The Raw Review

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May 31, 1993

Marty Jannetty def. Bam Bam Bigelow by count out; IC Title Match

The Steiner Brothers def. Rich Myers & The Executioner

Mr. Hughes def. Bert Centeno

Jim Duggan def. Mark Thomas

Razor Ramon def. Tony Roy

 

May 30, 1994

Crush NC Tatanka; double count out

The 1-2-3 Kid def. George South

The Smoking Gunns def. Austin Steele & Reno Riggins

Jeff Jarrett def. Chris Hamerick

 

May 29, 1995

Sid def. Mike Khoury

Adam Bomb def. Bob Cook

Hakushi def. John Snakowski

Men on a Mission def. Gary Scott & Aaron Furguson

The Undertaker def. Jeff Jarrett; KOTR Qualifier

 

May 27, 1996

Ultimate Warrior NC Goldust; double count out; KOTR Qualifier

The Smoking Gunns def. The BodyDonnas

Vader def. Ahmed Johnson

 

May 26, 1997

The Legion of Doom def. Brian Pillman & Jim Neidhart by DQ

D’Lo Brown def. Bob Holly

Jerry Lawler def. Goldust; KOTR Qualifier

Rocky Maivia def. Flash Funk

Ahmed Johnson def. Vader; KOTR Qualifier

Hunter Hearst Helmsley def. Rockabilly

Shawn Michaels & Steve Austin def. Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith to win the Tag Team Titles

 

May 25, 1998

L.O.D. 2000 & Puke def. The Disciples of Apocalypse

Dan Severn def. Owen Hart by DQ

Gloga def. Thrasher

Vader def. Jeff Jarrett by DQ

Taka Michinoku def. Dick Togo; LHW Title Match

Faarooq def. Marc Mero

The Rock NC Triple H; double count out

 

May 31, 1999

The Big Show def. Mr. Ass by count out

Beaver Cleavage def. Christian

Jeff Jarrett def. The Godfather to win the Intercontinental Title

Vince McMahon def. The Undertaker by DQ

Road Dogg def. The Big Bossman by DQ

The Acolytes def. Kane & X-Pac to win the Tag Team Titles

Val Venis def. Ken Shamrock

Triple H def. Mankind in a hardcore match

Steve Austin def. The Undertaker by DQ; WWF Title Match

 

May 29, 2000

D’Lo Brown, Perry Saturn, & Terri def. The Godfather, Dean Malenko, & The Kat

Eddie Guerrero def. Kurt Angle; European Title Match

Too Cool def. Edge & Christian to win the Tag Team Titles

Rikishi def. Shane McMahon def. by DQ; KOTR Qualifier

T&A & Val Venis def. The Hardy Boyz & Chris Jericho

Hardcore Holly def. Chris Benoit by DQ; IC Title Match

Bull Buchanan def. Steve Blackman; KOTR Qualifier

The Undertaker NC The Rock in a Lumberjack Match

 

May 28, 2001

The Hardy Boyz def. X-Pac & Justin Credible

Chris Benoit def. Rhyno

Steve Blackman & Trish Stratus def. Perry Saturn & Terri

Hardcore Crap Segment: Rhyno def. Chris Jericho to win the title after Jericho beat The Big Show

Eddie Guerrero def. Albert

The Dudley Boyz def. Hardcore Holly & Crash

Steve Austin def. Chris Benoit; WWF Title Match

 

May 27, 2002

Spike Dudley & Trish Stratus def. William Regal & Molly Holly; Euro & Women’s Title Match; Trish pinned Molly

Hardcore Crap Segment: Steven Richards def. Terri to win back the title after Terri pinned him

Booker T & X-Pac def. The Hardy Boyz

Brock Lesnar def. Bubba Ray Dudley

The Big Show def. Bradshaw

Goldust def. Crash

Rob Van Dam def. Eddie Guerrero in a Ladder Match to win the Intercontinental Title

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New feature for this week for all my Review topics, I'll post old recaps of the main event or a featured match or a major angle development from each show. Of course recaps for some shows are a pain in the ass to find even on Google so sometimes the recap isn't going to be very good.

 

1993 - CRZ, slashwrestling.com

 

Martyr Jannetty v. Bam Bam Bigelow for the Intercontinental Title - The Fink

has the night off apparently, as Bill Dunn is behind the mic tonight (Bill

is the regular "Wrestling Challenge" announcer). I didn't know his name

before tonight, so if I spell it wrong, sue me. Jannetty brings Sensational

Sherri to the ring, so Bammer brings Luna Vachon with *him*. Sherri jumps

Vachon before anyone knows anything. Jannetty goes over to restrain her,

and while he takes her back to his corner, Bigelow jumps Jannetty. Bigelow

takes control and is hyped as "the favorite" in this match. Jannetty comes

back with a series of tomahawk chops, the last from the top rope. Jannetty

works until meeting with a headbutt. Jannetty flips all the way over during

a Bigelow backdrop attempt, but meets up with a bearhug for his efforts.

While in the bearhug, Bigelow drives Jannetty into the corner multiple

times. The women have done nothing so far, and don't do a great job as

window dressing either. Jannetty hits a flying head scissors (doesn't look

too great), hits a second flying head scissors (looks much better), and

before he does the third one, Bigelow drops the both of them to the canvas.

Since Jannetty is higher, his back hurts much more. We take an ad break.

When we come back, Marty is in a chinlock. Jannetty is blinded by a vicious

eye rake. Bigelow with dropkick. 1, 2, foot on the rope. Marty is whipped

into the corner, but puts up his legs to take the big man down. Jannetty

has a flurry and gets a 2 count. Two chops and a dropkick, and another 2

count. Bam Bam retaliates with a full nelson into a shoulderbreaker.

Bigelow bounds to the ropes, but Sherri (finally!) grabs Bigelow, blatantly

cheating. Bigelow turns around and grabs Sherri, by the hair. Jannetty

takes Bigelow out. Bigelow is outside the ring, and Jannetty does some

aerial thing to meet him. They flail away on the outside. Bigelow gets the

upper hand and throws Jannetty in, but thanks to Sherri, Bigelow misses the

10 and gets counted out. Bigelow isn't done, though. Enraged, he takes out

Jannetty with a slam and the back BUTT drop . The commentators think

Bammer just broke one of Jannetty's ribs. Luckily, a timely intervention of

WWF officials prevents further harm. Sherri rushes to Marty's aid, and

indeed Marty is clutching his abs.

