andrethegiantstopfan

I wouldn't care even if it was exactly the same, it looks similar, but that means nothing. I think this is a good little diary that could go far. And it's waaayyyyy better than yours.

Oh yeah WM2, speaking of copying, how come Ric Flair came into your promotion, after a row over pay. Just like on mine... hmmm....

I was stuck between Owen and The Bulldog too. Like you, I hope DiBiase goes after the world title instead of Intercontinental or National.

Interesting to see who's going to win the Rumble and become Champion. And I hope your write up is more reader-friendly than mine, mine didn't get a good response. It was far too detailed. I don't know about having both a battle royal and a Royal Rumble on one card though.

My predictions:

Bret Hart vs. Ted DiBiase - I could never really see DiBiase with the IC title, so I'm going to go with Bret to win this one, but the feud should carry on and DiBiase should slate a few wins.

Legion of Doom vs. Natural Disasters vs. Rockers - I'm going to go with Natural Disasters perhaps pinning one of the Rockers, they were good tag team champions.

10 Man Battle Royal - Owen Hart should definitely win this one, perhaps eliminating Mr. Perfect or The Bulldog to win. He could start the new title off with a bang

Royal Rumble - who's in it? If Flair's in it, I'm going to go with him, perhaps cheating his way to eliminate Savage or another upper card face.

You could still put the names up though.

Loving the build-up between Savage and Flair... I see a big match coming up soon, perhaps at The Rumble or even WrestleMania VIII. Good to see DiBiase acting sneaky again attacking Bret Hart during that match with Mountie, could be a nice feud there too, I'm developing that one at the moment too.. well sort of. Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels would've been a superb match-up for that time

Just one thing I just noticed, where is the roster list? I'd just like to see who's on it... and to see who's face and heel... although I liked that era and know a little about it I was only 0 at the time. Otherwise keep it up, going very well.

Great work. I always put Savage and Flair together too, heaven for ratings! The show layouts like mine, so hey, it's perfect! It is set out well, the matches are written detailed but not too long, unless it's a big match, which is another good thing. (Y)

Looking Good. I will be reading (Y) , I love diaries between the sort of late 80s around to 1993/4. I'll be interested to see what this 'something new' is, personally I think you should push Shawn Michaels and Mr. Perfect a little, I having never been a fan of Hulk Hogan hopes he doesn't get the title. I always wanted to see Mr. Perfect with the WWF Title around his waist. Or Ted DiBiase for that matter... but no such luck... Looking forward to the first show.

that WM2 has a nerve! Don't listen to them. I really like this diary, even though I don't particularly like the wrestling at the moment, keep up the good work. (Y) (Y)

Thank you.

(Y)

The end. How was it?

how do you put pictures into your posts? do they have to be off the internet? surely not. i have some on my computer i would like to upload.

SHAWN MICHAELS

winner of the 1995 Royal Rumble match

WWF Royal Rumble 1995

Your PPV Commentators are Jim Ross, Vince McMahon, and Gorilla Monsoon.

WWF Superstars Wrap-Up

Vince McMahon quickly summarises the event while footage of the matches' highlights are

played.

Demolition def. The Quebecers when Ax pinned Jacques

Robert Gibson def. Faarooq by DQ when Faarooq used a low blow

Tatanka def. Jim Neidhart after a Fallaway Slam followed by the Tomahawk Chop

Bret Hart def. Big Bossman after Owen Hart's interference backfired

WWF IC Champion Mr. Perfect def. Crush to retain

La Parka vs. Brutus Beefcake vs. IRS

La Parka immediately knocks down Brutus with a clothesline, IRS tries to attack him but he

gets a dropkick sending him over the top rope. Brutus powers in though and launches

through the air grounding Parka with a clothesline of his own, then he hits him with multiple

right hands.

IRS emerges through the bottom ropes and nails Brutus with an axe handle and then locks

him in a headlock. Brutus powers out of the move and back suplexes IRS, then tries for a

cover but Parka kicks him in the face before he can apply the pin.

Brutus then pounds away at Parka and throws him out of the ring, to be met with a huge

right hand from IRS as he turns around. IRS goes for the pin but only gets a two count. As

IRS stomps away at Brutus, La Parka jumps onto the ring arpon, then onto the top rope and

launches through the air towards IRS, but he ducks and Parka's jaw strikes the turnbuckle.

As IRS slowly paces over to finish off Parka, Brutus sneaks up behind, does his old

trademark "Sleep" taunt and locks in the Sleeper Hold. Parka is not moving, and IRS is in the

hold for a good 45 seconds before he gives up.

Winner: Brutus Beefcake

Interview with Mr. Perfect

Mr. Perfect is asked about his Royal Rumble number.

Perfect: Well you people sure are a nosey bunch, but as Mr. Perfect is the only perfect

human being on this planet, I'm going to give you a little information about my Number. It's

not Number 1!

Gene: Wait a second! We need more than that!

Mr. Perfect laughs and walks off.

Eddy Guerrero vs. Jerry Lynn

Guerrero and Jerry lock up in the centre of the ring. Lynn knees Guerrero in the stomach but

he retaliates with a huge right hand that knocks Lynn off his feet. As Jerry gets back up

Guerrero floors him with a clothesline. Then when Lynn gets up the next time he is floored

with a dropkick. Guerrero taunts to the crowd as the fans cheer.

Guerrero hooks Lynn's arms and tries for a double arm suplex but Lynn counters and turns it

into a samoan drop. Lynn runs in and hits a leg drop on Guerrero and goes for the cover,

but barely gets the two count. Lynn picks up Guerrero but he gets nailed in the stomach with

a right hand as Guerrero mounts some offence. Guerrero whips Lynn to the far ropes and he

gets back dropped out of the ring when he runs back.

Guerrero climbs the top rope and dives onto Lynn who stands on the concrete floor. Both

men are down for a while but manage to crawl into the ring before the count-out. As

Guerrero climbs in he is knocked down by a dropkick from Lynn. Guerrero kicks out of a pin

attempt.

Guerrero counters a running attack from Lynn and hits a Spinebuster on Lynn. Both men are

out but Guerrero speeds to his feet and jumps to the top turnbuckle.

Guerrero pounces off the top turnbuckle and hits Jerry Lynn with the Frog Splash to win the

grueling epic match.

Winner: Eddy Guerrero

Interview with Shawn Michaels w/Diesel

Both men were questioned on the upcoming 'Stable vs. Stable' match.

HBK: Well, Ted DiBiase and I could have probably gotten on well. I mean, we're both very

rich guys and we both know how to handle the microphone. But, oh-no, here he goes and

puts this match in somehow or someway with Bob Backlund! Bob Backlund! I mean they could

at least put a member of their team who didn't have a pension.

Diesel: You've made a big mistake DiBiase, if you think you're Backlund has-been is going to

beat me.

Diesel w/Shawn Michaels vs. Bob Backlund w/Ted DiBiase

Bob Backlund tries to grab Diesel's legs but Diesel starts off pounding away at Backlund.

Backlund replies with a huge right hand that almost knocks Diesel off his feet. Backlund

punches upwards because of the size difference but Diesel counters and annihilates

Backlund with a clothesline.

Diesel drops two consecutive elbow drops and goes for the cover and almost gets the three

count. DiBiase looks concerned as he climbs up on the apron. Shawn Michaels speeds over

and grabs him down as the match continues, DiBiase tries to attack HBK from behind but he

was ready for it and beats away at DiBiase before walking back to Diesel's corner.

Backlund hits a low blow on Diesel and then manages to lock in the Crossface Chicken Wing.

Diesel doesn't show any sign of tapping out and manages to flip Backlund over his head and

send him crashing to the canvas.

Diesel slowly boots Backlund in the stomach then nails him with the Jackknife. DiBiase climbs

on the apron but gets grabbed by Diesel who hiptosses him over the top rope. Diesel nails

him with a Big Boot which sends him running for cover back to ringside favouring his face.

But Backlund tries to capitalise, valiantly back up but Diesel hits another Jackknife for the

win.

Winner: Diesel

Native American Lawmen vs. The Hart Foundation

for the WWF Tag Team Championship

Big Bossman starts off with right hands on Jim Neidhart, followed by a huge body slam. Bossman stomps away at Neidhart then tags in Tatanka. As soon as Neidhart gets up he is knocked down by a huge knife-edge chop. Tatanka then proceeds in beating the hell out of Neidhart and getting a series of close falls.

