarriage angle and the
other silly booking related to Mark Henry and Sammi. Unfortunately, not all shows would be able to
make up for Russo’s weird ideas in 1999, but at least this one hit a
home run to start the year.
Monday Night War Rating: 5.7 (vs. 5.0 for Nitro)
Show Evaluation:
Thumbs Up
What the World Was Watching: Judgment Day – In Your House
by Logan Scisco
–Jim Ross and Jerry
“The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are live from Chicago, Illinois.
“The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are live from Chicago, Illinois.
–Opening
Contest: Al Snow (w/Head) beats “Marvelous”
Marc Mero (w/Jacqueline) with the Snow Plow at 7:14:
Contest: Al Snow (w/Head) beats “Marvelous”
Marc Mero (w/Jacqueline) with the Snow Plow at 7:14:
This is a curious opener since Snow has a lingering feud
with Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett does come out
to crickets and tries to convince Mero to let him wrestle Snow instead, but
Mero says refuses. After all, he has a
job to do for the new hot act in the company.
Mero puts on a good effort in his last pay-per-view match in the
company, but unless Sable is involved no one really cares about him
anymore. Snow reverses the TKO into his
finisher and picks up the win. Rating:
**¾
with Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett does come out
to crickets and tries to convince Mero to let him wrestle Snow instead, but
Mero says refuses. After all, he has a
job to do for the new hot act in the company.
Mero puts on a good effort in his last pay-per-view match in the
company, but unless Sable is involved no one really cares about him
anymore. Snow reverses the TKO into his
finisher and picks up the win. Rating:
**¾
–LOD 2000 beat The
Disciples of Apocalypse & Paul Ellering when Droz pins Skull after a
Doomsday Device at 5:55:
Disciples of Apocalypse & Paul Ellering when Droz pins Skull after a
Doomsday Device at 5:55:
The awful DOA-LOD feud reaches its climax here, at least on
pay-per-view. Chainz and Sunny ended up
as casualties of this feud, never reaching the end of the story. It’s so weird to see the Hawk and Animal with
their hair grown out. Hawk is not doped
up on pain pills tonight and works with Animal to deliver the Doomsday Device,
but Droz steals the pin and Hawk is not happy.
Boring bout, but at least they kept this short. Rating: ½*
pay-per-view. Chainz and Sunny ended up
as casualties of this feud, never reaching the end of the story. It’s so weird to see the Hawk and Animal with
their hair grown out. Hawk is not doped
up on pain pills tonight and works with Animal to deliver the Doomsday Device,
but Droz steals the pin and Hawk is not happy.
Boring bout, but at least they kept this short. Rating: ½*
–Dok Hendrix talks
with Al Snow and Sable and hypes the Superstar Line. Call 1-900-737-4WWF to hear from the winners
and losers! Sable reminds us that “everyone
likes a little Head.”
with Al Snow and Sable and hypes the Superstar Line. Call 1-900-737-4WWF to hear from the winners
and losers! Sable reminds us that “everyone
likes a little Head.”
–Light Heavyweight
Championship Match: Christian
(w/Gangrel) pins Taka Michinoku (Champion w/Yamaguchi-San) with an inside
cradle to win the title at 8:36:
Championship Match: Christian
(w/Gangrel) pins Taka Michinoku (Champion w/Yamaguchi-San) with an inside
cradle to win the title at 8:36:
The light heavyweight title is defended for the first
time in ages here and since they pulled it out of mothballs the outcome could
be predicted from a mile away. This was
Christian’s in-ring WWF debut. Michinoku
had no heat, but the crowd reacts to the high spots. Ross makes a subtle dig at the booking by
saying that he wants to see more light heavyweight matches. Spots happen, but they do not mesh together
and the match fails to tell an adequate story as a result. Michinoku appears headed to win the match
with a Michinoku Driver, but Christian cradles out of it to win the meaningless
title. Solid match, but the crowd was
not buying into it. Rating: **¾
time in ages here and since they pulled it out of mothballs the outcome could
be predicted from a mile away. This was
Christian’s in-ring WWF debut. Michinoku
had no heat, but the crowd reacts to the high spots. Ross makes a subtle dig at the booking by
saying that he wants to see more light heavyweight matches. Spots happen, but they do not mesh together
and the match fails to tell an adequate story as a result. Michinoku appears headed to win the match
with a Michinoku Driver, but Christian cradles out of it to win the meaningless
title. Solid match, but the crowd was
not buying into it. Rating: **¾
–Kevin Kelly and
Tom Pritchard interview Droz in the WWF.com backstage area. Droz says he seized an opportunity and that
is why he is on the first string. Droz
actually cuts a really good heel promo here.
Tom Pritchard interview Droz in the WWF.com backstage area. Droz says he seized an opportunity and that
is why he is on the first string. Droz
actually cuts a really good heel promo here.
–A video package
recaps the Goldust-Val Venis feud.
recaps the Goldust-Val Venis feud.
–Goldust pins Val
Venis (w/Terri Runnels) after a low blow at 12:09:
Venis (w/Terri Runnels) after a low blow at 12:09:
The crowd is happy to see the return of Goldust, but
unfortunately there are not that many mind games that find their way into this
contest. Venis spends the bulk of the match
working the shoulder, but none of that factors into the closing stretches of
this match. Venis nearly runs into Terri
on the apron and that allows Goldust to shatter Venis’s dreams and pick up a
win. This was better than most expected,
but this storyline is still a little confusing as to who the face and heel
really are. Goldust got a small push
from this win, while Venis was shifted back into the midcard. Rating: **½
unfortunately there are not that many mind games that find their way into this
contest. Venis spends the bulk of the match
working the shoulder, but none of that factors into the closing stretches of
this match. Venis nearly runs into Terri
on the apron and that allows Goldust to shatter Venis’s dreams and pick up a
win. This was better than most expected,
but this storyline is still a little confusing as to who the face and heel
really are. Goldust got a small push
from this win, while Venis was shifted back into the midcard. Rating: **½
–Michael Cole tells
us that Triple H and Ken Shamrock got into an altercation backstage, where
Shamrock smashes a car door into Triple H’s knee. X-Pac interrupts to say that he will deal
with Shamrock tomorrow night on RAW. He
promises to regain the European title.
us that Triple H and Ken Shamrock got into an altercation backstage, where
Shamrock smashes a car door into Triple H’s knee. X-Pac interrupts to say that he will deal
with Shamrock tomorrow night on RAW. He
promises to regain the European title.
–European
Championship Match: X-Pac (w/Chyna) defeats
D-Lo Brown (Champion) with an X-Factor to win the title at 14:36:
Championship Match: X-Pac (w/Chyna) defeats
D-Lo Brown (Champion) with an X-Factor to win the title at 14:36:
Since he is the champion, D-Lo is back to selecting a
European hometown and in this match he is from Milan, Italy. Ross announces that the Nation of Domination
has parted ways, which I always thought was a cop out. A stable that lasted for nearly two years
deserved a better send off than dissolving off-air. Looking back at the series of matches between
these two, one forgets how much X-Pac carried them as Brown’s offense aside
from a few signature spots was pretty deficient. In this match X-Pac bumps all over the place
as his high flying offense fails him. They
run a false finish off of a ref bump where D-Lo clocks X-Pac with the title and
D-Lo makes the same mistake of jumping into an X-Factor, which is what cost him
the title to X-Pac the first time, to lose.
Did not care for the finish because Brown should have learned not to do
that again, but the crowd came unglued at the end. Rating: ***½
European hometown and in this match he is from Milan, Italy. Ross announces that the Nation of Domination
has parted ways, which I always thought was a cop out. A stable that lasted for nearly two years
deserved a better send off than dissolving off-air. Looking back at the series of matches between
these two, one forgets how much X-Pac carried them as Brown’s offense aside
from a few signature spots was pretty deficient. In this match X-Pac bumps all over the place
as his high flying offense fails him. They
run a false finish off of a ref bump where D-Lo clocks X-Pac with the title and
D-Lo makes the same mistake of jumping into an X-Factor, which is what cost him
the title to X-Pac the first time, to lose.
Did not care for the finish because Brown should have learned not to do
that again, but the crowd came unglued at the end. Rating: ***½
–Call 815-734-1161
to purchase your Austin 3:16 baseball jersey for $39.99 (plus $9 shipping &
handling)!
to purchase your Austin 3:16 baseball jersey for $39.99 (plus $9 shipping &
handling)!
–Cole tells us that
Paul Bearer was allegedly seen going into the Undertaker’s locker room
earlier. The Headbangers interrupt his
report and hurl some insults at the New Age Outlaws. Mosh insinuates that the Outlaws are doing
each other and says that they will do the j-o-b on the p-p-v.
Paul Bearer was allegedly seen going into the Undertaker’s locker room
earlier. The Headbangers interrupt his
report and hurl some insults at the New Age Outlaws. Mosh insinuates that the Outlaws are doing
each other and says that they will do the j-o-b on the p-p-v.
–WWF Tag Team
Championship Match: The Headbangers beat
The New Age Outlaws (Champions) via disqualification when the Road Dogg blasts
Mosh with a boombox at 14:10:
Championship Match: The Headbangers beat
The New Age Outlaws (Champions) via disqualification when the Road Dogg blasts
Mosh with a boombox at 14:10:
The Headbangers earned this title shot by busting the
Road Dogg open on the previous RAW with a boombox. It shows how little depth there is in the tag
division that they are even getting a title shot. What is funny about the boombox spot from RAW
is that Ross keeps having to say that the boombox that broke over the Road Dogg’s
head is not a JVC boombox. JVC was a
sponsor at the time so I suppose they got upset that fans might think their
product was cheap. Both Outlaws end up
in peril in this match and the Headbangers do a good job cutting off comebacks. In fact, the Headbangers do such a good job
with it that the Road Dogg breaks up the Stage Dive by hitting Mosh with a
boombox, thereby causing a disqualification.
This was a great booking technique to give the Headbangers another title
match down the road and rebuilding them as threats. Rating: ***¼
Road Dogg open on the previous RAW with a boombox. It shows how little depth there is in the tag
division that they are even getting a title shot. What is funny about the boombox spot from RAW
is that Ross keeps having to say that the boombox that broke over the Road Dogg’s
head is not a JVC boombox. JVC was a
sponsor at the time so I suppose they got upset that fans might think their
product was cheap. Both Outlaws end up
in peril in this match and the Headbangers do a good job cutting off comebacks. In fact, the Headbangers do such a good job
with it that the Road Dogg breaks up the Stage Dive by hitting Mosh with a
boombox, thereby causing a disqualification.
This was a great booking technique to give the Headbangers another title
match down the road and rebuilding them as threats. Rating: ***¼
–Michael Cole says
he can confirm that Paul Bearer entered Kane’s locker room backstage. Mankind comes by and via Socko he
communicates that he is fired up. He
blasts Shamrock’s promo ability, saying it has to be the second leading cause
of teen suicide. He then does a weird
routine where he interrogates Mr. Socko about what underwear he is wearing.
he can confirm that Paul Bearer entered Kane’s locker room backstage. Mankind comes by and via Socko he
communicates that he is fired up. He
blasts Shamrock’s promo ability, saying it has to be the second leading cause
of teen suicide. He then does a weird
routine where he interrogates Mr. Socko about what underwear he is wearing.
–Intercontinental
Championship Match: Ken Shamrock
(Champion) defeats Mankind via submission when Mankind applies the Mandible
Claw to himself at 14:36:
Championship Match: Ken Shamrock
(Champion) defeats Mankind via submission when Mankind applies the Mandible
Claw to himself at 14:36:
The dueling stories of this match are whether Shamrock
can make Mankind submit and whether the Mandible Claw is enough to put Shamrock
down for the count. Shamrock outmaneuvers
Mankind throughout the bout, but the Mandible Claw is put over as Mankind’s
equalizer. Mankind takes one too many
risks on the floor near the end and Shamrock powerslams him into the
steps. This leads to the ankle lock in
the center of the ring, but instead of submitting to the hold, Mankind chooses
to apply the Mandible Claw to himself.
Nice finish to a true battle of wills.
Rating: ***
can make Mankind submit and whether the Mandible Claw is enough to put Shamrock
down for the count. Shamrock outmaneuvers
Mankind throughout the bout, but the Mandible Claw is put over as Mankind’s
equalizer. Mankind takes one too many
risks on the floor near the end and Shamrock powerslams him into the
steps. This leads to the ankle lock in
the center of the ring, but instead of submitting to the hold, Mankind chooses
to apply the Mandible Claw to himself.
Nice finish to a true battle of wills.
