World Wrestling Federation '92

[ChuBalso]

Only __ Days until Series '97...

May 11th, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: The Yansockale Centre, Detriot - MI

Attendance: 12089

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Jesse Ventura

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

Referee Team: Shane McMahon, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, Jim Mollineaux, John Finnegan

By

Dave Schmeltzer

-'Double J' Jeff Jarret, fired up-

WWF Worldwide opened up with Jeff Jarrett about to enter the building from the car park. Vince McMahon was there waiting by the back entrance, ready to interview Double J, as their calling him now. Double J said that he was furious that Paulie Dangerously waited just about 2 weeks before giving him a return match with Sabu, The Intercontinental Champion. Jarrett promised to take the title away from 'a deranged lunatic like Sabu', and back around the waist of a 'World Class Superstar'. Jarrett's Memphis' accent is so annoying these days. Crowd grew tired of him talking the second he opened his mouth. 78%

Jeff Jarrett lost overness from this segment.

-PRIDES 2nd Enforcer does the job for Akiyama-

Jun Akiyama d. Rick Steiner

Nice to see Akiyama getting some air time, even if it is on Worldwide. Steiner came out as if everyone already new who he was, but the truth is that he hasn't seen a WWF ring since 1994, when they lost the Tag Team Titles to Slick's Tag Team; PHAT--The Big Bossman & Akeem. Steiner really wanted to at least make some sort of an impact, and he did by nailing Akiyama hard with some stiff clotheslines. Maybe Steiner thought he was back in New Japan? Match ended when Akiyama did a rolling flip over Steiner's back, landing on his feet, then catching Steiner with a series of exploder side suplexes for the victory. After the match, The Great Kabuki came down to the ring...stood on over Steiner for a while, then sprayed red mist into his face.

Overall: 62

Crowd: 52

Match Quality: 73

Jun Akiyama gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

-The 2nd Enforcer, Legend Great Kabuki-

Coming out of the break, Ted Dibiase was still in the ring with Akiyama & The Great Kabuki, and started talking as Kabuki did a demonstration with his nunchuckas in the background....

Ted Dibiase

"Hahahaha!!! On this past Monday Night Raw, Mike Awesome showed everyone, what kind of an Enforcer he is, when he took that sniveling, nosey, loud mouthed announcer Eric Bischoff, and put him in his place! And tonight, right here on WWF Worldwide, The Great Kabuki showed why he is one of the most dangerous Japanese Warriors ever! He showed why he is an enforcer for PRIDE!! He's fought and beaten them all!! The Brody's, The Von Erics, The Adbullah The Butchers (Obvious knock at WCW since Butcher is still employed there)...this man is a legend!! And he's come here to watch the back of PRIDE! With my money, I was able find this Great mysterious man, and bring him here to the WWF, with us--PRIDE!! He's here to make sure that no-one gets in our way...that no one gets in my way! Bwahahahaha!!! And this Monday Night...on Monday Night RAW...I have a big challenge for President Paulie Dangerously, and his Intercontinental Champion; Sabu!!! So Paul!! I hope you're there!! Because PRIDE, will be. Bwahahahahaa!!!"

Kabuki spit out more red mist into the air, once more as Dibiase led him and Akiyama to the back. A small pop for Kabuki as he was doing his well known pre-match nunchuckas demonstration whilst Dibiase was screaming and yelling. 91%

The Great Kabuki gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

-The Giant Silva Cleans House-

Diesel d. Spike Dudley

Well, one must imagine that they put this match together for comedic relief, since Spike is like 5 feet tall, and Martin is like 6'8"...well their announcing him as 6'10". Dudley did a good job of selling Diesel's blows, and lost to a pump handle slam at 5:33. After his victory, Francine started screaming and yelling whilst pointing to the curtain--Dutch Mantell was leading The Giant Silva to the ring. Diesel stood up to Silva, until he was sidetracked by Mantell approaching Francine...Silva then grabbed Diesel, and started choking him until, he decided to modify that into a chokeslam. Silva then hovered over Spike for a short while, before taking him and nearly chokeslamming him through the ring. Francine, grabbed the mic, as she went over to Diesel and made quite the challenge to Mantell....

"Dutch!! Dutch, you miserable nasty man! Is this whole thing about me!? You want to get your hands on me? You want some of this? Fine!! You got it!! In a wrestling match, on next week's RAW!!! Ok!! You want me, you got it! Ok?"....

**Dutch then had an expression as if he hit the lotto. The WWF has their first 'inter-gender match', on next week's RAW.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 55

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

New Jack d. Jack Victory

Hmmm. So, Jack Victory's in the Kings' Court. So is The King Of Harts Owen Hart, Jerry 'The King' Lawler, and WWF Champion; The King Of Old School Steve Corino. Victory is not a King. And neither is his manager Harvey Wipplemann. So...why is Victory in the Kings' Court? Ohhh He's friends with Corino and Harvey's Victory's his manager. There's some word that Victory & Corino also had alot to do with removing The Rock from the stable...and understandebly so, I guess. New Jack beat Jack Victory after a top rope elbow.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 61

Match: 66

-Dutch Mantell, Ups the ante for the first WWF Intergender Match-

McMahon was backstage with Silva & Mantell. Seeing McMahon next to Silva, reminds me of the classic photos of McMahon standing next to Andre The Giant from the 80's. McMahon started yelling and screaming at Mantell, asking him what was his infactuation with Francine. Mantell started going on about how beautiful Francine was, and that together they could raise a bunch of little Mantells for the world to enjoy. Ugh. Mantell said that he would except Francine's challenge under one condition...And that was that, if he were to win...he would get to go out on a real date with Francine. If he looses, Diesel gets 5 minutes in the ring, with Mantell.... It's really hard to understand Mantell, sometimes. 58%

-ADVERTS-

The Finnish Nightmare Tony Halme d. Bam Bam Bigelow

At times, just when I think Halme is done with the WWF, he goes and wins a match. Good brawling here which got the fans into most of the match. Alot of hard blows between the two, which got the crowd into that 'Lets go Nightmare' chant a few times during the match. Bam Bam has alot more heat now, since his last action was walking out on Sabu during LLX weekend. Halme won with a stiff right hook at 8:33. I guess Bam Bam was too heavy to place in the torture rack.

OVerall: 74

Crowd: 80

Match: 62

-The Sandman Meets A Detective-

Right after the match,, a camera showed GWF World Champion, Sandman walking through the crowd, chugging his beer around screaming fans. Through his 'travels' Sandman ran into a familiar face, Leslie Neislen, most noted for his work in the Naked Gun Series. In what was clearly a publicity stunt, Neislen said that he had some 'top secret' information...and that was that tonight's Main Event wasn't just the Sabu-Jarrett match, but another match has been signed; The Undertaker vs. Mountie Jacques Rougeau. Of course the crowd popped, Neislen looks like a hero, and everyone goes home happy. Neislen drank a beer with the GWF Champion.

[ANGLE STAR POWER] 87%

-ADVERTS-

Sabu d. Jeff Jarrett - WWF Intercontinental Title

Not as good as their LLX match, but just as good to get Sabu over as a legimate Champion. You would think that, the idea of Sabu wrestling three matches plus a battle royal is enough, but the WWF always makes that extra stride. Sabu kept using a chair..and once again, Paulie's presence as President prevented referee Mike Chioda from calling for DQ. Sabu won here with an Arabian facebuster..big Sabu chant, as President Paulie applauded as he entered the ring.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 84

Match: 79

Jeff Jarrett lost overness from this match.

-The WWF President Is Ready For Ted Dibiase-

President Paulie went in the ring, and pushed Sabu again as a 'maniac'. I like how they're labeling Sabu as almost a lunatic...which he is, when compared to the largely conservative WWF roster. Paulie invited Dibiase to bring forth any challenge that he wanted...but warned Dibiase that he had yet another challenge for Hiroyoshi Tenzan, on the upcoming RAW; A one on one match, with another former Intercontinental Champion; Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig. Huge pop for Perfect's name mention. 88%

-ADVERTS-

The Undertaker D. The Mountie Jacques Rougeau

The crowd was really into the Mountie trying to get Undertaker down. The reasoning behind this match was due to Mountie shocking Dark Patriot with the cattle prod toward the end of last week's RAW. Patriot's absence was explained by Flair on commmentary, as being 'Traumatized, and probably extremely unstable due to Mountie's blatant police brutality' Flair was hilarious in screaming; 'What kind of Mountie is Rougeau, anyway!?. The team of Sean Mooney & Flair is definately much better than Mooney-Hayes. Undertaker pretty much overpowered Mountie after Mountie missed a leaping elbow drop. At 11:22 Undertaker ended the match with the Tombstone. Worldwide went off the air with Pritchard holding up the Undertaker's hand. Does this place the Undertaker in the title picture?

Overall: 84

Crowd: 91

Match: 68

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" That's about if for this week, what a WorldWide. What's in store for Monday Night RAW?"

Flair" Woooo!! Mooney!!! We've got Tenzan-Perfect! Wooo! We've got PRIDE's challenge to President Paulie Dangerously!! We've got The WWF's first ever inter-gender match up!!! Wooo!!! We've got the Kings' Court--The Hart Foundation--MOONEY!! WHAT DON'T WE HAVE FOR RAW THIS WEEK?? ??!!!! Woooo!!!"

Show Quality: 73%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening, E - 7.82

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's announcing, as usual.

Behind The Scenes Issues: Jun Akiyama complained that Rick Steiner was working too stiffly.

Raw Preview!!

--Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Mr. Perfect!

--WWF's First Inter-Gender Match!!!

Dutch Mantell vs. Francine!

--PRIDE, THE CANADIAN FOUNDATION, THE PRITCHARD EXHANCE, INSANE CLOWN POSSE, And More!!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only __ Days until Series '97...

May 13th, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network

Venue: Manhattan Centre, New York City - NY

Attendance: 11,013

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & James E. Cornette

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

-The Million Dollar Man's Big Challenge-

Monday Night Raw opens up, right away with what appears to be a mess...it opens up with Ted Dibiase with the entire PRIDE stable in the ring, apparently 'waiting' for RAW to go on the air. WWF President Paulie Dangeroulsy was outside the ring, accompanied by WWF Officials--referees & Road Agents--looking up at Ted Dibiase......

Dangerously(First as an aside to Road Agent Mike Rotunda)" Are we on....yea? Ok Dibiase!! We're on! This is WWF RAW, televised in Millions of Homes all accross the country on USA!! What is your big--"

Dibiase" Shut up, Paulie!! Everybody knows what kind of a horrible job you've done in the past with your Eastern Crappy Wrestling promotion, in Philly--so in two weeks, on Pay Per View, I have a chance to save the WWF from suffering the same fate as ECW! MUHAHAHAHA!!"

Dangerously" Dibiase...what the hell are you talking about?"

Dibiase" Two weeks! In Your House!! Pay Per View--Live From The Barricade Arena, in Porstmouth, TX--I-C Title; SABU VS. HIROYOSHI TENZAN!!! "

Dangerously" Fine you want SABU that badly? You think your Japanese circus boy, Tenzan is champion material? You got it! "

Dibiase"...no no That's not all I want, Dangerously! Also on the line--YOUR WWF PRESIDENCY!! That's right!! It's time for PRIDE to take the WWF to a whole new level! That WWF Presidecny will be mine--The Million Dollar Man! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Dangerously's facial expression here was great. He put on that 'angry' face that only Dangerously can put on...At this point..he started to slowly walk up into the ring, despite being restrained by officials...

Dangerously" You no-good, money-grubbing, million dollar punk....You'd dare try to take the position that I brought prestige to?"

Dangerously kept talking as he walked up the stairs, removing his jacket signifying that he was going to fight Dibiase right there on TV. As soon as he entered the ring; The Great Kabuki spit green mist into his face, followed by an oncoming Western Lariat by Stan Hansen. Styles' must've screamed 'Oh My Gawd!' about 5 times, as officials poured into the ring, to treat Paulie. This is the second time that the President was assaulted...but never this severly. Everyone started screaming, most notably, Ole Anderson, screaming; 'What's gotten into you Dibiase!? What's wrong with you!' Ole Anderson, started pushing Hansen, and yelling at him, but then Johnny Ace, pulled Ole from behind, kicked him, and nailed him with the Ace-Crusher! Announcers were great in selling the severity of such an attack. Officials cleared the ring, after Mike Awesome joined in the attack by throwing Brisco & Patterson over the top rope. The announcers started selling the point that someone--any wrestler, had to come to the aid of the WWF President and the staff...at this point, Aldo Montoya's music hit, and out, to the rescue, came Aldo Montoya. 73%

[ANGLE-STABLE ATTACKS COMMISSIONER]

Paulie Dangerously lost overness from this segment.

Jun Akiyama d. Aldo Montoya

Great opening match here. Aldo ran to the ring and stood over The WWF President protecting him from further attack. Jun Akiyama, made a motion for everyone to back up, and allow him to fend off the Portoguess Man O war himself. These guys were all over the ring. Much of the crowd's attention, however, was concentrating on the WWF Officials who were attacked, being helped to the back one by one by medics. Akiyama ended the match with an exploder, nearly dropping PJ Walker on his head.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 52

Match: 87

-ADVERTS-

-WWF Officials Mike Rotunda & Antonio Inoki; PRIDE'S NEXT VICTIM-

They bring us out of adverts with Dibiase in mid sentence on the house mic, talking about all of the changes he's going to make as WWF President, after the "In Your House PPV". He starts talking everything ,from the ring set up to referees to ring announcers, which had Joey Styles selling the 'our jobs are in jepoardy' act, with James Cornette. Dibiase is interupted yet again by WWF Officials, this time, led by Mike Rotunda & Antonio Inoki. I like how off duty referees like Tim White & Mike Chioda come out in their referee's outfits anyway. Why can't they get to wear suits like the Road Agents. The officials entered the ring, but without hesitating; The Great Kabuki & Mike Awesome went through the referees like nothing--leaving Rotunda & Inoki left, screaming at Dibiase to make them stop. Rotunda had a clipboard in his hand, yelling; 'Get your guys out of here, Dibiase! We've got a show to do! Get them--

Rotunda was silenced by a running big boot by Awesome, which had the crowd literally in an uproar. Dibiase continued to yell instructions on the house mic, 'Inoki!! Get Inoki!! He's not on our side anymore! He's a stinkin WWF suit now!!'

With that, Inoki got in his 'fight' postion (wearing a suit), which got the crowd chanting "Inoki"--a chant that hasn't been heard since the '96 Inoki feud with Jerry Lawler--as Kabuki & Gladiator started to corner him into the turnbuckle. Inoki started laying the chops onto Kabuki & Awesome, trying to fend them both off, as Dibiase continued to scream and yell into the mic. Dibiase's enticing here was classic, combined with what Inoki 'represented'; his connection with alot of the men that Dibiase's now managing.

At first Inoki was fending them off, with some Inoki chops, including even knocking Awesome out of the ring; but Kabuki ended the comeback, with more red mist--in the face of Inoki. At this point, the two enforcers of PRIDE started to stomp out Inoki, per Dibiase's orders. As always, Styles was incredibly over dramatic--which works--calling this, a spit in the face of Inoki who came from the same wrestling world as most of the men in that ring--except the Million Dollar Man'. Cornette replied, 'Money Talks!!' Finally, more officials stormed the ring, saving Inoki & Rotunda from further attack...even Vince McMahon came out for this one. Dibiase was great on the house mic, adding intensity to this segment.

The Great Kabuki gained overness from this segment. The Gladiator gained overness from this segment. 99%

-ADVERTS-

-Dutch Mantell's Quest For a Date with Francine-

Dutch Mantell d. Francine

Comical match here. Francine actually spent most of the match avoiding Mantell as he 'turned her off', but finally nailed him with a kick to the groin which had him going down. Giant Silva walked to the ring, and simply tripped Francine from the outside--unbeknowst to the ref--at this point, Dutched leaped on top of Francine for the 3 count, while Silva was holding her foot...with like--his pinky. Dutch celebrated with Silva, until Diesel came to the ring and carried Francine to the back. The Date will be shown live on WWF Worldwide, on Saturday.

