World Wrestling Federation '92

[ChuBalso]

Only 6 Months until Series '97...

June 29rd, 1997

WWF King Of The Ring-

Channel: Pay Per View Television; $24.95/Tickets; $60.00

Venue: The Elstand Colisseum

Attendance: 22,383

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & Jesse 'The Body' Ventura

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Dave Hebner, Jimmy Karderas, Bill Alfonso, Mike Chioda, Shane McMahon, Joey Marella, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, Jim Mollineaux, John Finnegan

By

Dave Schmeltzer

THE LOCKER ROOM

Just an hour before the event, our locker-room was crazy as always. The Insane Clown Posse continue to cause trouble, as Shaggy 2 Dope got into another fight backstage. Apparently alot of the boys are pissed that ICP are in a main storyline--but they have to accept them as wrestlers too. And the fact that ICP are generally troublemakers don't help. Jerry Lawler was also causing trouble, waiving his creative control around. At first, we were going to have him loose his match against New Jack...but he insisted that he shouldn't job to New Jack, who isn't near Main Event level. He's got a point. However, we just can't have Lawler win the King Of The Ring. At 46, he's not over the hill...but I don't think building him up is needed at this point. Looks like Dillon & Russo are going to have to think about how to resolve this....

WWF King Of The Ring did a 2.00 buy rate with 22,383 paid with a gate of $1,342,980. On all accounts the Pay Per View was a huge success, from buy rate, to merchandise, to actual match quality. Instead of going with the free for all, the WWF just started the Pay Per Veiw at 7:30pm with Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura opening the show from the broadcast table, as always, in thier spot since the late 80's--in back of the crowd on the first section.

McMahon" Welcome everyone, to the Elstand Colisseum!! Welcome everyone to action like you won't see anywhere else!! Welcome everyone to live WWF Action!! Welcome everyone to the King Of The Ring 1997!! I'm Vince McMahon, here along side with Jesse 'The Body' Ventura...and Ventura, tonight we will have a King Of The Ring winner!! The most prestigous tournament in WWF history will be decided!!! "

Ventura" McMahon, I think your forgetting the most important part of this! A new President will be decided--tonight! It could be Bob Backlund!! Ted Dibiase!! Or...I don't even want to say it--but Mr. Fuji!!"

McMahon" Well, Jesse, we've always said that anything can happen here in the WWF!! Lets not forget about the GWF Title on the line!! Stan Hansen defends against, the excellence of Execution--Bret 'The Hitman' Hart!!"

Ventura" McMahon, Bret Hart is quite the wrestler, a former Tag Team Chamion, Intercontinental Champion, an FIVE TIME WWF World Champion, but I don't think he can take down PRIDE'S veteran, Stan Hansen!"

McMahon" And...of course, the WWF World Title match...The Future, as he likes to be called--Steve Corino, defends the title against Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig!!"

Ventura" The leader of the Kings Court--The King Of Old School, Steve Corino defending against Curt Hennig! Ya know McMahon, I've always found Corino to be one step ahead of Perfect!!"

[**The Million Dollar Man's Music Starts to play**]

McMahon" Well, we're just about set for our first Quarter final match--Mike Barton is on his way to the ring!!"

1.Mike Barton defeated 'World Class Wrestler' Jeff Jarrett in 13:56 of a KOTR Quaterfinal

Referee: Bill Alfonso

This was one of those rare heel vs. heel matches that the WWF almost never has. The crowd had alot of trouble getting into that, since Jarrett being part of TKC, was hated, and Barton fresh off of his heel turn joining PRIDE was slowly becoming rivaled by the fans. The two worked really hard, as the announcers pushed that wrestlers would do anything to win the King Of the Ring. At 8:45, Jarrett went on a suplex fest on Barton nailing him witih 3 consecutive suplexes, trying to get the crowd into it. Jarrett went for a fourth, but Barton blocked it, and nailed Jarrett with a front face supex. Final moments of the match came when, at 12:33 Jarrett threw Barton into the ropes for a clothesline, but Barton ducked and replied with the left hook--Jarrett ducked out of the way, and countered with the Atomic Drop...but Jarrett "missed" the atomic drop, leading to a Barton no sell. Jarrett turned around, playing to the crowd, while Barton stood behind him getting set in a boxing stance ready to hit Jarrett with the left hook. Here, Jarrett played the 'shocked heel', and turned right into a Barton left Hook, for the suprising Mike Barton victory. After the victory the crowds first real responce came from just booing Dibiase & Barton in the ring.

Overall: 68**1/2

Crowd: 62

Match: 75

Jeff Jarrett lost overness from this match. Mike Barton gained overness from this match.

Commentary Aftermatch

McMahon" Mike Barton, advancing to the next Round...what a victory for Mike Barton!!"

Ventura" That's Dibiase's ticket to the WWF Presidencey, McMahon! He's as tough as they come!!"

McMahon" Well...you wanna talk about tough...then there aren't many that's tougher then our next two competitors!!"

2.Jerry 'The King' Lawler defeated New Jack in 12:22 of a KOTR Quaterfinal; But New Jack Advances

Referee: Jim Mollineaux

Match started off with alot of stalling. Lawler started off the match with the mic, going on about how Harvey Wipplemann, being from the 'great State of Memphis' should be the next WWF President. Lawler went with some more cheap heat making fun of Pittsburgh--namely their baseball team. Lawler held up a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball Jersey yelling into the mic;

"Hey has anyone ever seen this team? They've been missing for the last 20 years! Hahahaahahaha!!!"

Lawler was going to continue, but was attacked by New Jack to a nice pop. New Jack started off by doing the 10 turnbuckle count on Lawler at each of the 4 turnbuckle corners. By this time, Lawler was completely dazed, and staggered around the ring, trying to keep on his feet. New Jack then went against the ropes, and nailed Lawler with a flying clothesline for the near fall. At this point, Jack told referee Jim Mollineaux to 'give him 30 seconds, and he'll be right back'. New Jack then went to the back as Mollineaux looked around in confusion not knowing what to expect. Wipplemann was in the ring trying to fan Lawler with his hankerchief. Finally, to a nice pop, out came New Jack with a shopping cart. Inside of the shopping cart were, 3 chairs, a baseball bat, a guitar, and a garbage can. Ventura was kinda funny here in using this to get over New Jack's character;

"What does he think this is, McMahon!! This ain't no ghetto!! This is the WWF!!"

Mollineux stopped New Jack right at the end of the ramp and starting yelling at him not to use the weapons. This allowed Jerry Lawler to sneak over to the shopping cart and pick up a chair...he then blasted New Jack in the back with it, sending him down. The referee then ordered for the shopping cart to be taken away from the ring...which it was 4 minutes later by other referees. Lawler, then dominated for quite some time nailing New Jack with your basic body slam and punching spots. Alot of near falls on New Jack...which got the crowd behind New Jack more and more as the match went on. New Jack regained the upperhand when he ducked out of the way from of an oncoming Lawler avalanche. Lawler crashed into the turnbuckle for a schoolboy and a near fall by New Jack. Lawler looked to be in trouble, so Wipplemann got on the apron and threw his hat at New Jack, to get New Jack's attention. New Jack then went over to Wipplemann, causing Mollineaux to try and separate the two. While this was going on, the camera focused on Lawler who went into his boot revealing a chain. He wrapped it around his hand, and laid back down as if he were knocked out. After the scuffle was over New Jack pulled up Lawler, and was caught with a quick jab to the head by Lawler, with his chain covered fist. He stealthly put the chain back into his boot, blocking the referee from view, then got the cover on New Jack for the victory!

***********

At this point, Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake's music hit to a loud pop, as he came to the ring pointing to Lawler's boot. Beefcake went over to referee Jim Mollineaux and started yelling and pointing to Lawler's boot, telling the referee that he used a chain to win. Beefcake pointing to the fans for support, as finally Mollineux demanded to be permitted to check Lawler's boot. After Lawler & Wipplemann spent some time protesting, Mollineux finally checked it and found the chain. He then went over to ring announcer Joe Pedicino...and Pedicino made the following announcment.

***********

Pedicino" Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention please....According to referee Jim Mollieneaux, although Jerry 'The King' Lawler did win the match--he has been disqualified from the King Of The Ring Tournament, due to his use of the CHAIN!!! Therefore, New Jack will advance to the next round!!"

Lawler and Wipplemann threw tantrums on their way back to the ring, as Brutus Beefcake held New Jack's hand up with the referee. To further insult Lawler, New Jack joined Beefcake in doing the 'Barber' strut in the ring, in celebration.

Overall: 78**1/2

Crowd: 84

Match: 65

Commentary Aftermatch

McMahon" Good for that Jerry Lawler!!! New Jack advances..and rightfully so!!"

Ventura" Hey, McMahon...why wasn't New Jack disqualified when he brought that giant cart of weapons to the ring!! And what right does Beefcake have in this tournament!! He's got no business here!"

McMahon" Well, Jesse..if you do recall, the referee actually did stop New Jack from using the weapons! And Beefcake...He's doing what's right Jesse!! He's doing the right thing!! That's what Beefcake has always done!"

Ventura" Well, he should do something better--mind his own business!! Ya' don't mess with The King Of Wrestling, and get away with it McMahon!! Mark my words, Lawler will make Beefcake pay!!"

3.The Sandman defeated The Undertaker in 10:09 Of A KOTR Quaterfinal

Referee: John Finnagenn

Right before the match started...Sandman grabbed the mic..." Yo!!!! Next week!! First RAW!!! The Sandman brings you, President Fuji!!!"

The crowd was loving this, and started a "Fuji" chant that never really died down. Undertaker charged Sandman, but was met hard with the singapore cane to the head. Undertaker did an awesome job of selling the shot, in a way that's perfect for his gimmick--proving to be a better choice for the gimmick then Mark Calloway. Actually it's funny to see how the two have faired since the WWF went for the choice of Brian Lee as The Undertaker. Lee, is one of the most over wrestlers in the company as The Undertaker, while Mark Calloway, who is back to doing his Mean Mark Callous gimmick in WCW is a midcarder [79over]. Alot of good brawling spots during this match, which saw, Undertaker suplex Sandman from the apron to the outside of the ring. He continued with nailing Sandman with a backdrop on two chairs. Ringmaster Jim Neidhart was going nuts at ringside as usual. Lee then whipped the Sandman hard into the guard railing. He did so again, to which Sandman did his front flip into the railing, taking a tough bump. Crowd was really getting behind The Sandman now, as Undertaker seemed to be on his way to victory. Undertaker then threw, Sandman back into the ring, and proceeded to get chairs from underneath the ring. He then filled the ring up with chairs, as he starting chucking chair after chair in from the outside. Funny segment here, where Sandman, slowly recovered and just starting throwing the chairs back outside the ring at Undertaker. Ventura is always humurous when talking about the Sandman;

"Now, McMahon...what the hell is The Sandman doing!? Why would you throw the chairs back OUT of the ring,? He's drunk! He's drunk McMahon!! And we can't have Fuji as President!!!"

Fustrated, The Undertaker hopped back on the apron, but then got clobbered to the head with a chair by The Sandman. McMahon mentioned here that, some referees are lenient then others, which is a cool way of giving some character to the referees. Undertaker simply took the shot..and continued walking throw the ropes and into the ring. Sandman wacked the Undertaker over the head again. This time, The Undertaker took the shot, then returned to staring at The Sandman, almost grinning. This got the crowd chanting 'Fuji' heavily, as Neidhart tried to silence the crowd. At this point, suddenly, Terry Taylor appeared on the titan Tron

*********

Taylor" Hey...Hey Undi!! Hey Dead-Man!! You may have sealed the WWF Career of my former partner (Road Warrior Hawk)...but for tonight...lets just say, that it's The Dark Carnival that's going to be sealed for a little while. Seeya in a bit!"

**********

With that, the camera widened, with a shot of a giant chain being put around the door of the Dark Carnival locker room, locking the rest of the members inside the locker room. Terry Taylor and Tammy Sytch, then started walking toward the corrider. Ventura was going nuts on commentary, asking why Taylor would be coming down to the ring. He had a funny line, referring to Taylor's past gimmicks...

"There ain't no Road Warriors here! And there aint no Red Roosters here!! So I don't know why that Taylor Made Man has to come down here!!"

In the ring, The Undertaker, now slighly busted open at the head again, grabbed the Sandman by the throat and started choking him into the corner. Finally, Taylor emerged from the curtain with chair in hand. He leveled Ringmaster Jim Neidhart on the outside. John Finnegann went over to stop him, but was 'seduced' by Tammy Sytch. While Tammy was flirting with the ref, Taylor hit the ring and gave The Undertaker a chair shot to the back causing him to release his choke, and go after Taylor. But as he went after Taylor, Sandman recovered his chair, and gave the Undertaker a chair shot to the back of his own. Finally, The Undertaker started to stagger...Taylor & Sandman then caught Undertaker with a double chair shot, which sent him down. Taylor hopped over the ropes, as the crowd was going insane...Sandman then got the three count on the Undertaker advancing to the next round!

Overall: 86***

Crowd: 90

Match: 77

Commentary Aftermath

Ventura" McMahon, what is going on tonight?! Now should I goto to the ring and tell the referee what I saw!! Should the referee reverse the decision!!?"

McMahon" Well...I guess you can say the Dark Carnival had it coming!! They took away Taylor's partner!! Taylor was a 3 time WWF Tag Team Champion with him!"

Ventura" His partner? His partner? We're broadcast partners, but if someone took you away, I wouldn't care! I'd be fine!"

McMahon" Ok, That's enough, Jesse. More King Of The Ring action to go...Owen Hart vs. The Lightning Kid...lets take a look at how the rivarly began between these two!!!"

[*Highlights shown of Kid Hanging out with Bret starting the whole Lightning Kid as the 'next Bret Hart' thing.*]

4.Owen Hart drew The Lightning Kid in 30:00 via a Double Count Out

Referee: Joey Marella

Before the match, Joey Marella took the mic, and wished his father, Gorilla Monsoon a happy birthday. He turned 57 this month. WWF showed some real class here allowing Marella to do this on the Pay Per View, even though Gorilla is doing the announcing for Golden Canvas Grappling, Jim Crockett's promotion, which from what I understand is starting to increase in popularity in other parts of the world. Kid and Owen started off with alot of amateur spots and counters...each time the crowd applauding the acts of athletism, Owen kept pausing to yell at the crowd, 'shut up!! Don't cheer for Bret's Protege!! There's only one Owen!' The match started to pick up when Kid reversed an armtwist, and caught Owen with a frankensteiner out of no where, sending him outside the ring. The Kid then followed up with a flying plancha leaping above the top rope and into Owen, crashing into the guard rail. Kid then went straight to the top rope, and nailed Owen with a Cannon ball. Vince went nuts here, actually using background information to get wrestlers over;

"The Lightning Kid!!! One of the fastest, most daring wrestlers in WWF History!! Straight from starting his career years ago in the, now defunt, Texas based Global Wrestling Federation,--to bringing his high flying style to the World Wrestling Federation!"

Owen got the upper hand at 8:33 when The Kid was planting him in the corner with a series of martial arts kicks. Owen caught one of the kicks, and suprised Kid with a dragonscrew. The crowd was incredibly hot here, breaking into an 'Owen Sux' chant. Owen, after laying a few elbows and a few boots into the kid, got Kid with a near fall after the German Suplex 3 suplex spot, for another near fall. At 15:33, Owen nailed Kid with a belly to belly off the top rope...he then bridged himself back up, stepped on the top turnbuckle, and nailed Kid with the frog splash...what used to be called the 'Blazer Splash'. Another near fall there. Crazy spot at 24:33, as Kid was trying to mount a comeback...Kid was thrown into the turnbuckle, and tried to respond with a handspring back elbow, but Owen caught Kid off the ropes, and nailed him with a German Suplex, sending The Kid flying through the ropes and to the outside of the ring, onto the ramp. Kid looked to be dead at this point...And Owen didn't let up...after both men spent some time 'recovering' Owen went for a diving elbow from the inside of the ring, but Kid moved, causing Owen to go crashing hard onto the ramp. Finally, after the two layed there for a few more minutes, referee Joey Marella called for the bell; He counted them out. Both men were eliminated giving The Sandman a bye into the finals. A truly amazing match...one that will be talked about for a long time.

Overall: 91****1/2

Crowd: 92

Match: 91

-

The Lightning Kid & Owen Hart; Double Eliminated after a 30 minute classic.

Commentary Aftermatch

McMahon" Both men...amazing athletes!! What an amazing match!!"

Ventura" After tonight I have a whole new respect for both The King Of Harts, and The Lightning Kid! Those two put on an amazing match!!! That Kid is lightning fast!"

McMahon" Well...that means that the Sandman advances to the finals, Jesse!! The future of this promotion is also at stake! Mr. Fuji could be our next President!"

Ventura" Yea, but Dibiase's still got a chance! And who the heck is New Jack's pick for President!! If he wins this match, we'll find out, McMahon...and it ain't gonna be pretty!!"

5.Mike Barton defeated New Jack in 12:21 of the KOTR Semi-final

Referee: Mike Chioda

The crowd was still buzzing about the last match, but these two didn't let that stop them from working hard. New Jack came to the ring with his shopping cart of goodies again. Ventura was having a fit on commentary, practically yelling at Chioda to hand the match to Barton since, New Jack had his match handed to him.. But Barton, who was as intense as ever, actually invited New Jack to bring the weapons into the ring. He told the ref it was ok, so New Jack entered the ring with a chair in his hand. He started off hitting Barton in the gut, then blasting the hunched over Barton with another chair shot to the back, which send him crashing down. Referee Mike Chioda actually tried wrestling the chair out of New Jack's hand..but to no avail. Well, what did Barton expect in a hands vs. weapons combat? Who does he think he is? The Undertaker? New Jack got Barton down for a near fall. New Jack then, actually threw Barton into the shopping cart that he brought into the ring. Jack then pushed the cart straight into the railing, causing Barton to go flying into the crowd. I guess anything to get the crowd's attention. They did some brawling in the crowd, which still really didn't do much for the 95% of the crowd that were in the other sections...but the two still continued. While they were wrestling, another one of those Crockett OwnZ McMahon signs made TV. The action went back and forth with the two actually going as far as one section up into the crowd. Eventually the match came back down to the ring, with New Jack regaining the upper hand. New Jack, then went to the outside, where he found his guitar, which came with his 'cart o' weapons'. He did a little airplaying which got the crowd responding, and then swung to hit Barton on the head, who was staggering on his feat.. but this time, Mike Chioda was able to stop New Jack from using the chair. He stopped the attack in mid swing by grabbing the chair from behind New Jack...Barton reacted quickly, and nailed New Jack with his left hook. Mike then nailed, and already knocked out New Jack with another solid left hand, for the cover. Mike Barton faces The Sandman in The Finals!

Dibiase climbed in the ring, holding Barton's hand in victory once again. This was scary. This final match also meant--for WWF President; Fuji vs. Dibiase!. The crowd started to wake back up at Barton's victory...Barton started screaming for The Sandman to come out, now...as he wanted to win the whole thing. Barton stood in the ring, waiving for The Sandman to come out yelling;

"C'mon!! C'mon! Bring 'em out!! Lets go!!"

Overall: 64**1/4

Crowd: 56

Match: 72

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.

Commentary Aftermatch

Ventura" What a huge win for Mike Barton!!!! You know what this means right, McMahon?!"

McMahon" It means that Mike Barton goes on to face The Sandman in the King Of The Ring Finals!!!"

Ventura" ...and it means that The Million Dollar Man is one step closer to being the WWF President!!"

McMahon" Well...not if The Sandman who has anything to say about this! Mr. Fuji could be our next President as well!!! And look...here comes The Sandman!!!"

6. Mike Barton defeated The Sandman in 14:37 to win the 1997 King Of The Ring Tournament

Referee: Shane McMahon

Sandman charged the ring, and the two got in a slugfest right away. The crowd was back up for this match, as they were taken in by the persistence of Mike Barton. A loud 'Fuji' chant started very quickly. Barton teased hitting the left hook early, but Sandman ducked and nailed Barton with a reverse atomic drop, followed up by a spinebuster, for a near fall. Sandman continued with a body-slam, followed by a leg drop off the top rope for another near fall. Ventura kept pushing the fact that Barton refused a respite before the final match. Sandman did alot of playing to the crowd, which lead to Barton pulling Sandman by his pants, through the ropes and outside the the ring. They did the distraction spot, where Barton pulled aside Shane McMahon, as Dibiase laid some boots onto the Sandman. Barton continued to wear down Sandman with some stiff forearms, in addition to really nailing him down into the corner. Minutes later, Barton locked in the cobra clutch..or, The Million Dollar Dream onto The Sandman, as the referee counted The Sandman's hand down twice. Sandman mounted a comeback here elbowing Barton in the stomach. But Barton wouldn't let go, until finally Sandman caught him with a back elbow shot to the face. Barton tried to end the comeback quickly by going off the ropes with a lariat, but Sandman just grabbed Barton's arm into a hip toss. At 9:33, Sandman teased using his singapore cane, by staring at it. Crowd popped hard but Shane Mcmahon leaped in front of the cane, which was in the corner--warning the Sandman not to use it. From here, Barton charged Sandman from behind, sandwhich'ing Shane McMahon in between Sandman & The turnbuckle, for his traditional ref bump of the Pay Per View. Barton then got the cane, and starting screaming for the Sandman to get up. He gave Sandman three cane shots to the head, with the third busting the Sandman open. Barton played to the crowd for a while...actually for too long, as he was soon suprised with a cane shot to the back of the head which sent him tumbling into the ropes. Barton tried to battle back, as the Sandman caned him with two more shots. Barton, who at this point was cut open, but not as much as the Sandman, battled back to his feet yelling at the Sandman, trying to absorb the pain. McMahon kept pushing the persistance of Barton, not to stay down. Sandman hit him again, sending Barton down on his back again. At this point Road Agent Mike Rotunda hit the ring to no reaction, and ripped the cane from Sandman's hand. Ventura praised Rotunda's initiative at trying to keep this tournament 'clean'. Then, as soon as the Sandman turned his attention back to Barton, Rotunda broke the cane with a crazy shot to the back of the head of Sandman. Rotunda then tried to revive referee Shane McMahon. While Rotunda was attending to McMahon, Barton crawled over to Sandman and laid his hand on top of Sandman for the count. Finally Shane McMahon made his way over to the pinfall, but The Sandman kicked out after 2! Crowd broke into a 'Fuck Him Up Sandman, Fuck'em Up!' chant. Figures, since they were in Pa. Rotunda then starting yelling at the ref for not counting fast enough...The announcers here started to speculate ast to why Rotunda would be helping Barton...then realised that Rotunda was actually a former Tag Team Champion with Dibiase, Barton's manager. Barton and Sandman both slowly recovered to their feet. Barton pulled up Sandman and went for the left hook, but Sandman ducked--But Barton quickly responded with a right hand uppercut sending the Sandman crashing down on his back. Barton then went for the cover again, and this time got the 3 count! Mike Barton is the 1997 King Of The Ring Winner!!! Barton celebrated with both Dibiase and Mike Rotunda in the ring for quite some time. The fans were in shock that Barton's punches were so strong. The PPV took it's normal intermission, ending with Mike Barton having his hands held up by Ted Dibiase on one side, and Mike Rotunda on the other.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 80

Match: 76

The Sandman lost overness from this match. The King Of The Ring title has gained image.

Commentary Aftermatch

Ventura" Yes!! Yess!! Yess!! Yess!! Mike Barton wins!! It's about time someone with honour and respect won tonight!!! Yes!"

McMahon" Wait a second!! Why did former WWF Tag Team Champion--Former WWF Intercontinental Champion--Now...he's part of the WWF Staff--but why did Mike Rotunda interfere in this match!?"

Ventura" McMahon...he's part of the staff of the WWF! Just like Patterson! Just like Brisco!! But, unlike them, he couldn't stand to see this blatant cheating anymore! Sandman using his cane? C'mon McMahon!! Lawler got thrown out of the tournament for doing pretty much the same thing. You and I both know it'll be a shame if that happened to someone else!"

McMahon" But why...Doesn't he know that Dibiase is now the WWF President!!!"

Ventura" McMahon..have you been living under a rock all these years?! Don't you remember Money Inc! Who was it that held the WWF Tag Team Titles with Ted Dibiase, back when Dibiase was a wrestler in the early '90's? It was Iwrin R.Shycster! IRS! Mike Rotunda!! And we all know that Rotunda's always hated cheaters!! Hahahaha!!"

McMahon" I don't...believe this. More WWF Action on the way...Hansen against Bret Hart with the GWF Title on the Line, Plus the WWF Title match, Mr. Perfect vs. Steve Corino...we'll be right back after this intermission!"

---------------------------------------

During the 5 minute intermission, Simon Diamond took a Pepsi Challenge in the ring. According to several sources, the WWF gets just about $483,000 per show from Pepsi as one of their minor sponsors.

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6.Stan Hansen defeated Bret 'Hitman' Hart in 18:59 retaining the GWF Heavyweight Title

Referee: Dave Hebner

WWF Fan, Taz_Mark was the guest ring announcer for this match. I think he won some kind of contest from WWF Magazine or something. He was wearing a Taz T-Shirt--Taz is a wrestler in ECA...I'm suprised they let him wear that shirt. Of course, The WWF had to get a cheap show in there; so Jesse Ventura made a comment about his T-Shirt;

"Hey, McMahon...who's that midget Wrestler on that fans, T-Shirt?" According to several sources, Taz_Mark was paid just about $40,000 for his ring annoucing duties....

****Stan Hansen was accompanied to the ring by Johnny Ace while Bret had Carl Oulette in his. There were alot of Japanese photographers at ringside, as this match was seen as somewhat of a dream match for the Japanese Wrestling press. Hansen charged Bret, but Bret suprised him with a drop toe hold to start the match off. Ventura and McMahon did a good job of pushing Hart as a better mat wrestler than Hansen, but maintaing that Hansen had the endurance like very few. Alot of fustrated spots for Hansen where Hart didn't seem to stay still. Hart kept trying to take Hansen down with tackles, but Hansen was too heavy...or powerful. About 10 minutes in, Hansen started to hammer Hart with some nasty forearms to the face. I've actually never seen Hart take shots like Hansen's. Hansen got a near fall on Bret after snake eyes in the corner. Hart started to battle back kicking Hansen after an attempted overhead toss at 13:22. By this time, both men were fatigued. Hart started to begin his closing combination, starting with the elbow from the second rope, which got the crowd really into it. Hart, then pulled up Hansen for a suplex, but Hansen blocked it, then got Hart with a quick snap mare, followed by a hard kick to the back. The crowd groaning at the stiffness of the kick was audible even on TV. At this point, Hansen positioned himself in the corner, waiving his arm, getting set for the lariat. However, when he charged, Bret saw him coming and countered with an armbar. They teased Hansen giving up, as he inched his way to the ropes, so that Bret could finally let go. The Elstand Colisseum was really buzzing at this point, as they thought that the armbar was enough to put Hansen away. Final moments of the match came at 23:12, when Bret seemed to have Hansen ready to put into the sharpshooter. However, after almost placing Hansen in the hold, Bret stopped--feeling as though he should soften up Hansen a bit more. So Bret picked up Hansen, and went against the ropes...but Hansen out of nowhere charged Bret coming off the ropes, and nailed him with his Lariat. He quickly hooked the leg for the cover, retaining the GWF Title.

Overall: 85

Crowd: 90

Match: 74

Commentary Aftermatch

McMahon" Stan Hansen is still the Global Wrestling Federation Champion!! What a grueling match, between he and The Hitman!!"

Ventura" McMahon, Bret Hart should've ended it when he had the chance!! You can't make one mistake with a veteran like Stan Hansen--NOT ONE!!!"

McMahon" Well...unforunately, Hart did make one mistake...and only one mistake...but it was a mistake that led to his defeat here at the Elstand Colliseum. Our WWF Title match is coming up...but first... I believe its time for the coronation of this years King Of The Ring Tournament winner, Mike Barton!!"

- The Coronation-

In the ring stood, road agents Mike Rotunda & Antonio Inoki. I guess, Rotunda & Inoki are going to be similiar to what Patterson & Brisco were to Paulie Dangerously, the face President. Not only is this a change from seeing Patterson & Brisco on TV every week, but also, Rotunda has a longtime relationship with Dibiase, and Inoki is connected to PRIDE based on where he wrestled--Japan. Rotunda had the microphone and got just as much heel heat as he used to back during the days when he was I.R.S.. An 'Iwrin' chant almost started but was quickly suppressed when Rotunda introduced the new WWF President; The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase Dibiase came out with The King Of The Ring Winner, Mike Barton, who was slightly bandaged up due to the cane shots from the Sandman. Barton got quite a nice heel reaction, of course, thanks to his link with Dibiase. Dibiase shook the hand of Mike Rotunda, followed by a hug. After a short stare down with Inoki, Dibiase then shook the hand of Inoki, followed by Barton doing the same. Dibiase then made the official announcment for Barton, as Inoki placed the medals and crown onto Barton.

Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase

"Hahahahahaha!!!! Ladies and Gentleman, I--as WWF President--am proud to announce the 1997 King Of The Ring Tournament Winner; Mike Barton!!! Hahahahahah!!!!"

With that, the rest of PRIDE hit the ring and congratulated Mike Barton on the honour..as Dibiase continued to laugh in the microphone. Rotunda was also laughing and clapping. Big heel reaction when Antonio Inoki raised the Hand of Mike Barton to the crowd, after he was done putting on the medals. Dibiase added;

"Next week on RAW...get ready...for the first Million Dollar Presidential Address! Get ready for at WWF run with honour!! Get ready for a WWF run with PRIDE!!!!"

With that all of PRIDE raised their hands in unison, from left to right;

Road Agent Mike Rotunda, Johnny Ace, Hayabusa, The Great Kabuki, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Ted Dibiase, Mike Barton, Hakushi, Jun Akiyama, Gladiator Mike Awesome, Stan Hansen, & Road Agent Antonio Inoki..." 93%

P.R.I.D.E - With the backing of Officials Mike Rotunda and Antonio Inoki, and the managerial presence of WWF President Ted Dibiase, what does this superstable have in store for the WWF?

Commentary Aftermatch

McMahon" I don't believe what I'm seeing. How can Antonio Inoki align himself with this 'President', when his whole group fought Inoki just a few weeks ago on RAW!! Didn't you see it, Jesse? PRIDE attacked the whole WWF Staff!!"

Ventura" Well..thats right McMahon..but you see in Japan--where these wresters come from, competitors don't hold grudges!! Things happen! Paths Cross! But you see that's what the Million Dollar Man...as President AND The Manager of PRIDE--thats what he's going to bring to us as President!! He's going to open our minds!! He's going to give us a breath of fresh air!!"

McMahon" He's giving us some air...a lot of hot air. I don't like it one bit. The WWF is in for quite a road ahead with that man in charge!! Up next...its the WWF World Title Match!!"