 

1994 - CRZ, slashwrestling.com

 

The King's Court with WWF Champeen Bret Hart - Hart seems to have

a new arrangement wrt his theme music. Of course, I think I liked

the old version better. Lawler goads Hart until Hart gets ready to

bop him one, when Lawler brings out Diesel and Shawn Michaels

(aka Big Daddy Cool and the Heartbreak Kid). Hart does some jawing,

Diesel does some jawing, Hart starts to respond but Michaels

interrupts, and as Hart turns to listen to Michaels, Diesel delivers a

right. Then a jackknife. Then, Diesel, Michaels, and Lawler beat the

living tar out of Hart until the prerequisite semi full of WWF Officials

restore some order. Diesel poses with both belts.

 

1995 - Kevin James Podsiadlik, RSPW message boards

 

Jeff Jarrett (w/Roadie) vs. Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer), non-title match

 

And the lights, which where pretty dim for Jarrett's entrance, go

completely out. There's an eerie feeling about, and AAAAHHH!!! Don't

do that, JJ!! Turn yourself off next time, please! At any rate, while

the Undertaker makes his way to ringside, there is plenty of time for

McMahon to rub it in again by once again announcing Wrestlemania XI --

the Broadcast Special. Only $0.00, don't bother calling your local

cable company for availability.

 

The match begins, JJ and the Roadie are having a last second

discussion, and hey, where are you going, Roadie? Jarrett works out

the answer just in time to avoid the Undertaker's initial onslaught.

After thinking it over carefully, Jarrett decides to duck out of the

ring completely. 'Taker follows, so Jarrett runs around to another

side and gets back in. 'Taker continues his dogged pursuit, and on

entry yields Jarrett the opening he was looking for. A whip with an

eye to a back body drop goes very wrong, as it is Jarrett who gets

dumped on his back. Undertaker takes Jarrett into the corner for a

chokehold, which the referee gently asks if the Undertaker would

terribly mind breaking, please? 'Taker complies and does two

cross-corner whips instead, then takes Jarrett's hand asks asks if he

can have this dance, an offer which Jarrett can hardly refuse.

Undertaker takes it up on the ropes, where Jarrett is loath to follow,

and after his famous ropewalk lands it on Jarrett's shoulder. Then a

very deliberate headbutt, after which the Undertaker comes off the

ropes...and the Roadie deciding he really needs to play a part in this,

and tries tripping up the Reaper. It not only fails to get the

Undertaker down, though, but doesn't even distract him long enough for

Jarrett to take advantage, as 'Taker is back in with a kick to the gut,

then a scoop and slam, and a elbow drop, which finally misses. Side

out, and it's Jarrett's serve. Jarrett with a big clothesline, but we

all know what the Undertaker does with clotheslines. Flip outside the

ring, land on your feet, helloooooooooo Roadie. And say hello to my

hand around your throat. Jarrett is quick to come to the rescue with

an axehandle to the Undertaker's back. Jarrett tries to quickly think

of how it is you kill a zombie. Is it flinging his head into steel

steps? Well, it can't hurt to try. It doesn't seem to quite work, but

Jarrett gets back in to await developments while the Roadie gets back

with a few choice stomps. Undertaker tries to get back in once, Jarrett

kicks him back out. The second time, Jarrett decides not to interfere,

and instead waits until he is inside and uses him for a makeshift

trampoline. The Undertaker finally rises, and Jarrett measures him up

for a dropkick. 'Taker is staggered, so Jarrett reads another one, and

this one drops the Man from the Darkside. A cover gets a two-count.

Jarrett positions the Undertaker on the ropes for a little choking of

his own, following by the Bossman sit. Then JJ goes up and sits on the

turnbuckle, and waits for the Undertaker to rise and set himself up

from a flying clothesline. Cover...2 1/2. The moment seems to be

slipping away, so Jarrett changes gears and starts working on the

Undertaker's legs. McMahon sees a figure-four in the Undertaker's

future, and some commercials in ours.

 

-- ad break --

 

And as we return, Jarrett is putting the finishing touches on a leg job

well done, with a couple of elbows to the thigh, and the signal for the

figure-four, which is applied without any dissent from his opponent.

So what happens now, one wonders. It's terribly unlike the Undertaker

to react to pain or anything like that, so we could be in for one long

showdown, unless, say, Jarrett does something stupid like cheat at this

point. Sure enough, the Roadie offers his hand in ineffectual

leverage, and Jarrett takes it. Then it occurs to Paul Bearer: you

know, in all my years in the WWF, I've never beaten anyone up before...

And so, Bearer removes his jacket and starts after the Roadie. This

provides plenty of distraction for the referee, but just by chance, he

happens to glance at the match he's supposed to be refereeing and

notices Jarrett hanging from the middle rope. And thus Jarrett himself

finds the only way the Undertaker was ever going to get out of that

figure-four leglock. Undertaker rises, staggers about, but manages to

stay on his feet. Backing into the corner, he puts on his impression

of Bob Holly, kicking away at two attempts of Jarrett to approach.

Another choke hold, then a cross-corner whip. Jarrett stumbles out of

the corner, and flukes his way to a neckbreaker! One stomp, then a

series of punches on the prone Undertaker, set the stage for Jarrett's

once again taking a seat on the top turnbuckle, and this time a flying

elbow drop. Jarrett decides this would be a perfect time for his

trademark strut. The Undertaker says, as long as we're on the subject of

trademarks, let me show you mine. I call it the Zombie Situp. Back on

his feet again, Undertaker blocks a punch, and delivers two of his own,

followed by a kick and a whip. Jarrett reverses the whip, and the

Undertaker, grateful for the added momentum, hits a flying clothesline.

Still a bit wobbly, 'Taker gives Jarrett another cross-corner whip,

whereupon JJ shows he learned something from Holly, too. After kicking

Undertaker momentarily away, Jarrett takes his seat one more time on

the top turnbuckle... and jumps straight into the Undertaker's choke

hold. To make matters worse, it turns into a choke slam, and is

followed, after due deliberation, by another choke slam. The

Undertaker staggers about a bit more; or was that a subtle parody of

Jarrett's strut? No matter, the Undertaker whips his hair out of his

face, and by now it's clear that it's all over. A hand across the

throat is the signal, and the tombstone piledriver is duly executed.