Overall: 60

Crowd: 68

Match: 44

Operation CB (Lief Cassidy & Mike Barton d. Bam Bam Bigelow & Brian Christopher)

They still continue to dress up Al Snow as a 'rocker' ala Marty Jannetty. The gimmick is still that that is his 'undercover outfit'. Also, to go along with the secret agent gimmick, the team is now called Operation CB (Changed from Squad CB), which I believe stands for Operation Cassidy/Barton. They won with their finisher, on Christopher, called The Sniper, which is a Mike Barton left hook, into a Snow Plow by Cassidy...

Overall: 73

Crowd: 67

Match: 80

Bam Bam Bigelow lost overness from this match. Brian Christopher lost overness from this match. Agent Mike Barton gained overness from this match. Agent Leif Cassidy gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

Officer Brian Knobs d. Brutus Beefcake

I guess this is how you spell filler. Knobs won with an elbow off the top rope at 6:44. After the match, his tag team partner, Big Bossman, handcuffed Brutus Beefcake to the ropes. They teased cutting his hair, but just missed out on it when Earthquake & Jean Paul Levesque, came to their stablemates rescue.. Brutus Beefcake is an established WWF personality, and Knobs' popularity has increased greatly over the last few years under this policeman gimmick; so the crowd was attentive to actions in the ring. Looks like they've got a little rivarly brewing between WWFPD & The Dream Team.

Overall: 68

Crowd: 78

Match: 48

WWF Champion Steve Corino & Owen Hart; Live From The Hart's Residence...

Jesse 'The Body' Ventura, suddenly appeared on the Titan Tron from what looked to be a 'house' setting...Suddenly the camera widened on each side of the Body was WWF World Champion Steve Corino & The King Of Hart's Owen Hart. Ventura said that he was called onto this special assignment by the Champ & The King of Harts. Corino started berating Bret, saying that he was a horrible brother to Owen, and his family. Owen supported Corino's claims and said that Corino, over the last few weeks, has been more of a brother than Bret has ever been. Owen took Ventura around for a tour around the house...The rest of the Harts' absence was explained by a nearby VZF show that everyone went to. I'm suprised VZF got a mention on WWF TV...then again, it is run by Rocky Johnson, who's related to the Rock.

Hart showed Ventura Bret's room, which was huge, then showed his room as a kid, which was the size of a small bathroom. Funny stuff, as Owen showed pictures of them wrestling as kids--Owen was wearing a blue blazer type mask in all of the pictures--a mask he was forced to wear even as a kid. Ventura made a funny comment when pointing to a picture of Stu Hart; 'Is this one of those human fossils I always hear about?'

Owen labeled Stu the worst father that anyone could have, and who gave all of his attention to Bret. Corino, who was watching TV in the living room ran into the room, and told Owen that he had a great idea--they then proceeded to ransack the house, as Ventura 'covered it all'. The segment ended, when Corino went on the floor to uncover one item...A picture of Bret Hart's wife... 94%

-ADVERTS-

The Darkside (The Dark Patriot & The Undertaker) d. The Road Warriors

It looks like they've made The Dark Patriot & Undertaker an 'official' tag team now, since they've teamed on a number of occassions anyway. Hawk must really think he's in Japan with the shots he was nailing Undertaker with...the exchange between Undertaker & Hawk got the crowd into the match big time. Final moments of the match came when The Undertaker nailed Road Warrior Taylor with the Tombstone, at 11:33. As always, fans heckled Patriot with the 'Gilbert' chant.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 83

Match: 56

-Perfect Plans to give a Perfect Wrestling Lesson to Tenzan-

After the match, Bischoff was shown backstage with Mr. Perfect. Bischoff was wearing a neck brace from PRIDE's attack on him last week on RAW. He asked Perfect if he was ready for Hiroyoshi Tenzan in just a few moments. Perfect said, that part of being Perfect meant that you also have to be able to defeat wrestlers from all over the world..and that's what made him 'Perfect'. He also said that he didn't care about The Great Kabuki or The Gladiator interfering because he would be able to beat them, too. He called Kabuki, Kabookoo, which I hope was on purpose. Glad to see Hennig allowed to do his classic gimmick again.... 88%

-ADVERTS-

-Bret Hart Leaves The Arena-

Immediatley after the break, they show Bret Hart in the car park packing luggage into his car, Vince McMahon was standing by the car...

McMahon" Hello everyone, I'm Vince McMahon..and...Bret...I really appreciate you taking a few seconds here to address your fans...but tonight, we've seen alot of disturbing acts...alot has happened...but perhaps, the most distasteful came to us, live from...your house."

Hart (Long pause, absorbing the loud 'Hitman' chant) " You know, Vince...I just don't know anymore. I don't know what Corino's trying to prove. And, Owen...."

Hart, started to break down--so he apologised to Vince, got in his car, and drove off... 94%

[ANGLE-WORKER LEAVES FOR THE NIGHT]

-PRIDE Ends RAW-

Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. Mr. Perfect

Tenzan and Perfect really showed some great workrate here, going over 20 minutes, to a nice hot crowd. The story of the match here, was Tenzan's refusal to give up. At 11:22, Perfect hit Tenzan with the 3-suplex spot, which got a near fall. He then landed 3 consecutive back drops, which Tenzan once again kicked out of. Perfect nailed Tenzan with a somoan drop, which got a huge pop, since that is one of Tenzan's main moves. Another near fall. Perfect then threw Tenzan into the turnbuckle, and went for, something similiar to a stinger splash, but Tenzan caught him, carried him a few steps forward and nailed him with a spinebuster. Crowd was steadily staying with this one the whole way in. Tenzan stalled and played to the crowd a bit..allowing Perfect to recover, and charge him--but Tenzan caught him into a somoan drop. With that, Tenzan went on the ropes and defeated Perfect at 21:21 with a moonsault, followed by his top rope headbutt! After the match, PRIDE celebrated in the ring, as the camera focused on Ted Dibiase holding Hiroyoshi Tenzan's hand in the air in victory.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 81

Match: 80

Mr. Perfect lost overness from this match. Hiroyoshi Tenzan gained overness from this match.

Commentary Aftermath

Cornette" Joey Styles', that is an unbelievable group of competitors in the ring, ring now! We could be looking at the next WWF Intercontinetal Champion!"

Styles"...We could also be looking at the next WWF President...Oh My Gawd."

Show Quality: 79%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Night WAR - 7.85

ECA Combat Zone: Monday Graveyard, TNT - 3.95

Biggest Complaint: Dutch Mantell Wrestling

Behind The Scenes Issues: Hawk working stiff on Brian Lee

Raw Preview!!</u>

--Jerry Lawler vs. The Mountie Jacques Rougeau!!

--Special Challenge!!!

Max Moon vs. The Rock!!!

--Team H vs. Operation CB

--Also!! Dutch Mantell's date with Francine!!

Plus Much, Much More!!!

</i></b>

Edited December 29, 2004 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

Only __ Days until Series '97...

May 18th, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: The Golden Dome, Stoors - CT

Attendance: 11011

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

-Dutch Mantell prepares for his Date-

WWF Worldwide opened up with an extreme close-up of Dutch Mantell's mustache, as he was joined with Jesse Ventura who was interviewing him minutes before his date with Francine. Mantell was dressed in a three peice suit and promised to treat Francine with 'southern pride'.

67%

Dutch Mantell gained overness from this segment.

The Great Kabuki d. Rick Martel

Wow, all this time, I thought they brough Kabuki in as a non-wrestler--but I guess they must've offered him alot of money to come out of semi-retirement. Kabuki won with a stiff kick at 6:33. He spit mist into the air after the match.

Overall: 58

Crowd: 53

Match: 63

The Model lost overness from this match. The Great Kabuki gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

-The Rougeau's Prepare For The King Of Wrestling-

Eric Bischoff, was next backstage with The Mountie & Ray Rougeau. Mountie went on and on about how the 'Law and Order' of the WWF was back, in addition to Raymond Rougeau saying that he would be going back to being the 'World's Favourite Citizen'. Crowd popped for what was seemed to be the ressurection of Ray Rougeau's early 90's gimmick...In fact, they popped so much that it took most of the attention away from The Mountie. Rougeau even started to recite his 'Citizen's Code Of Honour'...Rougeau got so fired up that he said he wanted to get in on the Main Event tonight, and challenge Lawler to find a partner and battle both Rougeau's, in tonights Main Event. 74%

-Dutch Francine-

This was definately one of the dumbest segments in a long time, and was obviously done just to pay amends to WWF's sponsor Subway Sandwhiches. Mantell knocked on Francine's locker room, accompanied by The Giant Silva...Diesel tried to stop them from going out, but WWF Officials hit the scene, as this was 'part of the deal', and had to be carried out, since Francine lost the RAW match... Francine relunctantly hooked arms with Dutch, as they went out of the Golden dome, accross the street and into Subway. You could literally here the fans laughing at this. When inside the restaurant, and I use that term loosley, regular customers were all staring at Giant Silva, who ate 5 Steak and Cheese subs, along with Mantell and Francine--who had just a turkey sub each. Mantell had steak sauce all over his beard and mustache, and soon made a motion to kiss Francine--instead of returning the sentiment, Francine slapped him, and ran out of Subway. Everyone was staring at Mantell, so Silva got up and stared them all in the eye, making them all look away in fright. A little humour for the Saturday Night show, which, I guess is fine. This also added a bit more character to Mantell, with it being like a 10 minute comedy segment and all. 66%

Dutch Mantell gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

-Bruce Pritchard Joins Commentary & Makes A Challenge To The 'Moon' Man-

Bruce Pritchard came out and joined Sean Mooney & Ric Flair on commentary for the next match. During the match, he kept running down Max Moon, asking Mooney 'what was it that made Moon so mysterious', and why Moon was worshipped by his 'stupid Moon Children'. He was hilarious, in going back to the Moon jokes, asking about Moon sports, Moon drinks etc....

86%

Team H (Hayabusa & Hakushi) d. Operation CB (Lief Cassidy & Agent Barton)

This was an amazing tag match, which is something that the WWF hadn't seen in the past, with there weak tag team division of old. Crowd wasn't into it too much, since they still really haven't repsonded to Barton much, and are still adapting to the styles of Hakushi & Haybusa. Team H won with the Hakushi mountain bomb on Barton, followed by Hayabusa's 450 splash, for an amazing finish. At this point, Pritchard leaped out of his chair, and announced that he, on behalf of The Undertaker challenges Max Moon to a Sudden Death Cage Match at In Your House...and a Sudden Death Match, is basically a looser leaves WWF Match...

Overall: 71

Crowd: 57

Match: 86

Agent Leif Cassidy lost overness from this match. Agent Mike Barton lost overness from this match. Hakushi gained overness from this match. Hayabusa gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

Carl Oulette d. Bob Backlund

Oulette has really made the best for himself over the last few months. The announcers were pushing Backlund heavily as a very capable singles competitor via holding the WWF Title for 6 years, to get over Oulette's victory. Your average match, carried well by Oulette in hiding Backlund's weaknesses due to age. Match came to a standard close, at 9:33, with Oulette nailing Backlund with two cannonballs for the victory.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 70

Match: 74

-Jerry Lawler Makes an IYH challenge to 'Quebecer' Carl Oulette-

The Canadian Foundation's music played (Bret Hart's theme) for a while, until it was interrupted by Jerry Lawler who was accompanied by Jack Victory who had come out of the curtain. Lawler called Oulette's Wrestlemania victory over him a fluke, but that Lawler had a piece of video tape that he was sure all of Oulette's fans would be happy to see. With that, he played some old Colliseum Home Video footage of Oulette, when he used to team with Jacques Rougeau as the Quebecers. He then showed more footage of Oulette singing along with the '94 Canadian Foundation in praise of The Mountie--then WWF World Champion. Lawler made a comment about how attatched he is to the Mountie, labeling him a lacky, followed by challenging him to a Tag Team Memphis Street Fight, at IYH against Jerry Lawler, and the newest member of The Kings' Court!! Lawler & Victory walked back into the curtain without saying who it was. The announcers speculated that we could perhaps find out tonight, as Lawler still hasn't selected a partner for his match against the Rougeau's.

-ADVERTS-

-Max Moon Answers The Undertaker's Sudden Death Challenge-

Max Moon d. The Rock

Moon spent most of this match almost literally running around in circles around The Rock. Rock got an offense for a little while, but lost control when he went for his finisher, The Power Slam. Moon reversed out of it, dropkicked Rock from behind into the turnbuckle, and rolled up Rock (who bounced back from the turnbuckle) into a pin, for the victory. After the match, in his spanish accent; or Moon accent as they continue to call it, Mooon yelled;'In Your House!! Sudden Death!!! Undertaker!!! You're Onnnn!!!!! Mooooooonnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!'. Wierd dialect, that Moon language.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 86

Match: 64

-ADVERTS-

Brutus Beefcake d. The Big Bossman

This was a match with the workrate level straight out of 1992. Bossman did get a little better though, while Beefcake pretty much stayed the same. The Hart Foundation was at ringside, and kept messing with Bossman's partner, Officer Knobs, outside the ring. Final moments of the match came when Bossman went against the ropes, and was blasted in the back from the outside, with a chair shot from Earthquake. Beefcake then locked on the sleeper for the victory. Beefcake went for his giant shears, but Officer Knobs quickly pulled his partner out of the ring. Beefcake kept yelling; 'someday!! That hair will be mine! Hahaha!'

Overall: 71

Crowd: 75

Match: 62

-Jerry Lawler Teams with Champions-

Jerry Lawler & The Insane Clown Posse d. The Sandman, The Mountie, & 'Good Citizen' Raymond Rougeau

Jerry Lawler came out to the Rougeau's and says that he only teams with Champions and Kings, so as a result, partners were The Hottest Recording Artists In The World Today; The WWF Tag Team Champions; The Insane Clown Posse!' The Rougeau's gave a look of concern as this was suddenly a 3-2. ICP actually wrestled most of the match, double teaming Ray for most of the time, in the ring. Lawler brawled with The Mountie outside the ring for the whole match. Suddenly, *Enter Sandman* hit the house system as GWF World Champion, Sandman ran down the isle, and started pounding Lawler outside the ring with the singapore cane, leading to him and Mountie now double teaming Lawler. Theoretically, this was now an even 3 on 3. However, inside the ring, ICP were having their way with a lone Ray Rougeau, ending the match with a Shaggy 2 Dope goullintine leg drop, followed by a Violent J elbow drop. WWF Worldwide went off the air, with Jerry Lawler doing a cheesy dance with ICP, as they showed of their tag team Titles to loud "I.C.Shit" & "Burger King" chants...

Overall: 80

Crowd: 85

Match: 69

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" What heinous acts by The ICP, Tag Team Champions, and Jerry Lawler!"

Flair" Mooney!!! Raw is just around the corner, and you know what that means!!! Woooo!!! We're getting closer to IYH!!!"

Mooney" That's right, Flair. It's In Your House, on May 28th...and from what I understand tommorow night Bret Hart is presenting some sort of contract to WWF Champion Steve Corino! What kind of challenge could it be!!"

Flair" And what about PRIDE!!! Last Monday Night proved that the WWF staff cannot handle Dibiase's stable!! He could be the next President!!"

Show Quality: 73%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening; WCW Saturday Night - 7.38

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's Announcing

Behind The Scenes Issues: none

Raw Preview!!

--A 15 Foot High Steel Cage Match!!!

'King Of Harts' Owen Hart vs. 'The Mountie' Jacques Rougeau

New Jack vs. Nikolai Volkoff!

--Special RAW Challenge!!!

Hiroyosh Tenzan vs. Max Moon vs. Mr. Perfect

--The First Interaction between Steve Corino, Owen Hart & Bret Hart since, the House Incident! Bret Hart has a contract for WWF Champion Steve Corino!!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only __ Days until Series '97...

May 18th, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network

Venue: Manhattan Centre, New York City - NY

Attendance: 12,013

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

-Bob Backlund Runs Down The 'Ghetto Man', New Jack-

Mr. Bob Backlund d. New Jack

Good opener here. Backlund may be just a couple years younger than 50 year old Don Muraco, but, unlike the Rock, he still knows how to work. Really funny match as they pushed the styles clash of the two wrestlers. Backlund, during the match kept trying to shake the hand of New Jack, but New Jack kept slapping his hand away, getting some cheap pops. At 5:44 New Jack seemed to be headed to the top rope, but Jeff Jarrett ran down the isle and shoved New Jack off the top turnbuckle. Backlund, who had referee John Finnegan distracted, then locked the chicken wing on New Jack for the victory. After the match, Jarrett shook the hand of his 'mentor', of the last few months, Bob Backlund. Backlund, then, asked for the mic...