Rating: ***
–After the bout,
when Shamrock hears he won by Mandible Claw he beats on the unconscious Mankind
and gives the referee a belly-to-belly suplex.
WWF officials rush out and Mankind recovers in time to apply the
Mandible Claw to Shamrock and walk out to a decent pop.
when Shamrock hears he won by Mandible Claw he beats on the unconscious Mankind
and gives the referee a belly-to-belly suplex.
WWF officials rush out and Mankind recovers in time to apply the
Mandible Claw to Shamrock and walk out to a decent pop.
–The Big Bossman
tells Cole that unauthorized camera crews are not allowed near Vince McMahon.
tells Cole that unauthorized camera crews are not allowed near Vince McMahon.
–Mark Henry
(w/D-Lo Brown) pins The Rock after a splash at 5:04:
(w/D-Lo Brown) pins The Rock after a splash at 5:04:
The Rock is the hottest act in the company at this time,
so you would figure he squashes Henry to move onto bigger and better things
right? Wrong. The Rock does dominate a lot of the action,
but in a piece of booking that made no sense at the time Henry gets the win
after D-Lo runs interference. To the WWF’s
credit, this did factor into the storylines leading up to Survivor Series, but
it was probably the biggest pay-per-view upset of 1998. Rating: *
so you would figure he squashes Henry to move onto bigger and better things
right? Wrong. The Rock does dominate a lot of the action,
but in a piece of booking that made no sense at the time Henry gets the win
after D-Lo runs interference. To the WWF’s
credit, this did factor into the storylines leading up to Survivor Series, but
it was probably the biggest pay-per-view upset of 1998. Rating: *
–A vignette is
aired for Survivor Series with the Deadly Game song.
aired for Survivor Series with the Deadly Game song.
–A video package
hypes the Undertaker-Kane main event.
hypes the Undertaker-Kane main event.
–WWF Championship
Match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee: The Undertaker and Kane wrestle to a no
contest at 17:38:
Match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee: The Undertaker and Kane wrestle to a no
contest at 17:38:
The crowd is way more into Austin than they are either of
the guys wrestling for the title, so it creates a really strange dynamic. Austin does not take his job seriously, as he
mixes ridiculously slow counts with ridiculously fast counts. A funny spot takes place when Kane and the
Undertaker fight on the floor and Austin volunteers to give the Undertaker some
microphone chord to choke his brother. I
wish I could report that this match broke the mold for the Undertaker-Kane
series, but that’s not the case here as the Undertaker works the leg for five
minutes and puts the crowd into a coma.
Austin even looks bored doing his job.
After fifteen minutes of dullness cue the overbooking as Kane chokeslams
Austin and Paul Bearer wanders out with a chair. However, instead of hitting the Undertaker he
turns and hits Kane, which has zero impact.
The Undertaker’s chair shot to Kane is another matter, but Austin
refuses to count the pinfall. When the
Undertaker complains, Austin gives him a Stunner and tees off with a chair and
then counts both men out and declares himself the winner. I bet Vince Russo was screaming to book this
as “Austin is refusing to follow the script!” until he was shot down by
McMahon, Cornette, and a few other members of the booking team. Austin’s antics are the only reason
this avoids a DUD. Rating: ½*
the guys wrestling for the title, so it creates a really strange dynamic. Austin does not take his job seriously, as he
mixes ridiculously slow counts with ridiculously fast counts. A funny spot takes place when Kane and the
Undertaker fight on the floor and Austin volunteers to give the Undertaker some
microphone chord to choke his brother. I
wish I could report that this match broke the mold for the Undertaker-Kane
series, but that’s not the case here as the Undertaker works the leg for five
minutes and puts the crowd into a coma.
Austin even looks bored doing his job.
After fifteen minutes of dullness cue the overbooking as Kane chokeslams
Austin and Paul Bearer wanders out with a chair. However, instead of hitting the Undertaker he
turns and hits Kane, which has zero impact.
The Undertaker’s chair shot to Kane is another matter, but Austin
refuses to count the pinfall. When the
Undertaker complains, Austin gives him a Stunner and tees off with a chair and
then counts both men out and declares himself the winner. I bet Vince Russo was screaming to book this
as “Austin is refusing to follow the script!” until he was shot down by
McMahon, Cornette, and a few other members of the booking team. Austin’s antics are the only reason
this avoids a DUD. Rating: ½*
–Austin goes
backstage looking for McMahon but is unsuccessful so he goes back into the ring. Austin gloats that McMahon will not fire him,
but McMahon has the Titantron raised and appears in a box behind it. As the crowd pelts him with memorabilia and
garbage, McMahon tells Austin that he is fired.
Austin closes the show by promising McMahon that he has not seen the
last of him.
backstage looking for McMahon but is unsuccessful so he goes back into the ring. Austin gloats that McMahon will not fire him,
but McMahon has the Titantron raised and appears in a box behind it. As the crowd pelts him with memorabilia and
garbage, McMahon tells Austin that he is fired.
Austin closes the show by promising McMahon that he has not seen the
last of him.
The Final Report Card: I remember not enjoying this show in 1998,
but looking back it had some pretty solid in-ring work. There are a few clunkers, but outside of the
main event the other matches put the crowd in a good mood and displayed
perfectly acceptable wrestling. While it
is annoying that we did not get a WWF champion after this show, the selling point
was more about whether Austin would do his job or not and if you thought Austin
was really going to crown a winner here you were a moron. I will go with a thumbs up on this show, but
save yourself the trouble if you ever watch this thing on the Network and turn
it off after Shamrock-Mankind.
but looking back it had some pretty solid in-ring work. There are a few clunkers, but outside of the
main event the other matches put the crowd in a good mood and displayed
perfectly acceptable wrestling. While it
is annoying that we did not get a WWF champion after this show, the selling point
was more about whether Austin would do his job or not and if you thought Austin
was really going to crown a winner here you were a moron. I will go with a thumbs up on this show, but
save yourself the trouble if you ever watch this thing on the Network and turn
it off after Shamrock-Mankind.
Attendance:
18,153
18,153
Buyrate:
0.89 (+0.29 from previous year)
0.89 (+0.29 from previous year)
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Up
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – October 5, 1998
by Logan Scisco
–A video package recaps Steve Austin crashing
Vince McMahon’s championship ceremony last week and Kane and the Undertaker’s
subsequent attack on McMahon.
Vince McMahon’s championship ceremony last week and Kane and the Undertaker’s
subsequent attack on McMahon.
–Jim Ross and Jerry
“The King” Lawler are doing commentary and they are taped from East Lansing,
Michigan.
“The King” Lawler are doing commentary and they are taped from East Lansing,
Michigan.
–Opening Contest
for the European Championship: D-Lo
Brown (w/Mark Henry) beats X-Pac (Champion w/Chyna) with a Lo Down to win the
title at 5:18:
for the European Championship: D-Lo
Brown (w/Mark Henry) beats X-Pac (Champion w/Chyna) with a Lo Down to win the
title at 5:18:
D-Lo earned this title shot by winning the six man, four
corner elimination match on last week’s show.
A minute into the match, Chyna is served another legal summons and Henry
laughs at her. This match has a unique
formula, as D-Lo dominates in the early going and X-Pac stages his comeback,
not getting a shine at the beginning.
D-Lo fakes a knee injury and that enables Henry to catch X-Pac’s pescado
attempt, ram him into the post, and roll him into the ring where D-Lo captures
the European title for the second time. Rating:
** (1 for 1)
corner elimination match on last week’s show.
A minute into the match, Chyna is served another legal summons and Henry
laughs at her. This match has a unique
formula, as D-Lo dominates in the early going and X-Pac stages his comeback,
not getting a shine at the beginning.
D-Lo fakes a knee injury and that enables Henry to catch X-Pac’s pescado
attempt, ram him into the post, and roll him into the ring where D-Lo captures
the European title for the second time. Rating:
** (1 for 1)
–Vince McMahon is
shown yelling at a nurse at an undisclosed medical facility.
shown yelling at a nurse at an undisclosed medical facility.
–The Oddities are
shown playing touch football with the Insane Clown Posse for some reason.
shown playing touch football with the Insane Clown Posse for some reason.
–Please buy Stridex
and get these Triple H posters! They
have been shilling this since June.
and get these Triple H posters! They
have been shilling this since June.
–In the new feud no
one cares about, the Headbangers call out the Insane Clown Posse and beat them
down with a chair until the Oddities literally walk out to make the save. 1 for
2
one cares about, the Headbangers call out the Insane Clown Posse and beat them
down with a chair until the Oddities literally walk out to make the save. 1 for
2
–Footage of Steve
Austin cutting off Vince McMahon’s satellite feed on Sunday Night Heat is shown.
Austin cutting off Vince McMahon’s satellite feed on Sunday Night Heat is shown.
–Call 815-734-1161
to get your Steve Austin 3:16 baseball jersey for $39 (plus $9 shipping &
handling)!
to get your Steve Austin 3:16 baseball jersey for $39 (plus $9 shipping &
handling)!
–Ross and Lawler
fill time talking about the outcome of the Breakdown main event and the events
that took place between the main players on last week’s show.
fill time talking about the outcome of the Breakdown main event and the events
that took place between the main players on last week’s show.
–McMahon grows
irate at the medical facility when Mankind barges in. He does not care for the balloons or candy that
Mankind brings him or Yurple the Clown.
The segment is notable because Mankind debuts Mr. Socko here. McMahon’s disgusted “Mr. Socko” at the end
still cracks me up. 2 for
3
irate at the medical facility when Mankind barges in. He does not care for the balloons or candy that
Mankind brings him or Yurple the Clown.
The segment is notable because Mankind debuts Mr. Socko here. McMahon’s disgusted “Mr. Socko” at the end
still cracks me up. 2 for
3
–Check out Pacific
Blue this week as Sable goes to a female prison facility!
Blue this week as Sable goes to a female prison facility!
–Sable comes out to
do commentary for the next match and Tori, her yet to be named obsessed fan, stands
behind her in the crowd.
do commentary for the next match and Tori, her yet to be named obsessed fan, stands
behind her in the crowd.
–“Marvelous” Marc
Mero (w/Jacqueline) beats Vader with Marvelocity at 4:12:
Mero (w/Jacqueline) beats Vader with Marvelocity at 4:12:
Sable lets us know that she wants the women’s title
because she now wants to be a serious wrestler “in this business!” This is a match that I would have enjoyed in
1996, 1998 not so much. Vader dominates
the action, but Jacqueline tries to interfere and that distraction leads to a
low blow and a Mero win. Rating:
¾* (2 for 4)
because she now wants to be a serious wrestler “in this business!” This is a match that I would have enjoyed in
1996, 1998 not so much. Vader dominates
the action, but Jacqueline tries to interfere and that distraction leads to a
low blow and a Mero win. Rating:
¾* (2 for 4)
–Jacqueline calls
out Sable after the match and cheap shots her after Mero causes a
distraction. Jacqueline cuts a chunk out
of Sable’s hair and carries it off like a trophy.
out Sable after the match and cheap shots her after Mero causes a
distraction. Jacqueline cuts a chunk out
of Sable’s hair and carries it off like a trophy.
–Steven Regal, a “Real
Man’s Man” is shown making orange juice with his bare hands.
Man’s Man” is shown making orange juice with his bare hands.
–Owen Hart is
scheduled to face Edge, but he walks out in street clothes and apologizes for
hurting Dan Severn last week. Fighting
off tears, he leaves, so Edge wins by forfeit.
scheduled to face Edge, but he walks out in street clothes and apologizes for
hurting Dan Severn last week. Fighting
off tears, he leaves, so Edge wins by forfeit.
–Steve Austin’s
Zamboni attack last week is the 10-0-321 Rewind segment.
Zamboni attack last week is the 10-0-321 Rewind segment.
–Michael Cole catches
up with Owen Hart who is leaving the arena.
Owen says “It’s over” and keeps walking.
I wish it had been.
up with Owen Hart who is leaving the arena.
Owen says “It’s over” and keeps walking.
I wish it had been.
–Ken Shamrock
beats Kane with a super powerslam off the top rope at 7:10:
beats Kane with a super powerslam off the top rope at 7:10:
Shamrock starts with some smart offense by targeting Kane’s
leg, but his hurricanrana is countered into a powerbomb and Kane slows this
down to a crawl. The Undertaker comes
out for no reason and his interference causes Kane to get crotched when trying
a flying clothesline and Shamrock scores the win. These two had very little chemistry. Rating: ½* (2 for 5)
leg, but his hurricanrana is countered into a powerbomb and Kane slows this
down to a crawl. The Undertaker comes
out for no reason and his interference causes Kane to get crotched when trying
a flying clothesline and Shamrock scores the win. These two had very little chemistry. Rating: ½* (2 for 5)
–Val Venis and
Terri Runnels are shown having fun backstage.