7.Steve Corino defeated 'Mr. Perfect' Curt Hennig in 16:14.

Referee: Earl Hebner

Perfect hit the ring and blindsided Corino right away with a dropkick. Huge 'Perfect' chant here, and for the duration of the match. Perfect did a good job of pushing the idea that he was pissed at Corino for being attacked two weeks in a row. Brutus Beefcake was in Perfect's corner while Jack Victory was in Corino's. Just about what you'd expect from these two, except Corino seemed to be really on point. Victory tried to get involved, but each time was chased off by Beefcake on the outside. Final moments of the match came when, both men were on the mat from a double clothesline spot. Jack Victory got on the ring apron, and threw brass knuxx in the ring. The ref ran over to Victory to get him off the apron. At the same time, Beefcake ran in the ring to get the brass knuxx out of the ring, but Hebner then, ran over to Beefcake to get him out of the ring. While this was going on Perfect had just recovered and nailed Corino with the Perfect Plex. However the referee at this point was still arguing with Beefcake, who was trying to get Hebner to turn around to make the cover. Taking advantage of the situation, Victory stepped into the ring, and waited for Perfect to release the hold. Finally, after the crowd stopped counting Perfect's pin at 10, he got up to see what was wrong, but walked right into Jack Victory throwing powder into his face. With that, Corino rolled up Perfect--Victory yanked the ref away from Beefcake--and Hebner made the three count on Perfect at 16:14, retaining the WWF Title.

After the victory, Corino and Victory continued to celebrate, until Perfect and Beefcake gave them both dropkicks to the back. Corino got knocked over the top rope, while Victory went straight down. Perfect hammered Victory, then threw him into a sleeper hold by Beefcake. Perfect then pointed to Beefcake's giant sheers, as the crowd popped in approval. They wanted to see Beefcake cut Victory's hair. Corino was on the outside screaming and yelling, as Beefcake started to trim away at Victory's hair to a huge pop. Beefcake, as he does, took the bits of hair and threw them in the air, causing Perfect's music to play. King Of The Ring went off the air with Perfect and Beefcake playing to the crowd in the ring...

Overall: 87

Crowd: 93

Match: 75

Commentary Aftermatch

McMahon" Brutus The Barber Beefcake!!! And Mr. Perfect!!! Standing strong in the ring!!! Listen to this capacity crowd!!!"

Ventura" McMahon, I've never seen a guy so happy to loose a match before in my life!"

McMahon" Listen to this crowd!! They're chanting for Beefcake!! They're chanting for Perfect!!! Barbertude is in the air Jesse!! Thanks for joining us folks--join us next week!! It's the first RAW of the Million Dollar Era if you will!!!"

Ventura" Barbertude? McMahon! Wake up! Look who's in control!! It's the PRIDE era, McMahon!!!"

Show Quality: 83

Buy Rate: 2.00

Best Match: Owen Hart vs. The Lightning Kid

Worst Match: Mike Barton vs. Jeff Jarrett

Your Champions

WWF World - Steve Corino

GWF Heavyweight - Stan Hansen

WWF I-C - Sabu

GWF Lighty Heavyweight - The Lightning Kid

ECW Heavyweight - Jun Akiyama

WWF Tag Team - Team H (Hayabusa & Hakushi)

Other Shows

WCW Slamboree

Best Match: 3 Way Match WCW Title- The Great Muta vs. Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels

Worst Match: John "Berzerker" Nord vs. Vinnie Vegas

Reality Twist: Great Muta is Now an Uppdercarder (over=87)

Other Shows

GCG Bombshock - Buy Rate .80 - Global 10% :eek:

Best Match: Terry 'Bam Bam' Gordy vs. Rob Van Dam

Worst Match: The Beverly Brothers vs. The Giants (Paul Wight & Giant Gonzales

Reality Twist: Now at Global. Guys like Giant Gonzales, Tito Santanta up to overs of 80. And it's owned by Crockett, which makes sense since he has guys like The Wild Samoans (Fatu & Samu), Tully Blanchard, STan Lane etc.

Other Shows

ECA Tone Def - Buy Rate .66 - National 66%

Best Match: Billy Gunn vs. Taka Michonuki

Worst Match: Jack Tunney & Woman vs. Joel Gertner & Joanie Laurer

Reality Twist: "Personalities" (Non-Wrestlers) are Cowboy Bob Orton, Jack Tunney & George 'The Animal' Steele.

Edited January 11, 2005 by Javert

[Justin]

Excellent show, as per usual. I did notice something of a mistake, if you wanna check it out. Nothing big, unless you particularly had a reason for it being announced as a count-out victory:

6.Stan Hansen defeated Bret 'Hitman' Hart by countout in 18:59 retaining the GWF Heavyweight Title

(match)

He quickly hooked the leg for the cover, retaining the GWF Title.

Edited January 11, 2005 by Justin

[ChuBalso]

Only 5 Months until Series '97...

July 7rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Golden Dome - Rutgers University, NJ

Attendance: 12,037

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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

- PRIDE Interrupts the Scheduled Start -

RAW is PRIDE, from Rutgers University, began after the opening segments, which featured a small video recaping the WWF's history. They showed footage from the vintage days, including Hulk Hogan body slamming Yokozuna & Andrew The Giant, to footage from Bret Hart turning heel forming the Hart Foundation, in 1993, to Jerry Lawler pinning Ted Dibiase in the Memphis Street Fight Classic of '94, to the formation Of The Cartel in 1996, to Steve Corino's catapult to Main Event Status in late '95, saving Hulk Hogan from an attack by Christopher & Dibiase, to the most recent events...of PRIDE holding their hands up in the air after last week's King Of The Ring. Joey Styles opened the show with Jim Cornette as Juventud Guerrera, WWF newcomer was in the ring ready to make his debut. Joe Pedicino gave a nice introduction to Guerro, but all came to a halt, when Mike Rotunda came out with Antonio Inoki in front of the curtain. Rotunda had the microphone and apologised to Guerrera, as there had been a 'schedule change' for the show. He then introduced, "The New WWF President!! The Leader Of PRIDE!!! The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase!!!"

*Out came out all 10 members of Pride, in a straight line, much like they had posed during the KOTR PPV. Rotunda handed the mic over to Ted Dibiase, as the crowd booed rather heavily....

President Ted Dibiase

"You can all call me...The Million Dollar President, now! Hahahahahaah!!! You see, everyone has always wondered...what would happen, when ya take the greatest Superstars Of Japan, and put them up against the superstars of the World Wrestling Federation! Everyone's always wondered!! And with MY MONEY I've made that happen!! In the last few months, I have ressurected PRIDE, and built it up to be THE most powerful stable in the WWF!! In just over three months of being under my guidence, we have acquired 3 out of the 5 WWF sanctioned Titles!! Team H--Hayabusa and Hakushi are the WWF Tag Team Champions!! (They step forward and pose to some boos) Jun Akiyama is the proud holder of the ECW Heavyweight Title! (Akiyama steps forward, and taunts the crowd) And of course...The Legend...STAN HANSEN...is STILL the GWF Heavyweight Champion!!! (Hansen does his Hansen salute) So now...what's next!!? Now that the Million Dollar Man is President...what's next? HAHAHAHAAHAHA!!! Well let me just say this...everyone seems to be talking about this Shangrila!! Everyone seems to be talking about, Survivor Series '97! Well...I guarentee that PRIDE will be a strong part of Shangrila!! As PRIDE will crown our first WWF World Champion!!! Mwahahahahaha!!! But one thing is for sure...that while I'm President..things will definately be run..WITH PRIDE--MILLION DOLLAR PRIDE!!! MWAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!"

With that, Dibiase was about to return to the back...but Antonio Inoki stopped him, and said something to him, with Rotunda also consulting, as Dibiase covered the mic and listened. Dibiase then laughed as he directed his attention to Juventud Guerrera still waiting in the ring.

"Guerrera...that was quite an introduction by our ring announcer, Pedicino! But...allow PRIDE to give you a proper introduction!! That's right--Akiyama...show him what being a champion in the World Wrestling Federation is all about!! Mwahahaha"

90%

Jun Akiyama d. Juventud Guerrera - ECW Heavyweight Title

Akiyama then charged the ring, to greet the newcomer and procceeded to pound him mercifully. That's nice that they gave Guerrerra a title shot in his first match. Too bad it was basically a squash. There were many spots where Gurrera tried fighting back and countered a few moves, but Akiyama got the better of him after nailing him with his running forearm into the turnbuckle. Akyama ended the match with 5 exploders at 8:33, of a very good match.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 48

Match: 82

The ECW World title has gained in image.

-ADVERTS-

- The Former President Arrives -

We return off of advert break to see Paulie Dangerously, cell phone in hand, walk out of a black limousine with his man Sabu, as always dressed up in the sheik outfit. Eric Biscoff who was 'camped out' in the car park, I guess, ran up to him....

Bischoff" Paulie Dangerously, I'll tell you - when I arrived here in the World Wrestling Federation, I was suprised to see you as WWF President. But now...I can't believe you're no longer President. How do you think this will effect Sabu, and his Intercontinental Title reign?"

Dangerously (Sabu, lunges at Bischoff, but Paulie holds him back)" Bischoff, how dare you!! How dare you insinuate that MY being President has helped Sabu in anyway, in getting and keeping that title!! You see, Sabu is a monster! He's crazy! He'll leap from the top rope to the floor. He'll take a chair, throw it at you...then use that same chair to catapult in the air, to land on top of his you--and most likely, you're already on a chair!! THAT'S WHAT MAKES SABU INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION!! (Crowd cheers, and starts a 'Sabu' chant) And I'm sure, Tenzan would looovvvvvvve a shot at this title, again. Any time! Any place! Dibiase...you maybe be President, but I'm still Paulie Dangerously, and this is still your WWF Intercontinental Champion - The Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal, SABU!!!" (The crowd breaks into a louder 'Sabu' Chant, as he and Paulie walk off)

Bischoff" Wow...intense words from the Intercontinental Champion, and his manager, Paulie Dangerously. I'm sending it back to our ring announcer, Joey Pedicino!! Take it away Joey!"

Kamala d. Barry Horowitz

Why the hell is Kamala on RAW..oh...Inoki. Of course. Despite doing crap in the ring Horowitz was incredibly entertaining and threw a tantrum, after he lost via the big splash. They seem to be doing some sort of a loosing streak angle with Horowitz as the announcers kept pushing that Horowitz has not won a match since his return from injury.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 72

Match: 48

Barry Horowitz lost overness from this match. Kamala gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Horowitz, back to his Old Ways? -

Returning off the break we see Bruce Pritchard, with Barry Horowitz both walking through the corridor in fustration at Horowitz's loss. Announcer Sgt. Slaughter ran up to Prichard and Horowitz. Pritchard did the talking while Horowitz threw a fit in the background.

Sarge" Pritchard...Horowitz....Wow...another loss for Barry Horowitz! Ever since his return from his injury just a few weeks ago, he hasn't won a match! Not with his partner, Alex Porteau, or by himself!! His he going back to his old ways, of never winning matches!!?"

Pritchard" Shuttup Slaughter! You shut up right now!! Barry's just having a tough time getting settled in!! He's got to get back in the groove of things! You try coming back after an injury--oh..I forgot...you became an announcer!! Hahaha! Get out of our way! Horowitz will be back at 100% in no time!! (Aside to Horowitz) Don't worry about what they say..."

Pritchard was great in consulting Horowitz who was almost comedically crying.

93%

- Hiroyoshi Tenzan Demands An I-C Title Match; Tonight -

We goto the back where President Dibiase is getting settled in Dangerously's old office -- his new office, with his good friend, Mike Rotunda. Rotunda picked up a picture of Dangerously posing with The Rock during their ECW days, (before the WWF purchase) and laughed, before throwing it away. Second later, in walked Antonio Inoki with Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Tenzan screamed something to Dibiase in Japanese, to which Inoki translated that Tenzan thought that it would be a good idea to give him an Intercontinental Title shot, later 'tonight' on RAW. Rotunda made a comment about how, they were all in charge now, so they didn't see anything wrong with that idea. He also cited Dangerously's comments from early of 'Any time, Any Place'.

Dibiase" Mwahahahaa!!! Tonight, Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Sabu! Intercontinental Title On the Line!! We'll have, Patterson, Brisco...or one of those goons break the news to the former President! Mwahahahaa!!!" 78%

Its always great to see Inoki on camera, but Tenzan talking in Japanese to Dibiase?

[MATCHMAKING ANGLE--TENZAN - SABU - DIBIASE

Ted DiBiase lost overness from this segment.

- Bret chases Backlund Out Of The Arena -

Carl Oulette d. Bob Backlund by countout

Oulette, a midcarder, continues to get rediculous pops. At 5:33, they showed Bret Hart, just pulling up in his Dogde Viper (Anything for the sponsors) on the Titan Tron and heading to the ring. Backlund, who was on offense started to panic as he's been influencing Bret's brother Owen's actions against him during the last few weeks. There was a brief stalling time where Backlund just stared and waiting for Bret to arrive. During this time, Styles announced that The Kings Court challenged Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, Mr. Perfect, & Finnish Nightmare Tony Halme, to a 6 man tag in tonight's Main Event!! After this announcement, Bret Hart emerged to a loud pop walking down the isle to the ring. Backlund waisted no time, in hopping out of the ring, and into the crowd, running away from Bret. Bret followed him, disappearing into the crowd. Oulette was awarded the match by countout.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 81

Match: 73

-ADVERTS-

- The Sandman Makes A Stand Against PRIDE-

Returning off break, 'Enter Sandman' played on the PA system, and out came the Sandman to a huge pop, singapore cane in one hand, beer in the other. He took the mic, pacing back and forth, took a chugg of his beer to a nice responce, then waisted no time in venting. His extra time spent in the GWF developement territory has helped his promos alot.

Sandman" Ya know...for those of you who haven't seen King Of The Ring...I MADE IT TO THE FINALS!!! (Crowd cheers) I got past that gothic freak, Undertaker Brian Lee. Then got a bye due to that 30 minute match between the Lightning Kid and Owen Hart...then this happened!"

[*They show the footage from KOTR, where Mike Rotunda hit the Sandman in the back of the head with the cane*] Crowd booes after they see the footage.

Sandman" Now, I ain't sayin Mike Barton ain't tough...but he sure had a hell of an easier time thanks to Dibiase's stooge, IWWWWWRRRRRRIIIIINNN!!!! (Crowd pops at the Iwrin referance to Rotunda) But lemmee tell ya something...King Of The Ring is over! But I know I can still beat, Barton. Hell, I can beat your whole stinkin' stable of japo's, Dibiase!! Ya here me!!

[*Takes another chugg of Beer, then throws the empy can into the crowd. He pauses for a small 'Sandman' chant.*]

This ain't Japan!! This is the World Wrestling Federation!! Ya' know the slogan! The World Wrestling Federation--Revolutionizing Pro Wrestling! It's a place where I can drink my beer, hit people over the head with my singapore cane...and...uh..drink more beer!!! YA!!"

The Crowd popped huge for this, until Antonio Inoki, emerged from the curtain room with Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Inoki started screaming at Sandman on the mic in Japanese from the stage podium, then starting yelling; "Fight!! Fight!! Fight!!", while pointing at Sandman. At these cues, out came Hayabusa, and Hakushi, who were met with quick cane shots to the head by Sandman. Next came Great Kabuki & Jun Akiyama, who were also met with back to back cane shots which had the crowd going nuts. Sandman was taking out everyone. Finally, Gladiator Mike Awesome hit the ring, and not only ate the Sandman's shot to the head, but then grabbed the cane out of Sandman's hand, then clotheslined him down to the mat. At this point, Ted Dibiase walked down the isle joined with Mike Barton, Johnny Ace & Stan Hansen, as Team H, The Enforcers Of PRIDE (Kabuki & Gladiator) and Jun Akiyama went on the attack on Sandman, as a hot crowd looked on in anger. Finally, the big 3 hit the ring, with Dibiase, and were fed the Sandman one by one. Hansen, hit Sandman with the lariat, which Sandman sold great by falling out of the ring. Ace gave the Sandman an Ace Crusher on the outside, then rolled Sandman back in the ring to Barton. Barton, not only nailed Sandman with the left hook, but then followed with a nice looking Dealth Valley Driver, which I guess will be his other finisher. He yelled for the rest of PRIDE to pick up Sandman, as he gave him a second Death Valley Driver. By this point, Sandman's head was busted open. Next, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, was sent down the isle by Inoki--taking his time walking, I might add. The crowd, at this point started to boo heavily, as the WWF seems to have done a great job in building up Tenzan. Well...he has been with the federation for 5 years now. Tenzan went straight to the top rope, and nailed Sandman with his top rope headbutt. Finally, Dibiase took the microphone as Team H held up the Sandman to Dibiase...

Dibiase(First to the crowd)" Hahahahahah, Everyone already knows that Everybody has a price, for the Million Dollar Man!!! But soon you'll also learn, that It Doesn't Pay To Cross, The Million Dollar Boss!! Hahahahaha!!! And, I'm such in a great mood, that I'm going to give everyone here in New Jersey, at this poverished University, a bonus match here tonight!! Sandman...you mention that, Mike Rotunda hit you over the head when you were in the finals...but you didn't mention how you got to the finals...ROLL IT!!!"

[*They show footage of Terry Taylor locking the Dark Carnival in the locker room, then coming out and joining The Sandman in hitting The Undertaker with chairs*] Crowd boos Dibiase's footage from KOTR...

Dibiase" So tonight, I'll be teaming you up against your little helper, Terry Taylor, against The Undertaker and his manager, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart!! Hahahaha!!! Good luck!! Hahahaha!!!"

With that, PRIDE'S new ring music, The Million Dollar Theme, mixed in with The Japanese National Anthem, plays as Dibiase leads PRIDE to the back, as the announcers go crazy. Cornette was great here, loving everything that he saw, while Joey Styles' played the disturbed face announcer as always. Alot of heat here.

[sTABLE ATTACK..PRIDE - SANDMAN] 83%

-ADVERTS-

- Dangerously Gets The Last Laugh; Tonight -

Sabu d. Hiroyoshi Tenzan I-C Title

These two had just as good as a match as they did during their LLX, pay per view, but the crowd was more into it this time. The WWF has done a great job of building Tenzan as an all around top wrestler, despite him not being able to talk. Tenzan first came into the WWF during their initial New Japan Hiring in 1992, with Satoshi Kojima, under the managerial guidence of Brother Love. When he didn't quite fit with them, and Kojima left, James Cornette, brought in from the SMW purchase, became Tenzan's manager, and managed Tenzan for the next 4 years during the CARTEL, & PRIDE incarnations, and all the way up until his injury just last year. The idea during this match was that now that Paulie Dangerously is no longer President, Sabu would not be able to use, tables & chairs as part of his arsenal. The announcers pushed it as if Sabu was 'censored', which is great in getting Sabu more over as a face. Final moments came at 13:22, when Dangerously and Sabu got upset at all of the 'rules'...Sabu reversed an irishwhip sending Tenzan into the ropes--Paulie from the outside, smashed his cell phone off the back of the head of an oncoming Tenzan, to a nice pop. Sabu followed up with a single jump Moonsault off the ropes for the cover and the victory!

Overall: 83

Crowd: 80

Match: 86

- The Kings Court Get Their Revenge -

The Kings Court (Steve Corino, Jerry Lawler & Jeff Jarrett) d. Mr. Perfect, Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, Tony Halme

There is alot of talk going around that Steve Corino isn't too happy with the way he's been used lately. I'm expecting the Kings' Court to be somewhat disbanded soon. There's also alot of talk about letting Jeff Jarrett go after a fight he got into with Violent J last week. Anyway, alot of Beefcake and Perfect offense here which got the crowd really into it. They teased alot of Beefcake-Corino & Beefcake-Lawler stuff. Perfect pretty much manhandled Jeff Jarrett including getting him in the Perfect Plex, only to be broken up by Corino. Halme got tossed around as always. Final moments came when Lawler Piledrove Beefcake after using the chain, that apparently he now carrys in his boot at all times. After the victory, Owen Hart & Jack Victory hit the ring to fend off Perfect & Halme, while Lawler got some revenge for Victory, by trimming Beefcake's hair with his very own clippers. They must've stood in the ring for another 5-6 minutes just taunting the crowd. Corino almost got into a legit fight with a fan, showing why he is one of the best WWF heel Champions that the WWF has had in a long time. It'll be interesting to see where the WWF takes this feud...Whether they'll give Perfect another title shot, at the WWF's next big show--and English only PPV, Sunday In Manchester, or if they plan something bigger for Summerslam, their next major PPV is up in the air at this point.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 91

Match: 64

-ADVERTS-

- The Dark Carnival's Leader; Revealed Next Week -

The Sandman & Terry Taylor d. The Undertaker & Ringmaster Jim Neidhart

Jim Neidhart as a manager is scary, but him as this 'revamped' wrestler was just as every bit insane. I'm suprised they gave Neidhart the go to wrestle, but with Violent J & Papa Shango not in the building, Neidhart would be a more fitting partner for his client. Finals of the match saw Terry Taylor pin Neidhart after his knee drop off the top rope. Sandman was busy with The Undertaker on the outside. Following the end of the match, The Great Kabuki, of PRIDE hit the ring and started attacking The Sandman. Sandman fought him off, with the aid of his Kendo stick. Shaggy 2 Dope, also hit the ring to attack Taylor, but Taylor ended up getting the better of him, and hitting him with his 'dreaded' knee drop. As, RAW was set to go off the air, RingMaster Jim Neidhart pulled back his men, The Undertaker & Shaggy 2 Dope--The Great Kabuki also back peddled with them, leading to the announcers teasing an some sort of alliance between PRIDE & The Dark Carnival. As the three wrestlers were peddling to the back, Neidhart got hold of a mic and yelled;

Neidhart" Thats it!!! The Dark Carnival's Carnival Of Carnage will begin into the next phase!!! Shangrila is getting closer and closer!! You will see it!! These people will see it!! Next week we challenge you two, to a Tag Team Cage Match!! Not only will our leader arrive, to guide us ALL into Shangrila...but, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CHOSEN ONE!! THERE WILL BE SOMEONE ELSE CHOSEN TO GO TO THE CARNIVAL--INTO THE DARKNESS--INTO ETERNAL DAMNATION!! THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CASUALITY--OF THE DARK CARNIVAL!!! MWAHahahahahah!!! Hahahahahah!!!! Hahahahaha!!!"

*Ringmaster Jim Neidhart continued to laugh all the way back to the curtain, as the Sandman & Terry Taylor stood in the ring...wondering what would happen next week.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 82

Match: 59

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Did you hear that Cornette!!! We have a CAGE match, next week on RAW!!! And the leader of the Dark Carnival Will Be Revealed!!!"

Cornette" That's right, and even worst, there will be another casualty in the WWF next week on RAW! It's going to be someones final day here in the World Wrestling Federation!!"

Styles" And why did The Great Kabuki come out here to help The Dark Carnival? What's going on between those two factions!?!!"

Cornette" Styles, you're reading too much into things!! Didn't you hear those nasty things that the Sandman had to say about PRIDE earlier!! All I know...is that it ain't good for Mr. Sandman!!

Show Quality: 79%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.89 - rising...

Biggest Complaint: Kamala vs. Barry Horowitz

Behind The Scenes Issues:

WWF Worldwide Preview

--Brutus 'The Barber Beefcake vs. Jeff Jarrett

--PRIDE vs. The Mountie's Team

-And Much Much More!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only 5 Months until Series '97...

July 12rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Moxfurous Arena, Chicago IL

Attendance: 12030

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Sgt. Slaughter

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

WWF Worldwide opened the show, with Mooney saying that he had no idea who his broadcast partner would be this week. Suddenly, SGT. Slaughter's music played to a huge pop, in his announcing wear of a suit and tie. Mooney played shocked, and spent about 3 minutes running down the show sucking up to Slaughter. The two then recapped the recent WWF events.

T.R.A.S.H. D. Simon Diamond & Dr. X (Tom Pritchard under a mask)

It looks they've got Sgt. Slaughter doing the colour announcing for Worldwide from now on. The Real American Sanitation Homeboys won when Duke The Dumpster & Road Dogg nailed Dr. X with their double elbow drop.

Overall: 62

Crowd: 52

Match: 73

- The Great Kabuki looses it on Walker -

In one of the wierdest segments in WWF History, PJ Walker was seen walking to the ring. He was just done talking to an unidentified official (Ed Ferrera), where his last words heard were, "Yea, I'm not happy about this PRIDE thing, either..." All of a sudden he was blindsided by The Great Kabuki. The fans were extremely confused since most people in the arena didn't hear Walker's last words about PRIDE...so they had no idea why Kabuki was attacking Walker. Rotunda was nearby yelling at Walker, then informed him, he had a match next..."Against The Great Kabuki!"

I think they did this to get Kabuki more over as a heel to the fans, as he had been getting alot of cheers from long time Wrestling fans, who know about his years of ring experience. But the fans were more confused, and disinterested than anything else. Kabuki did give Walker quite the thrashing, though. 21%

Overall: 62

Crowd: 52

Match: 73

The fans didn't understand why The Great Kabuki was trying to become a face by turning on PJ Walker. The Great Kabuki's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. The Great Kabuki gained overness from this turn. The Great Kabuki lost overness from this segment. PJ Walker lost overness from this segment. [i think I hit 'face turn' instead of 'heel turn'...nevertheless the end result is still a higher over for Kabuki -- from 64-71]

-ADVERTS-

The Great Kabuki d. PJ Walker

Sean Mooney must've mentioned that Kabuki was Great Muta's Father about 900 times. Kabuki kille Walker with a stiff kick to the head for the victory. Rotunda was at ringside with Kabuki. I guess Dibiase only does the big RAW shows.

Overall: 66

Crowd: 55

Match: 78

Rick Martel d. Earthquake

Martel won with the Boston crap at 7:33. Martel, at 40, and John Tenta, at 42, I'm sure are just happy to be employed. Jimmy Hart is so annoying with that megaphone outside the ring.

Overall: 59

Crowd: 62

Match: 54

- The Rock starts Trouble With the Canadian Foundation on WWF Spotlight -

Sean Mooney takes us to a pre-recorded segment from this past Thursday's WWF Spotlight, which now replaces PHAT TV on Sky TV. It's now a purely recap show from the studios of the WWF, with hosts Vince McMahon & Eric Bischoff. It was the first broadcast of WWF Spotlight since 1991, and McMahon had the entire Canadian Foundation, Bret Hart, Carl Oulette, and The Rougeau Brothers as the shows special in studio guests. Suddenly after a break, The Rock Don Muraco came into the studio and started causing a scene.

The Rock" Why were these punks asked to be here, and not The Rock!?! I'm a legend around here!! I should've been co-hosting WWF Spotlight, McMahon! "

McMahon" Well...I'm sorry..but--"

The Rock (Knocks papers from nearby desk panel)" Sorry's not good enough McMahon!! I want these guys out of here, and I'M the special guest!!"

With that, The Rock shoved Ray Rougeau, to which The Mountie shoved Muraco back in retaliation. This caused Muraco to shove The Mountie which led to Bret & Oulette joining in the scuffle jumping on The Rock. McMahon started screaming for security, as they quickly came to break up the studio free for all. According to those within, The Rock was supposed to be written off in a Dark Carnival segment, but apparently didn't show up for the Worlwide Tapings due to being sick. So they showed this instead. 82%

-ADVERTS-

Zeus d. Spike Dudley

Their talking about giving Zeus a program with WWF I-C Champion Sabu..or at least getting him involved in the whole Sabu, Tenzan IC Title triangle. I could just picture Zeus no selling Sabu's chair shots already.

Overall: 56

Crowd: 55

Match: 58

Terry Taylor d. Papa Shango

Announcers were pushing the Tag Team Cage Match on RAW huge during this match, of Taylor & Sandman vs. Undertaker & Papa Shango, including to speculating who the Dark Carnival leader was. Slaughter had a funny comment citing that it could be Bozo The Clown, obviously a knock on ICP. Taylor won with his dreaded top rop knee-drop at 11:33, after the Sandman hit the ring, surving as a distraction. On their way to the back, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart screamed at Taylor, and Sandman, "Be careful!! For this Monday Night...you could be the next chosen one!! The next victim...Of The Carnival!!

OVerall: 69

Crowd: 76

Match: 56

-ADVERTS-

- The Dark Patriot; Live From The Streets of The Gutter -

Sean Mooney directs the viewers attention to the Titan Tron, where The Dark Patriot is seen walking in a slum street of Detriot. Doug Gilbert isn't exactly the best when it comes to delivering promos, but its good to see the WWF now using Worldwide to give everyone some air time. It's been no secret in the WWF locker room, that Gilbert's been upset at the way that he's been toned down, since his feud earlier this year, with Bret Hart. Dark Patriot walked along the streets of a gutter, wearing his trench coat and mask, while talking to 'the camera'...

The Dark Patriot

"Ya know some people say I'm Doug Gilbert, and some people say I'm not. But, what everyone can agree on is that I've made an impact, on everyone's lives, here in the WWF. (He steps in a wad of bubble gum. He pauses to pull the gum off of the bottom of his boot..with his bare hand) At Wrestlemania, I was in the Main Event...and was outsmart by Steve Corino! But you see...the Dark Patriot doesn't care. The Dark Patriot has no emotion! But...there is something that has bothered me for a while. Ya see I was at Wrestlemania...and I played a big part of it...and now...SummerSlam is right around the corner...and I plan to be a big part of that, too. You see, there's a person here in the WWF that claims to be Suicidal. He claims to be Genocidal. And He also claims to be Homicidal. And he's the Intercontinental Champion, Sabu!! But ya see...I'm all of those and so much more...right here....right here...right here...(Points to head). So, Sabu...at Summerslam...lets just see who is...is more...of a menace..."

The Dark Patriot continues off into the dark alley as the screen fades to black. This is interesting. They must be planning some sort of a 3 way match or something, since the feud between Dibiase, Tenzan, Dangerously and Sabu is no where near complete. Good segment, but the fans pretty much fell asleep until he mentioned Sabu. 66%

The Dark Patriot lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Johnny Ace, Mike Barton & Stan Hansen

vs.