Overall: 71

Crowd: 72

Match: 70

Accompanied with Jeff Jarrett, Bob Backlund stood over New Jack and started running him down, calling him 'Ghetto Man '. He said that people like New Jack had no place in wrestling, and that the WWF was a place for 'World Class Wrestlers', like himself and Jarrett. Backlund got alot of heat here; especially for calling New Jack Ghetto Man. After a few more minutes of New Jack being berated, Tony Halme chased Backlund & Jarrett out of the ring. The announcers painted this as The Finnish Nightmare 'doing the right thing'.80%

Bob Backlund gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

-Vince McMahon Interviews The Hitman-

Coming out of the break, Vince McMahon was in the ring with a mic, and started screaming and yelling as soon as Bret Hart's music hit.

McMahon" LADIES AND GENTLEMAN!!! PLEASE WELCOME--5 TIME WWF CHAMPION!! THE EXCELLENCE OF EXECUTION!!! BRET 'HITMAN' HART!!"

Hart (After arriving and giving his shades to some little girl in the crowd--Hart had a peice of paper in his hand--there was a huge 'Hitman' chant) " Ok, I'm going to get straight to the point...Corino...you've done it all! You tricked and sneaked your way into winning my title...you've rubbed it in week by week...and now...You've used my own brother against me..."

McMahon" Well...I guess the question on everyone's mind is...well...are those accusations true? About you not liking your brother, Owen--forcing him to wrestle under a mask--about your other brother, Bruce Hart? Forced to stay in the backyard wrestling--"

Hart" Of course there not true, McMahon! What kind of an animal do you think I am! I don't know what Owen's problem is, but he's hanging out with the wrong crowd!"

McMahon"...Well, Bret--I'm sorry. Anyway, as you know, we are now just about a week away from In Your House--and you've been granted a return match at the Pay Per View--but because of the hatred between you two, The WWF won't sanction the match! "

Hart" That's right, Vince. And I have the contract right here! And you know what--I don't want any bull from Corino the day of the match, about how he didn't know--or about how he's sick--I WANT HIM TO SIGN THE CONTRACT RIGHT HERE IN FRONT OF ME!!!"

McMahon" Now, wait just a second..."

Hart" No, Vince! I want this signed in front of me. So, I'm not moving, until President Paulie Dangerously, & The King Of Old School, come down here, TO MAKE THIS MATCH OFFICIAL!!"

The Hitman has a loud ovation at this point; one of the loudest that I've heard on RAW in a long time...After a few minutes of listening to Bret scream for Corino the announcers say that they 'have to take an advert break'.

92%

-ADVERTS-

-Patterson, Brisco, & The President seek out Corino-

Coming out of the commercial break, we see Patterson, Brisco & Dangerously, banging on Corino's locker room door. AT first there is no answer, but finally Owen Hart opens the door, calls Corino--as the officials let Corino know that Bret is waiting for him in the ring to sign the contract. Corino, reluctant to go, finally agrees to go out to face Bret. Owen starts walking side by side with him, but Patterson stops Owen Hart saying;

"Oh no, no, no--not you. This is business the WWF Champ only. We don't want no trouble out there."

Brisco chimes in, adding;

"Besides, you've got a steel cage match tonight with The Mountie, anyway. You should be preparing."

Dangerously slams the door on Owen, as the officials escore Corino through the corridor, of the Manhattan Centre, leading him to the ring. 93%

-The Contract Signing-

The cut from the Corridor walk, to The Hitman standing in the ring, with Vince McMahon. Smart of the WWF, to still hold back the face to face Owen-Bret confrontation.. At this point, there was a loud 'Corino Sux' chant. Finally *Eye Of The Tiger* began to play, with the chant getting even louder than before. Finally, out came the 2 officials, along with President Paulie Dangerously, who kept ordering a stalling Steve Corino to go into the ring. During the break, a table had been set up in the ring. The Officials got in between Bret & Corino as Bret didn't take his eyes off of Corino during the whole walk. Both men sat on opposite sides of the table, as first Paulie walked the contract over to Bret, who signed it. He then walked the contract over to Corino who kept stalling. First, Corino said that he needed 'his glasses'. Jack Victory came down to the ring and brought Corino his 'glasses'. Corino, with his new glasses, still 'couldn't read the contract', so then requested that his prescription shades be brought down to the ring. So what followed, was Victory's manager, Harvey Wipplemann, coming to the ring with what were really official WWF "Hitman" Shades for kids. Corino put them on obviously to mock Bret, which got a huge heel reaction. Bret acted unphased by this mockery. Corino, in doing a comedy act pretended that his vision was 'cured' from using the Hitman Shades, and signed the Contract. As soon as Corino got up, Bret got up, leaped onto top of the table, ran accross to Corino's side tackling him down in the process. The two got in a brief shuffle before the ring filled up with officials. President Paulie was in between the two, yelling;

'Save it for In Your House! Save it for the Pay Per View!!' Awesome segment, climaxed with Bret 'loosing it' toward the end. I think Bret picked up a few more fans after this act. 97%

Bret Hart gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Johnny Ace & Stan Hansen d. The New Age Outlaws

Haven't seen Ace & Hansen wrestle in a while. There's alot of talk internally about how Hansen is really upset about how he's been phased down right before his groups take off. He showed it by really nailing Armstrong hard with some stiff forearms shots. Match came to a close with Hansen killing Armstrong with his lariat. Dibiase was outside the ring with Kabuki & Awesome. Heavy security around the ring, in order to prevent a PRIDE attack again. I think they need a new name for Armstrong & Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 68

Match: 66

-Sean Mooney catches up with The Prez-

We goto the back where Sean Mooney literally ran up to WWF President Paulie Dangerously, accompanied by Brisco & Patterson. Mooney complimented him on his hard work earlier, then asked him what did he think would happen during the WWF Championship match at In Your House.... Paulie replied;

Dangerously" Mooney...don't you pay attention to anything!? I'm not worried about that match! Legendary Tag Team Specialist Gerald Brisco isn't!! The first every intercontinental Champion, Pat Patterson isn't, either! (Respectable pop for Patterson & Brisco's mentions) I'm not even thinking about it! IT'S UNSANCTIONED! We want nothing to do with it! Let them fight in the streets! Let them fight in the stands! We don't care! We're not responsible! But...what I am thinking about is the Intercontinental Champion; Sabu!! MY SABU!!! THE MAN; that I brought here from Eastern Championship Wrestling, with the hopes that his eccentric style of WRestling would flourish here in the WWF! And needless to say...it has! The WWF has never seen a man like Sabu! The WWF has never seen a competitor like the Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal Sabu!! And you see, Mooney...thats what I bring to the WWF as President! New Ideas! Hardcore action! Money can't buy that! And Money can't buy PRIDE!!! And after next Sunday, I will still be WWF President, and Sabu--will still be WWf Intercontinental Champion!! And Dibiase...I'll see you at WorldWide!!"

Huge 'Paulie' chant as Brisco & Patterson both give him reassuring pats on the back, as he continues on to his office. Announcers speculated that Paulie may want physical revenge against Dibiase for his attack last week. 81%

-ADVERTS-

Brian Christopher & The Darkside d. Tony Halme & The Lightning Kid & Rick Steiner

I guess this is our random filler match of this week's RAW. The Kid worked well with Christopher to begin the match. Steiner followed suit with some interesting spots with Gilbert. Then Halme and Undertaker put on the power battle. Crowd got into Undertaker no-selling all of Halme's 'powerful blows'. Match came to an end with Undertaker tombstoning Steiner for the victory at 7:44.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 79

Match: 67

Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. Max Moon d. Mr. Perfect

Styles kept pushing this match, as being of importance to each competitors chances of getting an Intercontinental Title shot in the future. Crowd really got into Perfect-Tenzan, as the two have developed a small rivalry as a result of their recent encounter. For a short while, Moon teased victory, by nailing the Moon splash on both Perfect then, Tenzan. But after nailing Perfect, he missed Tenzan, who then nailed a fallen Moon with his falling head butt off the top rope, for the victory. Tenzan wins in 14:33. Dibiase's laugh during the match at ringside was eerie. Once again, WWF Officials quickly ushered PRIDE to the back to avoid any trouble.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 85

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

-Where was Owen during the '93 Canadian Battles?-

From the break we see Sgt. Slaughter backstage with Owen Hart, while the Cage for his upcoming match is being constructed. Sarge asks Owen why, if he hated Bret so much, did he not join the Mountie in 1993 when he opposed Bret with his Canadian Foundation. They then showed a still shot, for referance, of The Canadian Foundation '93; The Mountie, Carl The Quebecer, 21 year old Adam Copeland, 20 year old Christian Cage, Andrew Martin, Raymond Rougeau, & Rick Martel

Owen said that not only was he forced to wrestle underneath his Blue Blazer mask, but he never wanted to ally himself with such 'scum' as The Mountie. He added that he would've never praised the Mountie like the rest of the CF members did back then, and added that he couldn't wait to end the career of the creator of The Canadian Foundation. Hart potrayed his anger here very well, and once again, here, another mention of Owen vs. Bret, yet not too much to get people excite, but just enough to keep the hatred apparent. 93%

-The Hitmen 'Opens The Door' For Owen-

Owen Hart d. 'The Mountie' Jacques Rougeau - Cage Match

Wow the WWF has really hit a gold mine here. One Hart is a top face. The other, a top heel. The house segment from last week also put Owen over the top as well. These two worked well together. Crowd popped for everything Rougeau did. At 9:33, Bret Hart came to the cage, and started screaming for Owen Hart. He kept yelling; 'Owen, I want to talk to you! Owen, lets talk about this! You don't need Corino!' Owen kept trying to ignore him. Bret then tried to open the cage door, but it was locked. He requested for the outside ref, Dave Hebner to give him the key--but Hebner refused. After a bit of arguing, a frustrated Bret wrestled the key out of Hebner's grasp, opened the door, and walked in the cage. Owen, who was on offense, finally stopped, to 'listen to Bret. After a while of looking at Bret, then the open cage door, then Bret, then the door again. Finally, Owen walked up to Bret, as if he were going to accept his invitation to talk, but then shoved him out of the ring, and ran outside the cage door for the victory!! Owen celebrated all the way to the back, leaping with joy as if he just went through a 60 minute classic. Bret & The Mountie, stood in the ring dumbfounded...Rougeau was fixated with an uneasy look at Bret indicating him to be, uncertain of Bret's actions...

Overall: 90

Crowd: 96

Match: 78

Show Quality: 84% :eeke:

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows: Head to Head, Monday Night WAR - 7.82

ECA Combat Zone; 3.95

Biggest Complaint: Rick Steiner

Behind The Scenes Issues: Armstrong complaining about Hansen's stiff shots.

WWF Worldwide Preview! IYH Weekend!

---WWF World Title Match

Steve Corino (Champion) vs. 'The Mountie' Jacques Rougeau (2 Time WWF Champion)

--GWF Light HeavyWeight

Shaggy 2 Dope (Champion) vs. The Lightning Kid vs. The Dark Patriot

--GWF World Title!!!

The Sandman vs. 'Pretty' Paul Roma (Returning From Injury!)

--ECW Title!!

New Jack (Champion) vs. Stan Hansen

----

And Much Much More!!! IYH Weekend!!!

[ChuBalso]

Only __ Days until Series '97...

IN YOUR HOUSE WEEKEND

March 13th, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: The Barricade Arena, Portsmouth - TX

Attendance: 11034

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

Diesel & The Trash Zone (Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese) d. Simon Diamond & Doom E.D. (Koko B. Ware & 'The Natural' Butch Reed)

WWF Worldwide opened up with all six men already in the ring, posing for each of their ring introductions. Since all WWF wrestlers were in the building, since the Pay Per View is tommorow--and in the same building, this show was largely match based; getting most of the workers out there. Crowd wasn't into this opener much, but all 6 guys worked hard. The announcers used this match mainly to run down the card, including pushing a Nightsticks On Two Poles Tag Match between The Dream Team & WWFPD. Ugh, I thought they were straying away from the gimmick matches. Diesel nailed Diamond with the pump handle slam, followed up by The Compacter, Trash Zone's finisher--which is a double elbow off the top rope. Slick tried to get involved, but was promptly knocked off of the apron by Diesel. Match went a little too long at 10:33. But..once again, quality tag matches...something the WWF was lacking in the past.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 59

Match: 70

-ADVERTS-

-Lawler & Owen Tries to 'warn' The Mountie of Bret Hart's selfishness-

Returning off the break, Joey Styles was in the ring, and introduced The King Jerry Lawler & Owen Hart. Owen started bragging about his RAW cage victory over Mountie, 'thanks to Bret Hart'. Both Lawler & Owen stated that this was an example of Bret Hart being selfish by 'not wanting Mountie to defeat Owen, and steal the spotlight from him, as the leader of the Canadian Foundation. Sean Mooney sounded like such a cheerleader on commentary, calling Lawler & Owen trouble-makers. Vince asked them where the WWF Champion, Steve Corino was...They said that he was preparing for his title defense against the Mountie, for later on tonight. They added that Corino wasn't worried about it, because he knew that Bret will get involved; since he wouldn't want HIS CHANCE (Tommorow) at winning the WWF Title for a 6th time taken away. They started walking back to a huge "Kings Of Crap" chant where Jerry Lawler paused midway in the isle, hunted down a mic and yelled, 'Yeaa...that really hurts--especially coming from a stadium full of dumb Texans who cheer a man who dresses in all pink!". Well..he's got a point. Good heat filled interview. Eerie to see Lawler & Owen working so well together...90%

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" Could you believe those acusations! Why, I'd say, there is a good chance that Bret will get involved in that World Title Match tonight--but it's not because he's selfish--it's because his family has been toyed with by the current Champion; Steve Corino!"

Flair" That's just an excuse, Mooney! Trust me! I'm the dirtiest player in the game...I know how it's done!"

-ADVERTS-

-Stan Hansen Interupts The Dog Face Gremlins Mic Time-

Stan Hansen d. Rick Steiner

Rick STeiner came out to the crowd and started barking and running around the ring as he usually does, but out of nowhere came Hansen, bullrope in hand, and started pounding on Steiner. Hansen was advertised to be facing New Jack for the ECW title tonight. Hansen is still very very upset with his lack of being used, despite being...largely due to his name...a Main Eventer. It seems as if the WWF is approaching a problem with its top guys, all wanting attention. Be sure to check out my special on the WWF locker room in this weeks Observer (Next Update). Hansen squashed Steiner with two lariats in about 3 minutes, then hit him with two more after the match. Hansen, then grabbed a mic and yelled; "I'm setting my eyes on that GWF Heavyweight Title tommorow night on the Pay Per View, so tonight, I'm giving my ECW title shot to PRIDE'S VERY OWN, Blue Thunder; Jun Akiyama!! New Jack get yer tail out here, so Akiyama can whip 'ya!"

With that, Dibiase's music hit, as he led Jun Akiyama down to the ring, with The Great Kabuki--'enforcer of PRIDE', awaiting the arrival of the Eastern Championship Wrestling Champion..

Overall: 67

Crowd: 72

Match: 57

Jun Akiyama d. New Jack

This here was a strong match...mostly due to Akiyama's offense and New Jack's selling. The story here was that New Jack had 'prepared for Hansen', so he had no idea how to defend against Akiyama...as it showed. Akiyama cleverly countered New Jack's attacks, turning them into either armbar submissions, or varied side suplexes. Akiyama won at 8:33 when he started yelling in Japanese at referee Bill Alfonso, when The Great Kabuki hopped up on the apron, and nailed New Jack with red mist. Akiyama then shoved Alfonso out of the way, and nailed New Jack with a match winning exploder. Dibiase got in the ring, celebrated with Akiyama & Hansen, yelling; 'This is only the beginning! This is just the start! Muhahahaha!!! The WWF is mine!!! The WWF is PRIDE'S!!!'. The ECW belt looked so much better around the waist of Akiyama. Announcers pushed the tradition of that belt, actually linking it to the NWA, which was very suprising. Wow, PRIDE now has a chance of holding 3 out of the 4 singles titles.

