ChuBalso

They are cool. Saw them with Overkill earlier this year.

RAW PREVIEW! Live From the Uline Arena in Memphis, TN!

[*]The Memphis Knight & Brian Christopher Lawler vs. The Big Bossman & The Sandman

[*]The Brooklyn Bad Boyz (Kama Mustafa & Peter Senerca) vs. TAG TEAM C1 CLASH WINNERS The Thrillseekers (Lance Storm & Chris Jericho)

[*]The Return Of 'The Barber Shop!'

[*]The New WWF Triple Crown Champion, Hiryoshi Tenzan w/ Bruce Pritchard & Antonio Inoki

[*]Sabu!

[*]

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WWF SUDDEN DEATH MEGATOURNAMENT!!

[*]And Much, Much, More!

I also felt when I was reading that it was deliberetly being booked as a letdown to give it some realism. And the main event went exactly as it should have done and I predicted. Short because the talent in it wasnt enough to drag it to a long great match (tenzan coulda) and I got the feel that the cage match was short because they were 'running out of time' on the broadcast.

Interesting show javert, not a great read or a great markout show

Cool, thanks for the comments! It seems you guys had the same feedback as I expected a 'fan at the show'. i.e. flair - Dibiase not being able to go 15....hence me mentioning that they were incredibly blown up by the 10th minute of the match.

However, as many mistakingly do not....this diary must be read in 'context'. Sure the idea of Dibiase and Jerry Lawler in '98. But again, Dibiase's been a non-wrestling President & Manager for years now. Lawler's hasn't been full time in a while. So, obviously this is seen as fans as, something that won't be a classic. It's like seeing SGT on RAW, the first time though. And if Sarge were a big on camera guy. (Y)

Jannetty was supposed to be a WWF dissappointment...as they sometimes do..

Hart - Hayabusa opener? No way. We don't book WWE style. No way am I opening with a title match, unless it's the tag match.

Why did Flair Sting get a 58? Well c'mon. Flair in '98 isn't Flair in '88. Also poor match quality was represented in the writing to resemble a rushed match i.e. the 58.

That's exactly what I was trying to potray...somewhat of less than great booked card, but with amazing crowd heat due to great buildup over the strong storylines. Glad that it was properly translated.

Keep reading

Edit* thanks to the few (3) of you that PM'ed me with the great words of appreciating over Wrestlemania. You can also leave the feedback in this thread too...but it's greatly appreciated...and of course their's plenty more.

Edit deux*

As far as the Memphis Knight not being unmasked. In an effort not to spoil anything for regular readers -- I purposefully didn't want to right in every key aspect of feuds at this show. Not in the first show that I've written in a while. Though the recaps are great and all, nothing is more fun then writing the next show, after a long written PPV. Well, of course, some things are more fun, but you get the point.

With Inoki, Vince, Dillon, and Paulie the men with the pen......

Crimson '98

thanks VPD. Glad to have finally got it up.

We are in for quite a ride!

RAW up by Wednesday! Keep the comments coming.

WRESTLEMANIA ‘98

ALL OR NOTHING!

The Arrival Of "The Dragon"...

Part II

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At this point McMahon and Cornette revisited the instances of the Memphis Knight’s run-in’s with Ted Dibiase, including his first WWF altercation with Johnny Ace. Next Jack Tunney came out to an array of booes, and introduced Late Night Talk Show host Conan O’Brien, as the special guest ring announcer. This was a nice surprise, as his name got a nice pop from the crowd. I guess, after all the press that the Jim Powers segment on Letterman got, the WWF is looking to broaden their horizons.

Conan O’brien

" Hello! Thank you! Thank you! And for those of you who don’t know me

[*In his sarcastic tone*] Like not knowing me is possible! HAHAHAHA!”

Right after laughing, O’brien put on a quick and serious smile, since no one was laughing with him. Most of the crowd, THEN, laughed, as O’brien pulled out his notes card.

" [*Talking to himself on mic, as crowd begins to silence*] Oh, note to self, don’t keep a wrestling crowd waiting…[*crowd laughs a bit*] Ok! Introducing first…this man is a former President Of The World Wrestling Federation!”

The crowd booed as this was the cue for Ted Dibiase entering the ring, for his match against The Memphis Knight. O’Brien continued…

[*Talking to randomly to the crowd*]

“ Wow, what’s the definition for President, here, huh? If the definition means extreme psychopath running the WWF, then, Ok, I guess this man was fit for the job.

[*Crowd laughs*]

I mean, what did this guy do? He once wrestled for the WWF, he became Champion, retired, and then decided that he wanted to run the WWF! Is there something wrong here!? [*Laughing, imitating a typical growling ‘wrestler’*] Man, if I can’t be champion, Imma gonna run da’ gosh darn FE-DER-RA-SHONNN! GRrrrr! [*Lauhing*]”

At this point the crowd was laughing hysterically. Not necessarily because O’Brien was funny, but at the fact that he was ripping apart Ted Dibiase.

[*Talking to the crowd*]

“And what’s with that laugh of his? ”

[*Imitating Ted Dibiase’s laugh…a bit over the top*]

“MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!

[*Crowd is laughing, as O’Brien stomps around, before getting his mug directly in front of the camera during the laughs*] MUAUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! MUAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!

If that guy showed up at my door...

‘Hi Ted, I’m Conan’, how are ya?’

‘Conan!! I’m doing great! Why, I’m The Million Dollar Man! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA! MUAAHAHAHAHAHAAHHA!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!”

At this point, the real Dibiase laugh was heard over the PA system, as his music hit. Dibiase had a look of rage on his face as he was fixated on O’Brien. Dibiase, who came out in his full white and pink Million Dollar Suit, went straight for O’Brien, grabbing him and jawing him out in the corner. O’Brien was pleading to be let go, almost comedic. But within seconds, The Memphis Knight emerged from the crowd making the save.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

7. The Memphis Knight d. Ted Dibiase in 13:57

Referee: Mike Chioda

Crowd erupted right away, as expected, as The Knight pounded Dibiase with roundhouse rights. Dibiase got up after getting walloped four times, walking right into a big boot. After a near fall The Knight tossed Dibiase out of the ring. Hebner tried to stop Knight from going out, but he was quickly shoved to the side. The Knight dropped Dibiase face first on the railing, before giving him an irish whip, into the railing. Dibiase, at 44 and retired from the ring, proved that he can still take bumps. But I couldn’t imagine him lasting much longer taking this kind of abuse. That’s when The Big Bossman hit the ring, nailing The Knight in the back of the head with his nightstick. “Old alliances never die, McMahon”, said Cornette, citing the Big Bossman as The Million Dollar Man’s long time ‘Million Dollar Officer’

McMahon mentioned how referee Mike Chioda would like to call for the bell, but given the ‘magnitude’ of the match, he’s got to be extremely reluctant to exercise a DQ. Cornette had quite the best response of the night to McMahon;

Cornette" Magni—wha? ‘Magnitude of this Match’? McMahon! McMahon, what planet are you from? Better yet, what galaxy are you from? Because if you can’t tell that that’s Jerry The King Lawler, the man that we were just announcing with, then you are an idiot among idiots! Jerry Lawler has cheated the WWF! And THAT MAN! Ted Dibiase…a fine former WWF President has decided to step up! And put this cheat – This fraud! Back where he belongs! In the retirement home!"

Dibiase controlled the next half of the match. Old school spot at 6:33, where Bossman slipped brass knucks into the ring. He then hopped on the apron and distracted the ref, as Dibase cracked The Knight in the head. After a Piledriver, Dibiase tried ripping off the mask, to no avail. Match really started to slow down as Dibiase began to constantly jaw it out with ringside fans. Small Lawler chant started to surface here. Dibiase also proved, that President, Manager, or Wrestler, he is still a top heel. At 9:53, Dibiase sent the Knight into the ropes, only to be surprised by a body splash out of nowhere. Though The Knight didn’t get that high off of the ground, crowd still popped hard for this. Knight really started to rip into Dibiase with the roundhouses before nailing him with a power atomic drop. Knight did the ‘Lawler’ shoulder strap spot, which popped the crowd just as much as they did in the first Dibiase – Lawler match, nearly four years ago. Not that the Memphis Knight is Lawler, or anything. Dibiase got tossed over the top rope, at 12:13. Both men, though blown up, were still fighting hard. Bossman charged Lawler from behind with his nightstick, but Lawler ducked, elbowing him in the groin. After a knee lift, The Knight grabbed the nightstick, ready to nail Dibiase. Crowd erupted, once again, here as The Knight pointed to Dibiase with the chair, whilst firing up the fans with his other hand. At this point, the crowd suddenly erupted into a frenzy, as this time, it was Johnny Ace bolting to the ring.

Final Call By Vince McMahon & James E. Cornette

McMahon" And here comes – no stranger to the The Memphis Knight…"

Cornette" Or Jerry Lawler, for that matter!"

McMahon "Here comes Johnny Ace! [*Ace positions himself right behind the Knight, as Knight slowly turns around at the sudden craze of the crowd*]And…he’s… there it is! ACE CRUSHER ON THE MEMPHIS KNIGHT! "

Cornette" McMahon, he is not getting up from this one!"

At this point, both Dibiase & Ace picked up the Knight and tossed him into the ring, almost motionless. Dibiase spread his arms out for his legendary ’Million Dollar Dream’. At this point, Brian Christopher, or Brian Christopher Lawler, as he was being referred to, came walking down the isle with a look of fury on his face. Looked very reminiscent of Dibiase’s look of rage earlier on, attacking the talk show host. Crowd popped, as he was without Sexteen, and had a chain wrapped around his hand. Bossman hopped on the apron, but was held back by the ref. While this was going on, Christopher Lawler nailed Ace on the outside, with a punch to the head. He then rolled into the ring, standing directly behind Dibiase. Once again, as the Knight did on the outside, Dibiase turned around slowly, noticing the sudden frenzy of the crowd. Dibiase turned around, directly into a punch to the head by Christopher Lawler. Christopher Lawler quickly went to the outside, as the ref turned around. Now, both wrestlers were out cold, excercising a 10 count. Finally at 8, The Knight struggled over to Dibiase, who bladed, selling Christopher Lawler’s chain punch. The Knight struggled to nail Dibiase with a stump Piledriver for the victory at 13:57.

After a few minutes, The Memphis Knight hugged Brian Christopher Lawler, as if they knew each other

Overall: 87**3/4

Crowd: 94

Match: 74

23:15

Brian Christopher Lawler comes to the aid of The Memphis Knight.

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Wow! What a battle! Brian Christopher Lawler, coming to the aid of his father!"

Cornette" Brian Christopher Lawler is an ungrateful rat! Who brought in Brian Christopher Lawler, and made him the Million Dollar Kid! Who adopted Brian Christopher Lawler, when his real daddy was no where to be found! Ted Dibiase did! And now…he does this!"

McMahon" He did the right thing! And justice prevailed, here!"

Cornette" How can you say that McMahon! We don’t even know who that man is underneath the mask! Well we do! And even if we didn’t! Then that would be we wouldn’t! And that’s not right!"

McMahon" Well, I’m not sure we completely follow, but something that we’ve always followed is this match between Ric Flair, and Sting!"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As they put the cage together for the first half of the Main Event, they showed a great video package showing the (short) WWF relationship between Sting & Ric Flair. Flair came out first, dressed in his suit and tie outfit accompanied by several beautiful women. He got a lot of cheers, but a lot of booes, as well. Wouldn’t be surprised if most of the cheers were for the women. Sting, coming out 2nd, got a huge pop all the way around.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

8. Sting d. Ric Flair in 10:48 of a Steel Cage Match

Referee: Joey Marella

Match started off quick and furious as Sting & Flair slugged it out all over the ring. Crowd was the loudest it’s been all night, and that’s hard to do considering how loud they were during the Knight-Dibiase match. This match, like the last hour of the card, had a nice old school feeling to it. Difference is that Flair and Sting have a lot more stamina than Dibiase or Knight. Final moments of this match came at 8:40 when Flair tied up Sting into the ropes, and decided to high tail it over the cage. Crowd popped with several “Wooo’s!” at this point as Flair was ‘taking the easy way out’. Cornette pushed Flair as being the dirtiest player of the game, saying that a win is a win, even if Sting is tied up to the ropes. Just as Flair got to the top, Sting untangled himself from the ropes, and charged at Flair. Excellent closeup of Flair’s face of disbelieve. Eventually both men were sitting on the top of the cage, slugging each other out. Finally, Sting gave Flair a head butt, knocking him off the cage, and hanging upside down by his legs. He eventually fell, as Sting climbed over the cage for the victory, at 10:48. Crowd erupted as Sting beat the former #1 contender to the WWF Triple Crown Championship.

Overall: 87

Crowd: 100

Match: 58

20:37

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It should be noted here that after the match, during the dissembling of the cage, Vince McMahon took the house mic and greeted the fans a bit. He said that he had a very special announcement, and that was that directly following the WWF Triple Crown match, for the live fans, there will be a fan Question & Answer session with Michael PS Hayes. Cornette said that he’s had a lot questions about ‘that man, since 1982. I assume because of time restraints, they couldn’t air the Q&A session. While this was a nice edition, this seemed to be a method designed for keeping the fans in their seats until the very end of the pay per view. So something was sure to happen, following the match. McMahon then went to Mooney who interviewed WWF fans, asking their thoughts on who would win the WWF Triple Crown Triple Threat match. One fan picked Tenzan, saying that he was the only one of the three who knew how to wrestle. Since that was very close the the truth, you can be sure that Mooney did the quick mic jerk reaction that I’ve seen in a long time. They then did a long video package documenting Tenzan’s, Waltman’s, and Horowitz’s WWF career, respectfully.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

9. Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. Waltman & Barry Horowitz in 17:12 of a 3-way elimination match, winning the WWF Triple Crown Championship for the second time

Referee: Dave Hebner

Really good match, here. And that’s saying a lot considering that the matches that THIS one had to follow. It’s not easy to follow Lawler – Dibiase, and Sting – Flair, let alone in the same night. Waltman came out first, to a showering of booes. Brian James, who accompanied Waltman, was wearing an “I love Rusha” shirt, which was odd. Tenzan came out next, accompanied by Antonio Inoki & Bruce Pritchard. His ringwear just keeps getting more extravagant. Finally the champion Barry Horowitz came out, to a nice pop. “”From Jobber to Just On Top”, read a sign that made television. For much of the opening, Tenzan & Waltman doubled teamed Horowitz. The partnership ended when Horowitz ducked a Tenzan lariat, causing Waltman to catch it instead. Horowitz then nailed Tenzan with a dropkick, popping the crowd. Waltman soon recovered, angered, and went after Tenzan. These too had a great exchange of kicks, before Horowitz ruined it with a sloppy looking double clothesline. Waltman rolled out of the ring, but Tenzan was nearly unphased. As Horowitz stood, watching Waltman struggle on the outside, Tenzan quickly locked in behind and nailed Horowitz with a German suplex. Tenzan then quickly went after Waltman, nailing him with chops to the back. After a bodyslam on the outside, Tenzan crushed Waltman with a standing fall away slam. Inoki stood calmy as Pritchard’s face grew red, yelling at Waltman. Horowitz tried to surprise Tenzan with top rope axehandle, but Tenzan quickly ducked into the ring, causing Horowitz to land an elbow on Waltman. Crowd popped, anyway. Brian James took a bump, here, as did Inoki. Horowitz was on a roll. Horowitz tossed Waltman into the ring. He quickly went to the top positioned for what looked to be a dropkick. Tenzan watched as Waltman began slowly to get up. As soon as Waltman stood up, Horowitz leaped, nailing him in the back of the head with a top rope dropkick ala NJPW’S Shinjiro Ohtani. Tenzan, then went to the top rope, and nailed the back of Waltman’s head with the Tenzan headbutt. Horowitz, already on the opposite turnbuckle, follwed up with a top rope leg-drop. He then covered, and hooked the leg of Waltman leading to the first elimination of the match at 7:44. Crowd popped at the nice sequence of moves leading to Waltman’s quick demise.