Jacques Rougeau, Finnish Hammer Tony Halme, & Rick Steiner

Everyone worked really stiff here except for Rougeau...who got a shiner thanks to the stiff forearm shots of Mike Barton. Steiner had a little 'clothesline contest with Hansen trying to get him down, but ultimatley lost the match when Hansen just responded with his patented Lariat. Road Agent Mike Rotunda was at ringside for this one, and raised the hands of PRIDE in victory after the match.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 78

Match: 68

- The King saves Jeff Jarrett From A Haircut -

Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake d. Jeff Jarrrett

Beefcake was pretty lame in the ring as always and spent most of the match playing to the crowd, but nailed Jarrett with the sleeper at 9:33. He won in such a way that suggested that Jarrett looked to be somewhat buried. After his victory Beefcake pointed and went for the sheers, but by the time he turned around, Lawler had hit the ring, and had already pulled Jarrett out to saftey. Beefcake then took the microphone. I'm really suprised their giving mic time to people who...essentially can't deliver great promos...but I guess, with the WWF's recent PPV viewership victory over WCW they there giving a chance to everyone...which is actually effective in generating more heat for their feuds.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 89

Match: 61

- Brutus Beefcake Makes a Summerslam Challenge To Lawler -

Brutus Beefcake

" Ya know something, Lawler!! Because of what's happened over the last few weeks...there something thats really certain to me dude!!! This place ain't big enough for the two of us brothaaaaa! This place ain't big enough for the 'Barber King' (Crowd laughs and cheers)...and....the....'Burger King!!' (He breaks the crowd into a 'Burger King' Chant.) And ya see, Lawler...there's a certain attitude that's sweeping the nation, brotha!! There's a certain type of attitude that's got everyone talkin'. (Barber pauses to caress the blade of his giant sheers)...And I think ya know what I'm talkin' about....Immaaa Talking about BarberTude, Brother!!! (Crowd starts cheering loudly as Lawler and Jarrett throw tantrums outside the ring)

So here's my challenge bucko!! As ya know brotha...we got a little Pay Per View coming up in just about a month brother...and it's called SUMMER SLAM '97!!!! And Lawler we're talking Madison Square Garden...not those little dinky Memphis arenas!! (Crowd cheers again..but a bit lightly, as Beefcake is dragging on the promo). So Lawler, how about you and I get in the ring one on one...AT SUMMERSLAM!!!"

Lawler

" Yea...yea!! You got it, Mr. LooserTude!"

Beefcake

" In a 15 Foot High STeel Cage!" (Crowd pops again)

Lawler(After being a bit hesitant)

" Uhh...Yea!! Yea!! I've been Wrestling Cage Matches while you were carrying Hogan's jockstrap around!!"

Beefcake

" That's very funny, Lawler!! But...That's not all...I'm talking about a RETIREMENT MATCH!!!"

The crowd pops once again at this challenge. WWF Worldwide goes off the air, focused in on Jerry Lawler, who has a face of uncertainty....

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" Holy Summerslam, Slaughter!! This summer just got hotter!! Beefcake and Lawler in a Cage Match!! Will, Lawler accept the retirement stipulation"

Slaughter" Unbelieveable, Mooney! Unbelievable!!"

Mooney" Barbertude is in the air..but tommorow night we find out who the leader of the Dark Carnival is!!"

Slaughter" And however he--or she--is, will lead the Carnival into the 'next phase, of this Carnival of Carnage thing that they're doing!! Someone's last day here in the WWF happens this Monday!!!"

Mooney" Until next week, remember, if it's Worldwide, Then it's the World Wrestling Federation!! So long everybody!"

Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake has challenged

Jerry 'The King' Lawler to a steel cage SummerSlam Showdown!

Will it also be a retirement match?

Show Quality: 61%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening WCW Saturday Night - 7.33

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's Announcing

Behind The Scenes Issues:

Raw Preview!!

--Tag Team Cage Match--15 Foot High Steel Cage

The Sandman & Terry Taylor vs. The Undertaker & Papa Shango

--New Jack vs. Jeff Jarrett

--Diesel vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley

--Plus Much Much More!!! Also in the Building, The Lightning Kid, The Sandman, Owen Hart, Zeus, Bob Backlund, The Finnish Nightmare, and Steve Corino & The Kings Court!!

--Plus...WHO WILL BE THE Dark Carnival's next victim...and who is their 'leader!!'?

What does PRIDE have in store for us THIS week!

Edited January 12, 2005 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

Only 5 Months until Series '97...

July 14rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Aethra Arena, Rochester - NY

Attendance: 12,033

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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 Return Of.... -

Raw this week opened up with a hot crowd, pretty much forced into a 'Finnish Nightmare' chant, as Tony Halme stands around the ring, dumbfounded. He has a mic in his hand...

Halme" Ok...I got a note backstage...that I was wanted here, in this ring! So...whoever left that note in my locker room...I'm here!!! C'mon!!"

While the stalling continued, Joey Styles & James Cornette on commentary hyped up the rest of RAW, in addition to talking about the recent SummerSlam challenge between Brutus Beefcake & Jerry Lawler. It looks like the WWF isn't hyping up Sunday In Manchester, which will be a Europe Only PPV, whilst also being broadcast on American Television. Actually, it reminds me alot of an event that they ran, many years ago, Tuesday In Texas. Suddenly, the lights began to flickler, then dim, as 10 gongs started to play, followed by The Undertaker's music. The fans all looked to the curtain, and instantly broke into an uproar when they saw who emerged from the curtain. It was Paul Bearer, The Mortician, apparently 100% healed from his 8 month torn calf injury. The look on Tony Halme's face was priceless, as a man of his size was scared, as Paul Bearer walked down the isle. He walked very slowly, by himself--but had the urn in his hand, signifying his apparent ties with the Dark Carnival. Some of the fans booed. Some Cheered. They were very uncertain of what to expect. After staring at Halme for a short while as the crowd went nuts, Bearer was handed a microphone, and talked as he circled around Mr. Halme. He was doing his 100% heel mortician gimmick...This was a real treat for the live fans.

Paul Bearer

"Ohhhhhhh YEeessssssssssss!!! The Fat Scary Man is back!! (Crowd cheers at first, but quickly settles into booes once they realise Bearer was talking in his heel dialect) ...And I am the one behind The Dark Carnival!!! You see for years, I've always been the one pushed around! I've always been the one shoved, ignored...to the the point where I had to sit on a hospital bed for the last 8 months, and watch--as the very people who put me down parade all over the WWF! Well...NOW IT'S MY TURN!!! That's right--Through the powers of the Darkside...and the root of all that is Evil--Its I that's doing the picking and chosing!!! Whether you like it our not, I now control the fate of WWF Wrestlers! And...at Shangrila...The ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WILL BE MADE!!!! OHHHHHHHHH YESSSSSSS!!!!!" 82%

[THE RETURN-ANGLE]

Suddenly, Paul Bearer stops and looks into the direction of Tony Halme. Halme gives a look as if he doesn't know what to expect. Paul Bearer holds up his Urn to the iselway. However, the look of the fans, reveal that wrestlers were coming from another direction--the stands. Hopping over the railing, then into the ring, were The Insane Clown Posse and Papa Shango, attacking Halme from behind. Halme stood no chance in this 3-1 battle. As this was going on, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart, with a body bag in hand - strolled down the isle laughing maniacally as always..Beside him, was The Undertaker, rolling a giant casket to the ring. This was quite the scene. Finally, once in the ring, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart zipped open the casket to a nice reaction--as everyone new what was coming up next..., with that, He, ICP, and Papa Shango all helped in placing Halme in the bodybag. Bearer then gave a sign to The Undertaker, as Undertaker tombstoned Halme, already in the body bag--then rolled him into the casket. Finally, Undertaker shut the casket, as Paul Bearer held the urn up, screaming; 'Ohhhhhhh Yesssssss!! Another one has been chosen!!! Welcome the Dark Carnival!! Enjoy your stay!! IT'S ETERNAL!!'. Styles cut to a commercial break as The (now complete) Dark Carnival posed in the ring, getting a nice heel reaction, as an ICP song 'House Of Mirrors', played as their music. How fitting. A song about death. 75%

Paul Bearer lost overness from this segment.

[sTABLE ATTACK]

Paul Bearer has returned, as leader of the

Dark Carnival, and has taken another victim, into

The Carnival...

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" I should've known it was him!! Paul Bearer! That freak! That...that...that cult leader!!"

Cornette" Styles, this is more than a cult...it's a terror! And it looks like we've seen that last of Tony Halme!"

Styles" I think we're going to loose alot of people...if this cult is not stopped!"

Cornette" STyles, this is only the beginning!! Only the beginning of the road to Shangrila--where the 'ultimate sacrifice', will be made...as said by Paul Bearer--The man behind the Dark Carnival!!"

Styles" And what's with this music?"

-ADVERTS-

Diesel d. Hunter Hearst Helmsely

Diesel looked pretty good here. Martin is kinda skinny, but he carry's off the biker gimmick well. Jimmy Hart got involved a few times, but was taken down by Francine on the outside. Diesel won with the pump handle slam at 6:59.

Overall: 76

Crowd: 73

Match: 79

Hunter Hearst Helmsley lost overness from this match. Diesel gained overness from this match.

- The Sandman's Quest For More Beer -

After the announcers were done recapping President Dibiase's steps to power, Mike Rotunda hit the ring, and introduced, The WWF President, Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase. Dibiase said that Stan Hansen had an open contract for a shot at the GWF Heavyweight Title for this month's Sunday In Manchester. At this point, The Sandman's music started to play as he emerged from the curtain and stood on the podium with a mic in his hand.

"

Dibiase" Sandman!! You have a Tag Team Cage match to prepare for--this had better be good!! Mwahahahaha!!"

Sandman (He stops to play to the crowd. There is a deafening Sandman Chant. Rotunda is in the ring trying to quite the crowd down) " YO!!!! (Crowd echoes 'Yo!') Ya know Dibiase...yea, yea, I know I got that Tag Team match tonight...but ya see I want a shot at that GWF Title...ya know...I'm the one Hansen beat for the title! So...lets make this a little interesting...If Taylor and I beat the Dark Carnival tonight...then then I get a GWF Title shot at Sunday In Manchester

Dibiase" Fine!! Your on! Whatever! Now get out of here!!"

Sandman (Looks to the crowd, who are chanting 'Where's Your Beer', noticing that The Sandman doesn't have a can of beer with him) " Ya know...that reminds me Dibiase. We've got a serious problem here. There ain't no beer backstage!!"

Rotunda (Rotunda grabs the microphone from Dibiase) " Sandman!! You're not getting any beer!! That locker room is for seasoned athlethes, not for drunks like you!"

Sandman (Now, looks to the crowd) " Yo!!!! Anybody got any beer for me?!" (The crowd erupts; each section inviting the Sandman to join them in the stands.)

Dibiase" Sandman, don't you even think about it! It doesn't pay to cross The Million Dollar Boss!!"

Sandman" Hey, Dibiase!! Eat me!!! I'm going to drink up!"

With that, The Sandman hopped off the podium and into the crowd, as fans rushed to the Sandman and started pouring beer down his mouth. The Sandman went up and down the isleway, getting beer from his fans from every direction. The crowd loved this. Dibiase and Rotunda were going nuts in the ring, telling security to stop the Sandman. They cut to advert break, with Dibiase & Rotunda returning to the back, while still yelling for the Sandman to get out of the crowd. This was a great segment for the Sandman, as he came accross as being overly popular by going into the crowd--which he is...94%

The Sandman gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

New Jack d. Jeff Jarrett

New Jack beat Double J after his headbutt off of the top rope, in 9:33 of an OK match. After the match, Harvey Wipplemann & Jack Victory were yelling at Jeff Jarrett for loosing. Announcers teased that all was not well in The Kings' Court.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 82

Match: 72

Jeff Jarrett lost overness from this match. New Jack gained overness from this match.

The Dark Patriot & Brian Christopher d. The Lightning Kid & Juventud Guerrera

They replayed the Dark Patriot segment from Worldwide. So what do they do next? Put him in a tag match. Anyway, Guerrara looked really out of place here. His ring work was fine, but in just his second match in the WWF no one knew who he was. The finals came when Dark Patriot nailed Juventud with his scud missle shoulder block in 8:16. After the match, Bob Backlund came down the isle with a microphone.

Overall: 71

Crowd: 72

Match: 72

- The Kid Rejects Backlund; Then Pays For It -

Bob Backlund came into the ring, and made a motion that he 'meant peace' to Lightning Kid. Backlund said that he realised Bret wasn't in the building tonight, and that he wanted to make an offer to The Lightning Kid. He said that he was very impressed by The Kid after his 30 minute battle with Owen Hart at the King Of The Ring. He then said that the Kid should join forces with he and Owen Hart against Bret, warning him that Bret was always going to hold The Kid Down. Backlund then offered a handshake. The Kid teased shaking his hand, but then got the cheers of the crowd when he simply walked away from Backlund. Backlund kept screaming for the Kid to get back in the ring to shake his hand. Finally, when The Kid was at the curtain, Owen Hart appeared out of nowhere, blindsiding The Kid. At that point Backlund ran up to the podium in front of the curtain and joined in on the attack. After more boots to the back, Owen locked The Kid in the sharpshooter, until finally referees and officials came to break it up. Backlund and Owen got great heel heat here. Backlund got great heat, especially with his work in the ring with The Kid. The Lightning Kid not only sold the sharpshooter well, but did a good job of acting when in the ring with Backlund, as well.

92%

[DUO ATTACKS 1-ANGLE]

The Lightning Kid gained overness from this segment. Bob Backlund gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Papa Shango d. Don Muraco

They showed this match from a past house show...I guess to get Papa Shango a bit more over, since he was technically a 'Main Eventer' for tonight.

Overall: 55

Crowd: 53

Match: 58

Don Muraco lost overness from this match. Papa Shango gained overness from this match.

- Slick's Groundshaking Challenge -

We go backstage to where Vince McMahon is standing by with Slick and Zeus. McMahon said that we were moments away from the Giant Cage match Main Event. Slick did his normal jiving, as Zeus stood behind him staring intensly into the camera as usual. Vince asked Slick what were Zeus's intentions here in the WWF....

Slick" McMahon....Who is the toughest man in the World!!! Zeus' is, daddy!!! And we are here to make a public invition to who many feel is the Baddest Man on The Planet!!! "

McMahon" I'm sorry...I don't understand."

Slick" McMahon!!! The Invitation is open...Zeus is making a national challenge to the so-called 'Baddest Man On The Planet!!!The Man who's so bad...that just a few weeks ago he was all over the news...for biting the eeeeaarrrrrrrr of the legendary Evander Holyfield!!!"

McMahon" You don't mean..."

Slick (Pulls out a picture) " That's right, Daddy!! Our challenge goes out to...THIS MAN!!! WE ARE INVITING YOU TO THE WWF!!! TO FACE ZEUS!!!!"

With that, Slick took out and showed a picture of, former Boxing heavyweight champion of the World. 'Iron' Mike Tyson... 82%

-ADVERTS-

- Problems in Camp Corino -

Returning off the break, we see WWF Champion Steve Corino walking side by side with Jerry Lawler & Jack Victory, along with Jeff Jarrett & Harvey Wipplemann following right behind. It looks like, Owen Hart has chosen to go on his own, rather than being apart of Corino's stable. On his way to the ring, Corino actually spit on a fan, which lead to the fan trying to jump over the railing at Corino, but he was quickly stopped by WWF Security. Once in the ring, Corino grabbed the mic, and stalled a bit, by making fun of some of the fans in the front row, along with the help of Jerry Lawler. The announcers noted that Lawler has his right fist wrapped in chain.

Corino (Loud 'Corino Sux' goes as Corino finally stops making fun of members of the crowd) " If you would please quiet down! Your WWF Champion has something to say!! (He pauses as the arena explodes with booes) Hey...remember...YOU PAID TO SEE ME!!! Quiet!! First off...Mr. Perfect!! I proved to you that you are indeed not Perfect at all!! Infact...from now on...I think I'll call you...Mr. Imperfect!!! Now--There seems to be a problem in Camp Corino!!! Nowl as WWF Champion, I demand a strong foundation of the people around me!! And...well...look at what happened earlier tonight!"

[*Footage plays from earlier, where New Jack defeated Jeff Jarrett in a little under 10 minutes*]

Corino" That's right!! Our (Saracastically) 'World Class Superstar' got defeated by an inner city thug!! That's right!! Jeff Jarrett--former Intercontinental Champion, lost to New Jack--who's highest honour he's had was the ECW Title!!! Jarrett...what do you have to say for yourself?"

Jarrett" Oh C'mon, Corino... Well..I--I...New Jack's tough. He's--"

Corino" 'New Jack's tough'..he says! Is that the best you can do?! As far as I'm concern, there's no place for you, in Camp Corino! Guys...if you will...please show 'Double J' they way us legends deal with failures like him!"

With that, Jerry Lawler sucker punched Jarrett with a chain that was rapped around his hand. He and Victory started kicking Jarrett as Lawler screamed, "I expected better from you, Jarrett!!" Victory & Lawler held Jarrett up, as Corino gave Jarrett some right hands to the head. Finally, to end off the attack, Corino nailed Jarrett with 3 Dusty Rhodes Elbow drops, before leaving a beaten Jeff Jarrett laid out in the ring. Wasn't too much of a reaction since the fans didn't really seem to care about Jarrett being attacked by Corino. Corino still got the expected heel heat after the attack was over. [*Eye of The Tiger*] played as Corino led his team to the back. I'm hearing that Corino wants the stable to have more of an emphasis on him, since he is the World Champion, which is why I guess he referred to his clique as Camp Corino. Jarrett was completely thrashed here, which leads me to wonder if Jarrett could be a victim of the WWF's recent 'cleansing'.72%

The fans realised that Jeff Jarrett turned not too long ago, and so this time they didn't care so much. Jeff Jarrett lost overness from this turn. Steve Corino lost overness from this segment.

[sTABLE KICK OUT- ANGLE] 72%

-ADVERTS-

- Taylor Lands The Knee From Above -

The Sandman & Terry Taylor d. The Undertaker & Papa Shango - CAGE

Coming off the break, Terry Taylor was already in the ring jumping in place, while The Sandman, fresh off of an hour of 'drinking with the fans' arrived in the ring from the crowd. Match was fought with tornado rules, which meant no tags--and with these four in the ring that certainly helped. The final moments of the match came at 12:33, when Papa Shango was already down--Sandman and Taylor took turns bashing The Undertaker with the singapore cane. Finally, he fell down, and Taylor was climbing to the top rope for his signature knee drop. But Sandman stopped him and told him to go higher. And with that, with encouragement from the fans, Taylor went up a bit higher, midway on the cage, and leaped off nailing The Undertaker with his knee-drop, sparking a solid 'Taylor' chant. Maybe's Hawk's firing was the best thing for Taylor's career after all. With that, Sandman gave another cane shot to Papa Shango in the corner, before he and Taylor walked out of the Cage to a nice pop.

Right after the victory, before an official word was even made, Ted Dibiase emerged from the curtain, and once again sent The Great Kabuki to the ring...he was quickly taken out by The Sandman's cane. Taylor fought off Ringmaster Jim Neidhart & Paul Bearer who were already at ringside..but lost control of the upper hand when Shaggy 2 Dope & Violent J hit the ring for the run in. Suddenly..the odds were stacked up against the Sandman & Terry Taylor...as they had a stand off between the two of them and The Dark Carnival & PRIDE'S Great Kabuki, with Ted Dibiase looking on from the podium. Joey Styles on commentary kept going nuts screaming;

"We need someone to step up against this Dark Carnival!! We need someone to come to the aid of Taylor and Sandman!! We need someone to come to the aid of The WWF!!!"

Suddenly, when it seemed That Sandman & Taylor were about to be attacked...lights started to flicker...and odd spacey music started to play as ring music... All combatants looked around in confusion, until finally the heels decided to retreat to the back. As they were retreated, RAW went off the air....

Overall: 74

Crowd: 82

Match: 58

Terry Taylor gained overness from this feud ending. Papa Shango gained overness from this feud ending.

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Who will come to the aid of the WWF!?! What WWF Superstar will step up against this cult!! This--"

Cornette" What the hells going on with the lights, Styles! ...and where is that wierd music coming from!?"

Styles" It sounds like some music from outer space or something...what the...AND LOOK!! The Dark Carnival is retreating!! Their going back to the locker room! So is PRIDE's Great Kabuki!!"

Cornette" I don't know what's going on here, but someone's better fix the lighting situation!"

Styles" The Sandman!! Terry Taylor!!! Standing Strong!! But there has already been Dark Carnival casualty tonight! Will there be more -- in the weeks -- in the months to come, now that their leader is here?!"

Cornette" And, what about the situation with Owen Hart and The Lightning Kid! Wait until Bret Hart finds out about this!! AND WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THIS MUSIC ON THE PA SYSTEM!!!"

Styles" I don't know...but it scared away the Dark Carnival & Dibiase!! So much action!! So little time!!! OH MY GAWD!!!!"

Show Quality: 77%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.89

Biggest Complaint: The House Show Match being shown....

Behind The Scenes Issues:

WWF Worldwide!!

--Camp Corino in Attendance!! Jerry Lawler will answer Brutus Beefcake's Challenge!!

--'Mr. Perfect' Curt Hennig vs. Barry Horowitz

--Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Carl Oulette

--Plus Much Much More!!!!

Edited January 12, 2005 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

Only 5 Months until Series '97...

July 19rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Moxfurous Arena, Chicago IL

Attendance: 12074

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Sgt. Slaughter

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Riddle Box; Hosted By Shaggy 2 Dope -

With just about a week before their Europe Only PPV, Sunday in Manchester, the WWF did more hyping for the Monday Night RAW in two days, than the PPV...which leads me to believe, that this PPV, will be like most other European PPV's...and that is featuring B-level matches strictly for entertaining purposes for the English crowd. With that said, its also believed that Mike Tyson, who's in England I guess doing 'press' after his little ear biting encounter last week, could be making an appearance at the PPV. That is, of course, if all rumours are true that he could be headed in for a program against Zeus.

WWF Worldwide opened up with 'House Of Mirrors' hitting the PA system, which meant, The Insane Clown Posse. It looked like this was a 'new show', as the ring was decorated with gimmick graveyard props...the most noteable props being two large verticle caskets, in two different turnbuckle corners. Shaggy 2Dope & Violent J came down the ring, and had way too much mic time then they should've.

Shaggy 2Dope" Hello and welcome to The Riddle Box I'm your host Shaggy 2 Dope...and this here (pointing around the ring) is My Riddle Box!! That's right...The Dark Carinval has taken control of your Television screen, and this arena!! Now, the whole wrestling world seems to be talking about this 'saviour' of the WWF!! But, THERE IS NO PROTECTION FROM THE CARNIVAL!! YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE! " (Crowd Boos as Violent J chimes in)

Violent J" The Dark Carnival is here for you! It is here to save you!! It is here to cleanse the WWF!!"

2Dope" Now...everyone seems to be talking about that 'spacey music', that we heard last week on RAW--and talkin' about 'Max Moon'! (The Crowd breaks into a huge cheer)"

Violent J" Well, Ya'll can sit tight, cos he ain't coming."

Shaggy 2Dope" Buuuuttttt just incase Max Moon is thinking of coming to help the WWF!! Just in case that music has 'inspired' Max Moon to come for all of his illegitimate Moon Children--Let me read to you some letters sent to us by the Juggalos!!"

Violent J" Oh...and by Juggalos...we mean our followers! Those who believe in the Carnival! Those who understand the Dark Side!!"

2Dope" Look at this Letter...he says here that 'Max Moon is old news!! Please, I hope Max Moon isn't coming to the WWF!! Look at another letter...here from 'Juggalo Ron', 'We need someone fresh!! We want someone new!! Not that looser Max Moon!" (The crowd breaks into rampant; "Moooooonnn!!" chants.

Violent J" Yea...someone fresh...so we can chop their head right off!!"

2Dope" Look...another letter from Juggalo Vapid; 'Hey, It's 1997, we don't want Max Moon back in the WWF!!'" (The crowd booes as ICP are clearly making these letters up just to attack Max Moon)

Violent J" Shaggy 2 Dope!! Those are all Juggalos!! Maybe you should ask a (sarcastically), 'WWF Star', what he thinks about Max Moon!!!"

Shaggy 2 Dope" Alright...I'd like to call out...um...long time WWF Manager...Dr. Harvey Wipplemann!! C'mon Down Doc!!"

Confused, and wondering whats going on...we see an uncertain Harvey Wippleman walking reluctantly to the ring....

2Dope" Now whatchYOU know 'bout this Max Moon guy?!"

Wipplemann" Well...he seemed to be getting more and popular with the fans...until this year...when YOU GUYS interefered in his Wrestlemania match, with the Undertaker! We've never heard from him again!" (The crowd actually cheered Wipplemann for being 'truthful')

2Dope (angered)" Now...you listen to me Mr. Harvey Wipplemann! I'm gonna ask you dis question again!! Maybe I need to rephrase! Whatttaayyya think about Max Moon!!"

Wipplemann" I told you already. He's extremely popular with his fans...and the moon children and---"

2Dope" Wipple[bleep], you've just entered the Riddle Box! Now, those who step in leave with one of two results. The first outcome--should they choose to embrace The Carnival--is a very good outcome! They are met with a guiding light! A shining light of all that represents The Dark Carnival!! But...the bad outcome is quite a different image...an Image of Hell!! An image of suffering!!"

Wippleman" Uh...Ok guys...I'm gonna go..good luck with your, er--show...."

Wipplemann slowly began to back up from Shaggy 2 Dope. But, unbeknownst to Wipplemann, one of the Caskets started to open. Out came Papa Shango, standing directly behind Wipplemann, with his peices of garlic in hand. Finally, when Wipplemann bumped into Papa Shango, Shango quickly kicked him in the gut, then followed with his shoulder breaker finnisher on Wipplemann. The Dark Carnival left Wipplemann in the ring, clinching onto his shoulder in extreme pain--with the crowd booing them out of the ring. Good segment, but the interview lagged on for the live crowd. 64%

[ANGLE 3 on 1]

Shaggy 2 Dope lost overness from this segment. Violent J lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Flexx Kavanna & PJWalker d. Dr. X & Earthquake

There are rumours going around that Vince McMahon sent Pat Patterson to Ontario Canadia, the home of Rocky Johnson's (regional) VZF to scout for talent that could help the WWF's, once again, faltering Tag Team Division. According to several sources, they were looking at The Trillseekers, current VZF tag team champions. According to reports, Lance Storm & Chris Jericho-The Thrillseekers, are young competitors who had been trained in Stu-Hart's dungeon. Well, their going to need more than one tag team, if they want to give PRIDE'S Team H any competition. Kavanna won with the Kavanna Krash, which is basicallly a well timed urange.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 54

Match: 72

Dr .X lost overness from this match. Earthquake lost overness from this match. PJ Walker gained overness from this match. Flex Kavanna gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously Arrives-

Next they take us to the back as Paulie Dangerously has suprisingly arrived at WWF Worldwide. Eric Bischoff goes straight to harrassing Dangerously....

Bischoff (Approaching the Limousine)" Mr. Dangerously!!? What brings you WWF Worldwide?!"

Dangerously" Bischoff...The WWF is in grave danger! And I heard that music, just like everyone else on RAW, last week! That was Max Moon's music! So, tonight, I here to plead. That's right, Bischoff I'm going to plead to Max Moon. I can swallow my pride...because this is a time of crises!! This is a time that the WWF needs someone to Step Up against the Dark Carnival!! See ya later, Eric." 82%

Jack Victory d. Rick Steiner

During this match, the announcers speculated about the ring music from RAW last week. I find it odd that WWF acknowledged the overall negative internet opinion to bringing back Max Moon...yet they seem to be still pushing him. Very Odd. There are alot of rumours going around that Glen Jacobs, aka Bobby Heenan's bodyguard from the Bobby Heenan show of the past, Isacc Yankem DDS may be brought in to oppose the Dark Carnival. However, Jacob's currently signed to ECA doing his Doomsday gimmick. It'll be interesting to see what they do. Jack Victory won with the V-Punch at 8:33. After the match, Jerry 'The King' Lawler hit the ring and started attacking Rick Steiner. At this point, Sean Mooney left the broadcast booth to get a word, in the ring, with Jerry Lawler....

Overall: 54

Crowd: 48

Match: 61

-ADVERTS-

- Lawler Accepts Beefcake's SummerSlam '97 Retirement Match Challenge -

Sean Mooney was in the ring and tried to start the interview twice, but Jerry Lawler kept pausing to make fun of random fans in the front row. Finally, Mooney was able to get his word in.

Mooney" Jerry Lawler...if I can get a word with you...The Wrestling World wants to know...will you accept Brutus Beefcake's Challenge?"

Lawler" You listen to me, Mooney!! And I want everyone to listen to me, the King Of The WWF!! Yeaa!!! Yea, I'll accept Beefcake's challenge!! I'll accept Beefcake's challenge because I'm tired of him running around the WWF trying to cut people's hair like a freakin idiot!! This is a wrestling ring...not a stinkin Barber Shop!! And when I'm done ridding the WWF of that stinkin' Barber, I'm going to give him a SummerSlam present! A HAIRCUT!! A BALD HAIRCUT!! HAHAAHA!! That's right, Beefcake...not only will you loose your wrestling priviledges, but you'll also loose your hair!! Hahahahaha!!!! Mooney!!! Barbertude is over!!"

**Lawler got the Worldwide crowd really riled up, and left, as the announcers pushed hard that Summerslam will be the last match in a WWF Ring for either, Jerry Lawler, or Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake...97%

The Lightning Kid d. Johnny Ace

Very strong Worldwide match. Ace spent most of the time nailing Kid with Ric Flair chops. The finals of the match came when the Kid nailed Ace with a Lightning Kid after a missed Ace-Crusher.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 82

Match: 80

-ADVERTS-

Carl Oulette d. Juventud Guerrera

Basiclly a sqaush for Oulette. Guerrera looked good here, but the crowd new that Oulette, one of the most over men in the company, was going to win. He won with the cannonball at 6:33.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 64

Match: 76

The Insane Clown Posse d. The Rock & The Executioner

Ah..it looks like the WWF has officially written off Halme, with sticking him under the Executioner mask/costume. The last time that they used the jobber Executioner gimmick was when they were trying to drive Roddy Rowdy Piper to quit the WWF years ago. ICP won with their double leg drop off the top rope, on Executioner for the victory at 10:10. After the match, The Rock tried to go after ICP, but was held back by the refs. Basic squash match for The Posse.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 82

Match: 51

Don Muraco didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

-ADVERTS-

- Corino Follow's Lawler's Lead -

Mr. Perfect d. Barry Horowitz

The idea of this bout was to see if Barry Horowitz could finally break his loosing streak. Of course, Horowitz came close to beating the #1 Contender many times, but finally fell to the Perfect-Plex at 12:58. After the match, Steve Corino came down the isle, accompanied by Jack Victory, with a mic in his hand. The crowd broke into a frenzy as always. Victory got hit in the shoulder with a coke, which was mildly amusing.