Overall: 68

Crowd: 56

Match: 81

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

-ADVERTS-

Bob Backlund d. Tony Halme

A really ugly styles clash here. Luckily, Backlund is a pro when working the crowd, so, once again, Halme's wrestling deficiency was well hidden. Backlund started working on Halme's back after a basic amateur takedown, then ended the match 3 minutes later with the chicken wing. Halme's gotta be on his way out soon, with an almost squash like loss like that.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 76

Match: 58

Bob Backlund gained overness from this match.

-The Nightstick On A Pole Match-

The Dream Team d. WWFPD - Nightsticks On Two Poles

Well, the WWF sure did go into the gimmick vault for this one. Crowd reacted well to this match, since they haven't been subjected to these kind of gimmick matches of WWF yesteryear for quite some time. Also, the last few weeks of rivalry between the members of these two teams, also game this match some 'importance'. None of these guys can wrestle, so we had your basic 'climbing the turnbuckle at getting the nightstick teases', on many occasions. At around 9:12, it seemed as if WWFPD had the match in hand. Bossman nailed Jean Paul with the Bossman slam, and Knobbs whipped out the pit-stop, a move from his former moniker of the 'Nasty Boys'--this also got a nice nostaglia pop from the crowd. However, while both Bossman & Knobbs were just about to grab their respective nightsticks, fellow Hart Foundation member, Earthquake galloped to the ring, and knocked both men down off the turnbuckle. At, this point, Beefcake & Levesque nailed Bossman with the Pedicure (Pedigree into Beefcakes sleeper). Levesque then climb BOTH turnbuckles, while Beefcake locked the sleeper on Officer Knobbs for the victory. Jimmy Hart, in celebration leaped into the Arms of Earthquake, as the Dream Team held up their nightsticks in victory. After the official word was made, Levesque and Beefcake started mocking WWFPD by twirling the nightsticks around in a careless manner. Bossman & Knobbs, who had recovered by this time, nailed each man with a dropkick, sending them up and over the top rope-retreating to the back-I guess so that WWFPD can celebrate...their loss...

Overall: 78

Crowd: 83

Match: 69

Brutus Beefcake gained overness from this feud ending. Jean Paul Levesque gained overness from this feud ending. Big Bossman gained overness from this feud ending. Officer Knobbs gained overness from this feud ending.

-ADVERTS-

-The GWF Lightweight Title Match-

Lightning Kid d. Shaggy 2 Dope d. The Dark Patriot

Lightning Kid won the GWF Title for the 2nd time in his career in 13:33, when he nailed The Dark Patriot with a spinning kick, after the intended Shaggy 2 Dope ducked out of the way. Kid cried showing his emotion, as he was holding up the title. The announcers made alot of referances to Kid having a 'special relationship' with that belt, citing that he was actually the first GWF Lightweight Champion in the actual Global Wrestling Federation, before it was bought out by the WWF. Crowd was really into this match, also, since the show was in Texas--the former home of regional based GWF. Shaggy 2 Dope loosing the title here, was a little suprising. Add the Insane Clown Posse to the list of those causing locker-room jealousy. They too feel, that as 'recording artists' AND wrestlers they should be treated better. At this rate, the WWF can't afford to loose these two, as silly as that may sound. Unfortunately, as a result of their record breaking length of holding the WWF Tag team titles, combined with the WWF's pushing of them, and their wierd Dark Carnival Voodoo gimmick, with Papa Shango--they are now stars. Loosing them could mean loosing them to WCW, or actually in a worst case...ECA or GCG two promotions that are very popular throught the US, and are both holding thier first Pay Per Views, tommorow night.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 84

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

-The GWF Heavyweight Title Defense-

The Sandman d. 'Pretty' Paul Roma - GWF Heavyweight

Continuing in this night's apparent 'GWF' theme, Sandman beat Paul Roma in 10:33. Alot of sloppy spots during this match, but Sandman did a great job of covering them up with his 'drunk' mannerisms, which had the crowd popping each time. Roma was limping after Sandman made an unsuccessful attempt at a slingshot during the last 5 minutes of the match. Looks like another person soon to be added to the injured list..and of history is any indication of what is to come--Roma injured for a long period of time, would most likely lead to him being released. It's happened to Tatanka, Iron Mike Sharpe, Captain Lou Albano, & Mr. Hughes. I guess, unless you're a Nature Boy or in the booking Cartel (James E. Cornette; injured 4 months), or incredibly fat (Paul Bearer), then injury means unemployment.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 89

Match: 69

-ADVERTS-

Jeff Jarret d. Carl Oulette

Something tells me, Russo had little to do with booking this 'wrestling filled' show. Another solid match here, with nice crowd interaction. You can also add Jarrett to that list of almost disgruntled WWF employees. According to several sources, this attitude has JUST begun over the last week. I hear they're actually going to acknowledge this 'problem' tommorow at the PPV in some form of an angle...but we'll see. Suprisingly a match with no interferance and a clean submission victory for Jarrett. Good match, as Jarrett is still very much more over than Oulette, who is still somewhat of a prospect.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 84

Match: 74

-ADVERTS-

Max Moon & Mr. Perfect d. 'The Rock' Don Muraco & Bam Bam Bigelow via DQ

Moon and Perfect won when The Undertaker just came out of no where, and decided to toss a chair in the ring at Moon. Lee...another one who is unhappy with his new 'tag team role' was restrained by his manager Pritchard...After the scuffle, Perfect tried on Max Moon's jet back, for fan comic relief, I guess.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 84

Match: 71

-ADVERTS-

-'The Hitman' Looses Control-

Steve Corino d. 'The Mountie' Jacques Rougea - WWF World Title

I like how they've made this Worldwide 'more important', due to it being held at the venue of tommorows Pay Per View. Corino & Mountie started off fast and furious, with some nice ring work, which was stopped short by Jack Victory tripping Rougeau from outside the ring. The crowd was very hot for this match...and if this is any indication of what tommorow's crowd will be like, then the WWF is in for a pretty intense card. Jack Victory kept interfering, that it prompted Bret Hart to come down the isle, and cheap shot victory to a huge pop. Hart remained at ringside for the rest of the match, which was 'bad news' for Corino. Each time Corino was on offense, he kept taunting Bret, which got the crowd heated. Finally, at 12:33, Bret had enough when Corino started imitating the Hitman's mannerisms when entering the ring--at this point Bret 'lost it', jumped in the ring and started pounding on Corino. Referee Dave Hebner called for the DQ right away, giving the match to Steve Corino. After the match, Mountie pulled Bret off of Corino, upset that his chance at winning the WWF title for a 3rd time, was ruined by STablemate; Bret Hart. At that point, Corino grabbed his belt, and ran to the back with Victory....

Overall: 87

Crowd: 92

Match: 77

Commentary Aftermath

Mooney" Wow!! The mockery continues by STeve Corino! But will he be laughing tommorow night at In Your House!!?!"

Flair" So many questions, Mooney!! After tommorow we could have a new Intercontinental championg, and a new President!"

Mooney" Plus, who's the newest member of the Kings' Court?"

Flair" And a giant tag team match for the tag team titles! Woooo!! Mooney!! It's the WWF! Its 1997! We're #1!! Woooo, big time!!!! "

Show Quality: 74%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows: Early Evening WCW Saturday Night- 7.32

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's Announcing

IN YOUR HOUSE IS NEXT!!!

but first...The Observer in your house preview, with a special look at the curent WWF locker room morale.

Edited December 29, 2004 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

JJ Dillon, head writer of the WWF, was reading yesterday's WWF Worldwide update from Smeltzer, and noted to me all of the referances to our 'locker room' troubles. At first, I thought, no big deal..until I read this, in this week's Observer:

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

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

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

PO Box 1228, CA - May 18th 1997

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

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

Hawk Released; Roma Fired--WWF Locker room Turmoil just days before IYH

     The WWF is at an all time high, right now, reaching there highest popularity since the 1980's days of, Hulk Hogan, Mr. T & Andre The Giant. However, the recent boom in wrestling over the last few years has also gave way to two increasingly popular National Promotions, Empire Combat Academy, and Jim Crockett's Golden Canvas Grappling. Their popularity is already increasing at a rapid rate, and starting this Sunday, they too, will be hosting Pay Per Views. With Terry Funk's 21CW, quietly increasing in popularity, and WCW keeping the ratings war close with Mutoh - Michaels & Pillman - Hogan, the WWF could loose their grasp on #1 very quickly. This can be attributed largely due to the locker room turmoil that they are experiencing, which is a consequence of their high profile roster. Showing, that with success, comes problems.

     Tony Halme, Jeff Jarrett, Stan Hansen, Ted Dibiase, and to a lesser extent, Bret Hart, all seem to be rather upset with the top echoleon and thier positions in the WWF. Halme, by all indications is on his way out of the WWF. It's a general feeling that he could be released at any time now, by the WWF. Stan Hansen feels underused, despite having a  high profile name. As a result, many expect him to walk away with the GWF Title at In Your House. Jarrett & Bret Hart are probably on the same level...only moderatley annoyed at the crowded uppercard since as this time last year--both of them wanted to leave the WWF. But, since then, both men have been giving adequate pushes with increased air time, and are more or less content with their current position.

     Dibiase, on the other hand was slightly heated when the WWF approached him about coming in in a managerial role, rather than a wrestling role. As a result, he's been given the role of the manager of the top Heel stable--to appease him. According to sources, so far, things are getting better as Dibiase is enjoying probably even more attention then he would've gotten as a Main Eventer.

    In turn, The Insane Clown Posse, according to most people, are annoying to get along with backstage. They feel that, there star power has been underused. They came into the WWF in 1995, managed by Juggalo Jim Neidhart...however, angered with the 'goofy' image that they were getting, they got the WWF to run a storyline where they turned on Juggalo Jim, and would be managed by Paul Bearer--a better match for them, as he could lead their stable, 'The Dark Carnival, so that they could do their whole 'vodoo/evil clowns from the dead heel gimmick. That caught on so well, that the WWF started to push them as musical artists/wrestlers, giving them a Tag title run of nearly a year. However, with Paul Bearer's injury,  ICP quickly dropped the titles, now that they had no mouthpeice. While they are moderate brawlers, they simply cannot do anything in on the mic. Sure, they can curse alot...but that works well at concerts, not Wrestling events. So as a result, to their dismay, they quickly got towned down, despite being established as WWF mainstays. These days, when people mention the Insane Clown Posse; the average person would respond; 'Oh. Those Clown Wrestlers in the WWF from that rock band?'

     Speaking of Jim Neidhart, his future with the company also seems to be in jepoardy. Road Warrior Hawk, who recieved his big WWF push in 1993-1994 as the Stan Hansen of the WWF; Cowboy Mike Hegstrand, has been de-pushed ever since Hansen's arrival. At first, there were plans to actually team Hegstrand & Hansen as a Western tag team--but when Hansen brought long time partner, Johnny Ace in with him, those plans were quickly scrapped. Hansen & Ace went on to winning the WWF Tag Team titles, while, Hegstrand got stuck, once again with the Road Warrior gimmick, doing what many seem to be a comedy angle with Terry Taylor. Just last week, after RAW, Hawk walked out on the WWF after a heated backstage arguement with Vince Russo. How this will effect Terry Taylor and/or the Tag Team Title 3 way dance match at IYH is questionable.

     Finally; The Undertaker Brian Lee. After his WWF World title stint back in 1996, he's been regulated to being almost a 'bodyguard' for the Pritchard Exchange. He was forced to 'sit back' while The Dark Patriot enjoyed the spotlight of the Pritchard Exchange for the most part of the first part of the year--thanks to his feud with Bret Hart. Now, Lee's pairing with Patriot as this Darkside tag team is a move that Lee was not happy with. And ever since that feud, The Pritchard Exhange has been faded down a bit. According to many insiders, The Undertaker wants out of the Pritchard Exhange. But...while Lee has the 'Undertaker look', he can't talk when it comes down to it. And with his gimmick being one of the most over in the company right now, him talking would only expose him, and hurt his character. Who would manage him? What would he do? Just one of many questions that the WWF has to answer quickly, before they have another walk out.

     Here's the problem: While the undercard is the best that it's been in years, the uppercard is just too crowded. When it comes down to it, the unhappy important wrestlers, are ICP, The Undertaker, Jeff Jarrett, Jim Neidhart, Tony Halme, Ted Dibiase, and to a lesser extent, Bret Hart.  And unfortunately alot of these guys are the ones that WWF wants to build the company around--or..are almost forced to, for fear of loosing them to the other competing feds.

     Owen Hart, who as assumed the position of locker room leader, has been trying to be the peacemaker for all parties. There are rumours going around that Russo & Dillon have written up an angle that will actually be acknowledging these problems that they are facing...and will actually use the angle to 'downsize' the roster. This could also be the reason for the Max Moon - Lee sudden death match, as well as Lee being in two matches. I don't know, it's all speculation.

    Lastly, WWF head offices have been pressuring the WWF to cut down on financial costs. A good portion of those costs can be attributed to the hefty wage contracts--totalling to just over $9 mil per month; another reason for the apparent downsizing that's soon to come.

    And the interesting thing is, that the average fan, who bought their tickets to IYH, have no idea of these problems. On paper, with Corino - Bret, The Kings' Court Tag Mystery Partner Match, Hansen - Sandman, and Owen - Rougeau, combined with the 3 way tag, this card actually look really good on paper. But one thing is for sure; this Pay Per View, will be just as exciting for fans, as it will be for Wrestling insiders....

Edited December 29, 2004 by Javert

[ChuBalso]

IN YOUR HOUSE PREVIEW

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE BY PRESIDENT PAULIE DANGEROUSLY

WWF CHAMPION 'KING OF OLD SCHOOL' STEVE CORINO VS. BRET 'HITMAN' HART

SUDDEN DEATH - LOOSER EXPULSED FROM THE WWF!

'THE UNDERTAKER' BRIAN LEE VS. MAX MOON

JERRY 'THE KING' LAWLER & 'WORLD CLASS SUPERSTAR' JEFF JARRETT VS. THE MOUNTIE & CARL OULETTE

GLOBAL WRESTLING FEDERATION HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

GWF CHAMPION SANDMAN VS. STAN HANSEN

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

I-C CHAMPION SABU VS. HIROYOSHI TENZAN

RAY ROUGEAU VS. OWEN 'KING OF HARTS' HART

PLUS!

'THE ACTION ZONE', 30 MINUTES OF THE PAY PER VIEW FOR FREE!

Edited December 29, 2004 by Javert

[The Quasi Juice]

In all seriousness I think you should un-pin this diary because I think people will notice that you updated your diary faster when it isn't pinned then when it IS pinned.

[Cole]

IN YOUR HOUSE PREVIEW

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP UNSANCTIONED BY PRESIDENT PAULIE DANGEROUSLY

WWF CHAMPION 'KING OF OLD SCHOOL' STEVE CORINO VS. BRET 'HITMAN' HART

←

[Stevie Idol]

In all seriousness I think you should un-pin this diary because I think people will notice that you updated your diary faster when it isn't pinned then when it IS pinned.

←

[ChuBalso]

In all seriousness I think you should un-pin this diary because I think people will notice that you updated your diary faster when it isn't pinned then when it IS pinned.

←

Thats just stupid.

Anyway, great couple of last shows Jav. Knowing what happends makes me alittle upset, but that's ok. It is great to see Corino up incharge again.

←

[draven]

I just cant wait until Mania... And you should bring in some new Cobra guys to join Tomax and Xamot. Id love to see Zartan and some Dreadnoks.

[ChuBalso]

Only 6 months until Series '97...

May 27th, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: Pay Per View

Venue: Barricade Arena - Portsmouth, TX

Attendance: 22,993

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

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

The Locker Room

Hopefully this was the first step in the right direction. We have to supress this decreasing locker room morale before it elevates to severe problems.

I walked in Jim Neidhart's locker room. He was really excited about the repackaging that we're doing to him. Oddly enough, he's the perfect man for this role, and we may be solving all of our problems in one shot, here. He was dressed up in his new gear and looked to be pumped.

Owen Hart ribbed his brother earlier today, when he pretended to loose Bret Hart's ring gear on the plane. Owen's doing what he can to keep everyone in good spirits. Ohh, those Harts .

WWF In Your House drew just over 22,000 people paid, for a gate of $1,264,615. The Pay Per View instelf made $4,975,000 in revenue. Quality wise, this show was the best show in the history of the WWF-getting an 85% approval rating. The show had an incredibly hot crowd, even during the dark match, which was a huge suprise. Evidence of Inoki booking was all over this PPV. The show began at 6:30 with the free preview dark match; 'The Action Zone'.