Tatanka hits the Tomahawk Chop on Neidhart but Bret comes in and dropkicks Tatanka. Bossman steps through the ropes and clotheslines Bret. Bret and The Bossman brawl around the outside of the ring while Neidhart gets a cheap shot on Tatanka giving him control of the match.

Neidhart hits Tatanka with a Spear which is abruptly followed by a Shoulderbreaker. Tatanka immediately gets up, and is hit with another, but gets up again and nails Neidhart with a right hand. Bret runs in and also gets nailed. Tatanka climbs the top rope and nails both members of The Hart Foundation with the Tomahawk Chop to win the match.

Winner: Native American Lawmen [retain the titles]

Interview with Owen Hart

Owen Hart is talking about his upcoming WWF World Championship match with The Undertaker.

Owen: You know, I woke up this morning, and I realised that hey, I've got something to thank Bret for. If it wasn't for him turning on me at this very event two years ago, there's no way I would be here, just a short time away from winning my first World Heavyweight Belt. I'd just be failing in the Tag Division like we all just saw. So in a way, I thank you, Bret. And Undertaker, you better be ready, because I'm more focused than I've ever been, I'm in my prime. You better bring everything you got to the ring tonight.

He walks off.

Interview with Randy Savage

Savage is questioned on his upcoming match with Robbie V.

Savage: It's just a personality clash people say, well no, it's more than that, yeah. It's more than that. This is about Robbie V - the little runt's jealousy and ego that has got him into the fight of his life tonight. And oh yeah, you better believe it "Robbie V" that you're the one that's gonna be on life support by the time I've finished with you.

Savage shouts "Yeah" then leaves the interview area.

Randy Savage vs. Robbie V No Holds Barred, falls count anywhere

Savage sprints to the ring but doesn't actually get in it, he walks around it while Robbie V patiently waits. Savage grabs a chair from the outside then runs into the ring but is met by a huge Spinning Heel Kick from Robbie V, knocking the chair back in Savage's face. Robbie V hits a spinning leg drop on Savage and splashes him.

Robbie V tries for a chair shot once Savage gets back up but he blatantly gets low blowed, then Savage uses right hand after right hand on Robbie V, then he pushes him into the corner and chokes him. Savage takes about eight steps back and then sprints at Robbie V, but Robbie bends over and back body drops Savage high over the top turnbuckle.

Robbie V regains his breath as he crawls out of the ring and levels Savage with a vicious chair shot. Savage lays not moving while Robbie drags him up and throws him in the ring. Robbie V then retrieves a 10ft ladder out from under the ring, he props it against the turnbuckles, as Savage plays possum and rolls up Robbie V for a close two count.

Savage then picks up the chair and cracks it over Robbie V's cranium, a massive dent is in the steel. Savage throws the chair at the fallen Robbie V's face, blood pours from his mouth and face. Robbie V vailiantly tries to fight back with hard kicks to the chest and forearm shots to the face, but Savage whips him face first into the ladder, he rebounds back into Savage and takes him out with a flying back elbow, Robbie then climbs up the angled ladder and backflips off the second from top rung and hits a Moonsault on Savage for the three count.

Winner: Robbie V

Royal Rumble Hype

Hype for the upcoming Royal Rumble match, featuring Videos from past Rumbles etc.

The Undertaker vs. Owen Hart

For the WWF World Championship

Undertaker goes for a huge knockout clothesline at the start but Owen ducks and uses quick punches and kicks that stagger "The Deadman". Owen uses a Roundhouse Dropkick on Taker that floors him. Undertaker counters some offence and slams Owen down on the canvas. At that moment, BRET HART walks and taunts his way down to the ring.

Undertaker chokes Owen down in the corner but Owen punches away and eventually Taker relinquishes the choke hold. Owen Hart locks Taker in a headlock but Undertaker punches him in a stomach and almost gets the Chokeslam before Owen counters while in mid-air and hits a clothesline. Owen Hart tries to lock in the Shaprshooter but Undertaker easily gets out of it.

Bret Hart drops Owen Hart's throat on the top rope while the referee is distracted by Paul Bearer.

Owen then staggers into a hard Chokeslam followed by a Tombstone Piledriver for a three count in a 7 minute WWF title defence.

Winner: The Undertaker [retains the title]

Hype for the Royal Rumble

Entrants Marty Jannetty, Diesel, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, Ted DiBiase and Jeff Jarrett are shown in quick separate video segments making their claim that they are going to win the Royal Rumble.

Howard Finkel briefly explains the rules of the match.

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

[report style]

Razor Ramon and Goldust were the first men in the ring. They brawled brutally around the ring for two minutes until Smash, one half of Demolition, stormed to the ring and took out both men with powerful attacks. Number Four entrant Ric Flair made an appearance and immediately sided with Smash and double teamed Razor Ramon, before Flair was attacked by Smash and Goldust. Ted DiBiase was the next man to enter the fray, looking extremely unhappy about his number. DiBiase didn't even enter the ring but Flair managed to bundle out Razor Ramon.

Flair and DiBiase would stay in for a very long time, sometimes even working together to eliminate people, but mainly when the opportunites arised, they fought. Ultimate Warrior came in at Number Seven and was powerful for a around 14 minutes before being eliminated by Flair and DiBiase. Fans were in awe when they saw Lion Heart and Ric Flair go at it in the middle of the ring. At one point, due to the luck of the draw, both Kerry and Kevin Von Erich were in the ring working as a team and as a team they eliminated mammoth Diesel.

Towards the end of the long bout, the four in the bout before entry number thirty were Ric Flair [#4], Crush [#27], Shawn Michaels [#21] and Mr. Perfect [#19]. Flair was deeply incapacitated but kept battling away at Crush and Mr. Perfect. Shawn Michaels eagerly awaited the arrival of Number 30... who to everyone's surprise was Hardcore Icon TERRY FUNK. HBK and Funk battled for three minutes while Flair eliminated Crush and Mr Perfect within seconds of each other. Outside the ring, both Crush and Perfect brawled around the ring, before The Million Dollar Team appeared and beat down Crush.

Shawn Michaels nailed Terry Funk with the Sweet Chin Music, eliminating him from the Royal Rumble. Ric Flair immediately appeared and chopped away at HBK, but Shawn countered and speared Flair. Both men lay out in the centre of the ring. Flair walked into a Sweet Chin Music that almost sent him over the top rope. Ric Flair looked to have HBK eliminated when The Million Dollar Team evaded the referees and beat down Flair, Giant Gonzalez slammed him down in the centre of the ring, Ted DiBiase then hit him with two Million $ Fists, Jarrett hit a Flying Elbow Drop, and finally The Barbarian picked him up and tried to powerbomb Ric Flair but he backdropped out of it and then tried to beat down every member of the Million Dollar Team, but they flattened him and left the ring before being admonished by the referees.

Flair was deeply beat up though, and HBK quickly disposed of him to win the 1995 Royal Rumble much to the fans hatred. Ted DiBiase then entered the ring and to the fans bafflement shook hands with the Royal Rumble winner. They stood with their hands raised in what looked to be a Union of Stables.

Royal Rumble Order of Entry -

01 Razor Ramon [eliminated by Ric Flair]

02 Goldust [Eliminated by Warrior]

03 Smash [Eliminated by Warrior]

04 Ric Flair [Eliminated by Shawn Michaels]

05 Ted DiBiase [Eliminated by Ric Flair]

06 Wild Pegasus [Eliminated by Warrior]

07 Ultimate Warrior [Eliminated by DiBiase]

08 The British Bulldog [Eliminated by Warrior]

09 Kevin Von Erich [Eliminated by Ax]

10 Ax [Eliminated by DiBiase]

11 1-2-3 Kid [Eliminated by Ric Flair]

12 Kerry Von Erich [Eliminated by Diesel]

13 Mick Foley [Eliminated by Mr. Perfect]

14 Diesel [Eliminated by both Von Erichs]

15 Jake Roberts [Eliminated by Mr. Perfect]

16 Marty Jannetty [Eliminated by Shawn Michaels]

17 Arn Anderson [Eliminated by Mr. Perfect and Adam Bomb]

18 Lion Heart [Eliminated by Hulk Hogan]

19 Mr. Perfect [Eliminated by Ric Flair]

20 Adam Bomb [Eliminated by Hulk Hogan]

21 Shawn Michaels

22 Tatanka [Eliminated by Bret Hart]

23 Bret Hart [Eliminated by Ric Flair]

24 Hulk Hogan [Eliminated by Shawn Michaels and Mr. Perfect]

25 Sabu [Eliminated by Ric Flair]

26 Unknown P [Eliminated by Shawn Michaels]

27 Crush [Eliminated by Ric Flair]

28 Giant Gonzalez [Eliminated by Crush, Flair, Shawn Michaels]

29 Big Bossman [Eliminated by Crush]

30 Terry Funk [Eliminated by Shawn Michaels]

That concludes the Royal Rumble.