Overall: 77

Crowd: 84

Match: 64

Steve Corino

" Perfect!!!!! You may know me...I'm Steve Corino--The Greatest WWF Champion of all time!! And...Perfect...I defeated you...but as we all recall...it was with the help of your Barber buddy, Brutus Beefcake, who tried to stick his nose where it didn't belong! Because...we all know that Beefcake will never be a World Champion!! (Crowd boooes Corino's statment) Now....Perfect...since I am the greatest champion of all time...I'm giving you the chance of a life time...That's right folks--The Champion is making the challenge! Perfect...You've got one more chance at the gold!! This time...NO INTEFERANCE!! Just You...and the Perfect One: ME!!! But let's make this one--in the spirit of my stablemate...a man whom I've looked up to as a kid, Jerry Lawler..(Crowd booes Jerry Lawler's mention)--A RETIREMENT MATCH!!! That's right...A SUDDEN DEATH MATCH!!! And there's no coming back!!! Jerry Lawler or Jack Victory won't interfere in my match...and your new friend, Brutus Beefcake won't interfere either!! Think about it Perfect! I know it's quite the risk...and it's also your last chance..." 86%

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously Lifts Max Moon's Sudden Death Suspension; 'His Way' -

Paulie Dangerously came out with a paper in his hand. The announcers said that it was a list of those wrestlers who lost Sudden Death Matches in the past. Paulie got right down to business

Paulie Dangerously

" In my hand..I hold the past fate of WWF Wrestlers, in my hand! Sudden Death: An idea spawn forth by former WWF President Hulk Hogan!! A man who defected to...(Paulie Dangerously starts doing wacky insulting impression of Dusty Rhodes, dancing in the ring, to the laughter of the crowd. Dusty Rhodes, is WCW's lead announcer, and often leads in the on air attacks on the WWF. It looks like Vince finally got insulted and is firing back through his employees)...Double Yaaa Seeee Double Yaaa! And this idea was carried on with future WWF Presidents, Joel Gertner, Captain Lou Albano...then ME...PAUL E. DANGEROUSLY!!! So in my hand I hold the only documentation of those Sudden Death explusions from then until now! That's right...I did a little dirty work over the last week!! And now...all the guys that were expelled from the WWF, (Paulie proceeds to ripping up the paper) ARE NO LONGER EXPELLED. That's right, our President, Dibiase, now has NO DOCUMENTATION OF THE SUDDEN DEATH MATCH HISTORY!!! And I did this for one reason, and one reason only!!! (Paulie stops to acknowledge the 'Moooooooonn!' cries from the crowd). Yea...that's right. Max Moon...I know its you!!! I heard the music!! We heard the music!! If your watching this...and I know you are...come back to the WWF!!! WE NEED YOU!! THE FANS NEED YOU!! THE WWF NEEDS YOU!! MAX MOON...I know it's you!!! And I'll see you on RAW in just two days!! TOGETHER WE WILL TAKE DOWN PRIDE!!! TOGETHER WE WILL PROTECT THE WWF FROM PAUL BEARER...RINGMASTER JIM NEIDHART AND THE DARK CARNIVAL!!! Max...I think I speak for everyone when I say...'Moooooooooooonnn!!"

Dangerously throws down the mic. He got the crowd pumped up, as WWF Worldwide closed with Paulie walking to the back admist frequent 'Mooooonnnn!' calls from the crowd. 86%

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" Listen to this crowd, Slaughter! Listen to this crowd!!"

Slaughter" Is Max Moon returning to the WWF?"

Mooney" Well...someone's gotta!! The WWF needs help!! The Dark Carnival must be stopped!!!"

Slaughter" And don't forget, PRIDE!!! Over and out, maggots!!!"

Show Quality: 61%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening WCW Saturday Night 7.32

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney

Behind The Scenes Issues:

Raw Preview!!

--Steve Corino has an Open Contract for a WWF Title Contender!!!

--The Dark Carnival (Insane Clown Posse & Undertaker)

vs.

The Sandman and...2 Brave WWF Athletes

--Bret Hart (With Lightning Kid in his Corner)

vs.

Mr. Bob Backlund (w/ Owen Hart in his Corner)

--The Debut of The Thrillseekers!!!

Edited January 12, 2005 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

Only 5 Months until Series '97...

July 21th, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Newtomb Air Centre, Winstor - MA

Attendance: 12,033

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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

Monday Night Raw began with Joey Style & James Cornette running down the card speculating as to if Max Moon was in the building. Cornette made a comment about how the locker room was tense, as Styles worried that The Dark Carnival could with-hold a strong grasp on the WWF.

The Thrillseekers (Chris Jericho & Lance Storm) d. The Orient Express (Pat Tanaka & Kato [Paul Diamond])

The Tag Team of Chris Jericho & Lance Storm made their debut against the (reunited) Orient Express. I'm hearing that the WWF brought in some people to help the tag division, and also called up some talent from the GWF. The announcers pushed Jericho & Storm hard, as STyles mentioned over and over that they both were trained in the same place as Bret Hart. Jericho & Storm looked great here in their debut. Though they are both virtual unknowns, alot of cult fans who's been following them over the years in the independants did pop for them. James Cornette mentioned that they were former SMW tag team Champions, when they first started in Wrestling. They won when Jericho held Tanaka in a boston crab, as Storm landed a legdrop to the back of the head, for the victory.

Overall: 61

Crowd: 45

Match: 77

- Paulie & Sabu Speak Out -

After the match, they showed highlights of the last few weeks recaping the recent actions of PRIDE & The Dark Carnival, and ended with footage Paulie ripping up the Sudden Death document a couple of nights ago on Worlwide. Paulie then stood in the ring for a short while with the mic in his hand, as fans kept going between 'Paulie' and 'Sabu' chants. Sabu roamed around the ring in his sheik oufit pointing to the ceiling every few moments....

Dangerously" First off....President Dibiase!! There is no doubt in my mind that you would love to add the Intercontinental Title to that Japanese stable of yours...but...remember this...Tenzan Has been unable to defeat my SABU!!! Now..there is no doubt in my mind that Tenzan is a very capable athlethe!! I've watched the New Japan tapes! I know what he's capable of!! But Dibiase--He's not Homicidal!! He's not Genocidal!! He's not Suicidal!! He's NOT SABU!!!! (Paulie pauses again, as the crowd starts of another 'Sabu' chant) Now...TO THE DARK PATRIOT!. I saw your little video from the gutter! And you may THINK that you're crazier than Sabu!! And you may also THINK that you're entitled to a WWF Intercontinental Title Shot...well...I'll let Sabu decide what he wants to do about you!! "

Sabu (The crowd is erupting at this point. The announcers also go nuts as well, at the fact that Sabu is going to talk) " Patriot!! You want me!? Tenzan? You want me?! I'll take on you both at SummerSlam '97!! At the same time!! With one more rule. THERE ARE NO RULES!!" (Again, Paulie has to wait until the ressurrected 'Sabu' chant has alleviated)

Dangerously" Now...about these Clowns!!! These 'Killer Clowns'--as they like to call themselves--and their cult buddies, The Undertaker & Papa Shango, and those freaks, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart & Paul Bearer!! Tonight you guys have a match with two brave souls and The Sandman!! I'm sure that two brave souls...indeed...will step forth to oppose you!! They will shift the power struggle. And I'm sure one of those two people will be..(He pauses...as the crowd finishes his sentence yelling periodically; 'Mooooooooooonnn!') Yea...that's right...MAX MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNN!!" 94%

Paulie Dangerously gained overness from this segment. Sabu gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- 'Big Brother' Comes To The Rescue -

Simon Diamond d. Spike Dudley

These two worked hard, but couldn't get the crowd too much into it. Finals came when Diamond nailed Dudley with the problem-solver at 7:33. After the match, Diamond grabbed the mic and started berating Dudley on the mic saying; "Spike Dudley!! You'll never be a WWF Star like Simon Diamond!! You're tooo small!!! Hahahaa!!"

As Diamond continued to berate Spike out from the stands came a man that was identified as 'Spike's Very Big Brother. Apparently he had enough of Spike getting made fun of by Diamond. This was a wrestler called up from the GWF adequetley named, Big Dick Dudley. He got a nice reaction once he stood behind Diamond as he continued to berate Spike. Finally, when Diamond turned around, Dick grabbed Diamond by the throat, and nailed him with a spinning chokeslam. He then hugged Spike, as they raised their hands to the crowd. Spike Dudley's big brother, Big Dick Dudley has made his WWF on-screen debut.

Overall: 60

Crowd: 42

Match: 79

Spike's Big Brother, Big Dick Dudley

has joined his Brother in the WWF

- The Dark Patriot; From The Alley #2 -

Next, they sent us to an image from the Titan Tron. It was another Dark Patriot deal from the Alley...except this time...alot more work was done in production. The announcers made a comment about how just at the age of 29, Dark Patriot is nuts in the head. It opened up with Dark Patriot, once again walking down an alley, dressed in his trench coat...and had well placed footage from Dark Patriot/Gilbert's past, throughout his monologue. At first, I wondered how they got the old footage from the now defunct, Global Wrestling Federation, where his brother Eddie Gilbert was a booker, but then I remembered that the WWF did a complete corporate takeover of the GWF in late 1995--then made it their development territory.

The Dark Patriot

"...Homicidal...Genocidal....Suicidal...HA!! YOU THINK YOU'RE SUICIDAL!? YOU THINK YOU'RE HOMICIDAL!?! Sabu!!? Ha!! Sabu your not halfway as suicidal than me! A 1992 Clip from GWF shows Dark Patriot blinding The Patriot with a fireball What makes you so suicidal!?! Have you seen the images that I've seen!! Brief clip from GWF's 1992 clips of Dark Patriot getting his hands raised by real life brother, the late Eddie Gilbert. No!! Just because you climb on chairs?!? Or is it because you throw chairs? I enjoy pain! So when you hit me with the chair, it'll just make my day!! Clip Of a bloodied Doug Gilbert from GWF. But you see...I never had the glory of others! Shows him throwing a fireball at Bret Hart from earlier this Year-Then to another clip of Bret holding up the WWF Title. But at SummerSlam '97, I shall!! Sabu!! At Madison Square Garden...I take out my years of anger...my years of neglect...my years of hardship Shows a very brief clip of brother, Eddie Gilbert holding The Patriot in The GWF for a fireball shot by Gilbert , I shall take it out all on...all on..all on...

The scene fades as Dark Patriot walks up to a dumpster in the alley, and proceeds to sit down in its corner...92%

-ADVERTS-

- Zeus, The 'Real' Baddest Man On The Planet -

Sabu d. Brian Christopher - WWF I-C Title

Sabu was all over the ring here, and the announcers pushed the 'who is more homicidal' question many times during the match...in comparing Sabu to The Dark Patriot. Paulie Dangerously distracted the ref during the final moments of the match, where Sabu used a chair to nail Christopher with his triple jump Moonsault for the victory, at 12:22. After the match Slick came down the isle with Zeus, and had a mic in his hand...

Slick" Weeeelllll, Welllllll, Welllll, SABU!!! You have acknowledged the fact that you've got challenges from Tenzaaaannnn and The Dark Patriot...but what about...The Reaaaaaaaaal Baddessst Man On The Plllannnneeettttt!! Zeus !!!"

With that, Zeus walked up the ring steps, about to confront Sabu. Paulie jumped in front of Sabu, as he lunged at Zeus, trying to restrain him from starting a brawl. Referees hit the ring to keep the giant Zeus from reaching Sabu. Paulie was heard yelling; " You want a title shot!! You want a match! You'll get it at Summerslam!! Summerslam!! Ok? Summerslam!! Not here!!"

On commentary James Cornette said that Zeus must be the baddest man on the planet, after challenging Sabu. Again...the referances to Mike Tyson suggest that he could be brought in. And that does mean the WWF IC Title match is now a fatal four way?

Overall: 79

Crowd: 80

Match: 79

- The 'Dangerous One' Demands a WWF World Title Shot -

Straight from the little scuffle in the ring, they sent us to the WWF Presidential office. The door had the PRIDE symbol on it, accompanied with a sign that read, 'Don't Cross The Million Dollar Boss'. Suddenly, the camera widened and revealed 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert in the front of the door. Joey Styles painted Gilbert as a demented and dangerous man, citing him having somewhat of a 'split personality'. When Gilbert knocked on the door, Rotunda partially opened the door, to see who it was...then after closing the door again--He let Gilbert in. Dibiase was at his desk counting his money, and appeared a bit startled to be in the same room with the 'disturbed' Doug Gilbert....

Dibiase (Getting up and walking over to, Gilbert) " Gilbyyy, how are ya today!! How may I help you? How may your Million Dollar President be of assistance? Mwhahahaha!!"

Gilbert" The name's, Gilbert. And I want a shot at the WWF Title, tonight! Everyone knows that Steve Corino pulled a fast one on me at Wrestlemania, when he posed as my best friend, The Dark Patriot! I've been pretty quiet about it...but I want a shot now, ya'hear me?!"

Dibiase (Dibiase and Rotunda share a glance at each other as if to say 'This guy's nuts'. Dibiase puts his arm around Gilbert, walking him out of the Office. " Well...you want a Title shot tonight. Since you are a proven wrestler here in the WWF...I don't see why not!! Gilbert! Get ready...Because you have a WWF Title match against Steve Corino, right here tonight...on Monday Night Raw!! Mwahahahahaa!!"

Gilbert walks away with a demented look on his face. According to those on the inside, they usually have Gilbert's manager, Bruce Pritchard do the talking for him, but Gilbert/Patriot seems to be upset at not have such a strong presence in the TV shows ever since his feud with Bret Hart ended. So I guess their doing what they need to do to keep him happy. 75%

Ted DiBiase lost overness from this segment. Dirty Doug Gilbert lost overness from this segment. Steve Corino lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Bret Challenges Owen; Any Where, Any Place -

Bret Hart d. Mr. Bob Backlund

I'm actually suprised that they gave away this match on TV. Backlund has picked up alot of heat over the last few months, and probably could be programmed into a lengthly storyline with Bret...especially since he is a former WWF champion, like Bret. Twas a very good match, that saw Bret domination. Each time Backlund started to get offense, Bret fired back with some sort of reversal, which really got the fans into it. Bret won with the Sharpshooter at 11:22. When he wouldn't let go, Owen ran into the ring with a chair...but Bret got up in time, leading to a standoff between the two brothers which got the crowd going bonkers. Bret took the mic, yelling at Owen;

" Ok! Ok!! Ok, Owen!! You wanna fight me!! You wannaa fight your big brother, huh? You'll listen to Corino, you'll listen to Backlund...you'll listen to everyone except for me!! So you want me, you got it!! Yea, I've had enough of your childish [bleep]!!!""

Bret threw the mic down and stormed out of the ring. Owen was left staring at Bret leaving--whilst still holding the chair in his hand...

Overall: 87

Crowd: 91

Match: 78

-ADVERTS-

- The Two 'Brave' WWF Wrestlers -

Next we were set for the Dark Carnival 6-Man Tag. The Sandman waiting in the ring 'hoping' that two people--one in particular to be Max Moon--would come down to the ring to be his partners. The first, was dissappointingly The Rock, Don Muraco. Rock came down and played total face. I can tell they really don't care about the Rock at this point, since he switches by the week, with being a heel and a face.

Next, was The Executioner, known to WWF fans as the veteran jobber, who resurfaces every now and then. The announcers mentioned that most wrestlers wanted nothing to do with The Dark Carnival, and therefore did not step forward. The crowd seemed dissappointed...but the 'Moon' chants continued.

- Papa Shango & The Ringmaster Start The Post Match War -

The Dark Carnival (The Undertaker & The Insane Clown Posse) d. The Sandman, The Rock, & The Executioner

I wonder if the crowd noticed that the Executioner couldn't wrestle...much like Tony Halme? Jim Cornette had a funny line about the Rock; "Well, he's like 65 anyway...so he probably doesn't care if he's gonna die soon! Hahaha!"

Sandman was the only person that really got offense. After he got 'fatigued', The ICP pretty much had their way with The Rock & Executioner. Final moments of the match came after a simple goulintine top rope leg drop by Violent J off the top rope at 7:33. Insane Clown Posse & Undertaker then left, 'leaving' The Sandman into the hands of Papa Shango & Ringmaster Jim Neidhart. Paul Bearer stayed in the ring also to watch for good measure....

Overall: 78

Crowd: 84

Match: 65

-ADVERTS-

- Two Unknowns Come To The Aid Of The Sandman -

Coming off the break, Papa Shango & Ringmaster Jim Neidhart had Sandman tied up in the ropes, and just kept pounding him down. Papa Shango, then, grabbed the mic, and started reciting, what was described by Joey Styles as 'some sort of Voodoo chant...'

Papa Shango (Waiving his Garlic 'stuff' all around Sandman) " Ohhhhhhh...Ahhhhhhh...Rongoo, Randaa, Komlooon, Tanhjua!! Tanhjua, Randaa, Yaajlam, Zoreton!!!--"

At this point...Spacey music began to play...the music quickly molded into a technorized version of the Ultimate Warriors Music. There was no reaction yet...as the crowd knew that Ultimate Warrior was in WCW..so it couldn't be him. At this point, pyros shot up in criss cross fashion on the stage podium. Out, to a huge pop came Max Moon, holding his hands up in the air, to a loud pop. He started jogging in place, much like the Ultimate Warrior. However, from each side of Moon appeard Two newcomers--two unknown wrestlers. At a closer look, the two wrestlers were - from the VZF, wrestler Devon Storm...and from the USWA, wrestler, Rhino Richards. The crowd was going nuts just at the stage presence alone. At this point, Rhyno & Storm charged Shango and Neidhart in the ring, who were staring in disbelief. First they double teamed Neidhart. Storm gave Neidhart and ATOMIC DROP...straight into a crushing SPEAR by Rhino. The crowd popped huge for this. They then turned their attention to Papa Shango, and did the same move...which seems to be their signature tag team move. Moon slowly walked to the ring, as Rhyno & Storm...still nameless to the announcers, untied The Sandman from the ropes. Finally, all three turned their attention to Paul Bearer...hovering in the corner. Rhyno & Storm looked to be uncontrollable, both pacing back and forth...however...Max Moon seemed to hold them back...as he took the microphone, ready to address the buzzing crowd, and Paul Bearer...85%

Devon Storm gained overness from this segment. Rhyno Starr gained overness from this segment. Papa Shango gained overness from this segment.

- Max Moon Introduces The Wrestler World To, 'The Space Croppers' -

The three men stood in front of Paul Bearer who was in the turnbuckle corner in fear. They showed a clip of ICP & The Undertaker leaving the arena in their hurst/hearst(sp??), thinking that everything was 'alright' since they left. Moon started to yell and scream, in introducing his allies amongst the cheering fans....

Max Moon

" The Mooooon is back!!!! And I brought along my fellow Moonitzens with me!! This right here (pointing to Rhyno) is RHYNO STARR!! He is one of the strongest warriors in all of the Moon Stars!! He lives only to fight!! He lives only to battle!! And here, in the WWF that is what he shall do!!! And this...(points to Devon Storm), is Devon Storm!! In all of the galaxies...in all of the planets...HE is thought of to be the most insane, causing a storm wherever he roams!! And they are THE SPACE CROPPERS!!! And together we will fight, and bring down those 'Wicked Clowns', and the entire Dark Carnival Cult!! Moooooooonnnnn!!!! And Paul Bearer...perhaps you would like to send this message to Shaggy 2Dope! To Violent J!! And to...The Undertaker!! They thought they were unstable...but not anymore!! Bearer...PREPARE FOR THE ASTEROID EXPLOSION!!"

And with that, The Space Croppers nailed Paul Bearer with the Asteriod Explosion...Devon Storm picked up Paul Bearer giving him a delayed Atomic Drop, causing Bearer to tumble straight into a crushing SPEAR from Rhyno Starr. It's great to see Konnan (age 32), somewhat of a young veteran, bringing in and helping the young 23, and 22 year olds, Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm get over in the WWF. They have stirred up quite a alot on the independant scene, and deserve the contracts that they've signed with the WWF. Sure, there stuck with a silly gimmick, but they both carry on the pysched and crazed characters very well. The crowd loved every minute of it, as the Ultimate Warrior's music hit once again, as they left the ring. Sandman raised their hands in celebration, before they left, and offered them a beer...but they 'didn't know what it was' so declinded. They went to another advert break, showing Papa Shango, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart, & Paul Bearer layed out, thanks to The Space Croppers. 88%

-ADVERTS-

Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm; The Space Croppers,

brought into the WWF by Max Moon. Their intent; to join

The Sandman and company in full combat against

The Dark Carnival & PRIDE.

- Pefect Helps Corino Win, Accepting His SummerSlam '97 Challenge -

Steve Corino d. 'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert - WWF World Title

The crowd was still buzzing from the whole Max Moon thing, but finally got into the match thanks to Corino picking fights with the crowd. They had alot of stalling and playing to the crowd, by both men. It was funny, because--in opposing Gilbert--Corino was often cheered. So each time he got cheers, Corino stopped to insult the fans. Jack Victory kept getting involved. Finally, referee Dave Hebner had enough, and ordered Jack Victory to leave the ring. At this point, Mr. Perfect hit the ring and stood head to head with Steve Corino. After the staredown he grabbed Gilbert and nailed him with a well executed brainbuster. Cornette called Perfect 'selfish', as he was just doing that so that he can save Corino for himself. Corino...stunned, then went against the ropes and finished off Gilbert with the Dusty Rhodes bionic elbow. I like how they continue to take shots at WCW. It so blatantly obvious, and that makes it hilarious. Hebner turned around after the elbow and counted Gilbert down....Perfect took the mic as he walked to the back...

"Corino...in case you don't realise...I'm accepting your SummerSlam '97 retirement match! And remember Corino...you may be the champion, but I'M PERFECT!"

Overall: 79

Crowd: 88

Match: 59

The WWF World title has lost image.

Raw went off the air with a triple split screen. On screen showed Perfect staring down Corino from the podium. Another showed Corino returning the glare from the ring. And the last showed Gilbert, acting very disturbed that he missed another shot at WWF Gold....

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Oh My GaWd!! Oh My GaWd!! Oh My GaWd!! Corino - Perfect!! Summerslam...a retirement match!!!"

Cornette" But look at Gilbert!! He's obviously very distraut!! Perfect caused him the match on purpose, so that Corino would still be the Champion!! Plu, for Gilbert, what does this mean!? How will this effect his state of mind!!"

Styles" Well, whats more important, is now...The Dark Carnival may have met their match!! And PRIDE...those corwards!! Didn't even show up tonight!! I'd like to see Tenzan, or Hansen, or Dibiase fall to the asteriod explosion!"

Cornette" It's gonna be a wild night next week!! It's Sunday In Manchester, Styles, and I'll be there!!"

Show Quality: 79%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.82

Biggest Complaint: The WWF showing footage of the deceased Eddie Gilbert for storyline purposes.

Behind The Scenes Issues:

Raw Preview!!

--THE WEEKEND IN ENGLAND IS NEXT!!!

'Sunday in Manchester' card preview up soon!

reactions?

[ChuBalso]

Only 6 Months until Series '97...

July 27rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: City Of Manchester Stadium, Manchester England

Attendance: 11034

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Sgt. Slaughter

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

AUGUST 4TH - HE'S COMING....he's coming....HE'S COMING....he's coming....

- Paul Bearer Warns Paulie Dangerously and Max Moon against any further 'interferance' -

WWF Worldwide came to us live from the host to Sunday In Manchester, The City Of Manchest Stadium. The staduim holds up to 38,000 people, but as of press time they only sold about 20,000 tickets for the Pay Per View...which is good anyway. Paul Bearer came down the isle with The Insane Clown Posse to a pretty hostile crowd. Paul Bearer warned Paulie Dangerously & Max Moon not to 'interfere' in the actions of The Carnival anymore, otherwise they could become 'The Ultimate Sacrifice'. ICP spent the whole time waiving their hatchets at the crowd. Just as Paul Bearer was leaving, the lights began to flicker, and finally a loud 'scream' was heard over the PA system. Bearer and ICP left the ring, not knowing what to make of it. The announcers explained this by saying, that for once the tables have turned, and someone was playing mind games with The Carnival. 90%

Papa Shango d. Dr. Wagner Jr.

Complete squash for the Voodoo man. The English crowd didn't respond much to this match, since they knew that Shango was going to win all the way.

Overall: 53

Crowd: 45

Match: 61

-ADVERTS-

- President Dibiase's English Welcome -

President Dibiase hit the ring coming out of the break, accompanied by Mike Rotunda, Antonio Inoki & Hiroyoshi Tenzan, all getting great heel heat from the crowd. In a special treat for the crowd, Rotunda grabbed the mic and said that England had the highest rate of Tax Cheats in all of Europe. Dibiase then said that the WWF was in for the greatest period ever under, PRIDE'S control. He thanked Inoki for being the Mastermind behind PRIDE, , bringing in such stars as Team H, Great Kabuki, Jun Akiyama, and of course, Tenzan, who was busy yelling at Japanese with ringside fans. Suddenly out came Max Moon, who didn't look to happy to be around, legit. Anyway, Moon did a few minutes of rambling on about space, until he finally made a comment to Dibiase, and his "Two Goons", Rotunda & Inoki, about how he was going to prevent Dibiase from abusing his power any longer. With that, Inoki grabbed the mic, and in his broken English yelled;

"YOouuu think you going to make a difference in OUR WWF?!! Then make difference TONIGHT, in England...against Hiroyoshi Tenzan!!"

The crowd popped hard as Max Moon, nodded, and then returned to the back leading us into another advert break. 89%

AUGUST 4TH - HE'S COMING....he's coming....HE'S COMING....he's coming....

-ADVERTS-

- Simon Diamond promises a 'Bigger Than Dick' Suprise for The Dudley's Tommorow At The Pay Per View -

The Dudley Brothers d. The Super Destroyers

The Dudley Brothers, Spike & Big Dick Dudley looked pretty good here. I like the combination team of the 'little guy' and the 'huge guy'. Squash came after 7:44, when Spike nailed Super Destroyer #1 with the Spike Drop followed by the Chokeslam. It looks like the WWF finally decided to spend some of the money that they've been making and hired some new talent...in addition to bringing up alot of guys from the GWF. After the victory, Simond Diamond, who's was on the suprising end of the Big Dick debut last week on RAW came out came out and stood on the podium on the stage for a short while, absorbing a nice heel reaction from the crowd.

Simon Diamond

" Greetings England!! It is I, once Doctor, now a seasoned Wrestler here in the WWF!! I am more than the next Ric Flair!! I am beyond the Hulk Of Hulk Hogan! I'm 10 times the Iron of The Iron Sheik!! I far more Berzerk Than the Berzerker! I'm even more Ultimate than The Ultimate Warrior! I am Simon Diamond!! And, SIMON SAYS, little Spike Dudley, last week, when your brother, Big Dick Dudley came to your rescue last week on RAW, YOU MADE A VERY BIG MISTAKE!! Because tommorow night, live, here in the City Of Manchester Stadium--I will introduce MY VERY BIG FRIEND!! Ya!! That's right...AND HE'S BIGGER THAN DICK!! Hahaha!!! "

Diamond got a very nice heel reaction from the crowd, especially with his eloquent play on words...Once again, that 'scream' occured as Diamond was going back into the crowd. Here, the announcers were even more puzzled as to what it could be.... 71%

Simon Diamond gained overness from this segment.

Overall: 53

Crowd: 44

Match: 62

- Slick And Zeus Still aiming for The Baddest Man On The Planet-

They then go from the ring to the back where development territory-GWF wrestler, D'Lo Brown is interviewing Slick along with Zeus. Slick said that he heard that Mike Tyson left England because he heard that Zeus, 'The Next Intercontinental Champion' was in town. While I'm sure that's not true, the crowd was totally into it. Slick added that tommorow night, at the Pay Per View Zeus was going to make an example of PRIDE'S Johnny Ace. Zeus stole the segment here with his menacing stare into the camera. 77%

Slick lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- The King Of The Ring Winner, does a little 'Celebrating', At The Sandman's expense -

The Sandman d. The Great Kabuki via DQ

This was actually a very entertaining match. Kabuki, at the young tender age of 51, still manages to hang with the top brawlers in the WWF. Funny, how Muraco, just one year younger, has just horribly detoriated during the last 2 years. It must be that thing that Dibiase was talking about about Japanese wrestlers being better then most American wrestlers. At 9:33, Mike Barton came down the isle, grabbed some of the Sandman's beer and just starting drinking it, screaming, "Here's to your 1997 King Of The Ring Winner--Mike Barton!!", to the crowd. Sandman then yelled at Barton telling him to put down his beer, which lead to Barton throwing the can at The Sandman. I guess this was enough for referee Charles Robinson to call for the bell, and disqualify PRIDE. Sandman chased Barton to the back.

Overall: 77

Crowd: 77

Match: 78

AUGUST 4TH - HE'S COMING....he's coming....HE'S COMING....he's coming....

-ADVERTS-

- Mr. Perfect Presents The Contract With a Historic Stipulation added. -

Mr. Perfect's music hit coming right off of the advert break. Out came Mr. Perfect to a huge pop, carring a ladder. Perfect said he wanted this SummerSlam '97 match with Steve Corino to be historic. Not only did he want this to be a retirement match, but Perfect mentioned that he wanted to make this a 'Ladder Match', the first of its kind ever in the WWF. *Eye Of The Tiger* started to play, as that song gets the crowd really riled up...since they know that Corino is next to come out. Out came Corino with Jack Victory. Corino came out--and walked only halfway down the isle--asking, "What the Hell is a Ladder Match?"

With that, Mr. Perfect directed Corino's attention to the Titan-Tron, where they showed footage from Canadian promotion VZF, of clips of a Bob Holly-Ball Mahoney ladder match that they had. According to some people, the WWF gave regional promotion VZF this plug due to it being run by Rocky Johnson, father of WWF rookie, Flexx Kavanna. That, and also since the WWF stole their top wrestler, Rhyno Starr. The crowd popped huge for such a match that looked great. Corino, playing the sly heel responded, "I'll decide if I want to sign that contract...TOMMOROW....", then walked off, to his ring music. The crowd then started a huge 'Perfect' chant 'thanking' him for bring this idea to the WWF'. 94%

Mr. Perfect gained overness from this segment. Steve Corino gained overness from this segment.

Max Moon d. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Good match, but Moon is still horrible. Tenzan's stiff chops, and high spot kicks are the only thing that kept the crowd into the match. Alot of people were actually booing Moon for jogging around the ring like a fool. I think it was Pat Patterson's idea to bring back the Moon character, as Brisco, Inoki, and, most notably Dillon were totally against the idea. According to some sources, Dillon actually chewed out Konnan for having such a poor match. The WWF is having a press conferance tommorow, so it should be interesting to see what comes out of that. Tenzan was forced to sell his Moon splash at 14:33.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 85

Match: 74

-ADVERTS-

- The Dark Patriot -

Another one of those creepy Dark Patriot segments played here, which was basically the same as the last week. I like how they're doing the split personality thing with Gilbert & Patriot. 80%

- Bret Saves The Kid From Owen -

Jerry Lawler d. The Lightning Kid

I heard that Brutus Beefcake & Lawler were supposed to do some sort of angle here, but Beefcake got food poisoning during the show, so they had Owen do a run-in instead. Lawler ended the match cleanly with his stump Piledriver at 11:33. His stump Piledriver got a huge heel reaction from the crowd. At this point, Owen walked to the ring with a chair muttering, 'I'm gonna teach that family wrecker...'. Lawler gave the Kid another Piledriver and held him up for Owen Hart to whack with the chair...but Bret ran to the ring to The Kid's rescue, leading to The King & Lawler leaping out of the ring. On his way to the back, Owen yelled, "There's only one other Hart here in the WWF, and thats me...NOT HIM!!", he said, showing his jealousy of The Kid.