1.Operation CB (Agents Mike Barton & Lief Cassidy) & Demolition (Ax & Crush) vs. The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake & Jean Paul Levesque), Brian Christopher & Bam Bam Bigelow - Elimination Rules

Referee: Charles Robinson

The Dark match, televised for free, suprisingly had incredible heat, and equally as suprisingly good ring work from all 4 wrestlers. Brian Christopher eliminated Ax with the Tennessee Jam at 7:44. Bam Bam Bigelow was in next and had a suprising elimination of Crush in 10:33, with his top rope headbutt. An interesting point here, is that that is also Tenzan's finisher...but the 'new' generation of WWF Wrestlers seem to be beyond egotistical things such as who gets to use a special move. Next Elimination came at 14:12, when Jean Paul Levesque nailed Crush with the pedigree, leaving Mike Barton to take on all four men. Barton did a great job brawling with Levesque outside the ring, and building the story of 'a comeback'. Crowd popped huge at 17:33 when Barton suprised Levesque with his dreaded left hook, knocking him out for the elimination. Beefcake, who was shocked at his partners elimination ran in the ring, but right into another quick stiff left hook by Barton, knocking him into a elimination. They are really pushing Barton's boxing background, much like Halme. But, unlike Halme, Barton is more than just a stiff striker, he can actually work a good brawl. Crowd started to get behind Barton big here, which looked great on TV. Christopher came in next and ducked a left hook, catching Barton with a neckbreaker. Christopher then threw Barton into the turnbuckle for a running clothesline, but Barton clocked a left hook into the face of an incoming Brian Christopher, and covered him quickly for his elimination. Crowd started a 'Barton' chant here...I pinched myself, I thought I was dreaming...Mike Barton getting his name chanted on TV? The announcers of the free for all, Joe Pedicino & Bruce Pritchard, did a great job of translating the sudden support of Barton to the TV audience. I guess they gave those two the preshow announcing job to appease the former GWF territory of Texas, again. Bam Bam and Barton went at it for another 7 minutes or so, with some heavy brawling spots, that led up the ramp and into the crowd. We saw Bam Bam back drop Barton onto two folding chairs in the crowd. Barton just landed awkwardly on both chairs, until the metal started to disfigure, making him slide onto the floor of the crowd. Barton had to wrestle the remainder of the match with peices of sqaushed popcorn on his back. Match ended when Bam Bam went on the top rope for his headbutt, but Barton got up--Bigelow then jumped anyway; going for an double axehandle, but Barton suprised him with a left hook as he came down, and quickly pinned him for the cover. Mike Barton is the sole survivor of this elimination match! Agent Lief Cassidy ran back into the ring in celebration as the crowd chanted 'Barton', in respect. Good for Barton. Joe Pecedino & Pritchard said goodbye to the television crowd, and left the announcers table...out came Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura..as the actual Pay Per View was minutes away from beginning...

Overall: 77***

Crowd: 81

Match: 71

2.The Undertaker pinned Max Moon in 14:33 of a Sudden Death Match with help from Violent J

Referee: Joey Marella

Interesting choice for the opening match of the PPV. This was one of those Cage matches that also has pinning rules. These two started of with a nearly 5 minute stare-down which instantly got the crowd going crazy. They started off with Moon and Undertaker taking turns no-selling each others shoulder blocks. Taker & Moon then went into a slugfest which really got the crowd going. Crowd kept yelling; 'Mooooon' in unison, each time Moon threw a punch. Pritchard at ringside was classic, during this match, in picking fights with ringside fans. At about 13:00 into the match, Moon threw Taker head first into each cage side which busted The Undertaker open from the forehead. From, this, Undertaker was laid out, with blood leaking out of the top of his head. Moon, started to climb the cage...but at this point, the house lights started to dim; and Papa Shango's eerie theme began to play. Seconds later, in the dim light, the figures of the WWF Champions Insane Clown Posse, shadowed by Papa Shango were seen walking down the ramp toward the cage. Shaggy 2 Dope, had a giant Axe in his hand, and started to climb the cage from the outside, meet Max Moon at the top. The announcers at this point were completely dumbfounded, and had no idea what The Dark Carnival was doing at ringside. Once at the top, Shaggy exchanged blows with Moon, until Shaggy nailed Moon with the handle of the axe, square in the head, causing him to fall, 15 feet down back onto the mat! At this point, Shaggy started screaming from the top of the cage; 'Rise, 'Taker! Rise!! Rise 'Taker!', as Papa Shango continued his wierd mannerisms on the outside of the ring. At this point, Undertaker did his patented sit up--excellent close up here of Taker evilishly grinning with a single stream of blood running down the middle of his face, along with his eyes being rolled in the back of his head. At this point, the crowd was in such an uproar--one that can only be compared to an All Japan crowd after a near fall. Undertaker then pulled Moon up, who was selling his back being hurt, as a result of falling down the cage--and nailed him with 2 chokeslams. Here, Undertaker did a little shooting, once again evilishly grinning, raising his hands, and rolling his eyes in the back of his head again. After a bit of stalling, Undertaker nailed Moon with the tombstone at 16:58 to win the Sudden Death Match! It looks like The Undertaker is back to getting a push now. Good match, wierd finish. But hey, it could've been worse...Shaggy could've come down the isle with a sledgehammer--another rediculous weapon. At this point, Insane Clown Posse, along with Papa Shango walked in the ring, and prompted an attack on Moon. Sean Mooney, slowly walked down the ramp and into the cage to try to get some answers.

Overall: 85**3/4

Crowd: 94

Match: 65

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" I don't believe it! The Undertaker has defeated Max Moon!! But why did The Dark Carnival help him! What do the WWF Tag Team Champions have to do with this?! What are these clowns doing here!?! What does Papa Shango want!?"

Ventura" I don't know McMahon! But it looks like The Undertaker has joined The Dark Carnival! He's with people like him, McMahon! Those wicked clowns! Their not alive! Papa Shango! He probably has a vacation home in hell!"

McMahon" Well, Jesse, I think we're about to find out everything right now...lets take it to Sean Mooney, who's in the ring now, with The Dark Carnival!"

Ventura"...and the Undertaker!"

-'The Ringmaster' Is Introduced-

Sean Mooney stood in the ring, as The Insane Clown posse were on the turnbuckles taunting fans, who sparked a huge 'I.C.Shitt' chant. Papa Shango stood in the corner with The Undertaker, who was still bleeding, a very eerie sight.

Mooney" Ok, Excuse me! Shaggy...Violent J...now..I know that you and Papa Shango are somewhat infactuated with, death--dead people--zombies--Voodoo, and all that stuff...but what is the meaning of this! Max Moon's career was on the line! Why the heinous act?!"(The crowd was so stunned, that they didn't even cheap pop for Sean Mooney's line; 'Heinous Act'

Violent J" Well you see bitch boy, Mooney!! It has come to our attention that the WWF is overcrowded!! That's right, overcrowded with the weak! The Passive! The submissive! You see, the WWF is full of weak Mortals, and it is up to us to save the WWF!!"

Mooney" Wait a second! Who are you to say that the WWF is overcrowded?"

Shaggy (Pulls the mic toward himself) " Mooney! It is not we, who is to say this! It is for the leader of the Dark Carnival that we are on this mission for! But Mooney--at each Pay Per View, the WWF has us play a song, so that they don't have to spend money on other rock bands! But you see, we're not just 'a rock band'. We are soldiers from the Dark Carnival!! We are to carry out a mission, so that only the strong survive!! Not the weak...like Max Moon! And there's only on way to stop it: A FORCED EXODUS!!--curteousy of the forces that you see in the ring right now!"

Mooney" You mean, The Undertaker is apart of your Dark Carnival?"

Shaggy" That's right, Bitch Boy Mooney! He is like us--the dead who walk among the living! And we havn't much time! So consider the WWF on a warning!! Not everyone will make it to Shangril-a!!"

Mooney" Wait a second! Hold on! Slow down! What the heck is Shangril-a--and who is the leader of The Dark Carnival?"

Violent J" Shangril-a is in 6 months!"

Mooney" This November? That's the same month as...The Survivor Series!"

Shaggy" Yea, good one, Bitch Boy! You can't count! But, as we said, not everyone will make it! Not everyone will Survive The Dark Carnival!!"

Violent J" Oh, and we are not alone! The man who will help use choose, who will make it, and who will be eliminated from the WWF--is a man who knows US very well! He's the one that brought us to the WWF 2 years ago! He is no longer the 'Anvil'--for he now has a bigger task! He will choose who will remain and who will lead this ring for good! He will decide who shall remain, and who shale be gone! THE RINGMASTER, JIM NEIDHART!!"

With that, a completely repackaged Jim Neidhart emerged from the curtain. He came out to The Undertakers music and was dressed in all black, wearing black shades, and walked to the ring with a skull cane. His hair was still redish, which made his look even more scary looking.Good job to the WWF cameramen here in getting some excellent shots of fans who had faces of shock, as Neidhart strolled down the isle--Basically, he was a better Paul Bearer. After entering the ring, Anvil, still wearing the shades snatched the mic from Mooney's hand, and ordered him out of the ring....

Niedhart" I AM THE RINGMASTER!!!!! And its is my duty to guide the Dark Carnival to rid the WWF of the weak!!! Now, many wrestlers may not no that they are weak! They may not know that they are not worthy of stepping in this ring! But, that's where I come in! As RINGMASTER, I will be the one to let YOU know, that YOU are weak! I will let you know that you have been CHOSEN...to walk into the light...the light, of extinction! bWAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!"

Undertaker (After Neidhart absorbed some booes, Undertaker was handed the mic for the close) " No longer will I be held back, by the limitations of the weak mortals! Once again, the Darkside shall reign supreme...And the weak will perish in eternal damnation....RESTTTT....INNNNN.....PEEEEAAACCCCEEEEEEE...."

Neidhart" LET THE CLEANSING BEGIN!!"

With that, The ICP took off their tag team titles and handed them to the Undertaker. Undertaker then took the belts, stared at them for a few seconds, then simply dropped them in the middle of the ring. The Dark Carnival then left...led by Ringmaster Jim Neidhart & The Undertaker. Hmmm. This is probably the angle that they made to help downsize the roster. I must say...making a "Dark" Stable with these guys isn't actually such a bad idea. You've got four disgruntled workers (Neidhart, ICP & Undertaker), now in a main storyline, that goes beyond simple a one on one feud. This should be very interesting....I believe also that since they threw down the WWF Tag Team Titles, Road Warrior Hawk Gone, and Dark Patriot's partner, Undertaker in The Dark Carnival, this cancelled the Tag Match. Gotta love the WWF covering up false advertising.

[ANGLE-STABLE INDUCTION] 89%

Ringmaster Jim Neidhart's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Ringmaster Jim Neidhart gained overness from this turn.

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" I don't believe it! That's...thats..some kind of Ministry Of Darkness!"

Ventura" No, McMahon! That aint' no Ministry. That's a Carnival...a very Dark Carnival! But they've got a point! The WWF is full of weak wrestlers hanging on! The Halmes! The Max Moons! The Bret Harts! The Mounties!"

McMahon" Well...I'd beg to differ--although, I am wondering now...Where are the Road Warriors!"

Ventura" They were probably already, 'eliminated!', McMahon! They were eliminated by The Ringmaster!"

McMahon" And what's the big deal about Survivor Series '97...or...Shangrila--as they're calling it? And who's the ultimate leader of this...cult! Yea cult! Because that's what it is! This is some type of a sick cult! It's a damn--"

Ventura" Hey, McMahon...calm down! As long as you're not part of the weak, then you're safe! I know I'm safe!"

McMahon" This makes me sick. Let's go back to our ring announcer, Joe Pedicino!"

Ventura" McMahon, are you saying that you're weak?"

The Dark Carnival: Ringmaster Jim Neidhart, The Insane Clown Posse,

The Undertaker Brian Lee, & Papa Shango.

Will this Ministry Of Darkness be successful in their quest of 'cleansing' the WWF?

3.Ray Rougeau pinned Owen Hart in 12:59 with interferance from Bret Hart

Referee: Bill Alfonso

Match started off really slow, with alot of amateur holds early on in the match. This started a few light 'boring' chants, but Owen got that stopped right away, by just looking at the crowd. Owen's got incredible heat right now. Rougeau, going back to his 'Good Citizen' gimmick, also seemed to have gotten him back in the zone, as far as work rate goes. The match poured to the outside, when Ray was thrown over the top rope...but then pulled Owen out by his legs. Owen got alot of heat for nailing Rougeau with a german suplex right on the outside of the ring. Rougeau sold this move big time--making it as if his neck was broken. At this point, Owen rolled him back in the ring...and locked in the sharpshooter. Rougeau was holding in screaming pain, as he tried to force himself to the ropes. After about 90 seconds of being in the Sharpshooter, Owen released the hold as the sound of Bret Hart's voice;

'Owen!! I want to talk to you! We can talk about whatever is bothering you!'

Owen stopped and looked toward the ramp. Bret Hart was walking down the isle with a mic, trying to persuade Owen to talk to him.

'Owen...just me and you. Brother and brother! You don't need The Kings' Court! You don't need Lawler, Corino, Victory or Wipplemann!'

Owen kept screaming to Bret in responce; 'Get out of here! I'm having a match! Stop trying to steal my spotlight!'

And just like that, Rougeau suprised Owen with his patented mule kick! He then jumped on Owen, and hooked the legs hard for the cover and the victory! Raymond Rougeau has defeated Owen Hart! Crowd popped Huge for Rougeau winning. Owen got up right away and couldn't believe he lost. He pointed to Bret...who now started to back up...to the curtain...shaking his head. He was selling the fact that he didn't want to cost Owen the match.

Owen started kicking the ropes in anger. The crowd was mocking Owen big time, here. Owen then spotted referee Bill Alfonso looking in his direction.

'Are you laughing at me, ref? You're laughing at me..aren't you? No one laughs at the Kings Of Harts!'

Alfonso had a confused look on his face...but that didn't stop Owen from running up to him with a kick to the stomach. With that, he locked in the Sharpshooter on 120 pound referee Bill Alfonso, sparking a huge 'Owen Sux' chant. Finally, referees & officials hit the ring, and ushered Owen out of the ring.

Overall: 82***

Crowd: 84

Match: 80

Raymond Rougeau gained overness from this match.

Commentary Aftermath

Ventura" McMahon, what kind of Brother is Bret Hart?!"

McMahon" A caring one! And one that wants to sort out whatever problems exist between he and Owen--"

Ventura" McMahon, he's selfish!! This was Owen's Time! This was Owen's match! Bret had no business coming in the ring! And the referee should've sent him straight to the back--he deserve what he got!"

McMahon" Well...I'd beg to differ--Up next, is our highly anticipated Intercontinental Title bout, with the WWF Presidency also on the line!"

4.Sabu defeated Hiroyoshin Tenzan by Disqualification in 22:12, retaining the Intercontinental Title

Referee: John Finnegan

Judging from the way this match ended, I think this feud is going to continue on for a while with larger buildup. I was already suprised that they had this match so soon. Match started off fast paced with Sabu ducking a clothesline, by Tenzan, then dropkicking him in the knees, sending him falling on his head. Very strong 'Sabu' chant here, as he kept nailing Tenzan with leg drops off of the second turnbuckle. Sabu then threw Tenzan into the turnbuckle and went for a handspring elbow, but Tenzan suprised him with a lariat to the back of the head. Tenzan started screaming in Japanese to the fas which got them hot at Tenzan. Tenzan followed with his usual chopfest, until he went for a body slam. Sabu countered it by landing over Tenzan on his feet, and dropkicking him, to which Tenzan simply staggered back into the ropes. The two stared each other down for a while before going to a back and forth chop fest. Paulie & Dibiase on the outside were doing good jobs of showing their intensity in managing both men. Its good to see a feud with a gimmick undertone (The WWF Presidency) still revolving around the 'main aspect of a title'. Tenzan, fustrated that he couldnt' nail Sabu down, went against the ropes and went for a jumping cartwheel kick...but Sabu ducked, leading to the first ref bump--of many--of the night. Tenzan caught John Finnegan, quite nicely, in the face with a Cartwheel kick sending him reeling to the outside of the ring. At this point, President Paulie looked to the crowd...they started cheering heavily, as they new that Paulie was going to get a chair, or a table...so that Sabu can show of his 'Homicidal Nature'--something that the fans love. To everyone's amazement, Paulie walked over to the timekeepers table, and started talking to the timekeeper. When the time keeper got up, and removed his belongings, the crowd popped, because that meant that Paulie wanted the table to be used. In the ring, Tenzan and Sabu were really putting on a show, with an intersting spot--getting up, Tenzan went to lariat Sabu, but Sabu ducked, wrapped around Tenzan and went for a German Suplex--but Tenzan blocked the Suplex, reversed it and tried to go for one of his own. Sabu went up, but landed behind Tenzan on his feet, and quickly suprised Tenzan with a cranium kick--which Tenzan sold awesomely. Paulie, who was having a bit of trouble getting the table up, finally passed it up to Sabu, who positioned it in the centre of the ring. But setting up the table gave Tenzan time to recover, as he caught Sabu from behind with the double Tenzan chop. Tenzan then nailed Sabu with a reverse neckbreaker, and two suplexes, before re-setting up the table.