It was now down to defending champion Barry Horowitz, and former Triple Crown Champion Hiro Tenzan. McMahon started to make a big deal about Tenzan possibly being the first ever 2-time Triple Crown Champion, which meant it had a chance of happening. Horowitz really didn’t get much offense at all. By the 10th minute of the match, his chest was cherry red from Tenzan chops. After a DDT, Tenzan nailed Horowitz with a top rope elbow drop, leading to a near fall. Horowitz showed signs of life at 13:33, twice blocking german suplex attempts. Tenzan then, chopped at Horowitz’s back, then tried again to no avail. Finally Horowitz wrestled out of it, pulling Tenzan over his back in the process. Horowitz quickly went for the cover, of course. After a hip toss, Horowitz locked Tenzan in a long scissors hold spot. Who uses the scissors, these days besides Horowitz? Iron Mike Sharpe? After Tenzan dragged himself to the ropes, Horowitz was forced to release the hold. Horowitz then ‘gave a sign’ for the sleeper hold. He quickly nailed it in, but Tenzan soon dropped down with the chin-butt counter. Tenzan follwed up with with a spinning heel quick, popping the crowd. After a near fall, Tenzan crushed Horowitz with a nasty looking brainbuster, then made the cut-throat sign. Tenzan planted Horowitz’s head into the mat with the T.T.D. Inoki started climbing the ring steps, as if Tenzan had already won. Tenzan went up to the top turnbuckle, yelled something in Japanese, then nailed Horowitz with a great looking moonsault. Tenzan pinned Horowitz with both hands on the chest, and tongue handing out, at 17:09 to win the WWF Triple Crown Championship for the 2nd time in his career.

After the bell, Pritchard and Inoki hugged the outside, then quickly jumped inside the ring to hug Tenzan. Pritchard raised the hand of Tenzan as Inoki fetched the Championship belts. Tenzan, holding the belts posed for about 5 minutes for Japanese press photos at ringside. Tenzan stood with one belt around his waist, and the other two on his shoulders, standing in between Pritchard & Inoki.

After a few moments, the lights went out again, just as they were about to ‘go off the air’, McMahon yelled for the cameras to stay with this no matter how late it goes. McMahon and Cornette teased it being Sabu, again. The crowd actually to start a ‘Sabu’ as the lights remained off. Finally, the lights came back on, and standing directly behind Inoki was Paulie Dangerously. Crowd popped big time as Dangerously smashed his phone over the head of Inoki. Dangerously quickly darted through the ropes and up the ramp before Tenzan or Pritchard could react. Dangerously back peddled laughing as Tenzan eyed him down, while attending to Inoki. Wrestlemania went off the air with the crowd absolutely ecstatic at what had just occurred.***

Overall: 82

Crowd: 86

Match: 73

The WWF Triple Crown title has gained in image.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan; 2 Time WWF Triple Crown Champion

0:08

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" My oh my! Wow! Paulie Dangerously coming out here spoiling the celebration!"

Cornette" Coming out here when he don’t belong, McMahon! Paulie Dangerously has no business out here! He’s jealous of Inoki! He’s jealous of Pritchard! They have gone places and he’s gone no where! And now…oh, McMahon! You don’t put your hands on Antonio Inoki! Tenzan’s gonna have his head! "

McMahon" Well, definitely a very couragous act from Paulie Dangerously. And I’m sure that many questions will be answered tomorrow night, on Monday Night RAW! But what a Wrestlemania this has been!"

Cornette" McMahon! We’ve seen a lot tonight. We’ve seen the first WWF Women’s Champion since 1989 crowned in Bull Nakano! We saw a classic battle to end the TAG TEAM C1 CLASH tournament, as the Thrillseekers overcame the veteran team of Ray Rougeau & Curt Hennig! We saw the Crimson Twins at an intense level that we’ve never seen before!"

McMahon" And the WWF Title picture is just unbelievable! Owen Hart, retaining against Hayabusa. Of course we mentioned the Crimsons, also retaining their titles. But the big one. Hiroyoshi Tenzan is the new WWF Triple Crown Champion. And we do know that Carl Oulette will get a shot at the WWF Triple Crown at an event to be named later. But what competition awaits, Tenzan next? We shall soon find out! Until next time, thanks for joining us at Wrestlemania ’98!! I’m Vince McMahon!"

Cornette" And I’m James E. Cornette, and it’s been a pleasure carrying you for 4 hours, McMahon."

McMahon" So long everybody!"

Paulie Dangerously spoiled the celebration cracking his phone

over the head of Antonio Inoki

Overall: 74%

Thumbs Up 123

Thumbs Down 23

Thumbs In The Middle 23

Best Match: Hayabusa vs. Owen Hart

Worst Match: Bull Nakno vs. Rusha

Other Shows

WCW’s April Asphalt Global 100%

Best Match: WCW Title- Keiju Mutoh vs. Brian Pillman

Worst Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Stan Hansen

Reality Twist: Much like our WWF, WCW is building up it’s Japanese Wrestlers, with Jushin Liger, Misawa, Chono, and Yokozuna among the top stars.

GCG’s The Golden War - Global 42%

Best Match: GCG Title Bret Hart vs. Sid Vicious

Worst Match: Randy Savage vs. The Cowboy Mike Hegstrand (Hawk)

Reality Twist: Despite former owner Jim Crockett being fired, GCG still has an NWA-esque feel to it, with guys on top like Bad News Allen, Bob Backlund, Sid Vicious, Randy Savage, and Tully Blanchard. Up and comers include former Olympian Kurt Angle, Rey Misterio Jr., Dan Severan, Vampiro, and Alex Wright.

ECA Combat Catastrophe – National 80%

Best Match: Tommy Dreamer vs. Billy Gunn

Worst Match: Tony Halme vs. Violent J

Reality Twist: With X-WWF’ers like Violent J, Tony Halme, Billy Gunn, and The Dark Patriot – ECA seems to be the edgy promotion that disgruntled/let go WWF’ers migrate too. Owner Bill Watts vowes to dethrone Vince McMahon. Easier said than done..but it does make for good TV.

21CW Century Battles - Buy Rate .80 - National 52%

Best Match: 21st cEnTUrY 3wAy – Nova vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Billy Kidman

Worst Match: 21CW Title – Pretty Paul Roma vs. Terry Funk

Reality Twist: Non Wrestlers are, Don Muraco, Captain Lou Albano, and Terry Funk. Trying to ride on the WWF’s building up of Paul Roma to help in there competition with ECA.

Comments, questions, hopes for the future?

WRESTLEMANIA ‘98

ALL OR NOTHING!

The Arrival Of "The Dragon"...

Part I of II

April 19rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: The Houston Astrodome – Houston, TX

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & James E. Cornette

Attendance: 55,039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Bill Alfonso, Mike Chioda, Shane McMahon, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, Jim Mollineaux, John Finnegan, Dave Hebner, Charlotte Hayes

By

Dave Schmeltzer

WWF Wrestlemania ’98 from the Houston Astrodome brought the WWF a 1.74 buy rate, with a live gate of $1,350,000. Sean Mooney hosted the 30 minute Action Zone Wrestlemania pre-show aside James E. Cornette at the site of the special Wrestlemania Hotline. Mooney said that he was surprised that Cornette was here, stemming from his unflattering interview on the WWF several weeks ago. Cornette just told Mooney to shut up, which means they are dropping whatever storyline that was going to become. At least for now, anyway. Cornette kept plugging the line, encouraging viewers that he had hot, exclusive news about the card. They also ran a taped segment, where Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman went around Houston searching for the perfect Barbers & Beer. Very old school WWF writing here, as Beefcake kept insulting barbers after a few minutes of watching them cut hair. Sandman went into random bars, and kept spitting out the beer onto the bartenders. Very reminiscent of the old school WWF vignettes that they used to run leading up to debuts.

Joey Styles had an interview with JJ Dillon, asking about the future of the WWF, post-Wrestlemania. Dillon talked about a continuing era of intense, good spirited competition. Good spirited? I guess he doesn’t watch RAW, much. Dillon then said to stay tuned for a great new era of WWF Pro-Wrestling.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wrestlemania ’98 opened up with Vince McMahon welcoming everyone to Wrestlemania ’98. The crowd was incredibly hot. A returning Jim Cornette emerged from the curtain joining McMahon and Commentary. McMahon, like Mooney, mentioned how surprised he was to see Cornette walking to the ring after his comments a few weeks ago.

McMahon[*Amongst the screaming fans*]" Welcome, everyone – To Houston, Texas! Welcome, everyone – To the Houston Astrodome! Welcome everyone, to Wrrreeeessssttttllllleeeemania!! Hello everyone, I’m Vince McMahon, and I’ll be soon to be joined here with James E. Cornette, it seems -- but what an a night tonight! is going to be! And…uh..[*notices the crowd is booing looks to isle way*]..it looks like Cornette has decided to show up. This is uh..I thought you were uh…bound for the rival wrestling promotion…I uh..Hi, nice of you to show up!"

Cornette[*After adjusting headset*]" What did you say? It’s your pleasure to have me here McMahon! I remember carrying your tail each week on RAW, and I’d be happy to do so on the biggest night of em’all! WRESTLEMANIA 98!! I had some pretty rough things to say a few weeks ago on WWF TV, and tonight..as I promise you, TONIGHT! I am ECA bound! Leading to 4 hours of ECA! Excellent Cornette Announcing!! Haha! "

McMahon" Well, uh..very nice. In any event, this is going to prove to be an historic night indeed! And Jim Cornette, since you’re here…what’s this big news that you were talking about on the hotline!? What’s this big scoop!?"

Cornette" We are minutes from finding out! But if you called the hotline, then you know that I revealed to you the man who had answered the open contract that Sabu placed out there! There’s still a few minutes left..you can call, RIGHT NOW, and find out the big scoop!"

McMahon" Well, with that said let’s get things started! Standing by in the ring, is Joe Pedicino!"

Pedicino introduced ‘heavy metal singer Eric Adams, who sang the national anthem in an opera style. McMahon & Cornette talked a bit about each upcoming match before panning the ringside area for celebrities. Amongst those in attendance were, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Nolan Ryan, some NFL football players from the Houston Oilers, & the Bill Clinton look-a-like.

1. The Dragon d. Sabu in 13:01

Referee: Mike Chioda

Sabu was the first to enter the ring, to no ring music as usual, with a huge pop. After several moments the lights suddenly dimmed, as a red flickering effect began all over the dome. Music similar to The Great Kabuki’s began to play, causing the crowd to buzz. After 45 seconds into the music, The Dragon emerged from the curtain. Looked to be about 250lbs, slim, with a lot of hair – similar to that of Shawn Michaels. He wore an extravagant red robe and mask, much like The Great Kabuki, or Great Muta. Walking to the ring in a zombie like state, The Dragon almost took a full 3 minutes to make it to the ring stairs. After the lighting returned, The Dragon stood in the corner as Pedicino made the official announcement. The Dragon slowly removed his mask revealing himself to be Marty Jannetty with his face painted red. The live crowd wasn’t able to recognize him as Jannetty, until it out until midway into the match when The Dragon’s paint began to chip. The announcers made no mention that it was Jannetty. Jannetty’s last tenure in the WWF saw him under the ‘Professor’ Marty Jannetty gimmick, with the genius following his split of The Rockers. The match began at a slow pace, with both men spending a lot of time ‘feeling each other out’. Dragon moved very slowly, and was sure to keep his overgrown hair as much covering his face as he could. Jannett—er, The Dragon finally picked up on offence, at 6:23 into the match. Sabu gave Dragon a hip toss, followed by an elbow and near fall. Sabu, then did a bit of showboating (pointing to the sky) before climbing the top rope for an axehandle. The Dragon popped the crowd, with a quick and sudden kip up, just as Sabu was coming down. Sabu got nailed with a double chop to the throat, getting a big reaction from the crowd. Some of the fans popped louder, as The rocker-esque kip up gave way to Dragon’s identity. Dragon then gave Sabu a couple of quick snap-suplexes, before tossing him through the second rope, and to the outside of the ring. Dragon, now, increasing his pace followed right behind Sabu with stiff kicks to the back. Sabu, trying to use the railing to pull himself up felt himself in trouble as Dragon, now pulling up the protective mat. Wow, I guess the time spent feuding with the likes of Johnny Grunge, and Tony Halme in ECA really made Jannetty tougher. Dragon, now almost running back to Sabu, through him into the opposite guard railing, before suplexing him onto the exposed floor. Referee Mike Chioda jumped out of the ring to reprimand Dragon, but Dragon shoved him to the floor, popping the crowd. The announcers and the crowd, alike, were now taking notice as The Dragon became almost relentless. McMahon commented on how The Dragon was ‘lucky’ that he was not disqualified for pushing the ref. Cornette mentioned that Dragon has suddenly gone into 4th gear, citing his sudden aggressive nature. Sabu was tossed into the railing for a third time, now selling back ailments big time. At 9:01 Sabu began to mound a comeback, following a miss-timed dropkick by Dragon. Sabu, then threw Dragon into the turnbuckle, but was quickly met by a savatte kick before he had a chance to react. The Dragon then looked around maniacally as Sabu seemed to have been out cold, from that deadly kick. Dragon quickly went up to the top rope for a less than perfect moonsault, for the victory. Dragon looked great in this match, Sabu, not so much. There’s been talk of Sabu getting a monster push, following Wrestlemania. Though Sabu lost in convincing fashion, it was against a ‘newcomer’ which gives the WWF room for excuses, and preventing Sabu from loosing his heat. **1/4

Overall: 72

Crowd: 77

Match: 63

Sabu lost overness from this match. The Dragon gained overness from this match.

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Certainly a very impressive debut from The Dragon! What a madman!"

Cornette" Well McMahon I have never seen Sabu lay on the mat out cold like that! And I have never seen a wrestler, maybe since The Berzerker, who once he’s in attack mode – they’re no stopping ‘em! This Dragon, he’s gonna be something!"

20:21

++++++++++++++++++++++++

After clips of the TAG TEAM C1 CLASH tournament ran, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler’s music played to a huge pop. After greeting the fans in the ring, Lawler joined the broadcast team of McMahon & Cornette as the crowd erupted with a ‘Jerry’ chant. Cornette ripped into Lawler right away.

McMahon" Well, what a great surprise…the One! The Only! The Kiiiinnngggggg Jerry Lawler!"

Cornette" Hey, don’t you have a match, tonight, you gotta prepare for, Mr. Knight!? Ha! Ha!"

McMahon" Oh, would you stop it."

Lawler" That’s exactly why I’m here, Cornette! I’m here to prove to the Million Dollar Crook, that I am NOT, The Memphis Knight! But…oh, I can’t wait to see the Memphis Knight put Dibiase away!"

McMahon" Well, it’s not time for the finals of the great TAG TEAM C1 CLASH TOURNAMENT – it’s The Thrillseekers against the veterans, Canadian GenerationZ!"

+++++++++++++++++++++++

2. The Thrillseekers (Lance Storm & Chris Jericho) d. Canadian GenerationZ (Ray Rougeau & Curt Hennig)in 16:43

Referee: Earl Hebner

TAG TEAM C1 CLASH TOURNAMENT FINAL

Great match, even though no one cares about Ray Rougeau & Curt Hennig, anymore. McMahon and Cornette pushed this as a great ending to a great tournament – rookies against veterans. Jericho and Rougeau opened the match with some great ring-work drawing applause from the fans. Rougeau was the first with an advantage, after catching Jericho ducking for an overhead toss, with a DDT. Rougeau, then worked on Jericho with an STF for a few minutes before tagging out to Hennig. Hennig allowed Jericho to tag Storm, drawing a reaction from the fans, as Storm became angered. The two had a fast paced encounter, before Storm caught Hennig with a crossface lock. Both teams began to work really hard at the 10 minute mark, as Rougeau was being abused. At 10:03, Jericho gave the cutthroat sign, before nailing Rougeau with a lionsault. Fans thought that it was for sure to be over, until Rougeau kicked out just before the three count. Cornette was convinced that it was a three count. Jericho, then put Rougeau in an incredibly long liontamer boston crab spot. Rougeau, after several minutes in the hold, eventually dragged himself over to the ropes, getting a nice reaction. Rougeau was as good as dead, at this point. Jericho quickly tagged out to Storm, who administered his half crab onto Rougeau, until he dragged himself to the ropes, again. Storm then teased tossing the beaten Rougeau over each top rope before tossing him over the right side, by Henning. Hennig quickly ran in, to the rescue…

Final Call By Vince McMahon, James E. Cornette, & Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler

McMahon" And here comes, Hennig! Oh! And a punch to Storm! Down goes Jericho! And…a bodyslam onto Storm! Jericho goes down! Hennig is on fire! Hennig, now beginning to do a number on Jericho!"

Cornette" Did Rougeau make the tag on his way out? Hennig is really giving it to Jericho!" McMahon [*Storm goes after Rougeau, outside, and tosses him back into the ring*]" And now…we’ve got ALL FOUR MEN IN THE RING! Who will win this C1 CLASH final…and…[*Hennig gets the Hennig Plex on Jericho*] And it’s the Hennig plex!! Referee counts! 1…2…"

Cornette" But looks, Storm has the half crab on Raymond Rougeau!!" McMahon [*Bell rings*]" It’s over! Hennig nailed Jericho with the Perfect-Plex! The Canadian GernationZ are the Tag Team C1 CLASH Tournament winners!!"

Cornette" Not so fast, McMahon! Lance Storm has gotten his hand raised, too!!"

McMahon" Well, wait a second! Who were the legal men!?"

As McMahon and Cornette pondered all of this, Hebner conversed with ringside officials, and the ring announcer as both Storm & Hennig and their hands raised. Finally, Pedicino gave the official word.

Pedicino" Ladies and Gentlemen! Referee Earl Hebner has informed me that the two legal men were Lance Storm & Raymond Rougeau – [*crowd begins to boo*] Therefore, your winners by submission, and TAG TEAM C1 CLASH TOURNAMENT WINNERS – LANCE STORM & CHRIS JERICHO; THE THRILLLLSSSEEEEEKERS!!!"

The crowd booed as The Thrillseekers celebrated in the ring. Hennig protested with the ref, trying to convince him that Rougeau made the tag as he was being tossed out of the ring. McMahon defended this case as Cornette called it nonsense. WWF Officials JJ Dillon, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, & Ole Anderson came out to present The Thrillseekers with giant sized trophy’s commemorating their victory. A really good match here. Kudos to Inoki who was the lead man in booking this tournament from beginning to end. ***1/4

Overall: 82

Crowd: 73

Match: 91

Chris Jericho gained overness from this feud ending. Lance Storm gained overness from this feud ending. Raymond Rougeau gained overness from this feud ending. Curt Hennig gained overness from this feud ending. Curt Hennig lost overness from this match. Lance Storm gained overness from this match. Chris Jericho gained overness from this match.

20:51

Commentary Aftermath

Cornette" What an honour for The Thrillseekers! What a team!"

McMahon" Well, there’s no doubt that they are a great young tag team, here in the ranks of the World Wrestling Federation – but that match didn’t end without it’s controversy."

Lawler" That’s right, McMahon – I saw it, you saw it, and all these fans saw it. Rougeau did indeed make a tag – because the rule is this. If there is any contact between a wrestler and his partner, no matter where it is – then that is indeed a legal tag!"

Cornette" Since when did you become ‘Mr Ethics’, huh? Need a mask?"

McMahon" Well, in any event – a tournament victory for The Thrillseekers! Let’s go to the back where Joey Styles is standing by with RUSHA!"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Styles, who looked like a midget next to Rusha (Joanie Laurer / Chyna) directed his question to The Crimson Twins.

Styles" Well, tonight the WWF Women’s Championship is going to be decided for the first time since 1988! This has surely been an historic tournament, with the speed of Lady Speed, the Courage of Pauline Patriot, the will of The American Dream, Dustine Rhoades…the Muay Thai specialist Mansa--"

Tomax" THAT’S ENOUGH!"

Tomax & Xamot" You’re making us sick!" [*Crowd is heard booing*]

Tomax" Tonight, our dear sister…"

Xamot"..against that beast!"

Tomax"…that animal!"

Xamot" THAT BULL! NAKANO!!"

Tomax" But you see, our half-sister has proven, Mr. Mooney…"

Xamot"…that she’s more than a pesty little Bull”

Tomax & Xamot" She’s an Amazon!"

The Crimsons walked off, with those words, as Styles eyed down the muscular contender for the WWF Women’s title.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

3. Bull Nakano d. Rusha in 9:49 of a WWF Women’s Title Match

Referee: Charolette Hayes

WWF Women’s Championship

The introductions for this match were nearly longer than the match itself. JJ Dillon came out and announced that the WWF Women’s Title will be officially presented to the winner of this match tomorrow night on Monday Night Raw.. Former WWF Women’s Champion, The Fabulous Moolah was also introduced, as the guest timekeeper. Rusha was accompanied by the Crimson Twins, while Bull Nakano was actually by her lonesome. Perhaps they are trying to make her the face of this match? Can’t say that there was a lot of crowd heat for this match, but the two did work somewhat hard. Match started off slow with both blocking shoulder blocks. At 5:44, Bull Nakano went tumbling over the top rope thanks to Xamot holding down the ropes as she was tossed into the direction by Rusha. New female referee, Charolette Hayes was busy jawing with Tomax, which was the story of the match. McMahon kept stressing that this was an unfair 3 on 1 match, which in its purpose, got the live fans to side with Nakano. At 7:01, Nakano finally began to come back. Now, clearly the underdog, Nakano ducked out of a running avalanche by Rusha, and cradling her for a near fall. Tomax hopped on the apron, but was quickly sent back down following a Nakano big boot. At this point, Xamot was seen going nuts outside the ring, searching for ‘something’ to help his half sister. After a top rope knee drop – shades of Terry Taylor – Nakano set up for a superplex. She stalled, however, jawing with Xamot who was clearly bent out of shape. This gave Rusha enough time to knock Nakano off, following up with a top rope elbow. After a near fall Rusha threw Nakano into the ropes, only to have it reversed sending Rusha into the ropes. A loud thud was heard, as Xamot accidentally cracked the chair over the back of his half sister, thinking that it would be Nakano that would be flying into the ropes. Crowd popped hard for this one, as it was beyond the view of Hayes. Cornette had a funny line here, yelling ”Who’s the genius that came up with a woman referee! She’s blind as a bat!” Which is a good point considering Xamot’s chair shot was in almost clear view of the ref. Crowd popped for this as Nakano, kicked then slowly nailed Rusha with the power bomb combination pin for the victory. Crowd popped lightly as Bull Nakano defeated Rusha becoming the first WWF Woman’s Champion since 1989. The Fabulous Moolah presented the belt to Nakano and raised her hand to a nice, yet tame, reception. **

Overall: 52

Crowd: 45

Match: 60

Bull Nakano gained overness from this match. The WWF Women's title has gained image.

21:12

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Wow! Bull Nakano defeating the Crimson Twins’ Step-Sister, Rusha, become the new WWF Women’s Champion!"

Cornette" That’s half sister, McMahon, you moron! And let me tell you this! If Bull Nakano thinks that it’s going to be keeping that belt, then she’s got another thing coming! "

McMahon" That’s right, there’s more and more WWF Women’s Superstars coming to the WWF as the months goes on!"

Lawler" And you get bet, that Rusha’s got a return match on her mind!"

Bull Nakano is the WWF Women’s Champion

++++++++++++++++++++++++

They must’ve watched the chair shot about 50 times, before cutting to an absolutely furious, Xamot at ringside. Xamot began kicking everything in sight – the timekeepers table, the railing, he almost threw a kick in the direction of Jerry Lawler, up at the announcer’s table, which buzzed the crowd. What followed next was, finally the first among the most anticipated match of this years Wrestlemania – Owen Hart vs. Hayabusa, for the Intercontinental Championship Belt.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

4. Owen Hart d. Hayabusa in 27:56, to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship

Referee: Shane McMahon

WWF Intercontinental Championship

They did a great video package which linked PRIDE’s history with, Owen’s brother, Bret Hart. Hayabusa was accompanied by Inoki. Suddenly the crowd became the hottest that it’s ever been for any Pay Per View match. The two started with some lightning flash mat work, both earning applauses from the crowd. Hearing Inoki shout Japanese encourage to Hayabusa amongst the applauding crowd is quite something to be heard. The two exchanged some quick near falls from snap suplexes, and power slams, beginning of a few minutes where both men would prove to be equal in ring-skill. McMahon kept stressing that Inoki and Hayabusa had the advantage, being able to communication in a language that Owen doesn’t understand. The match started to pick-up at 8:57, when Hayabusa missed a springboard elbow into the turnbuckle and Hart quickly followed up with a moonsault from the second rope. After a nearfall, Owen crushed Hayabusa with a dropkick, and a top-rope frog splash. Crowd popped hard for this near fall; Remnants of The Blue Blazer. Crowd started to get really hot here, as Owen began to dominate. Owen began to pound on Hayabusa’s right leg, setting up for the Sharpshooter, of course. Cornette (The only of the 3 announcers with any sort of announcing skills) was the first to bring up this point,

Cornette" This is when Owen is dangerous! I’ve seen this before!"

Great spot at 14:13; After a couple near falls, Hayabusa was struggling to get to his feet. He sold his legs being worn out, big time, almost attempting to drag himself up by pulling on the ropes. ‘Owen’ chant surfaced as Owen stood stationary, positioned to charge Hayabusa with a spear. Finally Hayabusa stood up heavily groggy. Inoki was directly behind him, yelling whilst smashing onto the apron trying to revive the Japanese Assassin. The second Hayabusa stood upright, Owen bounced off of the ropes charging Hayabusa. But Hayabusa’s legs gave out, causing him collapse. Owen continued on, running over the fallen Hayabusa, springing himself onto the apron, and catching Inoki with a well placed Asai moonsault. Crowd popped hard for this, as Owen was fired up. Owen kicked Hayabusa a couple of times, then teased going to the top rope for a moonsault. Owen walked up to the second rope, then shook his heads to the fans. He then imitated Hayabusa’s (& Tenzan’s) cut throat signal, and looked to be going to the top rope for The Stardust Press. But Hayabusa had enough time to move out of the way, causing Owen to land awkwardly on his back. Hayabusa quickly jolted to the top rope, and nailed Owen with the Stardust Press. Owen got up, at just before the 3 count, causing the crowd to erupt. Referee began to place a 10 count on both men who were motionless.

The crowd began to buzz as Phil Lafon, came out, oddly enough in wrestling gear despite not being on the card. The crowded didn’t know what to expect, until he stepped over the fallen Inoki with no care, whatsoever. He then took his territory at ringside, and began to pound on the apron encouraging Owen Hart, to get up. Cornette immediately linked this to LaFon coming on to cheer Owen Hart, a man with whom he trained with as a child in ‘The Dungeon’. Crowd popped once they saw his allegiance, which was quite odd to see; LaFon being cheered. Hayabusa kipped up first, Owen second – Owen went for a clothesline, but was countered with the H EDGE. It’s essentially the same move that Kavanna uses, except better executed. Near fall here. Hayabusa began to get fired up, which got the crowd at a level I’ve never quite seen before, in a Hayabusa match. Partially in part to Inoki’s presence, as well. Hayabusa nailed Owen with another H EDGE, followed by a high spinkick, finally keeping Owen down for a very close fall. With the match now closing in on twenty minutes, every fall was thought to be the last. Hayabusa then made the signal for the Stardust Press. Hayabusa motioned to jump, causing Owen to jump up. However, Owen still disoriented turned around into an oncoming moonsault, and a near fall. Hayabusa gave a signal for another moonsault, and quickly went to climb the turnbuckle. However, this time, Hayabusa slipped, again selling the damage that had been done to his legs. Crowd erupted here, cheering for Owen to get up. Hayabusa, slowly began to regain his footing, and went to climb the turnbuckle once again. This time Hayabusa was visibly struggling; His legs were in bad shape. Great ring psychology here. Finally he made it to the top; With his legs wobbling Hayabusa positioned himself for the moonsault. Owen got up as Hayabusa jumped – Hayabusa seeing this landed on his face behind Owen. Within seconds of landing, as Owen turned around, Hayabusa collapsed due to his legs giving out. Owen quickly slapped on the Sharpshooter, causing Hayabusa to scream in agony. Crowd was deafening as Hayabusa tried to drag himself to the ropes, for about 3 minutes. Finally, Owen yanked Hayabusa into the centre of the ring, causing him to finally submit after a nearly long 30 minute match.

Loud ‘Owen’ chant as LaFon raised the hand of Owen Hart, with the Intercontinental title draped on his shoulder. Hart, clearly fatigued, was helped to the back by LaFon and celebrating family members. Hayabusa had to be carried out on a stretcher, selling the effects of the Sharpshooter. Crowd was still carrying a loud ‘Owen’ chant as they went into the Crimsons vs. Shooterz build up. ***1/4

Overall: 83

Crowd: 84

Match: 83

21:57

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Whaaat an amazing match that was! But in the end, The Canadian Horseman prevailed!"

Cornette" McMahon I have never seen Hayabusa…no, no…I never seen any man, weaken his opponent as effectively as Owen Hart. This is one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time, there’s no doubt about it! Hayabusa may not be able to walk again!"

McMahon" And how about, Phil LaFon, coming out to support his friend, Owen Hart."

Lawler" Yea, too bad he’s managed by that weasel, Lanny Poffo!"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Before cutting to the Crimson twins, Sean Mooney was in the crowd an interviewed the Mayor of Houston. Mooney asked him who he was going to pick to win the WWF Triple Crown match – The Mayor said Barry Horowitz, because he’s just too popular. And besides that, would the Mayor side with the heels?

They then cut to Joey Styles who was with The Crimsons – Xamot visibly still upset for his role in Rusha’s WWF Women’s Title match. Bill Alfonso, now with The Crimsons, was doing his best to calm Xamot down. Before running off, Tomax yelled,

”On man! Oh man! This only happens when a Crimson gets really mad!!”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

5. The Crimson Twins (Tomax & Xamot) d. The Shooterz (Don Frye & Jim Powers), in 12:33 to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship

Referee: Jim Mollineaux

WWF Tag Team Championship

Xamot already looks like a madman, with that scar below his left eye, so this enraged state did well for him. Jim Powers, who started out the match was a bit reluctant to get the ring with Xamot. Xamot charged Powers, nailing him a poorly executed Yazuka kick to the chest. He began to nail stomps to Powers in the corner, before a snap mare. After a dropkick to the face, Xamot nailed Powers with sloppy spinebuster, and a 2 count. Crowd was into Xamot’s rage in the ring, but there was a brewing ‘Owen’ chant which began to plague the match, now audible on TV. That coupled with the fact that Jim Powers, looks to now been demoted to a jobber, once again. Xamot tagged out to Tomax – who nailed Powers with a couple of german suplexes, the final one being a pinning combination. Frye was eventually tagged in, and did some nice work with Tomax. Frye got the upper hand with an STF at 5:01, unfortunately, this was when the ‘Owen’ chant was at it’s loudest. Cornette actually acknowledged the chant, saying “ I have never seen something like this before! They won’t stop!” McMahon completely ignored the point, and started screaming about how intense Xamot has been, seemingly angered by the incidents of the WWF Women’s Championship Match. Cornette, again proving to be the only announcer with any talent pushed Xamot stemming from earlier comments;

Cornette" Xamot, these Crimsons…when they’re mad, they’re really mad! And that’s what we’re seeing right now!"

At this point Frye tagged out to Powers, who followed up with a couple of hanging suplexes. Powers followed up with a double underhook suplex, and a near fall, just before the crowd became bored again. Ever since Powers and Frye – Powers, worst than Frye were buried some time ago for the Letterman sketch, it seems as if they’ve never quite recovered. That, coupled with the fact that the crowd kept chanting for an Owen Hart curtain call, made this match a bit difficult to watch. Finals of the match came at 11:23, after Power threw Tomax into the turnbuckle. Powers charged in for a lariat, but Tomax alertly countered with a somoan drop, both tumbling to the outside.

At this point, out came Rusha, as angry as ever, fresh off of her loss to Bull Nakano. The ‘Owen’ chant started to drain, as The Crimson Twins gave the boots to Powers. Frye came running over to fight off the Twins. Tomax jumped back into the ring, while Xamot and Frye slugged it out. Tomax began tugging around Jim Mollineaux complaining that his long silver boots’ laces were loose, and needed a ‘time-out’ to retie them. Well, that’s what happens when you wear boots that almost cover your knee-cap. While this was going on, Rusha snuck up behind Frye giving him a low blow, ‘awwing’ the crowd. Rusha helped up powers, and gave him a running powerslam on the outside. She then threw, the near dead Powers’ to Tomax’s disposal. Cornette was actually in the league of his NWA heel commentator sillyness, yelling, “It’s a miracle, McMahon! His boots have relaced THEMSELVES!”

Tomax, then tagged out to Xamot, and they both made an X sign with their hands to the crowd. As Powers lay in the centre of the ring, Tomax went up to one turnbuckle, setting up for a moonsault. Xamot hopped on the second rope, then stood on the top rope poised for a leg-drop. They both leaped, just seconds apart – Tomax with a well placed moonsault, and Xamot with a simultaneous leg-drop. Crowd popped for this move, which is apparently going to be called, ’The Crimson Cross’. Tomax hooked the leg for the successful Wrestlemania Title defense. Alfonso hopped around the ring, blowing his whistle like a madman, as always, as The Crimson Twins, and Rusha held up their hands in victory. **1/4

Overall: 58

Crowd: 48

Match: 69

Xamot gained overness from this feud ending. Tomax gained overness from this feud ending. Don Frye gained overness from this feud ending. Jimmy Powers gained overness from this feud ending. This match suffered because the crowd were still pumped up from the last one, and so this bout was seen as something of a let-down to them. The WWF Tag Team titles have gained in image.

22:17

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Sandman and Brutus Beefcake, did another remote piece from a bar promoting the return of ‘The Barber Shop’ to Monday Night RAW. Loud 'Beefcake Sux' chant through the whole segment. Sandman asked who would be watching The Barber Shop among those in the bar. All drunk, and holding a ‘Barber Shop’ flyer, everyone but one raised their hands. Sandman asked the one guy, why he wouldn’t be watching The Barber shop. The guys said, because he was going to an ECA event. The crowd laughed, and naturally - Sandman caned the guy.

Lawler said that it was great announcing WWF Wrestlemania for part of the event, and said that he was going to watch the rest of the event from the ‘King’s Court’. Both McMahon & Cornette looked at Lawler as if he had three heads. It was quite classic, actually. At Lawler getting up, crowd popped into a loud ‘Jerry’ chant, as McMahon & Cornette discussed the idea of the King’s Court. The Corino / Oulette video package followed.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

6. Carl Oulette d. Steve Corino in 24:33 for a shot at the WWF Triple Crown

Referee: Bill Alfonso

Bill Alfonso remains the only referee that gets an introduction, followed by booes. McMahon & Cornette made it very clear that the winner of this match would get a shot at the WWF Triple Crown at an event to be named later, and not necessarily at the next Pay Per View. Match started off strong with Corino & Oulette trading hip tosses, takedowns, and clotheslines. Crowd was super hot, popping the loudest of the night, for Corino. Cornette brought up a great point, putting over both men; He spoke of their climb to through the ranks of the WWF over the years.

Cornette" Well, ya got Carl Pierre Oulette! Who came up through the years of the original Canadian Foundation…lead by Bret Hart, onward to the Mountie Years. He’s emerged from the shadow of both! What a formidable force he has always been, we’ve seen him rise to the occasion late last year battling current Intercontinental champion Owen Hart to some classic bouts! Most recently joining the ranks of Sweet Bruti, The Sandman, and Percy Pringle! They say that Oulette was the next Mountie, but now he’s got a student of his own! Lance Storm! And we’ve seen what he can do! McMahon, now Oulette has his sights set on a higher goal! He wants a shot at the WWF Triple Crown! The most prestigious belt in Wrestling!

And then you’ve got Steve Corino. Once heralded The Prodigy”, to “The future”, and now he’s the ‘King Of Old School’! Now this man Steve Corino, who you’re very familiar with Mcmahon! Announced with you, had enough, and decided that wrestling is less painful then having to sit next to you all the time! Hahaha!”

McMahon" I, uh, don’t think that was the case."

Cornette" What a career he has had, already! Upsetting to win at Royal Rumble ’96, then would defeat Ric Flair at Wrestlemania for the title! Sure he would loose it the next night, but that’s beside the point. He came back, just a year later, winning the Intercontinental Title defeating Pretty Paul Roma, later that year. Now if you remember, Pretty Paul had held onto that belt for just about a year, laying everyone down who he faced! Then by ’97 he held the WWF Title - loosing it once but gaining it right back – and holding it for the better part of the year. But, now…after some time spent in the Horsemen, after the wild year that the WWF has had…he’s older! He’s smarter! And he wants the Triple Crown!"

Action spilled to the outside at 8:41 when Oulette gave Corino a clothesline over the top rope, joining him in the fall. Oulette picked up a chair, but Alfonso prevented him from hitting Corino, yelling, “I call it right down the middle, daddy!” Corino took advantage, nailing Oulette with some body shots. He then quickly got the crouching Oulette with a DDT to the mat, popping the crowd. Oulette sold it big time, laying motionless for minutes. Crowd was going insane…Alfonso yelled at Corino to get in the ring and allow him to check on Oulette. McMahon teased that Oulette may not be able to complete the match. Lance Storm came running down the isle to check on Oulette, but Alfonso ordered him straight to the back. As Alfonso yelled at Storm, Corino ran out and laid in the boots to Oulette. Crowd popped big time, until Alfonso darted back at Corino, ordering back him into the ring. Alfonso continued to check on Oulette as he still lay motionless. Finally at 13:06 Oulette began to stir. Corino immediately attacked him, tossing him back into the ring. After a snap suplex, Corino laid in an ace-crusher, for a near fall, and nice pop. Corino then started playing to the crowd, signaling for the Dusty Rhodes elbow drop. Oulette moved. Corino tried, right away, once more – and missed again. Oulette then stunned Corino with three chest chops, before giving him a bump butt out of no where. Oulette quickly followed Corino who tumbled out of the ring through the second rope. After tossing Corino hard into the railing, Oulette followed up with a single arm DDT onto the mat. It was now, Corino who lay motionless onto the mat. Oulette was ushered into the ring by Alfonso. Oulette taunted the crowd until Corino finally began to recover. Turning point of the match occurred well into the 20th minute of the match. Oulette nailed Corino with a crushing backdrop, nearly landing Corino on his neck. After dragging himself onto Corino for a near fall, Oulette missed a top rope big splash. Corino held him for a two count, before nailing him with a nasty looking brainbuster. These two were really killing each other, and the crowd loved it. Corino, then made the Dusty Elbow signal, and dropped it on Oulette. Both men were heavily fatigued. Corino then went the top rope, pivoting himself for what looked to be a Dusty Elbow off of the top rope. Suddenly the lights began to flicker. After about a minute of darkness the lights came back on, and pivoted directly in front of Corino was Sabu with a chair in his hand. Within seconds, Sabu tossed the chair square at Corino’s head, knocking him to the outside. After the big thud Sabu jolted to the back. The fans were absolutely stunned. Alfonso was busy still talking to the ring attendant about the flickering lights. Once again, Corino lay motionless. Oulette struggled to his feat and saw a seemingly unconscious Steve Corino laying on his back on the outside. Oulette made the sign for the Cannonball.

McMahon" Wait a second…he’s not gonna!! [*Oulette climbs the turnbuckle, and looks to be pivoting himself for a jump*] He’s going to try to nail Corino with his Cannonball, on the outside! Wait a second! Get in there ref!"

Cornette" McMahon, if Oulette lands this from the top turnbuckle, it’s gonna be – [*Oulette leaps*]"

McMahon" OH MY! He nailed it! I don’t believe it!! Both men are down!! Oulette, now, on top of Corino! This is unbelievable! Oh my!"

Cornette" That is unbelievable!! Did you see how airborne he got! McMahon, Oulette is no small boy!"

At this point the crowd broke into a Joey Styles ‘Oh My Gawd’ chant, as Oulette had spasms on the outside. Alfonso began the double count out. At the count of 8, Oulette got up and threw Corino back into the ring. After a top rope legdrop, Oulette hooked Corino’s leg for the cover. Though Corino kicked out, it was just a split second after the referee slapped the mat for the third time, at 24:33. Another near 30 minute classic. The crowd was shocked by Sabu’s interference. They quickly began to boo heavily, as Lance Storm ran to the ring to help up, and congratulate Oulette. ***1/2

Overall: 88

Crowd: 87

Match: 89

22:57

McMahon" What a great match, unfortunate ending!"

Cornette" McMahon, Sabu came in well after both men were struggling, even to stand! And he just nailed Steve Corino square in the face with the chair! On what is Steve Corino’s most important match in his career! His chance to get a shot at the WWF Triple Crown, is now shattered! I don’t understand why Sabu would do this to Corino!"

McMahon" Well, Carl P. Oulette, now is due for a WWF Triple Crown title match, at an event to be named later! What an opportunity that’s going to be, for Oulette!"

Cornette" But what about Sabu!"

No worries this time Draven, and all.

Thanks for being patient, and I thank you ALLLL so much for hanging with this. After doing a recap once, then tossing it, and finally doing this huge recap to rebuild and return, there's no way that this is not being continued.

Again, I'm really humbled by everyone sticking with this. It's been literally about 2 years in the making. Anyway, here we do. WM98 will be up in a few moments.

Also, let me know who'd you'd like to see more/less of, possible scenerios etc...

AFTER, you've read.....

The mighty Royals sweep a 3 game set from the lowly New York Yankees.

.....what is this....the 80s?

←

It's not hard to take the extra 5 minutes to read the rules. It could avoid and additional warnings.

Awesome. One of the best diaries I've read in the last year. If you keep this one going for a while, you could have a real gem here. Excellent format, and excellent last WAR show.

There's alot going on, and the cards do seem a bit stacked. You do seem to be jumping a bit..don't think Kobashi's team was over enough either, but overall there's nothing significant to complain about.

Sorry folks. Actually meant to unpin and mention this before...but I was in memphis for about a week and 1/2.

So, it'll be up by week's end.

I was wondering what you used to do all of this, was it EWR 4.0 or TEW? I'm pretty sure it's TEW but I was just wondering.

I'm fairly sure Javert started this on EWR 2.0 and has updated his game through 3.0 and into 4.0

He could be planning to use TEW now, but everything up too this point was EWR.

Oh, and you've got me reading again Jav....looking forward to Mania!!

I just found this all today and was immediately sucked into it.  I read most of the 25 pages and I for one can't wait to see what happens.  Do you have a scenario of this that you can post?  Keep up the amazing work!

←

But with that said, sure Randy Johnsonn is 'old', and somewhat fragile. But he is still effective and consistent. Part of his mediocre numbers for last year is because he played on a team that gave him no support, and had to work twice as hard. On a team (when once they get going) now who gives offensive support, Johnson won't have to work longer outings,

RJ will not have his outings cut short. He's got too much pride for that. RJ wants to go the distance every single time.....the problem is you can't do that in the AL. The Red Sox showed that they have absolutely no fear of him. He's definitely hasn't looked as the same RJ to me as he did even last year. That's not necessarily his fault....he is 41 years old but the lesser hitters on the Red Sox managed to knock him around pretty good.

Tanyon Sturtze, also another very strong young picture who improved AMAZINGLY into this year.

Yeah, the Yanks definitely have major issues. Tino's looked terrible. Giambi can't field. Bernie is pretty much done. A-Rod can't handle a major situation against the Red Sox. The bullpen's been terrible. The SP is overrated.

←

You couldn't be anymore dead on there. The Yankees are really beginning to look their age.

Back to Heilman for a second though. Something tells me that he knew this was basically his last chance to get it right. Hopefully Rick Peterson isn't done with him yet, and he keeps improving.

Feel free to post your predictions for the 3rd time for some of you. I have plenty of predictions, and stats of those (odds of winning etc.) will be posted shortly, in the Observer format; Wrestlemania preview. I believe that is where I last left off.

Wrestlemania '98 will then follow!

Seriously, I like what you're doing with this, especially the Crimson Twins, Shawn Waltman, etc. Keep it up

....an excerpt from page 5 of the Porch this past week...they did a feature story analyzing the booking of The Cartel (Russo, Dillon, etc.), taking a look at how they brought prestige back to the titles...The report was a bit inaccurate. Just a bit. Enjoy

***************

THE

PRO

WRESTLING

PORCH

*****************

by Kade Weller

WWF TITLE HISTORY

WWF World Title

Hulk Hogan; Mar 22, 1992-Dec 16, 1992

Ric Flair; Dec 16, 1992-March 2nd 1993**

Bret Hart; March 2nd 1993-August 2nd, 1993

Yokozuna; August 2nd 1993-Nov 28th 1993

Bret Hart; Nov 28th 1993-March 24th, 1994**

The Mountie;, Mar 24th 1994 - May 12th, 1994

Ric Flair; May 12th, 1994 - June 27th, 1994***

Million Dollar Man - June 27th 1994 - April 30th 1995

Bret Hart; April 30th 1995 - July 30th, 1995***

The Mountie; July 30th 1995 - August 27th, 1995**

Ric Flair; August 27th 1995 - October 29th, 1995****

Bret Hart; October 29th 1995 - December 31st 1995****

The Berzerker; Decemember 31st 1995 - Feb 12th 1996

Ric Flair; Feb 12 1996 - March 31st 1996*****

*Steve Corino (Royal Rumble Winner); Mar 31st - April 28th 1996

The Undertaker; April 28th 1996 - Sept 29th 1996

Bret Hart; Sept 29th 1996 - March 30th 1997*****

Steve Corino; April 27th1997 - Mr. Perfect; August 31st, 2997

Mr. Perfect; August 31st - Steve Corino; September 28th, 1997

Steve Corino; September 28th, 1997 - October 5th, 1997

Steve Corino; October 5th, 1997 - Nov 97

Hiroyoshi Tenzan Nov 97 - March '98

[*]Merged with GWF & WWF New Heavyweight Titles

Barry Horowitz; March '98 - present

* = Number of times held Belt; i.e. ***** (5 Time Champion)

WWF Tag Team Titles

The Rockers March 22nd 1992-Aug 3rd 1992

The Nasty Boys Aug 3rd 1992-Jan 15th 1993

Demoltion (Ax & Smash) Jan 15th 1993-Nov 1st 1993

Money Inc. Nov 1993-Nov 28th 1993

PHAT (Big Bossman & Akeem); Jan - March 94

The Perfect Horsemen (The Perfect & Tully Blanchard) March 1994 -July 16th 1994

The Cowboys From Hell (Cowboy Mike Hegstrand & Dutch Mantell) July 16th 1994 - August 10th 1994

August 10th 1994 - Aug 13th - Vacant

Insane Clown Posse; August 13th 1994 - September 25th 1994

The Perfect Horsemen; Sept 25th - Oct 30th 1994**

The Insane Clown Posse October 30th 1994 - Jan 28th 1996**

The Dark Patriot & Dr. Death Steve Williams; Jan 28th 1996 - Feb 23rd 1997

The Cartel (Horowitz & Porteau) Feb 23rd 1997 - March 17th 1997

The Road Warriors; March 17th - March 30th 1997

The Cartel; March 30th 1997 - April 3rd 1997**

The Road Warriors; April 3rd 1997 - May 5th 1997**

Insane Clown Posse; May 5th - May 25th, 1997 VACATED***

Team H; June 5th, 1997 - September 13th, 1997

Doug Furnas & Phil Lafon; September 13th, 1997 - Oct '97

Ebony Experience; Oct '97 - Jan '98

Crimson Twins Jan 98 - Present

WWF Intercontinental

The Ultimate Warrior; March 22nd 1992-September 26th 1993

The Mountie; Sept 26th, 1992-Feb 28th 1993

Shawn Michaels; Feb 28th - November 28th 1993

Chris Champion (Tatanka); Nov 28th, 1993 - Jan 30th 1994

Lex Luger; Jan 30th - Feb 7th 1994

Jerry Lawler; Feb 7th 1994 - March 24th, 1994

Million Dollar Man; March 24th - May 12th 1994

Shawn Michaels; May 12th 1994 - May 13th, 1994

The Mountie; May 13th 1995 - May 28th 1995

Johnny Smith; May 28th 1995 - Jan 8th 1996

Ludvig Borga/Tony Halme; Jan 8th 1996 - Jan 22nd 1996

Razor Ramon; Jan 22nd - Jan 28th 1996

Pretty Paul Roma; Jan 1996 - Dec 14th 1996

'Future' Steve Corino; Dec 14th - Dec 23rd 1996

Jeff Jarret; Dec 23 1996 - Feb 23rd 1997

The Lightning Kid; Feb 23rd 1997 - March 3rd 1997

Jeff Jarrett; March 3rd 1997 - April 27th 1997

Sabu; April 27th - Oct 97

Shaggy 2Dope Oct '97 - Nov '97

Owen Hart; Nov '97 - PRESENT

GWF Heavyweight

The Dark Patriot; March 1996 - Feb 1997

Jerry Lawler; Feb 1st 1997 - March 1st, 1997

The Blue Blazer; March 1st 1997 - March 30th 1997

The Sandman; March 30th 1997 - Sept '97

Stan Hansen; Sept '97 - October '97

Hiroyoshi Tenzan; October '97 - March '98

[*]Merged with WWF World & WWF New Heavyweight Titles

Barry Horowitz; March '98 - present

GWF Light Heavyweight

The Lightning Kid; December 16th, 1996 - Feb 8th 1997

Johnny Ace; Feb 8th 1997 - March 30th 1997

Shaggy 2 Dope March 30th - SUSPENDED

ECW Heavyweight

The Blue Blazer; April 28th 1996 - May 26th 1996

The Sandman; May 26th 1996 - Dec 7th, 1996

Nikolai Volkoff; Dec 7th, 1996 - March 17, 1997

New Jack; March 17 1997 - April '97

Jun Akiyama; April '97 - present.

notes;

Some analysis of this shows, that while the titles have changed hands often, the calibre of wrestlers that have held the titles have been so high, that the switching of the titles did nothing, but elevate the prestige of the titles over the last few years...

Also, over the last year, there has been a decrease in the shifting of title holders.

NEWS AND VIEWS

On The Road To Wrestlemania '98

"To me it looks like it'll be the rematch between Horowitz & Tenzan, and then Waltman Vs. Knight. " -- billyzzz80

"You know what would be cool? Horowitz defending against the Million Dollar Man. " -- Brimstone

"What a great show that was with loads of good stuff happening. I think Waltman has been made a lot more interesting with his heel turn and his new look as well as bringing "Brian" into the storyline, DX maybe?" -- wbafanlee

"The tag tournament is getting great, still very hard to tell who's going to actually make it to the finals...And although a lot of people hate the Crimsons... I think they're amazing... my favorite tag team ever " -- The Bookerman

" Tenzan is GOD right now. " -- lukiep8

"Looks like its going to be The Memphis Knight vs HLK Sean Waltman vs Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Barry Horowitz at Wrestlemania for the belt." -Mind Games 96

"Barry Horowitz is the Triple Crown Champion! That is the greatest moment in the HISTORY of the diary! An original and great idea on your behalf Javert. You never cease to amaze me" -- Ron326

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

April 22rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: Sinclair Complex, Houston - TX

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Tomax

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Bill Alfonso, Mike Chioda, Shane McMahon, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, Jim Mollineaux, John Finnegan

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Tomax Makes History -

WWF PHAT TV began with Sean Mooney opening the show, as he used to do on a weekly basis during the '93-95 RAW tapings. As usual, he was horrible. The crowd popped when they showed, on the RAWTron, Joey Styles, putting on his jacket heading towards the ring. He was stopped by official Mike Rotunda, & Tomax....

Styles" Hey, aren't you in the opening match, against Curt Hennig, tonight? Shouldn't you be heading towards the ring? "

Tomax" First of all, that's my brother, Xamot. If you were a proper broadcast journalist, you would know this. And, as a matter a fact, I am heading to the ring. But to do your job. That's right, Tomax Crimson co-hosts WWF Wrestlamania PHAT TELEVISION! [*Crowd booes*]!"

Rotunda went on to support Tomax's claim, saying that Tomax signed a big name to wrestle Rusha, tonight, in her preparation for the WWF Women's Title match, at Wrestlemania; so, he was rewarded. Mooney added that this was the 'big name' that Bruce Pritchard spoke of, last week, on TV. Rotunda went on to say that tonight, the WWF would be hosting it's first ever inter-gender match, when Rusha faces, 'big name' Vinnie Vegas. Crowd popped for the mention of Kevin Nash's current midcard WCW moniker of many years, in WCW. 73%

Xamot d. Curt Hennig

ALOT of stalling and playing to the crowd, during this match...particularly because Xamot can't due much without his brother. Xamot did alot of pointing and acknowledging his brother at the announcer's booth -- which got the crowd heated. Finals came at 8:11, when Xamot had the referee tied up, Rusha came off the top turnbuckle, with a forearm to the back of the head of a staggered, Curt Hennig. Xamot, pulled Hennig up by his hair, and nailed him in the face with a nasty looking enzuiguiri kick, for the cover, and the victory. After the match, Xamot was about to level Hennig with his Tag Title Belt, but was stopped by the ref & Alfonso. I guess that scar on Xamot's face means that he's the 'crazy' one.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 73

Match: 56

Xamot gained overness from this match.

- The Hart Ready for The Assassin -

They went to Joey Styles in the back with, Owen Hart. Owen started going on about being the greatest Intercontinental Champion in the history, of the WWF, then went on to running down his upcoming opponent, Simon Diamond. He said that people like Simon Diamond didn't belong on Wrestlemania cards. In what are the only words that I remember Tomax saying all night -- he said to Mooney, " People like Diamond? People like Diamond are called humans. What kind of uneducated Intercontinental champion representative is this man, Sean Mooney?" Funny thing is, the announcers never interupt backstage interviews with their comments. Good one Tomax. 83%

-ADVERTS-

Owen Hart d. Simon Diamond

Diamond continues to look better and better as the months pass by. He had a really good showing, here with Owen Hart, and even had a looongg Diamond Sux chant going. I'm hearing Diamond's in for monster push, post Wrestlemania. Hart won with the Sharpshooter, at 11:02.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 79

Match: 82

- The Crimsons Toy With The Shooterz -

After a Wrestlemania PPV advert, instead of of Sean Mooney at the announcer's table, both Crimson Twins were seated at the table, with Rusha, beside them...

Tomax" Hello everyone and welcome back to..."

Tomax & Xamot" Wrestlmania CRIMSON TV! Hahaha!"

Tomax" No, Sean Mooney did not get better looking...he's in the ring ready to interview..."

Xamot" OUR WRESTLEMANIA OPPONENTS!"

Tomax" And--"

Mooney, thankfully, cut them off and introduced the Shooterz, who, of course, gave a long staredown to the Crimson Twins. Mooney attempted to keep the attention of the Shooterz away from the Crimsons. Frye talked about the last few months being tough for he and Powers...but he said alot of it had to do with the Crimson Twins. Powers started talking about winning gold for the first time in his career..then his mic went out. He began talking again...and once again, his mic went out. It started going on and off for every other word that Powers said, until finally...a spotlight showed Bill Alfonso by one of the tables playing with the house mic. The Crimsons loved it;

Tomax" Hahaha! Good ol' Fonzo!"

Xamot" I love it! Haha!"

Tomax & Xamot" Absolutely brilliant!"

Powers and Frye then quickly jumped to the outside of the ring, chasing after Fonzo, but were quickly blindsided by Rusha, with a double clothesline.. Rusha gave them both body slams outside there ring, before tossing Don Frye, back into the ring. Frye got up, and tackled Rusha down, but Rusha gave him an eye gauge, then performed pummell punches of her own, mocking Frye. This looked pretty bad for Frye. Officials finally hit the ring as they went to adverts. 50%

Don Frye lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Ric Flair vs. Terry Taylor

Flair was accompanied to the ring by Ole Anderson, which got a pop, from the crowd. Alot of Taylor chants, as the match went on past the 9 minute mark. Both men began to blow up as 15 minutes approached. Mooney, for a change, did a great job of putting over the Flair-Sting feud. Probably because Tomax was too busy smoking cigars. Flair won with the figured four at 12:22, after Taylor missed his patented knee-drop off of the top rope. Taylor came very close to beating Flair on many occassions -- the crowd popped huge for each near fall, towards the later moments of the match. Flair extended his hand to Taylor, then pulled it away when Taylor went to shake. Flair strutted around the ring, before returning to the back, to a strong heel reaction.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 86

Match: 62

-ADVERTS-

- Horowitz Ready For The Challenge -

Next, Jesse Ventura hit the ring, and started doing abit of 'Wrestlemania' posing. Ventura talked about being at the very first Wrestlemania, and this being the best, ever. He then introduced WWF Triple Crown Champion, Barry Horowitz. Ventura began talking down to Horowitz, asking him, "Do you really think you have a chance this weekend, at Wrestlmania!?"

Within minutes, Waltman came out, with his buddy Brian, and began saying much of the same to Horowitz. Waltman added a new note to this match. He said, if he doesn't win the Title, he will sign the contract from ECA, that he talked about, weeks ago on RAW. Another mention to ECA. 79%

- Winnie Vegas -

Rusha d. Winnie Vegas

Instead of WCW wrestler Kevin Nash, (aka Vinnie Vegas) out came indie grappler Glen Jacobs, dressed to look just like Kevin Nash & his WCW character 'Vinnie Vegas'. Tomax said that someone must've made a typo on Mr. Vegas' name. The crowd was pretty dissapointed, but did laugh at Jacob's resemblence to the real Vinnie Vegas. He sold big time for Rusha, being pinned at 4:23, after a running fore-arm. WCW & Kevin Nash did not acknowledge this. This, being the second time the WWF ripped on WCW via impersonation. The other time, Dustine Rhoades.

Overall: 49

Crowd: 40

Match: 58

Winnie Vegas lost overness from this match. Rusha gained overness from this match. This match suffered because the crowd were still pumped up from the last one, and so this bout was seen as something of a let-down to them.

-ADVERTS-

Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. Mike Barton

This match was built as 'former PRIDE members' facing each other. Kudos to the WWF writing and booking team for, pretty much, breaking up all 'stables/regimes', without making anyone look bad. PRIDE seems to be pretty much dissapated, as do the four Horsemen, and even the Horsemen IV. This was suprisingly a VERY good match -- especially surprising, since there was no hype for this match, whatsoever. Crowd went nuts at 8:33, when Barton nailed Tenzan with a lariat, as Tenzan came off the top for a double axe-handle. Tenzan sold it big time, while Barton played to the crowd. At 12:11, Barton was about to nail Tenzan with his left hook, but Tenzan ducked, and gave him a back-drop on his neck. Inoki was actually jumping up and down in celebration as Barton clutched his neck in pain. Tenzan then nailed Barton with his inverted Piledriver (T.T.D.) for the victory, at 13:01. Both men came out strong, here. Mooney pushed the possibility of Tenzan's chance of making history -- being the promotions first two-time Triple Crown Champion.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 82

Match: 77

-ADVERTS-

- Jack Tunney, The Knight, & Money -

Coming out of the break, Sean Mooney was in the ring, which brought Xamot out to the table, with his brother once again. He complimented his brother for a little while, until they were, once again, thankfully interupted by Mooney, in the ring. Mooney introduced Jack Tunney, who's rumoured to be named the new WWF President, at Wrestlemania. According to Mooney, WWF executives were pleased with Tunney's work as interim President. Who are these WWF execs, anyway? Brisco? Patterson? Mooney sucked up to Tunney for a little while, even calling him, "a former ECA'er that's actually likeable!" Another referance to ECA. Anyway, Tunney thanked Mooney for his kind words, and said that he had 'something special', for 'someone special'. He, then called out, The Memphis Knight. Moments later, officials came down, with a trophy. Tunney awarded the Knight with a 'Great Humanatarian' award, citing the Memphis Knight's determination to fight for good, since his arrival, despite the accusations of he being Jerry Lawler.

However, Tunney pulled the award back...

Tunney" But...I cannot give you this award..until...well...you take off your mask. [{crowd begins to boo}]"

Mooney" But..he's the Memphis Knight! We've come to learn, now, that he never takes off his mask."

Tunney's voice, got heavier...but more robotic as he got louder.

Tunney" Yes...but we have to make sure that we are not giving this award to someone else."

Knight" Like who? Like Jerry Lawler? You really think I'm Jerry Lawler, don't you!?"

At this point, Ted Dibiase emerged from the curtain, and approached the ring with a mic of his own. The crowd got really hot here.

Dibiase" We all do, Lawler! And why would YOU get that award, anyway? Good humanatarian? For months you harrassed Johnny Ace! Why? For a comment he made about Jerry Lawler! You cost Hiroyoshi Tenzan the WWF Triple Crown! And NOW -- not Sunday -- but NOW...you will find out that EVERYBODY has a price for the Million...[{crowd finishes sentence}]"

At that point, Jack Tunney hit the Knight in the back with the trophy, as he was looking at Dibiase.

Tomax" I don't believe it!"

Xamot" It's a Wrestlemania..."

Tomax & Xamot" Presidential Double Cross!"

The crowd booed, as Tunney attempted to rip the mask off of the Knight. Dibiase stayed on the outside, as the Knight began to fight off Tunney. He gave him two elbows to the gut, before tossing him out of the ring, to Dibiase. Dibiase gave Tunney a few hundred dollar bills, signalling that Tunney was paid off, before retreating to the back. Tunney did a HORRIBLE job of selling Lawler's attacks -- but then again, I'm not sure I've ever seen Tunney take any bumps. And I hope I don't, anymore. 82%

Jack Tunney's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Jack Tunney gained overness from this turn. Ted DiBiase gained overness from this segment. The Memphis Knight gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Brian Makes A Difference [Again] -

Waltman & Mr. Everything Andrew Martin d. Barry Horowitz & Al Snow

Mooney hyped up Wrestlmania big time, during this match -- he actually covered all bases, and did a good job of putting over Brian, as a possible factor in the match. Tomax actually, helped out for the first time all 'Knight' (Haha, get it?), putting he and his brother in the same light as Waltman in Brian. He insisted that 'outside support, inspiration and motivation' is needed and used by great wrestlers all over the world. Mooney said the first funny thing I've heard him say, all year, in responce to Tomax's comment; "Do these 'great wrestlers' also finish each other's sentences to?"

Waltman got the pinfall on Snow when Brian tripped up Snow from the outside. Snow jawwed back and forth with Brian, before turning into Waltman's new finisher, The 'W' (Factor), a front face smash to the mat. Horowitz did NOT look like a Champion here. There's a feeling that the novelty of Horowitz being champion, has worn off.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 77

Match: 71

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" Wow! Well what a night it was! In just a few days, all roads lead to Wrestlemania! The extravaganza! The glitz! The glamour! April 26th! 1998! That man [Waltman] could be the next WWF Triple Crown Champion!"

Tomax" Yea, we talked about how great Wrestlemania is going to be...but what everyone is talking about...is your WWF Tag Team Champions. The greatest tag team in the HISTORY of the...of the...of the WORLD! And how we're going to beat the shooters at their OWN game! Hahahaha!"

Mooney" Well, if you haven't already..."

Tomax"...and why not!"

Mooney"--yes...call your local cable company and say, 'I want to be apart of the biggest Wrestling Event of the Year! It's the WWF! Revolutionising Pro-Wrestling! Wrestlemania '98! BE THERE!"

Card Quality: 70%

The World Wrestling Federation Presents....

WRESTLEMANIA '98!

ALL. OR. NOTHING.

Live, April 26th, 1998 -

From the Houston Astrodome!

SOLD OUT!!!

WWF Three Way Triple Crown Match

Hiro Tenzan vs. Barry Horowitz (Champion) VS. Waltman

No Disqualification - #1 Contendership for WWF Triple Crown Championship!!

Anything goes!

Carl P. Oulette -  vs. -  Steve Corino

A Wrestler's 'PRIDE' vs. A Wrestler's Career!

Former President Ted Dibiase vs. The Memphis Knight

Steel Cage!

Ric Flair vs. Sting

WWF Intercontinental Title!

Owen Hart (Champion) vs. Hayabusa

 

A Tag-Team 'Octagon' Match - WWF TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH!

The Crimson Twins (Tomax & Xamot - Champions) vs. The Shooterz (Don Frye & Jim Powers)

Tag Team C1 CLASH Final!

The Finals of the Tag Team C1 CLASH!

The WWF Women's Tournament Finals!<br>

WWF Belt Presented by The first WWF Women's Champion

The Fabulous Moolah!

PLUS, A Boxing Match - Boxing Rules!

Special Guest Referee = MR. T!

Joey Styles vs. The Sandman

PLUS!

An Open Contract From.....

SABU!!!

And, Featuring....

THE DRAGON!!

Plus, suprise celebrity guest appearances!!!

April 19rd, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Michigan State Arena, Memphis TN

Attendance: 10,014

Announcing Team: Eric Bischoff & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Bill Alfonso, Mike Chioda, Dave Hebner, Shane McMahon, Jimmy Korderas, Joey Marella, John Finnegan, Jim Mollineaux

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Million Dollar...Executioner? -

RAW on 4/19 began with Vince McMahon in the ring, running down the card, then giving a suprise hometown welcome to "One of the most popular men in WWF history, Jerry 'The King' Lawler!" crowd popped huge for this suprise appearance. Lawler did his spiel about not knowing who the Memphis Knight is, and said that he grew tired of 'the rumours'. Suddenly, Ted Dibiase appeared on the RAWtron, and began running down Lawler, except, speaking to him as the Memphis Knight. As Dibiase was rambling on about what he was going to do to Lawler at Wrestlemania, The Executioner emerged from underneath the ring. Bischoff starting yelling, "The Executioner! The Executioner has returned!! Look out, Lawler!" With that, Executioner struck Lawler in the back of the head, before locking him in the Million Dollar Dream--er, Cobra Clutch. McMahon screamed at Executioner to let go of the hold -- when he did, he pulled off his mask to reveal himself to be, The Million Dollar Man, Ted Dibiase. Dibiase got a really strong heel reaction, perhaps one that rivals those he would get at the peak of his career, as WWF Champion, from late '95 to early 96. As Lawler layed there, hurt, surrounded by officials, Dibiase yanked the out of McMahon's hand and yelled,

Ted Dibiase

" Lawler! I just proved that you are as dumb as every one of these fans, out here! But unlike these morons, [*Crowd booes*] I'm not fooled by your facade! I know you're the Memphis Knight! And, in just a little over a weak, I'm going to do what I should've done years ago...END YOUR CAREER...PERMANENTLY! MUAHAHAHAAHAHAHAA! MUAHAHAHAAHAHA!!! MUAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!" 87%

- The Patented Crimson Switch -

Tomax d. Johnny Ace

Following the Lawler-Dibiase deal, they replied highlights from last week, where the Crimsons ran down Ace & Barton, then eventually beat them in a tag match. Great ring pyscology here, as Tomax & Ace are two of the best, in the WWF, when it comes to developing a story in the ring. At 9:42, after a considerable amount of time of Tomax dominating, Ace started to mount a comeback, culuminating with an Ace Crusher, for the cover. But here, Rusha, who was at ringside, hopped on the apron, getting referee Joey Marella's attention. Xamot, then bolted down the isle & to the ring, and got in it with Ace. Ace began to get the better of him, but then Tomax snuck up behind Ace for a backdrop. Ace alertly blocked, reversed, and caught Tomax with another Ace Crusher. But he then turned around into a The Crimson Cranium Kick by Xamot. Xamot then tossed his twin brother out of the ring, and made the cover on Ace. Marella didn't notice the switch. There was a funny shot here, that read "Where's Tunney, When You Need Him?", as the Crimsons were celebrating.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 74

Match: 62

Tomax gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- The WRESTLEMANIA '98 Tag Team C1 CLASH FINAL:

The Thrillseekers vs. The Vets -

The Thrillseekers d. Al Snow & Sabu

After Team-Xtreme's impressive match, last week on RAW, most didn't expect them to loose this match; as a result the live crowd was moderately attentive, and only gave a suprise pop at the closing moments of the match. Very good match here; final moments came at 11:56 when Al Snow submitted to Storm's half crab. Snow, who was isolated early in this match, 'injured' his leg, and sold that during the whole match. As a result, the Thrillseekers worked on that leg, and had an 'extra' advantage, since both of their special moves put pressure on the legs. Dangerously, & Snow looked crushed. Sabu was upset at the loss.

OveralL: 67

Crowd: 69

Match: 82

-ADVERTS-

- VegaDust Greets Lanny Poffo & Phil LaFon -

Coming out of the break, Lanny Poffo was standing in the ring, with his stroll, and wrestler, Phil LaFon. Poffo said that LaFon is one of the most skilled wrestlers in the WWF, and that it was a travesty that he wasn't on the Wrestlemania '98 card. He then handed the mic to LaFon; But, as Lafon was about to speak, the lights went out. Silver began to fall from the rafters. The music played, and out came VegaDust & George Steele. Steele had, what looked to be a small silver purse with him. Ugh. VegaDust started circling around Poffo & LaFon, scoping them out -- making them both, very uncomfortable. The crowd was laughing pretty hard at this. Vega, then seductively pulled a mic out of his back pocket, and began talking to Poffo, revealing his thick Cuban accent.

VegaDust" Oh yes...Oh yesss...Mommy...looks like...we've got just what we wanted, Georgy-poo....

[*Steele: 'MINE'!*]

Looks like we've got a teacher! You've always wanted a teacher...right Georgy-poo? Tell me, LaFon...is he a good...rough..strict..TEACHER!? [*crowd laughs*]"

Poffo" I..I've seen you on RAW! You're sick! Whatever your name is!"

VegaDust" Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhh, me friends call me Savio...but my close friends call me...WOOOOOSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH...VegaDust!"

As soon as VegaDust clinched his teeth together, LaFon went in front of his manager for a roundhouse right, but much like last week's VegaDust segment, VegaDust blocked the first shot, and followed up with a right of his own. After a dropkick sending LaFon out of the ring, crowd popped as George Steele cornered Poffo, into the corner. Poffo tried to jump out of the ring, but Steele grabbed him and gave him a chop to the head. He followed up with his hammerlock slam, straight out of 1985, before holding Poffo's leg open for a top rope headbutt by VegaDust. After this attack, VegaDust went into the silver purse, and stuck, what seemed to be silver lips, on the cheak of Poffo. Bischoff seemed to enjoy this, the most.

Bischoff" Wow! Hahaha!! It looks like Poffo got a silver kiss! Haha!!" 62%

Phil LaFon lost overness from this segment. (Savio) VegaDust gained overness from this segment.

- A Message From The Sandman -

Next, they went to a pre-recorded segment from The Sandman explaining why he would not be able to compete against Joey Styles, at Wrestlemania in a boxing match. Wearing a cast, with Woman by his side, Sandman explained that he tore his 'extrafulary bicep' in his left shoulder whilst training with Percy Pringle & Sweet Bruti. Sandman was really good in acting a bit drunk, hinting that, of course, he's lying about the bicp. After the segment, Heenan had a funny line in responce to Bischoff asking him what an extrafulary bicep was.

Heenan" Oh yea, that's right Bischoff. You wouldn't know about these things. Muscles. Biceps. You're so weak, I'm sure you have non-extra fulary biceps, instead! Ha! Ha! Ha! Get it? Bischoff?" 87%

The Sandman gained overness from this segment.

Mike Barton d. Big Bossman

Barton and Bossman went at it, in a stiffly fought match, while Bischoff & The Brain began talking about Cornette's recent comments about going to the ECA. Barton got some cheers, and won after suprising Bossman with his left hook, at 9:38.

Overall: 66

Crowd: 75

Match: 72

-ADVERTS-

- The Ugandan Jungle Trap -

Kamala & Tatsumi Fujinami d. Flexx Kavanna & Terry Taylor

The crowd popped a few times for Kavanna doing an overly animated elbow onto Kamala at 6:33. But right after the move, Kamala struck the celebrating Kavanna from behind with a heatbutt. After a few more 'lethal' chops, followed by a suplex, Kamala finished off Kavanna with a big splash from the second rope. Bischoff credited the victory to the inexperience of Kavanna. After the match, Kamala started looking underneath the ring, for what turned about to be a giant net. He wrapped it around Kavanna & Taylor, and began giving the boots to the two, as they were tied up in the net. Bischoff called it 'some sort of Ugandon Jungle Trap'. Officials hit the ring, but were afraid to directly confront the Ugandan Savage. Finally, official Louie Peterson {Sign Guy Dudly/Louie Dangerously} came out of the curtain with what seemed to be a bowl of assorted meats. He lured Kamala to his attention outside the ring. Walking up together, were Kamala screaming and eating, being lead by Louie Peterson holding the bowl of food in his hand. Peterson was identified, only once, by Bischoff. He was refered to after that point, as 'that official.'

Overall: 58

Crowd: 69

Match: 58

Terry Taylor gained overness from this feud ending. Flex Kavanna gained overness from this feud ending. Tatsumi Fujinami gained overness from this feud ending. Kamala gained overness from this feud ending.

- The Stinger Ready To Sting Flair -

They showed a clip of Steve Corino preparing for his match against Brutus Beefcake, then went to pre-recorded comments from Sting, pushing his Cage match with Flair, Wrestlemania '98. Sting actually gave a little history recap as to how he and Flair came together, fought against each other, and came back together, again. Sting said that, now, after all these years, he knows 'The Nature Boy' like the palm of his hand. He talked about knowing all of his tricks, schemes, & methods. He then began talking about all of his little Stingers, in attendance, that were going to help him win, in Houston. There were dozens of anti-Flair signs, in the crowd. 84%

-ADVERTS-

Steve Corino d. Brutus Beefcake w/ Percy Pringle III

Corino tried, but the match was horrible. Beefcake still can't do anything in the ring, but he knows how to get the fans heated. The two actually didn't lock up until, about 2:13, because Beefcake kept faking a lock-up to strutt. This started a 'Bruti Sux' chant, which lasted for the entire duration of the rest of the match. At 9:13, Beefcake locked in his sleeper, but Corino countered by dropping down to the mat. He followed up with a lariat, causing the crowd to go nuts. Definately one of the loudest within recent Raws. After a few Flair chops to Beefcake, Corino nailed Beefcake with the old school expulsion, for the victory. Bischoff pushed Corino as the possible next WWF Triple Crown champion, "if he can get by, Le Thief!"

OveralL: 71

Crowd: 90

Match: 56

-ADVERTS-

- WWF Triple Crown Champion Barry Horowitz: A Marked Man -

Coming out of the break, Joey Styles was in the ring, and made a few comments about the Sandman, before calling out Barry Horowitz, the WWF Triple Crown Champion. Horowitz acted as if he were suprised, as this was not a scheduled interview. Styles said that a fan video package was recieved, tributing Horowitz's career. It played to the music of Paradise Lost's 'This Cold Life', and showed clips from Horowitz's tenure in the WWF. Crowd popped big for his early 80's clips, and for the final clip of him winning the WWF Triple Crown Title. As Horowitz stood around, absorbing the applause of the fans, Antonio Inoki's voice was heard shouting, "ENOUGH!". Inoki lead Hiro Tenzan, wearing his sliver suit, to the ring, and got right in the face of Barry Horowitz. He then said, "I CHALLENGE YOU!", then quickly proceeded to taking off his suit. Horowitz stood in disbelief -- But within 10 seconds he was struck in the face by an Inoki slap. Horowitz stumbled back, and was quickly blindsided by a Tenzan lariat from the corner. Bischoff kept yelling "Ambush! Ambush! Ambush!", as both Inoki & Tenzan gave the boots to Horowitz. As this was going on, Waltman made his way down the isle, with Brian, getting some hefty booes from the crowd. Once in the ring, Waltman motioned for Inoki and Tenzan to stop the attack, then proceeded to kick Horowitz, himself along with Brian. For a short while it was a 4-1, until Curt Hennig cleared the ring, leaving he and Tenzan. 80%

Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. Curt Hennig

Crowd was really into this match, which says alot for both Tenzan, and Hennig, despite how Hennig slowly dissolved into the background. The match was also worked a bit stiffly, which helped. Tenzan won with his own fishermansuplex pin at 11:22. Match went through one commercial break. After Pedicino made the official word, Antonio Inoki grabbed the mic and yelled,

"Next WWF Triple Crown Heavyweight Chamionshipshu!

Hiroyoshi Tenzaaaaaaaaaaaaaannn!!!"

Overall :73

Crowd: 89

Match: 69

Commentary Aftermath

Bischoff" That man could be the next WWF Triple Crown Champion! Or, it could be Waltman! Will Horowitz be able to retain!?"

Heenan" Well, I'll tell ya this, Bischoff -- All three men look to be in the best shapes of their careers. Horowitz, the Champion. He's a long time WWF veteran. Then But this is the man I'm going with. Tenzan; Trained by the great Antonio Inoki. He beat Stan Hansen at Summerslam '97, to win the GWF Heavyweight Championship. Then, he defeated C1 CLASH winner, Steve Corino, & then-WWF World Champion Bret Hart, in a 3 way dance at Shangrila to unify the titles, and become the WWF's first Triple Crown Winner. And now, he has a chance to make history again! He has a chance to be the WWF's first two time Triple Crown Champion!"

Bischoff" But let's not forget Waltman. Went to the finals of the King Of The Ring, last year. Semis, in the C1 Clash. AND, won the GWF Lightheavyweight and WWF Intercontinental Titles, early last year. 1997 was an MVP year for Waltman, but can his new attitude get him World Title Status in '98."

Heenan" But you know who we won't be seeing at Wrestlemania! James E. Cornette!"

Bischoff" Well, yea -- Mr. Cornette has apparently left the WWF for ECA...and you know what..to that I say..good riddance! WRESTLEMANIA PHAT TV IS NEXT!!!"

Heenan" I can not wait!"

Card Quality: 73%

WRESTLEMANIA '98 PHAT TV Preview!

[*]WWF Triple Crown Title Match:

Champion Barry Horowitz vs. Waltman w/ Brian

[*]The Memphis Knight vs. The Sandman (If he's healed)

[*]]Johnny Ace vs. Jun Akiyama

[*]Sabu vs. Simon Diamond

AND MUCH MUCH MORE! IT'S WRESTLEMANIA '98 WEEKEND!!!

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

April 16rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: The LeSalle Centre - PA

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & Bruce Pritchard

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Bill Alfonso, Mike Chioda, Shane McMahon, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, Jim Mollineaux, John Finnegan

By

Dave Schmeltzer

Mary Sue Meyers, the newest addition to the WWF writing team, is already making a difference in the television product. And, on Feb 14th, (aired Feb 16th), PHAT TV got it's highest rating yet, complete with a 75% (overall) approval rating -- another high point for the company. In once again, encorporating the stress on ring work & ability, Mary Sue has brought a 'fresher' tone to the storylines, something that gave her great acclaim in WCW.

Now, with the news, that Bill Watts owned promotion, Empire Coast Academy will be holding their biggest event of the year, 'Mortal Kombat' on the same day, head to head, with Wrestlemania, it seems as if the WWF have lowered the PPV buying price at Wrestlemania, to $19.95 -- down from last years $24.95. With them, being the smaller promotion, charging $14.99 for 'Mortal Combat', on April 26th, they (ECA) have nothing to loose.

PHAT TV opened up with Vince McMahon w/o a broadcast partner -- suddenly to be joined by Bruce Pritchard. Pritchard's become more active backstage than he is on the air. Once the centre point of attention, during the Cartel (on air stable) years, from 1993-1996, Pritchard, over the last year, has only managed Lee The Underaker, and, for a lesser time, Brian Christopher.

McMahon" Bruce Pritchard!? What are you doing here?! "

Pritchard" McMahon!!! I've had enough! I've seen what they've done to Cornette! They've strapped him, and left him dry! And, from what I understand, Cornette is up on Face2Face, tonight, right!?"

McMahon" Yessss.."

Pritchard" Well, I want a front row seat for this one! So if you don't mind...McMahon, the greatest mind in the WWF is your partner for, tonight!"

McMahon" Well..err..ok...I suppose. Also, tonight, the card has been altered just a bit, as please note, all cards are subject to change...but for the better, Pritchard. It's a 'World Cup Survivor Match!' The WWF Triple Crownd Champion, Barry Horowitz, teams with WWF Intercontinental Champion Owen Hart, The Memphis Knight, & Curt Hennig! They go against, Hiroyoshi Tenzan - a man who you're familiar with, Carl Oulette, Hayabusa, perhaps THE most unpopular man in the WWF, the arrogant, rude, Brutus Beefcake! "

Pritchard" Whether he's arrogant or rude, is your opinion, McMahon! But, ALSO, tonight, I have BIG news! A BIG NAME is going to be making his return to the WWF, right here, next week on WRESTLEMANIA PHAT TV!!" and

[*'Oh My Gawd' chants start*]

McMahon" Joey Styles is in the ring! Tonight, we kick it off, with Face2Face!"

- Cornette blasts the WWF -

Joey Styles was in the ring, and replayed the RAW highlights, where Antonio Inoki yelled at Cornette, then later, Cornette, being floored by Hayabusa. Cornette came out, accompanied by a short black man, identified as 'Clerance Mason', his Lawyler. 'Clerance Mason', was last seen on rival promotion's ECA's Combat Zone, which airs from 1am-230am, Monday Night's on TNT, (ECA who's gotten their national acclaim, of course, thanks to WCW being on the same network. Mason's last appearance there, was, as a heel lawler attempting to buy Tatanka's Native American land.) Anyway, Cornette didn't waist any time. Styles instantly acknowledged Mason's ECA gimmick. As did much of the crowd, by their booes, & 'Mason Sux' chants.

Styles" Wait..I..I..know...you! Yea! You're that guy! That Lawyer guy!!"

James E. Cornette

" Styles keep your panties on, cos' I got something to say! Yea, this is my Lawyer. Mr Clerance Mason. Some of you might know him from other wrestling shows, some of you may not! But the bottom line is this! I'm sick of the treatment that I get around here! I spend years, hand picking the greatest men to form the most powerful regime in the WWF! PRIDE! Never before, was there a force like it! The Hart Foundation, The Canadian Foundation, or whatever you wanna call that overated crew! They never dominated like us! We were always in the company of Gold! The GWF Title, the Lightheavyweight Title, the WWF Triple Crown, The Intercontinental Title...hell...I managed Dr. Death & That Patriot Guy to hold the Titles for more than a year! Who's done that?! P.H.A.T!? HAHAHAHA! Don't make me laugh! Not even Hogan's stable the Immortals, triple the size of PRIDE, could hold a candle to us! But guess what?! One little thing goes wrong...and I get the boot! I get the goodbye! No thank you! No nothing! Well, guess what! I don't wanna be part of an organisation that treats it's managers like [*BLEEEEEEP*]! "

The crowd was really attentive at this point, as Mason went into his briefcase, and handed several papers over to Cornette.

Cornette" In my hand I hold my WWF Contract! In this hand, yea...just like Waltman did a few weeks ago on RAW -- I hold an ECA contract! Except...I'm going to sign it...RIGHT HERE, ON WWF RAW!!!

[*McMahon: 'What the!'*]"

At that point, Cornette, ripped apart what appeared to be the WWF contract. Mason, then, handed a pen over to Cornette, and Cornette hastingly signed the ECA contract, as Styles went nuts.

Cornette" Settle down, Styles, and let me make everything really clear for you...so that maybe even these Philadelphian degenerates can understand what I'm saying. [*Crowd booes*] Effect, April 26th, 1998, James Cornette is E! C! A! That's right! I'm jumping ship! Being burned once, IS ENOUGH! Oh, and hey, Styles! Don't you got a boxing match that day, or something!? Ha! Let's go, Mace!"

[*McMahon: "Mace!?"*]

The crowd didn't quite know how to react, but THAT reaction was good. Some booed, others cheered, while most hissed at the mere acknowledgement of ECA. ECA have earned the reputation of aquiring their National status due to sharing the same network as WCW, along with the use of a few stars who've had success in the WWF, (Dark Patriot, Marty Jannetty, Violent J, Agent Steve Blackman, Bam Bam Bigelow, Tony Halme, etc.). Though the WWF openly said the initials 'E.C.A', they never actually said 'Empire Coast Academy'. Most likely, to avoid lawsuit. Cornette stormed out with Styles looking neverously over to McMahon. If this is a work, then they sold it well. If it's a shoot, then it looked just as edgy and awkward as what a suprise shoot should yield. After another long pause of Styles just standing there, Hunter McMahon Helmsely came to the ring, cueing Styles to exit. Now, suddenly, that April 26th Wrestlemania date, could also be the same day as Cornette's ECA debut. 85%

Q. d. Hunter McMahon Helmsely

Q Kanyon had a pretty strong bout with Helmsely, but the crowd was still buzzing about the Cornette deal, with his Lawyer. Kayon won cleanly in 9:11. Pritchard used this match as an opportunity to hype up his 'big announcement'.

Overall: 61

Crowd: 46

Match: 76

Hunter McMahon Helmsley lost overness from this match. Christopher Q. Kanyon gained overness from this match.

----

Bruce Pritchard made his big announcement, saying that he was going on an artic skiing expedition that could take him years to complete. But, he said that he had a going away present for the WWF.

Pritchard"...McMahon! I am pleased to announce! That, making his return to the WWF...next week..I've got a BIG NAME TO RETURN TO THE WWF!!!! BROTHER LOVE!!!!"

McMahon" What!? "

Pritchard" YES!"

---

- Flair + Waltman -

Flair's music played shortly after Pritchard's 'big' announcement, and he came out with a plethora of ladies, this time. Flair did his strut, and all and ended it all by saying, "Those are the moves, that I taught ya, Sting! Woooooo!!!!", which got some real heel heat. Flair said that he wanted some of Sting, tonight, so that he can anticipate how 'easy' Sting would be to beat in a steel cage. Didn't know that tag matches were an accurate indicator, Flair....Anyway, at that point, the Rockers' music began to play, and out came Waltman & Brian. Flair was suprised, but had the heelish grin on his face. Waltman said that it was an honour to be in the ring with the Nature Boy, and did his own little strutt. He added that Brian can do a strut, as well; Brian proceeded with some wierd dance. Waltman said that he wanted to prepare for his WWF Triple Crown match, with the best, against the best.

Waltman" So, how about it, Flair? You and me, against Sting, and whoever else he picks. And trust me, I'll take care of them. I am the next WWF Triple Crown Champion! [*Crowd booes*] And it's time that I start showing others, just THAT! "

Flair[*slowly getting excited*]" Kid! Waltman! Wooo! You've got yourself a deal! What better way to learn the ropes, than learn from a wheel deelin', kiss steelin', jet flyin', limousine ridin', WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...son-of-a-gun, like me, wooo -- the Nature Boy! Wooooo!! Woooo!!! Woooo!! "

Flair and Waltman Woo'd all the way to the back. As they went to break, Brian was jawwing back and forth with a fan, at ringside.

-ADVERTS-

The Brooklyn BadBoyz (Taz & Kama) d. Simon Diamond & Mr. Everything w/ Francine

Pretty good match here, but McMahon sounded like an idiot, calling Taz's suplexes. "There it is!" and "Up he goes!", along with "For the ride!", just aren't adequate substitues for move names. Kama won after the ref called the bell, following his onslaught of pummell putches on Diamond. I wonder how long they're going to have Mr. Everything Andrew Martin wear those purple tights and cape?

Overall: 74

Crowd: 75

Match: 72

-ADVERTS-

[*]WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT

Wrestlemania '94/Toronto

Shawn Michaels vs. 'Diamond Studd' Scott Hall

McMahon On commentary;

"Wow...What an superstar!! What a great match, here on Wrestlemania, and we're barely halfway done!--Oh look, Shawn Michaels is going into the crowd, to greet the fans! How nice! What---What the!!!!It's the Genius!! The Genius is attacking Shawn Michaels! "

Heenan " That's not the Genius! Because the Genius is right behind him! That's someone else dressed up in 'gradutation clothes!'. Who is that? He must really hate Michaels! Look at the damage he's doing!

McMahon "Thats--Wait a minute! That's Marty Jannetty!! Marty Jannetty has returned!!! He has attacked former partner Shawn Michaels!!

Jannetty, at Lanny Poffo's instructions was giving the boots to Michaels, right there in the middle of the crowd. After the attack was all over, Genius raised the hand of...Professor Marty Jannetty!?(Run-In; Jannetty)

Professor Marty Jannetty, with the guidance of 'The Genius' Lanny Poffo, is out to get former partner Shawn Michaels

Overeall: 83

Crowd: 98

Match: 84

[*]BROTHER LOVE MOMENT

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima d. The Nasty Boys

Brother Love[ returned with Hiroyoshi Tenzan, this time with New Japan partner Satoshi Kojima. They ended the match with a 'Kojima Cutter', by Kojima, followed by a Tenzan Moonsault.

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

WWF Women's Tournament Brackets

WWF Tag Team C1 CLASH

April 14rd, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Zoloff Orch Centre, Minnessota - MN

Attendance: 10,014

Announcing Team: Eric Bischoff & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Bill Alfonso, Mike Chioda, Dave Hebner, Shane McMahon, Jimmy Korderas, Joey Marella, John Finnegan, Jim Mollineaux

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- 'The Doom Rage' -

The Thrillseekers d. WWFPD II (& The Warriors Of Doom - The Renegade Warrior & Horace Hogan)

After the opening credits, RAW began, right away with WWFPD II & The Thrillseekers, already in the ring, ready to wrestle. At 2:22, of a snoozefest, since both teams are heel -- The Renegade Warrior came storming out of the back, ala Ultimate Warrior, and began to fight as if he were in the match. Horace Hogan followed, and went after Eartquake, then the Thrillseekers. Ellering, joined Bischoff and Heenan on commentary, calling this, 'A doom rage', that can now, 'no longer be supressed'.

Ellering" Bischoff..Heenan...you will see...from this day forward...at any time! Anywhere! The 'Doom Rage' will occur! And when it does...when it does...pure anarchy, rage, and DOOM, will follow for those who oppose the Warriors...The Warriors OF DOOM!"

I don't know what it is, but Ellering's outdated promo delivery still does it for me. Match came to an end, at 7:33, when WWFPD II became pre-occupied with the W.O.D., causing themselves to be DQ'ed.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 68

Match: 70

-ADVERTS-

- Waltman & Brian -

Coming out of the break, Joey Styles was in the ring to his usual 'Oh My Gawd' chant. He, then introducted, Curt Hennig to the ring. He started kissing up to Hennig, then asked him how he felt about his and Rougeau's chances of winning the C1 CLASH. He called them 'The Vets', which I thought was pretty funny. Hennig put he and Rougeau over as 'true Veterans of the game', but then went in a completely different direction. He said that he wasn't really out there to talk about himself...but instead, to acknowlegde

another veteran of the sport, who finally, 'made it happen'. He then, called out Barry Horowitz, WWF Triple Crown Champion. Horowitz got a really nice pop coming out, especially, for his pat on the back spot. Hennig congratulated Horowitz, which got a nice reaction, until unfamaliar rock music, began playing on the PA system. It sounded alot like 'Rage Against The Machine', though, I'm sure the WWF would never go in that direction for ring music. It then molded into the old rocker's music. After a few moments, and the nostaglia music pop, Waltman & Brian came out, and walked towards the announcer's table. Waltman was sporting a red bandana, with a leather jacket, again. This time, he added shades to his attire. Waltman, sat down at the table, put on headphones, and joined the Broadcast team, with Brian standing up behind him. The mics were juiced up for the house.

Waltman" Is this thing on? "

Bischoff" Yes...Yes it's on..Of course it's on. Um..."

Waltman" Now, what I wanna know...is why does that, old, washed up, poor escuse for Perfect -- Curt Hennig get more attention and air time, than me!? And Barry Horowitz!? With a record of one and one million!?"

[*He and Brian laugh, crowd booes*]

Bischoff" Wow...I think it's very clear to all of these people...you've...you've really changed alot."

Waltman" I am Shawn Michael Waltman! And I should be getting that air time! [*Crowd booes*] I am a former GWF Lightheavyweight Champion! I am a former WWF Intercontinental Champion! I am a King Of The Ring finalist! I--"

Horowitz" Youuuuu are a crybaby! [*Crowd laughs, pops*] Hey, listen, buddy! You'll get your shot to prove that you're that good! But guess what! I'mmm the CHAMPION!"

Horowitz went on to do an goofy looking celebritory dance, then saved himself, with the pat on the back spot. He, then challenged Waltman, and his "goofy sidekick" to tag against he and Hennig. Really good segment here...Everyone came out better, than before. 80%

-ADVERTS-

- The American Dream against the Japanese Nightmare -

Dustine Rhoades d. Rusha -- WWF Women's Tourney Semi's

Crowd was actually up for this match, here, as some importance was placed on it. At 4:22, after Tomax tripped up Rhoades, referee Joey Marella, ordered that the Crimson Twins & Alfonso leave the ring, leaving Rusha un-attended. Match wasn't all that bad, as Rusha's pretty damn built...while Rhoades is...well, fat. Finals of the match came at 7:33 -- Rusha exposed the metal, in a turnbuckle corner, and gave the overweight Rhoades a spinebuster onto the pole. Crowd actually reacted to this. After the pinfalls, Bill Alfonso, & The Crimsons, jolted in the ring, into celebration of Rusha...she will face Bull Nakano at Wrestlemania.

Overall: 51

Crowd: 53

Match: 48

-ADVERTS-

- PRIDE PROBLEMS? -

Coming out of the break, Antonio Inoki's music began to play, and out to the booes, came he & Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Tenzan, once again, got an unbelievable reaction, coming out. It's amazing to see a person like him -- facing the language barrier, in terms of promos, STILL over, without the title. Kudos to Jim Cornette for getting him over. Inoki stalled a bit, and jawwed with fans, along with Tenzan, before beginning to run down James Cornette, PRIDE manager. Inoki, went into one of his lectures, and spoke about, the 3 phases of PRIDE. The Begginning. The Best. And The Bad. Heenan, had another one of his funny comments here, to Bischoff, saying, "I've got a B-Word, I'd like to use for you, Eric."

First, Inoki spoke of 'The beginning'. Showing early footage of Bruce Pritchard with Tenzan & (now ECA wrestler) Kojima. He then, went on to the 'Best'. The long '95-96 period, where PRIDE dominated, under Cornette, with Dr. Death Steve Williams & The Dark Patriot, holding the Tag Titles for over a year. This was also when Inoki had the big feud with Jerry Lawler, leading into Wrestlemania '96, Inoki's retirement match. He, then went on to recap how PRIDE'S presence slipped in late '96 to early '97 when Cornette got injured (legit, by Tony Halme, who had classic run-ins with PRIDE during '97). That's when Dibiase returned, at Wrestlemania and basically 'put PRIDE back together, with the help of the returning Cornette....

Inoki"...but THIS Cornette, was much much different from the Cornette of the past! This Cornette makes unwise decisions! He bring out the BAD, in PRIDE! We loose tag team titles, last year! We loose GWF Title! We loose TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP!! So now...CORNETTE, you have ONE MORE NIGHT! ONE MORE CHANCE! To turn it all around! My man...Hiroyoshi Tenzan is noooo happy without title! [Tenzan grunts in background] If you don't shape up...WE SHIP YOU OUT!"

Bischoff & Heenan sold the 'shock' well. Cornette, who built PRIDE up, over the last several years, was now in trouble with the true leader of PRIDE, Antonio Inoki. 86%

Kamala d. Terry Taylor

As the crowd & and the announcers buzzed on about Inoki's comments just a bit earlier, Kamala & Taylor had a less than impressive 7 minute match, in the ring. Kamala is now accompanied by Katchezen(sp), the mysterious manager of Muay Thai master, Masanabanwenschaznoria, who's injured, and from what I understand, was going to win the WWF Women's Title. Kamala won when Taylor missed his patented top rope knee drop -- Kamala quickly nailed Taylor with a big splash off the ropes, for the victory. Crowd actually gave Kamala a heel pop, I guess due to his acts of random attacks over the last several months.

Overall: 60

Crowd: 69

Match: 41

Kamala gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

Damien Demento & Crush d. Jim Powers & Don Frye

I thought Demento & Crush were out of this thing, already? Even with Inoki, Dillon, Tatsumi, Ace, and all of those guys who helped run the tournaments in Japan, the WWF still can't do a tournament right. Anyway, Bischoff pushed that the winner of this match would have to face the veteran tag team, of Ray Rougeau & Mr. Perfect in Tag Team C1 Clash Semi's. Demento and the 1998 Kiss look-a-like, won when Crush gave Powers the cranium crusher. Man, they are still burying the Shooterz.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 71

Match: 75

-ADVERTS-

- The Dibiase/Knight Feud Erupts -

The Memphis Knight d. 'Dr. Doom' Mike Barton

They gave Barton a new Dr. Death-Esque video package, which shows him nailing everyone with that sometimes, nasty looking, back drop. They also have a nice montage of Barton getting that left hook. Announcers pushed that the pressure had to be on Cornette, tonight, to get victories -- or it could mean the last night for him, as PRIDE manager. Very strong match here, as the crowd was solidly hot, and behind the Memphis Knight, who everyone is sure of, is Lawler. Well, it's not like he does anything different. Finals of the match came at 8:33, Knight ducked out of the way of a lariat, and followed up by crotching Barton on the ropes. He, then caught him with his piledriver, for the cover and the victory.

After the bell, Ted Dibiase, sporting a juiced up Million Dollar Outfit hit the ring, and heavily began pounding on the Knight from behind. With Barton, clutching his head from the piledriver, Dibiase & Knight had very nice slugfest, that the crowd went nuts for. This, was the first time, in months, that Dibiase brawled with anyone that wasn't an official. I'm curious to see how Dibiase fairs in the ring. Officials hit the ring to break it up within 90 seconds. Knight had to re-adjust his mask, as part of it had been pulled, just below his nose, revealing his scruffy chin. Great close ups of Cornette, sweating, worried on the outside with Barton, as they went to break.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 83

Match: 73

-ADVERTS-

- TAG TEAM C1 CLASH QUARTERS: WINNER FACES THE THRILLSEEKERS IN SEMIS -

Sabu & Al Snow d. Hayabusa & Jun Akiyama

It's matches like these, that have made the WWF known for their workers' incredible workrate and skill. Great match here, which was marred only by going on a big too long, at 23:55. Sabu & Akiyama had a great series of spots, at 8:33, which saw Akiyama catch Sabu with an exploder, but Sabu propelled himself up, with the move, flipping over, landing on his feet. He swung at Akiyama, but Akiyama ducked, locking on a dragon (suplex) hold -- but Sabu blocked the attempt. Akiyama then pushed Sabu forward into the ropes, allowing him to make the blind tag. Unknowing of the tag, Akiyama propelled himself in the opposite direction, against the ropes, going for a flying forearm, but Snow suprised him with a chair to the head. John Finnegan, the 'Extreme' referee of the WWF, waived off the DQ. Cornette was furious. He hopped on the turnbuckle, inadvertently distracting the referee, as Sabu & Snow did a double team martial arts deal on Akiyama, then onto Hayabusa who ran in to help his partner. The 'Let It Snow' and 'Sabu' chants were running rampant, at this point. Dangerously was going bonkers on the outside as well. Finnegan lost control of the rest of the match, as both teams ended up fighting on the outside, and up the isle a bit. At 15:22, Hayabusa evened up the odds, by utilizing Cornette's tennis raquette on Sabu, but Snow blocked the shot to him, and used it on Hayabusa, then Akiyama, then Cornette -- which got a nice pop. Once back in the ring, after 3 unsuccessful attempts, Snow nailed Hayabusa with the snow plow, followed up by a leg drop, w/ a chair, by Sabu off of the top rope. Finnegan made the cover, giving the victory to Snow & Sabu. Once again, here, Cornette looked as if he'd just been shot -- or as Bischoff said, "I haven't seen that look on anyone's face, unless they were fired from their job!" -- of course, hinting, that this could be Cornette's last night, as PRIDE manager. The 'Let It Snow' & 'Sabu' chants, took the show into the break.

Overall: 84

Crowd: 80

Match: 89

Al Snow gained overness from this feud ending. Jun Akiyama gained overness from this feud ending. Hayabusa gained overness from this feud ending.

-ADVERTS-

- TEAM X-STREME -

Coming out of the break, Paulie Dangerously stood in the ring, proud, as the crowd continued with their chants, of one of the TAG TEAM C1 favourites. Sean Mooney, who I guess, had nothing else better to do, came out to talk to Dangerously and company.

Mooney" Wow, listen to this crowd! [*Let it Snow/Sabu!!*] We've seen it all today, Paulie--chairs, flying, snow plows, moonsaults---"

Dangerously" And that's not all you're going to see, Mooney!!! You see, when you talk about brutality! When you talk about preserverance! When you talk about will! When you talk about PRIDE! When you talk about, the will to do whatever it takes to win...no matter how EXXTREEEEMEEE, it could be...you're talking about Al Snow! This former Tag Team Champion is more than just a former 'secret agent'. He is a student of the martial arts, which could rival the skills of, say--yes Hayabusa! Or Akiyama! He is a former tag team champion...and he LIKES THE SNOW!!!! [*Let it Snow chants start up again. Paulie had to pause*] And this man...a former Intercontinental Champion. This man represents all that is violent! All that is Extrreeeeemeee! THIS! IS! THE HOMICIDAL! THE GENOCIDAL! THE SUICIDAL! THIS IS SABU!!!!! And together...Mooney, I give you the winners the C1 TAG TOURNAMENT! Next week! Monday Night RAW! We will run over the Thrillseekers! And we will go on to Wrestlemania...and when it's all said and done, Mooney!! When it's all said and done, Thrillseekers! When it's all said and done, Verterans, or those freaks, Demento & Crush -- you will here these words..."

Snow[*Grabs the microphone..pauses for the 'Let it Snow' chants to supress*]" You're winners, and C1 CLASH TOURNAMENT WINNERS!!!! TEAAAAAAMMMM EXXXTREEEEEMMMEEEEEE!!! YEA!!"

Snow threw down the microphone, and hit fists with Sabu to signify their committment to winning this tournament. Very good segment, with alot of energy. Definatley a huge step up for Al Snow, as well. 96%

Paulie Dangerously gained overness from this segment. Al Snow gained overness from this segment.

- The Japanese Assassin Releases His Anger -

As the crowd went nuts, Bischoff threw it to Vince McMahon, who was in the back with Hayabusa, but instead, McMahon was standing up near a fallen Cornette...

McMahon" Well..I..uh..I was here, just moments ago, with Jim Cornette & Hayabusa..but just moments ago...Hayabusa...struck Cornette, without warning..in the face, and---"

Cornette[*From the floor*] " What the hell do you mean, 'without warning!?' When the hell does someone ever warn someone when they're about to strike them in the head! Huh?"

Johnny Ace, & Mike Barton quickly hit the scene, demanding to know what happened, and why their manager was hurt. Once they found it to be Hayabusa, they then went on a search for him, with McMahon with the mic & camera, along with a disheveled Cornette, following close behind. They bumped into I-C Champion Owen Hart, who had his bags, and was on his way out of the building. Once Owen told them that he hadn't seen Hayabusa, the camera followed Owen to the outside, and disregarded McMahon, Cornette, Ace, & Barton as they continued to look through the building -- I guess no one warned McMahon that his camera man went the other way. Just as Owen opened the door, he was struck with a chair shot, from Hayabusa leaping off of the top of a car straigh at Owen. This, looked to be, almost the same type of attack that Hayabusa performed on Owen's brother, in October of last year. As Hayabusa put the boots to Owen, Bischoff kept yelling,

"He's right there! In the parking lot! Someone! Help Owen! Help him! He's being mauled by the Japanese Assassin!--"

Hayabusa went on the hood of the car, teasing a stardust flip, but officials quickly hit the area, preventing further attack. Besides, A 450 splash from the top of a car to concrete would hurt the jumper, more than the guy laying on the floor. Bischoff mentioned that Hayabusa must be especially dissapointed with the C1 CLASH loss, and took his anger out on Cornette, his manager, & Owen -- the first person he saw, and has a bit of history with. 76%

-ADVERTS-

Waltman & Brian d. Barry Horowitz & Curt Hennig

It's hard to believe that their hasn't been serious backlash to Horowitz being Triple Crown Champion -- then again, the WWF has been building him up a bit for the last 8 years, pulling him out of jobber-ville. Brian was in there for a few moments, and got absolutely destroyed by both Horowitz & Hennig. Waltman did the old 'I'm leaving' heel spot, before being dragged back to the ring, by Horowitz. Finals of the match, came quickly, at 8:44, when Waltman caught Horowitz with a spinning heel kick, knocking him down into near the ropes. He made a quick suprise cover, and got the quick suprise victory, due to Brian, stealthly holding down the Triple Crown Champion's legs, from the outside. Hennig & Horowitz had their 'We've been robbed' faces on, as RAW came to a close.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 78

Match: 69

Curt Hennig was sluggish and didn't put much effort in.

Commentary Aftermath

Bischoff" Oh my! Waltman steals the victory!! Could we see that at Wrestlemania, Brain?! Could we see Waltman pin Horowitz AND Tenzan, in the centre of the ring!? Could we see Waltman as the next WWF Triple Crown Champion!?"

Heenan" Well, ya know...now Waltman has this Brian fellow by his side! And just like he did tonight, he could be all the difference at Wrestlemania '98!"

Bischoff" Well, join us next week, where we will have Al Snow & Sabu -- Team Extreme vs. The Thrillseekers in a TAG TEAM C1 CLASH Semi final! But we've got a semi final match coming up on PHAT TV! It's Damien Demento & Crush, against The Veterans -- Curt Hennig & Ray Rougeau!"

Heenan" I've got my ticket! I'll see you there, humaniods!"

Bischoff" So long, wrestling fans!"

Card Quality: 73%

PHAT TV Preview!

[*]Carl Oulette & Phil LaFon vs. Steve Corino & Sting

The Contract Signing for Wrestlemania 98's WWF Woman's Title Match w/

Bull Nakano & Rusha!

[*]Damien Demento & Crush vs. The Vets (Ray Rougeau & Curt Hennig) (Tag Team C1 CLASH SEMIS)

[*]Joey Styles' Face2Face: Interview with (Former?) PRIDE Manager; Jim Cornette!

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!