Terri Runnels are shown having fun backstage.
–Val Venis
(w/Terri Runnels) defeats Gangrel (w/Christian) by count out at 2:38:
(w/Terri Runnels) defeats Gangrel (w/Christian) by count out at 2:38:
Ross is all over the place calling this match, confusing
Gangrel and Edge and calling Christian “Christopher.” Two minutes in, Edge confronts Christian at
ringside, but Gangrel attacks him from behind and gives him a DDT. Gangrel and Christian do a beatdown, but that
causes Gangrel to get counted out.
Gangrel and Edge and calling Christian “Christopher.” Two minutes in, Edge confronts Christian at
ringside, but Gangrel attacks him from behind and gives him a DDT. Gangrel and Christian do a beatdown, but that
causes Gangrel to get counted out.
–Venis and Terri
celebrate in the ring when Goldust’s old usher from 1995 shows up and gives
Venis a gold envelope. Venis is shocked
at the contents and Goldust invites him to his premiere next week on RAW.
celebrate in the ring when Goldust’s old usher from 1995 shows up and gives
Venis a gold envelope. Venis is shocked
at the contents and Goldust invites him to his premiere next week on RAW.
–Steve Austin
interrogating Shane McMahon on Heat and then having a staredown with the Rock
is shown.
interrogating Shane McMahon on Heat and then having a staredown with the Rock
is shown.
–McMahon demands a
new nurse and a painkiller.
new nurse and a painkiller.
–Al Snow (w/Head)
beats “Double J” Jeff Jarrett by disqualification when Commissioner Slaughter
interferes at 4:15:
beats “Double J” Jeff Jarrett by disqualification when Commissioner Slaughter
interferes at 4:15:
Jarrett appears to be the latest hired gun of
Commissioner Slaughter to go after Snow.
They put together a decent match, but Slaughter shakes the ropes when
Snow goes to the top rope and the referee calls for the bell. How can Slaughter not overrule that as
commissioner? Rating: *½ (2 for 6)
Commissioner Slaughter to go after Snow.
They put together a decent match, but Slaughter shakes the ropes when
Snow goes to the top rope and the referee calls for the bell. How can Slaughter not overrule that as
commissioner? Rating: *½ (2 for 6)
–The Road Dogg
(w/X-Pac) defeats Mark Henry (w/D-Lo Brown) after X-Pac gives Henry an X-Factor
at 3:36:
(w/X-Pac) defeats Mark Henry (w/D-Lo Brown) after X-Pac gives Henry an X-Factor
at 3:36:
The Road Dogg takes a
swipe at Billy Gunn by bringing out a blow up doll dressed as him. Lawler reveals that Henry is suing Chyna for
sexual harassment, which is why she has been receiving legal summons. Chyna makes a predictable appearance late in
the match and that distraction allows X-Pac to get revenge for earlier in the
evening. Rating: * (2 for 7)
swipe at Billy Gunn by bringing out a blow up doll dressed as him. Lawler reveals that Henry is suing Chyna for
sexual harassment, which is why she has been receiving legal summons. Chyna makes a predictable appearance late in
the match and that distraction allows X-Pac to get revenge for earlier in the
evening. Rating: * (2 for 7)
–We get yet another
recap of last week’s events.
recap of last week’s events.
–Steve Austin,
dressed as a nurse, attacks McMahon at the medical facility. He beats on his leg, hits him over the head
with a bedpan, shocks him with a defibrillator, and then shoves an enema up his
rectum as the camera fades to black.
McMahon’s screaming and facial expressions made this segment. 3 for
8
dressed as a nurse, attacks McMahon at the medical facility. He beats on his leg, hits him over the head
with a bedpan, shocks him with a defibrillator, and then shoves an enema up his
rectum as the camera fades to black.
McMahon’s screaming and facial expressions made this segment. 3 for
8
–The Undertaker
pins the Rock after a Tombstone on a chair at 13:10:
pins the Rock after a Tombstone on a chair at 13:10:
The Rock hopes that D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry can watch
his back for this match, but they are too intimidated by Kane, who walks out a
few minutes into the bout, and head to the locker room. The Rock probably gets head with Kevin Dunn
by not doing the People’s Elbow facing the hard camera and Earl Hebner gets
bumped in the corner moments later. Kane
blasts the Undertaker with a chair, but Hebner isn’t there to count the fall
and the Undertaker does the zombie situp and wins. This had some slow parts in the beginning,
but it got hot at the end. Rating:
**½ (4 for 9)
his back for this match, but they are too intimidated by Kane, who walks out a
few minutes into the bout, and head to the locker room. The Rock probably gets head with Kevin Dunn
by not doing the People’s Elbow facing the hard camera and Earl Hebner gets
bumped in the corner moments later. Kane
blasts the Undertaker with a chair, but Hebner isn’t there to count the fall
and the Undertaker does the zombie situp and wins. This had some slow parts in the beginning,
but it got hot at the end. Rating:
**½ (4 for 9)
The Final Report Card: This was one of those RAW’s that felt like it
took four hours to sit through. The McMahon
hospital segments were the highlight of the show and the main event was one of
the better Rock-Undertaker matches on record.
Still, a thumbs down effort this week because it was such a chore to get
to the good stuff.
took four hours to sit through. The McMahon
hospital segments were the highlight of the show and the main event was one of
the better Rock-Undertaker matches on record.
Still, a thumbs down effort this week because it was such a chore to get
to the good stuff.
Monday Night War Rating: 4.55 (vs. 4.5 for Nitro)
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Down
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – September 21, 1998
by Logan Scisco
–We have a change
in the commentary team as Shane McMahon and Jim Cornette are given the
responsibilities for tonight’s show, which is taped from Sacramento,
California. During this time the company
had Shane commentating on Sunday Night Heat.
He was not very good at it, though.
Ross and Lawler are not here because they were working on Jim Carey’s
film Man on the Moon.
in the commentary team as Shane McMahon and Jim Cornette are given the
responsibilities for tonight’s show, which is taped from Sacramento,
California. During this time the company
had Shane commentating on Sunday Night Heat.
He was not very good at it, though.
Ross and Lawler are not here because they were working on Jim Carey’s
film Man on the Moon.
–The Rock comes
down to the ring, where Vince McMahon is standing with Ken Shamrock and
Mankind. Kane and the Undertaker guard
the entrance as McMahon announces that WWF Champion Steve Austin and a partner
of his choice will face them later in the show.
McMahon books the Rock, Shamrock, and Mankind to face each other in a
number one contender’s match so that they do not team with Austin later in the
evening, which is a nice twist. There’s
some great humor here, as McMahon reminds Shamrock that he is the World’s Most
Dangerous Man, hypes the Rock as a future “People’s Champion,” and then puts
his arm around Mankind and says “nevermind.”
The winner of the number one contender’s match will face the winner of
the Breakdown main event on next week’s RAW, where McMahon will be the guest
ring announcer. Another solid promo by
McMahon that saw him play the roster’s top players like a fiddle.
down to the ring, where Vince McMahon is standing with Ken Shamrock and
Mankind. Kane and the Undertaker guard
the entrance as McMahon announces that WWF Champion Steve Austin and a partner
of his choice will face them later in the show.
McMahon books the Rock, Shamrock, and Mankind to face each other in a
number one contender’s match so that they do not team with Austin later in the
evening, which is a nice twist. There’s
some great humor here, as McMahon reminds Shamrock that he is the World’s Most
Dangerous Man, hypes the Rock as a future “People’s Champion,” and then puts
his arm around Mankind and says “nevermind.”
The winner of the number one contender’s match will face the winner of
the Breakdown main event on next week’s RAW, where McMahon will be the guest
ring announcer. Another solid promo by
McMahon that saw him play the roster’s top players like a fiddle.
–Jeff Jarrett
nailing the Road Dogg with a guitar on last week’s show is the Penzoil Rewind
segment.
nailing the Road Dogg with a guitar on last week’s show is the Penzoil Rewind
segment.
–Opening Contest: “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn beats “Double J” Jeff
Jarrett with a neckbreaker at 7:30:
Jarrett with a neckbreaker at 7:30:
Since the Road Dogg was hit in the throat last week and
cannot speak they have Gunn read the New Age Outlaws introduction off of cue
cards. This match goes smoothly until we
get a weak referee bump at the seven minute mark. The referee gets his senses quickly enough to
prevent Jarrett from using the guitar and that distraction enables Gunn to
win. Rating: ** ¼ (2 for 2)
cannot speak they have Gunn read the New Age Outlaws introduction off of cue
cards. This match goes smoothly until we
get a weak referee bump at the seven minute mark. The referee gets his senses quickly enough to
prevent Jarrett from using the guitar and that distraction enables Gunn to
win. Rating: ** ¼ (2 for 2)
–Michael Cole
catches up with Vince McMahon backstage as he is talking with Ed Ferrara. McMahon tells Cole that he has no idea who
will be Austin’s tag team partner tonight and doesn’t care.
catches up with Vince McMahon backstage as he is talking with Ed Ferrara. McMahon tells Cole that he has no idea who
will be Austin’s tag team partner tonight and doesn’t care.
–WWF Champion Steve
Austin comes out and says that he does not expect any help tonight. He figures that since the Breakdown main
event is a de facto handicap match he might as well get started early tonight. Just a filler promo. 2 for
3
Austin comes out and says that he does not expect any help tonight. He figures that since the Breakdown main
event is a de facto handicap match he might as well get started early tonight. Just a filler promo. 2 for
3
–Call 815-734-1161 to get your “Down
Where? Down Here!” DX shirt for $25
(plus $6 shipping & handling)!
Where? Down Here!” DX shirt for $25
(plus $6 shipping & handling)!
–Buy Stridex! Get a Triple H poster! You know the drill by now since they have
been hyping this forever. I guess those
Triple H posters were not hot items.
been hyping this forever. I guess those
Triple H posters were not hot items.
–The Oddities come
out and dance with the Headbangers in the ring, but the Headbangers turn heel by
spraying Kurrgan in the face with an aerosol can, rip up Golga’s Cartman doll,
and beat down the rest of the gang.
out and dance with the Headbangers in the ring, but the Headbangers turn heel by
spraying Kurrgan in the face with an aerosol can, rip up Golga’s Cartman doll,
and beat down the rest of the gang.
–Cole interviews the
Undertaker and Kane and the Undertaker promises that he or Kane will win the
WWF title at Breakdown.
Undertaker and Kane and the Undertaker promises that he or Kane will win the
WWF title at Breakdown.
–WWF Women’s
Championship Match: Jacqueline (w/Marc
Mero) beats Sable after Mero trips Sable on a suplex attempt at 2:51:
Championship Match: Jacqueline (w/Marc
Mero) beats Sable after Mero trips Sable on a suplex attempt at 2:51:
Since these two-thirds of the division (Luna is the other
competitor) we do not even need the illusion of a tournament and the winner of
this will be the first women’s champion since Alundra Blayze left with the title
at the end of 1995. The not yet named
Tori is shown in the audience trying to get the crowd behind Sable before the
match begins and this is not the squash that took place on last week’s
show. Mero bumps off the apron during
Sable’s comeback, thereby continuing his depush, but when Sable tries to suplex
Jacqueline back into the ring, Mero does the trip and hold trick and Jacqueline
becomes the first women’s champion of the Attitude Era.
competitor) we do not even need the illusion of a tournament and the winner of
this will be the first women’s champion since Alundra Blayze left with the title
at the end of 1995. The not yet named
Tori is shown in the audience trying to get the crowd behind Sable before the
match begins and this is not the squash that took place on last week’s
show. Mero bumps off the apron during
Sable’s comeback, thereby continuing his depush, but when Sable tries to suplex
Jacqueline back into the ring, Mero does the trip and hold trick and Jacqueline
becomes the first women’s champion of the Attitude Era.