Dibiase, at this point was heard yelling; 'Give him the TTD! The TTD! On top of that table!!!'

And with that, Tenzan climbed up the table, bringing Sabu with him, and began to set up his inverted piledriver. AT this point, referee John Finnegann was recovering, and started yelling at Tenzan to get off of the table....but with instead of listening, Tenzan nailed Sabu with the TTD, right on the table. Sabu did a great job of selling it by stating stationary on his head (on top of the table...mildly dented) for minutes, before the ref called for the bell and disqualified Sabu. Tenzan and Dibiase protested yelling at the ref, while President Paul and Sabu back peddled to the curtain to a solid 'Sabu' Chant. Great match, despite the DQ ending.

Overall: 82 ***

Crowd: 79

Match: 86

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" What a match! What a match showing the athleticism of both men!! Unbelievable!"

Ventura" Yea but McMahon, why don't Sabu ever get disqualified when he uses chairs and tables!"

McMahon" Well, I guess that's one of the perks that you get, when your manager is WWF President, Jesse!"

Ventura"Yea! It's kinda like you being here with me! All the ladies must think that we're friends, so they come up to you--asking for the Body!!"

McMahon" Oh stop it Jess...We've got another title on the line, The Global Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title is on the line!! Next!"

5.Stan Hansen defeated the Sandman in 5:09 to win the GWF Heavyweight Title

Referee: Shane McMahon

Sandman did his usual 5 minute entrance, as Stan Hansen waited in the ring, bullrope in hand. They are now cutting away from The Sandman when he drinks in the crowd. Probably due to the number of minors near the Sandman. Stalling spot for the first 5 minutes, as Shane McMahon had to convince both men to let go of thier 'weapons'. Hansen refused to put away his bullrope until Sandman put down his singapore cane--Sandman had the same request of Hansen. Finally, Sandman put his cane down, but Hansen just took a swung over a ducking Shane McMahon and clocked Sandman in the face with the bull rope. Hansen kept yelling; 'C'mon Boy!', as he continued to whip Sandman in the back. Vince on commentary pushed the idea that the match 'technically hasn't begun', which is why the referee wasn't disqualifying Hansen. Hansen, then did his hand signal taunt to the crowd which got them riled up...going along with being a generally hot crowd for the whole show. Sandman slowly started to recover...motioned over to his singapore cane--approached Hansen, and nailed him with a head shot right when he turned around! Sandman got a huge pop. At this point, Sandman started to pound Hansen in the back with more cane shots. AT this point, McMahon called for assistance, as he could not restrain the Sandman himself. Referees, Dave Hebner, Tim White, Mike Chioda, & Earl Hebner, hit the ring and all restrained the Sandman into the turnbuckle, trying to get him to drop the cane.

Ventura had a funny comment here about seeing the Hebner twins; yelling; '"Hey McMahon! Are you seeing double vision with one of the refs!'

Hansen, who finally recovered from the cane shots--with red streaks all over his back--charged the Sandman in the corner, nailing him with a sick looking forearm to the face, plunging right into the refs who were trying to hold the Sandman back. All of the refs fell to the outside of the ring, except for Shane. Finally, the bell rang. Hansen was already battered from the cane shots, and Sandman had some nasty marks on his face from the forearm, and the earlier bullrope shots. Sandman was selling the forearm big-time as he could barely stand up. With that, Hansen gave the sign for the Lariat--and after nailing two back drops on the Sandman, caught him with the Lariat for the victory! 5 Minutes after the bell rang, Hansen gets the victory!

Dibiase jumped in the ring in celebration, yelling--which was audible on TV; 'Another Title, comes to PRIDE!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAA!!! This is just the beginning!! Just the beginning!!!'

I like the fact that despite loosing the match with the most hype (for PRIDE), PRIDE still maintains their incredible heat, now holding the midcard Eastern Championship Wrestling belt, and now, the major, Global Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title. And now...there will be even more anticipation for Tenzan continuing to chase Sabu for the I-C belt. Kudos to Inoki for booking this feud...because I know that Russo couldn't think of something as good.

Overall: 80**3/4

Crowd: 86

Match: 69

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" What a crazy match! But, I can't believe..PRIDE's Stan Hansen is now the GWF Champion!"

Ventura" McMahon!! What are you talking about! This is great! Finally a GWF Champion that we can be proud of!"

McMahon" Oh, c'mon Jesse! Sandman's fought long and hard for that title, when he beat the Blue Blazer!"

Ventura" Exactly McMahon! That's what I'm saying! Look at The Blue Blazer--A global super hero! Look at Stan Hansen, a legend in both the States, and Japan--a real Global representative! And then, ya got the Sandman. A drunk. Finally, The GWF Title is around someone who has the morals and ideals of a Global champion!"

McMahon" In, any event...(*Eye Of The Tiger*; WWF Champion Steve Corino's music hit, to a cloud of booes, as The Kings Court started to come to the ring)...well, it looks like we have visitors...."

Ventura"McMahon, this is it! We're going to find out who the newest member of the Kings' Court is!!"

-The 'King Of The South' Is Introduced into The Kings' Court-

Next, 3 of the most over wrestlers in the WWF, Corino, Lawler & Owen stood in the ring. Jack Victory had a microphone and screamed something incoherant at a ringside fan, before handing the mic over to Jerry Lawler. Corino was side by side with Owen, taunting more fans, as Lawler waisted little time, in introducing his partner....

Lawler" ...And now, my partner is....(crowd starts booing insanley)....my partner is....(again..the booes start heavily)....If you stupid Texan rednecks don't shut up, you're never gonna find out who my partner is! (A 'Burger King' chant starts...as Lawler pants around the ring in fustration)....Ladies and Gentleman, he is a former WWF Intercontinental Champion, from Nashville Tennesse, The King Of The South; Jeff Jarrett!!"

Out came Jeff Jarrett, seemingly the only logical--thus expected--choice was partner from Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett's the only one with a strong linking to Jerry Lawler, and the only one that would fit into to the stable anyway. Jarrett got his usual heel reaction, and came out in his 'Double J' gear. Victory & Wipplemann held the ropes open for Jarrett as he entered the ring.

Jeff Jarrett" Finally! Finally, I'm surrounded by real pro wrasslers! The wrasslers that are the foundation of the WWF! Former GWF Champion, Owen Hart! Former GWF, and I-C champion, Jerry Lawler! Good ol' Downtown Bruno!! (Jarrett apparently forgot that he wasn't in Memphis, and Harvey Wipplemann hasn't been called Downtown Bruno in years)...and of course, the expertise of Jack Victory, and current WWF Champion; Steve Corino!! Now bring out The Quebecers, so that we can put those smelly Canadians away, Old School Style!"

Each member of the Kings' Court got a huge heel reaction when Jarrett mentioned their names. Corino got the biggest, while Wipplemann got the least reaction. For nostaglia purposes most likely, Mountie & Oulette came out to thier Quebecers intro (With the Mountie singing) rather than the Hitman music, which got a huge pop from the crowd.

[ANGLE-STABLE INDUCTION] 87%

''King Of The South' Jeff Jarrett,

Joins long time friend, Jerry Lawler in

The Kings' Court

6.Jerry Lawler & Jeff Jarrett defeated 'Mountie' Jacques Rougeau & Carl P. Oulette in 14:33

Referee: Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon was reffing this match, which meant ref bump time. Announcers pushed the fact that both teams had years of experience with each other, so were able to work well as a tag team. The "Olay" singing chants for Oulette started right away--Mountie looked 'impressed', to see the popularity that Oulette has now...since the last time they were together, Oulette was more or less, Mountie's sidekick.

When the Mountie's old music hit, Ventura had a funny line, saying;

'Hey McMahon! Tell The Mountie I've got 1997 here, and he wants 1993 to take a hike!'

Lawler & Oulette started off with a few arm wringer spots...of course the crowd went crazy; even for the simplest reversals by Mountie. Corino & Victory, along with Victory's manager, Wipplemann hung around on the outside during the match. Lawler didi some boring stuff with Mountie, then tagged out with Jarrett; who started mockingly singing the "Oley" song. Lawler then tagged out to Oulette, who went after Jarrett. Alot of fast past stuff here; with quick hiptosses from Oulette, leading to fast dropkicks from Jarrrett. The two finally ran out of steam, and Oulette got the upper hand after catching Jarrett off of the ropes, and nailing him with an overhead belly-to-belly. Oulette tagged bag out to Mountie who then teased a few Uranage spots with Jarrett. At about 13:00 the Shane McMahon bump came when Oulette had Jarrett tied up in the turbuckle, in the tree of woe position...Oulette then charged Jarrett with a Cannonball, crashing into an upside down Jarrett. He then pulled Jarrett rightside up, and went for another Cannonball, but Jarrett collapsed, causing Oulette to go flying straight into McMahon who was behind Jarrett. For the next few minutes, both Jarrett & Oulette sold their fatigue by staying laid out for quite some time, until, The WWF champion, Steve Corino, along with Jack Victory, walked up the stairs, and into the ring. The crowd started booing right away, Mountie ran in the ring but was quickly met with a knee to the cut by Victory. Victory, then pulled attacked Oulette--already hurt and fatigued--then threw him to Corino, who nailed him with the Old School Expulsion. Loud 'Corino Sux' chant here, as Corino sat on the turnbuckle, pointing and laughing at Oulette. At this point, Jarrett locked Oulette in the figured four leg-lock...Oulette held on for about 3 minutes and a half, which got the crowd into a possible comeback, but finally tapped out, giving the victory to Lawler & Jarrett. Owen Hart return to the ring, to celebrate with the Kings' Court, as they all posed in the ring...until Bret Hart hit the ring...starting the next 'unsanctioned WWF Title match....

Overall: 83**3/4

Crowd: 89

Match: 79

7. Steve Corino d. Bret Hart with help from Owen Hart at 20:39 retaing the WWF World Title - Unsanctioned [FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE]

Referee: Dave Hebner

Bret Hart stormed the ring and tackled Corino, to the loudest pop of the night. This, was what everyone was waiting for... The rest of TKC (The Kings' Court, from here on in....) ran out of the ring, as Bret laid some heavy punches onto Corino. The announcers pointed out that the referee's sole purpose in this match, was just to make the pin...wherever it would be. Hart dominated for quite a while, whipping Corino hard into each of the four turnbuckle corners. Hart nailed Corino with 4 consecutive atomic drops, followed by Hart's quick whip clothesline, for a near fall. Crowd was going nuts at this point. Hart went to the outside of the ring, knocking out, Lawler, Victory, Jarrett in succession. He went to hit Owen, but stopped himself in mid puch...leading to a staredown between him and Owen. Crowd was going nuts, trying to get Bret to hit him. The confronation ended when Corino came to the outside and knocked Bret down from behind. At this point, TKC all joined into an attack on Bret, except for Owen. He teased it, but just watched. Finally, a host of WWF Officials hit the ring and ordered the TKC to leave the ring. This process took up about 5 minutes of match time, as various members took turn taking cheap shots at Bret, while Corino argued with officials to let them stay. Big pop when the TKC started to exit up the ramp. Match continued when Corino went back to Bret, who was playing 'possum', and suprised Corino with chop to the throat. This lead to Bret throwing Corino back in the ring, followed by chair tossing at Corino from the outside. Bret followed with the ring post figured four spot, that Corino sold big time. Next while of the match, saw Corino, beaten, trying to avoid Bret, which saw him run into the crowd, to the backstage area, which then caused WWF Officials & President Paulie Dangerously, to start screaming at them to bring it to the ring--it then started back in the direction of the ring, then went to the crowd, up to the concession stands, down the stairs, and eventually to the parking lot. It was kinda funny watching two wrestlers, along with a long stream of officials running around the arena.

Most of the parking lot stuff was pretty lame, since it was basically just Bret throwing Corino into car boots. Finally, the two men made their way back to the ring area, followed by a screaming Heyman, 'Get back in the arena!! Back into the arena!! C'mon Corino! C'mon Bret!'getting as far as the ramp in front of the curtain. Geez, for a match that was unsanctioned, why was President Paulie and his staff hovering around the wrestlers.

Corino then started to fight back, after a low-blow on Bret. This got huge heel heat, since this move has NEVER been done in the WWF. Corino, who was bleeding form his head, kept yelling at President Paulie;

'I'm the King Of Old School! Right here!! I'm 'The Future', Steve Corino!!'

Crowd reacted hard to this, since it was Corino's moniker as a face, and also as a Horsemen..'The Future'... Corino finally got some offense in, relying heavily on chair use, which got Bret Hart cut open. Finally, the match made its way to the ring, which saw a near fall after a superplex by Corino. At this point, Owen Hart re-emerged from the back, and made his way into the ring, watching Corino attack Owen. After a brief pause, Corino, bloodied, fatigued, and staggering, gave a chair to Owen, telling him to hit Bret with it. Bret started to fight back to his feet, staggering, telling Owen to hit Corino. So there stood Owen, with both men staggering and bloodied in front of him, each telling him to hit the other guy. The crowd was really into this as well. At this point Owen pointed to Corino and yelled;

'Family comes first!!!'

Huge pop from the crowd as Owen made a motion to hit Corino, but instead, redirected, and cracked Bret in the face with the steel chair. At this point, Corino, started tapping his elbow, ala Dusty Rhodes...went against the ropes, and nailed Bret Hart with a bionic elbow, for the cover--AND THE VICTORY!. Looks like their giving Corino the Dusty Rhodes elbow finisher, going along with the whole old school thing...In Your House went off the air, with Owen Hart giving the belt to Corino--hugging him, then posting with their hands held up, in victory; over a fallen, bloodied, and battered Bret Hart.

Overall: 91***3/4

Crowd: 95

Match: 85

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Steve Corino is still WWF Champion!! But how can Owen Hart do that to his own brother!!!"

Ventura" McMahon, did you see how hard he hit Bret!! That was years and years of anger and hostility all put into that chair shot! "

McMahon" And, look who stands tall! It's 'The Kind Of Old School!', 'The Prodigy!' My former announcing partner that I had great respect for--Its---"

Ventura" McMahon, It's the FUTURE!!! 'THE FUTURE' STEVE CORINO!!!!!"

*Eye of The Tiger plays* on the PA system as the ring fills up with debris, as Corino and Owen keep their hands raised, closing the Pay Per View....

'The Future' Steve Corino, still on

top of the World Wrestling Federation...

Show Quality: 85% :eek:

Buy Rate: 1.99

Best Match: Steve Corino vs. Bret Hart

Worst Match: Lawler/Jarrett vs. Oulette/Mountie

Other Shows

WCW Great American Bash

Best Match: Shawn Michaels & Hulk Hogan vs. Brian Pillman & The Great Mutah

Worst Match: Kevin Sullivan vs. Tom Zenk

Reality Twist: Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) has become a Main Eventer!! Over=91)

GCG May Challenges Buy Rate .63 - National 75% :eek:

Best Match: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Black Tiger (Eddie Guerro) vs. Rob Van Dam

Worst Match: The Iron Sheik & Tully Blanchard (Non-Wrestlers) vs. Tracey Smothers & Giant Gonzales

Reality Twist: Agent STeve Blackman...our creation...is still here; over=70; still in rehab

ECA Combat Central Buy Rate .66 - National 66%

Best Match: Taz & Tank Abbott d. Tommy Dreamer & Justin 'Hawk' Bradshaw

Worst Match: Joel Gertner vs. President Jack Tunney

Reality Twist: They are building their company around #1 star, Marty Jannetty.

reactions?

