Rewriting History

[snuffbox 0]

Another good 1997 ppv. Only 2 matches at SS were less than ***.

 

The Raws have really been helping storylines.

[Guest JMA]

If anyone is wondering why we haven't been posting lately, it's because CM Funk is still having computer troubles. Because of that, we need someone to do the RAW results while he's gone. This would only be a temporary thing, but it would be a great help to us.

 

If you're interested in helping us, you can post about it in this thread or PM me.

[Guest JMA]

I just want to let everyone know that CM Funk is back and we can start to update again. Sorry for the delay.

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

November 10, 1997

 

New WWF Champion Shawn Michaels came out to the ring with Chyna. Green and black confetti fell from the ceiling. He said that winning the Championship was no hard work. He put down Bret and said that if he had any guts, he'd show his face so that he could beat him in Canada once again. Bret's music hit, and out came.. Triple H, laughing his head off. Shawn Michaels fell down from laughing too hard. Triple H got on the mic and said the Hart Foundation was dead. The D-Generation X era had begun.

 

The announcers hyped a "slobberknocking" Gauntlet Match later tonight with the winner getting a WWF World Title shot in the future.

 

A commercial aired for the next pay-per-view- WWF In Your House: D-Generation X.

 

Highlights aired of Kane's path of destruction since joining the WWF. Kane and Paul Bearer have been using all forms of WWF TV to violently attack superstars. So far, members of Los Boricuas, lightheavyweights and WWF Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon have been beaten. This may not stop any time soon.

 

Mankind defeated Doug Furnas by submission to the Mandible Claw. (3:45) Phil LaFon did a run in afterwards and was torn up by Mankind. Foley threw chairs at them as they went up the ramp. It was discussed that maybe Cactus Jack's hardcore tendencies were infecting all his personas.

 

The Rock argued with Commissioner Slaughter for a Tag Team Titles shot for D'Lo Brown and Kama Mustafa. Slaughter gave them a number one contender's match up next with a fast-rising tag team, The New Age Outlaws.

 

Intercontinental Champion "Stone Cold" Steve Austin then came out and cut a promo. He gave Taz credit for being "one tough son of a bitch". Austin invited Taz to his ranch in Texas, where if he wanted a fight, there would be no "time limit". He demanded to do commentary at this point in the show. Jerry Lawler said that they didn't need a fourth member of the team. Austin agreed and gave him the Stunner. Vince McMahon questioned Austin's actions. Austin said that he had nothing else to work with, he had beaten everyone.

 

The New Age Outlaws defeated D'Lo Brown and Kama Mustafa to become the number one contenders for the WWF Tag Team Titles after a roll-up by Billy Gunn. (4:11) After the match, Jammes got on the mic and told the Road Warriors that they were coming for them.

 

Ron Simmons beat Goldust by countout when Goldust bailed to save Marlena from an interfering Kane. (3:11) Steve Austin said that if Kane kept going on like this, he might have to do something.

 

Ken Shamrock defeated The Rock, Bradshaw, Marc Mero, Vader, and The Patriot to win a WWF World Title shot when The Rock tapped out to the Anklelock in the finals. (15:34) Order of entry was Patriot, Vader, Bradshaw, Mero, Shamrock, Rock. Patriot and Vader had problems early on and wrestled to a double DQ. Patriot was visibly frustrated with being disqualified.

 

After his match, The Rock was still in the ring. He complained. Steve Austin came in, briefly talked, gave him a Stunner and walked out.

 

The Road Warriors did a backstage promo. Hawk and Animal said that in seven months, no team has been good enough to take their titles and that it would continue that way for the next seven months.

 

Jerry Lawler came back out to do commentary with his neck sore. He called Steve Austin a thug. Vince McMahon said that the behaviour of "Stone Cold" is something that needs to be worked on.

 

WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels pinned Ahmed Johnson in a non-title match after a superkick. (6:05) After the match, the power went out. The lights came on and Undertaker was in the ring. He chokeslammed Shawn Michaels.

[Guest jm29195]

Good te see this back, am I correct in assuming that Bret has yet to make his last appearance for your WWF?

[Guest JMA]

Good te see this back, am I correct in assuming that Bret has yet to make his last appearance for your WWF?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are correct. Bret will be getting a proper send-off this time around.

[Rendclaw 0]

Excellent, excellent work so far.... I only wish that the booking in 97 was this good.

[ryankeast 0]

Great to see this back.

[hitman2003 0]

WWF Raw

Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

November 17, 1997

 

Highlights of Undertaker's return last week after almost a month. D-Generation X came out to the ring to open up the show. Michaels made fun of the Undertaker for coming back for more. HBK said if Undertaker wanted to take up business with him instead of going after Kane, then that's fine. HBK warned the Dead Man that if Hell in a Cell wasn't enough, what's coming next would be.

 

Undertaker/Mankind vs. D-X later tonight was announced.

 

Paul Bearer and Kane had another vignette. Bearer mentioned how Undertaker so long to come back. Bearer said that Kane would now extract further revenge on The Undertaker "at a time of his choice" so that it benefits The Undertaker. First, the destruction of the entire WWF locker room so Undertaker knows what's coming.

 

The Nation of Domination held a "conference" backstage. Simmons pointed out how every member of the group had lost the previous week. The Rock said the leadership of Ron Simmons was "gumming up the works". The Rock asked Simmons to back out for a while so the Nation can "regroup". Ron said "with pleasure", picked up his bags and left.

 

The New Age Outlaws (Jesse Jammes and Billy Gunn) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors to win the titles when Jammes pinned Animal after using a brick while the ref was distracted. (5:32) Jerry Lawler hyped this as one of the biggest Raw shockers in years.

 

Michael Cole asked Undertaker why he came back to be in the World Title picture when he should be really focusing on his dominant and destructive brother, Kane. Undertaker gave Cole the mother of all death glares which prompted him to run for his life.

 

The Patriot cut a promo backstage. He called Vader a fat, washed-up brute who was a disgrace to America and demanded a match on Shotgun Saturday Night.

 

The Rock came out with The Nation. Rocky complained about that "bald jackass" carrying the Intercontinental Title. He said that if Austin was looking for something to do, he could come out and get his ass beaten by the real champ. The NOD waited in the aisle. WWF Intercontinental Champion Steve Austin drove his Austin 3:16 truck into the ringside area, and they scattered. Austin got on the mic from the hood of his truck. He said that he himself would be the one leaving roadkill tonight. Austin and the NOD engaged in a brawl, which the NOD won. Rocky posed with the Intercontinental Title.

 

Kane came out with Paul Bearer and demolished the Hardy Boys before their match. Jeff Hardy took a chokeslam off the apron through a table. Kane did his pyro trick afterwards. No Undertaker.

 

WWF Television Champion Davey Boy Smith pinned Rob Van Dam in a title match following a powerslam. (9:17) It was said that Davey Boy would have been stripped of the title had he not defended it tonight due to the 30 day rule. Davey Boy played to the crowd during the match. Afterwards, Davey Boy got on the mic. He called out any of those D-Generation X "wankers" for a bout the following week.