–Kane & The
Undertaker beat Stone Cold” Steve Austin & “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn when the
Undertaker pins Gunn after a chokeslam at 8:35:
Undertaker beat Stone Cold” Steve Austin & “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn when the
Undertaker pins Gunn after a chokeslam at 8:35:
No Savio Vega? McMahon
is incensed that Gunn walks out as Austin’s partner and blames Pat Patterson
and Gerald Brisco for not taking care of business. Seeing McMahon freak out as if Gunn is the
next big superstar is pretty funny in retrospect. Unsurprisingly, Kane and the Undertaker beat
the hell out of Gunn and when all hell
breaks loose he gets caught by an Undertaker chokeslam to lose the match for
his team. After the bell, Austin takes
out the Undertaker and Kane with chairs before leaving. Standard tag here that had a lot of energy and
you can’t fault the company for trying to get a new guy a rub from these three
main eventers. Rating: *** (3 for 4)
is incensed that Gunn walks out as Austin’s partner and blames Pat Patterson
and Gerald Brisco for not taking care of business. Seeing McMahon freak out as if Gunn is the
next big superstar is pretty funny in retrospect. Unsurprisingly, Kane and the Undertaker beat
the hell out of Gunn and when all hell
breaks loose he gets caught by an Undertaker chokeslam to lose the match for
his team. After the bell, Austin takes
out the Undertaker and Kane with chairs before leaving. Standard tag here that had a lot of energy and
you can’t fault the company for trying to get a new guy a rub from these three
main eventers. Rating: *** (3 for 4)
–Southern Justice
wrestle The Disciples of Apocalypse (w/Paul Ellering) to a no contest at 2:10:
wrestle The Disciples of Apocalypse (w/Paul Ellering) to a no contest at 2:10:
The DOA are back after being absent from RAW for the
better part of a month. It only takes
two minutes for his match to fall apart and Jarrett clocks Ellering with his
guitar. After that the match just ends,
so I am just going to consider this a no contest.
better part of a month. It only takes
two minutes for his match to fall apart and Jarrett clocks Ellering with his
guitar. After that the match just ends,
so I am just going to consider this a no contest.
–McMahon tells Cole
backstage that he does not think Bill Gunn made a wise choice by volunteering
to be Steve Austin’s partner.
backstage that he does not think Bill Gunn made a wise choice by volunteering
to be Steve Austin’s partner.
–Steven Regal is
shown shaving in the woods.
shown shaving in the woods.
–No
Disqualification, Falls Count Anywhere Match:
Al Snow beats Commissioner Slaughter after hitting him with Head at
6:08:
Disqualification, Falls Count Anywhere Match:
Al Snow beats Commissioner Slaughter after hitting him with Head at
6:08:
The provision of this match is that if Snow wins he gets
a job in the company, which he has been agitating for since June. For his age, Slaughter bumps really well for
Snow and the stipulation masks his inability to do a normal match. Head proves to be the key to get out of the
Cobra Clutch and a low blow allow Snow avoid a loaded boot attack and go on to
win the match. So Snow has a job now, rejoice! Rating: *** (4 for 5)
a job in the company, which he has been agitating for since June. For his age, Slaughter bumps really well for
Snow and the stipulation masks his inability to do a normal match. Head proves to be the key to get out of the
Cobra Clutch and a low blow allow Snow avoid a loaded boot attack and go on to
win the match. So Snow has a job now, rejoice! Rating: *** (4 for 5)
–After the bout,
Patterson and Brisco attack Snow, but Scorpio makes the save.
Patterson and Brisco attack Snow, but Scorpio makes the save.
–The Rock talks about how he will soon be
called “the best damn WWF champion there ever was.” He says he plans to lay the smackdown on
Mankind and Ken Shamrock. I think this
guy is ready for the big time.
called “the best damn WWF champion there ever was.” He says he plans to lay the smackdown on
Mankind and Ken Shamrock. I think this
guy is ready for the big time.
–Val Venis beats
Owen Hart via disqualification when Dustin Runnels interferes at 2:23:
Owen Hart via disqualification when Dustin Runnels interferes at 2:23:
Dustin Runnels is doing the announcing for this match and
he is still distraught over Terri sleeping with Venis. Shane and Cornette point out that he does not
need to turn the other cheek in this situation.
Owen is in dire need of a new direction after the end of his feud with
Ken Shamrock. That won’t happen here,
though, as Runnels runs in and attacks Venis.
After the bell, Venis ties Runnels in the ropes and makes him watch a
new video, where Terri tells him that Venis is a better man. This gimmick for Dustin is terrible, but he
did a good acting job here.
he is still distraught over Terri sleeping with Venis. Shane and Cornette point out that he does not
need to turn the other cheek in this situation.
Owen is in dire need of a new direction after the end of his feud with
Ken Shamrock. That won’t happen here,
though, as Runnels runs in and attacks Venis.
After the bell, Venis ties Runnels in the ropes and makes him watch a
new video, where Terri tells him that Venis is a better man. This gimmick for Dustin is terrible, but he
did a good acting job here.
–European
Championship Match: X-Pac defeats D-Lo
Brown (Champion) to win the title after an X-Factor at 5:15:
Championship Match: X-Pac defeats D-Lo
Brown (Champion) to win the title after an X-Factor at 5:15:
These two are capable of good matches, but this ends up
as a really abbreviated display of what they can do. X-Pac’s offense carries this encounter, which
ends when D-Lo tries a nonsensical dive off the top rope that leads into an
X-Factor. This is X-Pac’s first singles
championship victory in the WWF. Rating:
** (5 for 6)
as a really abbreviated display of what they can do. X-Pac’s offense carries this encounter, which
ends when D-Lo tries a nonsensical dive off the top rope that leads into an
X-Factor. This is X-Pac’s first singles
championship victory in the WWF. Rating:
** (5 for 6)
–Mankind wishes us
a nice day after explaining how he will avoid being submitted by Ken Shamrock.
a nice day after explaining how he will avoid being submitted by Ken Shamrock.
–Triple Threat
Number One Contender’s Match for the WWF Championship: Ken Shamrock wrestles Mankind and The Rock to
a no contest after Kane and the Undertaker interfere at 10:55:
Number One Contender’s Match for the WWF Championship: Ken Shamrock wrestles Mankind and The Rock to
a no contest after Kane and the Undertaker interfere at 10:55:
Two of these men lost the King of the Ring finals in 1997
and 1998, while one of them won it and in terms of WWF history, the two losers
became bigger than the winner. The crowd
continues to back the Rock, loving the People’s Elbow on Shamrock and his
mannerisms in the ring. The Rock had
good timing with Shamrock, but has several awkward exchanges with Mankind. That’s understandable because he barely worked
with Mankind up to this point. This
match does not give us a number one contender, though, as Kane and the
Undertaker walk out with McMahon and lay waste to the talent, thereby serving
as a classic McMahon double cross. It is
a shame that we get this result, but the company will fix that at Breakdown. Rating: *** (6 for 7)
and 1998, while one of them won it and in terms of WWF history, the two losers
became bigger than the winner. The crowd
continues to back the Rock, loving the People’s Elbow on Shamrock and his
mannerisms in the ring. The Rock had
good timing with Shamrock, but has several awkward exchanges with Mankind. That’s understandable because he barely worked
with Mankind up to this point. This
match does not give us a number one contender, though, as Kane and the
Undertaker walk out with McMahon and lay waste to the talent, thereby serving
as a classic McMahon double cross. It is
a shame that we get this result, but the company will fix that at Breakdown. Rating: *** (6 for 7)
–As Kane and the
Undertaker lay waste to the Rock in the ring, McMahon gets attacked by Austin
in the aisle. McMahon is not pleased
that Kane and the Undertaker did not have his back.
Undertaker lay waste to the Rock in the ring, McMahon gets attacked by Austin
in the aisle. McMahon is not pleased
that Kane and the Undertaker did not have his back.
The Final Report Card: Although this card lacked the same
emotionally charged crowd and match quality of the previous show, it served as
a good go home show for Breakdown. While
you have Austin, the Undertaker, and Kane fighting each other at the top of the
card, the company is also building the Rock, Ken Shamrock, and Mankind in the
upper midcard. The only thing that is a
mess is the tag division, as those belts are on the New Age Outlaws and there
is a lack of credible teams to face them.
emotionally charged crowd and match quality of the previous show, it served as
a good go home show for Breakdown. While
you have Austin, the Undertaker, and Kane fighting each other at the top of the
card, the company is also building the Rock, Ken Shamrock, and Mankind in the
upper midcard. The only thing that is a
mess is the tag division, as those belts are on the New Age Outlaws and there
is a lack of credible teams to face them.
Monday Night War Rating: 4.0 (vs. 3.9 for Nitro)
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Up
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – September 5, 1998
by Logan Scisco
–Since USA Network
was broadcasting the U.S. Open in primetime, Monday Night Raw got bounced out
of its usual slot for the next two weeks.
USA compensated by giving RAW two late Saturday night slots that ran
from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST, so our next two shows will be those
broadcasts. Ross and Lawler make sure to
issue sarcastic statements about the “riveting” tennis action that is currently
keeping the WWF off of Monday nights throughout the show.
was broadcasting the U.S. Open in primetime, Monday Night Raw got bounced out
of its usual slot for the next two weeks.
USA compensated by giving RAW two late Saturday night slots that ran
from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST, so our next two shows will be those
broadcasts. Ross and Lawler make sure to
issue sarcastic statements about the “riveting” tennis action that is currently
keeping the WWF off of Monday nights throughout the show.
–Some narrated
pictures of last night’s SummerSlam main event are shown.
pictures of last night’s SummerSlam main event are shown.
–Jim Ross and Jerry
“The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from New Haven,
Connecticut.
“The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from New Haven,
Connecticut.
–Vince McMahon
walks out and announces at the next pay-per-view, Breakdown, that his plan to take
the WWF title off of Steve Austin will be realized. He says the Undertaker is a damned fool for
refusing his brother’s help at SummerSlam and makes fun of Steve Austin’s
appearance on Regis and Kathy Lee.
McMahon calls the Undertaker and Kane two “putrid pussies” and that
leads the Undertaker and Kane to storm the ring, so McMahon has to flee through
the crowd. The best part of this
segment? No entrance music for the
Undertaker and Kane before they run out.
However, it was a rather dull promo from someone of McMahon’s
caliber. 0 for 1
walks out and announces at the next pay-per-view, Breakdown, that his plan to take
the WWF title off of Steve Austin will be realized. He says the Undertaker is a damned fool for
refusing his brother’s help at SummerSlam and makes fun of Steve Austin’s
appearance on Regis and Kathy Lee.
McMahon calls the Undertaker and Kane two “putrid pussies” and that
leads the Undertaker and Kane to storm the ring, so McMahon has to flee through
the crowd. The best part of this
segment? No entrance music for the
Undertaker and Kane before they run out.
However, it was a rather dull promo from someone of McMahon’s
caliber. 0 for 1
–Opening
Contest: Ken Shamrock & Steve
Blackman fight The Disciples of Apocalypse (w/Paul Ellering) to a no contest
when the Undertaker & Kane interfere at 1:28:
Contest: Ken Shamrock & Steve
Blackman fight The Disciples of Apocalypse (w/Paul Ellering) to a no contest
when the Undertaker & Kane interfere at 1:28:
Evidently, Shamrock and Blackman have made up after last
week’s altercation. The DOA are really
stale at the moment and desperately need some more direction aside from “we
have Paul Ellering as a manager and hate the LOD.” This match never gets going as Kane and the
Undertaker come out and destroy Blackman’s knee.
week’s altercation. The DOA are really
stale at the moment and desperately need some more direction aside from “we
have Paul Ellering as a manager and hate the LOD.” This match never gets going as Kane and the
Undertaker come out and destroy Blackman’s knee.
–Val Venis is shown
having relations with a young woman in a bathroom stall.
having relations with a young woman in a bathroom stall.
–Ross and Lawler
recount the beating Mankind received during and after his tag team title match
against the New Age Outlaws at SummerSlam.
Ross says that Mankind has not been seen since.
recount the beating Mankind received during and after his tag team title match
against the New Age Outlaws at SummerSlam.
Ross says that Mankind has not been seen since.
–Val Venis
wrestles Vader to a no contest at 3:32:
wrestles Vader to a no contest at 3:32:
During the match, Dustin Runnels carries a sign through
the crowd urging people to repent. Vader
dominates Venis with power moves, but the match is interrupted by Bradshaw, who
has a dispute with Vader stemming from an attempted tag team partnership on
Shotgun Saturday Night. This match, like
our opening bout, is interrupted by the Undertaker and Kane and they proceed to
destroy Venis and Vader. You would think
Vader would have enough sense at this point to avoid the Undertaker and
Kane. Rating: ½* (0 for 2)
the crowd urging people to repent. Vader
dominates Venis with power moves, but the match is interrupted by Bradshaw, who
has a dispute with Vader stemming from an attempted tag team partnership on
Shotgun Saturday Night. This match, like
our opening bout, is interrupted by the Undertaker and Kane and they proceed to
destroy Venis and Vader. You would think
Vader would have enough sense at this point to avoid the Undertaker and
Kane. Rating: ½* (0 for 2)
–Michael Cole
interviews the Rock and Mark Henry, who are facing the New Age Outlaws for the
WWF tag team titles. The Rock promises
to lay the smackdown on both of the Outlaws.
interviews the Rock and Mark Henry, who are facing the New Age Outlaws for the
WWF tag team titles. The Rock promises
to lay the smackdown on both of the Outlaws.