INSIDE THE WRESTLING WORLD MAGAZINE January 18, 1995

WCW Fans Nowhere to be found

In a shock to WWF Owner Vince McMahon, the WCW fans who caused Sting to walk out of the World Wrestling Federation and out of America, are nowhere to be found.

It is deeply suspected that they have fled the country to escape the payment. Friends and family will make no comment on the issue whatsoever.

"The police will track them down," Vince McMahon said. "And they will pay. I've said it before, I'm not paying $900,000 for something I had nothing to do with. And I will not make the WWF's life even worse than it is at the moment by putting pressure on my roster to make their own money."

Without any trace of the WCW fans, it is a wild goose chase to find a handful of people when they could be anywhere in the world. But it is a deeply drastic move they have pulled, to flee the country over paying for something that they made up.

There will be an update on this serious issue as soon as we get it.

OTHER NEWS

WWF To Release Talent After Royal Rumble PPV

To cut costs after money is literally flowing away from the company, the World Wrestling Federation has called for the release of the following talent two shows after the Royal Rumble:

Faarooq

Jacques Rougeau

Marc Mero

Tully Blanchard

The WWF wishes them the best of luck in the future.

WWF Monday Night Raw (16/01/1995)

Crush vs. Giant Gonzalez

Crush storms in the ring with a large percentage of the crowd cheering him - he looks up and talks trash to Gonzalez, who in turn shoves Crush backwards. Crush powers back with a push of his own that barely stumbles Giant Gonzalez.

Gonzalez retaliates and pounds away at Crush, sending him down to a knee. Crush powers back with shots to the stomach but Gonzalez stuns Crush with a headbutt.

As the two continue to bitterly fight, Ted DiBiase and Jeff Jarrett sprint to ringside and get in the ring. DiBiase tries to tame Gonzalez while Jarrett talks to Crush. Crush immediately starts kicking and punching Jarrett, causing DiBiase to attack him from behind and lock in the Million Dollar Dream.

Even though the bell is sounded, they continue fighting. DiBiase relinquishes the hold and clotheslines Crush. Gonzalez rests against the ropes then shoots forward, Splashing Crush.

Winner: Crush by DQ

Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Diesel w/The Clique

Bam Bam starts off immediately, pounding away at the back of Diesel. Diesel uses some knees to the abdomen to try to get back in the fight, but Bam Bam rams Diesel back into the corner and chops away at him. At that moment, 1-2-3 Kid jumps up on the apron, and gets hiptossed into the ring and then gets knocked down again by a right hand from Bigelow.

Diesel shoots out of the corner and floors Bam Bam with a clothesline. He then uses mounted punches to tire Bigelow, but he gets up fairly quickly. Diesel uses straight right hands and then kicks Bigelow in the stomach and sets him up for the Jackknife - only to be backdropped out of the move by Bam Bam.

1-2-3 Kid runs in but gets hit with a big kick to the stomach as he charges in. Diesel tries a Big Boot but he accidently hits the referee. Diesel knocks down Bigelow with a clothesline but he gets straight back up and Diesel tries another Big Boot - but Bigelow grabs his leg.

At that second Shawn Michaels slides into the ring and nails Bigelow with the Sweet Chin Music, knocking him off his feet. Diesel drops a leg drop and the groggy referee slowly counts to three.

Winner: Diesel

Demolition Interview

Ax and Smash stand poised for their upcoming Tag Team match. Ax starts in his usual shouting voice.

Ax: Once again, Demolition, have the chance to win the ultimate prize. The symbol, of being the best tag team in the world. 'Cos we are. Now we just need proof. We will be Tag Team champions for the fourth time.

Smash: Let's go, [tongue out] errrrrrrrrrr!

Ax and Smash walk out of the Interview area, and are jumped by Crush turning a corner.

Crush: How you doing?

Ax: We're in our prime! We're better than we have EVER been and I don't think you want us to prove it.

Crush: Hey, calm down. I'm just here to wish you good luck for your Tag Title match which is up next. Although we had some issues since, we used to be the best stable in the world.

Smash: You're stuck in the past Crush, we don't care what happened in 1990 or just five minutes ago, do you understand? Now we're gonna go take care of business!

Demolition vs. The Von Erichs vs. Native American Lawmen

for the WWF Tag Team Championship

Ax and The Big Bossman start off the bout, both Von Erichs are in their corner. Ax and Bossman both beat away at each other using stiff right hands and clotheslines. But Bossman would wind up getting the better of Ax and hit him with a Headbutt. Then he tagged out to Kerry Von Erich.

Kerry sped into the ring and kicked and punched away at Ax but Ax easily over-powered Kerry and slammed him. Ax dropped a number of elbow drops on Kerry before tagging out to Smash. Demolition double teamed Kerry for a while, causing Kevin to run in and try to battle Smash.

Smash throws Kevin Von Erich out of the ring then pounds away at Kerry while he is down. Kerry evades an attack and rolls up Smash for a small package, but fails to get the three count. Kerry crawls over and tags The Big Bossman.

Bossman pounds away at Smash with hard right hands then whips him off the ropes and hits a Big Boot. Ax comes in and tries to mount an assault on Bossman but he hiptosses him across the ring. Kerry and Kevin Von Erich then climb onto the top rope, and, hand-in-hand, dive off and clothesline Bossman. Tatanka runs in and clotheslines both The Von Erichs.

All three teams brawl away in the ring, Smash and Ax sneak attack Tatanka, while The Bossman is beating down both of the Von Erichs single handedly. A powerslam to Kevin leaves him not moving on the canvas. Tatanka makes a comeback against Demolition and hits Ax with the Tomahawk Chop after incapacitating Smash.

Towards the end of the match, after some sort of order had been layed down, Bossman and Kerry Von Erich are the legal men. Bossman chokeslams Kerry and then goes for the cover, but both members of Demolition storm in and break it up. Tatanka double clotheslines them and Kevin Von Erich misses an aerial attack on Tatanka as Bossman slams Kerry to the canvas for the three count.

Winners: Native American Lawmen [retain]

Bob Backlund's first appearance

Ted DiBiase paces up and down the parking lot along with Jeff Jarrett; then, a car appears, and screeches to a stop.

DiBiase: Bwahaha! Here he is!

J.R.:Wait a minute! Who is in the car?

Vince: Well it looks as if we're about to find out.

BOB BACKLUND steps out of the car and shakes hands with both Ted DiBiase and Jeff Jarrett as they all smile.

J.R.: Bob Backlund! That's former WWF Champion Bob Backlund!

Vince: It sure is, J.R. What is he doing with the likes of Ted DiBiase?

J.R.: I shudder to think, McMahon.

Bob Backlund walks into the arena with Ted DiBiase and Jeff Jarrett behind him.

Royal Rumble reminder

A graphic is played showing the date etc. of the Royal Rumble.

Goldust vs. Wild Pegasus

Goldust walks in and "heavy breathes" in Pegasus' face. Pegasus retaliates and tries a left hand shot but Goldust was ready and nails Pegasus with a hard uppercut, followed by an extremely hard clothesline. Goldust tries for the cover there and then but barely even gets a one count.

Pegasus came back into the match and nails Goldust with a clothesline of his own, followed by multiple stomps. Pegasus picks him up then knocks him straight back down, with a dropkick. Pegasus uses a falling headbutt on Goldust, which concequently, cuts open Pegasus' head slightly. Goldust sees the cut and punches him - then scrapes and claws away at the cut, making it even worse.

Goldust bounces off the ropes and tries a huge flying clothesline, but Pegasus dropped himself to the canvas, and Goldust's throat struck the top rope. Pegasus rolled up Goldust for the three count, Goldust kicked out but he was a split second too late.

Winner: Wild Pegasus

Owen Hart Interview

Owen was questioned about the following match-up with his brother Bret.

Owen: Well, you know, I've never been comfortable with this situation since that night, back at Royal Rumble '93. This is the worst thing that could ever happen to a wrestler - to have such a great bond with your brother in the ring, and then, BANG, they turn on you just like that. To everyone that that has happened to, and me, that proves a lot. It either proves that: One, they never liked you anyway, Two, they think you're stopping their career, which makes you question your ability, and Three - it proves what people's true colours are really like, and that makes the victim feel like one hell of a FOOL. And I was a fool Bret, to have ever considered you a brother.

Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart

Owen Hart runs into the ring and beats the hell out of Bret Hart right from the start. Owen kicks Bret then chokes him down in the corner, he gets in the referee's face after they tell him to stop, allowing Bret to capitalize by tripping up Owen.

Bret stomps away at Owen - tries to lock in the Sharpshooter but gets recoiled back into the turnbuckes by Owen. Owen then rolls him up for a Small Package but gets a two count only.

Bret powers back with a shot to the ribs, then a headbutt on Owen. Bret uses a Shoulderbreaker then tries once again to lock in the Sharpshooter, but Owen again escapes the hold. Owen rises up and smacks Bret with the Enziguri and locks in the Sharpshooter first time.

Bret shows no signs of tapping out and reaches the ropes - Owen breaks the hold. Bret hits a low blow then hits a Neckbreaker. Both men are down and worn out.

Bret punches away at the stomach while Owen has him in a headlock and tackles Owen to the floor before finally locking in the Sharpshooter. Owen, like Bret, does not tap out and wriggles out of the hold. Bret tries to get the cover, but Owen slowly raises a shoulder off the canvas.

Bret starts to taunt to the crowd while Owen jumps and springs to his feet. Owen walks up slowly behind Bret, spins him round, and then lifts him up onto his shoulder and nails him with a spectacular Tombstone for the three count.

Winner: Owen Hart

Video Angle

A video is played, showing highlights of Undertaker and Flair's past matches.

Ric Flair & Arn Anderson vs. Ted DiBiase & The Undertaker

Flair starts the match along with DiBiase. Flair, fast-paced, walks in and nails DiBiase with a stiff right hand, knocking Ted off his feet. He falls victim to two more after he gets up. Flair gets grabbed by Taker when he nears the corner, allowing DiBiase to nail Flair and tag Undertaker.

Undertaker immediately sprinted to the opposite corner and nailed Anderson with a Big Boot - knocking him off the apron and sending him stomach first into the top of the metal railings. Flair ran in and nailed Taker with right hands but Undertaker capitalised and slammed Flair.

Anderson powered back into the ring favouring his chest and tried to mount an attack on The Undertaker but Taker grabbed him by the throat and Chokeslammed him. Flair tried to attack Taker but was grabbed by DiBiase who locked in the Million Dollar Dream. Undertaker punched Flair in the stomach and then Tombstoned Flair to get the three count.

Winners: DiBiase & The Undertaker

Royal Rumble Card Settled

January 22nd, 1995 -

>> La Parka vs. Brutus Beefcake vs. IRS

>> Eddy Guerrero vs. Jerry Lynn

The Clique vs. The Million Dollar Team

>> Diesel vs. Bob Backlund

Tag Team Championship

>> Native American Lawmen vs. The Hart Foundation

No Holds Barred

>> Randy Savage vs. Robbie V

WWF Championship Match

>> The Undertaker vs. Owen Hart

>> The 30-man Royal Rumble Match

Including: Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Ric Flair, 1-2-3 Kid, Bret Hart, Goldust [Rhodes], The British Bulldog, Sabu, Lion Heart, Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramon, Crush, Arn Anderson, Unknown P, Wild Pegasus, Ax, Smash, Jake Roberts, Diesel, Marty Jannetty [sub. for HHH], Big Bossman, Tatanka, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Ted DiBiase, Adam Bomb, Jeff Jarrett, Mr. Perfect, Mick Foley.... and one mystery guest.

History of the Rumble

Over the seven years that The Royal Rumble has been running, it has always been one of the most well-liked Pay Per Views ever created. It's the one time in the year that you get to see 30 of the Federation's top talent mixing it up. It's the ultimate push for someone who has been fighting in the lower ranks to come and win the Royal Rumble - their quest for stardom begins here. The Rumble elevates careers, and while people may not win the bout, their hour long top notch performances will be etched into the memories of fans forever.

Here's a look back at the past three Royal Rumbles.

Royal Rumble 1992

The late Andre The Giant [#20] would emerge the winner; eventually eliminating The Undertaker [#25]. But remembered more than this perhaps is the performances dealt out by Hulk Hogan (entering #1), Diesel (#2) and Hunter Hearst Helmsley (#8). Hogan was in the thick of the battle, to be precise, around 53 minutes, before being eliminated by Roddy Piper. Diesel battled with rival [then] Shawn Michaels after cleaning the ring apart from Hulk, and lasted around 37 minutes. Hunter Hearst Helmsley [then a fan favourite] made an impact by eliminating Diesel and Jim Duggan in a space of two minutes, and got into a bitter war with entrant Steve Austin, who he fought earlier in the night [#17] and the two escaped the ring without being eliminated, but neither man returned, ending HHH's run at 22 minutes.

Also on the card:

Hunter Hearst Helmsley def. Steve Austin

The Nasty Boys def. The Natural Disasters to win the Tag Team Championship

Steel Cage Match

Ax def. Crush

Jake Roberts def. Jim Duggan

Royal Rumble 1993

Ric Flair [#14] won the Royal Rumble in '93, eliminating Bret Hart [#30]. Fans were on Flair's side, despite him being one of the most hated on the roster at the time, because Bret, prior to the match, turned on his brother Owen in a Tag Team Match. The longest performance went to Mr. Perfect [#4] with a 51 minute performance that meant he was one of the last eliminated. Giant Gonzalez [#15] hoped to follow in Andre's footsteps and use his power to eliminate people all the time, but he was eliminated by Mr. Perfect, Scotty The Body, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Smash and Ax after a matter of exactly 17 seconds.

Also on the card:

Kerry Von Erich def. Dynamite Kid

The Nasty Boys def. Bret & Owen Hart to retain the Tag Team Championship

Sting def. Randy Savage to retain the WWF Championship

Royal Rumble 1994

Randy Savage [#11] would emerge as the victor of this Rumble , after a mammoth one on one battle with Lion Heart [#22], but Lion Heart came back into the ring and while many fans thought he would assault The Macho Man, he extended his hand for a sportsmanship-like handshake. The winner made the longest performance too - around 43 minutes, closely seconded by The 1-2-3 Kid [#9] who made 36 minutes. Crush [#1] made the shortest, eliminated by number 2 entrant Jake Roberts almost immediately after the opening bell.

Also on the card:

No Holds Barred

Cactus Jack def. Hunter Hearst Helmsley

The Von Erichs def. The Quebecers to win the Tag Team Championship

1-2-3 Kid def. Sir Steven Regal

Unknown P def. Perry Saturn

Hulk Hogan def. The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels to retain the WWF Championship

Monday Night Raw Spoiler for 16th January 1995

Crush vs. Giant Gonzalez - Ted DiBiase blasted Crush on Superstars last night after he tried to attack fellow Million Dollar Team member Giant Gonzalez. Will their "friendly feud" cause total destruction for The Million Dollar Team just days before The Royal Rumble?

Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Diesel w/The Clique - Two mammoths get it on in what looks to be a competitive match-up tonight.

Demolition vs. The Von Erichs vs. Native American Lawmen for the Tag Team Championship - Three mega-popular fan favourite teams collide in this three way match. With Native American Lawmen going into the Royal Rumble facing the Hart Foundation - will they play a part in the Tag Team Championship deciding?

Wild Pegasus vs. Goldust - The old feud could re-heat in this match. Rhodes ended up with a broken nose the last time they hooked up - will Rhodes intend to do the same thing to him tonight?

Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart - The family feud never went off the boil since 1993 and the two have beat each other down at any opportunity. With Owen going to the Rumble to face The Undertaker - will Bret soften him up for Taker to get an easy job at the Rumble?

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson vs. Ted DiBiase and The Undertaker - Flair and The Undertaker will surely take this opportunity to attack each other once again. With Ted DiBiase leading The Million Dollar Team, will they make an impact in the outcome of this bout?

WWF Superstars (15/01/1995)

Giant Gonzalez vs. Adam Bomb w/The Million Dollar Team

Gonzalez immediately goes to work on Adam Bomb with hard stiff right hands, staggering the 6' 10'' superstar. A Big Boot follows up and Adam spins over the top rope and crashes to the ground as Ted DiBiase, Jeff Jarrett, Crush and The Barbarian scurry away from him. They help him up then he gets back in the ring.

DiBiase distracts Gonzalez by getting on the ring apron and Adam Bomb tries to capitalize by firing away with mean right hands, but they are no match for Gonzalez as he locks Adam in a Bearhug. After around 15 seconds, Adam taps out.

After the bout, The entire Million Dollar Team swarm over Gonzalez and beat him down. All of a sudden, SGT. SLAUGHTER emerges from the curtan and takes out DiBiase and Crush with a flagpole. The British Bulldog appears and takes care Jeff Jarrett and Barbarian both at once.

After the ring is clear of all The Million Dollar Team except Crush, he and Gonzalez have a heated staredown, until Gonzalez knocks out Slaughter out of nowhere with a huge Big Boot. The Million Dollar Team return to the ring and celebrate as he joins the Stable.

All except Crush.

Winner: Giant Gonzalez

Authority Angle

Gorilla Monsoon sits at his desk in the WWF President's office.

Gorilla: I some bad news for the WWF fans. WWF Superstar and member of Shawn Michaels' stable, The Clique - Hunter Hearst Helmsley - broke his left leg in a match in Texas on Wednesday.

[Video footage of the last couple of minutes of the match are played while Gorilla still speaks]

Gorilla: It is going to be a long wait for Helmsley to return - it will be around seven to eight months before we see Helmsley in the ring again. Get well soon, Hunter. Thank you, that is all.

Brutus Beefcake Interview

Brutus talks about La Parka.

Brutus: Well you know when the draw for the Royal Rumble was made - I was, most disappointed, to find out that I was not on the list! So once again I don't get to go on and win the thing so I can become WWF Champion for the first time. But another thing I noticed Gene was that, La Parka's, name was also, not on, the list. So let's get down to business, come on Parka I know you're watchin'. Yeah you're watching - so listen good. You and me - The Royal Rumble. Get my drift? Good.

Brutus walks off.

Crush w/Million Dollar Team vs. Big Bossman w/Tatanka

Crush walks to the ring wary of the huge Giant Gonzalez behind him. He looks most disgusted as he gets into the ring.

Bossman starts off though, with hard right hands on Crush. But Crush fights back with rights of his own then shots to the stomach. Crush hits a mule kick on Bossman to the stomach, knocking him over. Tatanka tries to cheer on Bossman, but Crush continues to beat him down.

Bossman counters a Double Axe Handle from the top rope and nails him with a shot to the stomach as he flies down. Bossman pounds away at Crush then smacks him with a headbutt. Crush gets back into the match though and punches Bossman in the face then whips him off the ropes. Bossman reverses the whip at the last second, and Giant Gonzalez, trying to grab Bossman's foot, grabs Crush's. Crush takes a swing at Gonzalez but he steps back and holds his hands up as DiBiase shouts at Crush.

Bossman rests in the corner as the two biggest men in the stable have an argument. And just like that, Crush has been counted out.

Winner: Big Bossman by count-out

HBK talks trash before his match

Shawn Michaels, along with Razor Ramon, appears ahead of his match with Mr. Perfect and Marty Jannetty.

HBK: Well, you know, I feel a little under the weather tonight, [fans boo] so I'm not going to be wrestling my match tonight. I'm going to sit down at ringside, with the best seat in the house, and watch Razor here, get the job done.

Out from behind them, Marty Janetty appears and dropkicks Shawn Michaels in the back. Razor tries to mount an attack on Jannetty but Marty hits another dropkick. Marty grabs Shawn and takes him down to the ring.

Mr. Perfect vs. Marty Jannetty vs. Shawn Michaels

for the WWF Intercontinental Championship

Jannetty punches and kicks away at HBK in the corner, he lays gasping for air. Jannetty pulls him into the centre of the ring then smacks him with a huge Clothesline. He goes for the cover but Mr. Perfect hasn't turned up yet - so the match hasn't properly started.

Marty stomps away at HBK then throws him over the top rope. As Marty walks over to the announce position to get a weapon of some kind, HBK wastes no time and clotheslines Marty onto the announce table, staggering your announcers, J.R. and Vince McMahon.

Mr. Perfect makes a sneaky entrance while the two are brawling and crawls in the ring. The bell sounds as the two are still brawling around the announce position. Marty smacks HBK in the chest a couple of times - then rams his head into the steps. Mr. Perfect grabs Jannetty by the hair from inside the ring, allowing HBK to capitalise and throw Jannetty into the ring. But as HBK climbs in, Perfect nails him with a huge right hand.

Perfect then focuses on Jannetty, wearing him down with a Sleeper Hold. HBK strides in and smacks Jannetty with the Sweet Chin Music while the hold is applied. Perfect gets hit as well though and strikes the turnbuckles as Jannetty clotheslines HBK out of nowhere.

At the end of the bout, Jannetty and Michaels double team Mr. Perfect and take him out of the match but Michaels hits Jannetty with the second Sweet Chin Music. Perfect comes in and breaks up the cover and abruptly wraps up the match with a Perfect Plex.

Winner: Mr. Perfect

Ric Flair Interview

Ric Flair talks about the upcoming match.

Flair: Well well well here I am, once again, talking about The Undertaker, WOOO, and how he's gonna be beaten, just like I did two weeks ago. And now, my old pal and former tag team partner, Lion Heart, is gonna do the same, and that's the reason, that I'm going to be sitting at ringside! WOOO!

Lion Heart walks in.

Lion Heart: I'd just like to say that they don't get any bigger or better than Ric Flair [Flair smiles] and they certainly don't get any dingier or gloomier than The Undertaker! And as much as I would like to have you in my corner, I know the situation you are going through with Taker, I was there not long ago, the answer is no. [Flair's smile flattens out] I've got to do this alone and I'm gonna prove that I can still beat The Undertaker.

Flair looks angry as Lion Heart walks off.

The Undertaker vs. Lion Heart

Lion Heart starts off with tremendous pace - bombarding The Undertaker with forearms and kicks at the start of the bout. The Undertaker replies with three huge uppercut shots on Lion Heart - he grabs Lion Heart by the throat but he kicks him in the stomach then amazingly suplexes The Undertaker - but he gets straight back up.

Ric Flair slowly makes his way down to the ring as Lion Heart is distracted. Undertaker capitalizes and beats away at Lion Heart and chokes him down in the middle of the ring. The Undertaker throws Lion Heart down and then stalks Ric Flair around the ring. Adjusting his gloves as he walks, The Undertaker sprints with tremendous speed and grabs Flair.

He takes Flair and throws him into the ringpost as Lion Heart jumps on the back of Taker, locking in a Sleeper Hold. Undertaker wriggles out of the move, props Lion Heart on his shoulder and slams him onto the mats below.

Undertaker drags Lion Heart into the ring and hits a legdrop. He tries for a pin but only gets a two count. Lion Heart counters and locks Undertaker in an armbar for about 5 seconds before the hold is countered - Undertaker grabs Lion Heart by the throat and hoists him up for a powerful Chokeslam for the three count.

Ric Flair runs into the ring and chops away at The Undertaker, Lion Heart kicks Taker while Ric Flair hits a chop so hard he falls backwards and gets caught and tied up in the ropes. Flair gets a steel chair and holds it in front of The Undertaker's face, Lion Heart speeds in and dropkicks the chair into the face of The Undertaker.

Winner: The Undertaker

Sorry the Superstars event seems to have posted twice. I don't know why.

sorry!!

WWF Superstars Spoiler for 15th January [next show]

Giant Gonzalez will be taking on Adam Bomb w/Million Dollar Team - yet another member of the Million Dollar Team. With the Rumble just one week away - will the Team learn how to work effectively in one of their last opportunities to do so?

Crush w/Million Dollar Team vs. Big Bossman w/Tatanka - two huge mammoths get it on it what looks to be a competitive match-up. Will Tatanka be able to keep the Million Dollar Team at bay?

Mr. Perfect vs. Marty Jannetty vs. Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental Championship - this looks to be the highlight of the night with HBK and Jannetty's past bad blood, who will emerge as IC Champ?

The Undertaker vs. Lion Heart - this old feud could produce a fantastic match between the two. We saw their highly competitive matches in the Autumn and this match won't disappoint.

INSIDE THE WRESTLING WORLD MAGAZINE January 11, 1995

Bob Backlund re-joins the WWF

Former longtime WWF World Champion Bob Backlund has returned to the World Wrestling Federation sometime this week. He is expected to debut soon, near the Royal Rumble.

Backlund doesn't feel that the WWF is going to stay in financial trouble for very long.

"If I know Vince McMahon from the past," Backlund commented. "It's that he will, somehow, he will get the WWF out of the black hole they're in at the moment. It feels great to be back. If there was one company I felt safe and happy working for, it's the WWF."

Things have definitely changed since the time he quit the Federation back in 1984 - the fans expect a lot more glamorous approach to things and things are certainly given a more cutting edge approach in the ways that matches last longer and the match types are getting "riskier".

Will Backlund be able to draw crowds? Only time will tell.

OTHER NEWS

Hunter Hearst Helmsley injury blow

WWF mid-carder Hunter Hearst Helmsley was sidelined yesterday in a house show event after breaking his leg in a match against Owen Hart. Helmsley would have continued on but he couldn't stand up so Owen Hart laid on him gently to end the match quickly and safely.

___________________________________________________________________________

Superstars Results - 8th January 1995

Ricky Morton def. Jim Neidhart

The Thrillseekers def. Mr. Perfect & Wild Pegasus

WWF Championship

The Undertaker def. Tatanka

#1 Contendership 10-Man Royal Rumble

Owen Hart def. Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Jake Roberts, Bret Hart, Ted DiBiase, Robbie V, Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior to keep his Royal Rumble title shot

Monday Night Raw Results - 9th January 1995

Giant Gonzalez def. Barbarian

Mick Foley def. Tully Blanchard

Tag Team Championship

Native American Lawmen def. Demolition

Diesel def. Owen Hart [shawn Michaels refused to fight Owen and got Diesel to]

The Undertaker def. Ric Flair

WWF Monday Night Raw (09/01/1995)

Giant Gonzalez vs. Barbarian

Barbarian starts off trying to attack Gonzalez, but Gonzalez grabs him and throws him backwards. Gonzalez grabs Barbarian and picks him up then hits an overhand punch. He bounces off the ropes then out of nowhere throws himself in the air and attempts a huge elbow drop, but he misses.

Barbarian starts to mount a comeback, punching and kicking away at Gonzalez while he tries to get up. The Barbarian tries to lift Giant Gonzalez up for a slam - but Gonzalez falls on top of Barbarian for the easy three count.

Winner: Giant Gonzalez

Ted DiBiase Interview

Ted DiBiase talked about the previous match.

Ted DiBiase: Well little man, you could not get more of a fluke than that match that we all saw because I bought The Barbarian and I know that he can beat anybody. And that Giant Gonzalez is one cheap man who I could buy for peanuts if I wanted to.

DiBiase storms off.

Mick Foley vs. Tully Blanchard

Mick Foley starts off with right hand after right hand on Blanchard, then he clotheslines him over the top rope. They brawl around the ring for a long time, the referee not quite counting them out before they get back into the ring.

As Mick enters the ring, Blanchard attacks him with an axe handle attack then scoop slams Foley. Tully drops an elbow on Foley and gets only a one count before he powers out of the pin. Mick Foley comes back and DDTs Blanchard.

Mick clotheslines Tully from out of the corner then Blanchard stumbles into a Claw Hold [1st time he performs Mandible Claw] for an immediate Submission.

Winner: Mankind

Backstage Angle

The Undertaker and Paul Bearer are doing an interview [indistinctly] and out of nowhere Ric Flair appears and attacks Undertaker with a steel chair then stomps away at him.

Announcer: We need some help over here! Let's get some security over here! Quick!!

Paul Bearer appears from the corner of the camera and smacks the urn over Flair's back.

Announcer: Flair's beating down Undertaker, and wait a minute, Bearer just hit Flair in the back with the urn! Let's get some medical help and some security here fast!!

Native American Lawmen vs. Demolition

for the WWF Tag Team Championship

Tatanka and Ax start the match. Both strengths are even, Tatanka chops away at Ax while Ax pounds away with stiff right hands on Tatanka. Ax replies with a clothesline that knocks Tatanka down.

Ax uses his trademark axe handle attacks on Tatanka while he is down then swiftly tags Smash who uses a straight right hand to once again floor Tatanka. Tatanka powers back though with shots to the chest and stomach then a huge chop that sends Smash to the canvas. Tatanka then tags The Bossman.

Big Bossman comes in with a huge impact on Smash with a massive headbutt. Bossman slams Smash down in the centre of the ring then delivers an elbow drop. Ax climbs the Demolition corner turnbuckle but Bossman catches him by the throat and delivers a Chokeslam to Ax. While he rolls out of the ring, Smash rakes the eyes of The Bossman and fires off with hard right hands. Bossman retaliates with a huge clothesline then tags Tatanka back in.

Tatanka leaps to the top turnbuckle then delivers the Tomahawk Chop to Smash, but Ax comes in and clotheslines him. Bossman then delivers the Boss Man Slam to Ax and then places Tatanka on top of Smash for the three count.

Winners: Native American Lawmen

HBK talks trash before his match

Owen Hart's entrance music plays, as he makes his way to the ring and stands ready for his match with Shawn Michaels.

HBK appears with a mic and stands by the entrance curtain. The Clique then appear behind him.

HBK: You see, Owen, after that match that you cheated to win, [fans boo] I think that you should pay a price. Now I haven't discussed anything with the brains of the operation, but that's what The Clique does. Look. You just, don't want to face me. You saw what we can do to people when we commanded The Undertaker to destroy that old dirtbag has-been Ric Flair. [fans boo] It's career suicide.

Owen: Hey I don't care who I have to face, I'll beat them, just so I can wipe that smug look of your face.

HBK: Now just wait a second? What did I hear? Did you say 'anyone'? Whoa! Thanks for the idea. This is what I'm going to do - and there's no point you spittin' the dummy because, you don't have a say! If you can beat big ol' Diesel here [Diesel raises his arms] then you get me immediately afterwards. Got it? Oh and by the way, if, err... yours truly... or anyone else interferes, there will be no DQ!

Diesel w/The Clique vs. Owen Hart (If Owen wins he gets Shawn Michaels straight after)

Diesel gets hit with a huge dropkick by Owen to start the bout off. Owen punches away at Diesel while he is down but Diesel hits him with a Big Boot. Then he drops an elbow, followed by two more.

On the 4th attempt, Owen moves. Then he locks in the Sharpshooter but Diesel reaches the ropes before tapping out. Shawn Michaels gets in the ring and beats up Owen Hart. Owen fights him off but Diesel comes in with a huge right hand backing him into the corner. Diesel stomps away at Owen then chokes him down. Diesel tries to drop a legdrop but Owen moves out of the way.

Owen then hits Diesel with a huge Piledriver, Diesel lays not moving on the canvas. At this point both Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Razor Ramon interfere and beat Owen down - they whip him off the ropes but Owen comes back with a double clothesline.

Diesel comes back - capitalising on the interference once again and hits the Jackknife Powerbomb on Owen for the win. HBK then climbs to the top rope and delivers the Elbow Drop - they leave Owen down on the canvas.

Owen does not get HBK one on one!

Winner: Diesel

Gorilla Monsoon Authority Angle

WWF President Gorilla Monsoon comes to the ring on the microphone.

Gorilla: I am disgusted by what I have just saw. I order that Shawn Michaels' stable get out here right now.

The Clique's music plays as they slowly make their way to, and get in, the ring.

HBK: Incase you didn't notice through them 80s tinted shades of yours - we have a name! We're the Clique -old timer, the biggest and best stable in this industry.

Gorilla: I don't care who you think you are. I am the president here incase you haven't noticed... and....

HBK: Wait a second! You see, I think, you're the one who hasn't noticed something [gets in Gorilla's face] We dont bother what rules you blabber on about - we're not gonna follow them!! [gets out of his face]

Gorilla Monsoon looks shocked.

Gorilla: Well in that case... I have no choice but to suspend you from the WWF [fans go nuts] until after WrestleMania XI!

The other members of The Clique erupt. Then Ted DiBiase's theme tune plays as he enters the ring, leader of the other stable "Million Dollar Team"

DiBiase: Now just wait a damn second there Gorilla. Listen. I know that I own the better stable and if it were 5 years ago, I could beat them all in 10 seconds - but there are a number of reasons why its IMPOSSIBLE for you to suspend Shawn Michaels until after WrestleMania. [fans boo] Number One, think of the Royal Rumble. They want to see the Stable vs. Stable match-up between Diesel here, and my mystery buy - but if Shawn is gone - who's gonna be in Diesel's corner. Hunter Hearst Helmsley? No offence Hunter, but I think Shawn is a little more experienced.

Hunter: As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. And another thing is if you suspend HBK, we're gonna make your life a living hell until the day you die! [fans boo]

Gorilla: Ok..ok.. calm down. The only way to resolve this another way is that we have Shawn Michaels.....vs. Owen Hart [fans cheer] and that match will take place next week on Superstars!

The Undertaker w/Paul Bearer vs. Ric Flair

The Undertaker starts off with uppercuts and right hands, then focuses on Ric Flair's injured back. Flair rolls around in pain as Undertaker adjusts his gloves and slowly paces over to Flair. He picks him up but falls victim to a Low Blow.

The Undertaker, still standing, gets chopped and chopped again but Taker grabs Flair and launches him with tremendous speed into the corner. He grabs Flair's arm and walks the top rope. As he is about to jump off Flair steps the opposite direction of the ropes and Undertaker crashes to the canvas. Flair rolls outside and grabs a steel chair.

As he is about to crack The Undertaker with the weapon the referee grabs the chair and refuses to let him use it. Flair attacks Taker then goes outside and gets yet another chair. Undertaker uses a Big Boot to repel the chair back in his face, the ref does not disqualify him.

Flair stands up - his face is covered in blood as he valiantly tries to fight back but to no luck as Taker pounds away and violently grabs Flair and "claws" away at the cut on his forehead. Undertaker grabs Flair then tries to hit the Tombstone but Flair slides out of the back. Taker turns round and knocks him out of the ring. Flair doesn't return until a late eight count.

The Undertaker tries a Big Boot but Flair ducks and uses stiff right hands on Taker, staggering him. Flair bounces off the ropes but Taker grabs him by the throat and hurls him up for a huge Chokeslam. The bloody Flair lays not moving as Undertaker gets the three count.

Winner: The Undertaker

INSIDE THE WRESTLING WORLD EXLCUSIVE ISSUE January 9, 1995

The Federation coughs up for Sting - but not single handedly

The World Wrestling Federation has asked for negotiations for Sting's amount of "compensation" for the bad treatment he suffered towards the end of 1993.

They have negotiated at $885,000, which means that Sting's offer could have easily been well over the $1,000,000 mark. The Federation is experiencing bad ratings and business at the moment and needs to keep as much money safe as possible.

Vince McMahon wants the WCW fans responsible to give him a majority of the compensation.

"I hope that the people who were responsible for Steve's leaving are happy," Vince McMahon said. "I will not take $900,000 out of the WWF funds. It's just not going to happen. I'm going to pay some, but them fans are going to pay - whether we have to settle this in court or not. They're the ones that pushed Sting away and went to the papers, not me, so I shouldn't have to pay."

The Federation are obviously in no motive to hand Sting the $885,000 but they are willing to pay a percentage.

OTHER NEWS

Ahmed Johnson signs with the WWF

Wrestler "The Nightbreeder" aka Ahmed Johnson has signed with the WWF. He has signed a two year contract which will keep him there until after WrestleMania XIII.

Ahmed has been wrestling since 1988 and has enjoyed multiple tenures with WCW before moving on to the Independents in 1992. Now he feels he's ready to step back in the global scene.

This week on Monday Night Raw

Giant Gonzalez vs. Barbarian

Mick Foley vs. Tully Blanchard

Tag Team Championship

Native American Lawmen vs. Demolition

Owen Hart vs. Shawn Michaels

The Undertaker vs. Ric Flair

WWF Superstars (08/01/1995)

The show kicks off with its first match.

Ricky Morton w/Robert Gibson vs. Jim Neidhart w/Bret Hart

Ricky and Neidhart locked up in the centre of the ring and Neidhart pushed him backward. Neidhart grabbed the arm of Morton and threw him for a big hiptoss. Ricky Morton sped back up though and hit Neidhart with a dropkick to the knee, causing him to stumble and fall to one knee. Morton then hit a spectuacular two footed running dropkick to Neidhart's mouth, getting a two count from the referee at this early stage.

Neidhart fought back though and rammed Morton into the turnbuckle. Neidhart then body slammed Morton in the middle of the ring and dropped an elbow. Ricky Morton countered a pin attempt and rolled Neidhart over for a small package, but Bret Hart jumped on the apron. Robert Gibson sprinted over and grabbed Hart and hit him with a mean right hand.

Ricky Morton capitalized on the brawl outside and rolled up a distracted Jim Neidhart to get the win.

Winner: Ricky Morton

Lion Heart Interview

Lion Heart talked about teaming with Lance Storm again in his upcoming match.

Lion Heart: Well you know Gene [Okerlund], maybe it's just not the tag team division's year. It certainly wasn't in 1991, when we made our name for ourselves on WWF TV - and now that Lance Storm is back in the WWF to save it - we will teach Mr. Perfect, we will teach Wild Pegasus, that we are the Perfect ones, and we are most certainly, the Wild ones! And if you're the little children who haven't seen us before, you can expect something more than just a wrestling match, it's going to be a brutal war!

Gene: How do you feel about not being in the No. 1 Contender 10 man Royal Rumble here tonight?

Lion Heart: I don't have to win some stupid #1 Contendership Royal Rumble to get the title. I can get it my own way! Anyway I think Owen Hart'll keep that spot. He wants the title. And I think he deserves it.

The Thrillseekers vs. Wild Pegasus & Mr. Perfect

Lion Heart and Wild Pegasus start the match - Lion Heart bombardes Pegasus with forearm attacks then some mean kicks to the ribs. Pegasus comes back though, pushing Lion Heart to the floor and beating away at him with huge right hands. Pegasus tried to lock in a Crossface, but Jericho managed to wriggle out of it. Pegasus tries to clothesline Lion Heart but he ducks and flies halfway across the ring to tag Lance Storm./

Lance ducks a Pegasus right hand and uses some rights of his own, then a huge Super Kick to knock him down. Storm got a two count, then locks Wild Pegasus in a headlock - but Pegasus quickly escapes, and rushes to Mr. Perfect for the tag.

Mr. Perfect and Lance Storm lock up and Mr. Perfect uses a left hand shot to the stomach and then starts pounding away on Storm. A body slam by Perfect keeps Storm on the mat, so Perfect utilizes a kneedrop. Only gets a one count on the cover. Mr Perfect backs Storm in the corner and uses his knee to stomp him. Lion Heart walks down the ring apron and drops Perfect off the ring rope.

The referee warns Lion Heart about the illegal interference while Pegasus quickly assaults Storm with Perfect. Pegasus stays in but the referee kicks him out and Perfect must come back in. Perfect knocks Storm down with a clothesline. Extremely close two count.

Mr. Perfect drops an elbow - then goes outside and fetches his Intercontinental Belt. Stands poised ready to clock Storm with the title - but he ducks and the belt flies out of reach as Storm responds with a quick Super Kick, covering Perfect for a surprising end to the match up.

Winners: The Thrillseekers

The Undertaker vs. Tatanka

For the WWF Championship

Tatanka came into the match looking focused and pounded away at Taker with mean overhand chops and right hands, but they had no effect on the Deadman. The Undertaker returned with a chop of his own and a mean uppercut.

Tatanka slammed The Undertaker but he got straight back up. He pounded away at him more - leaving Taker slightly dazed. Tatanka climbed the top rope and delivered the Tomahawk Chop, it pushed The Undertaker backwards but he didn't fall over.

Tatanka tried the move again and it still had no effect. It took him 3 times to finally floor The Undertaker. But he only got a one count on the cover.

Undertaker sat up and delivered a chokeslam on Tatanka, then two consecutive Tombstone Piledrivers for the obvious three count.

Winner: The Undertaker

Shawn Michaels interview

Shawn Michaels talked about Ric Flair.

HBK: Well... The Nature Boy had it coming. You see, he was running his mouth off about how he should have done this and how he should have won this when no-one even cares! Or is his sight to bad to notice that? Talk about an old has-been.. you're lookin' at one when you look into the wrinkly face of Ric Flair.

Owen Hart appears behind him.

HBK: Whoa! Scary. Was that supposed to scare me? Little Owen Hart. Are you still crying about how Bret finally saw the light and left you behind? Awww...

Owen: Shut up Shawn. I just want to tell you that you don't wanna underestimate me in this Royal Rumble tonight, or you're gonna be regretting it.

Owen storms off.

HBK: Poor, poor Owen Hart. That's the kind of attitude you get when you haven't won a title - how big headed can he be? I'm allowed to be big headed - I've won the WWF Title - he hasn't.

We leave with Shawn looking confused.