Edited December 31, 2004 by Javert

[Hewey]

Good shows, Took awhile to catch up, But I finally caught up. I'm liking Corino as the champion, I thought Bret would have gotten the title for sure, But I'm glad I was wrong. Owen versus Bret should be killer though. Looks like Lee's in line for a push? That's cool with me since I like Lee as the Undertaker. I hope you don't get rid of Halme, I always dug him for some reason. Though there are better people you can push in his place. Looking forward to the next updates

[ChuBalso]

NOTE:

Eerie. But this show was written one day before Hennig's death. It was posted on his death.

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

Only 6 Months until Series '97...

June 3rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Manhattan Centre, New York City - NY

Attendance: 12,045

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 President Interupted by The Retaining WWF Champion-

Monday Night Raw opened up, with Joey Styles standing in the ring, as always absorbing the 'Oh My Gawd' chant. Styles ran down the card heavily pushing the debut of International Superstar, Konnan, and the Jeff Jarrett & Bob Backlund vs. Tony Halme & New Jack tag match--then introduced WWF President Paulie Dangerously to the ring. Paulie was with Sabu, who should just be called Sabu The Sheik, with what he's wearing to the ring these days, and also, Pat Patterson & Gerland Brisco who were holding the tag team titles.

Dangerously put Sabu over nicely showing highlights from the IYH I-C Title match...they then showed clips of the declaration of the The Dark Carnival, showing them throwing down the Tag Team Titles. Paulie announced that tag team titles would be crown on a special PHAT TV, this Thursday during a 1 night 6 team tournament. I think the real reason they had ICP drop the titles was because, ICP feels as if the WWF Tag Titles were hurting their image, since the Tag Titles aren't as prestigous as the singles titles. Suddenly, just as...Paulie was about to say something else...'The Future' Steve Corino's music, *Eye Of The Tiger* hit, as he walked to the ring with Jack Victory...

*'Risin' up...back on the street

Took my time....took my chances...'*

-Steve Corino, meets another threat to his WWF Title-

Corino had the crowd up and arms as he screamed into Styles' microphone....

Corino" Styles--how can you sit here, and spend all this time with The President and, his Arabian friend--and not call out, the man who everyone's talking about! It's all over the internet! It's all over the newspapers! It's all over the phone hotlines! Steve Corino defeated The Excellence Of Execution; Bret Hart, and is still the WWF World Champion!!" (Crowd booes, and starts a 'Sabu' chant which molded into a 'Corino Sux' chant)

Styles" It was a tough match...a brutal match--but at the end--Owen Hart! Where is Owen Hart! He bashed Bret's face in with the chair!"

Corino" Owen Hart is not here tonight! He's spending time with the family--something that Bret never does! But now...the question is--what's next for Steve Corino!!!? What's next for the King Of Old School?! What's in the future for...The Future!? C'mon Dangerously--"

Suddenly the crowd popped to very familiar music; It was Mr. Perfect. Perfect got a huge pop, at this unexpected arrival, and stood on the ramp in front of the curtain, standing stationary to a very strong 'Perfect' chant...

Corino" Oh, look...if it isn't the man who's held me back for over 3 years! If it isn't my former Horsemen stable mate; Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig! If it isn't the man who's held the I-C title, the Tag Team Titles--but never a world Championship!! If it isn't---"

Perfect" Shut up, Corino!!! (Huge pop)...YOu see, you seem to remember about being a Horsemen...but you forgot what it was that actually made a Horsemen!!"

Corino"...Oh I remember what makes a Horsemen...but lets face it 'Curt'--you didn't have what it took to be a Horsemen! I ask you this--Why did the Horsemen break up?"

Perfect" It broke up, because Ric Flair, the creator of the Horsemen, got injured--he broke his leg..."

Corino" Hahahaha! Yea, that's what you'd like to think!! It broke up, because after Flair got injured, Blanchard wanted nothing to do with you! So he left! But that's all the past! Lets talk about The Future! Me! Moved on to bigger and better things! While Mr. Perfect struggles to keep his head above water!"

Perfect" Corino, you've run your mouth long enough! And I think these people has had enough too!! The bottom line is this--I think we've seen enough of this Kings' Court crap! It's time we've had an era of Perfection in the WWF!! And who better to bring that era then, pound for pound, the Perfect Wrestler--me--Mr. Perfect!!! Corino...I've got my eye on you! It may not be today...it may not be tommorow...but soon you time in the sun, will come to an end--to a Perfect End!"

Perfect walked to the back to a huge 'Perfect' chant. Crowd was big into Perfect. 92%

-ADVERTS-

Operation CB (Barton & Cassidy) d. The Cartel (Horowitz & Porteau)

Crowd seems to be getting into Barton even for the opening matches. He ended the match with the left hook on a returning Barry Horowitz at 7:33.

Overall: 66

Crowd: 68

Match: 64

Barry Horowitz lost overness from this match. Alex Porteau lost overness from this match. Agent Mike Barton gained overness from this match. Agent Leif Cassidy gained overness from this match.

-Long time WWF Jobber PJ Walker, Gets Help From The I-C Champ-

PJ Walker d. Jun Akiyama (ECW Champion - Non Title

Well, it looks like the WWF has ditched the Aldo Montoya gimmick rather quickly, and returned Walker to his jobber gimmick. However, PJ Walker was putting up quite a fight in this match, working very hard. Alot of suplex reversals, and high spots. Walker started to actually get crowd reaction when he kicked out of 3 conesecutive exploders from Akiyama. Akiyama threw Walker into the turnbuckle and nailed him with a charging knee. At this point, crowd popped hard for Sabu running down the isle, and hiding in the apron corner behind Walker, who was in the turbuckle corner. Akiyama then went for the running forarm, but Sabu pushed Walker out of the way, causing Akiyama to go crashing into the ringpost. Dibiase, was going nuts at ringside trying to tell the ref that Sabu was there, but Sabu had escaped to underneath the ring. Walker then battled up to his feet, and nailed Akiyama with a well placed superkick for the victory. Walker pulled an upset over the ECW champion. Great match.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 54

Match: 86

-ADVERTS-

-Brian Christopher Ruins International Superstar, Konnan's Debut-

Brian Christopher d. Konnan

While on break, the WWF showed titan tron footage of Konnan in the Libre promotions. Of course the clips were all before '92, since he's been doing the Moon gimmick ever since--so he looked a bit older; which the fans didn't seem to mind. Konnan was about to end the match, with an elbow off the top rope, but Christopher got up, and dropkicked him on his way down. He then ran to the top, and nailed Konnan with the tennessee jam, for the victory. Christopher got alot of heel heat here for laughing at Konnan for loosing in his debut. Papa Shango, Undertaker, & Ringmaster Jim Neidhart were seen looking on from the the upper level of the arena. Cornette on commentary pushed that they had to be looking at Konnan, who just lost his first WWF match--and therefore could be one of the first victims of the Dark Carnival's cleansing process...

Overall: 84

Crowd: 90

Match: 71

Brian Christopher gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

-Perfect Gets a Message From Corino's right hand man-

We return off break to the back, where Harvey Wipplemann is shown walking around the back...he knocks on Perfect's locker room door, and tells him that he's been challenged by Jack Victory, for shootin' off at the mouth, to the WWF champion'. Perfect gladly accepted and did his gum hitting spot; to which Harvy ducked out of the way--thinking that Perfect was spitting at him. Funny stuff. 85%

-Ringmaster Jim Neidhart Approaches Konnan -

They switch us to another part of the dressing room, watching Konnan walk to his locker room, from his loss. Waiting in, is Ringmaster Jim Neidhart, still wearing his shades and the dark suit. Konnan acts suprised to see him, after just seeing him on the upper level. Jim Neidhart says only one thing...

Neidhart (Placently)"...you know...I wouldn't say that your match was very impressive....You do know that Shangrila is drawing near?....not everyone will make it...not the weak...."

(Neidhart gets up, and calmy walks to the door, then turns around, looks at Konnan...and suddenly, and oddly--breaks into his well known crazy laugh....

Neidhart"BwaHahahahahahahaha!!!!!!"

Close up of Konnan watching Neidhart leave, with a confused look on his face. I must say, Neidhart's character is going over rather well with the fans.

80%

-ADVERTS-

-The Insane Clown Posse Attacks The Finnish Hammer-

Jeff Jarrett & Bob Backlund d. Tony Halme & New Jack

Before the match, the announcers recaped the events of this tag team rivarly, citing, Jarrett's I-C trials with Halme--taking advantage of interferance from his mentor Bob Backlund..., Bob Backlund's recent run-ins with New Jack, and last week's tag team confrontation between Backlund & Jarrett & New Jack. Match came to a quick close, when Backlund locked on the chicken wing, at the same time, while Jarrett had his figure four locked in. After the match, The Insane Clown Posse, hit the ring, and started pounding on Halme. New Jack, gave a looked pushing the idea that 'He wanted nothing to do with The Dark Carnival',and left the ring unscathed. Their attack continued, until, Ringmaster Jim Neidhart & The Undertaker signaled to them, from the ramp, to cease the attack. Joey Styles did a good job here, of his usual overeacting...

" What...what did they do that for! Why! What kind of sick cult is this! What are they planning, with Halme?!!"

Overall: 73

Crowd: 77

Match: 65

Bob Backlund gained overness from this feud ending. Tony Halme gained overness from this feud ending. New Jack gained overness from this feud ending.

-ADVERTS-

-Carl P. Oulette Defends Bret-

Mr. Perfect d. Jack Victory

Right after Perfect nailed Victory with the Perfect Plex, Carl P. Oulette came storming out, and called down Bret to the ring...Bret's head had a small bandage of him--and he got a deafening pop for his match last night...Oulette spoke with intensity, saying that what happened to Bret last night was wrong, and that he wanted, Corino & Lawler in a match tonight, since Owen wasn't around...He refused to leave the ring....

Overall: 71

Crowd: 73

Match: 69

Oulette" This is not right! This is Bret Hart! 5 Time WWF World Champion!! He deserves better!! Corino!! Lawler!! We are not leaving until you two come out here, and fight us like men! Enough of the ducking! Enough of the games! Tommy, don't you dare go off the air!! (Tommy Carculli, Production) We'll pay the sponsors! We'll pay the price!! C'mon, Mr. Eye Of The Tiger!! C'mon Mr. Future! C'mon Mr. Old School! Let's go Mr. Memphis Jerry Lawler!! Mr. Burger King!! These Canadian Boys are ready to take you down!! Yea!"

Oullette isn't very good on the mic; but, the idea was that he was doing this for Bret. And that idea went over well with fans, especially when the Bret shook Oulette's hand after his...um..challenge. Crowd starting singing that "Olay" song at a high pictch..until finally *Eye Of The Tiger* played on the PA system, and Corino & Lawler came out--accepting the challenge. 91%

Carl Oulette gained overness from this segment.

-The Perfect Ending-

Carl P. Oulette & Bret Hitman Hart d. Steve Corino (WWF Champion) & Jerry Lawler - Hardcore Match

I don't know if this could be really classified as 'a match', since only about 5 minutes was in the ring. Bret charged Corino on the ramp, while Lawler jumped in the ring and battled Oulette. Final moments came when Oulette was setting up Lawler for his finisher, in the ring. Meanwhile up on the ramp, Bret Hart, lost the upper hand followed by a low blow by Corino...which seems to be a Corino's official heat getting move. But emerging from the curtain was Mr. Perfect, as he stood quietly right behind Corino holding a chair...crowd was going nuts, as Corino 'thought' that they were cheering for him...however, Corino slowly turn around and was meant with a chair shot straight to the head, cutting him open. Huge Perfect chant. Meanwhile, in the ring, OUlette nailed Lawler with a Cannonball, off the top rope. Hart, dragged Corino to the ring, gave him an atomic drop and laid him out right next to Lawler...and told Oulette to go to the top for the Cannonball on both men.

Right here, Styles yelled;

"A Cannon Ball on both men! A Cannon Ball on both men!!

..then when Oulette hit it...

" Oh mY Gawd!!! Oh mY Gawd!! He hit it!! He hit it!! The cover!! 1...2...3!!! The Canadian Foundation win! The Canadian Foundation win!!!"

Overall: 87

Crowd: 91

Match: 78

Steve Corino gained overness from this feud ending. Carl Oulette gained overness from this feud ending.

Raw ended with The Rougeau Bros. coming out, along with Mr. Perfect coming out to congratulate Oulette & Hart. Crowd was big into Oulette here, singing that 'Olay' song, to which the faces in the ring prompted. Seconds later, The Sandman hit the ring, knocked out Harvey & Victory with the cane, and poured beer in Corino's & Lawer's faces in the ring. He then offered some beer to the members of the Canadian Foundation, as RAW went off the air...

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" What an amazing ending!! A double Cannon Ball!!! Look at the celebration in the ring!!!"

Cornette" What right does Perfect have bashing a chair on the World Champion!! And what the hell is the Sandman doing here! No one asked for no damn beer, Styles!!!"

Styles" It's a celebration Cornette!! Join us, for a very special PHAT TV, this Thursday!! The WWF Tag Team Tournament!!!! Oh mY Gawd!!!"

Show Quality: 80%

TV Rating: 8.00

Other Shows:

Head to Head, Monday Nitro - 7.84

ECA Combat Zone/Graveyard TNT: 3.96

Biggest Complaint: Tony Halme wrestling..or trying to.

Behind The Scenes Issues: Lightning Kid caught with Marijuana backstage.

WWF PHAT TV Special

The WWF Tag Team Tournament---

Teams;

Operation CB (Mike Barton & Leif Cassidy),

Doom E.D ('The Natural' Butch Reed & Koko B. Ware)

T.R.A.S.H [The Real American Sanitation Homeboys]

(Duke ' The Dumpster Drose' & Brian Armstrong),

Team H (Hayabusa & Hakushi)

The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake & Jean Paul Levesque)

WWFPD (Big Bossman & Officer Knobbs)

The Cartel (Alex Porteu & Barry Horowitz)

Demoltion (Ax & Crush)

note: The Perfect push actually came before I heard of his death; He was next in line for the Title push, buidling on his Horsemen past with Corino.

reactions?

[ChuBalso]

Only 6 Months until Series '97...

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

Channel: Sky One

Date: June 1997

Venue: Lilotima Arena, Detriot - MI

Announcing Team: Eric Bischoff & Jesse 'The Body' Ventura

Referee Team: Bill Alfonso, Dave Hebner, Billy Silverman, Jimmy Korderas, Joey Marella, John Finnegan

PHAT TV opened up from the Lilotima Arena, with Eric Bischoff, rather enthusiastic, along with Ventura, to be hosting a live show again. PHAT TV is usually done from one of those lame WWF Studios, and usually just recaps the happenings of the WWF. Bischoff made a comment that the last time that he and Jesse Ventura were together it was for an inferior Wrestling Promotion. They pushed the main event of Mr. Perfect vs. Brian Christopher, and the start of the King Of The Ring Tournament, which will take place on WWF Worldwide, this Saturday...

-PRIDE'S NEWEST MEMBER-

Team H d. Operation CB

These two teams always have great matches together, since all four have experience working with each other. Final moments came at 23:22 of a long opener when Mike Barton--instead of tagging out to Cassidy, nailed him with the left hook, knocking him down to the ground. Referee Billy Silverman counted out Cassidy.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 63

Match: 87

Agent Mike Barton lost overness from this match. Hayabusa gained overness from this match. Hakushi gained overness from this match. Agent Mike Barton's turn was completed, and he is now a heel.

Johnny Ace hit the ring, and went into the attack on Lief Cassidy, along with Barton, as he held him up for another left hook. Dibiase started yelling and screaming about how he was able to buy Barton, and lure him away from Cassidy. He called Cassidy a 'nutcase', and said that he was only holding Barton down, as a tag team. Dibiase promised to take Barton to the next level; with a group of international superstars, and not 'nutcases, who think their secret agents'. Dibiase had the crowd going nuts. Used alot of mannerisms reminiscent of Classie Freddie Blassie. There are talks of Dibiase actually working with Blassie, to better develope himself as a manager. 97%

-ADVERTS-

-The Dark Carnival Sets their stights on Demolition-

The Cartel d. Demoltion

The crowd was a little bit more into this Round 1 Matchup. Fans loved ripping into Horowitz, who is so much over than he should be. Cartel won when Horowitz nailed Ax with the Horowitzer. After the match, Papa Shango & Undertaker hit the ring, and went into an attack on Demolition--just as they did on RAW when attacking Halme--they stopped after a cue from Ringmaster Jim Neidhart at the curtain. Bischoff pushed this as some sort of a 'message' that they were sending certain people..who 'may not make it to Shangrila', or as we normal people like to say, Survivor Series '97.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 76

Match: 66

-ADVERTS-

WWFPD d. Doom E.D

Horrible match, but the crowd reacted. Bossman nailed Koko B. Ware with the Bossman slam in 8:33.