Three slaps of the mat later, and it's officially Mabel vs. the

Undertaker in the first match of the KotR tournament. The Roadie, not

eager to see his meal ticket stuffed into a body bag, is quick to pull

Jarrett out of the ring, and lead him back to better days.

 

1996 - Kevin James Posiadilk, RSPW message boards

 

TMTC Vader (w/Jim Cornette) vs. Ahmed Johnson, in a KotR match

*snip*

The basic problem we have here, is that we have two guys who do not know

how to lose. Which means one of them is going to have to learn quickly,

or we're going to have a quarter of the KotR bracket totally empty.

 

Well, let's see how it pans out. First lockup, nothing. Second lockup,

Ahmed gets pushed back, but keeps his balance, and goes on to win the

subsequent posedown. At this point Ahmed gets in Vader face with a

little jive. Vader responds with a spit. Ahmed dwells in the serenity

of it all for nearly a second, and then goes completely berserk. Shades

of Phineas Godwinn (minus the mule kicks), and all in all, Vader is

lucky to only end up on his rear end in the corner. Once cooler heads

prevail (cooler in the sense that Mercury is cooler than the Sun), and

Vader is back on his feet, Ahmed resumes his Desert Storm-style assault,

complete with outright chokes. The referee being slow to offer

intervention, Vader takes matters into his own hands with a couple of

eye pokes. And now with the situation reversed, Vader starts to slap

Ahmed around. Then a cross-corner whip, Ahmed bounces out... and nails

Vader with a clothesline! Not an everyday occurrence, but then again,

Ahmed is not your everyday wrestler. Nor would you want him to be. For

an encore, Ahmed leaps at Vader for a flying body press, and both men

tumble out of the ring! "Unbelievable, I can't believe what I just saw."

And what's that, Owen? "Vader without his face mask." As Ahmed bundles

The Unmasked Man They Call Vader, Jim Cornette decides now would be a

good time to get in a cheap shot to the back of Ahmed's head with the

tennis racket. Jim Cornette's decision is wrong. There *is* no good

time to make a cheap shot to the back of Ahmed's head with something so

lightweight as a tennis racket. Cornette makes up for the previous bad

decision with a much better one, a decision to go make some pressing

phone calls, preferably from a pay phone in some other town. Ahmed

follows, again at the Undertaker-like pace, and surely would be risking

a countout if not for the convenient occurrence of an

 

-- ad break --

 

First a replay of the gigantic collision from earlier on, and then back

to live. Apparently over the commercial break, Ahmed has taken a crash

course on how to sell an opponent's moves, as a knee lift to the chest

provokes an appropriate response from Johnson, that of considerable

pain. Time for an announcement: unlike previous years, where the WWF has

gone through contortions in order to qualify a full field of eight to

the PPV portion of the KotR tourney, this year they're throwing all that

out the window and making it a set field of sixteen, no winner in one

match means a break for someone else. And in the case of the double

countout between the Warrior and Goldie, that someone will be the winner

of this match, who will get a free trip to the semifinals via the second

round bye. Back to action, a shoulder block from Vader puts Ahmed down

again. While Ahmed climbs up to the second rope, Owen spills the beans

by announcing his intention to enter the tournament himself, an unlikely

prospect with the supposedly bad wing of his. Vader leaps off and just

catches Ahmed; I wouldn't blame Ahmed for not selling that one, but he's

on a roll, so he goes down for another two-count. Ahmed is back up,

punches are traded, Vader goes for a short-arm clothesline, somehow

misses it, and Ahmed comes back with one of his own, and hits. Down

goes Vader, and down goes Ahmed. Uh, someone tell Ahmed he doesn't have

to sell his own moves, just his opponents'. Vader is up first, and puts

Ahmed into a corner for some more abuse with his fists. Then he backs

off, comes off the ropes, and splashes Ahmed in the corner for good

measure. And again. Ahmed staggers out to meet a Vader clothesline.

And time for the rest hold. Yet another chinlock variation!! This one

is so weak Vader has to use his head to gain any leverage for it. This

results in a potentially tender moment between the two combatants.

Finally, Ahmed refuses Vader's advances, and he and Vader break up...

the hold, though Vader gives a loving headbutt as a parting gift,

knowing that nothing can take away their time together. Anyway, back to

business. Vader with the full suplex... no, try again. No, okay let's

try a little lower, ah, perfect, and Ahmed lands the suplex. Wait a

minute, Ahmed lands it?? Yes, fans, it's another miracle resurgence in

the making. But a splitting headache seems to delay Ahmed's progress,

and in fact Vader recovers first in order to deliver a scoop and slam.

And pulling Ahmed into just the right position, and say, kids, what time

is it? Vader scales the ropes. First floor, replacement Vader face

masks. Second floor, Vaderbombs. Vader pauses tantalizingly there, but

then moves on. Third floor, Vadersaults!! The crowd stands up and

cheers, the big man leaps... and absolutely creams the canvas with a

perfect moonsault. And Ahmed is ready. Punch. Punch. Whip.

Clothesline. Like a mushroom, Jim Cornette has sprouted once again at

ringside, though he must be wondering why, as Ahmed hits another whip

into a clothesline. There goes the face mask again. You know, Vader

without the mask reminds me so much of John "Sgt. Schultz" Banner. I

know noth-ink about your scoop and slam! Ahmed covers, but failing to

hear the expected taps on the canvas, Ahmed wheels around to see what

the problem is. The diagnosis is quite simple, the referee has a

Cornette in his hair. Okay, you want in on the action, Cornette, says

Ahmed, you got it. The crowd goes wild, and Owen Hart goes frantic,

after all, that's his manager in there, too. Ahmed turns to face

Cornette, usually quite an unwise thing to do, doubly so with a Vader

running loose in the ring, but Ahmed is a step ahead of everyone,

grabbing Cornette and using him as a missile against Vader. This missile

just bounces right off, but the effect is felt in the mood of the

wrestler once known as the Rocket, as he abandons his guest commentator

spot (where he was bombing anyway) and rushes to the defense of his

manager. And as they say, the best defense is a good offense, so, in

response to the match-clinching spinebuster by Ahmed, Owen Hart climbs

to the top rope, lines up his cast, and makes a beeline for the back of

Ahmed's head. The referee, who of course had assigned top priority to

the well-being of Jim Cornette, missed the best part, but showed up just

in time for the ending, an easy three-count for the Man They Still Call

Vader. Nearly a minute and one instant replay of the fatal blow later,

Ahmed hasn't budged a single one of his huge muscles, and the referee,

deciding this is serious, calls for the medics...