10 Man Royal Rumble

for the No. 1 Contendership at the Royal Rumble

Contestants: Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Robbie V, Owen Hart, Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan,

Ultimate Warrior, Ted DiBiase, Arn Anderson, Jake Roberts

Entry #1. Bret Hart

Entry #2. Robbie V

Bret Hart tries to attack Robbie V but gets kicked in the chin for a superb spinning heel kick. Robbie tries to eliminate Bret there and then, but Bret rakes the eyes.

Bret executes a double arm suplex into the middle of the ring, then stomps away at Robbie and drops an elbow. Robbie V rolls out of the way of another elbow drop attempt and kicks Bret in the face, followed by lots of forearm shots. Out of nowhere, Bret hits a low blow, then locks in the Sharpshooter for around 30 seconds. Robbie V taps out after about 20 but the match can't end.

Entry #3. Shawn Michaels

HBK sprints down to ringside and hits the Sweet Chin Music to Bret while the Sharpshooter is applied. Then he tries to eliminate Robbie and he goes over the top rope but hangs on and swings himself back in. Shawn thinks he's eliminated though, until he is dropkicked in the back.

Bret Hart runs in and clotheslines Robbie V. All three men are down. Shawn Michaels powers to his feet - and grabs Bret, who pushes him away into the corner and kicks away at his chest. Robbie comes in and uses a back suplex on Bret.

Entry #4. Randy Savage

Savage enters the ring and Robbie tries to mount an attack but he's too worn down. Savage takes advantage and pounds away and chokes Robbie. He bounces off the far ropes and clotheslines Robbie over the top rope but the force sends him over too.

Randy Savage and Robbie V are eliminated

Bret Hart pounds away at the stomach and ribs of HBK - HBK answers back with a huge right hand. Both men hit a clothesline and they are both down. Bret Hart slowly gets up and tries to lock in the Sharpshooter but Shawn recoils and springs Bret back to the turnbuckles.

Bret walks into his second Sweet Chin Music.

Entry #5. Jake Roberts

Jake Roberts comes in and tees off on HBK - knocking him down. He hits Bret Hart with the DDT straight after. As Jake pounds away on Bret, Shawn runs in and tries to eliminate Jake but can't. Jake uses his trademark Short Clothesline on HBK then signals for a DDT. Jake gets him in position but HBK counters it into a brilliant Northern Lights Suplex.

Entry #6. Ted DiBiase

DiBiase and HBK team up on Jake Roberts and beat the hell out of him - but HBK turns on DiBiase and hits him with the Sweet Chin Music when he least expects it. Bret Hart returns out of nowhere and almost eliminates HBK - but he hangs on and backward rolls over the top rope. DiBiase locks in the Million $ Dream on Bret, But HBK runs in and dropkicks both of them sending DiBiase out of the match but Bret valiantly hangs on.

Ted DiBiase has been eliminated

Entry #7. Owen Hart

Owen Hart runs in and uses axe handle attacks on a grounded HBK but Jake comes in and assaults Owen.

Jake tries a DDT but Owen throws him over the top rope.

Jake Roberts has been eliminated

Bret Hart runs over with a dropkick to the knee of Owen - he calls HBK over. Bret uses an Irish Whip sending Owen into the ring while HBK hits the Sweet Chin Music.

HBK holds Owen up while Bret Hart tries a Sweet Chin Music of his own - but Owen falls to the ground and Bret smacks HBK - almost sending him over the top rope.

Owen uses a spinning heel kick on Bret, taking him out.

Entry #8. Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan taunts his way to the ring the usual way, then pounds away at HBK then Owen Hart and finally Bret Hart. HBK attempts a SCM but Hulk catches his leg then punches away at him, scoop slams him then hits the Leg Drop.

He and Owen Hart stare each other down as both Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels lay worn out on either side of the ring.

Entry #9. Arn Anderson

Hulk turns his head only to be blindsided by Owen Hart - who smacks Hogan with an Enziguri.

Arn chops away at Owen but Owen evades a shot and tugs Anderson over the top rope.

Arn Anderson has been eliminated

Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart beat the hell out of each other as Owen Hart dropkicks HBK over the top rope. Hogan tries a Leg Drop on Bret but Bret moves out of the way.

Shawn Michaels has been eliminated

Shawn returns to the ring and assaults all three men with the Sweet Chin Music. Then he uses an Elbow Drop from the top rope on Owen Hart before numerous referees escort him to the backstage area.

Entry #10. The Ultimate Warrior

Warrior powers to ringside as he eliminates Bret Hart almost immediately.

Bret Hart has been eliminated

The Ultimate Warrior powerslams Hulk Hogan then hits a Splash. Owen Hart comes back into the match and scoop slams the Warrior but he gets straight back up again and almost eliminates Owen with a huge right hand. Owen gets hit in the back then the Warrior looks to have him eliminated - but Hulk Hogan comes in and incredibly scoops The Warrior out of the match.

The Ultimate Warrior has been eliminated

Hulk Hogan whips Owen Hart off the ropes but Owen ducks a Big Boot and retaliates with a spinning heel kick on The Hulk. Owen hits a spinning heel kick to the stomach of Hulk, then another, and again, then he finally floors Hogan and locks him in the Sharpshooter.

BRET HART suddenly returns to the ringside area, powers through referees and gets in the ring and pushes Owen off of Hogan, then hitting him, and helping Hogan up, only to be hit with right hands from Hogan. Hogan throws Bret over the top rope and celebrates but Owen Hart comes in with an axe handle off the top rope and knocks out the Hulkster.

Winner: Owen Hart

INSIDE THE WRESTLING WORLD MAGAZINE [iTWW] January 4, 1995

Sting Sues the World Wrestling Federation

We have exclusive reports that Sting, the top wrestler who has fleed to Japan after so much bad press about alledged assault on old WCW fans for calling him a "traitor", causing him to walk out of the WWF in September 1993 with manic depression and stress, has sued the WWF.

Sting has always totally denied the remarks, and all of a sudden he sues the WWF for what is reported to be a 5 or 6 figure sum.

Sting assured ITWW that the sue was no offence to Vince McMahon.

"I am simply sueing the WCW half of the WWF," Sting said in an excluse interview that was conducted in Japan just yesterday. "I feel that the dead company should pay for what their fans did to me."

The fans emotionally destroyed Sting, causing him to take up alcohol - something the old Sting would never have done. He was turning up to shows minutes before his matches, often drunk. He fell out with Bret Hart - his new friend when he pushed him over in a drunk rampage.

Sting had joined the ranks of the wrestlers who turn up drunk - Razor Ramon appeared drunk in May 1991 but was given a warning and has not since. Some wish they were as lucky as stars like Andre The Giant - who in his heyday could put away pint after pint of beer and wrestle normally as if he hadn't drunk a drop. But Sting's quitting was broadcast on WWF Television - they thought they should actually talk about something this big even on the airwaves - but it was described as a "vacation to Japan" and few fans even noticed that Sting would never return.

After escaping to Japan, Sting is apparently back to normal. Working for AJPW [All Japan Pro Wrestling] he is a top draw. "The fans over here don't care about your past. They just care about your performance." He said.

According to Sting, Vince McMahon has also asked him to brave a return back to North America to put a kick-start in the WWF's battle to boost ratings, but he has always refused.

"He has offered me top money and guaranteed title reigns for me to come back." Sting said. "But I'm not going back. I've settled in here in Japan. I live here, I plan to have a family here and I'll probably end up dying here. It'll take something pretty special for me to turn around."

But the question is, does Sting really not want to get at Vince? And if he does, why? After all, it was WCW's fans that ruined him. So why sue WWF now?

Vince McMahon was almost lost for words when he heard about the news, and ITWW caught up with McMahon to get his side of the story.

"I am at a complete loss," Vince said. "I never imagined someone like Steve [steve Borden - Sting's real name] would do something like this, when he knew the situation the Federation was going through, it's just not him at all. And I have nothing else to say."

__________________________________________________________________________-

Superstars Results - January 1, 1995

IRS def. La Parka

Tag Team Championship

The Hart Foundation def. Native American Lawmen by DQ - therefore titles did not change hands

IC Championship

Mr. Perfect def. Randy Savage

WWF Championship

Ric Flair def. The Undertaker - Flair escaped and pre-match stipulations stated that Flair could not win the title by escaping the cage

Monday Night RAW results - January 2, 1995

Hunter Hearst Helmsley def. Slaughter

Robert Gibson def. Tully Blanchard

Tag Team Championship

Native American Lawmen def. Razor Ramon & 1-2-3 Kid by DQ

Bret Hart def. British Bulldog