–Cole interviews
WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws, who push Cole aside and cut a
ranting promo. They let Billy Gunn
handle most of the promo work here and that’s just not a good idea.
WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws, who push Cole aside and cut a
ranting promo. They let Billy Gunn
handle most of the promo work here and that’s just not a good idea.
–WWF Tag Team
Championship Match: The Rock & Mark
Henry defeat The New Age Outlaws (Champions) via disqualification when Chyna
interferes at 7:01:
Championship Match: The Rock & Mark
Henry defeat The New Age Outlaws (Champions) via disqualification when Chyna
interferes at 7:01:
Conventional TV tag here, with the Road Dogg being placed
in peril, but avoiding a Henry splash to give the hot tag to Billy Gunn. When all hell breaks loose, Chyna runs in and
tackles Henry to get revenge for last week and that brings this contest to an
end. Rating: **¼ (1 for 3)
in peril, but avoiding a Henry splash to give the hot tag to Billy Gunn. When all hell breaks loose, Chyna runs in and
tackles Henry to get revenge for last week and that brings this contest to an
end. Rating: **¼ (1 for 3)
–Tiger Ali Singh
and Baby come out. Babu is eating
sardines, which Singh says he has been doing for four days. Babu picks a woman out of the crowd, who is
not wearing a bra, and she gets $600 for French kissing Babu for five
seconds. After the woman finishes her
task, the Undertaker and Kane interrupt and chokeslam Singh and Babu. Is Singh ever going to get in the ring? 1 for
4
and Baby come out. Babu is eating
sardines, which Singh says he has been doing for four days. Babu picks a woman out of the crowd, who is
not wearing a bra, and she gets $600 for French kissing Babu for five
seconds. After the woman finishes her
task, the Undertaker and Kane interrupt and chokeslam Singh and Babu. Is Singh ever going to get in the ring? 1 for
4
–Southern Justice
beat The Headbangers when Dennis Knight pins Mosh after the Problem Solver
(a.k.a. The Slop Drop) at 4:42:
beat The Headbangers when Dennis Knight pins Mosh after the Problem Solver
(a.k.a. The Slop Drop) at 4:42:
The WWF is trying really hard to make the fans forget
that Southern Justice used to be the Godwinns, but it just isn’t working. This is the Headbangers first RAW match in
quite a while. The Headbangers don’t get
in much aside from some token offense, as Southern Justice beats them down and
then uses a distraction finish to pick up the win. These two teams just do not gel at all. Rating: ½* (1 for 5)
that Southern Justice used to be the Godwinns, but it just isn’t working. This is the Headbangers first RAW match in
quite a while. The Headbangers don’t get
in much aside from some token offense, as Southern Justice beats them down and
then uses a distraction finish to pick up the win. These two teams just do not gel at all. Rating: ½* (1 for 5)
–The Undertaker and
Kane arrive outside of Mr. McMahon’s door and cannot get in. Kane takes a sledgehammer to the door and
breaks it down, but McMahon is not there.
Kane arrive outside of Mr. McMahon’s door and cannot get in. Kane takes a sledgehammer to the door and
breaks it down, but McMahon is not there.
–European
Championship Match: X-Pac defeats D-Lo
Brown (Champion) via disqualification when Jeff Jarrett interferes at 3:15:
Championship Match: X-Pac defeats D-Lo
Brown (Champion) via disqualification when Jeff Jarrett interferes at 3:15:
Lawler is pretty funny on commentary talking about how
D-Lo’s chest protector constricts his movements and how he has to overcome a
great deal in the ring by using it. This
match has an accelerated pace, which usually foreshadows interference, and sure
enough, Jeff Jarrett does a run-in before X-Pac can get a three-count after an
X-Factor. How many interference finishes
can we have tonight? Rating:
* (1 for 6)
D-Lo’s chest protector constricts his movements and how he has to overcome a
great deal in the ring by using it. This
match has an accelerated pace, which usually foreshadows interference, and sure
enough, Jeff Jarrett does a run-in before X-Pac can get a three-count after an
X-Factor. How many interference finishes
can we have tonight? Rating:
* (1 for 6)
–After the bell,
Jarrett and X-Pac brawl through the crowd and the Undertaker and Kane hit the
ring to go after D-Lo. The Rock runs to
the ring to defend his friend and hilariously tells off the Undertaker and
Kane, but ends up getting beaten down.
D-Lo doesn’t stick around and runs away.
Jarrett and X-Pac brawl through the crowd and the Undertaker and Kane hit the
ring to go after D-Lo. The Rock runs to
the ring to defend his friend and hilariously tells off the Undertaker and
Kane, but ends up getting beaten down.
D-Lo doesn’t stick around and runs away.
–Call 815-734-1161
to get your Steve Austin Bad to the Bone t-shirt for $25 (plus $6 shipping
& handling)!
to get your Steve Austin Bad to the Bone t-shirt for $25 (plus $6 shipping
& handling)!
–Edge slamming
Sable on top of Marc Mero to end the mixed tag team match at SummerSlam is the
JVC Kaboom! of the Week.
Sable on top of Marc Mero to end the mixed tag team match at SummerSlam is the
JVC Kaboom! of the Week.
–Edge defeats
“Marvelous” Marc Mero (w/Jacqueline) via disqualification when Gangrel
interferes at 1:38:
“Marvelous” Marc Mero (w/Jacqueline) via disqualification when Gangrel
interferes at 1:38:
Some idiot fan thinks they are at an ECW show and tries
to give Edge their chair as he heads to the ring. We can ANOTHER screwy finish as Gangrel
attacks Edge after he planchas onto Mero on the floor. Both men brawl in the ring as Kane and the
Undertaker attack Mero by the entrance.
to give Edge their chair as he heads to the ring. We can ANOTHER screwy finish as Gangrel
attacks Edge after he planchas onto Mero on the floor. Both men brawl in the ring as Kane and the
Undertaker attack Mero by the entrance.
–The first part of
Jim Ross’s interview with Al Snow is shown.
It recaps his rise in ECW and Snow says that the voices that he hears
are like the voice of God that he has opened his mind to hear. The reasoning given for Snow talking to Head
is that bad gimmicks drove him insane.
Good interview in flushing out Snow’s character and his
motivations. 2 for 7
Jim Ross’s interview with Al Snow is shown.
It recaps his rise in ECW and Snow says that the voices that he hears
are like the voice of God that he has opened his mind to hear. The reasoning given for Snow talking to Head
is that bad gimmicks drove him insane.
Good interview in flushing out Snow’s character and his
motivations. 2 for 7
–Kane and the
Undertaker are shown walking around backstage and in a nice piece of
logical storytelling, it is deserted since no one else wants to become a victim.
Undertaker are shown walking around backstage and in a nice piece of
logical storytelling, it is deserted since no one else wants to become a victim.
–The Insane Clown
Posse comes out with the Oddities and perform the Oddities theme music. Hawk, who is supposed to be with Animal and
Droz, comes out and in a drugged up state dances with them in his LOD 2000
helmet. I feel bad for laughing at this,
but can’t help it.
Posse comes out with the Oddities and perform the Oddities theme music. Hawk, who is supposed to be with Animal and
Droz, comes out and in a drugged up state dances with them in his LOD 2000
helmet. I feel bad for laughing at this,
but can’t help it.
–The Oddities
(w/The Insane Clown Posse & Luna Vachon) beat LOD 2000 & Darren Drozdov
when Giant Silva pins Hawk after a powerbomb at 1:33:
(w/The Insane Clown Posse & Luna Vachon) beat LOD 2000 & Darren Drozdov
when Giant Silva pins Hawk after a powerbomb at 1:33:
When Violent J won’t dance with Hawk, he attacks him
before joining his partners on the apron.
Hawk tags himself in, but he is in no shape to compete and gets pinned
after all hell breaks loose. The match
was not very good, but this continued the troubled Hawk storyline.
before joining his partners on the apron.
Hawk tags himself in, but he is in no shape to compete and gets pinned
after all hell breaks loose. The match
was not very good, but this continued the troubled Hawk storyline.
–The Undertaker and
Kane beat up a kid who is working on production in the locker room.
Kane beat up a kid who is working on production in the locker room.
–Too Much defeat
Miguel Perez & Jesus when Scott Taylor pins Miguel after Brian Christopher
hits Miguel with a Tennessee Jam at 5:07
Miguel Perez & Jesus when Scott Taylor pins Miguel after Brian Christopher
hits Miguel with a Tennessee Jam at 5:07
Los Boricuas is still a thing at this point? If you weren’t watching Shotgun Saturday
Night, these guys were as good as gone from the company. Ross is so bored by this show he starts
ranting about misinformation about wrestling on the Internet. If anyone had a reason to care about these
teams, this match would come off better.
Rating: *¾ (3 for 8)
Night, these guys were as good as gone from the company. Ross is so bored by this show he starts
ranting about misinformation about wrestling on the Internet. If anyone had a reason to care about these
teams, this match would come off better.
Rating: *¾ (3 for 8)
–Get a big poster
of Triple H when you buy Stridex pads!
of Triple H when you buy Stridex pads!
–“Double J” Jeff
Jarrett beats Scorpio via disqualification when X-Pac interferes at 4:55:
Jarrett beats Scorpio via disqualification when X-Pac interferes at 4:55:
Jarrett debuts his new ring look here, no longer wearing
the long pants and top that he was synonymous with. That new look is all he has, though, as I am
just not feeling this feud he has going with X-Pac. Scorpio makes this interesting with some
rollups, but he misses a moonsault. When
Jarrett goes to finish, X-Pac runs in and we get yet another disqualification
finish for a match tonight. They
couldn’t even give Jarrett a victory to bolster his new character? Rating: *½ (3 for 9)
the long pants and top that he was synonymous with. That new look is all he has, though, as I am
just not feeling this feud he has going with X-Pac. Scorpio makes this interesting with some
rollups, but he misses a moonsault. When
Jarrett goes to finish, X-Pac runs in and we get yet another disqualification
finish for a match tonight. They
couldn’t even give Jarrett a victory to bolster his new character? Rating: *½ (3 for 9)
–After the bell,
Kane and the Undertaker hit the ring and destroy Scorpio with a spike
Tombstone. McMahon watches the display
with joy by the entrance, but runs when the Undertaker and Kane see him.
Kane and the Undertaker hit the ring and destroy Scorpio with a spike
Tombstone. McMahon watches the display
with joy by the entrance, but runs when the Undertaker and Kane see him.
The Final Report Card: Was this Shotgun Saturday Night or Monday
Night Raw? I don’t mind that they
decided to showcase some different talents on this show, which was not going to
draw a great rating anyway, but did we have to get so many no contests and
interference finishes? The Undertaker
and Kane destroying everything in their path made sense, but really ruined the
show by the second hour because you thought they would be coming out and
interfering in every match. If anyone
EVER tries to tell you that Steve Austin was not important in 1998 WWF, just
let them watch this show. It’s Exhibit A
for why he made the company so awesome during this time. Without question, this is the worst RAW of
the year up to this point.
Night Raw? I don’t mind that they
decided to showcase some different talents on this show, which was not going to
draw a great rating anyway, but did we have to get so many no contests and
interference finishes? The Undertaker
and Kane destroying everything in their path made sense, but really ruined the
show by the second hour because you thought they would be coming out and
interfering in every match. If anyone
EVER tries to tell you that Steve Austin was not important in 1998 WWF, just
let them watch this show. It’s Exhibit A
for why he made the company so awesome during this time. Without question, this is the worst RAW of
the year up to this point.
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Down
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – July 20, 1998
by Logan Scisco
–Jim Ross and Jerry
“The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from Binghampton, New
York. This is our go home show for Fully
Loaded.
“The King” Lawler are in the booth and they are taped from Binghampton, New
York. This is our go home show for Fully
Loaded.
–Vince McMahon
comes out and says that tonight is a night for respect for one’s fellow man and
retribution for those who do not.
McMahon provides evidence from the events of recent weeks to support his
argument that the Undertaker is working with Kane and then invites the
Undertaker out. McMahon, who has great
on screen chemistry with the Undertaker, points out that if the Undertaker
wants to be the WWF champion he has to start showing respect to the right
people and he will not tolerate being disrespected anymore. When questioned again about working with
Kane, the Undertaker refuses to answer, so McMahon books him to face Kane and
Mankind in a handicap match. However,
McMahon makes the fatal error of telling the Undertaker to go to hell and ends
up getting chokeslammed. Gerald Brisco
and Commissioner Slaughter also eat chokeslams when they run to McMahon’s
aid. I love how McMahon continually
tries to act tough around the Undertaker only to end up paying for it. 1 for
1
comes out and says that tonight is a night for respect for one’s fellow man and
retribution for those who do not.