 

1997 - G.P. Ryan, RSPW message boards

 

Shawn Michaels/Steve Austin vs. TAG CHAMPS Owen Hart/D.B. Smith

Is this indeed his first match since Thursday Raw Thursday? Vince

tries to sound cool by saying that SCSA is going to open a can of

whoop-[burro], and fails basically utterly. --break-- The challengers

go right after the champs even before they enter the ring. SCSA whip

on Owen, and a knee to the gut and 3 front elbowdrops. DBS makes the

save when SCSA starts to attempt a Sharpshooter. SCSA 2d rope elbow

for 2. SCSA armbar, HBK tags in, hops up top and smacks the arm and

then DBS. Owen nips-up and out of the armbar by way of a facerake. DBS

side headlock...HBK runs the ropes, evades a leapfrog and pokes him

and nails a rana. HBK whip is reversed, slides under, and the 360-deg.

enzuigiri for 2. (Is the correct pronunciation "enzi-gurrey", as JR

called it?) HBK tags in and stomps DBS's vitals...Owen drops SCSA

throat-first on the railing. The Foundation amble to ringside.

--break-- [lasted 3:02] SCSA is escaping from an Owen side headlock,

runs the ropes into a sleeperhold, but a jawbreaker breaks it. The

Foundation have returned to the entranceway without incident. DBS tags

in, as does HBK. HBK's whip is reversed but he hits a flying forearm

and nips-up for a dropkick. HBK's whip is reversed, DBS presses and

drops him crotch-first on the top, HBK tumbles to the floor. Owen

practices for a degree in chiropractics with the help of the ringpost.

DBS slingshots HBK into the corner for 2 1/2. DBS CW and HBK Flair

Flip, but he goes back into the ring, ripe for a Running Powerslam,

SCSA makes the save. Owen tags in and hits a gutwrench suplex and a

legdrop for 2. Owen applies the Revered Resthold [regular readers know

what that is, by now]. HBK is up quickly, fortunately, but runs into a

nifty belly-to-belly, SCSA again makes the save. DBS in, whip and HBK

sunset flip but Owen distracts the ref so DBS is able to kick out at

2. He does something (clothesline, my guess) and covers for 2 3/4. The

old "hot tag which ref didn't see" bit. Owen goes for a superplex, but

gets pushed off the 2d turnbuckle and hit with a flying cross

bodypress for 2. Owen hits a spinning leg lariat, which JR mistakenly

calls the same move that "put HBK on the shelf". Owen CW and a missed

charge ends up ruining his social plans for the evening. Chaos Breaks

Loose, HBK hits DBS with the Superkick behind the ref's back, and SCSA

gets the pin.

WINNERS: Shawn Michaels & Steve Austin, at 13:25 ***1/4

[A solid effort, if nothing else...]

 

Um okay this is pretty long I'll break it up into another post...

[Bored 0]

Cotinued...credit: CRZ, slashwrestling.com

 

1998

 

THE ROCK (with Mark Henry) v. TRIPLE H (with Chyna) in a nontitle

*snip*

Are you ready? Finally, we start this match. Lockup, wristlock, reverse, headlock, out, shoulderblock by the Rock. Lockup, headlock by the Rock, gobehind into a keylock, HHH elbows Rock in the mush and chops his [own] crotch. And now they're taking turns giving rights to each other. Rock takes charge, and knocks down HHH, then chops HIS crotch. The Rock runs at Helmsley, who steps aside and brings the Rock to the outside over the top rope. Chyna delivers a punch, which brings over Mark Henry. While referee "Blind" Mike Ciota is distracted by these two staring down, Helmsley is basically running Maivia into anything nailed down at ringside. Back in, and the Rock hits Helmsley on his way in. To the corner, the Rock kicks and punches away and Hunter is sitting on the mat. Ciota and Maivia jaw about the five count, and Henry chokes Helmsley, then gets a shot in with the Intercontinental belt, much to Chyna's dismay. Ciota turns around, and counts - 1, 2, Chyna pulls Rocky off of Hunter. While Ciota turns to Chyna, lets take an ad break!

 

But first, a reminder that Over the Edge will be broadcast Sunday on PPV!

 

When we come back, the Rock is winding up for the People's Elbow - and he delivers. 1, 2 - no. Ross says no more commercials for the last 12+ minutes of the show. Meanwhile, Hunter's finally come back and has brought Mark Henry up on the apron to boot. While Ciota turns to Henry, Chyna waffles the Rock with the European title. 1, 2, no. See? Cheaters NEVER prosper! Helmsley with kneedrop for 2. Chop (woooo!) by HHH, and another. And now Helmsley is kicking away until the Rock is lying on the mat. Whip into the corner, head down, swinging neckbreaker by the Rock. 1, 2, no. 1, 2, no. They're toe to toe, trading blows, head down, Helmsley tries for the pedigree, but the Rock backdrops him over the top rope - to Henry, who stomps away. Chyna grabs a chair, and takes a shot at Henry. So Henry turns to Chyna - and Helmsley gets to attack from behind, and Henry meets the steel steps. So the Rock comes out to help Henry, then next thing we know Triple H and the Rock are brawling on the outside, and - yep, double countout. (10:50 give or take an ad break). The Rock backs away, still laying the smack down on Helmsley - but he ends up backing into Faarooq, who PILEDRIVES him on the stage. Wow.