Overall: 58

Crowd: 72

Match: 50

The Dream Team d. T.R.A.S.H (The Real American Sanitation Homeboys)

Hearing Pedecino spell out TRASH, then announce what it stood for was hilarious. The crowd popped huge just for the name alone. Good match, as The Dream Team won when Jimmy Hart through in his Megaphone to Levesque who used it on Duke Droese, when the ref was preoccupied After this, a second referee (Dave Hebner) came down the isle and showed the first ref the reply. He then ruled that although Dream Team won the match--and final decisions are final--they would not advance, thus taking them out of the tournament to a huge pop. So...they have instant replay now?

Overall: 62

Crowd: 70

Match: 70

-ADVERTS-

-Team H laugh at the 'other' International Wrestlers-

We are sent to the back where Team H, are walking through the locker room; and run into Tony Halme & Konnan, who are just talking. Hayabusa screams something in Japanese at Halme and Konnan. They look to be confused, but Hakushi smirks at whatever the comment was. Hayabusa made gestures which suggest that he was saying that Team H were better than 'those' international stars, Halme & Konnan. Hayabusa then handed Halme a FMW tape...then walked off. Wierd segment. But it was probably done just to ensure that Team H don't get many cheers...as they had been getting fans from alot of Japan followers during alot of house shows.

Hakushi's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Hakushi lost overness from this turn. Hayabusa's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Hayabusa gained overness from this turn. Hakushi gained overness from this segment. Hayabusa gained overness from this segment. Tony Halme lost overness from this segment. Konnan lost overness from this segment.

WWFPD d. The Cartel - SEMI FINALS

These tag matches were pretty bad...but it wasn't to bad on TV, or in person, since the crowd was into it for the majority of the match. Finals came when Knobbs nailed Porteau with the pit-stop, then into the Bossman slam for the WWFPD win. It was announced here that Team H would get a bye to the finals, since neither TRASH, or The Dream Team Advanced. Lesson learned; Vince Russo, who wrote this show, can't book tournaments, unless its called the King Of The Ring and spands over a month.

Overall: 59

Crowd: 74

Match: 50

-ADVERTS-

Terry Taylor d. The Dark Patriot

The crowd was happy to see Terry Taylor back, as it seems only Hawk is 'missing'. An Ok match...alot of technical stuff...which the crowd got into. Big pop came when Taylor was being set up for a superplex by Patriot, but he kicked Patriot off, and nailed him with the Knee-Drop for the victory, at 8:33. The old school book ending. Terry Taylor using a knee drop as a finisher. Wow. Thank you lead head writer JJ Dillon.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 77

Match: 60

Terry Taylor gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

Team H d. WWFPD - WWF Tag Team Titles

Not too much of a bad match. Big styles clash here, but Team H tried to keep the match up, by moving all over the ring. Final moments of the match came when Hakushi nailed Knobbs with the praying power bomb, followed by Hayabusa's 450 splash, for the clean finish at 12:30...After the match, Great Kabuki & Mike Awesome hit the ring, and beat down on WWFPD, as Dibiase went nuts in getting the tag team titles, and handing them to Team H. It will be interesting to see, if the WWF can get Team H over to the American WWF Fans, with the tag team titles. Announcers mentioned about how PRIDE had, now, The Eastern Championship Wrestling Title, The Global Wrestling Federation Title, and now the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles.

Overall: 60

Crowd: 65

Match: 70

Hakushi gained overness from this match. Hayabusa gained overness from this match. The WWF Tag Team title has lost image.

-ADVERTS-

James E. Cornette, colour commenator for RAW was backstage with Brian Christopher. He congratulated BC, on his big win over Konnan last week on RAW, and said that tonight, he had the biggest challenge of his career, against the new #1 contender for the World Title, Mr. Perfect. Christopher was jumpy as usual, and said that he was going to ruin Perfect's chances of going on to being WWF Champion. Well, ya know its PHAT TV, when Cornette is interviewing people backstage. 73%

-Konnan Gets Revenge on Christopher, but is watched by The Undertaker-

Mr. Perfect d. Brian Christopher

Nice match. These two worked well together. Christopher was great in working the crowd, which shows, that when he's got someone to work with, he can actually do the trick. Perfect started with his closing routine at 8:33. After looking to the crowd, Christopher rolled to the outside, and started to go into his tights...revealing brass knux...at this point, Konnan came running down the isle, and wrestled the knuxx out of the hands of Christopher, who had beat him on RAW...then rolled him back into the ring. With that, Perfect nailed Christopher with the Perfect Plex for the victory. Brass knux? Thank you JJ Dillon.

Overall: 76

Crowd: 90

Match: 74

Show Quality: 65%

TV Rating: 6.77

Other Shows:

Biggest Complaint: Seeing WWFPD in two matches.

Behind The Scenes Issues: none.

WWF WORLDWIDE - KING OF THE RING QUALIFYING MATCH NIGHT

WHO WILL START ON THE PATH TO GREATNESS???

Already guaranteed a bracket in the King Of The Ring Tournament;

Former Champions; Owen hart, The Mountie, Jerry Lawler, The Sandman, & International star Konnan.

"Finnish Nightmare" Tony Halme vs. Johnny Ace

Terry Taylor vs. Mr. Bob Backlund

The Undertaker Brian Lee vs. Brutus Beefcake

Jeff Jarrett vs. Raymond Rougeau

The Lightning Kid vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Bam Bam Bigelow vs. The Big Bossman

The Dark Patriot vs. PJ Walker

Mike Barton vs. Kamala

Pluss!!!!

The 'Doctor Of Style' Slick Debuts

His Hand picked Wrestler for The

King Of The Ring Tournament!!!

(vs. 'The Rock' Don Muraco)

[ChuBalso]

Only 6 Months until Series '97...

June 7th, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: The Vandeck Centre, Tampa Bay Fl

Attendance: 11034

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair

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 Return Of Kamala -

Mike Barton d. Kamala

The announcers opened the show with Barton, already in the ring. While Kamala came to the ring, the announcer pushed his return (off of his 4 month injury), and that all matches tonight were for qualifying matches for the Kind Of The Ring Tournament. They also said that New Jack, former ECW champion has also been added to those already guaranteed a spot in the King Of The Ring Tournament. Barton won after a left hook. So much for Kamla's return. After the match, Johhny Ace, who was ringside w/ Dibiase, hit the ring, and nailed Kamala with his Ace Crusher. The Finnish Nightmare, Tony Halme came running out to the rescue of the wildman, Kamala, who was potrayed as not being able to defend himself.

Overall: 66

Crowd: 71

Match: 56

-ADVERTS-

Terry Taylor d. Mr. Bob Backlund

This was much of a suprise...to see Terry Taylor qualifying over Bob Backlund. Flair, on commentary called Taylor a 'fish out of water' without Road Warrior Hawk. Taylor won with the top rope knee-drop at 7:45.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 70

Match:63

- The Gladiator Helps PRIDE's Second KOTR Qualifier -

The Great Kabuki d. Brian Armstrong

Good match. Armstrong brawled well with the veteran. The crowd, however didn't respond to much of it. Finals came when Kabuki through, Armstrong to the ring floor, where Dibiase had Gladiator Mike Awesome give Armstrong an Awesome Bomb outside the ring. He rolled him back in, where Kabuki pinned him after a clothesline, in 11:33.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 55

Match: 76

Brian Armstrong lost overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- The Ugandan Giant Avenges His Loss -

Tony Halme d. Johnny Ace

Halme is like the little fish that is out of water for a few minutes, then thrown back into moisture--right when he's about to die. Halme went over here, when Kamala came running down the isle and screaming, 'scaring away Dibiase', and distracting Ace. While Ace was screaming at Kamala, Halme went up behind him, and caught him with the Toture Rack, for the victory at 9:29. Halme got a nice pop, as he still has somewhat of a solid fanbase who love his stiff style. Announcers teased Slick's "man" next.

Overall: 71

Crowd: 79

Match: 54

-ADVERTS-

- Slick Introduces His KOTR Pick; A Famaliar Face -

Slick came to the ring, smiling, and doing his jive dance for quite some time, before announcing someone who is perhaps maybe even a worst wrestler than Tony Halme...

Slick" Laddieeeeeeessssssss AANNNDddddd Gentlemannnnnn!!! The Dr. Of Style Slick presents to you, yo' next King Of The Ring Winner!!! In his short WWF Career he was defeated only ONCE!!!--by tha Mighty Hulk Hogan---But now he's back!!! DAAA Unstoppabbleee!!! DAAAA Unbeatttaablllleeeee!! The man, the master!!!!--Slick bring's you--ZEUS!!!!!!"

With that, Tony Little the actor, AKA Zeus from Hulk Hogan's horrible 1991 movie; Surburban Commando, and came to the ring, with his crazy deranged look, holding his hands in the air. The Rock, who was already in the ring, who is already a big sight, looked like a lightweight when compared to Zeus. To my suprise, Slick had to ask Zeus to talk...which he barely did.

Slick" Tell'em what yo' gonna do daddy!! Tell'em why yo' here! Tell'em why yo' back in da WWF!"

Zeus" King Of The Ring!!!! I WILL WIN!!!! ARRRGGGHHHHHH!!!"

71%

[ANGLE-MANAGER DEBUTS WRESTLER]

Slick lost overness from this segment.

Zeus, has returned to the WWF

thanks to Slick, and has his sights set on the

KOTR Tournament.

Zeus d. 'The Rock' Don Muraco

After his little speech, Zeus charged Muraco, and attacked him with his double forearm 'type' move that he does, crashing down on each side of Muraco's neck, sending him down to the ground. Zeus then grabbed Muraco, and held him in the bearhug, until The Rock passed out in 3:22 to end the match. Crowd reacted well to Zeus's first WWF appearance in over 6 years. He held on the bear hug for quite some time. Flexx Kavanna, who was 'working out', came to the ring to try to help The Rock out. Finally, when Kavanna hit the ring, Slick told Zeus to release the hold, and walked off with his new wrestler. The announcers did a good job of repainting Zeus as 'a monster'. They also speculated that Kavanna saved The Rock, due to him picking his ring name, after Kavanna's grandfather, Rocky Johnson. Could they be building Kavanna, as the next 'Rock'?

Overall: 68

Crowd: 78

Match: 48

Zeus gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

Jeff Jarrett d. Raymond Rougeau

Rougeau seems to be getting better reactions out of crowds, ever since his brother, The Mountie returned to the WWF. Crowd broke into several 'Raymond' chants, until finally Jarrett got the upper hand, and finished him off with the figure four at 7:33, of a match that seemed a bit rushed, since they were already running late.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 83

Match: 73

Bam Bam Bigelow d. Big Bossman

In the match of the 'Why are We still Employed Club Members', Bam Bam beat the Bossman at 9:33 with a moonsault, that he pulled out of his vault. The announcers spent this match, putting over the main event qualifying match; Hiroyoshi Tenzan v. The Lightning Kid

Overall: 75

Crowd: 76

Match: 73

-ADVERTS-

- Oulette Gets The Crowd Buzzing -

Carl Oulette d. The Dark Patriot

The announcers put Oulette over like ice cream. Even Flair, the heel announcer, kept praising Oulette for 'stepping up' to Corino & Lawler on behalf of 'his friend' Bret Hart, this past week on RAW. The match wasn't all that great, since Oulette is more of a technical guy, while Patriot is a better brawler, but the crowd was into OUlette ever step of the way. Mooney must've mentioned the fans singing 'Olaay, Olay Olay Olaayyy', even if there were about 2 fans singing. Oulette, did what he did on RAW...got on the top rope, then waited there for a short while to pose, then nailed Patriot with the Cannonball at 9:38. Oulette, has been one of the favourites among fans, to win the tournament...

Overall: 82

Crowd: 87

Match: 72

-ADVERTS-

- Nostaglia Support For The Barber-

The Undertaker d. Brutus Beefcake

Ever since Beefcake's heel turn in 1992, he has always still heard some cheers from the crowd. Tonight, he played total face, doing his Barber gimmick to the fullest. My anaylsis of it all was that they had Brutus drop doing the Barber gimmick because they wanted to erase all links to 'Hulk Hogan'-esque gimmicks of the WWF's past...and Beefcake--before JJ Dillon & Vince Russo too over--had his whole career revolve around Hulk Hogan. There is talk that now, on his 41st birtday, Beefcake wants a single push before he gets past 45--which seems to the part where careers start to wain..if they even last the long. Whether they give Beefcake a push or not, is beyond me...as I think its highly unlikely. Even though the WWF seems to be 'clearing' up its upper echeolon of the card, with the depushing of Max Moon/Konnan, Halme, The Rock etc.; another ego at the top--especially a product from the Hogan era--is not a good idea. But then again, Beefcake has been loyal for some time, being content with be paired by newcomer Hunter Hearst Helmsely. Anyway, Beefcake played total babyface here, including even doing his 'Barber Strut', that he used to do, which got some nice pops from the crowd. Undertaker ended up winning though with the tombstone at 7:01. Watching in confusion from the curtain were Beefcake's manager, Jimmy Hart & partner--Hunter Hearst Helmsley...as they're calling him now. What could become of this?? Besides that, Mooney did a good job of pushing the possibilty of such a battle such as Zeus-Undertaker in the King Of The Ring Tournament...

Overall: 76

Crowd: 85

Match: 57

- Tenzan vs. Lightning Kid; A 31 minute classic -

The Lightning Kid d. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

These two always have great matches. And this match was no different. In fact, it took two commercial breaks, and a special 'sponsor report' before this match was over. Now I see why they were rushing the other matches. Alot of near falls, alot of chopfests, and tons of martial art counters and reversals from both men. Best spot came at 23:22 when Lightning Kid came off the ropes with a spinning cartwheel kick, but Tenzan caught him, perfectly from the back, and nailed him with a German suplex--one that he bascially through Kid into the turnbuckle behind him. Crowd was going nuts at this point. After that spot, the crowd was a bit burnt out, as the final 8 minutes were hardly needed. Kid mounted a comeback, and finally nailed Tenzan with that spinning kick, called a, Lightning Kick, for the cover to a huge pop. The Kid, The Lightheavyweight Champion will be in the King Of The Ring. Kid, once again was emotional here, and jumped into the crowd to celebrate.

Overall: 84

Crowd: 77

Match: 92

Show Quality: 70%

TV Rating: 7.57

Other Shows:

Early Evening WCW Saturday Night; 7.32

Golden Canvas (Sunday-Graveyard) 4.60

Biggest Complaint: Sean Mooney's Announcing

Behind The Scenes Issues:

Raw Preview!!

--Flexx Kavanna Explains Why He Saved 'The Rock' Don Muraco from Zeus!!!

--GWF World Title:

Stan Hansen vs. The Mountie

--Owen Hart Explains His Recent Actions Against Bret Hart!!!!!

--Hiroyosh Tenzan & Jun Akiyama

vs.

Sabu & PJ Walker

--First Tag Team Intergender Match

Dutch Mantell & The Giant Silva

vs.

Diesel & Francine

--KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT MATCH (Single Elimination)

The Sandman vs. Bam Bam Bigelow!!

Edited January 1, 2005 by Javert

[Hewey]

Good updates, I'm actually glad to see you hiring Zeus, I always dug the talentless lug for some reason, KOTR looks nice. My pick is Taker or Kid. Cool to see Taylor getting some sort of push as well

[EZE]

Ah good old WWF 92. Javert I've missed this! Glad to see you turn face and decide to post this again hehehe especially after you heeled on us last time by not posting mania. Cruel, cruel man. I'll be following. I cant remember what the big controversy was about shangrila so ill have to refresh by reading on

Good work!

[Stevie Idol]

Shangril-a, woo. That was one of the best PPV's I read before in a diary. So keep posting, as I want it now.