McMahon provides evidence from the events of recent weeks to support his
argument that the Undertaker is working with Kane and then invites the
Undertaker out. McMahon, who has great
on screen chemistry with the Undertaker, points out that if the Undertaker
wants to be the WWF champion he has to start showing respect to the right
people and he will not tolerate being disrespected anymore. When questioned again about working with
Kane, the Undertaker refuses to answer, so McMahon books him to face Kane and
Mankind in a handicap match. However,
McMahon makes the fatal error of telling the Undertaker to go to hell and ends
up getting chokeslammed. Gerald Brisco
and Commissioner Slaughter also eat chokeslams when they run to McMahon’s
aid. I love how McMahon continually
tries to act tough around the Undertaker only to end up paying for it. 1 for
1
–Opening Contest
for the European Championship: D-Lo
Brown (w/The Rock) defeats Triple H (Champion w/Chyna) after the Rock gives
Triple H a Rock Bottom to win the title at 6:02:
for the European Championship: D-Lo
Brown (w/The Rock) defeats Triple H (Champion w/Chyna) after the Rock gives
Triple H a Rock Bottom to win the title at 6:02:
Aside from the handicap main event, the other attractions
are Triple H and the Rock defending their titles against a member from the
Nation and D-Generation X, respectively.
Both men are scheduled to face each other in a title-for-title
two-out-of-three falls match at Fully Loaded, so the outcome of these matches
could change these plans. D-Lo was a
curious choice for this match since Owen was arguably the second-best singles
star in the Nation. Then again, Owen has
continually failed to beat Triple H, so D-Lo was as good an option as any of
the remaining Nation members. The Rock
interferes in this bout after Chyna and Mark Henry get into a confrontation on
the arena floor and that enables D-Lo to win his first WWF gold in a major
upset. This means that the Rock-Triple H
match at Fully Loaded will no longer be title-for-title. Rating: ** (2 for 2)
are Triple H and the Rock defending their titles against a member from the
Nation and D-Generation X, respectively.
Both men are scheduled to face each other in a title-for-title
two-out-of-three falls match at Fully Loaded, so the outcome of these matches
could change these plans. D-Lo was a
curious choice for this match since Owen was arguably the second-best singles
star in the Nation. Then again, Owen has
continually failed to beat Triple H, so D-Lo was as good an option as any of
the remaining Nation members. The Rock
interferes in this bout after Chyna and Mark Henry get into a confrontation on
the arena floor and that enables D-Lo to win his first WWF gold in a major
upset. This means that the Rock-Triple H
match at Fully Loaded will no longer be title-for-title. Rating: ** (2 for 2)
–The Nation
celebrates D-Lo’s title victory in the locker room.
celebrates D-Lo’s title victory in the locker room.
–Triple H tells Jim
Ross that the Rock is not leaving the arena with the Intercontinental title.
Ross that the Rock is not leaving the arena with the Intercontinental title.
–Brawl for All
First Round: Steve Williams beats Pierre
by TKO at 2:56 of the third round:
First Round: Steve Williams beats Pierre
by TKO at 2:56 of the third round:
This was Steve Williams WWF debut. The Brawl for All concept was meant to put
him over as a big star and eventually feud with Steve Austin. Of course, if that was the point of the
tournament, then why make it a shoot, but that requires too much logic for the
WWF sometimes. During Williams entrance,
Barry Switzer puts him over for being a tough guy while playing football for
the University of Oklahoma. Pierre is at
a severe disadvantage because he only has vision in one eye, but hey, it’s not
like the Brawl for All is regulated by your local athletic commission. Williams completely dominates Pierre, who is completely
out of his element here, and we get our first non-decision result of the Brawl
for All. 3 for 3
him over as a big star and eventually feud with Steve Austin. Of course, if that was the point of the
tournament, then why make it a shoot, but that requires too much logic for the
WWF sometimes. During Williams entrance,
Barry Switzer puts him over for being a tough guy while playing football for
the University of Oklahoma. Pierre is at
a severe disadvantage because he only has vision in one eye, but hey, it’s not
like the Brawl for All is regulated by your local athletic commission. Williams completely dominates Pierre, who is completely
out of his element here, and we get our first non-decision result of the Brawl
for All. 3 for 3
–Val Venis’s
revelation that he is having an affair with Yamaguchi-San’s wife on last week’s
show is played.
revelation that he is having an affair with Yamaguchi-San’s wife on last week’s
show is played.
–Yamaguchi-San,
wearing his tie around his head, yells at his wife for disgracing him on last
week’s show. He makes her hold the ropes
open so that Kaientai and he can step into the ring and then orders her to
crawl beneath his legs where he can hit her with a paddle. However, before Yamaguchi-San can proceed
with the punishment, Val Venis makes the save, and carries Yamaguchi-San’s wife
to the dressing room. Yamaguchi-San
going over the top is what made this segment worthwhile. 4 for
4
wearing his tie around his head, yells at his wife for disgracing him on last
week’s show. He makes her hold the ropes
open so that Kaientai and he can step into the ring and then orders her to
crawl beneath his legs where he can hit her with a paddle. However, before Yamaguchi-San can proceed
with the punishment, Val Venis makes the save, and carries Yamaguchi-San’s wife
to the dressing room. Yamaguchi-San
going over the top is what made this segment worthwhile. 4 for
4
–The Undertaker
chokeslamming Vince McMahon earlier in the show is the Skittles Slam of the
Week.
chokeslamming Vince McMahon earlier in the show is the Skittles Slam of the
Week.
–We are supposed to
get an Animal-Skull match in our next segment, but it never happens as Hawk no shows
during Animal’s entrance and the DOA give Animal a beatdown. Hawk makes the save before the DOA run over
one of Animal’s legs with one of their Titan bikes, but he is also attacked and
overwhelmed.
get an Animal-Skull match in our next segment, but it never happens as Hawk no shows
during Animal’s entrance and the DOA give Animal a beatdown. Hawk makes the save before the DOA run over
one of Animal’s legs with one of their Titan bikes, but he is also attacked and
overwhelmed.
–Steve Blackman
(w/Ken Shamrock & Dan Severn) pins Double J” Jeff Jarrett (w/Tennessee Lee
& Southern Justice) after a pump kick at 2:11:
(w/Ken Shamrock & Dan Severn) pins Double J” Jeff Jarrett (w/Tennessee Lee
& Southern Justice) after a pump kick at 2:11:
Somehow the Jarrett-Blackman rivalry is still ongoing and
based on the piped in boos, no one cares.
Blackman brings Shamrock and Severn with him to even the odds around
ringside and speaking of which, it makes little sense for Southern Justice to
be with Jarrett at infrequent periods.
Blackman beats Jarrett clean and in short order here, which is a very
puzzling result. Jarrett is in desperate
need of an overhaul because he is getting nowhere with his 1993-1996
gimmick. After the bell, Owen Hart
attacks Shamrock from behind on the floor and Severn does not seem to care.
based on the piped in boos, no one cares.
Blackman brings Shamrock and Severn with him to even the odds around
ringside and speaking of which, it makes little sense for Southern Justice to
be with Jarrett at infrequent periods.
Blackman beats Jarrett clean and in short order here, which is a very
puzzling result. Jarrett is in desperate
need of an overhaul because he is getting nowhere with his 1993-1996
gimmick. After the bell, Owen Hart
attacks Shamrock from behind on the floor and Severn does not seem to care.
–The Undertaker is
shown leaving the arena. Michael Cole
confirms this after the commercial break and Cole says that the Undertaker said
that he will see everyone Sunday at Fully Loaded.
shown leaving the arena. Michael Cole
confirms this after the commercial break and Cole says that the Undertaker said
that he will see everyone Sunday at Fully Loaded.
–Jim Ross interviews
WWF Champion Steve Austin, who says he is concerned about whether he is walking
into a trap at Fully Loaded. Vince
McMahon interrupts the promo after taking exception to Austin saying that
McMahon deserves to be screwed over and rebooks the main event to Austin facing
Kane and Mankind in a handicap match.
Austin refuses to wrestle and threatens to walk out like the Undertaker,
but McMahon announces that if that happens he will strip Austin of the WWF
title and give it to the Undertaker.
Austin says fine, but vows to beat up McMahon in the locker room when he
gets the opportunity. This was a good
twist of the main event to continue feeding the Kane-Undertaker cahoots
storyline. 5 for 5
WWF Champion Steve Austin, who says he is concerned about whether he is walking
into a trap at Fully Loaded. Vince
McMahon interrupts the promo after taking exception to Austin saying that
McMahon deserves to be screwed over and rebooks the main event to Austin facing
Kane and Mankind in a handicap match.
Austin refuses to wrestle and threatens to walk out like the Undertaker,
but McMahon announces that if that happens he will strip Austin of the WWF
title and give it to the Undertaker.
Austin says fine, but vows to beat up McMahon in the locker room when he
gets the opportunity. This was a good
twist of the main event to continue feeding the Kane-Undertaker cahoots
storyline. 5 for 5
– Call 815-734-1161
to get your Steve Austin 3:16 baseball jersey $39.99 (plus $9 shipping &
handling)!
to get your Steve Austin 3:16 baseball jersey $39.99 (plus $9 shipping &
handling)!
–Jason Sensation’s
skills and beating at the hands of Owen Hart on last week’s show is recapped.
skills and beating at the hands of Owen Hart on last week’s show is recapped.
–Owen Hart beats
Faarooq via submission to the Sharpshooter at 5:35:
Faarooq via submission to the Sharpshooter at 5:35:
I am surprised that Faarooq did not enter the Brawl for
All, since he was also stuck in the purgatory of the midcard after leaving the
Nation of Domination. During the bout,
Owen gets on the house mic and tells the crowd that he is not a nugget. This match is fine, although I am not sure
why Faarooq is still doing his “I am going to keep jumping on your back until
you knee me in the groin” spot as a face.
Faarooq submits clean to the Sharpshooter despite being a foot away from
the ropes, which illustrates how far he has fallen over the last year as a
character. After the bell, Ken Shamrock
runs out, but Owen escapes through the crowd.
Rating: ** (6 for 6)
All, since he was also stuck in the purgatory of the midcard after leaving the
Nation of Domination. During the bout,
Owen gets on the house mic and tells the crowd that he is not a nugget. This match is fine, although I am not sure
why Faarooq is still doing his “I am going to keep jumping on your back until
you knee me in the groin” spot as a face.
Faarooq submits clean to the Sharpshooter despite being a foot away from
the ropes, which illustrates how far he has fallen over the last year as a
character. After the bell, Ken Shamrock
runs out, but Owen escapes through the crowd.
Rating: ** (6 for 6)
–Mankind predicts a
very peaceful evening for Steve Austin in tonight’s handicap match.
very peaceful evening for Steve Austin in tonight’s handicap match.
–Marc Mero and
Jacqueline come out and Jacqueline insults Sable some more. Sable comes out in a sun dress and Jacqueline
soon strips it off. Sable doesn’t mind
and tosses Jacqueline out of the ring by her hair. Kevin Dunn’s camera crew follows Sable up the
ramp and misses Edge doing a hit and run on Mero in the ring. It would have been better to combine this
segment with the Sable-Jacqueline interaction on last week’s broadcast. 6 for
7
Jacqueline come out and Jacqueline insults Sable some more. Sable comes out in a sun dress and Jacqueline
soon strips it off. Sable doesn’t mind
and tosses Jacqueline out of the ring by her hair. Kevin Dunn’s camera crew follows Sable up the
ramp and misses Edge doing a hit and run on Mero in the ring. It would have been better to combine this
segment with the Sable-Jacqueline interaction on last week’s broadcast. 6 for
7
–Shawn Michaels
comes out to do commentary for the rest of the show.
comes out to do commentary for the rest of the show.
–The announcers
recap the 8-Ball-Scorpio Brawl for All match, which Scorpio won.
recap the 8-Ball-Scorpio Brawl for All match, which Scorpio won.
–The Rock tells the
announcers from the backstage area that he will beat X-Pac and enter Fully
Loaded as the Intercontinental champion.
announcers from the backstage area that he will beat X-Pac and enter Fully
Loaded as the Intercontinental champion.
–X-Pac pinning the
Rock after an X-Factor is the JVC Kaboom! of the Week.
Rock after an X-Factor is the JVC Kaboom! of the Week.