 

1999

 

UNDERTAKER (with Paul Bearer) v. STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN for the WWF Championship - amazingly enough, Undertaker WEARS the title belt AROUND HIS WAIST. Is it the "smokin' skull" belt because Austin's gonna win it back tonight? And if so, what's that "symbol" doing on the stage? Lawler again tries to press Ross for a prediction of the Great Power while saying that he thinks he knows what it is, going even further towards insinuating it's Shane. Austin rushes the ring before the introduction is over, slides out of the ring and wraps Undertaker's leg around the ringpost as Undertaker tries to follow him out. Make a wish! Groin hits the post - Austin is in the ring and the opening bell sounds. Austin on him with rights - head to the buckle. More rights, Undertaker with a throat chop. Right. Off the ropes, reversal, clothesline ducked, Thesz press by Austin - lotsa rights here. Off the ropes, elbowdrop. 1, 2, Undertaker pushes him off. Austin with the knee in the gut, clothesline takes him outside - Undertaker lands on his feet - Austin after him but Undertaker pulls him out. Brawl on the outside - Undertaker's head meets the commentators' table, then the STEEL steps. Right hand from Austin - he's got a chair but Undertaker hits a gut shot and he drops it. Austin quickly back in control - piledriver attempt is countered with a back bodydrop right on the concrete - Austin holds his left knee. Undertaker with a right, and another. Right. Austin's trick knee acts up to regain him control. Stomping on the Undertaker - rolled back in, Austin tries to follow but stops to adjust his knee brace first. Undertaker with an uppercut as Austin comes back in. Blatant choke - now the knee across the neck. Referee "Blind" Earl Hebner starts a count, finally. Undertaker relents. Off the ropes, but his head is down - Austin with a kick and a lariat for 2. Austin asks him to get up, then hits a lariat for 2. Lawler asks where Shane is. Off the ropes, reversal, big boot from the Undertaker - Austin staggered, lariat takes him down. 1, 2, kickout. Austin rolls under the bottom rope. Undertaker goes out, then drives an elbow into his heart. Austin with an eyepoke but Undertaker hits the right hand as Austin tries to come off the apron with an axehandle. Undertaker whips Austin into the STEEL steps, and he hits his hip. Now out on the ramp - Austin takes Undertaker ot the barricade. Here's a knee deep in the gut - suplex attempt - no - Undertaker reverses into a suplex of his own, Austin's knee landing on the STEEL ramp. Super Soaker provides the Double Feature. Austin having trouble standing - Undertaker hits a kidney punch. Another kidney shot. Uppercut to the throat. Everybody back in the ring - Austin tries a bodyslam but collapses under his weight - 1, 2, no. Austin somehow finding the strength to punch back - Bossman straddle - NO! Only ropes there as Undertaker manages to sidestep it. Crowd chanting "Austin" pretty loudly - but Undertaker brings his thumb 'cross his throat and it must be over. 'Taker picks him up, off the ropes - Austin ducks the clothesline - gutshot by Austin, STONE COLD STUNNER! Hebner in position - 1, 2, Paul Bearer pulls Hebner out of the ring. Austin out and Bearer goes down with one right hand. Back in the ring, Austin hits a right on Undertaker, and another, but BIG BOSSMAN is out - quick Stunner on the Bossman, but now the rest of the CORPORATE MINISTRY is out and Austin can't take them all on by himself. The bell sounds (DQ? 7:15) and Austin is tied in the ropes and held there by the Ministry. Noticably absent is Shane...as the Undertaker, and then most of the ministry falls to their knees as the black light shines over the ring and (uh oh) the Gregorian Chants start. A HOODED FIGURE walks slowly to the ring - Lawler actually SAYS "Shane" which must mean it ISN'T Shane. Lawler puts the clues together for us but it doesn't appear that we'll find out tonight. Undertaker present Austin to whoever it is - they approach Austin and reveal their face just enough for Austin to see it - Austin is angered and mouths "sonuvabitch!" Ross: "The Greater Power just revealed himself to Austin! Austin saw it! Austin's in shock! The rattlesnake looks like he's just seen a ghost! Who the hell is it? Who in the hell is the Greater Power?"

 

2000

 

UNDERTAKER (with one more Kid Rock promo) v. LA ROCA - Over 17K in attendance, and don't you forget it. Hey, you don't suppose there'll be a special guest referee tonight...DO YA? "No Chance in Hell" fires up as soon as both men are in the ring and out strides BILLIONAIRE VINCE. "All right...before you two beat the hell out of each other, which, quite frankly, I'm going to enjoy...before you two beat the hell out of each other, I want to know one thing - which one of you was the gutless one that attacked Road Dogg, Patterson and me from behind, and ran like a thief? Which one of you is gutless - it was you, wasn't it Rock? It was you?" Rock pantomimes "It wasn't the Rock - ask the Undertaker." "Ohh. Then it was you, Undertaker! You weren't man enough to come one on one - you had to attack from behind? Hah?" Undertaker mouths "It wasn't me, asshole." Crowd chants "Austin" - keep dreaming. "Oh...so wait a minute - Rock denies it and you deny it. So one lies and the other one swears to it. Okay. Just for that I'm gonna fix both of your asses. Now then, since you won't 'fess up - you don't have the guts to 'fess up - now then, this match will be a lumberjack match." "My Time" plays and out comes the rest of the HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, T&A (with Trish Stratus - the fitness model), BIG BOSS MAN & BULL BUCHANAN. Undertaker finally removes his sunglasses -

X.X

7.6 and now, his jacket. Referee "Blind" Tim White calls for the bell and here we go. Staredown - a bit of talking - and they both go out to attack the lumberjacks! I leave it as an exercise to the reader to determine how two men can take out eleven - Rock with a punch in the nuts for the champion - Rock Bottom for Bull Buchanan - chokeslam for Big Boss Man. You would think the numbers would catch up with them, at least so the *good Canadians* could come out and make the save. "Rock E" chant. Finally, Triple H manages a Golota on the Rock. X-Pac jumps on Undertaker from behind and the numbers take command. Vince and Shane hit the ring as well - Vince putting a show on the Undertaker, Road Dogg with some big rights for the Rock. If you're bored (like I am), you can watch Tim White give the time signal to Shane, who gives it to Triple H. Hey, time for the run-in! It's - it's - THROUGH HELL FIRE AND BRIMSTONE IT'S KANE! The evil ones revert back to their Black Ninja Style attack - down everybody goes. X-Pac FINALLY gets a chokeslam - and then Triple H does as well. Kane takes the WWF title belt...holds it aloft - and the turnbuckles burst into flame. Undertaker gives one of those "Hey, who is that guy - he seems so familiar" looks - Rock gives a "ah hell, ANOTHER guy back to clutter up the top of my card" look - the credits are up - the WWF logo shows up to signify that - for tonight, at least - it's over.