 

Jim Ross went on a tangent at the announce table. He asked why Kane had not been locked up yet for the brutal acts he has committed. Ross asked how he could a monster like this be able to appear on WWF TV. Ross called for Kane to be banned from WWF arenas and for him to serve jail time. He asked what kind of horrible person would allow this creature to go free. Vince McMahon appeared a bit annoyed. Vince said Kane's horrific path of destruction is very hard to watch, but it is bringing chaos and excitement to WWF TV. JR asked "Mr. McMahon" why he was putting business before safety. McMahon told Ross to drop the subject. JR asked Vince how he could live with himself. McMahon got even more annoyed but still kept a civil tone. Jerry Lawler got serious and told JR to calm down. Vince told JR that he was being unproffessional and attributed it to the way Ross believed he had been treated by "the World Wrestling Federation" in the past. JR became more irate and said it had nothing to do with Vince "firing him twice". Ross repeated that Vince was "all business". Ross said that the events of tonight should weigh heavy on McMahon's conscience as well and that's all he was saying. Vince then became very silent for the rest of the show. This segment pretty much exposed Vince McMahon as the Chairman of the WWF.

 

Brian Pillman had a vignette. He said that he had been watching Raw recently, and frankly, what Mick Foley was doing was a slap in the face to a real loose cannon, Brian Pillman. The "Loose Cannon" said if Foley wanted more ideas for his gimmick, he could watch Pillman when he returns to action next week.

 

Ken Shamrock cut a promo backstage. He demanded his World Title shot immediately. He told Shawn Michaels that when he got his hands on him, he'd snap his ankle for the belt. Before he could finish, he was superkicked in the side of the head by HBK. Michaels spat on him and told him to "piss off".

 

Shawn Michaels and Triple H defeated Mankind and The Undertaker when Shawn Michaels superkicked Mankind. (14:44) After the match, the brawl between D-X and The Undertaker continued. Bret Hart's music hit and the entire Hart Foundation came to the ring and attacked both men. Bret cut an emotional promo about how he was robbed but said that his spirit would not die. They waved the Canadian flag afterwards.

[Guest Rrrsh]

So, instead of the Euro belt, you guys call it the TV belt. So ONO should not be too important. And you guys dont even push Bulldog after the win.

 

You guys are fallening into the trap that WWE did. Either dont book the match or push Bulldog it doesnt make your World Title look weak

[hitman2003 0]

So, instead of the Euro belt, you guys call it the TV belt. So ONO should not be too important. And you guys dont even push Bulldog after the win.

 

You guys are fallening into the trap that WWE did. Either dont book the match or push Bulldog it doesnt make your World Title look weak

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

The match was booked so the Davey Boy Smith would get a big win in his home country.

 

How are we falling into the same trap that the WWE did?

[hitman2003 0]

WWF Raw

Fayetteville, NC

November 24, 1997

 

A statement from Sgt. Slaughter was aired. He said that in order to control Kane's violent behaviour, a short-term deal was made where Kane could actively participate in WWF programming only if he agreed to wrestle several times a month on TV and PPV to release his anger. Also, Ken Shamrock would get his title shot at the PPV, but it would be in a four corners match also involving Undertaker and Bret Hart along with champion Shawn Michaels. Tonight, all three contenders in a triple threat match.

 

Vince McMahon was absent from the broadcasting booth. JR also seemed a bit off while calling the action for the first half of the night, but he did make sure to mention that tonight would be an explosive night after last week's "huge" telecast.

 

Highlights were aired of Vader and The Patriot's match from Shotgun Saturday Night that went to a no-contest the previous week where Patriot bodyslammed the 400-pounder. The angry Vader ripped open the top of Patriot's mask and beat him bloody. The rematch has been signed for Bad Blood.

 

Brian Christopher pinned Taka Michinoku with his feet on the ropes. (4:14) Jerry Lawler made sure to high-five Christopher before he left.

 

A replay was shown of the Tag Title switch. The announcers put over the "shock" of the switch and the length that the Road Warriors held the titles.

 

The Rock told Commissioner Slaughter that he looked so damn good with the Intercontinental Title, that Slaughter needs to give him a match for the belt. Slaughter told him he'd have to beat Owen Hart to win the contendership later tonight. He then said that this would be the Nation's last title shot for a while.

 

The new WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws came to the ring for a promo. "Road Dogg" said several profane things about the previous tag team champions. In an effort to humiliate the Road Warriors, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn found a fan sporting a mohawk similar to that of Road Warrior Animal and brought him in the ring. Gunn then proceeded to label the fan's head his "landing strip" and rubbed his groin against the man's head while Road Dogg held him. Security eventually intervened. Jim Ross called the champions two very depraved and juvenile individuals.

 

Brian Pillman defeated Headbanger Thrasher after a DDT. (2:43) After the match, Pillman threw a chair at Thrasher which missed. He then went outside the ring, picked up the chair and smashed it over his head. Pillman gave the camera a crazy look.

 

Shawn Michaels and Triple H were informed about Davey Boy Smith's call-out the previous week. Michaels got stressed out and said he had too much to do. He sent Triple H to fight.

 

Triple H defeated WWF Television Champion Davey Boy Smith in a non-title match after a distraction by Chyna and a Pedigree. (5:21) Smith looked infuriated after the loss.

 

Commissioner Slaughter and Triple H had a segment. Hunter demanded that the "unfair" Slaughter give him a Television Title shot against the Bulldog. Slaughter agreed for the following week and told Hunter that he'd be watching him.

 

Undertaker couldn't be reached for comment on tonight's main events or his brother Kane.

 

Owen Hart pinned The Rock to become the number one contender to the WWF Intercontinental Title after Steve Austin interfered. (6:00) Austin was on commentary during the match. After the bout, Owen Hart celebrated like this was some great achievement. Austin went to give him a Stunner but Hart caught his foot and locked on the Sharpshooter. The ref broke it up.

 

Kane fought "Wildman" Marc Mero to a no-contest when Kane delivered a Tombstone Piledriver and left. (3:26) Paul Bearer was on commentary, saying Undertaker was ducking the situation at hand. Bearer said Undertaker doesn't want to fight his own flesh and blood, but foreshadowed that Undertaker's guilt will eventually consume him and his powers will deplete. Kane didn't pin after he hit his finisher. It looked as if Kane doesn't understand the rules of a wrestling match. Paul Bearer said he had enough time to teach him.

 

The announcers hyped Goldust vs. Kane at D-Generation X. Ross said that Goldust has a chance at winning by countout or disqualification. Lawler said that in past weeks, we'd seen the power of Kane. Goldust wouldn't even survive.

 

Ken Shamrock defeated Bret Hart and The Undertaker by disqualification when Shawn Michaels ran in and attacked Shamrock while he had Hart in the anklelock. (5:13) This set off a four man brawl that closed the show.

[Guest *KNK*]

Vince McMahon was absent from the broadcasting booth. JR also seemed a bit off while calling the action for the first half of the night, but he did make sure to mention that tonight would be an explosive night after last week's "huge" telecast.

 

 

 

The new WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws came to the ring for a promo. "Road Dogg" said several profane things about the previous tag team champions. In an effort to humiliate the Road Warriors, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn found a fan sporting a mohawk similar to that of Road Warrior Animal and brought him in the ring. Gunn then proceeded to label the fan's head his "landing strip" and rubbed his groin against the man's head while Road Dogg held him. Security eventually intervened. Vince McMahon called the champions two very depraved and juvenile individuals.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Continunity error.