–Intercontinental
Championship Match: The Rock (Champion) defeats
X-Pac (w/Chyna) via disqualification when Triple H interferes at 9:46:
Championship Match: The Rock (Champion) defeats
X-Pac (w/Chyna) via disqualification when Triple H interferes at 9:46:
X-Pac pinned the Rock in a tag team match on last week’s
show, so that is used as evidence for why X-Pac is a threat to leave the
building with the Intercontinental title.
D-Lo Brown winning the European title also provided the possibility that
X-Pac might win this match. The Rock
dominates nearly the entire match and kicks out of an X-Factor and getting hit
with the Intercontinental title by Chyna.
The referee gets bumped on a Rock clothesline, and Triple H tries to
help X-Pac win the title by cutting off D-Lo Brown’s interference attempt and
Pedigreeing the Rock, but another official stops the pinfall and that helps the
Rock retain. I really hate the “second
referee corrects the first on things he did not see” finish. After the match, Triple H gets a female fan
in the audience to take her top off.
Antics like that are why I was barred from going to WWF house shows in
the Attitude Era. Thanks Triple H! Rating: **½ (7 for 8)
show, so that is used as evidence for why X-Pac is a threat to leave the
building with the Intercontinental title.
D-Lo Brown winning the European title also provided the possibility that
X-Pac might win this match. The Rock
dominates nearly the entire match and kicks out of an X-Factor and getting hit
with the Intercontinental title by Chyna.
The referee gets bumped on a Rock clothesline, and Triple H tries to
help X-Pac win the title by cutting off D-Lo Brown’s interference attempt and
Pedigreeing the Rock, but another official stops the pinfall and that helps the
Rock retain. I really hate the “second
referee corrects the first on things he did not see” finish. After the match, Triple H gets a female fan
in the audience to take her top off.
Antics like that are why I was barred from going to WWF house shows in
the Attitude Era. Thanks Triple H! Rating: **½ (7 for 8)
–Handicap
Match: Kane & Mankind (w/Paul
Bearer) beat “Stone Cold” Steve Austin via disqualification when the Undertaker
interferes at 4:51:
Match: Kane & Mankind (w/Paul
Bearer) beat “Stone Cold” Steve Austin via disqualification when the Undertaker
interferes at 4:51:
This is one of those famed Attitude Era brawls where
Austin hits everything that moves. The
Undertaker walks out three minutes in with a chair and sets up in Austin’s
corner. As Austin prepares to give Kane
a Stunner, the Undertaker tries to hit someone, it is not clear who, with a
chair and ends up blasting Kane. That
seemingly produces a DQ win for the tag team champions, but who really cares,
as Austin lays out Mankind and the Undertaker with the chair and walks away
with his hands raised. The continuous
action throughout this match made it seem like more than a throwaway TV main
event. Rating: **½ (8 for 9)
Austin hits everything that moves. The
Undertaker walks out three minutes in with a chair and sets up in Austin’s
corner. As Austin prepares to give Kane
a Stunner, the Undertaker tries to hit someone, it is not clear who, with a
chair and ends up blasting Kane. That
seemingly produces a DQ win for the tag team champions, but who really cares,
as Austin lays out Mankind and the Undertaker with the chair and walks away
with his hands raised. The continuous
action throughout this match made it seem like more than a throwaway TV main
event. Rating: **½ (8 for 9)
The Final Report Card: The ending to the main event gives us a small
taste of the Fully Loaded main event and maintains the mystery behind the
Highway to Hell storyline. For a taped
RAW, this provided a lot of excitement with the X-Pac-Rock fight, the main
brawl, and some entertaining mic work by the main players. Steve Williams also had a dominant appearance
in the Brawl for All and if you were not sure how things played out in future
weeks, you would assume he was the man to beat.
taste of the Fully Loaded main event and maintains the mystery behind the
Highway to Hell storyline. For a taped
RAW, this provided a lot of excitement with the X-Pac-Rock fight, the main
brawl, and some entertaining mic work by the main players. Steve Williams also had a dominant appearance
in the Brawl for All and if you were not sure how things played out in future
weeks, you would assume he was the man to beat.
So our announced card for Fully Loaded is
the following:
the following:
WWF Tag Team Championship Match: Kane & Mankind (Champions) vs. Steve
Austin & The Undertaker
Austin & The Undertaker
Two-out-of-Three Falls Match for the Intercontinental
Championship: The Rock (Champion) vs.
Triple H
Championship: The Rock (Champion) vs.
Triple H
Hart Family Dungeon Match with Dan Severn as
Special Referee: Ken Shamrock vs. Owen
Hart
Special Referee: Ken Shamrock vs. Owen
Hart
Bikini Contest: Sable vs. Jacqueline
Monday Night War Rating: 5.0 (vs. 4.7 for Nitro)
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Up
What the World Was Watching: Monday Night Raw – June 23, 1997
by Logan Scisco
–The show opens
with a small clip and tribute to former WWF champion Stan “The Man” Stasiak.
with a small clip and tribute to former WWF champion Stan “The Man” Stasiak.
–Vince McMahon and
Jim Ross are in the booth and they are coming to us from Detroit, Michigan.
Jim Ross are in the booth and they are coming to us from Detroit, Michigan.
–The New Nation of
Domination are interviewed by McMahon and Ahmed says that McMahon never backed
him when he came back from his injury last year for a shot at the WWF
title. Ahmed says he doesn’t respect the
Undertaker because he’s just a slave to Paul Bearer and Faarooq says that Ahmed
coming into the Nation is like Martin Luther King aligning with Malcolm X. D-Lo repeats what others have said in this
segment and Kama says that Ahmed will bring the WWF title to the Nation. At the end of the segment, Crush comes out
with some other men on motorcycles and they surround the ring. Crush says his organization is called the
Disciplines of Apocalypse and a brawl breaks out. A combination of WWF officials and police
separate the combatants and DOA gets a chant from the crowd. Ladies and gentlemen, the gang wars have
begun.
Domination are interviewed by McMahon and Ahmed says that McMahon never backed
him when he came back from his injury last year for a shot at the WWF
title. Ahmed says he doesn’t respect the
Undertaker because he’s just a slave to Paul Bearer and Faarooq says that Ahmed
coming into the Nation is like Martin Luther King aligning with Malcolm X. D-Lo repeats what others have said in this
segment and Kama says that Ahmed will bring the WWF title to the Nation. At the end of the segment, Crush comes out
with some other men on motorcycles and they surround the ring. Crush says his organization is called the
Disciplines of Apocalypse and a brawl breaks out. A combination of WWF officials and police
separate the combatants and DOA gets a chant from the crowd. Ladies and gentlemen, the gang wars have
begun.
–The Legion of Doom
cut a pre-taped promo, where they say that all hell is going to break loose
when they face the Godwinns in the tag team tournament this evening.
cut a pre-taped promo, where they say that all hell is going to break loose
when they face the Godwinns in the tag team tournament this evening.
–The formation of
Steve Austin’s team for Canadian Stampede on last week’s show is replayed.
Steve Austin’s team for Canadian Stampede on last week’s show is replayed.
–Former UFC
Champion and then-NWA World Champion Dan Severn comes out to do commentary for
the next match. Since Severn is a soft
spoken guy, this isn’t the best role for him.
Champion and then-NWA World Champion Dan Severn comes out to do commentary for
the next match. Since Severn is a soft
spoken guy, this isn’t the best role for him.
–Opening
Contest: Ken Shamrock defeats Rockabilly
(w/The Honky Tonk Man) via submission to the ankle lock at 2:34:
Contest: Ken Shamrock defeats Rockabilly
(w/The Honky Tonk Man) via submission to the ankle lock at 2:34:
Hearing McMahon talk about the “appalling” way that state
legislators are treating UFC is surreal.
You would think that McMahon had bought the company and was promoting is
as a legitimate alternative to the form of sports entertainment that he was
offering audiences at this time.
Shamrock easily rolls through Rockabilly in this encounter, intimidates
the Honky Tonk Man into leaving the ring, and then teases a confrontation with
Severn at the announce table before shaking his hand.
legislators are treating UFC is surreal.
You would think that McMahon had bought the company and was promoting is
as a legitimate alternative to the form of sports entertainment that he was
offering audiences at this time.
Shamrock easily rolls through Rockabilly in this encounter, intimidates
the Honky Tonk Man into leaving the ring, and then teases a confrontation with
Severn at the announce table before shaking his hand.
–The Godwinns
promise to do things differently in the WWF from now on and Henry Godwinn
promises to get revenge for his neck injury suffered at the hands of the Legion
of Doom a couple of months ago.
promise to do things differently in the WWF from now on and Henry Godwinn
promises to get revenge for his neck injury suffered at the hands of the Legion
of Doom a couple of months ago.
–Ahmed Johnson
giving the Undertaker a Pearl River Plunge on last week’s show is the Army Slam
of the Week.
giving the Undertaker a Pearl River Plunge on last week’s show is the Army Slam
of the Week.
–The announce team
talks about whether Marc Mero is jealous of Sable’s new popularity. You can buy the new WWF magazine and read
Vince Russo’s article about it!
talks about whether Marc Mero is jealous of Sable’s new popularity. You can buy the new WWF magazine and read
Vince Russo’s article about it!
–Tag Team
Tournament First Round Match: The Legion
of Doom defeat The Godwinns when Hawk pins Henry following a flying clothesline
at 3:42:
Tournament First Round Match: The Legion
of Doom defeat The Godwinns when Hawk pins Henry following a flying clothesline
at 3:42:
The Godwinns heel turn consists of them shedding their undershirts but they still have the slop and they use it when the LOD make
their entrance. These teams have some
good chemistry, but they rush to get their stuff in and the wheels start to
come off of the match by the finish. After
the match, the Godwinns attack the Legion of Doom to cement their heel turn in
the eyes of the fans. Rating:
*½
their entrance. These teams have some
good chemistry, but they rush to get their stuff in and the wheels start to
come off of the match by the finish. After
the match, the Godwinns attack the Legion of Doom to cement their heel turn in
the eyes of the fans. Rating:
*½
–After the Godwinns
have done their damage, the Hart Foundation hits the ring and beat down the
Legion of Doom.
have done their damage, the Hart Foundation hits the ring and beat down the
Legion of Doom.
–Paul Bearer tells
The Undertaker to shut up and listen to him, which leads to the Undertaker
choking him and Vader, who is his tag team partner tonight in the tag team
tournament. Vader looks terribly weak in
this segment, since the Undertaker makes him go to one knee with a one hand
choke.
The Undertaker to shut up and listen to him, which leads to the Undertaker
choking him and Vader, who is his tag team partner tonight in the tag team
tournament. Vader looks terribly weak in
this segment, since the Undertaker makes him go to one knee with a one hand
choke.
–Owen Hart says
that being booked in a triple threat match for his title is a conspiracy and is
a way for McMahon to see that his Intercontinental championship is placed into
the hands of an American. He promises a
surprise tonight.
that being booked in a triple threat match for his title is a conspiracy and is
a way for McMahon to see that his Intercontinental championship is placed into
the hands of an American. He promises a
surprise tonight.
–Steve Austin hypes
his Cause Stone Cold Said So video.
his Cause Stone Cold Said So video.
–Flash Funk says
he’s one of the greatest fliers of all time and he looks forward to facing Sabu
in the next match.
he’s one of the greatest fliers of all time and he looks forward to facing Sabu
in the next match.
–Interpromotional
Match (ECW vs. WWF): Sabu (w/Bill
Alfonso) and Flash Funk wrestle to a double count out at 4:38:
Match (ECW vs. WWF): Sabu (w/Bill
Alfonso) and Flash Funk wrestle to a double count out at 4:38:
Paul Heyman is on commentary for this match to give the
television viewers background on Sabu.
Using Funk for these interpromotional matches is not a bad idea because
Funk had wrestled Rob Van Dam and Sabu in ECW and was someone you could trust
in the ring to make the ECW guys look good.
There was also no risk in having him lose because he wasn’t doing
anything of note in the company at this point anyway. Since the WWF had higher production values
than ECW, Alphonso’s whistle is more annoying than usual. Funk damages Sabu’s arm on a moonsault, as he
comes crashing down onto Sabu’s arm with his knees when executing the move, and
both men battle to a disappointing count out after a match that had some nice
spots in it. Sabu fails to put Funk
through a table after three attempts, though.
Rating: **½
television viewers background on Sabu.
Using Funk for these interpromotional matches is not a bad idea because
Funk had wrestled Rob Van Dam and Sabu in ECW and was someone you could trust
in the ring to make the ECW guys look good.