Overall: 87

Crowd: 91

Match: 79

WWF Worldwide went off the air with the announcers hyping the PPV, then ended akwardly with that, scream again....

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Well Sarge, it won't be tea time for the WWF Superstars tommorow! It's Sunday At Manchester!!"

Slaughter" Mooney, tommorow will be a magical night!! The ECW Title is on the line...hopefully Carl Oulette can pull through and get a title away from PRIDE'S grasp!"

Mooney" And that Summerslam '97 Title Match could be now...what they call, 'A Ladder Match'. WOW!! The Contract Signing is Tommorw...live...and it's only on Pay Per View! American fans can watch the reply at 12 midnight on American Sky!"

Ventura (The lights suddenly flicker again...A picture Of The Undertaker shows on the Titan Tron...followed by his image slowly being covered by blood) " What the...? If I were the Dark Carnival...I would be very very afraid...."

Show Quality: 74%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening WCW Saturday Night; 7.32

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's Lame Jokes

S.I.M IS NEXT!!!!!!

AUGUST 4TH - HE'S COMING....he's coming....HE'S COMING....he's coming....

[ChuBalso]

SUNDAY IN MANCHESTER

Only 5 Months until Series '97...

July 28rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: Pay Per View (UK Only)

Venue: City Of Manchester Stadium

Attendance: 22,114

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Lou E. Dangerously

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

The WWF's UK only PPV, Sunday In Manchester drew 22,114 paid with a $1,326,840 gate, drawing a 1.97 buy rate totalling just under $5 Mil in Pay Per View revenue. For comparison, WCW's Bash At The Beach did just over a 1.98 buy rate, with Sting vs. Shawn Michaels headlining. In just under 24 hours, this Pay Per View not only was hyped with the contract signing between Mr. Perfect & Steve Corino for the WWF's first ever Ladder match, but also as, Max Moon's farewell match to the WWF.

Sean Mooney opened the 'Action Zone' preview, of course 'wondering' who his broadcast partner was going to be. Out came, developement territory-GWF Manager, Smart Guy Dudley (Sign Guy Dudley), who came out, instead doing his Lou E. Dangerously act that he loves to do backstage. Heh. I guess since it's England, the WWF didn't care too much. Anyway, the crowd loved his impersonation of top face, Paulie Dangerously, and seemed to welcome his presence.

1. Don Frye (over=23) defeated Scott Taylor (44) in 8:33 via Submission

Referee: Shane McMahon

Former shoot fighter, Don Frye got a try out during the Dark Match of this PPV at the recommendation of Antonio Inoki, to Vince McMahon. Frye played total face trying to pull anything out of the crowd. Alot of submissions and reversals, as Taylor--who seems to be the latest added to the WWF's jobber squad--worked very well with the newcomer. Final moments came when Frye locked Taylor in his triangle arm & leg lock submission hold. Mooney, on commentary had no idea what to call it, and decided on screaming;

"What a submission hold by Don Frye! What a submission hold! Look at that!"

Frye certainly has a great look, but he needs a mouthpiece to help get him over since his style of wrestling hasn't been introduced to the WWF. It looks like the WWF is trying to emulate the success that ECA has with Tank Abbott, and GCG with Dan Severan, both former Ultimate Fighters.

Overally: 57**1/2

Crowd: 33

Match: 81

Scott Taylor lost overness from this match. Don Frye gained overness from this match.

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" What a move from this Don Frye! A former ultimate fighter! You ever watched those Lou?"

Dangerously" No, Mooney...My Parents don't allow to stay up that late!"

Mooney " Ladies and gentleman, we are minutes away from Sunday In Manchester!"

Dangerously" Mooney, this is my first WWF Pay Per View! I'm excited!"

- Joey STyles with Flexx Kavanna, and PRIDE -

The Pay Per View opened, after the opening montage with Joey Styles standing in the ring to a 100% British 'Oh My Gawd Chant'. My question is, why didn't they have Styles doing play by play instead of Mr. Roboto Sean Mooney...

Styles (About the 'Oh MY Gawd' chant) " Wow!! England sure does knows their stuff!! Hello, I'm Joey Styles, and welcome to WWF Sunday In Manchester!! Tonight, live...The ECW Title is on the line as champion, PRIDE'S JUN AKIYAMA...(Crowd booes)...defends against Carl P. Oulette, of the Canadian Foundation!! (Crowd cheers. Styles smiles as the crowd starts singing 'Olay..' in support of Oulette) Also, the contract signing for the very first Ladder Match in WWF History...between WWF Champion Steve Corino (The crowd booes at Corino's name mention) and the man who brought the revolutionary new idea to the WWF...Mr. Perfect! (Crowd cheers once again) And...tonight, in the 6 man tag explosion...MAX MOON'S final WWF match!! (Crowd Bursts into huge '"Moooooooooooon" calls. At this time, please welcome my guest at this time...An electrifying rookie here in the WWF...the son of WWF great Rocky Johnson..FLEXX KAVANNA!!"

Flexx Kavanna came down the isle to new music. As he was walking down the isle, Moony and Dangerously pushed Kavanna's 'amazing' finishing move, The Kavanna Krush. {The Rock Bottom}

Styles" Now, Kavanna, last week on WWF Worldwide...you showed the world your finishing move...The Kavanna Krush. Do you think that this move will help you achieve success here in the WWF?"

Kavanna" Well, ya know what Styles, first of all, It's an honour to be live on a WWF Pay Per View, in front of all these great fans. And you can bet--"

At this point, PRIDE'S Big 3, as they're being refered to as, Mike Barton, Johnny Ace, and Stan Hansen, emerged from the curtain and started to make their way down the ring pointing to Kavanna and Styles seemingly upset. I guess "The Big 3" must be a WWF special way of saying 'The Three American Wrestlers in Pride that get pushes'...

Styles" What are you 3 doing here!"

Barton (Wearing the King Of The Ring Medals around his neck) " What are we doing here, Styles? What is HE doing here?! This isn't WorldWide! (All three laugh) These fans want to see, a seasoned Wrestler like Johnny Ace! They want to see, The GWF World Champion, Stan Hansen! They want to see the 1997 King Of The Ring Winner--a real star - Me, Styles!! Me!!! The only 'Iron' Mike that counts--'Iron' Mike Barton!"

Kavanna (Kavanna does some wierd thing with his eyebrow as Joey Styles holds the microphone to Kavanna for his rebuttle) " Mike Barton--King Of The Ring winner...FINE. Stan Hansen...a worldwide known veteran, now the GWF World champion...FINE. But...Johnny Ace? What exactly do YOU do? Are you a well known 'Acer'? " (Crowd laughs)

Ace" I'll show you what I'm known for, when I take on Zeus, you little punk!!"

Ace then lunged at Kavanna, but Kavanna caught his arm and set him up for the Kavanna Krush, which was quickly broken up by Hansen and Barton. Ace ended the jumping of Kavanna by nailing Kavanna with the Ace Crusher. He was going nail Kavanna with another one, but Kavanna was saved by Zeus who cleared the ring by clotheslining Barton over the top rope. Hansen escaped the ring by leaping out throught the second rope, leaving Ace with Zeus, starting off the first match of the Pay Per View... 63%

Flex Kavanna gained overness from this segment. Mike Barton lost overness from this segment. Stan Hansen lost overness from this segment. Johnny Ace lost overness from this segment.

2. Zeus defeated Johnny Ace in 3:22 via submission

Referee: Bill Alfonso

Zeus charged Ace grabbing him by the throat locking on a chokehold. The crowd seems to be getting into Zeus as a face, with him opposing PRIDE'S Johnny Ace. It seems they want to get the fans on Zeus' side, if Mike Tyson comes in. Very interesting. After Zeus kept re-applying the choke hold after Alfonso's 5 counts, he lifted Ace into the bear-hug to which Ace lost via the three hand submission count. Slick started jiving around the ring, with Zeus getting a nice pop from the crowd. The fans seem to like the 'deranged' screaming nutty character of Zeus, combined with the animated Slick.

Overall: 72*3/4

Crowd: 81

Match: 52

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Wow!! Zeus anhilated Johnny Ace!! And Ace is a tough man!!"

Dangerously" Yea, but Zeus is a bad man! In fact, some say that he is the 'baddest man on the planet!!'"

Mooney (He sees Simon Diamond walking to the ring) " Wait a second...it looks like Simond Diamond has come out here...I'm going to go see what he's doing out here." (Takes off headset and goes to the ring)

Dangerously" Simon Diamond says that he was going introduce the Dudleys to his huge friend that's bigger than Big Dick! Big Dick Dudley, that is..."

- Simon Introduces Johnny 'Dick' Swinger -

Diamond did his heel act until Mooney finally made his way into the ring. Mooney was faltering outside the ring for a while looking for a working microphone.

Mooney" Simon Diamond...Diamond...you said that you were going to bring out someone to help you combat Spike and big brother Dick Dudley? Quite honestly...who can be bigger than Big Dick Dudley! He's huge!! "

Diamond" Mooney!!! Please join me in welcoming my good friend!! My very good friend...He's a professional Dancer from the world reknowed 'Swinnnnger Club', ladies and gentlemann, Johnny Richard Swinger, but his friends call him Johnny 'Dick' Swinger!!"

With that, 5'9, 278lbs Johhny Swinger came down the isle, after doing a strip tease dance on the podium for quite some time. The crowd hated every bit of it. On commentary, Lou E. Dangerously kept yelling; "Dick Swinger? Dick Swinger? Dick Swinger! Hahaha!! Dick Swinger! What a great name! Ok, Lou. We get it. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Mooney" He's not bigger than Dick at all!"

Diamond" Oh but he is...where it matters...he's bigger than that big doof Big Dick Dudley...right where it matters...IN THE HEAD!" (He says while pointing to Swingers cranium.)

Mooney (Swinger starts dancing close to Mooney, knocking Mooney around with his pelvis) " Would...you...please stop! Do you honestly think that you can take down the 6 foot, 300 pound Big Dick Dudley?"

Swinger" Ohhhh, Mooney...in my line of work, we get the meanest, rowdyiest, biggest men strolling in all the time. So I've taken down plenty of Big boys in my past...this will be no different!!"

Diamond raises his hand again as Swinger continues to Dance. Mooney walks out of the ring, phyiscally repulsed, as was the live crowd. Very funny segment definately written by Russo or Heyman. But, I do know England is a bit more lenient on TV, and wonder of they'll continue with the 'Dick' puns when they return to the states. 66%

Simon Diamond gained overness from this segment. Johnny Swinger gained overness from this segment.

3. Jun Akiyama defeated Carl Oulette, retaining The ECW Heavyweight Title in 15:33

Referee: John Finnegan

A very good match, well booked which 'told a story', getting Akiyama's special move, The Exploder {Taz-Plex} over in the process. Antonio Inoki was in Akiyama's corner. Match started off slow, but then picked up with Oulette and Akiyama trading forearms spots, with both falling and getting right back up selling each others move..back and forth. Finally, Oulette dogded Akiyama's forearm and went for a backdrop, but Akiyama flipped over, landing on his feet. Turing around, Oulette went to kick Akiyama, but was suprised with a counter in a dragonscrew by Akiyama. Akiyama had the upper hand for some time, throwing Oulette out of the ring onto the isle ramp, teasing the exploder. Lou E. Dangerously took a shot at ECA's Taz, who does basically the same suplexes as Akiyama does, by saying;

"Mooney, here in the WWF, that's Jun Akiyama nailing you with those exploders! Those ain't coming from no midget!"

On the ramp, Oulette finally regained the upper hand, by ducking a running Akiyama forearm, catching him with an overhead toss right on the ramp. In the ring, Oulette nailed Akiyama with a two back to back dragon suplexes for two near falls. Final moments came at 13:08 when Oulette was about to finish off Akiyama with the Cannon Ball. Oulette slipped on the top rope a few times, which 'bought time' for Akiyama to recover. Once he got himself on, he leaped...but Akiyama rolled away, and finished of Oulette with a Northern Lights Suplex for the cover and the victory. After the match, while Inoki was raising Akiyama's hand with the ECW Title, Oulette got back in the ring and offered a handshake to Akiyama. But Inoki made 'money' gestures with his hand, which I guess was code for 'The Million Dollar Man wouldn't like that.' So Akiyama & Inoki simply turned their backs to Oulette to solid heel reaction.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 76

Match: 82

Carl Oulette lost overness from this match. Jun Akiyama gained overness from this match. The ECW World title has gained in image.

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" My, has Akiyama and Inoki changed since The Million Dollar Man took over PRIDE!"

Dangerously" Mooney...it's all about the Money!! Who's the man funding the PRIDE organisation? President Dibiase! It's all about the 'Moooooneeeyyyy!!'"

Mooney" Well, both are great wrestlers! What a match! (Jeff Jarrett's music starts to play) Oh Look!! It's good ol' Double J!! My, was he singled out and abused by WWF Champion Steve Corino a few weeks ago on RAW!"

Dangerously" Get it, Mooney? 'Mooooooonnnneeeeyyyy'?! Get it! Hahaha!!"

4. Shaggy 2Dope defeated Jeff Jarrett in 11:33

Referee: Bill Alfonso

ALOT of stalling during this match. A little too much. The ICP have alot of heat going for them right now, and Shaggy took advantage of that, I guess to make up for his lack of wrestling ability. Jarrett started off with alot of offense, with the idea that he was fustrating Shaggy 2Dope with his amateur wrestling expertise. Jarrett teased the figure four spot at 6:00, but Shaggy countered it, kicking Jarrett straight into the turnbuckle. Shaggy followed with alot of punches, followed by taunting the crowd. Followed by some kicks...and more taunting to the crowd. 2Dope then nailed Jarrett with a snap mare followed by two back drops, with two seperate near falls each. Jarrett was selling 2Dopes offense as if he'd been shot. Finals of the match came suprisingly cleanly when Shaggy nailed Jarrette with his top rope Guillotine Legdrop for the cover. After the match, Violent J hit the ring, and hit Jarrett with his own Guillotine Legdrop. Violent J then took the mic and yelled;

"Now...with Max Moon out of the WWF! The Dark Carnival is free, without worry--without anyone stopping us!! Sandman! Terry Taylor!! Paulie Dangerously!! You bitches better back out like Max Moon--you wouldn't want a forced trip...to the Carnival, now would you? Hahaha!" They left the ring to 'House Of Mirrors" to the hostile English crowd chanting 'I.C.Shit'.

Overall: 76**

Crowd: 80

Match: 68

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Are they right? Should The Sandman and company give up on the fight! Should they give up on the fight to combat the Dark Carnival."

Dangerously" Um....YES!! Didn't you hear Violent J!!"

Mooney" Something's gotta give...something's gotta give..."

Dangerously" Something's gotta give what?"

HE'S COMING TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW....he's coming....HE'S COMING....he's coming....

5. Owen Hart & The Dark Patriot defeated The Lightning Kid & The Executioner in 13:11.

Referee: Jimmy Korderas

Lightning Kid started off the match with The Dark Patriot. The two had their usual strong exchange, until Lightning Kid requested that Hart be tagged in. When these two went at it, the crowd stood on their feet. The two gave the English crowd a small taste of their King Of The Ring classic, including seeing Hart totally miss a top rope plancha from the top to the outside, causing him to land hard on the ramp. After a near fall, Kid tagged out to Executioner who went for a Torture Rack--but Dark Patriot interfered and broke up the hold. Executioner, being an idiot, shoved Owen to tag Dark Patriot, so that they could apparently 'settle the war of the Masked Wrestlers'. At first, Patriot couldn't deal with Executioner's 'power', but quickly gained the upper hand after a missed Executioner avalanche. Patriot then went quickly to the top rope and nailed Executioner with his 'scud missle' shoulder block from the top rope for the cover and the victory.

Overall: 82**1/2

Crowd: 87

Match: 71

Commentary Aftermatch

Dangerously" Once you get caught with that scud missle, it's lights out! And that move could win the Dark Patriot the I-C Title at SummerSlam!!"

Mooney" Speaking of Summerslam...SummerSlam '97 will be the host of the WWF's first ever ladder match!! Perfect!! Corino!! And the WWF Title is on the line!!! The Contract signing is NEXT...after this brief 5 minute intermission."

--------------------------

During the break, the WWF played some footage from the Fan-Fest that they held earlier. WWF wrestlers, Max Moon, Brutus Beefcake, Mr. Perfect, Terry Taylor, and The Sandman were at a table signing Autographs. They also had some GWF wrestlers including Kendall Whindam, Bobby Duncum Jr., Stevie Ray, and Smart Guy Dudley, doing his Lou E. Dangerously thing. They also played some WWF fans' favourite Max Moon moments, in a segment that they called 'Moon Moments'. The best one that they showed was from earlier this year, when Paulie Dangerously was President, and he was hiding under his desk because of all of the 'noise' in the hallway, not knowing what it could be. It turned out to be Max Moon, on his way to Paulie's office with his Jetpack on and running.

--------------------------

- The Ladder Match Contract Signing -

President Ted Dibiase came to the ring, accompanied by Mike Rotunda. Before he introduced Mr. Perfect & Steve Corino, Rotunda made another comment about how England had the world's most tax cheats. Mr. Perfect came to the ring with a ladder, which got him a nice pop. Corino came down wearing the WWF Title Belt, accompanied by Jack Victory, who was wearing an "I'd rather be in America" T-Shirt. I didn't even know they had shirts like that. Perfect, being cool, used the ladder steps as his point for placing the contract on to sign. Corino went to sign the contract at the table....but then stopped....

Corino" Wait a minute! As WWF Champion, I want to make sure that I fully understand the rules of this match! So, The WWF World Title will be hung high above the ring...and the only way to win the match is to climb the ladder and get the belt?"

Dibiase & Rotunda nodd, as Corino goes back to signing the contract. He stops again...

Corino" ...ookkk ok...so wait...No Pins?"

They nod. Corino goes...then stops again. This time, taking off his Title belt and giving it to Jack Victory to hold.

Corino" No Submissions?"

They nod. Corino goes...then once again gets up, walks around the ring, ready to ask another question.

Corino"...Oh...and one more thing. Will this be in New York City! Madison Square Garden? You know...a REAL COUNTRY AND STATE...unlike this pour Excuse for a country!! Geez, its a good thing the U.S. freed ourselves from this miserable country!"

Dibiase laughs then nods, answering Corino's question. The English crowd burst into a huge 'Corino sux' chant as he finally signs the contract. Mr. Perfect picked up the mic whilst holding the ladder.

Perfect" Corino...these fans may not be able to see The Ladder Match live and in person. But...I'll give them a Perfect preview of whats to come!"

With that, Perfect struck Corino in the gut with the ladder following with another strike to the back to a huge pop. Victory went for the save, but he was met with a ladder shot to the face. Dibiase and Rotunda had already fled the ring. Mr. Perfect's music hit as he climbed the ladder and posed for the fans as Corino and Victory struggled to the back. 82%

Commentary Aftermatch

Dangerously" Perfect assaulted Corino with the ladder!! Perfect assaulted Corino with the ladder!! Perfect assaulted Corino with the laddeerrrrrrrrrr!!!"

Mooney" It's going to be completley legal in just about 5 weeks, at SummerSlam '97!, Lou! It's all going to be legal!"

Dangerously" I don't care!! This is England!!! They have laws against Ladder-assaulters!!!"

6. Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, Max Moon, & Bret Hart defeated The Undertaker, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, & Brian Christopher in 18:33

Referee: Dave Hebner

This was a very emotional match for Max Moon, as he had spent the last 5 years doing the Max Moon character...aside from the last month or so of being the Puerto Rican 'Superstar' Konnan. Beefcake started off the match with Brian Christopher, and pretty much had his way with Christopher. In one of the most suprising promotions to date, Christopher was promoted to the official UpperCard of the WWF. Great to see Christopher apparently among those 'chosen' to carry the WWF into the next few years of the WWF--apparently. Christopher, along with Tenzan, who was also promoted to the uppercard has not held one title yet. I'm sure the WWF knows that this means they have a wealth of storyline potential for Christopher, especially with him being Jerry Lawler's son. And from what I hear, they are going to use that in future storylines..which then makes me wonder if Brutus Beefcake could loose that retirement match at SummerSlam '97, despite this BarberTude stuff starting up. Christopher tagged out to The Undertaker, who 'scared' Barber away, into tagging Hart. After Hart couldn't get him down he tagged Moon, who got a solid 'going away' reaction from the crowd. After a brief staredown Moon and The Undertaker traded blows, with neither man going down. Mooney pushed the history that Moon & Undertaker had in the ring. Finally, Moon went against the ropes coming off with a shoulder block sending The Undertaker down. Undertaker popped right back up, and went down again from a Moon dropkick. Moon started jogging in place again and went against the ropes, but was met with a Tenzan kick to the back of the head from the apron. Undertaker then choked Moon for a short while, and gave him a backbreaker before tagging out to Tenzan. Tenzan was in the ring for a while, nailing Moon with alot of somoan chops. At 13:22, Tenzan had Moon in his Boston crab for a while as Moon teased Submission. Moon started to mount a comeback after Tenzan missed a moonsault, teasing a hot tag to Bret. Tenzan tagged out to Christopher, but Max hot tagged to Bret, who went at it with Christopher. Finals of the match came when Hart locked Christopher in The Sharpshooter for the victory. After the match, Brutus Beefcake cut some small nips of Christophers head. Beefcake held a mirror up to the recovering Christopher who had a fit, and ran to the back in anger.

The Pay Per View went off the air with Brutus Beefcake, Bret Hart, and Max Moon all doing 'The Barber' Strut around the ring, with the English fans cheering in support.

Overall: 81**1/4

Crowd: 86

Match: 70

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" What a Pay Per View!! What an event!! What a Sunday In Manchester!"

Dangerously" But The Barber cut off the hair of Brian Christopher!! THAT'S JERRY LAWLER'S SON!! And Lawler & Beefcake are colliding in that epic retirement match battle at SummerSlam '97!! THAT WAS NOT A SMART MOVE BY BEEFCAKE!!!"

Mooney" Hey...he coulda used a little trim up! The WWF Ladder Match has been signed--Perfect - Corino; The WWF Title on the line!! And lets not forget about Zeus' impressive match...OH..and the Debut of Johnny 'Dick' Swinger!!"

Dangerously" Hey...I like those Dudley's! But they are no Dick Swinger!"

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Seeyaaa on Monday Night Raw everbody!!"

After the cameras went off the air, Max Moon returned to the ring, alone thanking the fans for the years of support. During a constant 'Max Moon' chant, an emotional Moon removed his mask saying goodbye to the WWF fans as...uh..Konnan Moon.

Show Quality: 79%

Best Match: Jun Akiyama vs. Carl P. Oulette - ECW Title

Worst Match: Shaggy 2 Dope d. Jeff Jarrrett

Other Shows

WCW Bash At The Beach

Best Match: CAGE - Sting vs. Shawn Michaels

Worst Match: Brad Armstrong vs. Vinnie Vegas

Reality Twist: Ultimate Warrior loosing popularity (over=83)

GCG Boomerang - Buy Rate .78 - Global 9% (-1)

Best Match: Doink The Clown vs. Rob Van Dam

Worst Match: Steve McMichael vs. El Gigante

Reality Twist: Made Huge news with signing Road Warrior Hawk & Sid Vicious

ECA Tone Def - Buy Rate .66 - National 73% (+6)

Best Match: Nova vs. Taz

Worst Match: Vampiro vs. Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw

Reality Twist: Head Commentators are Todd Pettengill and Don Callis

21CW's 3 Matches Of Death (Risk 85%) - National 75%

Best Match: HillBilly Jim vs. Terry Funk (Scaffold Match)

Worst Match: Steven Richards vs. Fit Finlay

Reality Twist: Owner 'Jumping' Jerry Garofalo loves to sign injured Wrestlers. Just signed Paul Roma, who was fired by the WWF after he reported his 10 month calf injury.

VZF Canadian Stampede- - Cult 13% (Risk 70%)

Best Match: Balls Mahoney vs. Bob Holly (Ladder)

Worst Match: Rod Price vs. Don Harris

Reality Twist: The 'hot' independant fed run by Rocky Johnson.

USWA Classic Clash - Regional - 82%

Best Match: Billy Kidman vs. Rico Constantino

Worst Match: 911 vs. Jerry Flynn

Reality Twist: The longest running regional. No TV. Last TV show was cancelled in 1995.

reactions?

HE'S COMING TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW....he's coming....HE'S COMING....he's coming....

[ChuBalso]

Only 4 Months until Series '97...

August 4rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Atlanta, GA

Attendance: 12,088

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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 WWF had to combat the WCW arrival of Max Moon to WCW, slated for the same night. Suprsingly, this RAW had constant footprints of Heyman writing all over it, with the constant referances to WCW, GCG, and even The ECA. But then again, this was Heyman's night.

- Brian Christopher Doesn't Like His Haircut -

Monday Night Raw opened up this week with Joey Styles in the ring as always, to his 'Oh My Gawd' chant. After he ran down the show he introduced Brian Christopher, who was wearing a ski-hat. Styles asked him why he was wearing a ski-hat...Christopher responded by showing the footage from SIM of Brutus Beefcake clipping his hair after the 6 man tag main event. The crowd was digging into Christopher, like I've only seen when Christopher just started out in the USWA. His heat was soon ruined by Brutus Beefcake, who strutting down the ring with his sheers in hand to a nice pop to his music. Styles held the mic up to Beefcake, while Christopher was having a tantrum trying to calm down the fans....

Beefcake" Hey, Mr. Christopher!! If ya gotta problem with the Barber...Then ya can take it up with him...in The Barber Shop...That is my ring....ring here in Atlanta, Georgia!!!"

Christopher (After his fit is completed) " FINE!!! You want a match against, The Sexiest Young Hustler in the WWF!! (Crowd booes) Well ya got it Barber man!! I'll see you tonight!!"

Christopher leaves the ring, as Beefcake plays to the crowd, including jokingly grabbing Joey Styles to give him a 'haircut'. The WWF has alot of high hopes for the young, 25 year old Brian Christopher. But whether or not he can achieve the success as his father, Jerry 'The King' Lawler is another question. 66%

Brian Christopher lost overness from this segment. Brutus Beefcake lost overness from this segment.

The Space Croppers (Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm) d. The Super Destroyers

Space Croppers had their debut held off until they returned to the states. They looked to be in top form, also. Finals came when they nailed Super Destroyer #1 with the Asteroid Blast, that is, a Devon STorm Atomic Drop, straight into a Rhyno Storm charging spear. After the match, Paulie Dangerously came into the ring, rooting on The Space Croppers, then grabbed the mic....And I guess held it until they got out of advert breaks. Paulie was holding the February 1997 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, in his hand, that had a picture of The Dark Patriot and Dustin Rhodes on the cover (The two biggest stars of WWF and WCW at that time), with the headline reading, Dream Matches Of 1997.

Overall: 56

Crowd: 45

Match: 68

-ADVERTS-

- Dangerously Promises The Ringmaster Jim NeidHart A Huge Suprise -

Paulie Dangerously was standing in the ring to a nice 'Paulie' chant. Tommy Carculli, production guy was seen on camera, giving Paulie the cue to talk on about 10 seconds later.

Dangerously" About 5 months ago, a faction formed like not other...that faction is callled, The Dark Carnival!! Insane Clown Posse, Papa Shango--led by the sick and dabiocal trio of Ringmaster Jim Neidhart, The Undertaker, & Paul Bearer!! The leaders of the cult if you will! And needless to say, the WWF has never been the same!! No one has been able to pin the Undertaker...no one has been able to stop these constant abductions of WWF Superstars! And then...just last month...Ted Dibiase not only takes control of that Japanese Group--PRIDE--but he also becomes President, by bribing Mike Barton from being Al Snow's tag partner...leading Mike Barton to win this year's King Of The Ring Tournament. The WWF has never been in such grave state! The WWF Superstars, such as The Sandman, Terry Taylor, Sabu--we have tried to thwart the efforts of Dibiase and Neidhart--but..WE NEED HELP!!! Help is here!! You see...I did a little emergancey searching! As some of you may know, I used to also manage at a place that everyone knows of...WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING!! (Crowd breaks into constant booes, leading into a 'WCW SUX' chant. There are however some people cheering, as this was Atlanta.) And I've made alot of enemies there...I know...but I also made MANY friends. And tonight--(Dangerously now holds up the 'PWI Magazine'--headlinded "Dream Matches Of 1997")--I bring a friend! I bring a superstar! I bring someone who comes here for The Phenom!! For The Prince Of Prime Time!! For The Undertaker!! Tonight...I bring---"

*Dangerously is interupted by The Dark Carnival's music...ICP's "House Of Mirrors". Out comes Ringmaster Jim Neidhart, accompanied by what looks to be the return of WWF Jobber, Damien Demento. Wow, suprises me that the WWF still had his phone number. I guess he simply fit the role. Neidhart got in the ring, and starting screaming like a psychopath as always.

Neidhart (shouting) " Dangerously!!! I told you once!! I told you twice!!! And now I'm telling you again!! Don't interfere with the Carnival!! Don't interfere with Shangrila!!! Don't interfere with The Undertaker!! You...The Sandman...Terry Taylor...you'd better do as all of these other stupid mortals out here (crowd booes), and you sit back...and watch The Dark Carnival bring the weak into the light! Let The Carnival cleanse the WWF without interfer--"

Dangerously" WOULD YOU SHUT THE HELL UP!! (Crowd bursts into cheering and laughing) For weeks I've listened to you yell and scream about death, this Carnival crap...and I've watched you and your sick cult end the career of many WWF Superstars!! Tony Halme!! Demolition!! Hawk!! Just last week...Harvey Wipplemann. The list goes on and on! I've had enough...and so have all of these people!! Tonight--EVERYTHING CHANGES!!!"

With that, Paulie Dangerously leaves the ring, followed by Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm, who were still in the ring from winning their match. Neidhart's face once again was priceless as he watched with rage, constantly pulling on his goetee, as Paulie walked to the back. Paulie once again held up the issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, headlined 'Dream Matches of 1997', screaming "Page 53!! Page 53!! It's over for The Carnival!!"

Cornette on commentary was pretty funny here, urging Joey Styles to "make himself useful, and find out whats on page 53 of that Magazine."