 

Still good work.

[ryankeast 0]

The attitude era has definatley arrived. :-0

 

Still enjoying this - keep up the good work.

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

Roanoke, VA

December 1, 1997

 

The Road Warriors did an in-ring promo. They said that the loss of their tag titles was an embarrassment, but said that a rematch with the New Age Outlaws had been signed for Sunday's pay-per-view. The New Age Outlaws then proceeded to the ring in an attempt to trash-talk. The Road Warriors tried to goad them into the ring but it never happened. The Outlaws said that they'd save the action for Sunday.

 

Triple H defeated WWF Television Champion Davey Boy Smith to win the title after an inverted Pedigree. (15:32) Chyna was thrown out at the beginning of the bout. Davey Boy was stretchered out after the match. The announcers put over Triple H's Pedigree.

 

Ken Shamrock cut a promo. He said that he was going to take the belt. He finished with "geddoutamyway!"

 

The Rock found Vince McMahon backstage. He complained to Vince about the "unfair handling" of his number one contender's match the previous week. McMahon told him to see "the man in charge" Sgt. Slaughter. Rocky insulted Slaughter. The Rock said he wouldn't normally go directly to "the boss" but he feels passionate about how he wants to lead "The Nation". Vince told The Rock that they'd need to go "off-screen" before talking any further.

 

Bret Hart cut a backstage promo. He seemed a bit deranged. He said that Davey Boy's injury only stirs up more emotions going into Sunday's title match. Bret said that at the PPV, he would make that "degenerate Shawn Michaels" tap out to his Sharpshooter. Bret didn't seem to understand that two other wrestlers were involved in the title match.

 

Brian Pillman told Kevin Kelly that he was looking for "Mick".

 

Vader defeated Scott Taylor by knockout after a powerbomb. (3:56) Vader said this was a message to The Patriot.

 

Shawn Michaels said that he would trump all three challengers at the pay-per-view.

 

2 Cold Scorpio pinned Aguila after a 450 Splash. (5:04) Lawler said Brian Christopher could beat Scorpio any day of the week.

 

Jim Ross did the hard shill for IYH: D-Generation X on PPV. WWF Intercontinental Title- Steve Austin defends vs. Owen Hart. Road Warriors get revenge against Tag Team Champs The New Age Outlaws. Kane in his first one-on-one wrestling match vs. Goldust. Patriot vs. Vader, Pillman vs. Mankind. Main event, WWF Championship- Shawn Michaels, Ken Shamrock, Bret Hart, Undertaker.

 

Backstage, 2 Cold Scorpio was at a catering table. Brian Christopher came by and asked if he was "too cold".  Scorpio said yes. Brian Christopher then threw hot coffee in 2 Cold Scorpio's face and ran off. Back in the arena, Jerry Lawler hyped this as the most hilarious moment in the history of Raw.

 

Steve Austin did a backstage promo. He said that he had beaten Owen Hart for the title and now he'd beat him again to retain the title.

 

Brian Pillman found Mankind backstage. He asked him why he was "stealing his gimmick". Foley told him that there was no gimmick, that this was real. Pillman questioned him a bit more before walking off abruptly.

 

Owen Hart came to the ring to do a promo before his match. Owen says that Austin under-estimates Owen. Since they last wrestled, he's improved. He showed that when he became the "surviving member" of the Hart Foundation at the Survivor Series. Hart's studied all Austin's tricks, and he will never again be able to hit the Stunner on Owen Hart.

 

Owen Hart defeated Chainz when he tapped out to the Sharpshooter. (4:13) After the match, Steve Austin once again drove his truck into the arena. Owen and Austin brawled on the outside. Austin tried a Stunner on Owen. Owen countered and then rammed Austin's head into one of his side mirrors, busting him open. Owen looked to put a Sharpshooter on Austin but instead just slingshotted his face into the underbelly of his truck. Austin bled while Owen gloated.

 

Jim Neidhart wrestled Mankind to a no-contest when Brian Pillman ran-in. (2:11) Pillman knocked over Neidhart to get to Mankind. Foley was ready and brawled with Pillman until referees seperated them.

 

Kane came out to the ring with Paul Bearer. The Undertaker was not mentioned for once. Bearer and Kane said that the sacrifices would continue that night, but Goldust ran in and hit Kane with a chair to the back. Kane didn't drop but it was enough to deter him from his original plan. The announcers put over how crazy Goldust was for doing this.

 

Backstage, Goldust found The Undertaker. Goldust got fairly angry at Undertaker. He told him to and face his brother before others get hurt. Undertaker put a chokehold on Goldust but released it. Goldust told Undertaker that he should feel guilty for all of this.

 

Bret Hart cut a promo putting himself over.

 

The match of Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart versus Undertaker and Ken Shamrock never finished as USA went off the air. (5:14) During the match however, both teams were about to be disqualified for not obeying the rules and fighting amongst themselves.

 

Thanks for the feedback on the Raw shows. I really like each show myself, but I'm kind of biased. That time period is great to work with. D-Generation X: IYH on Wednesday.

[Guest Rrrsh]

So, instead of the Euro belt, you guys call it the TV belt. So ONO should not be too important. And you guys dont even push Bulldog after the win.

 

You guys are fallening into the trap that WWE did. Either dont book the match or push Bulldog it doesnt make your World Title look weak

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

The match was booked so the Davey Boy Smith would get a big win in his home country.

 

How are we falling into the same trap that the WWE did?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

By not pushing Davey before or after the match itself,(or for that matter de-pushing Shawn before or after) your making someone in his position beating someone is Shawn Position not believble in the slightest. Shawn was not fueding with Dave at all directly, so he could have very easily beating someone creadble, but not a main eventer like Hunter. This match has come up a lot in convo's I have had with workers and promoters around here (in Canada, the Hart Foundation storyline was so huge it still gets talked about) and too a man, no one think Davey should have won. Either don't book the match or change the psoitioning of the men in the company.

 

BTW, I have read every post of this thread and its very well done. I just had that issue.

[Guest Frank_Nabbit]

Austin lost his brawls on the last 2 shows. That's not how "Stone Cold" got over.

[The Mandarin 0]

Austin lost his brawls on the last 2 shows.  That's not how "Stone Cold" got over.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Austin's been injured in attacks during the past few months, so it's expected that he show some sign of long-term damage. Also, we're trying to get Owen Hart over as a credible threat. Austin can hold his own in a brawl against Owen, it's just when he gets stubborn and tries to use the Stunner, Owen counters and then dominates.

 

"Stone Cold" will still receive his mega push, for sure.

[hitman2003 0]

In Your House: D’Generation X

Springfield, Massachusetts

December 7, 1997

 

- Big Van Vader defeated The Patriot (9:38) after a “Vader Bomb.” ** ¼ As Vader was leaving the ring, he looked into the camera and stated that he wanted a shot at the WWF Championship.

 

- Mankind pinned Brian Pillman (11:37) after a DDT. ***

 

- The Road Warriors defeated WWF tag team Champions The New Age Outlaws (5:47) by disqualification. ¾ * After the match, the Outlaws ran from the building to a car parked outside the arena and left.

 

- Kane defeated Goldust (8:38) after a “Tombstone” piledriver. ** After the match, Paul Bearer got on the mic and once again challenged The Undertaker to a match against his brother Kane.