There was also no risk in having him lose because he wasn’t doing
anything of note in the company at this point anyway. Since the WWF had higher production values
than ECW, Alphonso’s whistle is more annoying than usual. Funk damages Sabu’s arm on a moonsault, as he
comes crashing down onto Sabu’s arm with his knees when executing the move, and
both men battle to a disappointing count out after a match that had some nice
spots in it. Sabu fails to put Funk
through a table after three attempts, though.
Rating: **½
–Mankind’s failed
attempt to convince Steve Austin that he should be Austin’s new tag team
partner on last week’s show is played.
attempt to convince Steve Austin that he should be Austin’s new tag team
partner on last week’s show is played.
–Call 815-734-1161
to get your copy of Cause Stone Cold Said So for $19.99 (plus $6
shipping & handling)!
to get your copy of Cause Stone Cold Said So for $19.99 (plus $6
shipping & handling)!
–Non-Title Match: Mankind defeats The British Bulldog (European
Champion) by disqualification when the Bulldog uses a chair at 4:10:
Champion) by disqualification when the Bulldog uses a chair at 4:10:
Mankind is wearing an Austin 3:16 t-shirt and a “Pick Me
Steve!” sign and he dedicates the match to Steve Austin, thereby continuing his
campaign to be Austin’s tag team partner.
Austin calls into the show and says that he wants to give a shout out to
his brother who was stepped on by a bull.
However, he makes sure to note that he isn’t concerned about his
brother’s welfare but wants the $30 his brother owes him, which is a nice way
to express concern and incorporate it into the character. Austin says he doesn’t care about Mankind’s
welfare either and would rather defend the titles alone. Both men put together a quick match where
Mankind nearly wins with the Mandible Claw, but the Bulldog escapes and blasts
Mankind twice in the head with a chair.
I’m really worried about what Foley is going to be like if he reaches
seventy with all the head trauma that he incurred over the course of his career. Despite taking two blows to the head, Mankind
still recovers and puts the Bulldog in the Mandible Claw to get a nice crowd
pop. Rating: **
Steve!” sign and he dedicates the match to Steve Austin, thereby continuing his
campaign to be Austin’s tag team partner.
Austin calls into the show and says that he wants to give a shout out to
his brother who was stepped on by a bull.
However, he makes sure to note that he isn’t concerned about his
brother’s welfare but wants the $30 his brother owes him, which is a nice way
to express concern and incorporate it into the character. Austin says he doesn’t care about Mankind’s
welfare either and would rather defend the titles alone. Both men put together a quick match where
Mankind nearly wins with the Mandible Claw, but the Bulldog escapes and blasts
Mankind twice in the head with a chair.
I’m really worried about what Foley is going to be like if he reaches
seventy with all the head trauma that he incurred over the course of his career. Despite taking two blows to the head, Mankind
still recovers and puts the Bulldog in the Mandible Claw to get a nice crowd
pop. Rating: **
–Intercontinental Champion Owen Hart tells
WWF President Gorilla Monsoon that Brian Pillman should be allowed to be in his
corner for the triple threat because Hunter Hearst Helmsley gets Chyna and
Goldust will have Marlena. Monsoon
agrees.
WWF President Gorilla Monsoon that Brian Pillman should be allowed to be in his
corner for the triple threat because Hunter Hearst Helmsley gets Chyna and
Goldust will have Marlena. Monsoon
agrees.
–McMahon and Ross
discuss the importance of the Intercontinental title in WWF history. It’s sad to watch this when you consider how
far that belt has fallen in modern times.
discuss the importance of the Intercontinental title in WWF history. It’s sad to watch this when you consider how
far that belt has fallen in modern times.
–Triple Threat
Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Owen Hart (Champion w/Brian Pillman) defeats Goldust (w/Marlena) and
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (w/Chyna) after pinning Helmsley after a Goldust flying
elbow drop at 7:04 shown:
Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Owen Hart (Champion w/Brian Pillman) defeats Goldust (w/Marlena) and
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (w/Chyna) after pinning Helmsley after a Goldust flying
elbow drop at 7:04 shown:
This is the first televised
triple threat match in WWF history and Pat Patterson, the first
Intercontinental Champion, is the special guest referee. The two challengers, Goldust and Helmsley,
are former Intercontinental champions and their title wins are shown prior to
the match. Goldust appears to win the
match with a Curtain Call three minutes in, but Owen had put his foot on the
bottom rope during the count. Patterson
refuses to change his mind, so Gorilla Monsoon comes out and shows him an
instant replay and the match is restarted.
One of the refreshing things about this match is that it doesn’t rely on
the “toss one guy out and let’s have a one-on-one match” formula that future
triple threat matches would use. Chyna
steals the show in another match by giving Goldust a hurricanrana and Owen
moves out of the way when Goldust tries to break up a pin he has on Helmsley
and retains the title. This was a decent
contest and all of the guys acquitted themselves well, but the commercial break
and restart killed what the match could have been. Rating: **½
triple threat match in WWF history and Pat Patterson, the first
Intercontinental Champion, is the special guest referee. The two challengers, Goldust and Helmsley,
are former Intercontinental champions and their title wins are shown prior to
the match. Goldust appears to win the
match with a Curtain Call three minutes in, but Owen had put his foot on the
bottom rope during the count. Patterson
refuses to change his mind, so Gorilla Monsoon comes out and shows him an
instant replay and the match is restarted.
One of the refreshing things about this match is that it doesn’t rely on
the “toss one guy out and let’s have a one-on-one match” formula that future
triple threat matches would use. Chyna
steals the show in another match by giving Goldust a hurricanrana and Owen
moves out of the way when Goldust tries to break up a pin he has on Helmsley
and retains the title. This was a decent
contest and all of the guys acquitted themselves well, but the commercial break
and restart killed what the match could have been. Rating: **½
–Bret Hart and Jim
Neidhart are interviewed by McMahon and Bret says that he isn’t worried about
the American team that has been assembled at Canadian Stampede. Bret calls out “The Hitman” Tommy Hearns and
says that there is only room for one of them in Detroit. Hearns jumps the barrier and gets in Bret’s
face and when they get ready for an encounter, Hearns knocks down Jim Neidhart
with a combination of punches. WWF
officials hit the ring, though, to prevent a Bret-Hearns confrontation. The crowd gets worked into a “USA” chant.
Neidhart are interviewed by McMahon and Bret says that he isn’t worried about
the American team that has been assembled at Canadian Stampede. Bret calls out “The Hitman” Tommy Hearns and
says that there is only room for one of them in Detroit. Hearns jumps the barrier and gets in Bret’s
face and when they get ready for an encounter, Hearns knocks down Jim Neidhart
with a combination of punches. WWF
officials hit the ring, though, to prevent a Bret-Hearns confrontation. The crowd gets worked into a “USA” chant.
–Savio Vega
interrupts an interview of the New Nation, but gets beaten down and whipped by
Faarooq, Kama, and D-Lo Brown.
interrupts an interview of the New Nation, but gets beaten down and whipped by
Faarooq, Kama, and D-Lo Brown.
–Brian Christopher
cuts a pre-taped promo saying that he dominated USWA in Memphis for years and
he is ready to dominate the WWF light heavyweight division.
cuts a pre-taped promo saying that he dominated USWA in Memphis for years and
he is ready to dominate the WWF light heavyweight division.
–“Too Sexy” Brian
Christopher (w/Jerry “The King” Lawler) pins Scott Taylor after a Tennessee Jam
(flying leg drop) at 2:54:
Christopher (w/Jerry “The King” Lawler) pins Scott Taylor after a Tennessee Jam
(flying leg drop) at 2:54:
This is another preview of the WWF light heavyweight
division and it is also a clash of the future Too Hot/Too Cool tag team
combination. Christopher was never a
significant draw in the USWA, but I felt that he was a good midcard talent. Lawler sidesteps the question on commentary
about whether he is Christopher’s father, which will be a running gag for the
next several years of WWF programming.
This is a serviceable squash for Christopher, but this light heavyweight
division really needs someone that is going to “wow” crowds because mat based
wrestling is not going to get it done.
division and it is also a clash of the future Too Hot/Too Cool tag team
combination. Christopher was never a
significant draw in the USWA, but I felt that he was a good midcard talent. Lawler sidesteps the question on commentary
about whether he is Christopher’s father, which will be a running gag for the
next several years of WWF programming.
This is a serviceable squash for Christopher, but this light heavyweight
division really needs someone that is going to “wow” crowds because mat based
wrestling is not going to get it done.
–Call
1-900-737-4WWF to hear about Shawn Michaels, Sid, Yokozuna, and Maury Povich!
1-900-737-4WWF to hear about Shawn Michaels, Sid, Yokozuna, and Maury Povich!
–Paul Bearer says
there are no problems between the Undertaker and Vader concerning tonight’s tag
team tournament match.
there are no problems between the Undertaker and Vader concerning tonight’s tag
team tournament match.
–Tag Team
Tournament First Round Match: Faarooq
& D-Lo Brown (w/Kama Mustafa) defeat The Undertaker & Vader (w/Paul
Bearer) when Faarooq pins Vader with a clothesline at 4:59 shown:
Tournament First Round Match: Faarooq
& D-Lo Brown (w/Kama Mustafa) defeat The Undertaker & Vader (w/Paul
Bearer) when Faarooq pins Vader with a clothesline at 4:59 shown:
The New Nation is without Ahmed Johnson, who suffered a
knee injury in the opening segment.
Ahmed is shown watching the action in the back, but you can tell by his
body language that he knows he’s lost a major push. The winner of this match faces the Legion of
Doom in the semi-finals. DOA comes out
in the first couple of minutes and they waste no time attacking D-Lo Brown and
nearly everyone in the match gets involved in the brawl, with the Undertaker
hitting anything that moves. From a
booking standpoint it would appear that Faarooq chose the wrong partner, since
D-Lo doesn’t have the size to deal with Vader or the Undertaker. However, the Undertaker nails Vader in the
face after they jaw with each other and that leads to Vader jobbing to a
clothesline as if this was the Survivor Series.
This was an awkward contest that didn’t get sufficient time to
develop. Rating: *½
knee injury in the opening segment.
Ahmed is shown watching the action in the back, but you can tell by his
body language that he knows he’s lost a major push. The winner of this match faces the Legion of
Doom in the semi-finals. DOA comes out
in the first couple of minutes and they waste no time attacking D-Lo Brown and
nearly everyone in the match gets involved in the brawl, with the Undertaker
hitting anything that moves. From a
booking standpoint it would appear that Faarooq chose the wrong partner, since
D-Lo doesn’t have the size to deal with Vader or the Undertaker. However, the Undertaker nails Vader in the
face after they jaw with each other and that leads to Vader jobbing to a
clothesline as if this was the Survivor Series.
This was an awkward contest that didn’t get sufficient time to
develop. Rating: *½
–After the match,
Bearer sends Vader after the Undertaker, but the Undertaker survives the
onslaught and Tombstone’s Vader. Bearer
tells the Undertaker that he’s made his casket and he’s going to tell the world
his secret next week. The Undertaker
just does a throat slashing gesture and leaves.
Bearer sends Vader after the Undertaker, but the Undertaker survives the
onslaught and Tombstone’s Vader. Bearer
tells the Undertaker that he’s made his casket and he’s going to tell the world
his secret next week. The Undertaker
just does a throat slashing gesture and leaves.
The Final Report Card: Ahmed’s injury added another blow to the
Undertaker’s WWF title reign because it eventually saddled him with facing
Vader at Canadian Stampede. However,
that match wasn’t much of a draw since the Undertaker easily dealt with Vader
on this show and Vader was hardly the menacing monster he was a year
earlier. You can also see that the WWF
is slowly pushing D-Lo Brown. He was the
only member retained from the old Nation of Domination, but he got some
microphone time for the first time in his career on this show and he also got a
main event spot. Despite the awkward
main event, this show had some bright spots like the debut of the triple threat
match and the Funk-Sabu match and that’s enough for a thumbs up from me.
Undertaker’s WWF title reign because it eventually saddled him with facing
Vader at Canadian Stampede. However,
that match wasn’t much of a draw since the Undertaker easily dealt with Vader
on this show and Vader was hardly the menacing monster he was a year
earlier. You can also see that the WWF
is slowly pushing D-Lo Brown. He was the
only member retained from the old Nation of Domination, but he got some
microphone time for the first time in his career on this show and he also got a
main event spot. Despite the awkward
main event, this show had some bright spots like the debut of the triple threat
match and the Funk-Sabu match and that’s enough for a thumbs up from me.
Monday Night War Rating: 2.4 (vs. 3.3 for Nitro)
Show Evaluation: Thumbs Up