82%

-ADVERTS-

Flexx Kavanna d. Rick Steiner

Good RAW match here. The announcers were painting Steiner as a seasoned veteran, against the 'young rookie', Kavanna--setting up the upset. Steiner was especially stiff during this match--I guess making Kavanna pay his dues. Finally, Kavanna blocked Steiner's belly to belly, and suprised him with The Kavanna Krush {Rock Bottom}, for the upset. After his victory, Kavanna went nuts in the ring, getting his first singles victory on Monday Night RAW.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 58

Match: 71

Rick Steiner lost overness from this match. Flex Kavanna gained overness from this match.

- PRIDE Demands To Find Out What's on Page 53 of that Magazine -

They send us to the back, where Sandman is suprisingly talking to Barry Horowitz. We hear the bitter end of their conversation until they are interrupted by, Road Agent, Mike Rotunda, Mike Barton & GWF World Champion, STan Hansen. Hansen was huffing just from walking fast...

Sandman"...and that's why I think that you can stop your loosing ways...if you ditch that looser, Bruce Pritchard!"

Sandman and Horowitz shake hands to a nice pop, until Mike Rotunda, Barton, and Hansen appear on Camera, laughing at Sandman and Horowitz.

Rotunda (To Horowitz) " Didn't you loose a match to the Warlord once? Hehe. That's pathetic "

Barton" So..you've recruited another one, eh? First the Red Rooster...now Mr. 'Pat on The Back' Barry Horowitz. Now...you listen to me Drunkman!! What does Dangerously have up his sleave!?!"

Sandman" Hey...(Sarcastically) 'Iron' Mike. I know nothing! I do know of a certain man who didn't deserve to be King Of The Ring, this year, though. And that's YOU!!"

Rotunda" We don't have time for your whining, Sandman! What's in that magazine!! What's on page 53?!"

Sandman" Hey, you're just gonna have to ask Dangerously, yourself, Tax Boy. I don't know!"

Barton" Yea...well maybe you'll know this!"

Barton then nailed Sandman with his Solid Right Hand, while Hansen struck Horowitz with the GWF Title. The two proceeded to stomp on Sandman and Horowitiz until, Rotunda stopped them, saying...

"Looks like the President Of this Company is going to have to get involved. Tell Dibiase to meet me in the ring, guys..."

Hansen was extremely slow during the attack. Whether it's because he'd rather be wrestling, or because his body just can't take anymore is uncertain. 71%

Barry Horowitz's turn was completed, and he is now a face. Barry Horowitz gained overness from this turn. The Sandman lost overness from this segment. Stan Hansen lost overness from this segment. Barry Horowitz lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Dibiase Demands Some Answers -

Mike Rotunda was already in the ring after the break and introduced, "The Million Dollar Boss, President Ted Dibiase... Dibiase threw a fit, yelling, "Paul Dangerously, YOU BRING ME THAT MAGAZINE, AND YOU BRING IT TO ME NOW!!! I'm the President!! And I said to get down here right now!!"

With that, Paulie Dangerously came down the isle to a huge pop, once again. There was a 'Come Back To WCW Paul E.' sign that was purposefully shown on camera. Wow..Vince McMahon must really be worried about loosing steam to WCW with all of the WCW referances. Oddly enough, at this same time...WCW debuted on Nitro, Max Moon...or...in his new WCW gimmick 'Moon Max'. Dangerously did not have the magazine with him.

Dibiase" DANGEROUSLY!! I told you to bring me that [bleep]-Damned Magazine!! When I tell you to do something, YOU DO IT!! I think I've already proved to you in the past--That it doesn't pay, to cross the Million Dollar Boss!! Now you turn around...get that magazine...open to page 53...and bring it back here and show me who you've got coming into MY WWF!"

Dangerously" Dibiase...in case you forgot...I don't do what people tell me to do--I never have, and I never will!!"

**The two were nose to nose...the crowd was into this confrontation every bit of the way. Finally, Dibiase stepped back...regained his cool, and tried to guess as to who Paulie's 'surprise' was...**

Dibiase" Mwhahahaha!! Fine!! So I'll just have to guess? You mention that that you used to work in WCW...a place that I never did...and I never will work!! When I was gone from the WWF...after holding the WWF Title for over a year..I might add--I went to Japan, and found more great superstars to make up PRIDE! So...getting back on track...you say that you've made 'friends' there!! Well, who is it!! What 'friend' did you call to help you, Dangerously!! Is it...is it...Arn Anderson!?! Once part of your Un-Dangerous Alliance!! Hahaha!!"

Dangerously" NO...It's not Arn Anderson!"

Dibiase" Mwahahah. Oh yea...He's about to retire soon...I forgot. (Crowd booed the Double A knock)...Is it..is it...Stunning Steve Austin!? The Master Of The Stun Gun? Another one of your boyfriends from that miserable company?! Or...it's Catcus Jack? The man who can't wrestle, so he just throws himself all over the ring? Mwhahahahahaa!"

Dangerously" No...No...It's not Stunning Steve. And it's not Catcus Jack, either!"

Dibiase" Mwahahaha..Oh yea...They would never make it in the WWF, anyway. Is it...wait...It's Shawn Michaels isn't it?! You got Shawn to leave WCW and return to the WWF, didn't you?"

Dangerously" No...I'm not as much as a fan of Boy Toys as much as you may be, Dibiase!"

Dibiase" Very Funny, Dangerously. Hmmmm. I got it!! It's the Commisioner Of WCW. Harley Race!! Harley Race...the former WWF King is back in the WWF!!"

Dangerously" No...it's not the WCW Commisioner either!"

Dibiase (Fustrated)" Well then, who the hell is it!! Who is it!! Tell me!! I demand to knoow!!"

Dangerously" What's the matter, Teddy? Are you worried that The Dark Carnival will no longer be able to spread their terror in the WWF without retaliation...from the staff, or Wrestlers? Or...I got it...you're worried that you'll know longer be able to protect PRIDE! Are you worried that, Stan Hansen may loose his GWF Title? Are you worried that Jun Akiyama may loose the ECW Title! Are you worried that Team H may have their WWF Tag Team Title reign jeapordized?! Dibiase...one thing is for sure...that beginning tonight...This Battle between you and I...HAS JUST BECOME A WAR!!!"

Where have I heard that before? Paulie left the ring to a huge pop as Dibiase and Rotunda stood in the ring seemingly worried about what...or who...was to come. 90%

-ADVERTS-

- Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (And The Camel) -

Coming off the break, Bret Hart's music hit to a huge pop. It amazes me how much Bret has remained over with the fans, despite having the worst luck when it comes to in ring confrontations. Bret got straight down to business yelling;

"Owen!! I heard that you were gonna call me out!! I heard that you don't want to wait until SummerSlam '97...Then let's do this right here, in Atlanta, Georgia!! You want me!! YOu want your brother in a match!! Well...YOU GOT IT!!"

With that, Owen Hart's music hit, as Owen hit the ring, taking his time. Once in the ring, Owen sqared off with Bret, and the two locked up, to a very hot crowd. However, within minutes, the crowd's attention was directed toward the curtain, as their was a figure riding a camel to the ring. Upon closer look, it was, former WWF Champion, The Iron Sheik! Is THIS how Vince Russo & JJ Dillon planned to combat Max Moon debuting on Nitro? Anyway, once he got near the ring, 57 year old Iron Sheik got in the ring and pounded Bret Hart from behind. Owen Hart raised his hand in excitement as it seemed like this was all part his plan. Sheik gave Hitman a couple of wierd looking stiff forearms, then locked him in the Camel Clutch, while Owen yelled into the microphone;

Owen Hart

" Hahah That's right!! You see, Bret Hart was trained in our Father's crummy basement...but I'm trained by two WWF Greats!! They've been in classic battles with each other..and years later...they have come together to mentor the greatest Hart of them all! Ladies and gentleman...yes...Mr. Bob Backlund...this man...right here...WWF Great, The Iron Sheik!!!

Owen taunted the crowd as The Sheik kept Hart in the Camel Clutch. Sheik, from what I understand was in a non-wrestling role in ECA, and was recently released a few weeks ago. I don't know if he'll be wrestling, but I do like the historical link with Owen's mentor Bob Backlund, to get Owen even more over than he already is.... 75%

Bret Hart lost overness from this segment. The Iron Shiek gained overness from this segment.

57 year old, Iron Sheik, has returned to

the World Wrestling Federation, as Owen Hart's

2nd Mentor.

-ADVERTS-

Stan Hansen d. Terry Taylor - GWF Heavyweight Title

Taylor was sporting a new Robe that read, "Simply Terrific", I guess made by whoever made Mr. Perfect's out of ring Jacket. Hansen was especially slow in this match also. Luckily Taylor was able to keep the crowd into it, with his newfound popularity. Final moments of the match came after Taylor missed his knee drop, Hansen then clobbered him with the lariat

Overall: 77

Crowd: 86

Match: 57

The GWF World title has lost image.

- Father and Son Re-United -

Brutus Beefcake d. Brian Christopher by DQ

Christopher did what he could to try to keep the crowd into it. Christopher wore a ski hat whole time, fearing that his hair would be 'seen' by the crowd. Biggest pop came at 7:33 when Beefcake got on offense, and pulled off Christopher's hat. His hair, was just a bit uneven, but he acted as if he were bald. Final moments of the match came when Brutus Beefcake got Christopher in the sleeper...Out of the stands came Jerry 'The King' Lawler, to the rescue of his son. The referee called for the bell disqualifying Lawler. Christopher and Lawler then had a stand off, as the last image of these two that WWF fans had in their minds, is BC being introduced as The Million Dollar Kid in 1994, during the classic Dibiase-Lawler feud. However, within seconds the two hugged to getting the expected heel reaction from the crowd. Beefcake got up and broke up the hugging, but lost the battle due to the rule of the numbers game. Lawler gave Beefcake his special stump Piledriver, while Christopher followed with the Tenessee Jam off the top rope. Beefcake sold both moves as if he broke his neck....

Overall: 72

Crowd: 79

Crowd: 58

-ADVERTS-

- Dangerously Discusses PWI's Page 53 -

Coming off of the break, Paulie Dangerously comes out, accompanied by The Sandman, The Space Croppers, WWF I-C Champion Sabu, & 'Terrific' Terry Taylor Styles pushed the other superstars' presence (besides Sabu) as being part of their 'coming to the WWF's support'. Paulie talked about PWI's February 1997 issue before opening up to Page 53, and introducing Sting to the World Wrestling Federation.

Paulie Dangerously

" In February of 1997, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ran an special article about, Wrestling's Most Often Talked About Dream Matches! Lets take a look at some of them... #1: WWF' Steve Corino vs. WCW's Keiji Mutoh!! (The crowd starts going nuts) No, no...Keiji Mutoh is not here. There are many others...#45; GCG'S Kurt Angle vs. WWF's Don Frye, a newcomer here in the WWF...and I know that Angle is some sort of Olympian or something... (He continues to flip throught the pages). Here's another good one, #6; Sabu-WWF I-C Champion vs. Shane Douglas-WCW U.S Champion,...Oh look, Sabu's in two...#11; WWF's SAbu vs. WCW's Kensuki Sasaki...Ok..ok..well the list goes on and on. But...you see there's one that got my attention...There's one that made me say to myself..'I have to make this one happen'. For me--for the fans...and most importantly...For the Very Foundation of the WWF!

(He opens up to page 53 It's a picture of WCW's Sting and WWF's Undertaker...)

This one...#2!!!! The Dark Carnival's leader...The Undertaker! Against WCW's STING!!

(The crowd erupts, as Paulie makes a 'yes' nod to the crowd....)

So without any further ado...Ladies and gentleman, for the first time in his career, in a ring other than WCW...ladies and gentleman, THIS....IS...STING!!!!"

With that...the house lights went out and spotlights began to shine all over the curtains. Finally Sting came out, to music that I dare say was very similiar to "Guile's Stage" in Street Fighter II, getting a huge pop. The announcers mentioned that Sting has never wrestled for any other promotion other than WCW...making his depature from WCW and arrival in WWF seem that much more important. This, has come as a huge shock to many insiders...especially since Sting, at the time of his WCW release was right behind Hogan in being the most over man in WCW (over=99). Sting got the ring, and was handed the mic by Paulie Dangerously....

89% [MANAGERS SUPRISE - ANGLE]

- Sting's first words, in a WWF Ring -

Sting stood in the ring, to a huge 'Sting' chant from the Atlanta crowd. They also spent alot of time doing the 'Wooooo' taunt/scream that Sting is known for. Sting delivered quite a solid promo, which was half shoot, and half promo, for what seems to be part of the double Main Event for SummerSlam '97; Sting vs. The Undertaker. For the record, Sting was not fired by WCW, he simply didn't resign, which meant that his part about talking about his WCW contract could be mostly true.

STING

"....I'M HEEEERRRRREEEE!!!

(At this point, the camera focuses in on a few 'Welcome To WWF Sting' signs, that I guess were from people who knew of Sting's signing with the WWF from phone hotlines, or internet reports...)

Ya know...alot of names was thrown out here, by Dibiase, and alot in this magazine. WCW Champ, Arn Anderson..., Great Muta, Shawn Michaels, Shane Douglas, Dustin Rhodes, Cactus Jack---WOW!! But ya see THAT'S WHY I'M HERE!! COZ' I BEAT'EM ALL!!! My contract was up, last week...after I...beat Shawn Michaels...I might add. (Crowd cheers the subtle knock at a WCW Main Eventer)

So they say, 'Stinger!!...How'd ya like to sign with us for another 3 years!!? But...I say 'No Way Jack!! They're ain't NO COMPETITION!! So a couple of days later...I'm sitting...In the Stinger's lair!!...when MY STINGER-PHONE RINGS! It's my good friend...PAUL E. DANGEROUSLY!...and that's two words--'Paul E. Dangerously'.. (Says Sting as he winks to Dangerously)..He says to me...'STINGER!!! I know you're not working now...but I'd like to ask you a question!! Have you ever read that Feb '97 issue of PWI?' Of course, I did read it. And I've been thinking about it for a long time!! #2!!! Dream Match! The fans wanna see Sting vs. The Undertaker!! Then Paulie brought me up to date, and told me what was going on here in the WWF, with this whole Dark Carnival deal, and asked me if I'd like to come to the WWF to help him out!! And I said...'WOW!! COMPETITION!! WOW!! THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION!! Hell yea you can count me in!!!

(Sting pauses, as the crowd starts up a 'Sting' chant once again.)

So, Undertaker! 'Phenom!! From what I understand, I'm here just in time for...yea...SUMMERSLAM!!! Lets make this Dream Match come true, Undertaker!! You and me!! One on one...in...a 15 FOOT HIGH STEEL CAGE!!

(The crowd erupts once again. The other wrestlers in the ring cheer on in support)

"So Undertaker...Dark Carnival...This may indeed be a 'Dream' for many...BUT FOR YOU GUYS...THE NIGHTMARE IS JUST BEGINNING!!! WWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

With that, Paulie Dangerously raised the hand of Sting, to a huge pop. WWF Monday Night RAW went off the air, with Sting playing to the crowd on each turnbuckle, while Joey Styles & Jim Cornette went nuts on commentary....

84%

Sting, just a week after defeating Shawn Michaels

in a WCW Ring, has arrived in The World Wrestling Federation.

Commentary Aftermatch

Styles" Oh My Gawd!! Oh My Gawd!! Oh My Gawd!! Sting is in a WWF ring!! Sting is in a WWF Ring!!"

Cornette" Styles, I know alot about this man, and let me tell you, that the Dark Carnival is in some serious trouble!! This announcement has just turned the WWF upside down!"

Styles" It's turned it RIGHT SIDE UP!! Things are looking better!! Sting - The Undertaker!! CAge Match at Summerslam!! That's TWO Cage Matches (Beefcake-Lawler)...Oh MY GAWD!! Sting is in the WWF!! Sting is in the WWF!! Sting is in the WWF!! OHhh Myyy Gaaawwwddd!!!"

Show Quality: 75%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.90 (Max Moon Debut)

Biggest Complaint: The Iron Sheik's Camel

Behind The Scenes Issues: Steiner was too stiff on Kavanna.

WWF WorldWide Preview!!

--Feature Matches!!!

**Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake vs. The Dark Patriot

**The Iron Sheik & Owen Hart vs. The Lightning Kid & The Rock

--Highlights of "WWF Spoltight w/ Vince McMahon & Special Guest, Mr. Perfect!

--IN ACTION!

*Simon Diamond & Johnny 'Dick' Swinger

*Former Shootfighter Don Frye!

And Much Much More!!

[marc]

Javert Man I love The Re living sting in the wwf man summerslam and survivor series will be awsome

[ChuBalso]

Javert Man I love The Re living sting in the wwf man summerslam and survivor series will be awsome

←

[ChuBalso]

Only 4 Months until Series '97...

August 10rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Moxfurous Arena, Chicago IL

Attendance: 11034

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & D'Lo Brown

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

Sean Mooney opened up WWF WorldWide talking about Sting's arrival in the WWF. He was joined by newcomer, D'Lo Brown on commentary, who was recently called up from the GWF. He also pushed footage from a 'WWF Spotlight with Vince McMahon' footage that would be shown later on tonight. Apparently, both Mr. Perfect & Steve Corino had some sort of altercation.

Don Frye d. Pat Tanaka

These two had quite alot of mat work, as Don Frye was pushed hard by Mooney as being a product of the shootfighting world. Frye won with the arm and leg submission hold. It's always fun hear Mooney try to call a wrestling match without knowning the proper names of the holds. They spent this match pretty much just talking about Sting's RAW debut.

Overall: 53

Crowd: 35

Match: 71

Pat Tanaka lost overness from this match. Don Frye gained overness from this match.

- Big Dick Gets To Diamond -

Simond Diamond & Johnny Swinger d. Bobby Duncum Jr. & Kendall Whindam

Diamond and Swinger won this match in 8:33. After the match Diamond grabbed the mic and praised Johnny Swinger for his great dancing. The idea is that Diamond discovered Swinger 'working', at a gay nightclub. Mooney kept asking; "I wonder how Diamond found him?" D'lo kept responding, "Don't ask, don't tell, Mooney!", I guess explaing the angle in their own little way. While Swinger was dancing, Big Dick Dudley came down the isle, with little Spike Dudley, and stood right behind Diamond as he was praising Swinger. Big Dick Dudley then gave Diamond his spinning chokeslam, then left with Little Spike, who was celebrating with the fans on his way back. Swinger was too into his Dancing to realise any of this, until a referee stopped him from dancing, long after the Dudley's had aready left, and Diamond was already laid out. He carried Diamond out of the ring.

Overall: 52

Crowd: 40

Match: 64

-ADVERTS-

- Sandman Challenges Stan Hansen -

Eric Bischoff was backstage with the Sandman, getting a nice pop from the crowd. Eric asked Sandman if he could believe that Sting was in the WWF. Sandman said it was great to have Sting in the WWF, and that he would show his support by starting the WWF's fighting back against PRIDE, by challenging Stan Hansen to a GWF Title Match tommorow night on RAW. Sandman's always good on the interviews, but even the WorldWide crowd was turned off when he challenged Hansen, who's almost immobile at this point in his career. 79%

The Sandman lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Papa Shango d. The Big Bossman

Good ol' Papa Shango has been getting alot more over due to his involvment in the whole Dark Carnival angle. He took some killer bumps during the whole Space Cropper debut, which got the crowd into him alot more. Shango also bulked up more, during the last few months. Shango won after powering Big Bossman into the shoulderbreaker finisher for the cover. Mooney made a big deal about Shango's power, calling it 'unhuman', and linking it to Shango's voodoo. Dlo wondered if Shango could get Sting up like that.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 73

Match: 63

Papa Shango gained overness from this match.

New Jack d. 'The Natural' Butch Reed

It looks like The whole Doom E.D. team is done with, as Reed was on his own, without either Koko B. Ware , his partner, or Slick. There is some talk that if the WWF does not bring in a new manager, Slick may bring in Booker T & Stevie Ray, Ebony Experience, who are getting great reports from the GWF Developement territory--well, Booker T in general. New Jack won with a top rope elbow.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 72

Match: 68

-ADVERTS-

Hunter McMahon Helmsley d. Jeff Jarrett

They are now billing Helmsley as the son-in-law of WWF Announcer, Vince McMahon. For the first time in his career, he was without Jimmy Hart, who has signed with 21CW after his WWF release. Helmsley won with the pedigree at 13:22 of a pretty good match with Double J, who is stuck with doing his face country singer gimmick after his unsuccessful heel run with the now, pretty much defunct Kings Court. I wonder how, Hunter McMahon Helmsley's character will now be effected. It looks like their building Hunter as a wrestler who 'suddenley' became Rich after becoming an inlaw to the announcer Vince McMahon. To show off his wealth, he was accompanied by a 19 year old GWF prospect simply called, The Butler. I guess, hence him being Helmsley's butler. They kept refering to Helmsley as a 'Tag Team Specialist' so it looks like they'll keep him to Tag Team work.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 79

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

Mike Barton d. Jacques 'The Mountie' Rougeau

These two had a pretty good match here, as they seem to be building Barton up for bigger and better things. Barton was joined with Rotunda, at ringside, who interfered many times in the match. Mooney pushed the idea that the referee couldn't do anything to combat Rotunda since he was a 'high ranking WWF official'. Barton won with the Death Valley Driver at 9:23. After the match, the announcers teased this 'footage' from WWF Spotlight.

Overall: 76

Crowd: 79

Match: 70

Jacques 'Mountie' Rougeau lost overness from this match. Mike Barton gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Mr. Perfect Takes A Look at Steve Corino's WWF Career -

They then take us to a segment from Thursday's, 'WWF Spotlight with Vince McMahon', where Mr. Perfect was his special guest host. When he arrived in the studio, Perfect said that he was going to take a 'special look' into the career of the current WWF Champion, Steve Corino. Perfect showed what were his ideas of embarrassing or 'unimpressive' footage of Corino. First he showed him entering the WWF as an announcer, and showed him hugging Vince. Ahh. Memories. Next, Perfect showed a series of clips from Steve Corino as apart of the Four Horsemen. Almost during each clip, Perfect said;

"Ok...there ya see me & Tully Blanchard...The Perfect Team...and WWF Tag Team Champions...there of course is Ric Flair, WWF Champion..oh..and there's Steve Corino...in the background...clapping..."

Corino, who was upstairs in the same building, came to the studio, with Jack Victory, yelling at Vince and Perfect. Corino said that Perfect was 'just jealous, that he became what Perfect never did in his career--WWF Champion. This led to a small scuffle, leading McMahon to flee the area to get help. I like the referance to the history between these two. Too bad Flair's got a broken leg. He would've been a great addition to this angle. But then again, with Flair involved in the storyline, his focus should be on the Belt...not helping someone else win it i.e. Brutus Beefcake.

-ADVERTS-

Owen Hart & The Iron Sheik d. The Lightning Kid & The Rock

Owen Hart and The Iron Sheik is quite a funny site...on that I never thought that I'd ever see. The Kid was in for a short while, and completely had his way with Owen..however when he tagged out to The Rock, the tables quickly turned. Finals of the match came when all hell broke loose, or "all heck", as Sean Mooney would say...and all four men were in the ring. In minutes, Iron Sheik had The Rock in The Camel Clutch and Owen Hart had The Lightning Kid in the Sharpshooter. Referee Dave Hebner called for the bell after, The Rock, the legal man submitted to Iron Sheik's 'legendary' clutch. After the match was over, Iron Sheik, made Owen Hart put the Lightning Kid back in the sharpshooter, urging him on, by yelling and screaming like only The Iron Sheik Can, to continue applying the hold and put more pressure. There was a funny 'Where's your Camel' sign directed at Sheik which made TV.

Overall: 74

Crowd: 77

Match: 68

Don Muraco lost overness from this match. The Iron Shiek gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS

- The King says he doesn't Plan To Retire -

After the break, Jesse Ventura was being showed 'via sattellite from Jerry 'The King' Lawler's 'Royal Palace' in Memphis, Tennessee, which was code for 'his house'. Ventura congratulated the King on 'patching things up with his son', and added that it would be heart-breaking to see Lawler forced to retire from the ring, just weeks after he reunited with his son. Lawler promised that he wasn't going to loose his retirement match against Beefcake at SummerSlam, and that he was the won that was going to do the cutting down. He promised that he would "Cut Beefcake's career short, as well" 87%

Brutus Beefcake d. The Dark Patriot

Beefcake has a new jacket that reads "BarberTude '97". He defeated Patriot in 6:33, with the sleeper hold. He tried to then remove the Dark Patriot's mask, so that he can give him a haircut, but was saved by Patriot's manager, Bruce Pritchard. Pritchard yelled at The Dark Patriot on the way to the back. Are they teasing breaking Pritchard and Patriot up? And if so...wouldn't that then mean that Pritchard's only wrestler that he has is Alex Porteau?

Overall: 71

Crowd: 80

Match: 51

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Thanks for joining us on WWF WorldWide, RAW is in just a few days!!"

Dlo" That's right, Mooney! It's been great! My first WWF WorldWide..what great action!"

Mooney" Sting will be on RAW tommorow, How will the Dark Carnival react!? How will Dibiase react!?"

Dlo" SummerSlam is just a few weeks away! Wow!!"

Show Quality: 69%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows:

Early Evening; WCW Saturday Night 7.33

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's announcing

Behind The Scenes Issues:

WWF Raw Preview!! A Night Of Champions!!

--How Will The Dark Carnival & Ted Dibiase react to STING!? What are Sting's Monday Night Raw Plans?!

--WWF World Title Match!!!

Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake vs. 'The King Of Old School' Steve Corino

--Tag Team Challenge

*Stan Hansen (GWF Champion) & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. The Sandman & 'Terrific' Terry Taylor

--ECW Title Match--

Jun Akiyama (Champion) vs. Jacques 'The Mountie' Rougeau

--WWF Tag Team Battle Royal; The Winners Get a Title Shot on The Same Night!!

--Plus...Hunter McMahon Helmsley debuts his New Tag Team Partner!!

--And Much Much More!!

[ChuBalso]

Only 4 Months until Series '97...

August 12rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Atlanta Georgia Dome, Atlanta - GA

Attendance: 12,033

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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

- Hunter McMahon Helmsley Introduces His Third Cousin... -

Monday Night RAW opened up with Joey Styles going nuts about Sting's WWF arrival. James E. Cornette acted especially annoying by this. As he was running down the card, Tag Teams were on their way to the ring for the 10 team Battle Royal where the winners would recieve a shot at Team H's WWF Tag Team Titles later during the night. Joining Styles on commentary was Hunter McMahon Helmsley. Helmsley announced that he has found a new tag team partner. Helmsley made a comment about him letting his family in on his new found wealth, after becoming the son in law of WWF Announcer Vince McMahon. He then introduced his third cousin on his Mother's Father side...John Kronus Helmsley. Kronus came down wearing expesive clothing just as Helmsely...but his hair as always was unkempt, as Hunter stressed him as being, 'just a regular guy'. The Helmsleys stayed on commentary during the battle royal 'scouting' the tag team scene. 66%

John Kronus Helmsley gained overness from this segment.

Battle Royal Team Entrants

The New Cartel - Alex Porteau & The Brooklyn Brawler

The Outlaws - Bobby Duncum Jr. & Kendal Windham

T.R.A.S.H - Brian James & Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese

DoomED - Koko B. Ware & 'The Natural' Butch Reed

The Thrillseekers - Chris Jericho & Lance Storm

Furnas/Lafon - Doug Furnas & Phil Lafan

Swinger/Diamond - Simond Diamond & Johnny Swinger

Orient Express - Pat Tanaka & Kato

The Spacecroppers - Rhyno Starr & Devon STorm

The Thrillseekers won a 20 man over the top rope battle royal when Lance Storm elimanted Alex Porteau to win the battle royal

There were a few new faces, including The Brooklyn Brawler, who seemed to have replaced Horowitz in Pritchard's CARTEL team. Jericho & Storm were very impressive here, as Joey Styles pushed them as perhaps the most technically sound tag team in WWF history. Storm won after giving Porteau a stun gun on the top rope, followed with a dropkick that sent Porteau up and over the top rope.

Overall: 55

Crowd: 49

Match: 61

-ADVERTS-

- The Sarge Gets Fired For 'Crossing The Million Dollar Boss' -

Coming off of the break, Sgt. Slaughter's music hit to a pretty sizable pop. Since when do announcers get their own ring music? Anyway, Slaughter came out and started running down Dibiase as President and said that he should resign as leader of PRIDE so that he can be an 'honourable' President. At that point, PRIDE'S Japanese music played, as Ted Dibiase, Mike Rotunda, Antonio Inoki, & ECW Champion Jun Akiyama walked down the isle to a huge heel reaction. Dibiase yelled at Slaughter for questioning him. Slaughter, apparently not heeding Dibiase's word asked him if he and PRIDE were afraid of the WWF's newest addition, STING! Dibiase threw a tantrum, yelling;

Dibiase" STING!? STING?! The WWF President is standing right before you and all you can ask about is, STING? A former tag team specialist is here, in Mike Rotunda, and all you have to ask about is, STING!? Perhaps the greatest mind in all of Japanese Wrestling, and a high ranking WWF Official Antonio Inoki is standing right before you...and all you have to ask about is, STING!! Slaughter!! The current ECW Heavyweight Champion is standing right before you...JUN AKIYAMA!! Perhaps the most underated wrestler in American Wrestling Today!! He can suplex you in thousands of ways! He can make you submit in more ways than most! And he is the ECW Champion!! Yet, all you have to talk about is, Sting?!? That's it Slaughter!! It's come to my attention that you aren't doing a sufficient job as an announcer! You're not asking the questions the people want to hear. Slaughter! You will learn, that It doesn't pay to cross the Million Dollar Boss!!! YOU'RE FIRED!!!"

With that, Jun Akiyama handed his ECW title over to Inoki, and grabbed Slaughter, teasing the exploder. Inoki, Dibiase, and Rotunda urged Akiyama to go forward and nail Slaughter with the Exploder, which he did moments later, dropping Slaughter on his head. Akiyama then picked him up, threw him into the corner, and nailed him with a charging knee. Finally, PRIDE'S music played, as Inoki raised the hand of the ECW Champion, as Dibiase and Rotunda laughed in the background, leaving a beaten and battered Slaughter laying in the ring, motionless. 93%

Jun Akiyama gained overness from this segment.

Jun Akiyama, The ECW Champion helped

President Ted Dibiase 'fire' Announcer

Sgt. Slaughter.

-ADVERTS-

- The Debut Of Avatar -

Avatar d. The Rock

Avatar made his in ring debut, which is Al Snow under a mask. Snow wrestled differntly than he had as the Leif Cassidy character, this time concentrating heavily on his martial arts background. The crowd was really into the Avatar character, especially with the current PRIDE craze going on. This presented a face version of the things that PRIDE wrestlers bring to the WWF, which the fans seemed to have liked. The Rock, however, was horrible in selling Avatar's moves, including falling forward after a backwards leg sweep. Nevertheless, Avatar still looked good. I hear they're going to have him do some sort of program with PRIDE after SummerSlam....