 

- A video aired highlighting Triple H’s WWF Television title victory over Davey Boy Smith the previous week on Raw. Triple H & Shawn Michaels were then interviewed by Michael Cole. They stated that DX was taking over the WWF and that every member of The Hart Foundation would end up like Davey Boy Smith.

 

- WWF Intercontinental Champion Steve Austin pinned Owen Hart (14:32) after a “Stone Cold Stunner.” *** ½ After the match, Austin delivered a stunner to Jim Neidhart, who was in Owen’s corner at ringside.

 

- 2 Cold Scorpio pinned Brian Christopher (6:29) after a “450 Splash.” ** ¼

 

- Bret Hart was interviewed backstage before the main event. He stated that tonight he will regain what was wrongfully taken away from him…the WWF Championship. He also let it be know that if he had the chance he would end the career of Shawn Michaels. He said that their feud had gone on long enough and it was time for it to end.

 

- WWF Champion Shawn Michaels defeated Ken Shamrock, Bret Hart and The Undertaker (25:58) in a “Fatal Four-way” match when Michaels delivered the “Sweet Chin Music“ to Ken Shamrock. **** At the time that Michaels covered Shamrock, Bret attempted to get back into ring to break up the pin. But Triple H had come down to ring and prevented Bret from doing so. Michaels then quickly grabbed his championship belt and headed to the back with Triple H. As the show came to a close, the camera showed a furious looking Hitman watching Michaels & Helmsley retreat to the back.

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

Portland, OR

December 8, 1997

 

The show began and JR announced that Shawn Michaels had retained his WWF World Title and that none of the losing members of the four-way match had shown up at Raw this evening.

 

Shawn Michaels came out to the ring with D-Generation X and cut a promo. He put down all of his competition from the previous night, but mainly focused on Bret Hart. He compared Hart to a stubborn horse on its last legs. After more insults, D-X turned their attention to the upcoming Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels said that he liked the name of the pay-per-view from last night so much, he'd like to see it again- at WrestleMania. Michaels then said that WrestleMania XIV will be "D-X Rated" when Shawn Michaels takes on the winner of the Royal Rumble match, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, in the main event. Triple H smiled and got on the mic. He "got emotional" and said that fighting his fellow stable member will be an honor. When D-X takes over "the biggest WrestleMania of all time", the buy rates will go through the roof. They continued to talk about this until The Road Warriors' music hit. The Road Warriors said they had seen enough and challenged them to a match later in the evening. D-X declined but Sgt. Slaughter came out and demanded that they wrestle later in the evening. And that..was an order.

 

Kevin Kelly looked for Steve Austin but couldn't find him.

 

Dude Love defeated the Road Dogg (with Billy Gunn) by disqualification after Billy Gunn ran in and gave Mankind a DDT onto a Tag Title belt. (5:01) Mick Foley was billed as "Dude Love" during his entrance although he was wearing mostly Cactus Jack attire. The NAO got on the mic and said they weren't done yet.

 

Jim Ross said that Sgt. Slaughter was standing by with something to say from his office. Sgt. Slaughter first announced the beginning of the Light heavyweight Title Tournament tonight that would see a new champion crowned at the Royal Rumble. Slaughter said that upon Vince McMahon's request, Steve Austin would be defending his WWF Intercontinental Title tonight against The Rock. While Slaughter announced The Rock's title shot, it cut to a split screen also showing The Nation of Domination's locker room. All members of the Nation were anticipating the announcement, and when it was made, they began to celebrate by yelling and pouring champagne on Rocky.

 

Light heavyweight Title Quarterfinal Matches- Taka Michinoku vs. Devon Storm, Brian Christopher vs. Pantera, Scott Taylor vs. Aguila, 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Eric Shelley, with the first two matches happening tonight. Jerry Lawler said he was putting all his money on Brian Christopher winning the tournament.

 

WWF Light heavyweight Title Tournament- Taka Michinoku pinned Devon Storm after a Michinoku Driver to advance to the semi-finals. (7:12) After the match, Kane came out and chokeslammed both men. Paul Bearer got on the mic and said they'd get an answer from The Undertaker the following week.

 

The Rock started pacing around an unopened door. Vince McMahon, accompanied by several other WWF officials, came around the corner and were shocked to see The Rock there. The Rock demanded that Vince speak to him privately. Vince said that it would "only take a minute". Vince asked what the problem was. The Rock said that Steve Austin still hadn't shown up at the arena. McMahon said that it was too bad, but there was nothing he could do about it. The Rock said that there was damn well something Vince could do about it. The Rock was promised a title shot. Vince could strip the title from Stone Cold and hand it to the Rock tonight. McMahon said "some other time". The Rock stopped McMahon from walking away and asked him if it was a "race thing". Rock accused Vince McMahon of not wanting a "black champion". McMahon denied this and said that Rocky would "could make a much better WWF Intercontinental champion than Stone Cold". Rocky said that this is why he needs the belt. Rock talked some more before demanding Vince give him the shot or "suffer a serious backlash". Vince's face grew red and he got very close and personal with The Rock. He calmly asked if The Rock was "threatening him". Rocky backed up and denied this. Rock sucked up to Vince McMahon. The Rock said that all he wanted to do was represent the company well. After some more talking, Vince McMahon agreed to strip Austin of the title should he not defend later that evening.

 

WWF Light heavyweight Title Tournament- Pantera defeated Brian Christopher by count out to advance to the semi-finals. (5:13) After the match, Christopher wept like a baby.

 

Backstage, Jeff Jarrett, Marc Mero, DOA and others all bet for money who would win the Royal Rumble. The Patriot came in and politely asked them to stop their illegal activities before Vader burst open the door and cracked Patriot over the back of the head. Patriot and Vader tussled and the wrestlers then began taking bets on who would win the fight as the cameraman left to get help.

 

WWF Television Champion Triple H and WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels defeated The Road Warriors when Triple H was able to hit a Pedigree on Hawk while he was distracted by the interference of the New Age Outlaws. (12:42) After the match, Michaels-Gunn and Road Dogg-Triple H teamed up to powerbomb the Road Warriors through the announce tables simultaneously.

 

Sable and Sunny had an vignette where they were playing a "sexy" game of Karate Fighters.

 

JR hyped a "huge announcement regarding a very famous person" coming soon. He also announced a No DQ match between The Patriot and Vader the next week.

 

A WWF Home Video clip aired of Bret Hart (with Owen and Brian Pillman) being asked questions by Michael Cole as he left the arena. Bret had no comment.

 

The Road Warriors were stretchered out of the arena during the commercial break.

 

The Rock came out to the ring with Vince McMahon. The Rock called out Steve Austin. No answer. Vince McMahon called out Steve Austin. No answer. Just as Vince McMahon was about to announce The Rock as the new Intercontinental Champion, the glass shattered. Steve Austin drove his Austin 3:16 truck to ringside. Austin brought his title into the ring, got a mic and was about to speak. Rock tried to interrupt him but Austin continued after making a threat. Austin asked "why in the hell" would The Rock ask to fight "Stone Cold" Steve Austin? The Rock was about to speak but he was once again told to shut up. Austin said that all the fans, wrestlers and officials know that Steve Austin would open a can of whoop ass on The Rock and that would be it, 1-2-3. Austin said that he would not be defending the title against The Rock tonight, or tomorrow, or the next day. At this point The Rock started complaining and yelling at Vince McMahon. Vince told both of them to quiet down and be civil. Vince plainly asked Austin why he was so unwilling to defend the belt. Was it his injured neck? Was it the rough schedule he had been facing? Was it, God forbid, a racial issue? Austin told Vince to shut up. Austin said that it was none of the above, it was d) Rocky sucks. After a brief pause for the "Rocky Sucks" chants to stop, Austin continued. He said that The Rock is not ready for a title shot what so ever. Austin made fun of the fact that Rock parades around with a large group of men and asked what he did "for Vince" to earn him the match. The Rock was about to defend himself, but Vince interrupted. He said that the USA network would only give them so much time tonight, and if Austin was unwilling to defend the Intercontinental Title that he'd have to forfeit the belt immediately. Vince said "hand it over". He then backed up. The Rock got ready to attack. Austin simply said "okay" and handed over the belt. Vince seemed confused, and then handed The Rock the belt. Rock seemed too shocked to celebrate. Stone Cold said that he would not give into Vince McMahon's stupid demands and that he'd rather give up the belt than go along with "the asshole plan". Austin said that it was fine with him, because after he won the upcoming Royal Rumble, he'd be gunning after another belt- the top prize in the industry, Shawn Michaels' WWF World Title. He made some threats and then was going to close off by doing his catchphrase, but Rock stole the mic. The Rock said he wanted to thank Steve Austin for doing the right thing and wished him success with this new career path. The Rock extended his hand for a handshake. Austin gave him the Stunner instead. Austin took the mic and told McMahon that if he wanted to see Steve Austin in action, he could keep watching Raw, "same Stone Cold time, same Stone Cold channel". Austin then "accidentally" tripped Vince McMahon before leaving.

 

More on Friday.

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

Durham, NH

December 15, 1997

 

In a pre-taped vignette, Shawn Michaels got what he thought about Bret "The Hitman" Hart off his chest. 90% of the dialogue was bleeped out. Triple H also threw in some curse words as well. It ended with Michaels saying that Bret Hart's career was in its final hours and that his legacy would be "pissed on".

 

WWF Lightheavyweight Title Tournament- Scott Taylor pinned Aguila with a roll-up after Brian Christopher interfered. (5:12) Taylor and Christopher high-fived after the match. Lawler laughed and said they were "too much".

 

JR said there would be an update on the Hart Foundation later in the evening. Plus, The World's Strongest Man, Mark Henry, will be at Raw in two weeks!

 

From his office, Sgt. Slaughter said that this was WWF Raw, USA's #1 television show and that he would like to see the Television Title defended tonight. But Triple H's opponent wouldn't be just anyone, it would be Shawn Michaels.

 

Shawn Michaels and Triple H talked backstage. It ended up with Triple H telling Shawn Michaels to lay down so he could retain his title. Michaels reiterated that he lays down for nobody. Triple H then stormed out of the room.

 

A clip was shown of Kane attacking Michael Cole on the previous Shotgun Saturday Night. The announcers noted that Kane and Paul Bearer were strangely absent so far that evening.

 

Highlights were shown of the New Age Outlaws' reign of terror the previous week. JR announced that Sgt. Slaughter had increased the purse for Tag Team Title matches by 15%. Hopefully this would get more interest in the tag team division and maybe we'd see the Outlaws unseated as champions.

 

Ken Shamrock came out. He got on the mic. Shamrock said if Kane was looking for his next victim, he could come to the ring and try to make "The World's Most Dangerous Man" his victim. Kane came on the ramp with Paul Bearer. Bearer told Shamrock that Kane does what he wants, when he wants and that if Shamrock wants to fight, he's got a challenger. Shamrock then had some particularly demeaning things to say about Kane. Kane came to the ring and went after Shamrock. He threw Shamrock to the outside. Shamrock "snapped", picked up a chair and used it to whallop Kane very hard over the head several times. Kane didn't go down, but he did stumble out of the ring. Bearer told Shamrock it "wasn't over" while he celebrated.

 

Sunny and Sable had a "sexy" match using Jakks Pacific's Bone Crunching Action figures, which are the perfect gift for the holiday season.

 

Cameras showed the chaos in Sgt. Slaughter's office. The Headbangers, The Godwinns, The New Blackjacks, The Disciples of Apocalypse, D'Lo and Kama, Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon, and even Bob Holly and Bart Gunn were all arguing over which team should get the title shots. Sgt. Slaughter eventually ordered everybody out. As they left, Slaughter said that was exactly what he wanted.

 

WWF Lightheavyweight Title Tournament- 2 Cold Scorpio pinned Eric Shelley after the 450 Splash to advance to the semi-finals. (3:46)

 

The Rock cut a promo in the ring, with The Nation. Rocky said that Austin was a jackass who didn't know when to quit. The Rock "thanked" Austin for "trying to bury" the Intercontinental Title the previous week. However, he said he would take this belt to heights that it had never reached with Austin, or anyone else, before and show the Rattlesnake what a mistake he made. The Rock said he was also throwing his name into the Royal Rumble match and said that he would eliminate Austin to get his World Title shot.

 

WWF Intercontinental Champion The Rock pinned Skull in a non-title match after the Rock Bottom. (4:03) The Nation did their salute after the match.

 

JR said that most of the Hart Foundation was in Calgary and that they would not be attending any Raw events. In an interview this week, Bret claimed they would be sending WWF offices tapes "for our true fans" in the upcoming weeks instead of appearing live at the arenas. However, JR said they did have contractual obligations to wrestle at the Royal Rumble event and said they would "have" to be there.

 

The New Age Outlaws came out to the ring and cut a promo. They bragged about what they did the past week. Cactus Jack came down the aisle for a brawl, but the Outlaws double teamed him again and re-opened the stitches in his head. Jack was laid out in the ring again as the Outlaws celebrated.

 

Highlights of what Foley did during the commercial break were shown. After the NAO left and Foley recovered, he threw chairs, destroyed monitors and began to scream. Back live, he got on the mic and addressed the crowd, saying that there were two of the Outlaws and one of him and soon he'd even the odds. He said if he couldn't find a tag team partner, then he'd murder one of the Tag Team Champions. Foley then left. JR said that murdering was not condoned or endorsed by the World Wrestling Federation.

 

Vader pinned The Patriot in a No DQ match after a Vader Bomb through a table. (11:35) JR said that Big Van Vader was getting back on track, and when Vader brings his A-game, nobody can touch him.

 

Jeff Jarrett came out to the ring and asked if the fans knew how great he was. After some shameless self-promoting, Steve Austin came out and cut a promo on him. Jarrett tried to tell Austin how great he was, but Austin would have none of it and gave him the Stunner. Austin threw Jarrett over the top rope. Austin then mocked Jarrett's strut. As Jarrett limped to the back, Austin cut a promo and told the World Wrestling Federation that 29 other men would be going over the top rope all at the hands of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. And that was the bottom line, 'cause "Stone Cold" said so.

 

WWF Television Champion Triple H pinned WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels to retain his title after Shawn Michaels laid down after both men ran the ropes for a minute. (1:13) After the match, Sgt. Slaughter came out and said if Triple H refused to defend the title tonight, then he'd defend it the next week. His opponent-- The Undertaker! Triple H pleaded for mercy as the show went off the air.

[ryankeast 0]

Great shows :-)

[The Mandarin 0]

You're right, they are great shows.

 

WWF Raw

Lowell, MA

December 22, 1997

 

To open the show, in a bizzare pre-taped vignette, Shawn Michaels "urinated" on an effigy of Bret Hart and put it under a Christmas tree.

 

Kane pinned Ken Shamrock after a Tombstone Piledriver after barely surviving a chokeslam. (8:14) JR said while Shamrock put up an excellent fight, nobody could stop Kane.

 

JR said that Sgt. Slaughter had big plans for the tag team division and from now on WWF would put a bigger emphasis on tag team wrestling. Also, still to come tonight, The Undertaker gets a shot at the WWF Television Championship.

 

The first video from Calgary was shown, with Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith entering into the Royal Rumble. They eventually argued over who was going to win the contest. JR said more footage was coming later that evening.

 

Jim Cornette came out to the ring. He announced that his new clients would soon become WWF World Tag Team Champions- Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon.

 

Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon defeated Bart Gunn and Bob Holly by submission when LaFon made Holly tap out to a cross armbreaker. (5:41) Jim Cornette promoted his tag team after the match. After the match, The New Age Outlaws were shown watching this backstage, drinking beer. Gunn said the match was "boring" and Jammes said he thought Cornette was deceased.

 

Triple H cut a promo on The Undertaker, saying the Deadman shouldn't mess with D-X. Triple H said they'd talked to his brother, Kane, and that he was going to attack Undertaker tonight and he was on D-X's side and that they all agreed that they should kick Undertaker's ass, "yeah". Michaels told him to "cut the crap" from off-camera and said that Hunter "had nothing". Triple H and Michaels then argued loudly.

 

Jerry Lawler invited several undercard competitors out to the ring so they could all practice for their Royal Rumble match at the pay-per-view. Lawler said the winner would prove to the rest of the WWF that he was a threat in the big PPV matchup.

 

Jerry Lawler defeated D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, The Godwinns, Steve Blackman, Jeff Jarrett and Marc Mero after he snuck in as the mystery "8th entry" to eliminate Steve Blackman. (6:52) After the match, Lawler laughed and said he was going to win the Royal Rumble. Steve Austin's music then hit and he came to the ring. He first gave the Stunner to Jerry Lawler and then got on the mic. He said that he thinks everybody knows that the Rumble is Steve Austin's match to win. Austin went on to talk some more before the Nation's music hit. The Rock made his way on to the stage and told Austin what he thought of him. Rock eventually ran to the ring and he and Austin brawled. Both guys went over the top rope at the same time and continued fighting. They were seperated by referees.

 

Lawler went back to the announce table, selling his injury. He said he wanted some of that "thug" Steve Austin the next week.

 

The announcers said that Mick Foley would be back on Raw next week, and he'd "bring company".

 

The Headbangers defeated enhancement talent when Mosh pinned an unknown. (2:54) Backstage, the Outlaws watched this match and put down the Headbangers.

 

Backstage, Triple H found Sgt. Slaughter. He said that he just wanted to let Slaughter know that his match tonight was uncalled for and unfair, and that Sgt. Slaughter doesn't tell D-Generation X, or Triple H, what to do. HHH told him his "days were numbered". Sgt. Slaughter told him to shut up and get ready for his title defense. Triple H said that he'd see, "they'd all see".

 

Too Much (Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor) defeated 2 Cold Scorpio and Taka Michinoku when Christopher rolled up Scorpio after a miscommunication by the other team. (5:56) 2 Cold and Taka blamed eachother for the loss. They would fight for the Lightheavyweight Title at the Royal Rumble.

 

Bret Hart had a gritty, dimly lit vignette aired. In it, he said that the holidays have been "ruined" for him without his WWF World Title belt. Shawn Michaels was a classless punk who didn't know what the World Title represented. Bret then went into detail about what the World Title ment to him. He said he climbed the WWF ladder for years so he could get his first shot. And every time he lost it, the next time he'd want it back even more. Bret said he established a solid reputation with the title belt and that he'd do anything to get it back. Bret challenged Shawn Michaels to a title match with any stipulation of his choosing. If Bret didn't win the belt this time, he offered to "disappear". He told Michaels to let them end their rivalry at the Royal Rumble.

 

On his way to the ring with Triple H, Shawn Michaels was asked by Dok Hendrix if he was going to accept Bret Hart's challenge. He said that he'd think about it and told Hendrix to get lost. Chyna threw Hendrix into some boxes.

 

The Undertaker defeated WWF Television Champion Triple H by disqualification after Shawn Michaels and the New Age Outlaws ran-in. (14:44) After the match, Kane came out and to the ring. D-X and the Outlaws bailed. Undertaker got in Kane's face. Kane wouldn't back down. Eventually, Undertaker turned around and tried to leave the ring. Kane stopped him. Undertaker came back in and stood there. He turned his back to Kane but didn't leave the ring this time. At this point, the Outlaws came back in and attacked Undertaker. Kane dismantled them both. Triple H ran in and he got a chokeslam from The Undertaker. Kane then stared at the Undertaker and flipped backwards over the ring ropes and left, with Paul Bearer demanding him to come back and attack his brother.

[Aero 0]

If Austin wins the title at WM XIV, anyone else think that an Austin-Vader PPV main event would be good? It looks like you guys haven't given up on Vader like the WWF did, and this match would be much better than a series with Mark Henry.

[The Mandarin 0]

I donno.

 

RAW up tomorrow.

[Guest jm29195]

With your repush of the tag team division, will you brfing back the Quebecers (in 1994 form) and actually use them. They were around during this period but only had one match on PPV (NW098) and weren't used at all well.....also, hows about using Barry Windham in some way, he could still go if booked properly, and was totally underutilized in his last WWF stint........

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

Long Island, NY

December 29, 1997

 

When Raw came on, a match was already in progress.

 

The Headbangers defeated Too Much when Raw came on the air. (2:01) After the match, Shawn Michaels came out and threw the Headbangers out of the ring.

 

After the match, Shawn Michaels came out and cut a promo. He said that he heard that Bret Hart had sent in a tape to the WWF because he was too much of a "pussy" to come out and fight. He asked the production team to roll the footage. A clip of the MSG Kliq incident was shown. Michaels then asked for "the other one." Now a clip was shown of Michaels making out with two women. Michaels asked for the "other one". This time a video of "Bret Hart" (Triple H wearing a wig) complaining and whining about many subjects (losing the title, stubbing his toe, being at home with his loser family). By the time the segment came to an end, "Bret" was portrayed to be a crybaby loser. While D-X's music played, it was shown that Triple H and Chyna had invaded the production truck as Shawn Michaels laughed. Cut to commercial.

 

When Raw came back, JR pointed out that Shawn Michaels still hadn't answered Bret Hart's challenge. JR then hyped New Age Outlaws vs. Kane in a handicap match, the return of Mick Foley. Jerry Lawler promoted his match with Steve Austin later in the evening. JR introduced the debut of Sgt. Slaughter's tag team rankings:

 

Sgt. Slaughter's Tag Team Rankings

(based on team win/loss records, compatibility, quality of matches and more)

CHAMPIONS- New Age Outlaws

1) Furnas and LaFon

2) Headbangers

3) Godwinns

4) Too Much

5) Bart Gunn/Bob Holly

 

Sgt. Slaughter rushed into the control room. Triple H and Chyna were still there. Slaughter immediately threw them both out. He seemed very frustrated with Triple H, who was playing it cool.

 

Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon defeated The New Blackjacks when Funas made Windham submit to a Boston Crab. (5:12) After the match, the Blackjacks argued.

 

JR said that Bret Hart had sent in a tape of Davey Boy Smith and Owen Hart in a one-on-one match for the "true fans" of the Hart Foundation. Also, he said that the Road Warriors were still missing from the tag team divisions and would not be back for quite some time.

 

The Quebecers defeated The Disciples of Apocalypse after Pierre pinned Skull. (3:11) This was the Quebecers' return match. Before the match, they told off the fans in broken English.

 

Backstage, The Undertaker cut a promo. He once again didn't address the situation with his brother Kane. He demanded a spot in the Royal Rumble match.

 

Backstage, Paul Bearer pointed out to Kane that his brother still didn't care about him. Kane foolishly saved his brother from a beating the previous week and that this was how Undertaker repaid him. Bearer said that The Undertaker was always a backstabber. Bearer told Kane that he would destroy the Outlaws tonight and in time, the Undertaker as well.

 

Ken Shamrock cut a promo on why he was going to win the Royal Rumble.

 

Taka Michinoku pinned Brian Christopher after a Michinoku Driver. (2:12) 2 Cold Scorpio did commentary during the match. After the match, he had some words with Taka on the outside. He said the belt was his.

 

Cactus Jack came out. He said he looked for a tag team partner, and he had finally found the "crazy SOB" he was looking for. It was the Hardcore Legend, Terry Funk. Both men celebrated in the ring after the announcement.

 

In a clipped video sent from the Hart family's dungeon, Davey Boy Smith pinned Owen Hart in a clean match after a roll-up. Bret Hart was the special guest referee. (5:42) All three men hugged afterwards. Bret said that that was what "real" wrestling was all about, Shawn Michaels.

 

"The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry made his return. Henry got on the mic and said he appreciated the warm welcome, but that during his time off "the white man forgot" about him even though he was a national hero. Henry said he should have had fireworks and streamers upon his return. Henry said he had found his own group of people and that the WWF better recognize. The Nation of Domination's music hit and Kama and D'Lo made their way to the ring. Henry did the Nation salute along with the rest of the group as JR complained about what a "disappointment" this was.

 

Steve Austin pinned Jerry Lawler after a "Stone Cold" Stunner. (2:42) After the match, The Rock ran down to the ring and unexpectedly gave Austin the "Rock Bottom", his new finisher. Austin slowly got back up so the Rock gave him a second one, which flattened him. The Rock asked the dazed Austin if he was finally "ready for a match".

 

D-Generation X approached the New Age Outlaws and wished them luck in their match tonight. Outlaws said they were "big fans" and thanked them for their support.

 

Kane defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws by countout after they bailed after taking too much punishment. (3:12) After the match, Kane went after them only to run into D-Generation X. D-X did a beatdown after the match until Undertaker came out to make the save for his brother. Kane did The Undertaker's trademark pose outside the ring after the match, which was "returned" to him while Paul Bearer had a hissy fit on the outside. During this, Shawn Michaels went over to the commentary booth, got on a headset and called the Undertaker and Kane "fags" and said that they were "done with them". D-X then left through the crowd as Undertaker remained in the ring.

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

New Haven, CT

January 5, 1998

 

Steve Austin came out to the ring and demanded a match with The Rock. Austin said somebody was going to get their ass whooped tonight. The Rock answered (from backstage) saying if he wanted a fight, he'd get one that evening. Against the Nation's newest member, Mark Henry. Austin seemed satisfied.

 

A tape of a very angry Bret Hart was aired. Bret went off on Shawn Michaels, cutting a passionate promo about how he hated him and how much he wanted to destroy him. He insulted Michaels about a number of subjects, including "losing his smile" and posing for Playgirl. Bret said if Shawn Michaels wanted to embarass him, he could do at at the Rumble. He called Shawn Michaels out again. He would let him pick the stipulation for this match. Bret eventually reiterated that he was willing to leave the WWF if he could not defeat Shawn Michaels for his World Title belt.

 

JR hyped a match to determine a new number one contender for the Intercontinental Title later that evening.

 

Sgt. Slaughter's Tag Team Rankings

(based on team win/loss records, compatibility, quality of matches and more)

CHAMPIONS- New Age Outlaws

1) Furnas and LaFon

2) Headbangers

3) Terry Funk/Cactus Jack

4) Quebecers

5) Godwinns

 

JR mentioned how Cactus Jack and Terry Funk won several matches over the course of the week (including a win over the Godwinns on Shotgun Saturday Night) and were already at third place in the tag team ranks.

 

Cactus Jack and Terry Funk defeated Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon (with Jim Cornette) after Funk gave the Moonsault to LaFon. (6:12) Funk and Jack celebrated after the match until the Outlaws unleashed a suprise attack that left Jack and Funk on the canvas.

 

Backstage, Jack and Funk demanded a WWF Tag Team title shot from Sgt. Slaughter. Slaughter said they could get a match at the Royal Rumble depending on wether or not they could stay at the top of the tag team ranks.

 

2 Cold Scorpio and Aguila defeated Taka Michinoku and Sho Funaki when Scorpio pinned Funaki after a 450 Splash. (4:12) Taka Michinoku was frustrated with his loss.

 

Backstage, Ron Simmons made his return. He was looking around for the Rock and found him. Simmons said that The Rock had "completely screwed up" the Nation during his time off. The Rock argued with him and the Nation had to seperate them.

 

The Headbangers defeated The New Blackjacks when Mosh pinned Bradshaw. (3:14) Bradshaw and Windham once again argued after losing. This time, they forcefully shoved eachother before arguing to the back.

 

JR reported that during the commercial break, the Headbangers were attacked backstage by the New Age Outlaws. The Outlaws then cut a promo from the locker room where they called themselves "geniuses" and said no tag team would get a shot at the Rumble. JR disagreed.

 

Ron Simmons found Steve Austin and told him that he'd be in his corner during his match with Mark Henry that evening. Austin explained "DTA" to Simmons and told him that he didn't want to see him out there.

 

Highlights were shown of Undertaker saving Kane the previous week. It was announced that Paul Bearer had prevented Kane from appearing at the show that night.

 

Ahmed Johnson won a 10-Man Battle Royal last eliminating Ken Shamrock to become the new #1 contender to the Intercontinental Title. (6:49 aired, match began during the commercial break) The match also included The Quebecers, Jeff Jarrett, D'Lo and Kama, The Patriot, Steve Blackman and Chainz. Shamrock raised Ahmed's hand after the match after teasing a heel turn. JR said that one of those men could also be the #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Title after the Royal Rumble.

 

Goldust will be returning at the pay-per-view.

 

Triple H cut a short promo backstage, saying WrestleMania XIV would be "D-X Raided" after he becomes the #1 contender.

 

Undertaker defeated Big Van Vader when he delivered the Tombstone to Vader. (13:32) JR put over both men after the match, saying they both were going to be strong at the Rumble.

 

JR did an in-ring interview with Shawn Michaels. JR said he would only agree to this if D-X stayed in the back and Michaels took this situation very seriously. He told Michaels that Bret Hart had put out a serious offer for a match at the Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels was much more focused than normal during the interview. He said there was nothing more that he'd like to do than end Bret Hart's "35 year" WWF career. Michaels eventually accepted Bret Hart's challenge. He mentioned Bret talking about "climbing the WWF ladder" and then he challenged Bret to his specialty match- the Ladder Match. He looked into the camera, and meticulously said at the Royal Rumble, he would end Bret Hart's career. He then said "Isn't that right, Triple H?". Triple H then came out only wearing a New Year's party hat over his groin and some socks. JR was repulsed and left while D-X celebrated in the ring.

 

A vignette was aired where Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith took a list of the announced Royal Rumble participants and insulted them. Davey Boy and Owen eventually argued over which man would win the Rumble bout. Brian Pillman made a cameo during this promo.

 

JR hyped the Royal Rumble from the commentary booth, saying it's one of the most loaded shows in quite some time.

 

Steve Austin (with Ron Simmons) pinned Mark Henry (with The Rock) after a Stone Cold Stunner. (4:21) Henry got a nearfall when Simmons attacked Austin while the ref wasn't looking. Ron Simmons is with the Nation after all. After the match, Ron Simmons was left alone in the ring with Austin as Rock yelled at Henry as they went up the aisle. Simmons took the Stunner and Austin looked furious as the show ended.

[Rendclaw 0]

Wow, I see a nice little Hart Foundation/D-X feud coming.... this is gonna be good.

[The Mandarin 0]

WWF Raw

State College, PA

January 12, 1998

 

At the start of the Raw telecast, Bret Hart had a vignette aired. It was once again from Calgary. He was in his personal wrestling ring, standing beside a ladder. Bret said that he agreed to Shawn Michaels' demands and that he would fight him in a ladder match. Bret said that he had worked all his life for the WWF belt and that he'd get it back at the Rumble. He told Michaels he'd put him through hell to get his title back and that he was so sure he'd win that he'd make the promise of leaving the WWF if he didn't. He put over the fact that ladder matches are dangerous and said he'd make Shawn Michaels bleed all over San Jose. He closed by saying he was "The best there was, the best there is, and the best there ever will be."

 

JR and Michael Cole (Lawler is in action) hyped that evening's show by saying many of the Royal Rumble competitors would be in action. Ross said it was going to be a good night for wrestling fans.

 

Jeff Jarrett, The Godwinns and Jerry Lawler defeated Crush, Chainz, Skull and 8-Ball after Jarrett pinned Skull following a guitar shot. (6:13) After the match, Steve Austin ran out with a chair and hit all eight competitors in the head with chairs. Austin got on the mic and once again said he would face the WWF Champion at WrestleMania after winning the Rumble. But first, he wanted to get his hands on "that stupid sonuvabitch" The Rock. He demanded The Rock to come out to the ring. The Rock only went to the stage. The Rock and Austin bantered a bit before Rocky challenged Austin to a Lumberjack match. Austin agreed to the match saying he was ready to "whoop some ass". The Rock smiled like he had a plan.

 

Sgt. Slaughter found Triple H backstage and told him that he had him booked against Ken Shamrock that evening. Triple H whined and complained before asking "what was in it" for him. Sgt. Slaughter eventually offered a stipulation that if Helmsley won his match, he'd be granted the 30th spot in the Royal Rumble. Triple H said he'd do it. Then Slaughter notified him that his title would be on the line. Triple H swore and spat as Slaughter walked off.

 

WWF Television Champion Triple H defeated Ken Shamrock after an illegal low blow to retain the title and  become the thirtieth entrant in the Royal Rumble. (5:19) Ken Shamrock delivered the belly-to-belly suplex to Triple H after the match.

 

Sgt. Slaughter's Tag Team Rankings

(based on team win/loss records, compatibility, quality of matches and more)

CHAMPIONS- New Age Outlaws

1) Headbangers

2) Terry Funk/Cactus Jack

3) Doug Furnas/Phil LaFon

4) Quebecers

5) Godwinns

 

JR said that Headbangers won a match on Shotgun Saturday Night, guaranteeing them a Tag Team title match at the Royal Rumble. However, JR mentioned that if Terry Funk and Cactus Jack can beat Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon again tonight, they'll be added to the match.

 

The Headbangers cut a short, angry promo on the Outlaws.

 

Big Van Vader defeated Taka Michinoku and 2 Cold Scorpio in a handicap match after Taka accidentally hit an enziguri on Scorpio, allowing Vader to squash them both. (1:44) After the match, Taka and Scorpio argued.

 

Backstage, The Rock went into the locker room area to find a large group of people, some of whom were still recovering from Austin's attack. The Rock said that Austin was legitimately the biggest threat at the Royal Rumble and that they needed to "stop him" before he could get to San Jose. Most of the locker room agreed and signed up to be Rock's "lumberjacks" for his match that evening. The Rock got in Ahmed Johnson's face after he refused to sign. They brawled and the locker room broke it up by turning on Ahmed. The Rock told the bloody Ahmed that he wouldn't take his title at the Rumble.

 

A short Undertaker vignette was aired. In it, he said whether or not Kane was in his corner, he would win the Royal Rumble and 29 other men would Rest in Peace.

 

Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon defeated Terry Funk and Cactus Jack when the New Age Outlaws interfered. (4:16) Funk and Foley had have won this match they would have been fighting for the tag team belts at the pay-per-view. Instead, the Headbangers will be challenging the Outlaws. Funk and Jack began punching eachother out of anger after the match before stopping and walking to the back. JR said the insane duo would eventually get their hands on the Outlaws.

 

The New Age Outlaws cut a promo backstage. They told the Headbangers to watch out because at the Royal Rumble they'd run right over them. Cactus Jack and Terry Funk interrupted and brawled with the Outlaws. Officials had to split the melee up.

 

Shawn Michaels cut an in-ring promo where he stood on a ladder. During the promo, he said that Bret Hart's "crappy homemade videos" didn't scare him and that he knows the danger of ladder matches. Michaels said that the Ladder match was "made for him" and said that he'd send Bret Hart out of the WWF in a box. He said that at the Rumble the last chapter of the Hitman's life would be written as Shawn Michaels will send him out of the WWF and enjoy doing it.

 

JR shilled the pay-per-view. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels in a WWF Title Ladder Match; if Shawn Michaels wins Bret Hart said he'd leave the WWF, Taka vs. Scorpio for the new WWF Light Heavyweight Title, Outlaws vs. Headbangers for the Tag Titles, Ahmed Johnson vs. The Rock for the Intercontinental Title and the WWF Royal Rumble match to determine who fights the champion at WrestleMania XIV. JR then announced champion boxer Mike Tyson would be at WWF events in California over the next week.

 

Steve Austin wrestled The Rock to a no-contest in a non-title lumberjack match when Nation of Domination members ran in after Austin hit the Stunner on the Rock. (7:13) During the match, the lumberjacks (DOA, NOD, Jarrett, Lawler, Godwinns) mainly attacked Austin to weaken him for the Royal Rumble. After the match, Ahmed Johnson lead a group of faces to the ring to save "Stone Cold". This created a wild brawl that ended the show.