 

2001

 

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP: MY NAME IS STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN (with Billionaire Vince ... and Combos presents King of the Ring 24 June!) v. CHRIS BENOIT - I will say this, it really makes this main event seem like a special, big deal when they have HOWARD FINKEL back out to make introductions - AFTER both men get their entrance (not to mention the champ entering first): "Ladies and gentlemen, your referee for the following contest, EARL HEBNER. The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the World Wrestling Federation Championship! Introducing first to my right, the challenger: from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, weighing 229 pounds, he is the co-holder of the tag team championship, the Rabid Wolverine, Chris Benoit! And his opponent, hailing from Victoria in the Lone Star state of Texas, weighing 252 pounds, the reiging World Wrestling Federation champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin!" Austin's mouth curves into a sneer as his name is said. Man, they should do this for EVERY championship match. Hebner with instructions, then checking both fighters as McMahon walks around - Ross notes the presence of more security surrounding ringside, but attributes it to the previous run-in earlier tonight. I'm BEGGING somebody to say "Montreal" here, SHEESH. Well, here it is. Lockup, both men struggling for position - Austin provides the superior strength, shoving Benoit into the corner. Hebner wants the break but doesn't get it - Benoit switches positions and HE won't relent. Back to Austin...who finally puts up both arms to signal he's going to break. But instead, he drives the boot right into Benoit's taped, injured ribs. A second kick. A third. A fourth. A fifth. A sixth! Benoit, figuring that he won't last long if he keeps getting kicked in the ribs, fires back with a left-handed chop! And there's a second chop with the left hand! Benoit shifts to his right hand for a third chop! A fourth...and a fifth chop! Austin kicks back to regain control. Right hand. Head to the buckle. And now he drives his shoulder into Benoit's gut. Austin has picked his body part early - another shoulder drive - and one more. Hebner: "seven minutes." Pretend you didn't hear that. Austin with a knee to the head. Whip into the opposite corner, Benoit backs out and Austin is ready to clothesline him off the ropes, but Benoit catches the arm instead and tries for the crossface! But Austin must have scouted Benoit from watching the match with Rhyno - he spins out of the attempt, knee in the gut, forearm to the back of the head, and Benoit goes down. Stomp - stomp - stomp - stomp - every boot concentrated on the ribs. Benoit put into the ropes - Austin with a knee in the gut that sends Benoit into a flip. Austin covers - and gets 2. Benoit comes back with a chop - chop - chop - chop - chop - chop - chop - that's seven - off the ropes, ducks a clothesline from Austin, but Austin hits the Austin press and unleashes five punches to the head - Benoit hooks Austin's arms with his legs and tries for a pin - Austin rolls backwards and HE tries a pin - Benoit kicks out and grabs the arm - CROSSFACE! Austin crawls to the ropes, reaches...no...reaches...got it. McMahon breathes a sigh of relief. Austin rolls out to try to catch his breath - but Benoit is out after him. Benoit slams Austin's head into the commentary table - twice! And now to the STEEL steps - two times, Austin's head connects with the steps! Another big chop for Austin - chop - but the next whip into the steps is reversed, and Benoit's ribs take another punishing blow. Austin stands over Benoit, and twice stomps on the ribs. The crowd comes alive with clapping and a "Benoit" chant. Austin puts Benoit into the commentary table as well. Back in the ring we go - Austin puts Benoit into the ropes, but Benoit manages a sunset flip - Austin follows through and gets back to his feet - Benoit with a double leg takedown - AND A SHARPSHOOTER! Crowd goes ballistic as Austin screams in pain. Austin reaches for the ropes...but they're so, so far away. Crawling closer...and Benoit pulls him back to the centre!! Austin manages to turn ninety degrees and grab the bottom rope...to boos. Austin outside again, Benoit following again. Benoit is relentless, but Austin manages the kick. Another kick. Head to the commentary table. Austin with a front suplex onto the barricade. The added security make sure nobody approaches Benoit...and Austin brings him back in over the barricade. ANOTHER front suplex lands Benoit ribs-first onto the barricade. Ross says Hebner won't count 'em out tonight. Austin with a vertical suplex onto the commentary table, which doesn't break! Austin has a big smile on his face - back in the ring and Austin cover - 1, 2, Benoit kicks out. Austin covers again - and again Benoit is out at 2. Austin now targets the ribs with an abdominal stretch...adding to the pressure by grabbing the top rope for leverage. Hebner manages to spot it, and kicks the arm off - allowing Benoit to take over Austin in a hip toss! McMahon is quick to complain about Hebner's interference in the action, but Hebner is the main in the stripes, not McMahon - Benoit with a German suplex!! And holding on for a SECOND German suplex! Still holding on - Austin desperately trying to elbow out of the waistlock - two elbows but Benoit ducks the third, setting Austin on the top turnbuckle, left handed chop, two, THREE chops, climbing up and threatening the superplex...but Austin stays put, throwing Benoit back into the ring! Austin is down off the perch, and HE has Benoit on the top turnbuckle - and HE has the superplex on his challenger. 1, 2, NO!! Austin covers again - 1, 2, NO!! Austin with six blows to the head, ANOTHER cover, and ANOTHER kickout by Benoit! Austin, frustrated, tosses Benoit out of the ring...and goes for his title belt. He's ready to swing, but Hebner manages to grab it from him! There won't be a disqualification tonight! Austin with a right hand on Benoit as somebody says "We gotta go home," and Austin puts Benoit back in the ring - McMahon and Hebner are having a big argument as Austin picks up Benoit - KICK WHAM STUNNER! Austin has the leg hooked but Hebner is still tied up with McMahon - Hebner throws the title belt into the ring as McMahon bumps him around - are THEY going to come to blows? Meanwhile, Austin is up to try to flag down the referee...and having no luck. Benoit is up - found the belt - CLOCKS Austin! Ross counts to three as Hebner comes in - McMahon reaches for Hebner but misses him! 1, 2, AUSTIN KICKS OUT!! Benoit wants Hebner to be VERY sure of that count...and now *he* has taken his eyes off his opponent. Austin with three kicks to the body - whip into the ropes, KICK WHAM, NO-- Benoit shoves him off, then grabs his arm and drops down with the Crossface! Hebner checks on Austin...and McMahon pulls him out of the ring! Hebner up - SHOVING McMahon down!! Back in and asking Austin if he's going to give it up...no, he's got that bottom rope once again. Benoit stays on him - stomp, stomp, stomp. Benoit is relentless - into the ropes is reversed, Austin drives a knee into the injured ribs - then drops down to lock in Benoit's own hold, the crossface! Well, you can probably guess what happens next. McMahon goes crazy making timekeeper TONY CHIMEL ring the bell, then forces Finkel to announce Austin as the winner by submission. (11:12) Ross is apoplectic. "BENOIT NEVER GAVE UP! DAMMIT! BENOIT JUST GOT SCREWED! THAT'S WHAT AUSTIN HAD IN MIND! IT WAS AUSTIN'S PLAN! AUSTIN -- CELEBRATING LIKE HE JUST WON THE WWF TITLE HIMSELF!" KICK WHAM STUNNER and Hebner is down. Vince presents Austin with the wrong, tag team championship belt (!) and they walk off - Heyman finally says "shades of Montreal" as they stand at the bottom of the ramp with arms raised - but CHRIS MONDAY JERICHO is back out, punking out both men with a double clothesline! Jericho stomps away on Austin - and Benoit is out to JOIN him! Right hand by Jericho, right by Benoit, Austin pinballing back and forth - Austin put in the ring - Benoit working over *McMahon* (!) while Jericho ducks a clothesline, double leg takedown - LIONTAMER! And now Benoit has McMahon in the ring - AND IN THE CROSSFACE!! Both men tap, but it doesn't help them any - TWO REFS - make it FOUR REFS are out, but neither man will be denied. The LAST TWO REFS, SERGEANT SLAUGHTER & TONY GAREA join the attempt, but all that ends up happening is a more impressive scuttle as Jericho and Benoit clear the ring of all but the carcasses of Austin and McMahon. Benoit's music plays. Wotta show! That last bit right there - and Ross' final say on commentary - makes the subtle yet *incredibly important* difference between Vince Russo's multiple attempts to recreate Montreal, and this WWF team of writers' attempt to recreate Montreal (only, not exactly recreate it). Ross: "BENOIT GOT SCREWED OUT OF THE WWF TITLE! BUT BY GOD, BENOIT - AND JERICHO - KICKED AUSTIN AND MCMAHON'S ASS - AND I MEAN THEY KICKED IT BIG-TIME!" Closing credits, WWF logo, we're out at ten after...

 

2002

 

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: EDDIE GUERRERO (champion - El Paso, Tejas - 228 pounds - with King of the Ring is brought to you by Snickers Cruncher!) v. ROB VAN DAM (challenger - Battle Creek, Michigan - 235 pounds) in a ladder match

referee: EARL HEBNER

Guerrero shows some...anxiousness... at the sight of the ladder. Guerrero surrenders the title for Hebner, who places it around the loop which is raised high above the ring. HERE WE GO: Both men look up at the belt...at the ladder...at the belt. Guerrero exercises his jaw muscles: "You want MY championship, you gotta come and take it from ME." Elbow by van Dam, right by Guerrero, elbow by van Dam, right by Guerrero, elbow by van Dam, right by Guerrero, elbow by van Dam is cut short by a knee from Guerrero, right, into the ropes, reversal, back to back over the top, rolls under van Dam's kick, Guerrero grabs a waistlock, standing switch by van Dam, back elbow out by Guerrero, back elbow out, off the ropes but into a Viscera kick from van Dam! Guerrero rolls outside. van Dam wastes no time heading to the ropes - up and over with a pescado but Guerrero sidesteps and throws a right on his way down. Whip - is reversed, and Guerrero collides with the ringpost! van Dam right hand, head to the apron, suplex - make it a hangup on the barricade - forearm in the back - van Dam to the apron, points to himself, then drops the leg on Guerrero's back! That hurt both men. van Dam is up first - stomp - right, right...whip is reversed, and van Dam runs RIGHT into the ladder! Guerrero takes charge - stomp, stomp, stomp, right, right, right, kick, kick, kick, right, right, right, front facelock...suplex on the floor! Guerrero beats up the ladder a bit, then throws it onto van Dam. Guerrero folds up the ladder, tries putting van Dam between the legs and closing it on him - this doesn't work too well, so he tosses the ladder aside and puts van Dam back in the ring. van Dam sneaks in a shot but it's Guerrero in control - right, right - right - right in the corner - into the ropes, big back elbow snaps him to the mat. Guerrero encourages booing. Elbow to the back of the head - elbow - Snickers Cruncher replay of the earlier elbow off the ropes. "Eddie sucks" chant starting up. Elbow to the back of the head - there were about six there, actually. Guerrero outside, pulling him by the legs across the mat, then wrapping it around the ringpost. Guerrero borrows a chair from the ringside area, wraps van Dam's leg around the ringpost a second time, then collects the chair and CRACKS van Dam's leg! He can't climb a ladder on one leg, I suppose...Guerrero back in with a stomp. Stomp. van Dam starts a limp - gutshot has no effect - right by Guerrero, right. Grabs him by the leg and SPIKES him with...almost a teardrop brainbuster more than a side suplex. Head to the buckle by Guerrero. van Dam fires back, right by Guerrero, right by van Dam, right by Guerrero, right, right, right, right. Whip into the opposite corner is reversed - van Dam drops down to deliver the monkey flip, but with one bad leg, Guerrero just doesn't spring as high as normal. Gutshot by van Dam is met with a thumb in the eye by Guerrero - right hand - POWERBOMB - and van Dam's down again. Guerrero goes back outside and goes underneath the ring for a second ladder. Guerrero takes a bit too long carrying the ladder to ringside - van Dam winds up and dropkicks, actually landing *above* the ladder with his feet but Guerrero still whips back to the barricade, getting sandwiched by the ladder. van Dam quickly springs to the apron and off with a moonsault - but lands on the ladder when Guerrero uses it as a shield! At this point, CHRIS BENOIT is seen coming down through the crowd...Security stops him, but Benoit brandishes a ticket. How'd he get THAT? Maybe we'll find out...after this ad break!

*snip*

When we come back, Guerrero has the ladder and runs it RIGHT into van Dam's head! Benoit appears to have a damn fine seat, as well. Snickers Cruncher replays show a much better angle of van Dam's moonsault into the ladder - and a replay of van Dam eating the ladder we'd just seen. Guerrero has the ladder underneath the title belt...up six steps but van Dam quickly heads to the corner, up to the top rope - and off with a kick to the ladder, sending Guerrero sprawling to the mat! Snickers Cruncher Replay, natch. van Dam may have finally turned the momentum back his way - stomps his head, kick, kick (hmm, the limp is gone) - elbow, elbow, into the ropes, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, placed on the ladder and van Dam comes off the ropes with a tumbling run backflip press onto the ladder! Snickers Cruncher Replay from the belt cam of Guerrero's spill off the ladder. van Dam adds a slide dropkick, then set up the ladder for HIS try at the belt. Guerrero climbs the opposite set of steps - right, right by van Dam, right by Guerrero, right, right by van Dam, right, right, Guerrero grabs his head and rams it into the top step - five times...then..HOLY SHIT, he flipped OVER the ladder and took van Dam down in a super sunset flip! I'm amazed he didn't break his ankle sticking that landing, too. Give THAT a Snickers Cruncher Replay. Guerrero climbs the ladder...but SOME FAT UGLY IDIOT CANADIAN IN A HOCKEY JERSEY hits the ring and shoves the ladder over - Guerrero saw it in time and leapt off, landing on his feet - Hebner hits the ring and grabs him from behind, taking him down with a little help from a genuine right hand from Guerrero - Security swarms and takes him out of the ring as the fans cheer louder than they have for this match...which says a lot about them. Guerrero with a right, right....and a clothesline to put him back on his back. *Again* Guerrero sets up the ladder - but this time it appears he's more interested in landing something on van Dam than grabbing the title belt...Guerrero up and over with a SENTONBOMB!! Snickers Cruncher with another angle of Guerrero doing a handstand on top of the ladder, then coming off with the swandive senton. Guerrero goes out again for the chair - back in - chairs van Dam's back, and chairs the leg he'd been attacking all match. Guerrero puts the chair in the corner and tries to ram van Dam's head into the chair - but van Dam BLOCKS, then puts EDDIE'S head into the chair! Another head to the chair - kick, kick, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp...van Dam grabs the chair, gets a running start, then lands the dropkick to the chair to the head! Spinning legdrop - ladder on Guerrero, van Dam off with a split-legged moonsault to the ladder!!! Of course, that hurts van Dam just as much - both men are down - no, wait, van Dam is back up...and now the ladder is as well. Ross reminds us that this ain't SportsCentre, which means we're in a Canadian overrun for us 'murican viewers. van Dam, grabbing his leg, slowly climbs to the fifth step - Guerrero up from behind, pulling him back to the mat - van Dam lands on his feet, then collapses. Guerrero grabs him - snap suplex into the ladder. Guerrero grabs the ladder and puts it into the corner - got van Dam, right to the back of the head, right, right, right, to the corner, right, right, right, right, right, right, but the whip is reversed and it's GUERRERO hitting the ladder! van Dam with a kick, knee, knee, into the corner, tubmling run...but Guerrero catches him and sits him on top. Right by Guerrero, right by van Dam, van Dam leaps off but misses - but DOES give Guerrero the monkey flip into the ladder! van Dam pulls Guerrero out and puts the ladder on top of him as we take another Snickers Cruncher Replay - van Dam stomps on the ladder, runs the ropes, and hits Rolling Thunder on the ladder! Both men are down once again, so let's take ANOTHER Snickers Cruncher replay. Right by van Dam, superkick, superkick, Guerrero slumps in the corner and van Dam set up the ladder - but Guerrero *again* manages a dropkick to the shin. Guerrero grabs the chair...but van Dam dropkicks the chair into Guerrero's face! Benoit applauds the fine technical manoeuvres. van Dam puts the ladder in the corner and climbs up to the very top - he wants the Fivestar...but he can't keep his balance and crashes back to the mat when the ladder topples!! Guerrero crawls to the corner and climbs up - HE wants the frog splash, but van Dam makes it over to the corner in time...righ thand, right, overhead kick that takes Guerrero off the top rope and facefirst into the barricade on the floor! van Dam sees his shot and takes it - ladder under the belt - climbing up to the penultimate step - reaching - pulling himself up by the belt for support - trying to undo it - and undoing it! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new intercontinental champion - and the mythical twenty minute mark has been broken on RAW! (20:29) van Dam celebrates on the second rope - but his back is turned to a dangerous man - Guerrero rams the ladder into van Dam's ribs, sending him crashing to the floor! Guerrero catches his breath - but before he can follow up, the breaking of glass means it's STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN, running to the ring - Guerrero almost makes it out of the ring, but no - Austin with a kick, kick, kick, stomp, stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp, drops down and gets six rights before RIC FLAIR & ARN ANDERSON rush the ring - Austin turns to THEM - right for Flair, right for Anderson, right for Guerrero, right for Flair, right for Anderson, right for Guerrero, stomp, stomp, blocks a right from Flair, into the ropes, big back body drop, right for Anderson, kick, stomp and he rolls out - Benoit hops the rail, removes his shirt and stands next to Austin...well, you know what's coming since Security hasn't stopped him. Benoit puts a forearm in Austin's back. Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, drops down, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, right, finally lets up - scoop - and a slam - and Guerrero provides the exclamation point with the frog splash. Flair and Anderson chuckle from the ramp while Guerrero and Benoit give Austin their two cents. Arms raised and there's an embrace - RAW Zone credits are up and we're gone.

[TheOriginalOrangeGoblin 0]

Great week for Raw.

[Guest Choken One]

Wow. This Week rules for Raw...

 

Hope tradition continues...

[Guest Mulatto Heat]

It's just too bad that they're not in Canada again this year.