Overall: 70

Crowd: 75

Overall: 59

Don Muraco lost overness from this match. Avatar gained overness from this match. Don Muraco didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

Avatar has made his debut in the WWF.

This could be trouble in PRIDE'S furture

-ADVERTS-

Team H d. The Trillseekers - WWF Tag Team Title Match

All four men worked extremely hard during this match. Styles' pushed this as a great oppurtunity for The Trillseekers to have a shot at the WWF Tag Team Titles, during their first month as 'pros'. Hayabusa and Storm had some great exchanges, along with both trading Dragon Suplex pin combinations, leading to near falls. Final moments of the match came when Hakushi did the tope spot on Jericho..walking on the ropes around the entire circumferance of the ring, while holding Jericho's hand, then jumping off nailing Jericho with his strike off the top rope. Styles freaked out as Hakushi walked on the ropes. Rotunda and Inoki were on the outside of the ring applauding. Hakushi then nailed Jericho with the praying mountain bomb, at 21:33 for the victory, retaining the WWF Tag Titles.

They had to cut for a commercial break during the match.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 55

Match: 95

-ADVERTS-

- Bret gets confronted by Owen Hart and His 'Trainers' -

Coming off the break, Bret Hart's music hit, to a loud pop as he came strolling to the ring. Bret took the mic and 'warned' Bob Backlund & The Iron Sheik not to trust Owen Hart. Hart based this on the idea that Owen would turn on his own brother to get to the top, and--in turn...would do the same to anyone else once he got to where he wanted to be. At this point, The Iron Sheik's music hit as stood in the front of the curtain with Bob Backlund. Sheik, unfortunatley, had the mic and started yelling at Bret in pretty bad English. As he was talking, Owen was sneaking up behind Bret, emerging from the crowd...But this time Bret was ready. Keeping alert by watching on the Titan-Tron, Bret turned around just in time and clocked Owen in the head, just as he was going in for the attack. The Iron Sheik & Bob Backllund, then charged the ring but was met by a double clothesline by Bret. Hitman got a huge pop for taking out 3 men at once. After getting a few more punches on his enemies, Bret yelled, whence returning to the back, "SummerSlam, Owen!! You won't be my brother!! You'll be just another opponent!!"

87%

- Zeus Scouts The Champion -

Sabu d. The Dark Patriot - WWF Intercontinental Championship

I think this was somewhat of a test, to see if Dark Patriot can put on a good match with Sabu...since they seem to be toying with a 3 way dance for the SummerSlam Intercontinental Title match, pitting Sabu

against Zeus , & Dark Patriot. Sabu won with the triple jump moonsault at 9:33. After the match, Zeus emerged from the curtain, with his usual menacing look, being held back by Sabu. Dark Patriot, throwing a tantrum, had to be held back by Bruce Pritchard, while Sabu, at the same time, was being restrained from running after Zeus by Paulie Dangerously. Since Paulie was around, there were alot of Sting 'Woooooooo' calls from the crowd.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 81

Match: 72

-ADVERTS-

- Sting Arrives, And Takes Out The Insane Clown Posse -

The Insane Clown Posse d. Jacques Rougeau & Jeff Jarrett

Cornette had a really funny line here that was ignored by Styles saying about the wrestlers in the ring;

"Styles, I never thought I'd see a Canadian Police Officer and a failed Country Singer teaming up against two Pyscopathic Clowns!"

The crowd was really into this mediocre match, especially because of the Anvil at ringside screaming instructions to the top of his lungs from the outside of his ring. Final moments of the match came at 9:33 when Violent J nailed Rougeau with the goulintine leg drop off the top rope....

Right after their victory, the lights went out, and Sting's music began to play. The crowd started to go nuts. After about 1 minute of darkness and Sting's music, Paulie Dangerously's soundbite from last week's RAW played; "THIS IS STING!" With that, the lights came back on, as Sting rushed down to the ring, and started pounding on Shaggy 2 Dope. Violent J attacked Sting from behind...but Sting no-sold J's strikes, and took his head off with a lariat. Sting then took turns giving Shaggy 2 Dope and Violent J the Stinger Splash on different turnbuckles. After he was done, he took the mic, grabbed Jim Neidhart and yelled; "Tell The Undertaker that the Stinger's here!! And I'm waiting to hear his answer to my challenge!! Woooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!"

Sting then left, by hopping into the stands and being mobbed by the fans.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 87

Match: 61

-ADVERTS-

- Dibiase Announces Stan Hansen's Challenger For His GWF Heavyweight Title -

The Sandman & Terrific Terry Taylor d. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Stan Hansen

The match started off really slow, but turned into a no tag zone match within minutes. Final moments of the match came when Tenzan missed his top rope headbutt aiming for the Sandman...Sandman then took out Hansen, while Taylor raced to the top rope and nailed Tenzan with his signature knee drop off the top rope. Sandman and Taylor drank a few beers in the ring, to a huge pop while Hansen attended to Tenzan. The crowd started up a 'Check His Knee!' comical chant in support of Taylor. Styles' described this as the fans, finally accepting Taylor as a strong WWF contender. Either that, or they were making fun of his finisher.

-ADVERTS-

Returning off break, Tenzan was still in the ring selling Terry Taylor's knee drop. He was still being attended to by Hansen. Ted Dibiase stormed down to the ring, and pushed Hansen away, so that he could check out Tenzan. Hansen, pushed Dibiase back, which got a sensible pop from the crowd. Dibiase then grabbed the mic;

Dibiase" Hansen, you witless oak!! Look what you did!! If you were faster in getting to your feet, you could've saved Tenzan from getting hit in the face with that Knee Drop!! That's it!! That's it!! Because of what you've done...you opponent at SummerSlam for that GWF Heavyweight Title is...HIROYOSHI TENZAN!!!"

Dibiase then helped Tenzan up and to the back, leaving Hansen in the ring, standing around like a loaf. Styles on commentary kept pushing the idea, that Dibiase shouldn't have treated a legend like that, and that Dibiase is out of control as WWF President.

Overall: 83

Crowd: 91

Match: 65

Stan Hansen's turn was completed, and he is now a face. Stan Hansen lost overness from this turn.

-ADVERTS-

- Sting Saves Horowitz, and meets Face To Face with The Prince Of Prime Time -

The Undertaker d. Barry Horowitz

It's amazing to see Barry Horowitz on the last match of Monday Night RAW. The fans are really into him and now accept him as a WWF Trademark Wrestler. Undertaker beat him in 8:33 with the chokeslam...

After his victory, Paul Bearer went into the ring with the bodybag...it looked like they were about to send Horowitz to the Carnival, as they say. But at this point, Sting stormed down to the ring tackling the Undertaker down. The two scuffled for a bit, until 'Taker swirmed to the outside. Sting then attended to Horowitz who was halfway in the bodybag. Paul Bearer was on the outside with The Undertaker and was holding him back by pulling on the back of his hair. Sting, helped up Horowitz, grabbed the mic, and yelled at Undertaker face to face....

"I'm not afraid of you 'Taker!! I've been to the darkside and back; many times!!! Are you ready for the Stinger!! Summerslam 1997!!! 15 foot high Steel Cage!!!"

Overall: 79

Crowd: 87

Match: 63

The Undertaker lost overness from this segment.

- Paul Bearer Shows 'The Stinger Bag' -

Paul Bear released the Undertaker's hair once it was 'ok' and grabbed a mic. He unfolded anoter Bodybag that he had...on it...A picture of a Scorpion. Obviously representing Sting... He then started to talk in his ghoulish voice...

Paul Bearer

" Ohhhhhh Yessssss!!! Ohhhhh Yesssss!! Sting!! You have your match at SummerSlam!! You'll have your cage match!! But remember Sting...your place in the Dark Carnival has been prepared!! (He unfolds the Bodybag) Sting...you may think that you have all the answers! You may think that you understand the Dark Carnival!! But you don't!! You don't understand the Darkside!! You don't know about the Dark Carnival!! But at Summerslam...you'll understand it all...whether you want to...or not!! Ohhhhhhh Yesssssss!!!!!

Paul Bearer then held up the urn to the Undertaker, leading him to the back. Sting stood in the ring smiling, mouthing; "Ohh Yeaaa, I wannna know it all...", as Monday Night RAW went off the air.

81%

The Undertaker lost overness from this segment.

Show Quality: 78%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.88

Biggest Complaint: Slaughter Taking Bumps

Behind The Scenes Issues:

WWF Worldwide

--WWF Champion Steve Corino Will Be Live and In Action!!

--The Debut Of The Helmsley's

--Owen Hart vs. Diesel

--Mr. Perfect In Action!!

--Sting Makes His WWF In Ring Debut!!!!

Edited January 13, 2005 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

Only 4 Months until Series '97...

August 16rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Moxfurous Arena, Chicago IL

Attendance: 11034

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & 'Dlo Brown

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- 'The New' Mr. Perfect -

WWF Worldwide started up with Sean Mooney opening the show from inside the ring. Mr. Perfect's music hit, but to everyone's suprise, out came WWF World Champion, Steve Corino, accompanied by Jack Victory. Corino said that after SummerSlam '97, he would be 'the new Mr. Perfect'. Sean Mooney asked Steve Corino as to why Corino was so upset when Perfect showed footage of Corino as a Horsemen, doing nothing (On WWF Spotlight). Corino then said that he had 'embarrassing footage of Mr. Perfect, as well. He then showed the early 90's vignettes of Perfect, throwing and catching a football, shooting a perfect basketball shot and hitting a homerun. Corino yelled;

"Mooney!! I ask you this question!! What the hell does that have to do with Wrestling?! So what, he can throw a ball into a net! Big Deal!! He's no Steve Corino!!"

Corino then called out any wrestler to the back to serve as 'tune up', helping him prepare for his Wrestlemania match against 'The Perfect One'. Since this is Worldwide...out came Rick Martel. Corino said he would show everyone the new "Mr. Perfect".

88%

Steve Corino d. Rick Martel

In showing off how 'Perfect' that he could be, Corino wrestled the match while holding the micrphone for a little while. When the action got a little more intense, Victory did some mic work on the house mic all the way to Corino's victory. Corino ended the match with the Dusty Rhodes Elbow Drop. Ahh, more subtle knocks at WCW.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 75

Match: 66

-ADVERTS-

The Helmsley's d. Jacques Rougeau & The Executioner

Almost a pure squash for the Helmsey's. Rougeau got some offense, but that all ended when the Executioner was tagged in. The Helmsley's won after their finishing combination of a Hunter pedigree followed by a Kronus big splash off of the top rope, onto Executioner. Hunter & Kronus made the Butler shine their boots after the match. The Butler came down the isle with a half eatin Subway Sandwhich. After the match, he handed it to Kronus, who...I guess finished eating his sandwhich. They are continuing to push Kronus as the 'poor version of Helmsley, who was only given this opportunity after Hunter married the daughter of WWF Announcer Vince McMahon. According to those in charge, Vince nor his Daughter are getting involved with the storylines...until maybe 2006.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 73

Match: 61

The Executioner lost overness from this match. Jacques 'Mountie' Rougeau lost overness from this match. John Kronus Helmsley gained overness from this match. Hunter McMahon Helmsley gained overness from this match.

- The Butler Gets Left Behind -

Carl Oulette d. The Butler

After showing a brief promo for SummerSlam '97, The Butler was still at the ringside area gathering Hunter's and Kronus' clothes that they left behind. Butler was also sweeping up some crumbs that Kronus left behind. At this point, Carl Oulette's music hit, which is the same as Bret Hart's--as he made his way to the ring. The

Butler was 'upset' that Oulette came out before he was done...so he started yelling at Oulette...which led to Oulette nailing him with the Cannonball within 30 seconds winning this impromptu match.

Overall: 47

Crowd: 49

Match: 44

The Butler didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously With Sabu -

Coming out of the break was a pre-recorded segment with Paulie Dangerously hyping Sabu. The WWF did an outright purchase of ECW in 1995, and as a result gained all rights to their video catalougue. So, much like the Dark Patriot segments of the last few weeks, this Segment, had several hot Sabu spots from ECW, as well as WWF, over the last few years, as Paulie Dangerously did the talking. He did an incredible job of painting Sabu as an athlete who puts his body on the line during each and every one of his title defenses. Paulie ended with his soundbite, putting down the other two I-C title contenders, who I'm guessing will face Sabu in a three way Dance at SummerSlam;

"...He's not a 'demented Soul like the Dark Patriot...he doesn't claim to be the 'baddest man on the planet' like Zeus...he's simply homicidal...he's genocidal...he's suicidal...HE'S YOUR INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION...HE'S SABU!" 92%

Paulie Dangerously gained overness from this segment.

The Sandman d. Mr. Bob Backlund

Alot of talk is circulating how The Sandman could overtake Bret Hart for the top face spot in the company. The Sandman's character has gotten incredibly over with the fans, and some may even say that he is nearing the popularity equal to that of Bret. Bret realises this, and has been showing alot of disconcern with the widening Main Event scene...worrying about his position with the company. However, most of the heat is between Corino & Hart...OH..Sandman squashed Backlund with his delayed piledriver at 8:03.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 84

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

- Dibiase Declares Next Monday Night RAW; "National 'PRIDE' Day -

Returning off break, we are greated to Sean Mooney and Dlo brown staring at the camera for a few seconds before they realised that they were on. Finally, Mooney began talking via Satellite to the President of the WWF; Ted Dibiase, who was relaxing in his 'seasonal residence'. Sean Mooney informed him that Sting would be making his in ring debut, later tonight on WWF Worldwide. This fueled Dibiase, as he got up and started yelling at Mooney;

"Mooney!!! Do you want to end up just like Slaughter!? All everyone is talking about is, Sting! Well, tell Sting, that tommorow he can drop his face paint...loose the flashy clothing...because...TOMMOROW IS NATIONAL PRIDE DAY!! That's right--in just two days...on RAW--just 3 weeks before SummerSlam '97--MONDAY NIGHT RAW IS NATIONAL PRIDE DAY!!! Soon, that's all that everyone will be talking about...is PRIDE!! 95%

Dibiase did a good job of snapping at Mooney. I'm sure everyone enjoyed it. To bad Akiyama wasn't in the arena this time to throw Mooney around.

Ted DiBiase gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Owen Hart d. Diesel

Diesel came to the ring riding down in a motorcycle with Francine on the back...who I guess is his 'biker chick'. Owen won with the sharpshooter in 10:33 of actually a good match. Diesel, actually moves pretty well for a big man. While walking back to the isle, Iron Sheik who was with Backlund & Owen snatched a poster of Bret Hart from a fan. He handed it to Owen...who ripped up the poster.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 82

Match: 79

-ADVERTS-

- Steve Corino Announces The Return Of 'The Brother Love Show' -

Mr. Perfect d. Earthquake

Mr. Perfect couldn't perfect plex the fat middle-aged Tenta, so he simply rolled him up after his usual pre-perfect plex move sequence. After the match, Corino came out with a microphone and Jack Victory, yelling to Perfect;

"Perfect!! This week on RAW...on NATIONAL PRIDE DAY...is indeed a day to celebrate! Because it's going to be the return of the Brother Love Show!! And it's first guest...WWF CHAMPION, STEVE CORINO!! Hope I don't you see there, 'Impeferfect!!"

Hmmph. I guess Bruce Pritchard is back to doing his Brother Love Character. That should be entertaining.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 79

Match: 61

-ADVERTS-

- The In Ring Debut Of Sting -

Sting d. Simond Diamond

I'm sure Bret Hart, and to a lesser extent Steve Corino can't be too happy with Sting's WWF arrival. With the WWF basically telling us that all of these men will not make it beyond Shangril-a, it'll be interesting to see who does and who doesn't. Sting completed dominated the match. After 4 Stinger splashes, Sting put Diamond in the scorpion deadlock for the 3 minute victory. After the match, Sting grabbed the mic, after the fans started a "Speak Sting, Speak!" chant....

Overall: 74

Crowd: 75

Match: 73

Sting

" Woooooooooooooooo!!!! So this is WWF WorldWide, HUH!!! I LOVE IT!!!! YEA!!!!(After pausing to absorb the calls from the fans) This Monday Night!! PRIDE NIGHT!! Summer Slam!! Me and Leeeeeee The Scarrrryyy Undertaker!!! Undertaker!! You can bet I'll be at SummerSlam!! But, Dibiase...RAW...NATIONAL PRIDE DAY?! WHAT'S A PARTY WITHOUT THE STINGER!!??!!! CYA MONDAY, PRESIDENT TEDDY!!!! WWOOOooooooooo!!! 89%

WWF Worldwide went off the air with Sting playing to the crowd, as the announcers pushed RAW...or NATIONAL PRIDE DAY.....

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Well this Monday Night RAW...is a special Monday Night RAW as deemed by President Ted Dibiase...it's National PRIDE night!"

Dlo" And Sting said he'll be there! I hope he heard Dibiase's warning from earlier tonight!!"

Mooney" Plus the return of the Brother Love Show...with WWF Champion, Steve Corino!"

Dlo" Yea!! Good night everybody!!"

Show Quality: 75%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening - WCW Saturday Night - 7.40

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's announcing

Behind The Scenes Issues:

Raw Preview!!

--IT'S NATIONAL PRIDE DAY!!!!!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only 4 Months until Series '97...

August 18rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Conflight John Centre Arena - Kansas City - MO

Attendance: 12,036

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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

Monday Night "PRIDE", as labeled with the original RAW logo, with headshots of Antonio Inoki, Ted Dibiase, & Mike Rotunda on the logo--opened up with Mike Rotunda placing The Dark Carnival's Damien Demento and Papa Shango 'on guard' for Sting, in the car park of the arena. After leaving, approaching Demento & Shango were The Space Croppers, Rhyno (Starr) and Devon Storm -- huffing and puffing all the way up to Demento & Shango. Rhyno makes a motion as if he's going to get physical...but Damien Demento, dressed up like he's ready to attend a funeral starts talking--unshaken...confident...as if he's in full control.

Demento (snickering)" It's ok, Rhyno...Devon...We know each other. I'm Damien Demento...hailing from the outer regions of YOUR mind. I'm part of you...and you are part of me...I'm everywhere..I'm part of him...and him...and all of the people..just as the Dark Carnival is! Remember...the only sure path to Shangril-a is by accepting The Pyscopathic Clowns from the Dead...The Insane Clown Posse! By Accepting the leadership of The Ringmaster Jim Neidhart & Paul Bearer...and accepting him...as your saviour...hailing from the valley of the dead...Lee, himself...Lee The Undertaker..."

Rhyno & Devon looked fairly shaken for a bit...then return to their usual state and rushed by Demento into the building. Wierd segment. Demento...even though he's very stale, did a good job here. Also, I guess from the makers of Kane The Undertaker, they've decided to give the Undertaker back a first name...in this case, Brian Lee's last name. A very good way of Dillon & Russo separating this Undertaker from the no-selling Mark Calloway, now a lowly midcarder in WCW. 68%

Damien Demento gained overness from this segment. Rhyno Starr gained overness from this segment. Devon Storm gained overness from this segment.

- OPENING CREDITS -

- The Brother Love Show Events: The Corino 'Ladder Challenge' -

WWF Monday Night RAW officially began with a shot the ring, set up for the Brother Love Show. The WWF title was hung above the ring. The announcers speculated as to why Corino's belt would be up there. Out came Pritchard--er Brother Love to a pretty nice welcome back pop...which quickly turned into booes once the fans remembered that he was still a heel. Love introduced Corino, who's music--Eye Of The Tiger--always gets a huge initial pop. Jack Victory, who came along with Corino, carried a ladder into the ring. Corino told Brother Love that he wanted to start off national PRIDE day with a bang; and that he wanted to initiate a sporting challenge to Mr. Perfect called the "Ladder Challenge". Perfect's music hit, and out came Mr. Perfect to a huge 'Perfect' chant as always. While the two were in the ring, Corino must've spent a good 5 minutes either, trying to quiet the fans, or insulting various ringside fans. Classic Corino. Finally, Corino 'challenged' Perfect to see just who would have an advantage at SummerSlam '97. So he challenged Perfect to see who could climb the ladder and be the quickest to the belt. After playing to the fans, Perfect accepted the challenge...as Jack Victory held a stopwatch ready to time both men. Corino went first, grabbing the belt in 6.4 seconds. Perfect went next. However, when Perfect was already near the top of the cage in 3 seconds, Corino "Sneezed...accidently" bumping into the ladder, tipping it over. With that, Perfect fell 15 feet from the ladder, with his ribs landing directly on top of the ropes, causing him to bounce back off in pain, onto the mat. Corino leaped and laughed as Perfect laid on the red mat of the 'Brother Love Show' extremely hurt from the fall. Corino then said these last words, as Brother Love held the mic to his mouth--with *Eye Of The Tiger* starting in the background...

Corino" Perfect!!!! That's only HALF of the pain that you'll be experiencing when you're win the ring with me...and my...'Perfect'..ladder!! Hahaha!!"

After Corino, Victory, and Brother Love left the ring, WWF Officials hit the ring, then called for medical attention, and had the #1 Contender for the World Title carried out to the nearest hospital. The announcers questioned if Perfect's ribs would heal in time for SummerSlam.

91%

-ADVERTS-

- The Thrillseekers Get A Special Invitation to PRIDE -

The Thrillseekers d. Dr. X & Scottie Taylor

Even though everyone knew that Dr. X & Scott Taylor weren't winning the match, these four put on a great match, in showcasing The Thrillseekers' ring talent. The Thrillseekers won at 13:12 of a long match when Jericho held Dr. X in the lion tamer, as Lance Storm came down to the back of the head with top rope leg drop.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 55

Match: 90

-ADVERTS-

Coming out of the break just as Lance Storm & Chris Jericho were about to leave the ring, PRIDE'S music hit. Out came, in this order; President Ted Dibiase, Mike Rotunda, & Anotonio Inoki side by side, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Mike Barton, ECW Champion Jun Akiyama, Johnny Ace, The Great Kabuki, and WWF Tag Team Champions Hayabusa, & Hakushi. Apparently, Gladiator Mike Awesome has been either let go by the company or sent to the GWF. As all 11 men stood in the ring, streamers came from the balcony and filled up the ring, "In Celebration" of this memorable day. Dibiase then spoke to Storm & Jericho...

Dibiase" As you two know, tonight is National PRIDE Night!! And boy do I have an offer for you two!! You see, I've been watching you two over the last few weeks! You guys came...you won your debut match...and just a few weeks ago...you won the Tag Team Battle Royal! You are going to be a strong force in the WWF...but you can be an even stronger force by being part of the most elite group of Wrestlers to date! You can become a real force to be reckoned with by JOINING PRIDE!!! Mwahahahaha!!" (Dibiase pulled out several bills offering a bribe to The Thrillseekers)

Jericho (After looking to the fans for guidance) " Dibiase...I'm sure that we can learn alot from PRIDE...but quite frankly we're fine on our own. Thank you...but no thanks."

Dibiase (Jericho & Storm goto to leave but are held in the ring by Inoki & Rotunda...)" When your Million Dollar Boss makes an offer--YOU TAKE IT!! Now...I'll ask again--"

Storm" HE SAID NO, Dibiase!!"

Dibiase" Mwhahahaa!! FINE!! You will learn the hard way, that it doesn't pay to cross The Million Dollar Boss.....no...actually...you won't learn the 'Hard' Way...YOU'LL LEARN THE PRIDE WAY!!!"

With that, all 10 wrestlers of Pride went into the attack on the Thrillseekers. Storm got a huge pop for his yelling at Dibiase, but was quickly taken care of along with partner, Chris Jericho. After a short while, the PRIDE wrestlers, held up Jericho & Storm, as Antonio Inoki served them some chops to the face and shoulders. After that, Inoki gave each of them his patented Octopus Stretch, as Styles pushed that move as being 'legendary', as all of PRIDE cheered him on. Dibiase then summoned official to "rid the ring" of The Thrillseekers....

Rotunda then took the microphone, and announced that tonight Jeff Jarrett would go against Hiroyoshi Tenzan, later tonight, as well as that...the father and son team of Brian Christopher & Jerry Lawler were going against Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake and a partner of his choosing. Johnny Ace interjected and said that he wanted a match against that 'new guy', Avatar. Dibiase said that being in PRIDE gives you the special priviledges of 'getting what one wants'...he then called out Avatar to face Johnny Ace.... 83%

Lance Storm gained overness from this segment.

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Is this what PRIDE is all about? Flaunting their power!? Showing how much they can get away with!?"

Cornette/b]" Styles, as the founder of PRIDE...and a firm supporter of it under Dibiase's control, I say...YES"

Styles" We'll be right back with Johnny Ace vs. Avatar!"

Cornette" It's National PRIDE Day!!!"

-ADVERTS-

Johnny Ace d. Avatar

Good match which saw Avatar come very close to winning many times. In fact, Avatar even kicked out of an Ace Crusher, which got the crowd more into the match. But Avatar yielded to the three count after a well executed Ace Crusher by Johnny Ace. Ace has developed a reputation as being a very plain--YET FORMIDABLE--WWF Superstar. After the match, Avatar stared down Johnny Ace, as he returned to the back. The announcers mentioned that PRIDE, probably hasn't seen the last of Avatar.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 75

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

- Dr. Rupert Deems Mr. Perfect Unfit To Wrestle At SummerSlam '97 -

The announcers announced that tonight's Main Event would be Bret Hart & The Lightning Kid against Owen Hart's mentors, The Iron Sheik & Bob Backlund. They then took us to the nearest Hospital where the WWF's lead announcer, Sean Mooney was live with Dr. Rupert. Perfect was resting on the hospital bed with his ribbed taped up.

Mooney" Hell Wrestling fans...if you're just joining us, earlier tonight on RAW, Mr. Perfect was the victim of a heinous act perpuatrated by Steve Corino and Jack Victory, when Corino pushed Perfect off of the top of the ladder, causing him to tumble down on those unforgiving ropes. I'm joined here with Dr. Rupert...Dr....will Perfect be fully healed by SummerSlam '97?"

Dr. Rupert" Sean Mooney...I'm sorry. Mr. Perfect not only suffered rib injuries when he fell on top of the ropes...but also when he crashed down onto the ring mat when bouncing off of the ropes. Unfortunately, he suffered several bone fractures and won't be fully healed until 5 weeks. That means, when Summer Slam rolls around, he'll only be about 60% healed."

Mooney" 60%! Well...that's not that bad...is it Doc?"

Dr. Rupert (Sighs)" Well...not under normal circumstances...but this isn't a 'normal' match. This is a LADDER match. A ladder is legal? No...it is my professional opinion that Mr. Perfect should not compete in that match."

With that, Mr. Perfect, who was listening to the conversation battled his way over to Mooney and The Doctor.

Perfect (In some pain)" No!! That may be your professional opinion... but it's my PERFECT opinion that I'm not giving up a shot at the WWF World Title!! Corino...You can bet I'll be healed in time...healed, PERFECTLY!!" 93%

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously Runs Down The The Dark Carnival -

Coming off of the break, Paulie Dangerously came out to a nice pop, with a microphone in hand. Paulie announced that although though the IC Champion, Sabu, was not around--Sting will be in attendance tonight. The crowd popped huge, but then Shaggy 2Dope & Violent J made there way to the ring...much like Demento...dresses up like they were going to a funeral. They mentioned that Sting wasn't allowed in the building and asked Paulie why he 'hid' behind Sting & Sabu. Paulie responded by making fun of ICP for hiding behind clown paint, which got some laughs from the crowd. He also ran down the entire group calling them a cult who hid behind a stupid idea that they've 'fooled themselves into believing'. This angered ICP, as Shaggy 2 Dope took a kick at Paulie. The crowd was cheering for Sting...but Paulie already made it clear that Sting had not arrived yet. In 'sending a message to Sabu', and to a lesser extent, Sting, Shaggy 2Dope placed Paulie laid out atop of a chair, so that he and Violent J could land a double top rope goulintine on Paulie. The two did alot of taunting the crowd as they went up to the top rope. However, they took too long--as Paulie moved as the two were coming down, to a huge pop, as ICP came crashing down on the chair.. Paulie then cracked both in the head with his cell phone, breaking the phone over the second shot--on Violent J. The crowd was going nuts at this point chanting 'Paulie', as Joey Styles was screaming;

"Oh My Gawd!! Oh My Gawd!! Paulie Dangerously took out ICP!! Paulie Dangerously took out ICP!! Oh My Gawd!!" 81%

-ADVERTS-THAT SUBWAY COMMERCIAL WITH BRISCO & PATTERSON.

- Brutus Beefcake's Special Partner is 'The Baddest Man in the WWF' -

Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Brian Christopher d. Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake & Zeus

Beefcake introduced 'Zeus' as the partner of his choosing which got a nice responce from the crowd. Especially during all of the talk of Tyson coming in against Zeus. Zeus started off strong no-selling everything that Christopher did, then later tagged out to Beefcake who stayed in for the rest of the match. The match dragged on a bit going just over 10 minutes, including a commercial break. The finals came during the Lawler chain spot, where he clocked Beefcake in the head with a chain, which was concealed from the ref, earning his team the victory, even though he cheated. Beefcake tried to convince the ref, after he recovered that Lawler used the chain, but the referee wanted to hear nothing of it. Cornette as always came in with a good line getting the SummerSlam matches over; " Styles', all the complaining in the world ain't gonna help Beefcake if he looses that Cage match at Summer Slam! He's just gonna have an ended career!"

Overall: 75

Crowd: 85

Match: 54

-ADVERTS-

- Hiroyoshi Tenzan, President Dibiase's pick for 'Most Improved Wrestler'; Sting crashes the ceremony -

Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. Jeff Jarrett

Really good match here, which saw Tenzan struggle over to the ropes while in Jarrett's finisher, the Figure Four--for over 5 minutes. Dibiase almost got into a legit fight with a fan off camera, during this match. Styles went nuts as Tenzan refused to give up putting him over as an amazing athlethe. Tenzan won after two top rope headbutts followed by a moonsault pinning combination. After the match, Antonio Inoki & Mike Rotunda came down the isle carrying a giant trophy...

Overall: 79

Crowd: 80

Match: 77

-ADVERTS-

The ringside area filled up with gimmicked photographers, as well as officials, showing that something 'big' was happening. There were also tables at ringside with glasses filled with wine.

Inoki had the microphone and started talking in Japanese, in praising Tenzan...but each time he started to talk, the crowd erupted with booes. Inoki had a classic face of disgust as he angrilly hand the microphone over to Mike Rotunda, who praised Tenzan. He mentioned that Tenzan just defeated a former Intercontinental Champion, in Jeff Jarrett, and could very well be the GWF Heavyweight Champion, after SummerSlam '97. He mentioned how Stan Hansen's been holding Tenzan back, and that now that Hansen is out of PRIDE, Tenzan could be held back no longer, and win what should've been his all along, The GWF Heavyweight Title. With that, Inoki presented Tenzan with PRIDE'S Most Improved Wrestler award trophy...a special for National PRIDE day.

At this point, Sting was spotted walking down to the ring, from the stands. Styles kept screaming, "He Snuck into the building! He's wearing his paint! It's Sting! It's Sting!!

Dibiase grabbed the mic and kept yelling at Sting;

"This is a special PRIDE ceremony!! You're not invited!! Get out of here!"

WWF Officials were thrown at Sting to thwart him off when he to ringside, but he fought them off, grabbing a glass of wine, and sipping it comically for the crowd. This got Dibiase even angrier, as Sting got up on the apron, staring at Dibiase, Rotunda, Inoki, & Tenzan, sipping on the glass of wine. Finally, to stop Dibiase's yelling, Sting shot Dibiase with the rest of the wine by jerking the glass in Dibiase's face, splashing him to a thunderous pop. Sting then hopped back into the stands, laughing at Dibiase, and yelling 'Wooooooooooo!!!' Tenzan was going to go after him, but was held back by Inoki & Rotunda, as Dibiase dried his face, in anger. Sting ruined the ceremony. 87%

-ADVERTS-

- The "Lightning" Kid Shows Why... -

Bret 'Hitman' Hart & The Lightning Kid d. The Iron Sheik & Bob Backlund

The idea of this match was to showcase The Lightning Kid, as he wrestled against two slower older competitors. The work that he did with the Iron Sheik was great. They had a funny spot where Kid actually got the Sheik "Dizzy" from jumping around the ring so much. Hart pretty much had his way with both men, getting revenge for their previous cheap attacks. Finals came when the Kid nailed Backlund with the Lightning Kid, which is a spinning cartwheel kick. After the match, Hart raised the Hand to the kid, as a 'live' clip of a jealous Owen Hart showed on the Titan Tron...as RAW went off the air.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 77

Match: 72

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Bret 'The Hitman' Hart & The Lightning Kid, with a victory over the mentors of Owen Hart!! That Kid has incredible speed!"

Cornette" Yea, but look at Owen Hart! He does not look happy!!"

Styles" And another person who wasn't too happy, President Dibiase--thanks to Sting!!"

Cornette" That's right, Styles!! Sting is causing alot of trouble in the WWF!! But I have a feeling he'll be in a bodybag after SummerSlam!"

Styles" And will Perfect heal in time for SummerSlam!!? So long everybody!!"

Show Quality: 79%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.86

Biggest Complaint: The Beefcake Tag Match was too long.

Behind The Scenes Issues:

WWF WorldWide!!

--Special Challenge Match

Paulie Dangerously vs. Violent J

--The Dark Carnival Promises another Victim!!

Plus!!

Stan Hansen, Terry Taylor, The Rock, The Mountie Jacques Rougeau, and much much more!

[ChuBalso]

Only 4 Months until Series '97...

August 23rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Moxfurous Arena, Chicago IL

Attendance: 11049

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & D'lo Brown

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Dark Carnival set their sights on The Mountie -

WWF Worldwide opened up with Sean Mooney in the ring, introducing 'WWF Great' Jacques Rougeau, of the Canadian Foundation, who had a match with Lee The Undertaker later on in the night. Rougeau came out, wearing his Mountie gear, but as soon as he was about to speak, ICP's 'House Of Mirrors' played, as The Dark Carnival hit the stage podium. As soon as the music stopped, Mountie, on the mic yelled; 'Whatayya want ya circus freaks!?' Undertaker was in front of the other members and simply said...

" Mountie...Jacques Rougeau...your time of Crime Fighting in the WWF--Ends Tonight.......REST...IN.....PEEEAAACCEEEEEE.."

With that, at Ringmaster Jim Neidhart's cue, all of the members of the Dark Carnival, (Insane Clown Posse, Paul Bearer, Papa Shango, Damien Demento, The Undertaker), about faced, and returned to the back as Rougeau stood in the ring, with Sean Mooney beside him, both sharing a very concerned look.... 75%

- Eric Bischoff Catches up with The Insane Clown Posse -

The cameras followed the Dark Carnival to the back, where Eric Bischoff literally ran up to The Carnival to get a word with ICP. He asked which member would be facing Paulie Dangerously later on WorldWide. Violent J said he was going to be the one to bring Paulie into 'the light'. Shaggy 2 Dope then 'accidently' unfolded "the Wrong" bodybag...as that bodybag had a picture of the Mountie of it. Violent J was kinda funny yelling, "Wrong bodybag, you crackhead!". I'm surprised they let that go through on the air. Shaggy then got the 'right' bodybag from Paul Bearer...this time showing a bodyguard with a picture of Paulie Dangerously. Mooney, who returned to commentary speculated as to if there could be two victims of the Dark Carnival.... 78%

The Pitbulls (Pitbull #1 & Pitbull #2) d. The Orient Express

Gary Wolfe looked really good here. It was nice to see him in a WWF ring. Pitbulls won with a varied version of the Doomsday device.

Overall:54

Crowd: 45

Match: 63

-ADVERTS-

Mike Barton d. Terry Taylor

The idea during this match was that, Taylor, despite working his way up to being a formidable athlethe, still wasn't as tough as Barton, The King Of The Ring winner. Finals came when Taylor finally got Barton down, but got too overanxious and went straight for his top rope knee drop within 7 minutes. He missed it, allowing for Barton to catch him with the Death Valley Driver for the victory.

Overall: 76

Crowd: 83

Match: 63

Terry Taylor lost overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Corino: And His 'Perfect' Plan -

Sean Mooney takes us to, I guess our weekly highlight from Thursday's WWF Spotlight w/ Vince McMahon show. This week, McMahon had Steve Corino as his special guest, who said that he was not sorry for what he did to Mr. Perfect. He called it, his 'Perfect' Plan. Corino predicted that Perfect would not be healed in time for SummerSlam '97, and that another contender for the belt would have to be chosen. I wish they showed more highlights from Spotlight. It's been years since Vince & Corino did a show together....

Stan Hansen d. 'The Rock' Don Muraco

Stan Hansen's being built as the 'Legend', now that he's a face. His match with The Rock was probably the single worst match I've seen in years on WorldWide. Both men move extremely slow, and have virtually no wrestling skill. Hansen won with the lariat out of no where. Now...the fans yell along with him when he does his taunt. Tenzan should be able to carry Hansen to a passable match at SummerSlam.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 77

Match: 47

Don Muraco didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

-ADVERTS-

The Lightning Kid d. Bob Backlund

It's interesting how Bob Backlund, 48 can have a good match when he has someone well to work with, and The Rock, can't work well with anyone. This match had alot of amateur ring work, overtaken by Kid's quickness. Just as The Iron Sheik did last week on RAW, Bob Backlund's main trouble was that he couldn't 'keep up' with The Lightning Kid. Kid won when he caught Backlund by suprise with his Lightning Kick.

Overall: 87

Crowd: 90

Match: 81

- Paulie Dangerously Prepares For Violent J -

Going into the advert break, they show Paulie Dangerously in the back punching a punching bag that's being held by Sabu. Dangerously had a look of heavy intensity on his face and was actually sweating from working out.... 84%

-ADVERTS-

Violent J d. Paulie Dangerously

The funniest thing about this match, is that the crowd was actually into this match, of manager vs. Wrestler, then they were for the 'Legend' vs. 'Top Wrestler (Rock)' match. Paulie started off tackling Violent J to some heavy pops. Both Sabu & Shaggy 2Dope were at ringside. Violent J broke Paulie's surprising offense with a low blow, getting nice heel heat. Violent J eventually won with the leg drop off of the top rope. After the match, Shaggy 2Dope, came in the ring with the bodybag, but Sabu cleared the ring of ICP, protecting his manager. The whole time, Sabu was wearing his Intercontinental Title.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 82

Match: 44

-ADVERTS-

Coming off the break, they showed pre-recorded comments from Sting...talking to the camera....

Sting

" Just about ONE WEEK AWAY....from SUMMERSLAM '97!! The Stinger!! Lee The Undertaker!! Live!! Inside of a 15 foot high Steel cage! For the first time on a WWF PPV...STING!!! Hey, Lee...ya know what I hear? I hear that you've never been pinned in the ring, in a one on one match!! I've hear that you're a phenom!! You're the man from the Dark Side!! You're the DEAD MAN!!! WELL...I'M A SCORPION, BABY!! And I'm gonna eat away at you...dead or alive!! Ya, see Undertaker, I'm not like all of the other people ya faced! I'm not like the Moooooon man!! A tombstone isn't enough to put me away!! Hell...I'll just open up the tombstone from the inside..and pull ya back in with me!!! Wooooooooooooooooo!!! Undertaker!! Ya say you're hear to cleanse the WWF on the path to Shangril-a! Well, I'll help 'ya!! And we'll start with YOU!! Woooooooooooooooooooooo!!! "

This promo was also shown to the Worldwide crowd. They reacted to Sting's promo as if he were actually there. Good old school type of interview here. Definately JJ Dillon footprints here. 93%

- The Mountie Takes a Trip Into The DarkSide -

The Undertaker d. The Mountie Jacques Rougeau

The crowd is really into the Undertaker once again. His separating from The Pritchard Exchange was key for his career. Lee made short work of Rougeau after nailing him with two tombstones, followed by a Prime Time Chokeslam, for the cover. Kudos to Brian Lee, who...if he hadn't taken the Undertaker gimmick could've been stuck doing a lame biker gimmick...like Andrew Martin aka Diesel. After the match, Paul Bearer came in the ring, and joined The Undertaker in zipping a knocked out Rougeau into a bodybag. With that, the rest of The Dark Carnival came out, to 'House Of Mirrors' and carried Rougeau's 'Body' to the back as WWF WorldWide went off the air....

Overall: 82

Crowd: 91

Match: 62

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" The Mountie has been taken by the Dark Carnival!! I don't think we'll be seeing the former WWF Champion any time soon! The final RAW before SummerSlam is next!!"

Dlo" I am excited, Mooney!"

Mooney" With just one week before SummerSlam...ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!!! "

Show Quality: 74%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening..WCW Saturday Night 7.40

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's Announcing.

Behind The Scenes Issues:

Raw Preview!!

--THE LAST RAW BEFORE...SUMMERSLAM '97!!!

--ECW Title Match

Jun Akiyama vs. Jeff Jarrett

--Brian Christopher vs. The Lightning Kid

--Plus, PRIDE, Zeus, Bret Hart, Steve Corino, and More!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only 3 Months until Series '97...

August 25rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Manhattan Centre - New York, Ny

Attendance: 12,033

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

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

- Paulie Dangerously Joins The Broadcast Team -

Monday Night RAW returned to the Manhattan Centre, I guess getting all the boys to New York, so they would be well rested for SummerSlam weekend, at the Garden. The show opened up with Joey Styles & Jim Cornette running down the show from the broadcast table, when, Paulie Dangerously came out with the Intercontinental Champion, Sabu. He joined Paulie and Jim Cornette at the table, selling his WorldWide wrestling match injuries with wearing a neckbrace. I'm glad they added Paulie to the team for this week...he's great for hyping PPV's. Paulie got a brief word in, right before Big Bossman's music hit for the opening match....

Cornette" Why the hell did you come out here?"

Dangerously" Cornette...with one week to go until SummerSlam '97--I needed the best seat in the house! I need to see Sabu's competition at SummerSlam--ZEUS! I need to get a closer look at The Dark Carnival! I have to check out PRIDE!! Because this Sunday Night...That ring becomes more than in ring...it becomes a Battlezone!! And I'll be a strong part of it! Sabu!! Sting!! It's SummerSlam!!!"

Wow. It's quite wierd seeing Joey Styles, Paul Heyman, and James Cornette together at one table. But...I must say, it sounds better than hearing Mooney. 88%

The Great Kabuki d. The Big Bossman

Great Kabuki, 51, is another example as someone that can still work in his old age. Kabuki's got that 'crazy Japanese warrior' gimmick that goes for him, so he's almost ageless. In a knock at WCW's Keiji Mutoh, Cornette must've mentioned that Kabuki was Mutoh's father like 10 times.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 69

Match: 70

Big Bossman lost overness from this match. The Great Kabuki gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- The Excellence Of Execution Has His Sites set on Owen -

Just when I thought I would get through a broadcast without seeing Sean Mooney, he hit the ring for a 'special interview' calling out Bret Hart. I've never heard a face announcer get as many booes as Mooney did. He asked Bret what his plans were for Survior Series '97: Shangril-a, now that it was announced that it will take place at the Toronto Skydome, his native home of Canada. Bret said that he wasn't even thinking about that, and that his main goal now, is to beat his brother next week at SummerSlam '97. Bret mentioned that he made it past the Iron Sheik...and Bob Backlund...and that he was going to settle this situation between him and his brother once and for all. The crowd was really getting behind Bret like never before. I like the way their building this match. There is now a strong hatred for Owen Hart now. Just as Bret was done...Eye Of The Tiger began to Play. Steve Corino & Jack Victory were on the way to the ring. The announcers teased a meeting between arch enemies Bret Hart & Steve Corino, as they cut to a 'quick break', as Corino walked into the ring. 91%

- Corino Predicts A Forfeit SummerSlam Victory -

Bret Hart stood in the corner, incredibly relaxed, and watched Corino approach Sean Mooney--acting as if he 'didn't want to bother' with Corino.

Corino" Mooney!!! Why are you talking to that has-been, when you can talk to the man that's making all of the waves in the WWF!! Who cares about Bret Hart's boring family problems, when you can talk about the WWF's first winner of a ladder match in WWF History--ME!!! STEVE CORINO!!"

Mooney" Now wait a minute Steve!! Mr. Perfect is a very--"

Corino"...is a very crippled man!! You heard the doctors! He won't be able to make it to SummerSlam '97!! And get this--Mr. Perfect is not here tonight!! He's not in New York!! He's not in the big apple!!"

Mooney" Corino...he's recovering!! And he'll be at WWF WorldWide!"

Corino" WRONG AGAIN, MOONEY!! He won't recover in time!! Ladies and Gentleman...your WWF Champion...and first ever winner of a WWF Ladder Match...STEVE CORINO!!" 87%

While Corino was talking, Hart slipped to the back. I haven't had any reports of Perfect's injury being legit...but he actually wasn't at RAW. Many people are started to wonder if Mr. Perfect is actually injured. He did take a hard bump a few weeks ago on RAW. 87%

-ADVERTS-

Jun Akiyama d. Jeff Jarrett - ECW Title

Basically a showcase for Akiyama here. He pretty much had his way with Jarrett, including nailing Jarrett with 5 consecutive running knees. There's talk that his SummerSlam match with Avatar could turn into some type of 3 or 4 way match. I still expect either Akiyama or Avatar to go over though. He won with a dragon suplex pin. Only Akiyama can do such a move so fluidly in the WWF.

Overall: 84

Crowd: 80

Match: 89

Jeff Jarrett lost overness from this match. The ECW World title has gained in image.

-ADVERTS-

- The Intercontinental 'Stare Down' -

Zeus d. Alex Porteau

Porteau came to the ring with a Super Soaker and shot it into the crowd. I guess he's doing his GWF 'dumb surfer' gimmick again, now that he's all alone, with only Pritchard by his side. This match was good for the live crowd, but came accross horribly on TV. Zeus went straight for a chokehold...and after a 3 minute choke, Porteau just got up and ran out of the ring, which made no sense. Zeus won with the bear hug about 90 seconds later. On the way back up the isle, Zeus along with Slick stared down Paulie Dangerously & Sabu up at the announcer's table. The fans were cheering both men, with Zeus getting alot less cheers. It'll be interesting to see how this match goes. I also find it interesting that Dark Patriot was not included on the SummerSlam card.

Crowd: 77

Match: 26

Alex Porteau basically no-sold everything, which ruined the match.

The Sandman & Terry Taylor d. Mike Barton & Johnny Ace

Ted Dibiase was in the corner of Barton & Ace, and was picking fights with the ringside fans the whole time. Dibiase's great at managing. Some people are calling him the modern Freddie Blassie. Finals of this match saw The Sandman light up a cigerette, just before piledriving Johnny Ace for the victory. I see they're protecting Barton, The King Of The Ring winner. There is alot of talk that the Sandman could become the company's top face after Shangril-a. To think the WWF hasn't given him all that much air time, and he has still become one of the top faces in the WWF.

Overall: 74

Crowd: 79

Match: 64

-ADVERTS-

- Paul Bearer Approaches Paulie Dangerously -

Coming off the break, Paul Bearer, with his urn in hand, was already near the broadcast table shouting back and forth with Paulie Dangerously. The last part of what he was yelling at Paulie was conveniently heard on the broadcast mics....

Bearer" ...OHHHhhhhh Yes!! You tell the Stinger that The Voodoo man is looking for him tonight! We want to prepare Sting for his entry into The Carnival next week at SummerSlam!! "

Dangerously"...yea tonight! Fine! Sting will be here!!"

Bearer" Ohhhhhh Yesss!!! Hahaha!! Ohhhhhh Yes!!!!"

Styles" Sting is going to wrestle tonight! Sting is going to wrestle!! Wow!! Sting Wrestles...right here on RAW!!!"

Dangerously (To Bearer who seems to be screaming and praising the sky) " Yea...now get out of here you freak! Get out..."

Bearer, apparently, has been taking lessons from Ringmaster Jim Neidhart on how to be even move eerie. Bearer looked like he wanted to kill Dangerously. 92%

Paul Bearer gained overness from this segment.

Brian Christopher d. The Lightning Kid

Very strong match. It seems as if the WWF is 'testing' Christopher to see if he can achieve the similiar success of his father, by putting him over worthy competitors. Christopher and Kid put on a really good match here...going just about 15 minutes with one advert break. Finals came when The Lightning Kid jumped off of the top rope into a dropkick by Christopher at 13:22. Christopher then went to the top rope and nailed The Kid with his signature Tenessee Jam. Great RAW match. The Manhattan Centre woke up for this one.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 82

Match: 82

-ADVERTS-

- Papa Shango Calls Out 'The Stinger' -

Returing from the break, Papa Shango came out, in his ring gear and grabbed a mic to call out Sting. Shango started rambling on about a 'special ritual' that was needed for Sting's entrance into the Dark Carnival. Shango's rambling killed the segment, but finally Sting's music hit, with him charging the ring to a huge pop. 75%

Sting lost overness from this segment.

Sting d. Papa Shango

They didn't even stop playing Sting's music, while he was pounding on Shango. He pretty much squashed Shango, nailing him with a suplex, two stinger splashes, and ended with the Scorpion Deathlock. The Undertaker came out, but he was being held back at the stage platform--via Paul Bearer pulling on his hair. Monday Night Raw went off the air with Sting staring at Lee, whilst holding Papa Shango in the scorpion deathlock--and Lee staring back; with his eyes rolled in the back of his head...

Overall: 76

Crowd: 83

Match: 63

Commentary Aftermath

Dangerously" Look at Sting's intensity!! Look at his eyes!! Look at how he's staring Lee The Undertaker down!!"

Cornette" Look at Lee! He's only got eyeballs! Does Sting know what he's getting into? Didn't he see what happened to The Mountie!! I have a feeling Sting's tenure here in the WWF will be a very short one!"

Styles" These two will collide at SummerSlam...which is just under a week away!! Summerslam weekend IS NEXT!!!"

Dangerously" I can feel the electricity!!!"

Styles" See you at Madison Square Garden!! G'night everybody!!!"

Show Quality: 78%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.85

Biggest Complaint: Papa Shango's Voodoo Ramblings

Behind The Scenes Issues:

WWF WorldWide--Live From Madison Square Garden..SUMMERSLAM WEEKEND!!

--Steve Corino & Owen Hart vs. Mr. Perfect & Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake

--Special Return Match--Horowitz Wants one more chance!!!!

*Barry Horowitz vs. Lee The Undertaker

--GWF Heavyweight Title;

Stan Hansen (Champion) vs. Jerry 'The King' Lawler

--Falls Count Anywhere in New York City!

Mike Barton vs. The Sandman

Plus!!

Sting, The Helmselys, PRIDE, and much much more!!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only 3 Months until Series '97...

August 30rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Madison Square Garden - New York, NY

Attendance: 13034

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & D'lo Brown

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Sting Arrives At The Garden -

WWF Worldwide opened up with Sean Mooney putting over Madison Square Garden, then being joined by Sting. Sting got a huge ovation coming out, from the Garden crowd. Sting said that he 'heard' that the Undertaker was in action tonight. So he wanted to get a front row seat. Someone should've told Sting that he wasn't sitting in the front row. 93%

The Spacecroppers (Devon Storm, Rhyno Starr) & The Thrillseekers (Chris Jericho & Lance Storm) d. The Helmsleys (Hunter McMahon and John Kronus Helmsley) & T.R.A.S.H ('Road Dogg' Brian James & Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese)

I found it odd that 'Road Dogg' Brian James and Duke Droese were teaming up with the heels, but I realise now that it was to just get over John Kronus Helmsley's character. During the match, Kronus kept going to Duke's garbage can, outside the ring, looking for food. The story is now, that before Hunter's 'newly acclaimed wealth, Kronus, Hunters fist cousin on his mother's mother father's side, was homeless. What else will we find out about this distant Helmsely? Rhyno Starr won this match for his team with a spear on James at 7:33 of a fast paced match.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 56

Match: 79

-ADVERTS-

- The Debut Of Psicosis -

Psicosis d. Dr. Wagner Jr.

Sean Mooney announced at the top of the show that Psicosis would make his WWF Debut at Madison Square Garden. They showed several NJPW clips of Psicosis in action. Psicosis made his US debut to a pretty dead crowd who had no idea who he was. The match however was good, as both men worked fairly hard. Psicosis won with the running Liger bomb at 8:16. Too bad the WWF seems to have discontinued the lightweight title, now with their lightweight roster getting alot better.

Overall: 53

Crowd: 29

Match: 77

- Swinger Saves The Day -

Simond Diamond d. Big Dick Dudley

Finals of this match saw the basic heel finish of Johnny Swinger pulling on the leg of Big Dick Dudley from the outside, then holding it down for the 3 count. Spike ran to the ring saving his Big Brother from any further attack This probably means that Spike will get the victory tommorow at SummerSlam '97. Swinger danced his way all the way to the back.

Overaall: 63

Crowd: 53

Match: 74

-ADVERTS-

- Akiyama Wants a Bigger Challenge at SummerSlam '97 -

Coming off the break, President Ted Dibiase's music hit, and out came him along with Mike Rotunda, Antonio Inoki, and ECW Champion, Jun Akiyama. Ted Dibiase made a comment about New York being the most poverished nation in the world before...oddly handing the microphone to Jun Akiyama. Akiyama screamed something in Japanese, then handed the mic over to Antonio Inoki for translation. D'lo Brown on commentary actually got Inoki over as a heel, siting how not only was he 'ambassador of competition' in the WWF, but also a 'good will ambassador' to the rest of the world. He mentioned Inoki being the first Pro-Wrestler becoming a congressman of a country, along with him being inducted into the puroresu hall of fame last year, along with greats like Tiger Mask, Lou Thesz, and Giant Baba. I'm sure most fans only heard of Thesz. Anyway, Akiyama ended up telling the fans that he wanted a bigger challenge at SummerSlam '97, and invited 2 more WWF competitors to compete in the match for his ECW Title. He said that it was an 'open challenge', which to me sounds like a spot for Juventud or wrestlers of that nature. That means it's a fatal four way now. The crowd was great here in booing everytime Akiyama handed the mic over to Inoki to make the translation. Alot people are expecting Avatar to take the match...which I could see happening now...allowing Akiyama, now to 'have an excuse' of the odds stacked against him for loosing his ECW Title. 93%

Jun Akiyama gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously Gets Revenge On Violent J -

The Iron Sheik d. Violent J

The story behind this match is that The Insane Clown Posse are actually big fans of The Iron Sheik, and Violent J wanted to work against him. Finals of the match came when Paulie Dangerously hit the ring, and broke his cell phone over Violent J's head, when he was going into the ropes. Dangerously was still wearing his neck brace selling Violent J's leg drop on him since last week. Violent J submitted to the camel clutch at 9:33. Even though the referee was distracted when Paulie made the hit, I wonder why he couldn't see the millions of cell phone peices all over the ring....

Overall: 63

Crowd: 70

Match: 49

Violent J lost overness from this match. The Iron Shiek gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- The Barber Saves Hansen from Retalitory Attacks From Lawler -

Stan Hansen d. Jerry 'The King' Lawler - GWF Heavyweight Title

Slugfest which actually saw Lawler blade early into the match. He went for the Piledriver at 10:02, but Hansen powered out of it, nailing Lawler with an overhead toss. He followed up with a lariat which took Lawler's head off, for the victory. After the match, as Hansen was doing his signal to the fans, Lawler began sneaking up behind him, with his chain wrapped around in his fist, but Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake hit the ring and slugged it out with Lawler. Hansen joined in the fray giving Lawler the western Lariat up and over the top rope. Brian Christopher hit the ring and attentded to his father as Beefcake and Hansen both did the Hansen taunt to the hot crowd.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 87

Match: 60

Jerry Lawler lost overness from this match. Stan Hansen gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Barton Gets Ko'ed By A 'Lady' -

The Sandman d. Mike Barton - Falls Count Anywhere

This match seemed rushed...with it being on Worldwide and all, as the two almost immediatley made their way to the ring and to the back. The finals of this match saw Barton on offense in the locker room approach a woman to take her pocketbook and use it on the Sandman. The woman was following Baron & The Sandman ever since they started fighting in the back. Barton started trying to wrestle the pocketbook out of the woman's hand, until she whacked him over the head with it, knocking him out. With that, Sandman lit up a cigeratte after recovering and nailed Barton with his delayed Piledriver, right there on the locker room floor, for the victory. After the victory, Sandman removed the wig off off the stalking lady who knocked out Barton. It was Terry Taylor dressed as a woman. D'lo mentioned how Taylor looks better as a woman. Mooney, who could never bend the rules of broadcasting kept mentioning how Barton was knocked out--as he's the one that usually does the knocking out.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 82

Match: 78

-ADVERTS-

- Horowitz comes Close to beating The Prince Of Prime Time -

The Undertaker d. Barry Horowitz

Horowitz came close to beating Undertaker on a number of occassions during this match. Mooney pushed on commantary that Horowitz 'did some homework' and was better prepared for this match. Horowitz was pushed around until he dodged out of the way of an avalanche rolling up The Undertaker for a near fall. Horowitz followed with two more roll ups to near falls, followed by his 'patented dropkick' that we never get to see, which got another near fall. The fans were going nuts at this point. The offense came to an end when and overexcited Horowitz ran right into a big boot from Undertaker. Undertaker then nailed Horowitz with the Prime Time Slam for the cover and heartbreaking loss for the Horowitz man. Paul Bearer hit the ring and started opening a bodybag for Horowitz, until Sting, still at commentary stood up and started yelling to Undertaker with a house mic.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 90

Match: 63

- The Undertaker/Sting Collision -

Sting

Hey!!! Hey, Undertaker!!! Horowitz almost beat 'ya!! But ya see tommorow....I end the undefeated streak!! And if 'ya want...I'll put you in that bodybag instead!! Right NOW!!! Woooooooooo!!!"

With that, both The Undertaker & Paul Bearer stopped what they were doing and had a fixated look of anger at Sting. Undertaker started walking towards the announcing table, with Paul Bearer following right behind him. But within minutes, the broadcast area was filled up with referees and officials within seconds. A good 5 minutes of The Undertaker and Sting trying to get at each other followed, which included Mooney practically running away from the entire area. The New York crowd burst into a 'Let Them Go' chant. D'lo, who was the only person on commentary kept yelling; "Not until SummerSlam!! SummerSlam it'll happen!" As if the crowd could actually hear him. After the melee was cleared, Horowitz publically thanked Sting for saving him from 'The Dark Carnival. Horowitz was very emotional. Something tells me this will carry on...83%

-ADVERTS-

- The Pre - SummerSlam Square Off -

Steve Corino & Owen Hart d. Brutus Beefcake & Mr. Perfect

Mr. Perfect sold his 'injuries' during the match, wearing tape around his ribs. Perfect actually didn't wrestle for that long, as Owen Hart 're damaged his ribs', causing him to having to be sent to the back, leaving Beefcake wrestling a two on 1. At first Beefcake was handling both men, but eventually he tired out, and succumbed to Corino's Dusty Rhodes Elbow for the cover and the victory. After the match, Corino & Hart went into the attack on Beefcake until Bret Hart's music played to a loud ovation. Bret came in for the save but was overpowered by what now became a 3-2...as Corino, Owen, & Jack Victory were getting the upper hand on Beefcake and Hart. Finally, out came Mr. Perfect clutching his ribs, with one hand--AND A LADDER IN THE OTHER!!! Surrounded by a host of officials urging him not to goto the ring, Perfect tossed the ladder in the ring, hitting Hart in the process. Corino charged Perfect as soon as he got into the ring, but turned back when Perfect held up the ladder. Beefcake, finally recovering helped Bret go after Owen, but was sidetracked when Jerry Lawler hit the ring, and started nailing Beefcake with some hard punches. Christopher, who didn't get involved, was also at ringside, supporting his father against Beefcake. Finally, officials poured into the ring all yelling; 'Wait until tommorow night! Wait until tommorow night!'. And with that, WWF Worldwide went off the air, with a sqare off. On one side; WWF Champion Steve Corino, Jerry Lawler, & Owen Hart, with Jack Victory & Brian Christopher outside of the ring, against Bret Hart, Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, and a taped up Mr. Perfect, still holding a ladder in his hand... Officials stood in between the two sides as Madison Square Garden chanted 'Let Them Go!!'

Overall: 82

Crowd: 89

Match: 68

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Listen to this Madison Square Garden Crowd!! SummerSlam takes place right here, tommorow night!!"

Dlo" Listen to the crowd? Look at the ring!! Those 6 guys want at each other badly!!"

Mooney" Well...they'll get what they want...TOMMOROW NIGHT, ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW!!!"

Dlo" Iron Mike Tyson will be in the Big Apple!! Someone's gonna be retired!! Sting's WWF PPV debut!! Wow!!! Yeaa!!"

Show Quality: 83%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.82

Biggest Complaint: Road Warrior Taylor's insignificance.

Behind The Scenes Issues:

SUMMERSLAM IS NEXT!!

[Hewey]

Okay, Been catching up with this, Last show I read was the one where Sting debuted. I liked the Raw where Bearer returned, I didn't see him being the leader of the DC. I honestly thought it would have been DiBiase or Heyman in some kinda swerve. I knew Sting was coming since you had a sig with him on it, But Sting versus Undertaker should be a awesome match.

Also, I noticed you hold a few PPV's in England, Like small ones. You had your Arsenal shows there didn't you? I just wondering about that..... Is that like a yearly tradition in England? I'll catch up with the other shows tomorrow or later on in the week, Good stuff Javert :thumbsup: