World Wrestling Federation '98

[ChuBalso]

December 23rd, 1997

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: VDM Centre A, Anaheim - CA

Attendance: 12,033

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- A Holiday Hacksaw -

Raw on 12/23rd, opened up with Joey Styles in the ring, hyping and announcing the Main Event for next week's Holiday Special Event; Holiday Hell II, as Tenzan against, Ric Flair if Flair can defeat Hayabusa later tonight on RAW. At this point, Hacksaw's Jim Duggan early 90's theme started to play as Joey Styles did his classic overeacting to the WWF Return of 43 year old Hacksaw Jim Duggan. It's been rumoured that Duggan is to play in a heel role, in an angle that is to begin at next week's Holiday Hell--the brainchild of booker Paul Heyman. Hacksaw came out and did his classic face promo to a solid 'USA' chant, until Kama Mustafa hit the ring. Styles made a comment as to suggest that if Don Frye was in the building a brawl between he and Kama would begin. Kama starting talking about the Holidays, and said that his version of the holidays isn't the same as Hacksaw Jim Duggan's. He said that, while Duggan's holidays were filled with fun and cheer, his Christmas days, were always "Just another day of Fightin' on The Streets'" He then challenged Hacksaw to a match later on in the night, in "What should serve as exhibition" for his inevitable match with the "Professional Fighter" Don Frye. Duggan accepted to the nostaglia-happy live crowd. 81%

Hacksaw Jim Duggan gained overness from this segment.

- The Undertaker vs. Sabu -

Brian Christopher & Sexteen d. Sabu & Dustine Rhoads

Poor Sabu had to sit there and not laugh when Dustine did her Dusty Rhodes thing with the agile Sexteen. Match came to a close when The Undertaker appeared to be approaching ringside. Even though he was coming for Sabu, Dustine was startled and fell to a Sexteen springboard slingshot, to loose the match. This led to Sabu, with Paulie Dangerously inviting The Undertaker to enter the ring. Undertaker came in and was met with 3 solid chair shots to the head by Sabu. As Undertaker & Sabu engaged in a staredown, Undertaker's Bruce Pritchard grabbed the mic, and yelled, beside his Undertaker;

"You think your man's so tough, Paulie!! If he can't beat a clown, he ain't beating my Undertaker!! Next week! Holiday Hell '97! You bring your suicidal maniac! And The Undertaker will aid you in your suicide attempts!"

Overall: 62

Crowd: 64

Match: 59

-adverts-

- The Fat Man's Back; Sting & Corino challenged -

Coming out of the break, Steve Corino's Eye Of The Tiger began to play, as out came Horsemen members, Steve Corino & Sting. They started joking around making fun of "A fat little fellow" that they spotted backstage. With that, they showed a camera on Paul Bearer, Brutus Beefcake and The Sandman, sporting a gray suit. Led by Sting & Corino, the crowd started laughing when Corino and Sting laid it into Bearer with the fat jokes. Bearer looked sternly into the camera, as Brutus Beefcake did his usual dumb stare into the camera, and The Sandman smoked a cigarrette and said;

Pringle III" The name's not Paul Bearer, anymore bucko! Just as Brutus Beefcake returned to his roots! And The Sandman cleaned up his act (As the Sandman sips a beer in the background), I am now the man that everyone wishes they had the mind of--Percy Pringle III!! And Sting! Corino! You make your jokes! Well let's see you two against sweet Bruti, and The Sandman! And we'll see just how easy our War Games Steel Cage match at Royal Rumble is going to be!"

With that, Corino & Sting accepted as Heenan put over The Percy Pringle character on commentary. 80%

- Canadian Generationz -

Canadian Generationz (Ray Rougeau & Chris Jericho) d. The Space Croppers (Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm) d. The Helmsely's (Hunter McMahon Helmsley & John Kronus Helmsley)

Ray Rougeau came out and start putting over the Thrillseekers Tag Team, Lance Storm and Chris Jericho. He then said that even though Lance made a turn for the worst in aligning himself with Car Oulette, he was able to talk young superstar, Chris Jericho to return to active competition, even though his partner Storm joined Oulette. He then introduced Jericho, in forming 'Generations' of Canadian superstars, according to Joey Styles. They won an impressive 3 way triangle match, in a match to deam #1 contenders for the WWF Tag Team Titles, currently held by Ebony Experience, Booker T & Stevie Ray.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 63

Match: 75

- Oulette; Le Champion -

Immediatley following the victory, they cut to a shot of Oulette sitting in his dressing room with Lance Storm, throwing things at the TV having a fit over the formation of this 'Canadian Generationz' team. Oulette starting going on to Storm how he helped The Mountie carry "his severely talentless brother, Ray Rougeau" with them over his career. Oulette then stormed the corridor with Storm, only to breeze by an empty Horsemen lockeroom. In it was the WWF Intercontinental Title, property of Owen Hart, just lying on the table next too Owen's wallett. Oulette then asked Storm to 'look out' as he snuck into the lockeroom and put on the WWF I-C belt. Oulette then screamed to the camera, "I am Le Champion! Le Champion!", as he sprinted off with Storm, wearing Owen Hart's Intercontinental Belt. Styles was going nuts on commentary yelling; "Wow imagine when The Canadian Horseman returns! Oulette stole the Intercontinental Title!! Oulette's a theif! Le Champion is a farce!!"

85%

-ADVERTS-

Kama Mustafa d. 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan

Pretty bad match. Mustafa won after pummel punches. I hope that Duggan's upcoming role is a non wrestling one. Simond Diamond accompanied Mustafa and kept pumping him up putting him over Frye.

OveralL: 64

Crowd: 74

Match: 43

-ADVERTS-

- Akiyama Comes close to taking down the Highlight Kid -

'Highlight Kid' Shawn Waltman d. Jun Akiyama

I wondered why they cut to an advert break after the Mustafa-Duggan nothingfest--but it was obviously done to give these guys 20 straight minutes, which was one of the best matches on Raw in a long time. Match came to a close when Akiyama seemed to be on a sudden role nailing Waltman over and over with his Exploders. However, Fatigue started to settle in, causing Akiyama to charge right into a spinning kick by Waltman which was enough for the victory. Good showcase for Waltman. And a strong match for the returning Akiyama.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 76

Match: 89

-ADVERTS-

- Waltman Enters Royal Rumble -

Coming out of the break, they showed Eric Bischoff chasing Waltman as he was returning to his lockeroom. Waltman talked about winning the I-C Title earlier this year. He mentioned going the distance with Owen Hart--then went on to announce that he will be in the 1998 Royal Rumble. Ric Flair was walking by, on his way to facing Hayabusa--overhearing Waltman's comments, Flair said;

"And if you win that thing, you'll be facing me at the big one. Wooo! Because I'm about to go out there! Defeat Tenzan's and Inoki's crony, Hayabusa--then defeat Tenzan for the WWF Triple Crown next weekend, and Holiday Hell! Wooo!" 82%

- Flair Faces Tenzan at Holiday Hell -

Ric Flair d. Hayabusa

Very good match here, which was marred only by the funky ending. Match came to a close when The WWF Triple Crown Champion, Hiroyoshi Tenzan came down the isle and starting mouthing off, (in Japanese) to Ric Flair. This caused referee Shane McMahon to jump in the face of Tenzan. While this was going on, Flair reached into his tights and nailed Hayabusa with the knux spot, just before McMahon refocused his attention to the ring action. Flair then placed Hayabusa into the figure four in a long spot, where Hayabusa finally submitted at 12:33. Flair, then pointed to Tenzan's Triple Crown Title, and making a gesture around his own waist.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 85

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

- The Crimson Twins Offer To Take Charge Holiday Hell Weekend -

Returning off the break, they showed Bill Alfonso sitting at his desk apparently stressed, with JJ Dillon. Dillon braggs to Bill Alfonso that Ric Flair should get a WWF Triple Crown shot at Tenzan at next weekend's 'Holiday Hell II'. Alfonso, angrilly gave in, and announced that Flair would get a shot at this weekends Holday Hell II, to a huge pop. Dillon left clasping his hands to deliver the good news to the 'Nature Boy'. After Dillon left, The Crimson Twins walked in, smirking.....

Tomax (Laughing)"It seems that... "

Xamot"...you've lost control..."

Tomax & Xamot" Senior official Bill Alfonso!"

Xamot" Flair's got a title shot..."

Tomax"...Oulette stole Owen Hart's title..."

Xamot"...and Percy Pringle's back...."

Tomax" And you didn't even know about it!!"

Xamot" Take next Saturday Off!"

Tomax & Xamot" LET THE CRIMSONS TAKE CONTROL!!"

Xamot" We'll put our knowledge of military expertise and planning..."

Tomax"...to good use, to avoid this Anarchy that is threatening..."

Xamot"...THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION!!"

Tomax" And in return..."

Xamot"...we have a request..."

Tomax"...A Holiday Hell II match against..."

Xamot"..this new Canadian Team..."

Tomax"...CHRIS JERICHO!!"

Xamot"...RAYMOND ROUGEAU!!"

Tomax" CANADIAN GENERATIONZ! WITH A 'Z'! "

Bill Alfonso looked around before apparently thinking it over.

Alfonso" You're right! Ever since those stupid Canadians blamed me for Bret Hart loosing the WWF Title, things have been going wild! As the senior official I've been trying to fill the void from the absence of our current WWF President, Ted Dibiase! But I've had enough!! We are in emergency mode! I'm trying to call it right down the middle, but the people aren't seeing things my way!! Tamox & Xamot--you've got your Holiday Hell II match against two of Bret Hart's good friends! Chris Jericho & Raymond Rougeau--Canadian Generationz! With a 'Z'! "

Alfonso sits back in his chair, while the Crimsons start talking into the camera.

Xamot" Nice! Next weekend..."

Tomax"...we are in charge..."

Xamot"...And next weekend on WorldWide..."

Tomax"..you will be sure to experience..."

Xamot"A very..."

Tomax & Xamot" Crimson Christmas!"

They both started laughing as they went into a new Doge Commercial with The Sandman. 89%

- Precy Pringle III Proves to be an asset -

Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman d. Mr. Perfect, Sting, Steve Corino

Antonio Inoki came out and said that the WWF Triple Crown Champion wanted to be in this match up, against the Japanese equivilent of "Four horsedogs". With this 3 on 2, Mr. Perfect's music hit, as Styles mentioned that Perfect having a strong linking to the Horsmen. The whole time during the match, Perfect and Corino kept butting heads, selling their rivalry. Heenan mentioned here, that that rivarly between he and Corino, is why Perfect would never again be a Horseman...which makes sense. Finals of the match came after Perfect nailed Beefcake with the Perfect Plex. With Tenzan and Sandman battling Corino & Sting on the outside, Inoki yanked the referee from his 3 count and started yelling at Dave Hebner. While this was going on, Percy Pringle III walked into the ring with The Sandman's singapore cane and smashed it right over the stomach of Mr. Perfect holding Beefcake in the Perfect Plex. Pringle started laughing while doing some sort of a dance with the cane, before he manuevered Beefcake on top of the fallen Perfect, while the crowd went nuts. Pringle's dancing didn't help that call. Inoki then turned Hebner around, as Hebner made the cheap count for Beefcake. Sting & Corino hit the ring, causing Beefcake, Sandman, and Tenzan to flee the ring. As RAW went off the air, Beefcake, who was backtracking with manager Percy Pringle III and The Sandman kept yelling;

"War Games Match! Royal Rumble Style, dude!! Sweet Bruti, and The cigerette smokin' Sandman, will be there, Dude!"

Overall: 83

Crowd: 89

Match: 72

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Royal Rumble!! Just about a month away!! A War Games Steel Cage Match between, Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman and Steve Corino and Sting!!!"

Heenan" Styles!! Next week is Holiday Hell II!! The huge WWF Holiday Special!! But this Saturday..just one day before Holiday Hell II--THIS ANARCHY IS GOING TO STOP!! THE CRIMSON TWINS ARE IN CONTROL!!"

Styles"...Get ready for a very, very, Crimson Christmas!!"

Heenan (Singing) "...And a Crimson New Year!"

Show Quality: 75%

TV Rating: 7.43

It's a cRimSon ChRistMas WorlDwiDe!!

--The Crimson Twins are in charge!! What could possibly happen!!

[ChuBalso]

December 27rd, 1997

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights

Also On A-61.com!

Holiday Hell Weekend -

Channel: FOX

Venue: The Cyngus Air Centre, Pittsburgh - PA

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Jerry 'The King' Lawler

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Crimson Holiday Begins With the Million Dollar President -

WWF Worldwide on 12/27 began with The Crimson Twins standing by with Eric Bischoff. A limousine approached as the Crimson Twins walked up to the door, with Bischoff's microphone between the two,

Tomax" Welcome everyone..."

Xamot"...to the Crimson Christmas Special!!"

Tomax" We told senior official Bill Alfonso to..."

Xamot"...take the night off so that we..."

Tomax & Xamot" ...THE CRIMSON TWINS...."

Xamot"...could bring things back to where they belonged..."

Tomax"...and avoid the consequences of Anarchy...."

Xamot"...Ladies and gentlemen, here he is..."

Tomax"...the President Of the World Wrestling Federation..."

Tomax & Xamot" THE MILLION DOLLAR MAN TED DIBIASE!!"

With that,--first came out Road Agent, Mike Rotunda--then, Dibiase came out of the limousine laughing, to a big heel pop, whilst shaking the hands of the Crimson Twins.

Dibiase" Mwahahaha!! Thank you Tomax & Xamot for that Million Dollar Introduction! Mwahahah! The President is back!! And as I've proven in the past--IT'S DOESN'T PAY, TO CROSS THE MILLION DOLLAR BOSS!! Bwahahahaaha!!"

Dibiase walked off followed by The Crimson Twins, and Mike Rotunda, laughing as Bischoff speculated with Mooney the effects that this could have in the WWF. 89%

- The Crimson Twins enforce their 'Executive' Power Early -

The Warriors Of Doom d. The Heavenly Bodies (Dr. Tom Pritchard & Jimmy Del Ray)

Well, it seems as if they've brought in Jimmy Del Ray. So now it looks like Pritchard will go from a singles jobber to a tag team jobber--depending on if they get a push. Renegade won the match with his gorilla press and slam on Del Ray at 7:33....

Overall: 61

Crowd: 59

Match: 64

After the match, Paul Ellering began instructing his team to attack the Heavenly Bodies. As they were going to, The Crimson Twins emerged from the curtain, with microphones in their hands as they walked toward the ring. They were also accompanied by host of security guards...

Tomax" Whoaaa...whoaaaa...whoaaaa..whoaaaa..whoaaa!!! (The crowd popped for Tamox bringing back his early opening routine) Just what on earth..."

Xamot"...do you think you're doing!!"

Tomax"...In case you forgot, Senior Official Bill Alfonso..."

Xamot"..PLACED US..."

Tomax"...in control..."

Xamot" DEEMED US..."

Tomax"...The most powerful officials in the WWF..."

Xamot"...NEXT TOO..."

Tomax"..returning President Ted Dibiase!"

Xamot"...So as the Cheif Executive Officers to the WWF...we are requesting that you...."

Tomax"...NO!!!!"

Xamot" We are demanding of you you...."

Tomax"...to order you barbaric Tag Team..."

Xamot"...to clear the bloody ring..."

Tomax"...because we have to get set for..."

Xamot"...what the world is calling..."

Tomax (Mockingly) " The combination of Yesterday's Canadian Great with a future Canadian star..."

Xamot"...who the insiders are saying...."

Tomax (Mockingly, almost comedically animated) "...the effective mix of a veteran and rookie team...."

Xamot"...THAT'S RIGHT!!"

Tomax"...The Canadian Generationz, Ray Rougeau!!"

Xamot"...THE VET!!"

Tomax"...and Chris Jericho...."

Xamot"...THE ROOKIE!!"

Tomax"...CANADIAN GENERATIONZ...WITH A 'Z'!!"

Xamot" We want to see our Holiday Hell Opponents...."

Tomax"...in action to prepare for our match! So clear the ring..."

Tomax & Xamot"...YOU BARBARIC OATS!"

With the security in the ring, intimiditation persuaded Paul Ellering to get his team out of the ring, as the crowd booed The Crimson Twins for their abuse of their power. With that, The Crimson Twins announced that they were going to join Mooney for this match, as they went into an advert break. 63%

Tomax gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Canadian Generationz Get A Victory -

Canadian Generationz (Raymond Rougeau & Chris Jericho) d. Johnny Ace & Mike Barton

I find it interesting how they are acknowledging Ray Rougeau's difference in age from Jericho with this whole 'Generation' thing. Listening to commentary was really funny here, because Lawler just kept talking with the Crimson Twins--who together didn't allow Mooney to get much in...which is always nice. They did a referee switch decision deal here, where Ace gave Rougeau an Ace Crusher on Cornette's Tennis Racquet for the victory. But, official Pat Patterson came to the ring and told the referee what happened. He then reversed the decision to the Canadian Generationz for the victory. I wonder if they used Pat Patterson here to get over that Canadian link between he and Rougeau. Lawler mentioned Patterson being loyal to The Rougeau's Canadian Foundation, when they split away from Bret in '94. It was great listening to The Crimson Twins overreact. They were perfect in doing their thing, and had Lawler cracking up on numerous occasions.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 72

Match: 74

- Ted Dibiase Gets 'Rid' Of a New Face-

After the match they cut to the back where GWF Wrestler, Tiger Ali Singh was walking to The President's office with his servant, Babu. He knocked on the door, then walked in. Dibiase made a comment about not ordering any Indian Food, which got somewhat of a funny reaction from the crowd. Singh then said he was a new wrestler who just graduated from Antonio Inoki's Development Territory, The GWF. Dibiase laughed, and told him to go "Hang out with the Iron Sheik, or something," since he was 'busy'. Tiger Ali, then got upset, yelling;

"So THATS the way I get treated around here! Lets go Babu!! Lets go to someone who WILL help us!"

Rotunda and Dibiase just laughed as Tiger Ali panted away with little Babu. 77%

Ted DiBiase lost overness from this segment. Tiger Ali Singh gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Hacksaw Jim Duggan spots 'The Enemy' -

Returning off the break, they had Hacksaw Jim Duggan running around looking for the spotted, "Ayyyyeeerraaaabbssss", referring to Tiger Ali Singh and Babu, which got some laughs from the crowd. The Crimson Twins came running to the scene responding to Hacksaw's yelling. Hacksaw kept yelling that arabs were running rampant in the WWF once 'again', there referring to the Iron Shiek's past WWF history--thanks to Sean Mooney on commentary. At first Tomax & Xamot tried calming Hacksaw...but then decided that they would 'help' Hacksaw if he helps them. Lawler made a funny comment that Hacksaw needs to catch up with the times. I guess that's his little gimmick now.....56%

The Sandman d. Terry Taylor

The two did what they could, but no one believed that a repackaged Sandman would be loosing to Taylor. Pringle wasn't at ringside for this match. So I guess this means that Pringle is more of a direct manager for Brutus Beefcake. I'm hearing the thought of bringing in a female valet for Sandman. Sandman was managed by Woman when a heel in ECW, but Woman is currently under contract to ECA.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 78

Match: 64

-ADVERTS-

- The Dangerously-Dibiase Confronation -

Coming out of the break, Mike Rotunda introduced Ted Dibiase to the ring, accompanied by The Crimson Twins. Dibiase did his catch phrase, and promised to regain control of the WWF. At that point a familiar voice was hear on the house mic;

"...I'm glad you're here. I've some questions for you, Mr. President!" It was Paulie Dangerously.

Dangerously walked to the ring and had a breif staredown that's been an ever so familar WWF scene during the longstanding rivarly of Dibaise & Dangously, starting back when Dangerously was WWF President.

Paulie Dangerously

"So...let me get this straight! Ric Flair waltzes back in the WWF, fights a couple of matches and gets a WWF Triple Crown match tommorow night!! What about, my Sabu!! What about the man that dominated the Intercontinental scene for the better part of 1997!! What about the man, who during that time frame, defeated your current Triple Crown Champion, Hiroyoshi Tenzan! What about Sabu!!

At this point, Ted Dibiase started laughing and was handed a mic...

Dibiase" Dangerously!! The days of Arabian and Indian Wrestlers are over! The Iron Sheik? Done! Sabu? Fine...fly around the ring! Jump off of a chair or two...or three times! Mwahahaha! But in the end, that's not enough to win the Triple Crown!! Tenzan is an all around seasoned athlethe! Sabu wouldn't last 5 minutes with Tenzan!"

The crowd reacted hard to this, as this was taken as an insult to Sabu. Dangeroulsy had to hold Sabu back from attacking the WWF President.

Dangerously"...and that reminds me! You deserve a beating for the way you treated that GWF Wrestler, Tiger Ali Singh, earlier!"

Dibiase (Staring at Sabu) " Same Act! Different name! Mwahahaha!! When the wrestling world needs another Iron Shiek, I'm sure Sheik will start his own comeback, without his little imposters! But for now, no thank you!!"

Dangerously" Little imposter? This is an individual athlethe--No thank you? No....no...?"

Dangerously did a good job of looking very disturbed by Dibiase's comments, as did Sabu. He then returned to the back, pulling Sabu, as the announcers hyped his Holiday Hell match against The Undertaker. This segment had alot crowd heat. 94%

-ADVERTS-

- Hacksaw Put To The Test -

Sting d. 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan

The story behind this match was that this match was created by The Crimson Twins, to 'see' if Duggan was still good enough to compete with the top WWF Stars, as in the past. Basically a sqaush for Sting. After the match, The Crimson Twins dragged Hacksaw out of the ring, and carried him straight into the office of Ted Dibiase. How nice. We got to see The Crimson Twins beat up 'Hacksaw' on the way.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 81

Match: 47

- CEO Jim Duggan -

As Hacksaw was 'held up' by the Crimson Twins, Dibiase gave Duggan a speech about how he is primarilly what brought Ted Dibiase to WorldWide. He commented on PRIDE being out of control, and there being an Arabian Nest, nearby, in referance to GWF, Graduate Tiger Aligh Singh, which got a few laughs from the crowd. He then complimented Jim Duggan of proudly waiving the US Flag over the past, Arabian, Japanese, and Russian factions that roamed through the WWF. He then offered Jim Duggan a new job...

Dibiase" Duggan, I would like you to the new CEO Of The World Wrestling Federation!!"

Duggan" C.E.O?"

At this point, Mooney starting selling the idea of Jim Duggan as President or CEO, as the crowd fell into it, as Dibiase laughed away. Dibiase continued...

Dibiase" THAT'S RIGHT!! MERRY CHRISTMAS JIM DUGGAN!! Because you are the new Centrainternational Executive Operator of The WWF!!"

Duggan (After being brought up to his feet by the Crimsons) " Centrawhawhahahaha? U.S.A!!! Hooooooooooooo!!! You got it, 'tough guy!! Hooooooo!!!!!!!!"

This segment ended with Dibiase, and The Crimsons all laughing as Duggan started to chant CEO!! Production Assistan Davey Flanders was heard yelling "...and we're clear!", a good 3 seconds before they actually cut to adverts, but luckilly the crowd was so stunned at the idea of Duggan working for Dibiase, that it wasn't easily picked up. 85%

CEO Jim Duggan gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Sorry, No time for Paulie -

Coming out of the break, Sean Mooney and Jerry Lawler starting hyping tommorows Christmas Special -- Holiday Hell II. As they were running down the card, Paulie Dangerously emerged to the ring with Sabu, and , straight out of developement, Tiger Ali Singh. Dangerously immediatley started talking over Mooney, citing how, "this young man" (Singh), came to WorldWide tonight, for an opportunity, and was turned down because, in quoting Dibiase, "He was busy". And then, our 'oh suddenly so Patriotic President' suggests that maybe Tiger Ali Singh, and his good friend--and servant--Babu, should--in quoting Dibiase--"Go hang out with the Iron Sheik or something..." However, as Dangerously was introducing Tiger Ali Singh to the live crowd, and wrestling world, The Crimson Twins appeared on The Titan Tron, laughing. Hacksaw--I mean, CEO Jim Duggan was in the background staring a hole into the camera...

Tomax (Laughing) " Whoaaaa...Whoaaaaa..Whhoooaaaa..Paulie! Have you any..."

Xamot"..regard for the Time?"

Tomax" We've got to congratulate Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase on his first full..."

Xamot"...day back on the Job, as WWF President."

*The Twins pause to applause, while the crowd booes as Dangerously, joined with Sabu and Tiger Ali Singh; and Babu crawling around, watches in fustration.

Tomax" And now with that done..."

Xamot"...I believe we're out of time this week."

Tomax" We must obide by the rules..."

Xamot"...Follow the playbook!"

Tomax" Perhaps you can hold whatever it is that you want to say, until another time...."

Xamot"...maybe tommorow at Holiday Hell..."

Tomax"...or maybe..."

Xamot & Tamox" NEVER!!"

*They both laugh, generating more Booes...Dangerously tries to talk but his house mic is turned off....*

Tomax" Sorry, Dangerously, we have bills to pay..."

Xamot" After all..."

Tomax" We wouldn't want to end up like..."

Tomax & Xamot"E.C.W"

**Big reaction from the crowd was Dangrously goes nuts. Sabu & Tiger Ali Singh try to calm Dangerously down*

Tomax" Join us tommorow night..."

Xamot" Same Crimson Time..."

Tomax"..Same Crimson Channel..."

Xamot"...Oh! And That reminds me!"

Tomax" Me Too!"

Tomax & Xamot" Shouldn't you be thinking about Sabu's date with death Tomorow!?"

The segment ends with the Crimsons laughing again, as Dangerously stood, dumbfounded, with Sabu and Tiger equally as fustrated....85%

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney (Awkwardley) " Oh, well it looks like, we didn't have enough time for one of our managers, Paulie Dangerously...uh..I guess, we'll hear from him tommorow. That Tiger guy...I hear he's related to the great Tiger Jeet Singh! "Lawler" Mooney, there's no time for that now! Tommorow night Sabu faces The Undertaker! I've seen The Undertaker fall 15 feet through a row of tables!! And he still got up! How can Sabu top that!?"

Mooney" And the IC Belt is on the line! Owen Hart! Carl Oulette! One on One!"

Lawler" Oulette impressed me at Shangrila!! But he has the belt! So he's Le Champion!!"

Mooney" And the big one! The WWF Triple Crown is on the line! Nature Boy Ric Flair vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan!"

Lawler" It's the Nature Boy! This is what he strives on!! But, Tenzan's intent on proving himself to be the best Wrestler in the World Today by beating men like Ric Flair!"

Mooney" Well it's tommorow night! Big Matches! It's our thanks to you, the fans!! See you tommorow night, at Holiday Hell II!! On your local Television affiliate!"

Show Quality: 72%

TV Rating: 7.57

Holiday Hell II is next!!

[ChuBalso]

Holiday Hell II - December 28th, 1997

Channel: Affialiates - Nat'l

Venue: Cyngus Air Dome - Pittsburgh, PA

Attendance: 20,619

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Presidential Council; Protected By The Giant -

Holiday Hell II, on 12/28 opened up with Sean Mooney running down the card, in the ring to a hot PA crowd. Suddenly the Million Dollar Man's music hit, as out came Ted Dibiase, accompanied by Mike Rotunda, The Crimson Twins & CEO Jim Duggan, who' kept 'Ho'ing' in the background. Dibiase talked about regaining control over the WWF from the effects of The Horsemen, Owen Hart as IC Champion, The Success Of PRIDE, before he introduced, "A man who strives to uphold the find tradition of officiating--Senior Official Bill Alfonso!"

Dibiase, then continued on, citing that Dibiase needs an advisor to help him everyday in his WWF Presidential duties. Dibiase then introduced, "The Smartest person in the World--The Genius!!", Lanny Poffo to the ring. The crowd enjoyed the return of a WWF gimmick from yesteryear. I like how history has played somewhat of a significant role in the WWF's week to week events. Nice to see some former WWF favourites 'in control' of the New Generation, so to speak. Dibiase, continued, and introduced The Genius' Assistants, and further explained how this new 'team' was going to work...

Dibiase" So, Poffo!! While me and my executive team, here of, Bill Alfonso, The CEO Jim Duggan, and The Crimson Twins" are taking on the big deals, you will be the man taking care of the second by second action! You are the man who wrestlers will goto when they want a match! When they want something resolved!! When they need immediate action! But no...you won't have to do this alone!! I have hired two Assistants for you!! Mwahaahahaahaha!! The Gigilo Jimmy Del Ray!! And WWF Great, Bob Orton!!

With that, Orton, sporting a suit and a Cowboy Hat, along with the dancing Del Ray came to the ring as Genius clasps his hands together in excitement. Dibiase then introduced the final, and most important addition to what would be called, The Presidential Council"...

Dibiase" What you are looking at in this ring -- me, The Twins, Alfonso, Genius, Del Ray, Orton--This is the Presidential Council! When you want a question answered--a problem solved--something done--you come to us!! These will be the people that'll help me keep the WWF Stars in line!! Mwahahahahaaha!!! And if anyone gets out of line!! If anyone thinks that they can push us around, like in the past!! Then they're wrong! Because they'll have to anwer TO THAT!"

The camera focuses in to The Giant Silva walking down the isle. He got quite a nice reaction, especially after having that horrible thing earlier in the year with Dutch Mantell and Francine. McMahon started pushing Silva over as bearing a resemblance to the late, Andre The Giant.

With that annoucement, the Crimson Twins said that they had a Holiday song for President Dibiase. It was modified version of the "12 days of Christmas", song. They replaced all of the gifts with bodyparts of Canadian Generationz. For instance...one of their lines...

Xamot"...On the 6th Day Of Christmas..."

Tomax" Mother Crimson gave to me..."

Xamot"...a pinned Jericho and a..."

Tomax"Rougeau with a Z!"

Their singing was interrupted by a Canadian Generationz run in, clearing the ring area of The Presidential Council, and segwaying right into the opening match. 87%

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" The Presidential Council!! Constructed by WWF President Ted Dibiase!!"

Heenan" Well, look at what ya got there! You've got The Crimson's, former English National Guard Soldiers, Senior Official Bill Alfonso--who has always called it down the middle--WWF Tag Team Specialist great, Mike Rotunda, And the advising of--easily the smartest man in WWF History--The Genius! What a strong representation for the WWF! Money, Power, Brains--They've got it all!"

McMahon" Well, what does this mean for stars like The Four Horsemen! Shawn Waltman! Don Frye! Al Snow! Sabu!! What does this mean for them!"

Heenan" Who cares! Here comes Canadian Generationz! With a 'Z'!"

- Iranian Attack -

The Crimson Twins (Xamot & Tomax d. Canadian Generationz (Ray Rougeau & Chris Jericho)

This match wasn't too bad, as the two teams worked moderatley well together. Midway into the match The Iron Sheik was spotted by Vince McMahon, standing in the back with necome, Tiger Ali Singh, now called, Tiger Jeet Singh Jr.--Skandar Akbar was there with Babu, and was pointing to the Crimson Twins. Mooney hinted that the Sheik may have been offended by the words of the WWF President last night on WorldWide. Finals of the match came at 12:33 when referee Jimmy Korderas lost control of the match. Chris Jericho had Xamot in the Liontamer, and was squeezing submission--teasing the Twins loosing their first match--until, Xamot came off the top rope with a Crimson (Cranium) Kick to the head of Jericho. Tomax took out Rougeau with a lariat while Xamot held Jericho down for the count. As the Crimson Twins were celebrating Rougeau & Jericho dropkicked them from behind, getting the babyface revenge pop. As they left, Akbar & Iron Sheik made there way to the ring, to a supporting crowd. Sheik waived the Iranian Flag, as Akbar grabbed Xamot and gave him a weak looking punch. Sheik jabbed Tomax with the flagpole, as Akbar added a sloppilly aimed kick to Tomax's chest. Akbar then stated back, and started yelling directions at Singh Jr. and Shiek, eventually leading to Singh putting on the Cobra Clutch on the Twins to a nice reaction. Heenan made a comment about that move being handed down to Singh Jr. from his Father. Shiek and Singh got a nice pop as The Crimsons escaped to the back.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 61

Match: 69

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" OH my!! The Iron Sheik--in the ring waiving that Iranian Flag--and he brought his friend, Skandar Akbar!!"

Heenan" Those are two crazy old men, McMahon! If the Crimson's want to last long in this sport, then I would suggest staying away from those two!"

McMahon" And what about the son of Tiger Jeet Singh!! Locking on that Cobra Clutch sleeper! But up next, The Intercontinental Title is on the line! Can Owen Hart win back his Title!?"

Heenan" Here comes, Le Champion!!"

-ADVERTS-

- Le Theif Oulette Continues his ways -

Owen Hart d. Carl Pierre Oulette - WWF Intercontinental Title

These two worked fairly hard here, and had quite the hot crowd. A funny chant started during the 8 minute of Oulette offense, as "Le Theif" was heard and acknowledged by McMahon on commentary. At 12:22 they started to redo the Shangril-a plancha spot into the crowd. Oulette threw Owen into the ringside crowd, and later spread accross a row of chairs. Oulette went into the ring and teased the plancha, but not after yelling back and forth with fans. Oulette's got incredible heel chemistry with the fans right now. Kudos to Dillon and Russo for getting Oulette out of the sidekick stigma with the Mountie, and into a formidable force on his own. After stalling, Oulette finally went for the dive, but Owen moved, causing Oulette to go crashing into the chairs. This sparked a big "Owen" chant as he rolled him back into the ropes and set him into the Sharpshooter for the victory. Right after the bell ran, Owen's music started to play, but Lance Storm ran down the isle, and snatched the WWF Intercontinental Belt from the timekeeper's table. With Owen still down in the ring, with Oulette, Storm sprinted to the back, as Owen began looking for his belt. While he was looking, Storm sprinted back to the ring, and yanked Oulette out of the ring to safety, before placing the Intercontinental Title back on Oulette's shoulder. As soon as Owen turned around, he proceeded to chase them into the back.

Overall: 85

Crowd: 88

Match: 80

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Now, wait just a minute! That's not his belt!! He didn't win that belt! That belt belong's to the Canadian Horseman Owen Hart!"

Heenan" McMahon, 'Le Champion', needs 'Le Belt', to be 'Le Champion!' Hahaha!"

McMahon" Oh please, Brain. It's the Holiday Hell Television Special--We are live at the Cyngas Air Dome--That match between The Undertaker and Sabu is next!"

Heenan" Where's the new CEO, Jim Duggan!!?"

-ADVERTS-

- Help From The Original WWF Sheik -

Sabu d. The Undertaker

Sabu came to the ring wearing his Sheik costume, to which McMahon pushed on commentary, as "Undoubetly being a sign of disconsent with President Ted Dibiase's anti-Arabian comments this weekend. Dangerously was waiving an Arabian Flag, also in protest I guess, which looked kinda odd. But seing Dangerously's intense face when waiving the flag made everything ok once again. He was joined with Tiger Ali Singh Jr., who McMahon once again, described as the son of the great Tiger Jeet Singh, and who has taken the GWF by storm. Match started off with Sabu going against the ropes and trying out different methods of attack to get Undertaker down. The Sabu offense ended, within 7 minutes, when Undertaker caught Sabu off of the ropes into his Prime Time Chokeslam, which had the crowd going nuts. Lee was about to go for the pin, but was sidetracked when Bruce Pritchard starting wrestling with Paulie Dangerously, on the outside, for the Iranian Flag. Lee went to the outside and helped Pritchard by punching Dangerously away, and grabbing the Flag. Lee held the flag up, then broke it over his knee, with McMahon selling that as "A lack of respect for the Arabian/Indian community". McMahon apologised to the home viewers. With Sabu in the ring, slowly recovering from the Prime Time Chokeslam, The Iron Sheik, hit the ringside area and started beating on Brian Lee, whilst yelling in some Arabic Language. The crowd was popping hard for this, as they did a good job of pushing the whole 'Harmless yet offensive jabs at Sabu and Tiger Ali Singh', over with the fans. Tiger Ali joined in, selling his anger at Undertaker breaking the flag. At this time, Heenan was comparing Singh Jr. as being just as wild as his Father. Finally, once he recovered, Sabu joined in, by throwing a chair at the back of Undertaker. The crowd went nuts for this 'mugging' of sorts. Of course, John Finnegan was the referee, and always loosing controls of matches. The 'mugging' continued, as they dragged Undertaker into the crowd and up to the stage area, where McMahon & Heenan were. As the crowd screamed 'Kick his ass', Iron Sheik, Tiger Ali, and Babu, set up The Undertaker on a table, while Sabu climbed to the higher stage level. Dangerously was being helped back up by Skandar Akbar at ringside, as Sabu jumped off of the stage landing an Arabian Face Buster, with a chair, on Undertaker laying on the table. The sound of Sabu coming down with the chair made a sickening thud on Lee, and saw the table dent just a bit. Sabu then started to cover Undertaker, right there, on the stage, as McMahon screamed,

McMahon" Oh...why not!! It's Sabu!! The Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal Maniaca from Bombay India!! Lets get John Finnegan out here! And lets give these fans a Holiday Present! Lets give them a cover!!"

As if he heard him, Finnegan started making his way threw the rowdy fans and up to the stage to make the cover on The Undertaker. Sabu's victory got a huge pop, as he was ushered back through the crowd and into the ring by Singh, Babu, and The Iron Shiek. Skandar Akbar and Paulie Dangerously were focused in on as they shook hands, selling somewhate of a work relationship.

Overall: 81

Crowd: 85

Match: 74

Commentary Aftermath

Heenan" Geez? How many family relatives did it take to beat the Undertaker, huh?"

McMahon" OH stop it Brain. The Iron Shiek! Tiger Ali! Skandar Akbar! And of course, SABU!! They were all offended by The Undertaker's actions! He broke that Flag over his knee!!"

Heenan (Ignoring McMahon) " What? McMahon, we don't 'have time' for your comments. We had to cut to a break!"

-ADVERTS

- The Horsmen Locker Room -

Sean Mooney was standing by in the Horsemen lockerroom. He approached JJ Dillon and said something, in referance to recent events, about there being an 'Arabian Uprising' in the WWF. Owen overheard this and charged Mooney, yelling at him, saying

"I got my I-C belt stolen by Oulette, and his little training boy, Lance Storm, and all you can talk about are those circus wrestlers!" Owen, along with Dillon, stormed away from Mooney, who got a glimpse of Steve Corino. Corino told Mooney, that he had a special challenge for the Sandman next week on RAW. At this point, Ric Flair was heard yelling, "Did somebody say, Sandman!!!!", before approaching Mooney with Sting, and wrapping his arms around the shoulders of Corino. Flair continued....

Flair (Shouting) " Because if ya talkin' about The Sandman--then ya gotta be also thinkin' 'bout his right hand man--Sweet Bruti!! And tonight! Stinger!! You've got a one on one match with the Mad Barber!"

Sting" Mad Barber?! It's gonna be more like the 'Sad Barber who got his haircut by The Stinger!!' Beefcake, me and The King Of Old School's got ya in a War Games match at The Rumble! But tonight! The only war games that you'll have to worry about, are the ones that I play in your hair!! And Pringle--if you get in the way--I'm gonna have to give you a little, 'Sting', too!!"

Flair" And then...right after that! The Nature Boy brings the WWF Triple Crown home! To the Nature Boy! Wooooo!!! Tenzan!! I've waited a month for this!! I hear you're good! But to be the man..you've got to beat the man! And you've never beaten me before! So bring whatever ya got! Cos--woooo--the Nature Boy's....gonna take it all away!!"

Mooney threw it back to Vince, as Beefcake w/ Percey Pringle was making his way to the ring...92%

Ric Flair gained overness from this segment.

- The Tale Of The Cane -

Sting d. Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake

Well, the two wrestled a match straight out of 1989. But, the crowd heat was there, which caused nothing to be taken away from the match. Fans are into the new heel Brutus Beefcake. And Sting is one of the top faces in the company--in American Wrestling, for that matter. At 11:22, after a Stinger splash, Percy Pringle III, with his man, The Sandman, emerged from the certain wielding a singapore cane. Referee Mike Chioda, saw this right away, and sprinted to the isleway to cut off Pringle and Sandman from the ring. He stopped Pringle--since he had the cane--as Sandman dashed off to the side of the ring. He went underneath the ring, revealing another singapore cane. It should be noted that all this time, Sandman had a lit cigerette in his mouth. Sandman jumped in the ring, only to be clobbered by Sting. Sting ended up giving both men Stinger splashes, before teasing using the singapore cane on Beefcake and Sandman. The crowd popped hard for the tease, and of course, erupted when he leveled both men with the cane, before breaking it over his knee, and tossing it into the crowd. Sting tossed Sandman out of the ring, then started to chase after Pringle--but he ran back to saftey. When Sting got back into the ring, Beefcake was selling Sting's offense, by wandering around almost in a drunk manner--Sting snuck around him and nailed The Sleeper Hold on Beefcake, which got a nice pop. Beefcake lost to his own move at 12:22 of an entertaining match. After the victory, as Pringle III tried to revive The Sandman, Sting began clipping away at Beefcake's hair, giving him a rather bad haircut. Minutes later, when he, Sandman and Pringle were left in the ring, Beefcake saw his hair on the Titan Tron, and began throwing a tantrum, all the way to the back.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 89

Match: 57

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Well...ya can bet that that's not a Holiday Hair-cut that Beefcake wanted!!"

Heenan" Beefcake can't believe it! You can bet revenge is on his mind!"

-ADVERTS-

- The Extreme Culture -

Returning off the break, Paulie Dangerously was already in the ring, with Sabu and Skandar Akbar, as well as JJ Dillon who seemed to have been trying to get Paulie out of the ring. When Paulie got the cue that he was on, he started smirking, and went to work...

Dangerously" Mr. Dillon, I know how much you're looking forward to 'reliving yesteryear' and introducing Ric Flair to the ring...but I have something that I have to get off of my chest--and--well--I'm glad that you're here to hear it."

Dillon" I don't think this is the time. We've got just about 45 minutes left..."

Dangerously"...Oh of course it's the time. Because you see, it's never the time when it's time for Paulie and his 'Arabian Daredevil', is it? It's never the time when the son of Tiger Jeet Singh arrives, only to be shot down by 'Our President'. 'What is it?' - I thought to myself. What could it be? What is the WWF afraid of? Are they descriminating against Arabian athlethes? (Slight pause) At first I thought seriously about that--but then I realised...nahh..1998's just around the corner, we're beyond that! But then I realised something! The WWF is afraid of something! You are afraid of the Extreme Culture, that guys like, Singh and Sabu...carry in their blood!"

Dillon" Paul, please. Lets just get on with--"

Dangerously" Lets talk about the Extreme Culture!! Lets talk about the heritage! Lets talk about, The Original Sheik!! Think about the trouble and injuries he caused! Lets talk about the great Tiger Jeet Singh! How crazy he was!! How insane he was? How he terrorised Japanese Wrestling during the 60's 70's and 80's! How he was one of the few people to pin Antonio Inoki!! And just last night, Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. goes into Dibiase's office, as calm as he'll ever be? And our President tells him to 'go hang out with The Sheik!!?"

Dillon" We'll have a talk with Dibiase--"

Dangerously" It's quite ok, as my talking seems to be satisfying, right now! You see, I've figured you out, Dillon. I've figured all our yout little goon's fears now. You see in the 70's and 80's it was all about the Powerful Russians in Wrestling! When everyone caught onto that, The Arabian Era occured. Crazied lunatics, The Iron Shiek, Tiger Jeet Singh, The Original Sheik, the list goes on and on during that dangerous time in Wrestling! During the '90's the Japanese slowly made their mark into American Wrestling...and with the WWF as the leading force behind that drive, I'm not suprised at how well it has turned out, for guys like--Hiroyoshi Tenzan! (Crowd booes LOUDLY) Jun Akiyama (Crowd booes again), Hayabusa (Crowd booes once again), and Hakushi! (moderate cheer)"

Dillon" Yes. Wrestling has stages. Thank you. And now ladies and gentleman!! The Challenger--"

Dangerously (smoothly interupting) " But what if that Extreme Culture made a return to the Wrestling World. And occured right here, in the WWF?"

Dillon" Great. Now, as I was saying--"

Dangerously" What if the next time you saw Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., he had a poor victim in his deadly Cobra Clutch Sleeper? What if Iron Sheik started to pick apart the youth of the WWF with his bone crunching Camel Clutch!! You see, the WWF is afraid of a second wave! They are afraid of a resurgance of this type of Wrestling! They are afraid that the beautiful moonsaults, and perfect leg locks, will soon be no match for the Triple Jump Moonsault of, Sabu"

**Dillon tried to leave, but was stopped in his tracks by Dangerously's demanding voice**

Dangerously" Why does Flair get a title shot after a couple of wins, when MY SABU had been virtually undefeated, by defending that Intercontinental Title all year!? Why does FLAIR get the big shot? Why hasn't Sabu been offered a WWF Triple Crown shot, when he has already beaten Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the ring!?"

Dillon (Stuttering) "I...I..don't know. You'll have to bring that up with the Presidential Council..."

Dangerously" WHY DID OULETTE, get a god damned return bout, just one month after his loss--when My Sabu, never got a similiar lot of chances to get that belt back!"

Dillon" Once again...perhaps Dibiase can answer your questions..."

Dangerously (Sarcastically) " It's because 'We here, at the WWF value our Canadian Wrestlers!!' 'We here at the WWF value our Oriental Wrestlers!' In fact, we value all of our International superstars--EXCEPT THE ARABS."

*This got a big reaction, here as Dillon seemed moved by that comment. Heenan made a comment here, about how Dillon, being a WWF Official, didn't have to listen to this. Sabu then grabbed the microphone for a few parting words. Sabu, the man of few words, got the crowd riled up for this.

Sabu" I deserve a shot at that WWF Triple Crown! I beat Tenzan before, and I'll kick his ass again! And whether you like it our not, you'd better be ready the New Wave--not of Candian Wrestling--But of Arabian Terror!"

**Dangerously and Sabu left, as Akbar followed behind waiving another Iranian Flag. Dillon stood around the ring, and waited for the 'Sabu' chant to alleviate. 96%

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

Commentary Aftermath

Heenan" McMahon, I've been around during some of those guys that Dangerously was talking about! Tiger Jeet Singh Sr.--A NUT! The Original Sheik--the damn guy couldn't stay away from fire! And you remember when The Iron Shiek ruled the WWF!"

McMahon" I sure do, Brain...and it was not a pleasant experience!"

Heenan" I always knew Dangerously was a pyscho, anyway. Why's he hanging around with all of them guys."

McMahon" Oh stop it, Brain. Dangerously's not pyscho, he's passionate about this sport! He's been with Sabu since the beginning! He seems to be helping out Tiger Jeet Singh. When Dangerously sees talent--he goes for it! He wants the best--THAT'S ALL!"

Heenan" I wish these people chanting 'Sabu' would stop so that the WWF Triple Crown match would occur! We've got two real athlethes getting ready to wrestle!"

McMahon" What's that's supposed to mean?"

Heenan" Well, c'mon. Let's face it. I wouldn't exactly put Sabu and Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. in the same athletic category as Flair and Tenzan--I mean c'mon..."

McMahon" We'll be right back with the WWF Triple Crown match. (Aside to Brain) How can you say that?"

-ADVERTS-

- Sabu ends the WWF Triple Crown Match -

Hiroyoshi Tenzan DRAW Ric Flair - WWF Triple Crown -

A very strong 15 minute match, ended abruplty due to the end run in. Tenzan & Flair started off very slow, and did alot of ringwork, which had the crowd hot for everything they did. There was one point at 12:33 where the crowd went absolutley nuts for Flair, where it looked as if he was going to win. With Flair slightly busted open, Tenzan was going for his headbutt. But Tenzan took so long, in playing to the crowd, that Flair moved, causing Tenzan to miss his finisher. Flair then put Tenzan into a figure four spot, to which Tenzan would not submit. Angered, Flair went up to the top turnbuckle, and started hitting himself in the head, further opening his cut on his head, getting the biggest reaction of the night, as he pounded blood out of his head. Finally, Flair dove off, but missed--thanks to the time waisted in his animatics. At this point, Tenzan went to the top rope, for what looked to be a moonsault--but was interupted by a chair being thrown into his face, knocking him onto the mat. It was Sabu. Sabu, then got in the ring, and started pounding on Ric Flair, getting quite the reaction. Referee Shane McMahon threw up his hands, as he had no idea what to do. He was quickly thrown out of the ring by The Iron Sheik. Sabu, then started attacking both Flair and Tenzan with his chair, as Dangerously screamed instructions at Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., to go after Dillon, who was on the outside. Luckily, Corino ran down the isle to Dillon's aid, as The rest of the Horsemen pulled Flair out of the ring and to saftey. Scattered members of, PRIDE, Barton, Ace, Hayabusa, Cornette--came to pull Tenzan out of the ring, and away from the developing attack....

Overall: 87

Crowd: 93

Match: 74

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Oh my Goodness! What action!! Sabu has taken out both Ric Flair and Tenzan!"

Heenan" And he's getting help from Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., and The Iron Shiek!! And look who's on the outside watching! Skandar Akbar & Paulie Dangerously."

McMahon" Dangerously's got the mic!"

- A.T.O.M -

After cutting to an advert break, Holiday Hell returned with Hiroyoshi Tenzan, the Triple Crown Champion, and manager Cornette, with some members of PRIDE, looked on, in addition to the Horsemen, from their lockeroom, as Dangerously stood in the ring, with Skandar Akbar--flag in hand, The Iron Shiek, Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., and, of course, Sabu. Babu stood crouched down besides Singh.

Paulie Dangerously

" Cornette!! That Triple Crown Title is coming to where it belongs!! That's right!! Sabu is challenging you for that Triple Crown Title, at the Royal Rumble! He beat you before, and he'll do it again!! That's right Cornette!! Get set for the ressurgance of the Extreme!! It's time for a new era in the WWF! The return of one of the more terrorising era's in Wrestling history!!It's in their blood! And soon, it will be...IN YOURS!! All of you!! You Cornette, and Pride!! You, Horsemen!! The Canadians! Hell, if The Sandman and Brutus Beefcake think that they can handle, the toughness and coldness of The Iron Shiek! The insanity of Sabu!! The mere potentional of the son of Tiger Jeet Singh--then they are ready for the ATOM OF THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION! That's right...the forumala to gold!! The return to the Extreme! The ARABIAN TRINITY OF MADNESS!! Hahahahahaaha!!!! Hahaaaaaa!!! Welcome to the Extreme!! " 85%

With that, Dangerously & Akbar held up Sabu's hands, as The Iron Sheik and Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., waived the Iranian Flag to a loud 'Sabu' chant taking Holiday Hell off the air. 85%

A.T.O.M

The Formula To Gold?

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Listen to this capacity crowd, Brain!! Listen to their support!!"

Heenan" Why are they cheering them!"

McMahon" It's about fairness, Brian! It's about respecting guys like the Iron Shiek! It's about giving a chance to guys like Tiger Jeet Singh Jr!! It's about giving Sabu the chance he deserves at the WWF Triple Crown!! "

Heenan" And Dangerously and Akbar are the two that's going to do this!! What about Flair!?! The WWF Presidential Council will be very busy on next week's Monday Night RAW!"

Show Quality: 84%

TV Rating: Revenue Based; 1.97

McMahon then congtratulated, WWF Fan, "Plankton" on winning some internet contest, and winning front row tickets to next week's RAW at The Nassau Colliseum....

[ChuBalso]

Jan 8th, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Yandtone City Complex - MN

Attendance: 12,033

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. d. The Great Kabuki

The first RAW of 1998 opened up with Paulie Dangerously standing in the ring, with the Great Kabuki lurking in the corner, as Styles and Heenan on commentary ran down the announced matches for the night. Dangerously spoke over the crowd and gave a history filled introduction for Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., accompanied by servant, Babu and, manager Skandar Akbar. Singh Jr. got an OK responce. Styles did a good job on commentary of getting Singh over as a second generation athlethe. Singh was built as a 'temperate madman', who could always 'snap' at any second. Singh won with the Cobra Clutch, out of nowhere on Great Kabuki at 9:33, in what was pushed as an upset. Kabuki wasn't too bad, here. Heenan mentioned that Kabuki probably fought with Singh Sr., over the course of his career.

Overall: 51

Crowd: 56

Match: 58

The Great Kabuki lost overness from this match. Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. gained overness from this match.

- Dangerously Introduces 'The ATOM of the WWF' -

Following the victory, Dangerously got back in the ring, and stood around until a strong "Sabu" chant started. First, Dangerously introduced The Iron Shiek, calling him the pioneer of Arabian Greats--and the origine of the Hardcore--in the WWF. Sheik got a polite respectful pop and applause from the crowd.

Iron Shiek actually had alot to say. He pushed Tiger Jeet Singh's Father, and ranted on about how he (Sheik) was once the most feared men in the WWF. Sheik seemed to be getting very emotional, especially when talking about his run-ins with former WWF'er, Hulk Hogan. He ended talking about how he came back to the WWF, and trained Owen Hart to beat his own brother, and sited that as a reason why his group would have an advantage over The Four Horsemen.

Finally, Dangerously introduced the "Nucleous Of The ATOM", the man who will, "Continue on the WWF Tradition of Arabian Greats", and finally called out Sabu. Sabu was dressed in new Arabian 'Sheik' wear, and sported a new Flag on his way to the ring. It was a flag with the word "ATOM" graphically written accross it, with the "O" in atom, the image of a Globe. And on that globe, was an unlabeled Earth, with the outline of India, standing out. Dangerously then pushed, The Iron Shiek, Sabu, and Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. as an "Arabian Trinity Of Madness". Heenan had a funny comment when Dangerously refered to Sabu as the Nucleous, again, asking Styles, "Why does he keep calling Sabu names!?"

Dangerously pushed Sabu big time, after defeating the Undertaker at Holiday Hell II, and undoubtedly becoming the #1 contender for the WWF Title. The crowd was loudly chanting 'Sabu' as Dangerously showed the Highlights of Holiday Hell II, with SAbu attacking both Flair and Tenzan. It was announced here, by Styles, that due to the attack, both Ric Flair, and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, were not at Monday Night RAW. Dangerously, then made a demand of the WWF Presidential Council to grant Sabu a shot at the WWF Triple Crown, ending on this soundbite...

"...For years the WWF has been missing out on that centerpiece! That ATOM, of the WWF!! Well now, The ATOM is here!!! The Arabian Trinity of Madness will bring back, what they created--EXTREME WRESTLING!" 95%

-ADVERTS-

Pauline Patriot & The Warriors Of Doom (The Renegade Warrior & The Mighty Horace Hogan) d. Helen Wolfenstein, Mr. Everything, & Rick Martel

This match had an emphasis on the female wrestlers, Pauline Patriot and the woman man beast, Helen Wolfenstein. It went a little too long, especially with the power spots between Martin and Hogan. Pauline won with her All American Slam--a powerslam (A bad one at that, due to Helen's huge size) at 7:44. After the match, 'The Genius' Lanny Poffo made his way to the ring, wearing his pink graduation outfit getting quite the heel reaction. He was accompanied by his 'assistants', Jimmy Del Ray & Bob Orton, sporting his cowboy hat. Styles teased the possibilities of what the Cheif Advisor to the WWF President could be doing in the ring as they went to advert break.

Overall: 49

Crowd: 53

Match: 58

-ADVERTS-

- Sabu: Ordered To Defeat The Undertaker 'Fairly' -

Cowboy Bob Orton was jawing with fans, as Genius, starting reading from his board introducing 'The Jigilo' Jimmy Del Ray...

The Genius

" Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages,

he's danced into the hearts of Wrestling fans, over it's many stages,

Now he serves the WWF President, as an assistant to I--

The Smartest Man in WWF History--the Tiger Of The Eye!

YOUR ADVISOR TO THE WWF PRESIDENT--THE GENIUS LANNY POFFO!!"

Del Ray danced around as Genius bowed to the crowd. Orton grabbed the mic and started yelling at the fans to 'show respect' to these 'Wrestling Greats'. A "You Still Suck" chant started, which was probably directed to all three men in the ring. Finally, Del Ray grabbed the mic, and said that The Genius had a special announcement regarding the challenge of Sabu to the WWF Triple Crown Champion, Tenzan. Of course, Genius had to read from his board..or whatever it was.

The Genius

" Mr. Paulie Dangerously, I'm replying you're request for

Sabu to face The WWF Triple Crown Champion at The Royal Rumble.

I'm sorry, but last weekend at Holiday Hell...you did NOT win your match Fairly against, The Undertaker! Behold!!! "

*Genius pointed to the Titan Tron, where they replayed the highlights of Holiday Hell, with Sabu pinning Undertaker on the stage. He continued...**

" I don't know what that pin meant to you....

But to The Genius, it's not TRUE!!!

It's an illegal pin, by hardcore favourite ref -- John Finnegan,

And you can bet that John -- he'll be dealth with, by the man...

But back to Sabu, the issue at Hand--this brings me such pity...

To announce that you'll have to beat Lee,

One and One in the ring....

And then, then, and only then...will you get the Triple Crown Ding!"

With that, the Genius left, getting some applause from those cult 'Genius' fans, but mostly booes, as Styles pushed the Sabu-Undertaker rematch. 75%

The Genius gained overness from this segment. Jimmy Del Ray gained overness from this segment.

- Flexx Kavanna: Upset Of The Year -

Flexx Kavanna d. Jun Akiyama

Akiyama was pushed by Styles as the 'last' ECW Champion, which I guess spells the end of that belt. Both men worked extremely hard here, which really showed what they could really do. Everyone's already been exposed to Akiyama, but Kavanna showed that he can work just as well. Kavanna teased the Kavanna Krush, throughout the match, while Akiyama teased his Exploder variations--with both attempts being countered. After an advert break, the match started winding down, and ended with Kavanna landing his best executed Kavanna Krusher {Rock Bottom} to date, and getting the 3 count on the ECW Champion at 16:33 of a great match. Styles went nuts here, screaming, "Kavanna beat Akiyama!! Kavanna beat Akiyama!!

Kavanna beat Akiyammmmaaaaaaaa!!! "

Overall: 70

Crowd: 71

Match: 86

Jun Akiyama lost overness from this match. Flex Kavanna gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Percy Pringle's & Sweet Bruti's New Year's Gift To The Sandman -

Coming out of the break, the crowd seemed to still be buzzing about the Kavanna win over Akiyama, as Joey Styles introduced Percy Pringle III and Brutus Beefcake to the ring, along with The Sandman along side smoking his cigerette, and drinking his beer - but without his cane. Pringle wished everyone a happy new year--to a shower of booes--then told The Sandman that he and Brutus had a New Years Gift for him. They then showed a holiday-esque video package consisting of old ECW Footage of Sandman beginning his career, with Woman (Nancy Sullivan) by his side. After the Holiday montage stopped Sandman started going nuts screaming 'No! You couldn't have! No!' His animatics were hilariously done here. His '94-95 work in the then-newly purchased GWF Developement territory, has paid off greatly. Pringle then made a comment about Sandman's cane being missing. He then said, that he knew where the cane was. Pringle started doing his little waddle as Woman emerged with The Sandman's cane beyond the curtain...

Pringle" That's right, Pringle likes to make dreams come true! Here she is! Your first love, WOMAN!!"

Sandman, went nuts giving a high five to Beefcake, then a funny looking one to Pringle, before hugging Woman to a sarcastically sympathetic responce from the live crowd. Woman got quite the reaction as she strolled around a WWF Ring for the first time in her career. Pringle then starting yelling 'Happy New Year!' , as they cut to the back where Eric Bischoff was backstage with Flexx Kavanna. 70%

Woman gained overness from this segment.

- Kavanna's Celebration's Cut Short -

They went to Bischoff who started interviewing an estatic Flexx Kavanna, after winning his first big match -- against a former champion, Jun Akiyama. Kavanna started thanking the world, until Jun Akiyama appeared on camera with Hayabusa, approaching Kavanna face to face. Akiyama screamed at Kavanna, in Japanese, for a while, until Hayabusa gave Kavanna a savatte kick out of nowhere. Akiyama started screaming into Bischoff's mic as Hayabusa gave the boots to Kavanna. Based on some of the words he was saying, Styles suggested that Akiyama felt that his 'Exploder' was a better move than Kavanna's 'Kavanna Krush'. Akiyama acted suprised when Kavanna started to get the better of Hayabusa in their scuffle of sorts, which got the crowd on Kavanna's side. Akiyama saved Hayabusa, and helped him away, as Kavanna battled back to his feet. Kavanna was very good here with the brawling. 66%

Flex Kavanna gained overness from this segment. Hayabusa lost overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

Brian Christopher d. Al Snow

This was a pretty strong match on both accounts. Christopher's really starting to prove to the WWF that he's capable of being in the Uppercard. Pritchard & Sexteen, the female wrestler, and Christopher's new love, were at ringside, and interfered for most of the match. Finals came at 8:33 with Pritchard hitting Snow with a chair from the outside, coming off the ropes. Pritchard, then grabbed the mic, and starting singing and mockingly dancing, "Let It Snow". A little Brother Love slipped out, there. Snow chased Pritchard & Christopher away after a few minutes of their celebrating.

OVerall: 72

Crowd: 82

Match: 79

-ADVERTS-

- Woman Aims For The Throat -

Steve Corino d. The Sandman via DQ

These two wrestled pretty stiff for a TV show. The announcers repeated that Corino was the only member of the Horsemen around. Match came to an end when Corino had the Sandman in the Figure Four. Woman just walked underneath the second rope and into the ring with her cane, and whacked Corino with it in the head--earning Corino the DQ win. Sandman, then got up and started hitting Corino with his cane, as Woman continued with hers. The big spot came when Woman hit Corino, 'right accross his throat', sending him into spasm mode clutching his throat. JJ Dillon and Ole Anderson sprinted to the ring, leading Jobbers, hired for the night, to clear The Sandman away from Corino. Styles' overeacting would've had you think Corino was going to die or something. He did, however, do a great job in linking Ole Anderson and Dillon to the history of the Horsemen, making their concern for Corino seem passionate. Dillon screamed for medical help, until Corino, finally was carried out, about 3 minutes later.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 83

Match: 80

-ADVERTS-

- The CEO Takes Charge -

Coming out of the break, with The Undertaker & Bruce Pritchard already in the ring, they showed Paulie Dangerously and Sabu leading the Arabs to the ring. They were stopped by CEO Jim Duggan, waiving his American Flag, getting a mixed reaction. Duggan had a long staredown with The Shiek, Tiger Jeet, then finally Sabu, before approaching Dangerously.

Duggan (Shouting) " If you did not know, I am now the CEO Of the World Wrestling Federation; The Centrainternational Executive Operator! And good ol' Hacksaw' says they to many Towels in this party! Hoooooooo!!!!"

*That got quite the responce from the crowd. Many laughed, and echoed Duggan's taunt, but many groaned at the cruelness of that joke. Dangerously made a motion to walk, but Hacksaw stopped him from proceeding.*

Duggan" Now what DA C.E.O is trying to tell you...is that 'THEY'LL BE NO ARABIAN INTERFERANCE! THE ATOM IS BANNED FROM RINGSIDE FOR SABU'S MATCH!!! "

Dangerously" You can't do that! What about Pritch--"

Duggan" I sure can, tough guy! Hoooooooo!!!"

Duggan then panted off with the American flag as Paulie, Skandar Akbar, Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., and The Iron Shiek wished Sabu luck as he battled for #1 contendership. 78%

Paulie Dangerously lost overness from this segment.

- Forecast Of Snow -

Sabu d. The Undertaker - #1 Contendership

They showed Pritchard's interferance earlier in Al Snow's match with Brian Christopher, which of course forshadowed the Al Snow run-in. Sabu looked really good here. Undertaker, despite his recent losses, still hasn't lost a bit of heat with the live crowds. After a Shane McMahon ref bump at 12:22, and with Sabu in the middle of a comeback, Bruce Pritchard walked into the ring and clobbered Sabu from behind, with a chair shot. Pritchard started yelling at Sabu, getting a heel reaction, until Al Snow made his way down the isle with a chair of his own. First Snow clobbered Undertaker with the chair...he went to hit Pritchard...but had to hit off The Undertaker again. This went on 4 more times, with Pritchard supposedly not hearing Undertaker getting bashed in with chair four times. Finally Pritchard turned around to Snow, and took a chair shot, further denting the chair. A big 'Let it Snow' chant went on, as Al Snow stood over Pritchard...happy with his revenge from earlier. Undertaker started to sit up, but was quickly knocked back down with a running facebuster by Sabu. As the referee got up, Sabu nailed Undertaker with the Triple Jump moonsault, for the victory. Sabu did his whole pointing to the sky routine as Skandar Akbar led the rest of the ATOM to the ring in celebration. Raw went off the air with Paulie Dangerously and Atom celebrating what was pushed as Sabu's first important step to the WWF Triple Crown.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 86

Match: 75

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" THAT man could be the next WWF Triple Crown Champion!! It's Sabu vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, at the WWF Royal Rumble!!"

Heenan" Yea, but what about Flair!! He wrestled Tenzan to a no-contest at Holiday Hell II! He must want a shot! Where's his return bout!!"

Styles" Well, Ric Flair and the rest of the Horsemen will be here next week! And so will The Presidential Council! But, wait until they hear about Steve Corino!"

Heenan" Listen to these fans! They won't stop chanting 'Sabu!'"

Show Quality: 70%

TV Rating: 7.36

WWF WorldWide Preview!!

--Feature Match!!

**Hiroyoshi Tenzan & The Crimson Twins vs. Curt Hennig & The Space Croppers

**Flexx Kavannaa

**Members of the Presidential board, and more!!!

[ChuBalso]

Jan 10rd, 1998

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Cloudyside Center - Melensville, WA

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Jerry 'The King' Lawler

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Flair suprises The Sandman -

WWF WorldWide on 1/10 opened with The Sandman & Woman coming down to the ring. His entrance took forever. On his way to the ring, Sandman faked pouring beer into a kid's mouth, which got the crowd hot at him. I thought it was hilarious. Sandman started talking about how "Fun it was" to slam his cane over the throat of Steve Corino. Sandman started laughing with Woman as the crowd started to dig into the Sandman. His heel character's really getting over with live crowds. As Sandman went on, Ric Flair suprisingly appeared, angry as ever and attacked the Sandman. The crowd loved it--especially the part where Flair teased hitting Woman...then just kissed her, getting a huge pop. Flair grabbed the mic and screamed,

"Sabu's getting a title shot?! No way!! I'm getting a fair Triple Crown shot! I demand to see a member of the Presidential Council, not this week on RAW!! Not next weekend!! But, tonight!!"

Flair darted out of the ring as soon as he came back in, 'in search' for someone from the Presidential Council. Mooney and Lawler drooled for a while at the fact that Flair was live at WorldWide. Sandman, before stumbling to the back took the mic and screamed to Flair;

" Dammitt you can't ignore me, 'Nature Boy'! I'm gonna be a Horsemen!! Even if I have to take down someone to do so." 87%

The Sandman gained overness from this segment.

Canadian GenerationZ d. CW Anderson & Jack Victory

The match wasn't bad at all, showing the good product of pairing Rougeau and Jericho. Rougeau, on his own just isn't interesting, and plans for Jericho as a singles competitor couldn't be brewing at this time, with the Horsemen, Sabu, and Presidential stuff going on. Jericho won with the lionsault on Victory at 9:33.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 56

Match: 75

-ADVERTS-

- Corino & Flair on the lookout -

Coming out of the break, they showed Flair and Corino walking around backstage looking for a member of the Council. While they were walking, Flair said something to Corino, about getting some punches on The Sandman for him. Corino was wearing a neck brace, selling the Sandman's attack from RAW. While walking, they passed by official Ole Anderson. Flair asked Anderson if there was anyone around, from the Council, to protest Sabu getting a Triple Crown shot, over him. Anderson said he didn't see anyone, but he did see Jimmy Del Ray, which means that The Genius, WWF Presidential Advisor, can't be too far away. Flair, then thanked Anderson as they went off looking for Genius. As they walked away, Anderson gave a Horsemen sign. How cute. 87%

- Officer In Training, John Tenta -

Don Frye d. The Big Bossman

Frye tackling the Bossman down, into his Arm & Leg Submission in just about 30 seconds got him the biggest pop that he's ever gotten to date. After the match, John Tenta, aka Earthquake was in Police Cadet clothing, and attended to Bossman's hurt knee. Mooney pushed Frye's rivarly with Simon Diamond & Kama Mustafa, during the match.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 68

Match: 73

Big Bossman lost overness from this match. Don Frye gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Akiyama & Hayabusa Attacks The 'Upset Sensation' Flexx Kavanna -

Flexx Kavanna & Terry Taylor d. Tatsumi Fujinami & The Great Kabuki

Mooney kept referring to Kavanna as 'The Upset Sensation', selling his big victory over Jun Akiayama. Kavanna - Kabuki was great, with alot of slugging, but Taylor - Fujinami was some pretty slow stuff. Match came to a close with Kavanna getting the Kavanna Krush on Kabuki, for the win. As he and Taylor were celebrating, Jun Akiyama & Hayabusa hit the ring, dropkicking both Kavanna and Taylor to the mat. A brief 4 on 2 ensued, as Mooney sold the idea that Akiyama still wasn't over his loss to Kavanna. Officials finally hit the ring, and ordered PRIDE'S Japanese Wrestlers (Minus Tenzan--even though he's Mongolian), out of the ring.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 68

Match: 67

-ADVERTS-

- The Genius: Caught Leaving -

Coming out of the break, they showed Genius snooping out of the building, with his assistants, Jimmy Del Ray & Bob Orton, until he was spotted by Eric Bischoff, backstage. Bischoff asked the Genius what he was going to do about Flair's disconsent with the decision to give Sabu a Triple Crown shot over him. Genius, kept stuttering trying to find a reason, until Jimmy Del Ray chimed in;

Del Ray" Hold on, a minute! Genius, you ain't got to answer to no one! Flair wants a Triple Crown Title shot, he can ask Dibiase, himself! But tonight--Genius, you and Bobby get out of here and do what you gotta do. I'm gonna get my friend, the Doctor...and we'll teach Flair and his eye of the Tiger to respect us!"

With that, The Genius paraded away with Orton, as Del Ray danced in place until Bischoff sent it back over to Mooney. 75%

The Genius gained overness from this segment.

'Highlight Kid' Shawn Waltman d. D'Lo Brown

WorldWide's really starting to get a reputation for a show that has some great singles matches. This was one of them. The story of this match was D'Lo Brown's suprising level of offense, especially since all the crowd had seen from him--up to this point--is a that Lo-Down, on Phil Lafon, used to win Ebony Experience the Tag Team Titles. Waltman won with his martial arts kick flurry, followed his Lightning Kick, at 12:22.

Overall: 75

Crowd: 66

Match: 85

-ADVERTS-

- Flair Calls for WWF President Ted Debiase at Monday Night RAW -

Ric Flair & Steve Corino d. The Heavenly Bodies (Jimmy Del Ray & Dr. Pritchard)

This match was suprisingly 'good'. No high spots, just a great old school type match, with strong ring psycology, and moderate crowd heat. Crowd wasn't into the match at first, but a fast paced exchange between Pritchard and Flair got the crowd responding. Lawler had a great line here, in referance to both Flair's and Pritchard's abundant hair supply, jumping around as they went back in forth...

Lawler" Wait a minute! Who's fighting? Them, or their hair!!? "

Flair and Corino ended up doing the double figure four spot, where both men submitted for the victory. After the match, Flair grabbed a mic and yelled,

Flair" Dibiase!! I expect to see you this Monday Night! The Bottom line, is that I deserve a rematch! Sabu intefered in my Title match! Show you're face! Don't reward bad behaviour, or you're going to get bad behaviour, Horsemen style! Wooo!!"

Just before they left the ring, Corino added,

Corino" Ohhh, and Sandman!! You and Beefcake will NEEEVVVEERRRRRR be Horsemen!! The fans don't want to see you in the Horsemen! We don't want to see you in the Horsemen!! You are not Horsemen material. Maybe you're Pringle material...because we all know, once Percy pops...he doesn't stop!! Hahaa!"

The crowd cheered as Corino's 'Eye Of The Tiger' played over the PA System, as he and Flair laughed on there way to the back.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 73

Match: 73

- The Perfect Space Croppers -

Straight from the in ring action, they showed Bischoff, backstage, with Mr. Perfect & The Space Croppers, preparing for their match against, Tenzan & The Crimson Twins. Bischoff tried to talk to Rhyno..but he kept grunting and running his hand through his hair, over and over again. Bischoff then went to talk to STorm. But Storm just stared at Bischoff while he waited for an answer. Finally, Perfect jumped in yelling;

Perfect" Enough with the questions, Bischoff! All you need to know is that Mr. Perfect and The Space Croppers, are going to give Tenzan and those brownosing Twins a little lesson...a Perfect one!"

They then began walking to the ring. Devon didn't move and stayed fixated on Bischoff until Rhyno returned back for him, pulling him away. Bischoff's face of freight was classic. 71%

Devon Storm gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- Flair sends a message to the WWF President -

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & The Crimson Twins d. Mr. Perfect & The Space Croppers

Tenzan was in there for most of the match, pretty much having his way with the Space Croppers, and Perfect--during their exchange. Cornette was at ringside, and kept starting fights with Devon Storm, described by Lawler as "The less saner of the two Space Heads." There were a series of nice pops for a brief Starr Spear fest by Rhyno, which ended when Tenzan charged a spearing Rhyno, with his cartwheel kick, which looked great. The announcers sold that well, as The Crimsons locked up the match with their Crimson Cold Wave on Rhyno, to finish it off. After the victory, Ric Flair came in and cleaned house, gettting some extra punches on the Crimson Twins. Inoki even took a bump, with Teznan. Flair, then was overheard saying, as he grabbed both Crimson twins;

"You tell, Dibiase, that he'd better be at RAW!! Wooo!! The Royal Rumble is my time! Woo!! Sabu interfered with my chance! I deserve a fair shot!"

Worldwide went off the air, with Flair letting the Crimson's free. They set up RAW well, this week. I'm hearing that Sabu came out, in some sort of a 3 way standoff for the live crowd, after Worldwide went off the air.

OVerall: 72

Crowd: 71

Match: 73

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Wow!! Flair wants Dibiase!! The Sadman vows to become a Horsemen!! But Corino said they'll be none of that!"

Lawler" Not only that, Mooney, But how do you think Sabu feels abou this! And at what lengths do you think the Sandman will go to, to get into the Horsemen!!"

Mooney" Holy Blockbuster! Raw's going to be a War Zone!! Take care folks!"

Lawler" Holy Blockbuster?"

Show Quality: 71%

TV Rating: 7.19

Raw Preview!!

**Featured Matchup!

-Non Title Match--

WWF Triple Crown Champion Hiroyoshi Tenzan

vs.

Former WWF Champion, ATOM'S Iron Shiek

**Special RAW Challenge Match!

Steve Corino vs. 'Highlight Kid' Shawn Waltman

**WWF Tag Team Championship!!

The Ebony Experience (Booker T & Stevie Ray) vs. The Space Croppers

**The Sandman's & Brutus Beefcake special Royal Rumbles War Games Stipulation Challenge!

**Plus!!!

Flair demands to meet with WWF President Ted Dibiase, The Four Horsemen, and more!!!!

[ChuBalso]

Jan 12th, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Hodgeson Arena - Melinsville, WA

Attendance: 12,056

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Horsemen Challenge -

Joey Styles did his whole introduction deal in the ring, to a nice hot crowd, until he was interupted by 'Enter Sandman' being played on the PA System. Out came, Sandman with Woman, in addition to, Brutus Beefcake & Percy Pringle III. The word 'Sweet', was penciled in on Beefcake's left shades lens, while 'Bruti' was on the other. I'm hearing that they're selling that as merchandise, also. Why would people by that? Especially if their name's not Bruti...in most cases...If they'd like to see. Anyway, Woman took the mic first, and started complaining about Ric Flair kissing her on WorldWide, calling it the 'most embarrassing moment in her life. Beefcake then took the mic, and started praising the Sandman for hitting Corino accross the throat with that cane last week on RAW, to a shower of booes. Styles got 'sick' of listening to Beefcake brag, and asked what brought them all out there. Sandman said that he had a special challenge for that Wargames tag match, with Sting & Corino. After chugging a beer and throwing at a fan, Sandman explained;

Sandman" Listen to me, Styles! If Sweet Bruti and I beat the 'War Game Experts', then we become Horsemen! And they're out!"

Styles (overeacting) " A you serious!!? Do you think that Sting and Corino would put up their spots in the Horsemen!?"

Beefcake" Listen dude! If they're as great as they say they are, then there's nothing to worry about, is there? Hahaha!"

Sandman" And Flair, you wanna put your filthy hands all over, my lady! Well, how 'bout you and your Stinger, face me and Sweet Bruti, tonight! The two Horsemen Big Dogs! Haha. Against the two future Horsemen Big Dogs!! Wow!! Imagine the things that Sweet Bruti and The Sandman can do, as leaders of the Four Horsemen!"

**Sandman, then chugged a beer broke it over his head, then said,

" Horsemen that!", before he lead his crew to the back. 78%

-ADVERTS-

- Hayabusa almost gets 'Krushed' -

Flexx Kavanna d. 'Natural' Butch Reed

This match had alot of Reed posing, but Kavanna eventually got the better of him. Reed worked especially stiff here--Heenan pushed this as Reed teaching the young lad a lesson. Kavanna suprised Reed at 8:33 with the Kavanna Krush. Hayabusa hit the ring here, and attacked Kavanna...but this, Flexx was ready...and just missed nailing Hayabusa with his Kavanna Krush. I like how Hayabusa & Akiyama keep trying to take shots at Kavanna.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 65

Match: 74

Butch Reed lost overness from this match. Flex Kavanna gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Horsemen Arrives; Owen Continues Horsemen Tradition Of The Ladder; Sting & Corino 'makes a deal' For Sandman's Horsemen Challenge -

Coming out of the break, a limousine pulled up, revealing, JJ Dillon, Ric Flair, Owen Hart, and Sting. Vince McMahon, ran up to the car to get words with the Horsemen, as the crowd went nuts for each of them coming out of the car. First, McMahon went to Owen, and asked him what was his plan to get his Intercontinental Title, out of the illegitimate hands of Carl P. Oulette. Owen answered, with anger, and great intensity...

Hart" Oulette, this has gone long and far enough!! You want that belt--you beat me for it!! You don't have to steal it like the swine you are! And, Lance Storm! Soon, you're going to find out that Oulette's a looser!! Oulette! I make a challenge to you! Lets settle this, once and for all! In continuing the tradition of my fellow Horsemen, Steve Corino--I challenge you to a ladder match!! That's right--Corino made history in the WWF's first ladder match, last year--I'M GOING TO DO IT TO START OFF THE NEW YEAR!! And I'm going to get back MY belt, Le Theif!!"

A supportive "Owen" was heard coming out from the live crowd, as McMahon moved over to Sting, asking him if he and Corino were going to put their Horsemen spot on the line against Beefcake & Sandman. Flair chimed in here giving, literally, a 3 minute speech on how important it was to be Horseman. He talked about the history, talked about battles, including, the Russians, Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan, Ronnie Garvin, The Berzerker, Vader and more. After Vince was about to send it back to Styles in the arena, Corino interrupted McMahon, with an idea. He said that he and Sting would put up their shots, but as long as they got something they wanted--A WWF Triple Crown Title shot, for Ric Flair. Crowd popped hard for what seemed like quite a sign of loyalty to the Nature Boy. After hesitation, with the crowd going absolutley beserzk, Flair insisted that Sting and Corino needed to not danger their spot in the Horsemen--But Corino responded by saying that it was the least that he can do, for the man that has done so much for his career, Ric Flair. Flair, then finally accepted the gesture, ending the interview with;

Flair (Shouting) " Well, Pringle!! Ya better get on Dibiase, and start pushing for the Flair - Tenzan rematch!! Woooooo!!! Wooooo! That Triple Crown's coming, to the Horsemen!! Woooo!!"

The crowd went nuts here, as Sting & Steve Corino have officially put up their Horsemen spots on the line, hoping that in-turn, Flair can get a match at the WWF Triple Crown. Heenan did a good job of getting over the prestige of being a Horsemen. 100%

Ric Flair gained overness from this segment.

- Kama Breaks Perfect's Nose -

Kama Mustafa d. Mr. Perfect

This match took a suprising turn at 11:22 when a Kama strike to the face apparently 'broke' Hennig's nose. Hennig clutched his face, right after the strike, and started screaming in pain. Referee Mike Chioda awarded the match to Mustafa, then screamed for help as they went into advert break. The Washington crowd was into this big time.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 84

Match: 67

Kama Mustafa gained overness from this match.

- 'Wrestling, Not Entertainment' -

Simond Diamond & Mustafa, despite officials trying to get them away, remained in the ring, almost mocking Perfect as he was being attended to. Suddenly, just released from Bill Watt's Empire Coast Academy Promotion, Wolfie D, emerged coming down the isle with a Boom Box, claiming to have the cure for Perfect, in the form of 'Music'. After persuading officials that he meant no harm, he was able to position his radio right next to the ear of Perfect. While playing reggea music, Wolfie started doing some Jamacian slow dance, as the crowd started to boo his moves. A brief shot of Heenan showed, of him comedically dancing at the announcer's table yelling to Styles;

"Oh yesss, this music does heal!!"

Finally, fustrated that it wasn't working, Gerald Brisco--one of the officials that were in the ring, handed Wolfie's boom box back to him and suggested that he leave. Wolfie took the BoomBox, made a motion to exit the ring, but then suprised everyone by turning around and tossing the radio at Perfect, supposedly catching him in the head, smashing the boom box into pieces--in the process. At this point, Diamond instructed Mustafa and Wolfie to put the boots to Perfect, for fun. Suddenly, Don Frye, charged the ring, taking out all three culprits to quite a nice pop. Frye gave Wolfie D and Kama a belly to belly, sending them out of the ring, then chased off Diamond. As Frye stood over Mr. Perfect, Diamond grabbed the microphone and yelled,

Diamond" When will you learn, Frye!! When will you learn that Wrestling is a 'sport', not an 'entertainment' like your shootfighting matches!! We don't care about being 'Perfect'!! We don't care about how many barbaric octagon shoot fights you've been in! This is Wrestling! Where, wrestling matters!!"

The crowd booed Diamond as he continued onto the back. I believe the whole joke of this angle is that, Diamond, while claiming to be all aobut wrestling, is surrounded by, well now, two gimmicked wrestlers. While Mustafa is almost the same idea as Frye, Wolfie D is a Southern rapper. According to sources, The WWF wanted to also bring in JC ICE, but he was on a written contract with ECA, and Watts wouldn't let him go--obviously to prevent the WWF from reforming PG-13. I'm hearing that they're going to tag Dundee with Scott Taylor, and call them Rated R. 77%

Simon Diamond gained overness from this segment. Don Frye gained overness from this segment. Wolfie D gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

The Ebony Experience (Booker T & Stevie Ray) d. The Space Croppers (Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm) - WWF Tag Team Titles

This match was actually one of the best tag matches I've seen in a long time, but the crowd was completely out of it due to the whole Don Frye/Mr Perfect ordeal with Simon Diamond before the break. At 8:33 of a face paced match, Rhyno nailed Stevie Ray with the Starr Spear, while Storm cranked Booker with a shining wizard. This is when senior official Bill Alfonso, led The Crimsons to the ring, and knocked out assigned referee, Jim Mollineaux. Alfonso & Mollineaux also fought each other at Shangril-a, during the 4 Way IC match, which I found interesting. Anyway, The Crimsons followed Alfonso in, nailing both Space Croppers with chair shots to the head. As the Crimsons started double teaming the Croppers, Styles kept screaming on about this being the most corrupt WWF Presidency, since the current United States Presidency, which I found suprising that he would say. Geez, give a guy the title as head of WWF Talent relations, and he thinks he owns the world. Anyway, The Crimsons ended up nailing Storm with the Crimson Cold Wave, and throwing Stevie Ray on top of Storm for the Bill Alfonso cover. Well. That was quite unfair. Anyway, as the Crimsons cleared the ring, Bill Alfonso introduced, to quite the heel reaction, WWF President, Ted Dibiase.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 48

Match: 82

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

- The President Sets The Plan -

Dibiase came to the ring, accompanied by The Giant Silva who wasn't even acknowledged, and talked about the recent events. He had to pause alot for the varied anti-Dibiase chants that kept starting. I'm sure they expected it, as this was Dibiase's first WWF Appearance in over two months. First, he congratulated The Crimson Twins on taking charge over the last few weeks, and helping form the Presidential Council. Dibiase put over everyone, including those who weren't there. I find it funny when that Dibiase stuttered when coming to Gigilo Jimmy Del Ray, since, Ray's biggest fame is Tom Pritchard's Tag Partner. He ended up calling him, "tag team specialist that danced into the hearts of Millions." It was very smoothley done. Dibiase then said, that, to correct the WWF Triple Crown situation, Ric Flair would get his return bout next week at Monday Night RAW's 5 Year Anniversery Special, to be held at the Ecplise in Memphis Tennesee. He added that Sabu will still be getting his shot at whoever is Champion, at The Royal Rumble. Dibiase was about to leave, when The Crimsons stopped him. Alfonso ran to the outside of the ring, screaming at Tony Garea at ringside, to get two micrphones for the Twins, as the crowd started to buzz....

Tomax" Whooaaaa...whooooaaa....whoooaaa!! But..."

Xamot"...Mr. President! Surely, you don't think that..."

Tomax"...The Horsemen can be trusted?"

Tomax & Xamot" DO YOU?"

Tomax" How do you know that Sting and Corino... "

Xamot"...will honour their stipulation and leave the Horsemen..."

Tomax & Xamot" ...SHOULD THEY LOOSE."

Xamot" Remember, Boss--We are dealing with the..."

Tomax & Xamot" ...dirtiest players in the game."

Dibiase, then commended the Crimsons on excellent thinking, citing Flair's reputation. Dibiase said that he was going prepare a series of contracts, to make sure all will be abided by, before leading what Styles called, 'The Executive Branch' of the Presidential Council. That of course means that Duggan isn't Executive, despite having the initials CEO. Oh, those writers with their subtle jokes. The crowd was really hot for Dibiase making an appearance. 95%

Ted DiBiase gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

- A Monday Night RAW Classic -

Steve Corino d. Shawn Waltman

On paper this match looked great; But no one had any idea that they would work as hard as they did. The crowd was popping at the level of Pay Per View crowds, especially during the Waltman near falls on Corino. They took two advert breaks during this match, getting over how much both competitors wanted this match. At 17:33, Waltman took an insane fall from the ring to the outside, when Corino ducked a spinning kick from The Kid. This was the beginning of the end for the Kid, as Corino nailed him with two brainbusters, before putting him away for good with a top rope Ace-Crusher, at 23:56. The fact that Corino had a small rivarly last year with Johnny Ace does make that move all that much effective when performed by Corino. After the match, both men shook hands, getting great applause from the live crowd.

Overall: 84

Crowd: 85

Match: 83

-ADVERTS-

- Sabu's Got Tenzan's Number? -

Hiroyoshi Tenzan d. The Iron Sheik

Well, this match wasn't as bad as it looked on paper, thanks mostly to Tenzan. Crowd got into The Iron Shiek at many times, more than before, when Sheik no-sold one of Tenzan's lariats. It started to go downhill for the Shiek when Tenzan gave the Sheik a somoan drop on a chair. Cornette stealthy slid a chair into the ring underneath the fallin' Sheik, unbeknowst to referee Joey Marella. Tenzan finished off the 57 year old Sheik with the falling top-rope headbutt at 9:17. At this point, Skandar Akbar got in the ring and started shoving The WWF Triple Crown Champion. Inoki & Cornette got in the ring and started pushing Akbar back. Finally, Paulie Dangerously led Sabu to the ring, who proceed to brawl big time with Tenzan. Cornette got knocked out by Akbar, while Inoki, escaped unscathed. When the dust cleared, Tenzan was in the ring with Sabu and the rest of his friends. Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. and Akbar fetched chairs for Sabu as he did a number of chair projectile moves on the Triple Crown champion, getting some nice pops. Styles kept pushing the idea, that it seemed that Sabu had Tenzan's number, and had quite a good chance of winning the WWF Triple Crown. Finally, officials hit the ring, saving the Champion, just as Sabu was going for a Triple Jump Moonsault, on Tenzan.

Overall: 68

Crowd: 71

Match: 64

-ADVERTS-

- Dibiase Demands That both Parties Sign His Contract -

After the break, they had the introductions for the Main Event tag match. But just as they were getting ready to lock up, WWF President Ted Dibiase's music began to play, as he walked to the ring accompanied by The Giant Silva, and Mike Rotunda. Silva wasn't acknowledged, and just stood there to intimidate Sting and Flair. Dibiase talked about what he learned earlier--of The Horsemen being the most dirtiest players in the game. He then presented the official contract, that gave Flair the Title WWF Triple Crown Title Shot, at Next week's RAw Anniversery Special, and said that Corino and Sting would have to honour their stipulation and leave the Horsmen, if they loose the War Games match at Royal Rumble. Heenan was funny here, in stating that he didn't think that any of the current Horsemen could keep up with the drinking of The Sandman. He also said that Flair and Owen needed haircuts, so they could probably benefit from Beefcake being a Horseman. This was good, it was just kinda wierd to seeing four guys signing a contract right before their match. I guess this makes that stipulation 'official', and Flair gets his return bout next week. 78%

Sting lost overness from this segment. Ted DiBiase lost overness from this segment. Brutus Beefcake lost overness from this segment.

- Sabu Continues his Terror -

Sting & Ric Flair d. Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman via Countout

Flair and Sting kept flirting with Woman on the outside. Heenan told the line of the night here, when he said; "Woman!!? Why Woman? What's wrong with that sly fellow right beside her, Percy Pringle III!?"

Corino was on the outside, with a towel over his shoulder--fatigued from his earlier match. Beefcake and Flair had a little 'strut-off' with each of them doing their own struts for the fans. Of course, Flair got the cheers, and Beefcake got the booes.

Match came to a close when all four men were brawling on the outside--but Sting got back in the ring, right before Shane McMahon's 10 count, earning his team the win. Sabu immediatley headed to the ring with a chair in hand, and clocked Ric Flair from behind. Styles couldn't believe it. Heenan pushed the ideas, that Sabu saw Flair as a threat to him winning the title, and that Sabu couldn't have been too happy, to hear Flair object to him getting a title shot. Sting and the rest of the Horsemen rushed over to Flair, as Dangerously pulled Sabu away and back up the ramp, screaming, "That's the Nature Boy! That's Ric Flair!", seeming suprised at Sabu's actions...

Overall: 79

Crowd: 86

Match: 64

Commentary Aftermath

Styles" Sabu just leveled Ric Flair with that chair!!"

Heenan" Well, how would you feel, if someone was after the same prize as you! Sabu wants that Triple Crown Title! He don't care, who he gotta beat!"

Styles" The history and tradition of what those belts signify, is what drives these superstars to battle so hard! And next week!! It's the 5 year anniversy show! With just 3 more weeks away from the Royal Rumble, will it be the start of a new anniversy for The Nature Boy!! "

Heenan" Wooooooooo!!"

Show Quality: 79%

TV Rating: 7.83

Behind The Scenes Issues: Butch Reed working especially stiff on Kavanna.

WorldWide Preview!!

--A 20 Man Battle Royal To Determine Who Draws #30 in the Royal Rumble '98!!

[ChuBalso]

Jan 17rd, 1998

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: Utomb Centre - Gravy, UT

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Jerry 'The King' Lawler

Attendance: 12030

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Snow Gets Ready For The Battle Royal -

Eric Bischoff opened up WorldWide on 1/17 hyping the Battle Royal that will be held later to decide who gets #30 at the Royal Rumble, now, just about 2 weeks away. Bischoff then approached Al Snow, asking him if he was ready for the Battle Royal. Snow, over a light "Let it Snow" chant from the crowd watching on the Titan Tron, said that this could be his big leap to #1. He talked about always thinking about the WWF Triple Crown, naming the greats, that held the belts such as, Hulk Hogan, Stan Hansen, Randy Savage, Bret Hart, The Mountie, Ric Flair, and Ted Dibiase. That was nice that they mentioned Bret, now in GCG--but Snow mentioned the Berzerker, then cut himself off saying, "Well, maybe not, The Berzerker, which got some laughs. John Nord, who's still the top heel in WCW has a reputation in the Wrestling Business for not being deserving of his top position. I'd say he's just living off of what the WWF made him. Anyway, Bischoff then introduced Sean Mooney & Jerry Lawler who were hyping the Pitbulls Match. 83%

The Pitbulls (Pitbull #1 & Pitbull #2) d. Damien Demento & Jack Victory

Why Jack Victory was teaming with Damien Demento, I have no idea. But they did sell the oddity factor in the team, with Victory looking at Demento every now and then like he was crazy. The Pitbulls pinned Demento at 8:33.

Overall: 49

Crowd: 50

Match: 61

Damien Demento lost overness from this match. Jack Victory lost overness from this match. Pitbull #2 gained overness from this match. Pitbull #1 gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- The Ebony Experience Hype Up D'lo; Approached By -

They continued the hyping of the midcard Battle Royal for #30 in the Royal Rumble, with Eric Bischoff in the lockeroom of D'lo Brown. The Ebony Experience, Tag Team Champions, and Lady Jacquline were rooting on D'lo Brown as he prepared for the contest. Booker T and Stevie Ray were telling D'lo Brown that they would have 2 of the 3 titles in the WWF, should D'lo draw #30, and go on to win the Rumble. At this point, official Mike Rotunda appeared and told Booker T not to stop fantasizing too much, whatever that meant. He told them that they would be defending the Titles at The Royal Rumble, against The Space Croppers...And the Crimson Twins, in a 3 way match. Stevie Ray had a funny line here closing the segment, talking to D'Lo Brown...

"What's he doing here? It's not even tax season." 76%

Christine Blaze d. Sexxteen - WWF Womans

Christine Blaze played the face here, as Brian Christopher & Bruce Pritchard were in the corner of Sexteen. Blaze is like a female 1.2.3 Kid....but with just about half the speed. She even had the 'Lighting' symbols all over her ring wear to prove it. Blaze won with a power drive elbow at 5:33. Wasn't too bad for a womans match, and there were a small handful of fans consistently reacting to the ring work, which means, the Woman's plight is going well.

Overall: 43

Crowd: 46

Match: 50

Christine Blaze gained overness from this match.

- Wolfie D Plans His WWF Debut -

Following the Blaze's victory, Bischoff was backstage with WWF Newcomer, Wolfie D. D say that he'll only need two matches to become #1 contender for the Triple Crown. Tonight's Battle Royal for #30, then the Royal Rumble, itself--to win. He then started screaming at Eric Bischoff for not having any style, for quite some time. He added that when people 'don't have style', he forced style into them, like he did to Perfect, on RAW He, finally then, walked off, Boom Box on shoulder. 69%

Wolfie D gained overness from this segment.

-ADVERTS-

The Great Kabuki d. Kamala

I'm sure there was plenty of arm bending backstage by Inoki to get this match on. These two wrestled for over 10 minutes, in a match straight out of All Japan. The crowd got into it at 4 minutes in when Kamala went crazy, accidently chopping referee, Shane McMahon, after being blinded by Kabuki's green mist. The match went on for a few more minutes with Kabuki using a couple of non folding chairs on Kamala, on the outside, then rolling him in the ring, and pinning him after a kick to the chest.

Overall: 55

Crowd: 66

Crowd: 56

- Perfect's Broken Nose Vengeance -

'Mr. Perfect' Curt Hennig d. Simon Diamond

After the Kabuki win, they showed highlights from RAW, of Perfect getting his nose busted up by Kama--then almost being mugged by Diamond and his cronies, until Don Frye made the save. Frye made the save again. Afer Perfect pinned Diamond with his Perfect Plex, Kama hit the ring and started pounding on Perfect, yelling, "You lucky Frye saved you before, 'boy!" But Frye was right behind him and tackled down Kama to a nice pop. At this point, Mike Rotunda, who seemed to be busy tonight, came out and yelled;

"Hey! You two wanna have a fight! You two wanna have a brawl!! Well you can! At The Royal Rumble!! And just because you two like to fight to the bitter end--You two wrestle until you're opponent can take no more! It'll be just like at home, for the both of you! And you can have you're own, Rumble in the Jungle"

Mooney then talked about how nicely The Royal Rumble was shaping up. Lawler jumped in and said that he was also eager for RAW's 5th Anniversery Show, this Monday from his hometown, Memphis, TN.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 79

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

- Highlights From A House Show; Owen Chases Le Theif-

Coming out of the break, they showed footage from a House show this past week, from the point of what seemed like a Handy-Cam. Mooney called it, "The WWF-Fan Cam". Anyway, it showed Oulette taking on Raymond Rougeau, when all of a sudden, Owen Hart ran in and started to pound on Oulette. As Owen was unloading on Oulette, Lance Storm ran to the ring, and snatched the I-C Belt from the table, before Owen could take notice. When he did, he ran off and chased Storm into the back. They showed Oulette getting his hands raised by the referee, in his DQ House Show victory over Rougeau. I like the touch of adding in highlights from house shows to progress feuds. Makes people want to go to house shows, thinking that something big will happen. 79%

Owen Hart lost overness from this segment.

- Cornette Challenges The 'Arabian Ant' -

James Cornette d. Skandar Akbar

When they returned to 'live' taped action, Cornette was in the ring with a mic, and Bill Alfonso. First he told everyone that the Triple Crown Champion was not here, since "he wouldn't waist his time, with these fans." He then started to talk about "The least intimidating Arabian in all of Wrestling, Skandar Akbar". He called him an 'Arabian Ant', and challenged him to a match there with Bill Alfonso as the ref. Match was over in about 60 seconds, after Alfonso clotheslined Akbar, from behind, and Cornette just gave him a jumping whack accross the back with his racquet for the win. Cornette was stepping and posing on Akbar which was kinda humurous to watch. I guess the Nucleaus, Electron, Proton, and photon of Atom were absent from WorldWide.

Overall: 43

Crowd: 59

Match: 23

-ADVERTS-

- Christopher 'One-Upp'ed By Snow -

Christopher was in the back with Sexteen, looking at all of the other Wrestlers on their way to the ring. Christopher complained to Pritchard for not getting him a spot in the Battle Royal. Christopher started yelling at Pritchard, saying that he should be doing a better job as manager for him, and his main squeeze, Sexxteen, fresh off of her loss to Christine Blaze. Pritchard said that he tried, but Al Snow beat him to getting the last spot in the Battle Royal. This put Christopher into a fit;

Christopher" What!! Al Snow?! Al Snow!? That's all I hear about, these days! Al Snow! Al Snow's a great wrestler! Al Snow's the man! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!! Al Snow! Al Snow took my spot!! (Pauses) That's it! This week!! The Monday Night RAW 10th Anniversey!! In MY HOMETOWN, of Memphis Tennesee!! I've gotta make an impact! WE'VE got to make an impact, on the WWF!! I'm tired of the SNOW!!!" 89%

Christopher looks more and more like his Father every week. The segment ended with Mooney teasing what it could be that Christopher was planning, as more wrestlers continued to walk to the ring. Christopher added that he hated the Snow, right before we were treated to a new 1-800-COLLECT advert with Hiroyoshi Tenzan. 89%

- The Forecast On WWF WorldWide: Snow -

Al Snow wins a 20 Man Battle Royal in 28:33 eliminating The Big Bossman

The wrestlers in the Battle Royal were, Al Snow, Big Bossman, Big Dick Dudley, The Brooklyn Brawler, Carl Oulette, Damien Demento, Felxx Kavanna, Mike Barton, Johnny Ace, Jun Akiyama, Officer John Tenta, Terry Taylor, Rick Steiner, Ric Martel, Tiger Singh Jr., and Wolfie D. A couple of things here; They brought out John Tenta aka Earthquake, in his new gimmick as a police partner in training for Big Bossman. Bossman actually made it to the finals of the Battle Royal, after he and Carl Oulette eliminated Mike Barton--Followed by Bossman turning on Barton and eliminating him, which suprised the crowd. When he was in, Oulette kept 'looking over his shoulder', selling the idea that Owen Hart could come for his Intercontinental Title at any time. Lance Storm, who was eliminated earlier by Tiger Jeet Singh Jr., ran over the stolen IC Belt to Oulette, and helped him to the back when he was eliminated. Snow won the big one, when at 28:20, Bossman went to throw Snow into the ropes, while Tenta was holding it down from the outside. However, Snow reversed the irish whip, and Bossman went sailing over the top rope to loose the contest. A nice "Let It Snow" chant went on as Snow was announced the winner. They did a three split screen deal here, showing Snow celetbrating, Bossman and Tenta arguing on the outside, and Christopher throwing a tantrum in the back, now that the 'man who took his place in the Battle Royal', won, and is #30 for the Rumble.

Overall: 56

Crowd: 65

Crowd: 59

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Holy Snowstorm, Lawler!! Al Snow is now #30 in the 1998 Royal Rumble!"

Lawler" What a huge win for Snow!!"

Mooney" Thank you very much for watching, WWF Worldwide! This week it's The 5th Anniversey RAW, and it's live in Memphis Tennessee, the home of the King!!"

Lawler" Oh, you can bet that I'll be there!! It's the 5th Anniversy! What an honour for President Dibiase! Woo hoo!! "

Raw Preview!!

It's the 5 Year Anniversy Show, of Monday Night RAW!!

**WWF Triple Crown Championship Match**

Hiroyoshi Tenzan (Champion) w/ James Cornette & Antonio Inoki

vs.

Ric Flair

**The 5th Anniversy Special Debut of:

The Giant Silva! (Bodyguard, President Ted Dibiase)

And as a special note by WWF President Ted Dibiase:

This Show Will be ATOM-Free!

This is a 'No-Chemical Zone'

[ChuBalso]

Jan 18th, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Tsugami Sports Complex - Memphis, TN

Attendance: 12,054

Announcing Team: Joey Styles & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

====================================================

Top 3 RAW Moments - #3

April 4th, 1994 "Gertner Hides From The Immortals - Manhatten Centre (Attn 9,004)

Agent Steve Blackman d. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Hillbilly Jim" Ya'll listen to me, and Ya'll listen good! (Crowd starts throwing debris at Hillbilly) Ya'll better get up on your feet! Everyone in the WWF should watch this next man wrassle! Ladies and gentleman, The Immortals give you, the man that is going to lead our manager, Terry H. Hogan to the WWF Presidency--I give you, straight out of the hands of the secrect service...the master of over 420 Martial Arts! Ladies and germs, Ya'll stand up, and put dose hands t'gether....for AGENT STEVE BLACKMAN!"

Blackman won the match in 20.3 seconds with a quick pump kick to Hacksaw's chest which knocked him out cold. He was, then carried out of a stretcher....

Overall: 53

Crowd: 54

Match: 51

Hacksaw Jim Duggan lost overness from this match. Agent Steve Blackman gained overness from this match.

[ChuBalso]

Jan 25rd, 1998

WWF Worldwide Saturday Nights-

Channel: FOX

Venue: The Castle - Sarasota, Florida

Announcing Team: Sean Mooney & Jerry 'The King' Lawler

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Waltman vs. Sandman-

Royal Rumble WorldWide opened with Joey Styles, in the ring, pushing Shawn Waltman, citing his King Of The Ring draw with Owen Hart, his strong C1 CLASH showing, and his early year reign as the Intercontinental Champion. He then introduced Waltman, who came out dressed up in a complete Karate get-up straight out of the Karate kid....

Styles" Shawn Waltman...alot of people are talking about the Royal Rumble! Alot of people in there could win! Former world Champion, Mr. Perfect. Al Snow. Brian Christopher. Don Frye. Jun Akiyama. The Undertaker. The list goes on and on. Where does Shawn Waltman fair in this?"

Waltman" Well you know something, Styles - alot of people, as usual, seem to forget about the little ol' 'Highlight Kid' Shawn Waltman. They forget that I went 30 minutes, with the man who is Intercontinental Champion right now! They forget that I shocked the world when I beat Jeff Jarrett for the Intercontinental Belt last year! And, as you can see, Joey, I'm focused. I've been building on my Martial Arts training. And as you know, that's what got me into professional wrestling in the first place. My love for martial arts. And now...I'd like to show some of my training footage."

With that, on the Titan Tron, a video started of Waltman in some dojo, practicing his kicks and strikes. Within 10 seconds the Sandman's music started to play. The crowd booed, as Sandman came out with a beer in hand, and face painted as Sting, as he were for the RAW 5th Anniversery show. Woman shadowed behind him, holding the singapore cane, as he entered the ring, and started laughing at Waltman.

Sandman" HEY YO!!! (Crowd echoes his words, followed by booes as a close up of Sandman's Sting painted face was shown on the Titan Tron) Happy 5th Anniversery!!"

Styles" The 5th Anniversery RAW show was on Monday!! What are you doing out here!"

Sandman " What the hell's your problem!? I'm celebratin'! (Does Sting impersonation) Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooyaaa!!"

Styles" You know what! I do have a problem! And you just reminded me of the reasons why I do!! I have a problem with what you and your partner in crime, Brutus Beefcake are trying to do to the legacy of the Horsemen!! I have a problem with--"

Sandman yanked the microphone out of Joey Styles hand, then yelled Styles out of the ring.

Sandman" Hey, you'd better watch your mouth boy! Now get out of my ring!"

With that, Sandman took the cane and started poking Styles until he left the ring. The crowd was getting behind Styles, as Mooney praised Styles for 'speaking his mind'. Sandman, then, pointed his cane in the direction of Waltman, refocusing his attention on the Highlight Kid.

Sandman" Ya know...I was just in the back, with my main man, Sweet Bruti...(The crowd booes)..and I just realised (Takes a sip of beer)...I'm WATCHING THE KARATE KID 'PART WALTMAN'! (Crowd booes)...Ya...know...Actually...hey..Kid...ya remind me of someone! Look!"

With that, Sandman pointed to the Titan Tron: On it...a split screen graphic of Shawn Waltman's Face, and the actor who played 'The Karate Kid' in 'The Karate Kid'. Sandman started laughing hysterically, as Waltman was positioning himself for a kick. Finally, the Sandman turned around into a flurry of chest kicks, climaxed by Waltman's standing spin kick to the chest, which knocked Sandman over the top rope. They showed a brief shot of Joey Styles applauding Waltman's actions, in the back as they went to a commercial break hyping the first match, at the Castle, The Home of the 1998 Royal Rumble. 73%

-ADVERTS-

Hayabusa d. Tiger Jeet Singh Jr.

Well, looks like they didn't do an undefeated streak push with Tiger Jeet Singh Jr.--that must be reserved for the Crimsons. They really didn't pay attention to the match, and just used this as a backdrop to keep switching to a backstage camera, of Joel Gertner & Miss Elizabeth arriving at the arena. Mooney pushed Gertner as the most popular WWF President of all time, and Elizabeth as the first lady of the WWF. I love the use and acknowledgement of the history of the WWF. Hayabusa won with his stardust flip. They then cut to the backstage area, where Joel Gertner and Elizabeth were walking around.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 63

Match: 65

- A Presidential Warning To Gertner -

Coming out of the break, they showed Gertner & Liz talking with Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson. Gertner was overheard talking about the days when he was President, when President Ted Dibiase, along with The Giant Silva and The Crimson Twins approached him.

Gertner (To Brisco)" ...and remember how you wrestled in..."

Dibiase (Approaching Gertner) " It's you again! Gertner, I don't know what you and that tramp are doing around here...but let me let you in on a little something; IT DOESN'T PAY TO CROSS...THE MILLION DOLLAR BOSS!! Hahahaha!"

Gertner" Oh really? Well, President 'Theodore High Class' can kiss my Quinticential Ass!"

**A strong 'Gertner' chant was heard, as Ted Dibiase and Gertner squared off face to face**

Dibiase" Don't you ever calle me Theodore again!! I don't know what you two are doing here! But, I run things around here now! I'll see you two tommorow at the Rumble...or actually...I hope I don't see you! Hahahaha!! Mark my words!! Do not cross me. Every man has a price, for the Million Dollar Man! Even former WWF Presidents."

*With that, Mr. Perfect and Barry Horowitz were seen walking into the building. As they were walking, Perfect was overheard saying, 'The Crimson Morons is more like it...' to Horowitz sending them both into laughter. The Crimsons looked at each other as they went to break. 79%

Joel Gertner gained overness from this segment.

86%

-ADVERTS-

- The Crimsons Call Out Perfect and Barry -

Going into the break, Mike Rotunda came down the isle asking for the mic, sparking a small "Irwin" chant. He then introduced "Two of the finest men in the WWF Presidential Council -- The Crimson Twins!" The first 5 minutes here was great, because for the first time ever-- as the Crimson Twins were playing to the crowd, one side of the Castle chanted "Crimson", and the other side, "Sux", making fun of the Crimson's 'dialect'. Mooney tried to tell a joke saying,

"It looks like we have some Crimson relatives in the crowd"

In pure Crimson fashion, seemingly unmoved by the chant, the Crimsons began to do there deal, each holding a microphone.

Tamox & Xamot" We just heard something very disturbing!"

**The crowd booes them instantly for talking at the same time. At this point, Tomax ran climbing to the second turnbuckle, while Xamot ran to the opposite end, and started yelling at the fans.**

Tomax" Would you people..."

Xamot"...please shut the hell up!!"

**At this point, some cult Crimson fans, were actually heard cheering on the Crimsons, getting into their routine**

Tomax & Xamot" AS WE WERE SAYING..."

Xamot" Just moments ago..."

Tomax"...we saw this!!"

**With that, they showed Mr. Perfect's, Crimson Morons comment to Barry Horowitz, leading the crowd into a cheer. At this point, Mr. Perfect came out with Barry Horowitz. They came out to Barry's 'Sting-Like' music, that I only remember him using at SummerSlam during the Sting-Undertaker match. Perfect said that he did indeed say that, and that he would say it to The Crimson's face--So, of course, he then repeated it, sending the crowd into small buzz as the Crimsons prepared to retaliate.

Tomax" Well, it looks like we've been insulted by..."

Xamot"...Mr. and Mrs. 'Hi We haven't won a match..."

Tomax & Xamot"...IN JUST ABOUT 10 YEARS!!"

This sent the crowd into quite a buzz, as that seemed to be a stinging shot to both Perfect & Horowitz. I was expected Mooney to say something along the lines of 'But Perfect was a World Champion last year'. Luckilly he didn't. At this point, referee Shane McMahon ran down the isle, and into the ring, as the Crimsons officially challenged Perfect and Barry.

Tomax" Since we have a referee here..."

Xamot"...lets show everyone why we are the..."

Xamot"...future tag team champions, and why..."

Tomax"...Perfect and Barry are permanent tag team loosers!"

Tomax & Xamot" LETS!!"

With that the four engaged in a slugfest, followed by a bell, starting off the match, with Lawler yelling, "We've got an impromptu match! An impromptu match, Mooney!. 74%

Mr. Perfect lost overness from this segment. Barry Horowitz lost overness from this segment. Tomax gained overness from this segment. Xamot gained overness from this segment.

- The Crimson Complex -

The Crimson Twins d. Mr. Perfect & Barry Horowitz

The match had no tags and was basically just a tornado tag match. The crowd got into a Tomax - Barry exchange with ended with Tomax yanking Barry into a swinging neckbreaker. At 9:33 Perfect gave Xamot a snake eyes on the turnbuckle, resulting in Xamot clutching his face in extreme pain afterwoods. They were selling the idea that he 'landed on that permanent scar' on his face. While this happened, Tomax, on the outside, threw Horowitz hard into the ringside steps. This went over great, since the ringside steps are rarely used. Perfect, when he heard the thud, immediately went to the outside to check on Horowitz. While that was going on, Tomax snuck around the ring and pulled Xamot to the outside of the ring. Tamox then went in the ring and began clutching his face as Xamot were, hoping to fool Perfect. Perfect then walked in the ring, saw Tamox clutching his face down on the mat, and looked back at Barry, on the outside, who was being helped to the back by officials. As soon as Perfect turned around, Tamox got up, and ran up behind Perfect, setting up for his Cranium Kick, sending the crowd into the loudest buzz that I've ever heard when that move is teased. Mooney kept screaming, "He's behind you Perfect! It's Tamox! They pulled a switcheroo!!" as if he could be heard, by Hennig. Anyway, seconds later, Tamox caught Perfect with the Crimson Kick, and hooked the leg to win the match. Perfect sold the kick like he got hit in the back of the head with a bat. On their way to the back, Mooney leaped out of his seat to get a word with The Crimsons;

Mooney" Tamox! Xamot! You two pulled some sort of switcheroo out there!"

Tamox" Switcheroo? No not a Switcheroo!"

Tomax & Xamot" That's The Crimson Complex!"

The Crimson continued on to the back, with Xamot still clutching his face at times.

Overall: 68

Crowd: 74

Match: 56

Mr. Perfect lost overness from this match. Barry Horowitz lost overness from this match. Tomax gained overness from this match. Xamot gained overness from this match.

- Waltman Ordered To Face The Sandman; 'Next' -

From Mooney, they went to The Sandman who was complaining to Mike Rotunda about Waltman's 'attack' on him earlier--as they walk to his lockeroom. Sandman's face was still painted as Sting. Waltman, walked by, and grabbed Rotunda, saying, "Hey, I heard you wanted to see me. What's up? (To Sandman) Wow, we just keep running into each other tonight, huh?"

Rotunda" Yea, actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about! Is it true that you attacked this man!!"

Waltman" Well, yes--but only after--"

Rotunda" Well, try doing that when the Sandman can see you!! That's right, Karate Kid -- get your wrestling gear on! You've got a match with the Sandman! "

At this point, Sandman cracked his singapore cane over the head of Waltman, then continued hitting him, forcing Waltman to stagger all the way through the back and to the break. This started another 'impromptu' match, as Mike Chioda ran to the ring and got the match officially started. They took a commercial break 2 minutes in. 73%

- The Real Sting -

Shawn Waltman d. The Sandman

I hate to admit it, but I'm starting to enjoy some of these WorldWide matches. The story of this match was Waltman's eventual comeback, which turned the tide of the match. For the record, Sandman's face was still painted with the Sting paint, and Waltman's Karate Kid gear was his ring wear. Sandman had alot of really good tough offense here, which went over even better, against Waltman. There seemed to be a fight in the stands, but the majority of fans stayed with the match. Finals came when Sting starting walking to the ring pointing angrilly at the Sandman, with his painted face. Sandman started mouthing off to Sting, then turned around into a lightning kick off of the top rope for the cover.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 78

Match: 83

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously's 'belief' in Sabu -

Coming out of the break, they showed a prerecorded segment with Paulie Dangerously and Sabu, hyping the Three Way Dance for the Royal Rumble. Dangerously did a pretty good job here, talking in a 100% serious tone, about the history of the Arabians in professional wrestling. He went on to talk about how Arabian wrestlers made 'Extreme Wrestling', popular, and ensured that Sabu -- will be the one start the wave of Extreme Wrestling, once again.

Dangeroulsy was very convincing here. 88%

Owen Hart DRAW Mike Barton - WWF I-C Title

According to several inside sources, THIS untelevised unannounced match is what the WWF staff had been talking about all night. I'm hearing that they're thinking of going with a Barton - Owen feud, heading into Wrestlemania, and tried out this match to see how it would be recieved, and what they could do. With no heat. No build up. And, with no feud history the results were highly positive. Not only was the crowd hot, and into the near falls, but Barton and Owen worked incredibly well together. The match came to an end when Hart had Barton in the sharpshooter. But, then, all of a sudden Carl Oulette, wearing the WWF I-C Belt, hit the ring, carrying a ladder to the ring. Owen darted out of the ring, as soon as he saw Oulette hit the ring, selling the idea that he wanted to avoid injury before the Pay Per View. During this time, the TV audience was treated with an 8 minute complete Royal Rumble Preview. Once WorldWide was back on the air, Oulette was almost all the way up the ramp, when Brutus Beefcake, & The Sandman, along with Percy Pringle III, & Woman....except...not exactly.

Overall: 84

Crowd: 86

Match: 81

- The "Four Horsemen" -

When WorldWide came back on the they showed Oulette on his way to the back, saying that "He was out here flaunting his stolen belt". At this point, they played the not recently heard, Blue Blazer music, which got a nice pop. But instead, out came a short fat stubby man dressed up in the Blue Blazer outfit. It was Percy Pringle III. Oulette started laughing, as Pringle yelled into a mic,

"I wanttttt myyyyy belllltttttt!!!! Waaaa!! Waaa!! My Belt!!! Waaa!!!" Pringle looked god awful in that Blazer suit.

After hearing Pringle cry, Sting's music played, but of course, out came the Sandman--continuing his attack on Sting. Sandman came out, and only annoyingly screamed like Sting over and over again. Finally, Ric Flair's music played, and Beefcake came out, dressed up in a less than flattering robe, symbolising Ric Flair's robe. The crowd hated this. Beefcake ended the segment, thankfully, not doing a Flair impersonation.

Beefcake" YA KNOW SOMETHING BRUTHA....(crowd booes)..Sweet Bruti's got all the answers dude! And tommorow night, (To Oulette) you gotta help us in our task brutha! Ya see, even though we're not really teamates or anything, dude...we're both going to be trying to do the same thing tommorow night dude! No..we're not going to TRY!! We're going to make this the worst night in the history of the Four Horsemen! First, Oulette--I don't know about any of these morons out here (Crowd booes), but there's no doubt in Sweet Bruti's mind that you are the best Canadian Wrestler in the WWF today!! And tommorow night, you have a chance to throw that right in the Horsmen's face..when you face, 'The Canadian Horsemen, Owen Hart!' (The Crowd booes as Oulette smiles, shakes hands, and returns to the back before posing with the IC belt)

And...finally...you and me...Sandman....tommorow night...WE...become the newest members of the Horsemen!! Tommorow night, Steve Corino and Sting will be looking UP at us!! Because, tommorow night, compadre--you and I become, the elite! Now, hit my music! I've got some drinkin' to do--right, Bruti?"

WWF Worldwide went of the air with Beefcake and Sandman posing with their hands up, as Pringle III, and Woman smirk on from opposite ends of Beefcake and Sandman. 78%

Show Quality: 71%

TV Rating: 7.32

Commentary Aftermatch

Mooney" Could we be looking at the two newest members of the Four Horsemen!?"

Lawler" Corino and Sting are out! Sweet Bruti and The Beer Drinkin' Rebel is in!!"

Mooney" It's the Royal Rumble!! Tommorow night! All 3 WWF Titles on the line! That War Games Cage Match! And of course...The 1998 ROYAL RUMBLE!"

Lawler" I can't wait!"

THE RUMBLE

IS

NEXT.

Edited April 9, 2005 by Treyu

[ChuBalso]

Royal Rumble, Jan 31st, 1998 - The Castle Detriot Michigan

Hosts: Vince McMahon & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

Results:

First, The Genius, of the Presidential Council did a dumb skit with The American Dream...female fat wrestler, Dustine Rhodes.

1. Don Frye d. Kama Mustafa in 11:13 of a No Rules Match

Referee: Bill Silvermann

Simon Diamond accompanied Mustafa to the ring. Frye won with a chokehold. Crowd was hot.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 75

Match: 70

Don Frye gained overness from this match.

2. The Crimson Twins w/ President Ted Dibiase won a 3 way elimination match against The Space Croppers & The Ebony Experience, to win the WWF Tag Team Titles in 17:59

Referee: Joey Marella

In what was expected the Crimson Twins finally won the tag titles after the Hart Attack manuever--called the Crimson Attack. Dibiase was more than happy.

Overall: 68

Crowd: 63

Match: 73

The WWF Tag Team titles have gained in image.

3. Owen Hart d. Carl Oulette in 13:22 of a Ladder Match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Title

Referee: Jim Mollineux

The best of the two ladder matches between them. Owen finally took his belt away from Le Theif, Carl Oulette. The rest of the Horsemen joined the Canadian Horseman to celebrate.

Overall: 88

Crowd: 93

Match: 79

4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Ric Flair & Sabu in a 3 way elimination match, to retain the WWF Triple Crown Championship in 27:33

Referee: Bill Alfonso

Tenzan carried the other two to a great match. Sabu was good, but Tenzan had perfect timing with all of his spots. Flair was the last to go after 4 consecutive moonsaults by Tenzan.

Overall: 85

Crowd: 90

Match: 74

5. Shawn Waltman won the 1998 Royal Rumble after eliminating Prime Time Brian Lee at 79:33

...This was definately one of the better Royal Rumble's in a while. Sure, the crowd, at times were rather dead after the counts, but they were getting into many of the different exchanges going on in the Rumble during the Rumble. There were a couple of suprises, here--but nothing ground breaking. Ted Dibiase's music hit, as he came out as the 6th entrant in the Rumble. Dibiase ended up being among those left in the latter moments of the match, which really says alot of his conditioning. The Genius also emerged as suprise entry #22, to aid the WWF President. It was really funny hearing Mr. Perfect's old music hit--and the crowd popping huge--only to see that it was Lanny Poffo. Don Frye had a great showing here, which proved the inner feeling within the company that Frye is definately going to be factored into the future of the WWF. Frye got one of the biggest pops of the Rumble match when he belly to bellied Lance Storm over the top rope, then followed suit with D'lo Brown just about a minute later. McMahon pushed Frye hard as being an athlete who was "always taught never to quit" pushing his advantage in the Rumble. Heenan kept going nuts, talking about how Frye was 'still' in the Rumble during the 30, 45, and 60 minute time intervals--the crowd took notice of this, too, showed by the small 'Frye' chants during many of his strong spots during the match....

Waltman eliminated Lee at 79 minutes. By this time, Lee's persistance had turn him into somewhat of a face for the match. Probably, by fact that he didn't come out in his Undertaker gear...and instead, biker gear. They still called him, Lee The Undertaker, many times during the match though. The crowd did go bonkers for Waltman though.

McMahon did a good job of pointing out Waltman's successful WWF plight over the last year. From winning the Light Heavyweight Title, to the I-C title, to drawing Owen Hart at the C1 Clash, to this. His Royal Rumble victory.

Wrestling/Time Out/Elim By

1. Don Frye/ 60:50/ Ric Flair

2. Ric Flair/ 65:33/ Ted Dibiase

3. Kamala/ 16:44/Ric Flair

4. Flexx Kavanna/ 47:33/Ric Flair

5. Mr. Everything Andrew Martin / 32:22/Don Frye

6. Ted Dibiase/ 66:45/Shawn Waltman

7. Kama Mustafa/ 22:33/Big Dick Dudley

8. Carl Oulette/ 56:11/ Ric Flair

9. Tomax/ 29:33/Don Frye

10. Prime Time Brian Lee/ 79:03/Shawn Waltman

11. Big Dick Dudley / 43:22/ Jun Akiyama

12. Jun Akiyama / 60:33/ Ric Flair

13. Barry Horowitz /45:22/ Carl Oulette

14. Johnny Ace /35:33/ Brian Lee

15. Raymond Rougeau /39:33/ Brian Lee

16. Al Snow / 62:44/ Brian Christopher

17. Wolfie D/ 38:33/ Big Dick Dudley

18. D'lo Brown/ 46:33/Don Frye

19. Lance Storm/ 45:33/ Don Frye

20. Brian Christopher/ 75:33/ Shawn Waltman

21. Hayabusa /50:33/ Shawn Waltman

22. The Genius/ 66:40/ Brian Lee

23. The Renegade Warrior/ 58:31/Ted Dibiase

24. Chris Jericho/ 58:33/ Brian Lee

25. Shawn Waltman [WINNER]

26. Simon Diamond 63:07/ Brian Lee

27. Mr. Perfect 70:33/ Brian Lee

28. Mike Barton 75:33/ Shawn Waltman

29. Xamot /67:11/Brian Lee

30. The Big Bossman /65:33 Brian Christopher

Overall: 72

Crowd: 73

Match: 70

Midway during the Rumble, they did an angle where Xamot and Tomax, The Crimson Twins -- and new WWF Tag Team Champions started harrassing Miss Elizabeth, the first lady of the WWF. She was sitting at ringside. The Crimson Twins now have their own microphones. 84%

6. Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman defeated Sting & Steve Corino in 17:44 of a War Games Tag Match

Referee: Bill Alfonso

FOR ENTRY INTO THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Beefcake's team won when Carl Oulette, upset over his loss to the Canadian Horseman Owen Hart, closed the cage on Flair's head as he was trying to escape. Oh, that's right. WWF cages have doors. How they plan to work out this stipulation, and further this angle, is beyond me. But Joey Styles was more than vocal on how disrespectful this was to the tradition of the Horsemen name.

Overall: 85

Crowd: 90

Match: 80

[ChuBalso]

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

PO Box 1228, CA - February 2nd, 1998

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

Waltman wins The Rumble. Horsemen Loose Stipulation Match

The 1998 Royal Rumble, like most of the recent WWF events, lived up to it's hype -- kicking off 1998 with one of the most entertaining Pay Per Views, to date. The Rumble, from the Castle in Detriot, MI - did a total gate of $1,229,400, with 20,490 paid -- and a 1.97 buy rate. Bret Hart's first GCG PPV, for Jimmy Crockett, got him a 1.61 buy rate, establishing GCG as, now, a viable competitor to the WWF, and WCW...who seems to claim the #1 title, due to their name value, with Hogan and The Berzerker.

Shawn Waltman eliminated Lee The Undertaker near the 79th minute of the Royal Rumble, earning him a WWF Title shot at Wrestlemania -- completing what looked to be a carefully devised push that, essentially, started in Janurary of last year. First, Waltman won the GWF Lightheavyweight Championship. After pairing him up with, then top face, Bret Hart -- Waltman went on to make a strong showing in the King Of The Ring, and an even better showing, at September's C1 Clash Tournament, going to a time limit draw with Owen Hart. Now, as the Royal Rumble winner, 'The Highlight Kid' Shawn Waltman looks to be heading into a Wrestlemania '98 main event with Hiroyoshi Tenzan, which, on paper, looks to be a classic.

In other news from the Rumble, Sting & Steve Corino lost a Tag Team War Games match to Brutus Beefcake and The Sandman, with their Horsemen spots on the line. This result comes as a huge suprise, since, Brutus Beefcake, Sandman, Ric Flair, and Owen Hart (Flair and Owen) the other two members of the Horsemen) does NOT sound like a viable stable. It just wouldn't make sense for Flair to part ways with his protege (Steve Corino) and long time partner, Sting. It's all up in the air. But the person who really benefited from this is Carl Oulette. Oulette came into the Rumble with alot of momentum, after his great Shangril-a 3 way match with Owen Hart & Shaggy 2Dope, followed by the angle continuation of him stealing the I-C title from Owen, with sidekick, Lance Storm. After loosing that ladder match, earlier in the Rumble, Oulette showed up at this match, slamming the door on Steve Corino, getting his "anger out" on the Horsemen, after loosing to the Canadian Horseman Owen Hart. Oulette started screaming in French to the fans for quite some time, and walked out with Sandman and Beefcake, to the biggest heel reactions in quite some time. Where this whole angle between Sandman/Beefcake, Oulette/whoever, will go, will be very, very intersting.

Finally, the WWF Presidentship. So far, the Presidential council--an idea coined by Vince Russo--has been a nice addition to the WWF. Even though the stable includes, new Tag Team Champions, The Crimson Twins, Xamot & Tomax, the organisation comes accross as an authority group, with President Ted Dibiase, rather than 'just another regime', like PRIDE, or The Horsemen. This, most likely due to the plethora of older wrestlers as members of the Presidential Staff, such as Lanny Poffo,  Bob Orton, Jimmy Del Ray, and Jim Duggan.

<CENTER>

Observer Year End Awards</center>

What was 1997 the year of? Well, here were the main stories of the year...

The Berzerker arrives in WCW

The Berzerker (John Nord) turned his life around, and returned to Wrestling, this time, in WCW to do another program with Hulk Hogan -- achieving just as much, if not more success than their WWF feud. This, instantly gave WCW the star power, that they lacked during the older years. It also brought the ratings war between Nitro and RAW immeasurably close for the rest of the year, up to the present, establishing the heavily Dusty-Influenced promotion as the most 'popular' promotion in the World.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan Unifies WWF and GWF Titles against Hart

At SS'97, Hiroyoshi Tenzan (GWF Heavyweight), Bret Hart (WWF World), and Steve Corino (C1 Clash Winner) fought to unify the titles, establishing the WWF Triple Crown Championship in one of the most controversial match endings in WWF history. Not since the, Moolah-Spider Lady incident of 1985 has there been this much uncertainty as to if the ending was fully planned or not. Some feel that Bret was screwed by the WWF staff -- as he was having problems with them ever since Corino was given the belt, and The Dark Carnival was brought in. The image of WWF Agent, Antonio Inoki almost 'protecting' referee Bill Alfonso from Bret Hart, and staring Bret out of the ring, at Survivor Series, is an image that was probably on EVERY newstand wrestling publication for the month of December. Bret, soon went packing, and showed up at Jim Crockett's Golden Canvis Grappling Promotion. Many believe that it's Bret, that can bring GCG past the level of WWF and WCW. The only problem is that out of GCG's 3 shows, 2 are on after 1:00am.

ECA & 21CW Promotions

When Marty Jannetty was released from the WWF in 1996, and resumed the "Professor Marty Jannetty" gimmick in ECA, most felt that he was doomed. When Jeff Jarrett and Pretty Paul Roma were released from the WWF (Jarrett '97, Roma '96), many felt that they were headed toward of world of obsurity. But, both men were able to take their WWF success, just like Jannetty, and made 21st Century Wrestling a viable competitor to ECA -- both of which are now nationally known. While ECA has the Combat Zone, which is shown on TNT, Monday Night's/Early Tuesday's at 1:30am, most networks are afraid to give 21CW a show. There's something about a Dark Patriot vs. Terry Funk barbed wire ring of fire match, that didn't ring well with most networks.

The Awards

(Wrestler) (Votes) (Group Affiliation)

Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Wrestler of the Year

1. Steve Corino (1,496) WWF

2. Stunning Steve Austin (1,205) WCW

3. Shawn Waltman (834) (WWF)

Most Outstanding Wrestler

1. Shawn Waltman (2,123) WWF

2. Owen Hart (982) WWF

3. Shawn Michaels WCW (873)

Best Box Office Draw

  

1. Hulk Hogan WCW (2,592)

2. The Berzerker WCW (1,362)

3. Steve Corino (438)

Feud of the Year

  

1. The Dark Carnival vs. The WWF (961)

2. Steve Corino vs. Bret Hart WWF (790)

3. Brian Pillman & Stunning Steve Austin vs. Dustin Rhodes and Shane Douglas (507)

Tag Team of the Year

  

1. The Crimson Twins WWF (1,246)

2. The Hardy Brothers (USWA) (1,244)

3. Misterio & Black Tiger (ECA) (1,238)

Most Improved

 

1. Shawn Waltman WWF (1,640)

2. Carl Oulette WWF (1,010)

3. Professor Marty Janetty (ECA) (527)

Best on Interviews

  

1. Ric Flair WWF (1,388)

2. Commissioner Harley Race (WCW) (1.235)

3. The Crimson Twins WWF (640)

Most Charismatic

  

1. Ric Flair WWF (1,596)

2. Brian Pillman WCW (1,023)

3. Jacques 'The Mountie' Rougeau GCG (584)

Best Technical Wrestler

   

1. Bret Hart GCG (1,808)

2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan WWF (1,243)

3.  Christian Cage (VZF-Canada) (731)

Best Brawler (Bruiser Brody Memorial Award)

     

1. Abdullah The Butcher WCW (1,840)

2. Masato Tanaka (JAP) (467)

3. Tommy Dreamer ECA (416)

Best Flying Wrestler

  

1. Shawn Waltman/Lightning Kid WWF (1,660)

2. Jushin Thunder Liger WCW (1,186)

3. Rob Van Dam/Haybabusa (ECA/WWF - tied) (934)

Most Overrated

  

1. Pretty Paul Roma 21CW (1,678)

2. The Dark Patriot/Doug Gilbert (875) (the man only had one of the best years of his career last year, still overrated?)

3. Jacques 'The Mountie' Rougeau GCG (778)

Most Underrated

  

1. Rob Van Dam (ECA) (747)

2. Bob Hollly (VZF-Canada) (492)

3. Simon Diamond (WWF) (329)

Promotion of the Year

  

1. WWF (1,079)

2. WCW (876)

3. 21CW (772) (Easily the most edgy promotion in North America)

Best Weekly TV Show

  

1. WWF Monday Night RAW (2,157)

2. Golden Canvas Greats (1,152)

3. VZF Canadian Carnage (870)

Best Match of the Year

   

1. Mr. Perfect vs. Steve Corino (WWF Summerslam) (1,049)

2. Shawn Michaels vs. The Great Muta (WCW Starrcade) (779)

3. Billy Kidman vs. Little Guido SWF (532)

Rookie of the Year

  

1. Don Frye WWF (2,733)

2. Giant Paul Wight 21CW (718)

3. Kurt Angle (GCG) (578)

Best Non-Wrestling Performer

   

1. Ted Dibiase WWF (3,139)

2. Paulie Dangerously WWF (1,023)

3. Arn Anderson (WCW) (478)

Best Television Announcer

   

1. Joey Styles WWF (1,344)

2. Jim Ross (GCG) (1,287)

3. Sgt. Slaughter (GCG)*Retired into announcing (876)

Worst TV Announcer

  

1. Dusty Rhodes WCW (1,026)

2. Vince McMahon WWF (620)

3. Todd Pettingill ECA (590)

Best Major Wrestling Show

   

1. WWF Shangrila/SS'97 (1,960)

2. WCW Dusty Bowl (Max Moon's debut) (Nov '97) (1,000)

3. VZF Code Red (Feb '97)(633)

Worst Major Wrestling Show

   

1. WCW's Dusty's Doodle (125)

2. Bruce Hart's NYC Wrestling Bamfest (122)

3. 21CW Debut Show (when they had 7 workers - Jan '97) (97)

Best Wrestling Maneuver

   

1. The Crimson Cold Wave (Crimson Tag Team)  (127)

2. Hiroyoshi's Tenzan's TTD (58)

3. Great Muta's Moonsault 619 (52)

Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic

    

1. WCW's Kiss me or die angle with Tammy Sytch and Hulk Hogan (359)

2. GCG having Bret Hart trash WWF every week on TV (34)

3. Skinner spitting tobacco on fans for heat (5 Star Supreme Wrestling -- Cult) (18)

Reader's Personal Favorite Wrestler

    

1. Shawn Waltman (179)

2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan (51)

3. The Berzerker (50)

Reader's Least Personal Favorite Wrestler

     

1. The Insane Clown Posse (253)

2. Mike Barton  (48)

3. Sid Vicious (GCG) (34)

Worst Wrestler

  

1. The Berzerker (WCW) (224)

2. Hulk Hogan (WCW) (49)

3. Tony Halme ECA (40)

Worst Tag Team

  

1. Vinnie Vegas & Scotty Flamingo WCW (157)

2. Hillbilly Jim & The Rock (Don Muraco) 21CW (108)

3. Skinner & Dutch Mantell 5SSW (97)

Worst Non-Wrestling Performer

1. (Prezident) Jack Tunney (GCG) (269)

2. Tugboat (ECA) (145)

3. Captain Lou Albano (21CW) (49)

Worst Match of the Year

   

1. The Berzerker vs. Hulk Hogan (WCW) (WCW Great American Bash) (245)

2. Scott Putski vs. Kurrgan (5SSW) (The 5 Star Showdown '97) (49)

3. Jerry Lawler vs. Brutus Beefcake (Career Match-Summerslam) (38)

Worst Promotion

  

1. Piledriver Wrestling (Regional) (198)

2. New York City Wrestling (small) (111)

3. Smokey Mountain Rebirth (regional) (79)

Best Booker

 

1. JJ Dillon WWF (275)

2. Dusty Rhodes WCW (185)

3. Lester McNight III GCG (61)

Promoter of the Year

  

1. Jim Crockett (GCG) (287)

2. Vince McMahon (117)

3. Jerry Jarrett (USWA) (79)

Best Gimmick

 

1. The Crimson Twins WWF (156)

2. Stunning Steve Austin WCW (47)

3. Simon Diamond's Petition against Don Frye WWF (46)

Worst Gimmick

  

1. Jake Robert's 'lost' without his Snake WCW (92)

2. Matt Anti-Borne (meaning, never was born. :/) GCG (53)

3. Officer-in-training John Tenta (WWF) (45)

Most Embarassing Wrestler

   

1. The Berzerker WCW (84)

2. Agent Steve Blackman (2 years in rehab before getting out. Our 'bad boy' of wrestling. His early small 1994 WWF Success got to him, eh?) (67)

3. Jimmy Garvin 21CW (53)

Most of the awards don't come as a suprise. It's been a great year for wrestling, mostly for the WWF, WCW, and GCG. Antonio Inoki's imput has put the WWF on the map as having the best workers in the sport. But, WCW, with the acquisition of The Berzerker, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and other ex-WWF'ers over the years, have more of a star power appeal to them. And now, with Bret Hart in GCG --the announcing team of Jim Ross and Sgt. Slaughter has been introduced into many more homes.

Now, what will 1998 have in store?

Edited April 9, 2005 by Treyu

[ChuBalso]

The Year of "The Dragon"...

Feb 2rd, 1998

Monday Night Raw

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Attendance: 10,014

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

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

The first Monday Night RAW, following the Rumble, began with a small photo recap of the Rumble event, narrated by Vince McMahon. Once RAW went on the air, Bobby Heenan was shown looking around at the hot crowd, wondering where Joey Styles was. After running down the card (WWF Title Match, Christopher-Perfect etc.), he mentioned that Sean Mooney was in the ring, about to introduce the WWF President. That's when PHAT TV Host, Erich Bischoff came out of the crowd, and joined Heenan at the broadcast booth.

Heenan (Giving Bischoff 'a look') " What the...? This isn't PHAT TV, this is Monday Night Raw. What are you doing here?"

Bischoff" Well, Heenan--wrestling fans, I'm Eric Bischoff! You'll usually see me hosting PHAT TV with The Body, but I've graduated!"

Heenan" From what? Automotive school...AGAIN?!"

Bischoff" No, no, haha...no, Brain. I've been asked to do the show tonight, as Styles will be very busy tonight at the Garden! He'll be doing interviews with the wrestlers throughout the show--and tonight, HE will be the first to talk to, The Four New Horsemen, Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman! "

Heenan" That's right, car-boy! We've got two new members of the Horsemen! Sweet Bruti! And The Sandman!!" [*Ted Dibiase's music starts to play*]

Bischoff" You know what that music means! Here comes the WWF President...The Million Dollar Man, Ted Dibiase!"

Heenan" And he's joined, as always, with The Neeeeewwwwwww Tag Team Champions, THE CRIMSON TWINS!"

Bischoff"...and it looks like he's without the rest of his Presidential Council! Let's go to Sean Mooney, in the ring -- but first, a quick look at the history, of WWF Presidents!!"

- President Ted Dibiase Get's Impeached -

They quickly cut to a video montage of past WWF Presidents. Alot of President Jack Tunney sitting around his desk, like a loaf. There was a funny clip of 1994 President Joel Gertner hiding from Hogan, underneath his desk. I'm suprised they showed current ECA'er Captain Lou Albano arguing with Jim Cornette & Antonio Inoki--but they also showed Slick stealing Jack Tunney's gold. After the montage, Sean Mooney was in the ring joined with Dibiase and The Crimsons, to a nice hearty, "Crimson Sux" chant, with each side of the crowd alternating words...The Crimson's took out thier very own "Crimson mics", from their tights, and actually interupted Sean Mooney, first.

Tomax" Show some respect!"

Xamot" To the WWF President!" [*Crowd booes*]

Tomax" So some respect! To Your...."

Xamot (Shouting) " NEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! "

Tomax & Xamot" WWF Tag Team Champions!"

After a bit more stalling and taunting from all three, Sean Mooney began the long opening segment.

Mooney" Million Dollar Man, Ted Dibiase...I noticed that--"

Mooney" President Dibiase, Mooney! Mwahahahahahahaa!!!"

Mooney" President Dibiase...Where's The Genius? Where's CEO Jim Duggan? Bill Alfonso? Where's your Presidential Council?"

Dibiase" Mwahahahaha!! Mooney!! Don't worry about that! Because, what we have to talk about is moving forward into 1998! 1998 the year of The Dragon!! And, come Wrestlemania '98, everyone will know what I mean! But first things, first! First off, I wanna talk about the lovely Miss Elizabeth!!"

Mooney" And, I think that other's want to as well! Last night, at the Royal Rumble...your Crimson Twins were especially rude! Especially rude to the 1st Lady of the World Wrestling Federation!! Now, what was that for?!"

Dibiase" First of all, Mooney...she had no business, by ringside!"

Mooney" She's the First Lady, Ted Dibiase!"

Tomax" And she'll be the last lady..."

Xamot"...if she keeps hanging around ringside...."

The Crimson Twins & Dibiase " Hahahahahaha!!"

At this point, the laugh factory was overtook by sudden cheers from the crowd. Miss Elizabeth had walked halfway down the isle and started staring at the curtain. Within 10 seconds, out came, the first WWF President, Jack Tunney, to a pop, that I'm sure not even he'd thought he'd get. He had noticable gray hairs, but his face looked primarily the same as it had when he left the WWF in 1993. Tunney, also increased his name value from the last few years of doing the President gimmick in ECA. He 'stopped' Elizabeth, and motioned her to the back, before continuing on to the ring. The crowd, feeling the surge of nostaglia, had a noticable 'Tunney' chant going....

Ted Dibiase" Jack Tunney!? Jack Tunney?! The worst President in WWF History!? Mwahahahaha!" [*Crowd booes*]

Tunney [*Takes out piece of Paper*] " I..I...[*waits for crowd to calm down*] I have here, in my hand...the document that calls for YOUR IMPEACHMENT FROM WWF PRESIDENCY!!" [*Crowd cheers*]

Dibiase [*livid, with The Crimsons*] " What!? What!? What?!! You can't do that!? You don't even work here!!"

Tunney" I do so, now! [*Crowd cheers*] But, more importantly, the people who signed this call for impeachment do, also!" [*Crowd cheers*]

Dibiase [*Grabs Paper out of Tunney's hand*] " What?! What!? JJ Dillon? Bob Orton, Joey Styles? Lanny Poffo? Jim Duggan!? What the?"

Tunney [*snatches back paper*] " No need to read through all the names. I'm sure these great WWF fans don't want to sit throught 100 signatures. " [*Crowd cheers again*]

Dibiase" I've never heard of this! Signatures? Impeachment?!"

Tunney" That's because I wrote it, in case...in the future, we had a pompous President like you, who kept abusing his power!"

Xamot" When has President Dibiase?"

Tomax" Abused his power?"

Xamot & Tomax

" WE WANT EVIDENCE!

WE WANT PROOF!"

Tunney" You want evidence? I'll give you evidence! Right here, next week, on Monday Night RAW, during the impeachment trial!" [*Crowd cheers*]

Dibiase" Wha?! No! No! You can't do this! [*To cheering fans*] Shut up! Shut up!"

Tunney" And if ya don't like it, I've got two words for you! TOO BAD!"

With that, Jack Tunney left, to another pop. After a few seconds of panting in the ring, Dibiase and The Crimson Twins 'chased after' Tunney towards the back as the crowd cheered on. They were very careful, it seems, with Tunney. They didn't have him say too much, since he's not a very charasmatic speaker. But, they had him say just enough, to the point where whatever he said would get a reaction. I like how they used the Presidential Council, and to a lesser extent, the WWF staff, to 'turn against' Dibiase for his abusing of power. I'm guessing, the 'evidence' will revolve around Dibiase's introduction of PRIDE, as well as his run-ins with Paulie Dangerously, as well as virtually every other WWF face. 81%

Jack Tunney, the WWF's first WWF President has returned,

to lead in the impeachment of President Ted Dibiase

-ADVERTS-

Pauline Patriot d. Sexteen w/ Brian Christopher & Bruce Pritchard

It looks like the WWF is serious about the WWF Women's division. I'm hearing that they'll continue to have this 'exhibitary' type of matches until Wrestlemania '98. Bischoff mentioned that the first WWF Women's champion since, 1989, will be crowned at Wrestlemania '98. Wrestlemania '98 will take place, this year, from The Astrodome, in Houston, Texas. That's alot of seats to fill. Pauline won with the "Patriot Missle" (top rope shoulder block) at 6:33 of an OK match. The crowd was still buzzing about the whole Tunney-Dibiase impeachement thing.

Overall: 28

Crowd: 34

Match: 28

Sexxteen lost overness from this match. Pauline Patriot gained overness from this match. Sexxteen didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

- Brian Christopher blasts ally, Brian Lee -

Once, Pritchard, Sexteen, and Christopher, got up the ramp, in front of the Titon Tron they were met with Joey Styles who got a nice pop coming out. Joey Styles, who was promoted to Executive Director Of Talent Relations, this past Novemember, mentioned to Brian Christopher, how his mate, Lee The Undertaker, just missed out on winning the Royal Rumble. He brought up, Christopher's 'main squeeze', Sexteen, just loosing her match to Pauline Patriot, then asked if Christopher felt that he would, too, come short of victory, against Mr. Perfect, later tonight. Pritchard started to speak on behalf of both of his men, but was quickly interupted by Christopher;

Christopher" Now hold on a minute! Joey Styles, you come out here, and talk about this, and talk about that! Lee The Undertaker is old news! First he DUMPS Bruce Pritchard as his manager and goes on this stupid Dark Carnival thing for months! I've continued to team with you...yet you've always stayed allied with those Dark Carnival cronies, who now are ALL GONE from the WWF, now, 'Dead Man'!! So, you come crawling back to Bruce Pritchard, who did everything for you, and you beg him to take you back! So he does!...And now, you come this close to winning the Royal Rumble! But of course...like you always do...YOU FAILED! Pritchard took you back, and you failed! [*Crowd Booes*] Bruce! You've got to cut this man! I've got a match against Mr. Perfect, and I don't want Lee's MEDIOCRENESS [*Crowd booes*] to have an effect on me, like it did to Sexteen!! The only reason why Sexteen lost that match against Pauline Patriot, is because she was thinking of the dead weight that we're carrying, in Leeeeeee!! [*Crowd booes loudly*] I plan to WIN my match, tonight, against Mr. Perfect! And I'm gonna do it...and everything else...WITHOUT LEE THE UNDERTAKER! Let's get outta here!"

With that, Christopher darted away, holding Sexteen's hand, closely followed by Pritchard. Christopher has to work on his delivery, if he wants to be remain near the top...but because of the suprising face responce to Lee The Undertaker, had generated alot of heat with his comments. 94%

-ADVERTS-

The Space Croppers (Rhyno Starr & Devon Storm) d. Doom ED (Koko B. Ware & Butch Reed

There are just some people, like Doom ED, that you wonder how they still manage to keep their jobs. Both, Koko and Reed had very little offense during this match, and kept stalling by taunting fans. Finals of the match came at 10:01 with the Asteriod Explosion; an Atomic Drop from Storm, into a running Spear from Rhyno, onto Reed. There was a funny sign that made TV that read, "Koko. Your bird's needed in Atlanta"...I don't even think WCW will take the bird.

Overall: 56

Crowd: 64

Match: 63

Koko B. Ware lost overness from this match. Butch Reed lost overness from this match. Devon Storm gained overness from this match. Rhyno Starr gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- WWF Triple Crown Champion Hiroyoshi Tenzan

And The Rest Of PRIDE -

Monday Night RAW returned with Joey Styles in the ring, standing to his usual 'Oh My Gawd' chant from the MSG crowd. After, purposefully asking on mic, "Are we on", Styles introduced PRIDE. Out came, lead by James E. Cornette, WWF Triple Crown Champion Hiroyoshi Tenzan sporting a rather flashy-looking silver suit, Johnny Ace, wearing shades, Mike Barton, Hayabusa, Tatsumi Fujinami, & Jun Akiyama. Johnny Ace quickly snatched the microphone out of Styles' hand, and began to eye down the hostile MSG crowd. Ace got Cornette's attention, and directed him to a sign in the crowd....

Ace [*Pointing to a "Jerry's still the King Of The WWF" sign*]" Uh..hey buddy!? It's 1998, now. Where'd you did that sign up from? 1994? " [*They laugh, crowd booes*]

I thought that comment was pretty funny. After grabbing the microphone back, Styles called Ace 'Rude', and began to talk to James Cornette. He mentioned Highlight Kid Shaw Waltman winning the 1998 Royal Rumble, and promised that Waltman would be on PHAT TV this week on Sky television. He then asked if he was confident in Tenzan's ability to defend the title, successfully, at Wrestlemania '98. Cornette spoke, while Tenzan yelled and screamed in the background, whilst patting his belts;

Cornette

" Joey Styles, years ago when I brought Tenzan into the WWF, everyone said, he never had a chance, he was too small!

When he went against the 'suicidal', 'homicidal', 'genocidal' Sabu...many said he wasn't 'hardcore' enough!

When he went against wrestlers like Owen Hart, and Stan Hansen, everyone said he wasn't TOUGH enough!

But you see, Styles, he's proven them all wrong! He proved them all wrong when he defeated both Bret Hart and Steve Corino IN THE SAME MATCH, at Survivor Series! And, just last night...the critics got proven wrong again, when Tenzan defeated Sabu and Ric Flair in a 3 way Title match! He took the bomb out of atom! He took the Woooooo outtta Ric Flair, and he proved that he is the greatest wrestler in the world, today, Styles! And he'll prove it again tonight, against Flair, just like he'll prove it against the Lighting Highlight Flashy Jumpy Kid Shawn Waltman, at Wrestlemania!!"

After Cornette spoke, Styles moved the mic over to Tenzan who had alot to say. According to translators he basically ran down Waltman. But to all of us non-Japanese speaking folk, it sounded like this;

Tenzan

" Hahaha!! Waltmanshuuuu! Deherrrddaaaaaaa!! Dongchaaa!!

Wanngggg sonn Championshipshu!!! Wrestlemania!! Ha! Ha! ha!!

ONE! TWO! THREE! TENZANSHU!"

At that word, Cornette led PRIDE away as Bischoff and Heenan put over Tenzan big time. It looks like it will, indeed, be Tenzan-Waltman at Wrestlemania. Waltman, had the night off (as hinted by Styles), so that he's fresh and ready for the PHAT TV taping, tommorow night. 81%

The Big Bossman DRAW Barry Horowitz

In what was VERY unexpected, it took 2 advert breaks, and 5 extra minutes for this match to end, via a 20 minute time limit draw. Despite the poor workrate, in a match that looked to have footprints of Inoki booking, the crowd got more and more into the match as the match went on. By the 13th minute mark, with both men, a bit fatigued, it was clear that the match was going to go on a bit longer than usual. For the next five minutes, the two shared several near falls, with the crowd actually popping nice for all of them. At 16:55, Bossman missed an elbow job from the second rope, and got caught with the Horowitzer, a dropkick off of the top rope. But after the move, both men remained laid out--selling lack of stamina, huge. By this point, there was a nice Horowitz chant. Bischoff did a good job of both men giving it their all, as "All WWF Superstars do, each and every day, in arena's all accross the world" Horowitz was the first to get up, with Bossman shortly thereafter. Horowitz went against the ropes, but was countered by The patented Bossman Slam, which got a big reaction, for it's timing. Bossman went for the pinfall, but, time had just run out, seconds before the pinfal. Though Bossman was a clear heel, both actually got an applause as the near 30 minute ordeal came to an end.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 80

Match: 53

-ADVERTS-

- Lawler Interrupts RAW -

Coming out of the break, Bischoff and Heenan recapped all of the events that led up to the stipulation match, where Brutus Beefcake & Sandman would be admitted into the Horsemen. In the ring was Joey Styles, along with officials, JJ Dillon and, road agent, Ole Anderson. Styles gave them both very flattering introductions before, Jerry Lawler, who looked to have a chip on his shoulder, came out to no ring music. He still a nice pop, as always...after all..the man was on top of the WWF for over 4 years. He apologised to Styles, Anderson, and Dillon and said that this was important. He asked the 'boys in the back' to pull up 'that' piece of footage from earlier tonight....

Johnny Ace quickly snatched the microphone out of Styles' hand, and began to eye down the hostile MSG crowd. Ace got Cornette's attention, and directed him to a sign in the crowd....

Ace [*Pointing to a "Jerry's still the King Of The WWF" sign*]" Uh..hey buddy. It's 1998, now. Where'd you did that sign up from? 1994? " [*They laugh, crowd booes*]

[ChuBalso]

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

Feb 5rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: The LiveCline Auditorium, Cleveland - Ohio

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & The Doctor Of Style Slick

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Slick & The Doctors Of Style -

PHAT TV, opened up with a nice montage recap of the MSG Raw happenings of earlier this week. Vince McMahon opened the show, replacing Eric Bischoff, and mentioned that Jesse The Body -- the usual co-host of PHAT TV, was out doing a charity event. Slick's music soon hit, and he came to the announcer's table along with, The Heavenly Bodies, Dr. Tom Pritchard & Jimmy Del Ray...

McMahon" And, it looks like I'm being joined by, The Doctor Of Style Slick..and...The Heavenly Bodies?"

Slick" Nahhh, Nahhhh, Nahhhh, mahh bruthaaaaaaaaa!! They are no longer the Heavenly Bodies! You is looking at, Doctor Gigalo Jimmy Del Ray, Doctor Tom Pritchard...and oohhhh baby look at that hair--THE DOCTORS OF STYLE!!"

McMahon" Oh my!" 76%

Slick lost overness from this segment. Dr. Tom Pritchard gained overness from this segment. Dr. Gigalo Jimmy Del Ray gained overness from this segment.

The Warriors Of Doom (Horace Hogan & The Renegade Warrior) w/ Paul Ellering d. The Doctors Of Style (Dr. Tom Pritchard & Dr. Gigalo Jimmy Del Ray

So, they added "Doctor" in front of 38 year old Jimmy Del Ray's name, and now he and Pritchard are the Doctors Of Style. Doesn't look they'll do much with them, though. I'm hearing, while they wanted to keep Slick around--since he's been such a strong part of the WWF--they want to tone him down, from the heavy attention that he got from being involved in the whole Zeus-Mike Tyson-King Of The Ring ordeal. WOD won, after a gorilla press and slam by Warrior, followed by the mighty Horace Leg-Drop on Del Ray.

Overall: 61

Crowd: 59

Match: 64

Jimmy Del Ray is losing overness because of his weak gimmick.

-ADVERTS-

- 1998 Royal Rumble Winner Shawn Waltman, via Satellite -

Coming out of the break, they had McMahon talk to Shawn Waltman via Satellite, from his home in Middletown, Pa. Waltman was resting, from the hard fought Royal Rumble match, and promised to return to WWF action, next week on RAW. McMahon announced, that the Wrestlemania '98 contract signing will take place next week on RAW, with interim President Jack Tunney. Slick ended the interview with his heelish questions;

Slick" Sooooo, bruthaaaaaaaaa Waltman!!! What do you say to those who say that Tenzan is a better wrassler than youuuu!!?"

Waltman" Slickster. You look at that Highlight Reel, and I can guarentee you that I'm on 80% of those tapes! Whether it was against, Carl Oulette, The ICP, Johnny Ace, Owen Hart, Mike Barton...I was always more than a lightning kid--I'm the Highlight Kid! And when Wrestlemania rolls along, what you will hear, is Joe Pedicino saying; 'Neewwwww WWF Triple Crown Champion, H.L.K, Shawn Waltman!!" [*Crowd cheers*] 84%

Al Snow d. CW Anderson

Despite the lack of crowd reaction, the two worked really hard, here. PHAT TV has always been known as the show with better 'wrestling' than RAW. During Snow's offense, there were several 'Let It Snow' chants--but as soon as the former Triple Threat member got on offense, everyone went back to sleep. During the match, they played comments from WWF Official Joey Marella, who agreed with Ted Dibiase's impeachment. Snow won with the Snow Plow at 8:55.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 59

Match: 82

-ADVERTS-

Jun Akiyama & Hayabusa d. Doug Furnas & Phil Lafon

This was probably the best match on PHAT TV in a very long time. McMahon pushed Lafon & Furnas big as former WWF Tag Team Champions. Akiyama & Hayabusa are, also, well over with the fans--Hayabusa for his short programme, as the "Japanese Assassin" fueding with Bret Hart, just prior to his departure--and Jun Akiyama for his ECW Title reign which ended right before Shangril-a due to injury. The fast paced match ended, after Akiyama ducked out of the way of a double clothesline by the Can-Am Express, and suprised them both with Exploders. After nailing them, each, with two more--he tagged out to Hayabusa, who ended the match (at 12:59) with the 450 splash on Lafon. The fans did have the decency to applaud after the match was over.

Overall: 77

Crowd: 65

Match: 90

-ADVERTS-

Don Frye w/ Clyde Vasseaur d. John Kronus Helmsely w/ Hunter McMahon Helmsely

Frye looks to be getting better, and better -- but Kronus is horrible. They used this match, mostly, as a backdrop to talk further about this impeachment trial scheduled for RAW. I have no idea of what this 'trial' actually entails...but if we have to watch Dibiase and Tunney converse in an actual court room, then I think WCW's going to have a very good rating period, next week. Frye won with an armbar at 8:14.

Overall: 61

Crowd: 54

Match: 69

-ADVERTS-

- The Crimson Twins vs. Rapper Wolfie D -

Coming out of the break, newcomer Wolfie D was rapping in the ring, for the fans. They showed a brief shot of McMahon moving his head to the beat of Wolfie D's rapping, to which Slick yelled;

"McMaahhhhoooonnnn, you don't know how to jive!" Rap time was interupted by The Crimson Twins, both wearing the WWF Tag Team Titles around their waste. It was clear, they were out to pick on the newcomer. The paused, and waited for the "Crimson Sux" chant to die down.

Tomax [*Almost rapping*] " Hello, how are you, here, today?"

Xamot [* II *]" We have come out here to say..."

Tomax" That we've grown tired of your mindless rapping...."

Xamot" So please stop the pointless flapping..."

Tomax & Xamot [*Pointing at Wolfie*] " BEFORE WE GIVE YOU A CRIMSON SMACKIN'"

Most of the crowd booed, but some actually laughed. Tomax is such a better talker (And wrestler) than Xamot. But Xamot's scar accross his face, is enough to get him more over...since it makes him look like a certified madman. Or, a madman Tomax, since they look virtually identical. Wolfie D started to leave the ring, but then paused midway, showing his courage, getting an nice pop from the fans.

Tomax & Xamot" Don't stop there!"

Wolfie D" Who are you to tell me wat I gotta do!?"

Tomax & Xamot " Because we're the Crimson Twins!"

Tomax" The World Wrestling Federation..."

Xamot"...Tag Team Champions!"

Xamot" And we work side..."

Tomax"...by side with the WWF President..."

Tomax & Xamot" President Ted Dibiase!"[*Crowd booes*]

Wolfie D" Last time I checked, Ted Dibiase was being impeached! And you two are about to be IM-PUNCHED!"

And with that, Wolfie D, delt a couple of swift shots to the Crimson Twins knocking them both down, still wearing their belts. Wolfie quickly went through the ropes and toward the back to saftey, to a nice reaction, as the Crimson Twins frantically re-grouped in the ring. Before going to more comments from the WWF Staff about Dibiase's Impeachment, the Crimsons picked up their mics and yelled;

Xamot" This isn't over!"

Tomax" Wolfie D!"

Tomax & Xamot" NOT BY A LONG SHOT!"

Wolfie D gained overness from this segment. 71%

Sabu w/ Paulie Dangerously d. Simon Diamond w/ Kama Mustafa

Sabu, in his first match since the WWF Title Match at the Rumble, had a 'Sabu' chant going for most of the match. Dangerously was intense on the outside. Sabu won with the arabian facebuster at 11:11. McMahon noted that Diamond made his WWF Debut, turning on Tony Halme, posing as a doctor, early last year.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 77

Match: 80

-ADVERTS-

- Barton KO's Marella -

Lee d. Mike Barton

Lee's pop here was just rediculous. Lee went from one of the top heels in the company, to the undisputed top face. Despite Waltman's improvement over the year, Lee get's much more of a reaction then he, or anyone else in the company, does. The only person who's closer to Lee, is probably Sting. This match was pretty strong, as Barton's last year of a push has made his a credible singles wrestler. Finals of the match game when Lee caught Barton by the throat, as he was going for a double axe-handle, and nailed him with The Lee Chokeslam, as it's being called now. He then finished him off with the tombstone at 8:53. The fans started up with the, "Lee! Lee! Lee!" chants, again.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 81

Match: 72

-ADVERTS-

- Joey Styles' Face2Face -

After the break, they showd a 'during the break' highlight, which showd, Mike Barton knocking out official, Joey Marella, for awarding Lee the match. McMahon then, introduced a new segment, called, "Joey Styles Face2Face with...", a taped interview segment from the Titan Sports Studios. Styles was sporting tape accross his head, selling the cane shot from RAW. This week, his guest was The Lovely Miss Elizabeth. Elizabeth said that she was the one to bring interim President Jack Tunney, back to the WWF, as a result of her rude treatment from two of Dibiase's aids--The Crimson Twins--at the Royal Rumble. She mentioned how, Dibiase, as President, formed PRIDE, and used his power to help Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Mike Barton, and Jun Akiyama achieve some form of success over the last year. Well, she's got a point. Even when Hogan was president, those in his group never really "did" anything, besides starting conflicts, every week. Oh, and Brutus Beefcake & Hunter McMahon Helmsley (The Dream Team II) were SMW Tag Team Champions--and those titles were hardly defended. Styles ended the interview by asking her, "If Ted Dibiase is, indeed, impeached -- who will you endorse as the next WWF President?"

Liz" I think, I'm with all WWF fans, when I say that the next WWF President should be...the man who's been the fairest one to date. Jack Tunney."

Styles" Thank you very much for joining us here on Face2Face...next week, my guess will be Horsemen IV member, Carl Oulette-- Liz, any last words before we go?"

Liz" And Dibiase...if you don't like this...As Jack Tunney would say--I've got two words for you--TOO BAD."" 79%

-ADVERTS-

Sting, Owen Hart, Steve Corino d. Carl Oulette, The Sandman, Lance Storm

This match looked to be clearly rushed -- but I think it was just some sort of test match, to see how well some of the members of The Horsemen and The Horsemen IV would work together. The match, which lasted all but 6 minutes long had no tags--just brawling. McMahon sold this by saying, "All 6 men...they have a hatred for each other! Unbelievable! I don't think Hebner will ever get control!" I'm hearing they may be building for some sort of War Games confrontation between the two regimes, at Wrestlemania '98. Match ended when somehow, somewhere, Sting got Storm with the Stinger Splash--followed by Hart, the legal man in (with Storm) locked on the Sharpshooter at 6:16, for the victory. PHAT TV went off the air with the 3 Horsemen IV members brawling to the back with the 3 members of the 4 Horsemen.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 80

Match: 76

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon"..and I don't think that war will ever end! Well, on RAW, Ric Flair will be in attendance! And who knows WHAT'S on his mind, after the events of the last week!"

Slickster" That's right, baby!!! And so will the Horsemen IV, so something's gonna happen!!"

McMahon" Plus, the impeachment trial, of President Ted Dibiase! The Presidential Council, with the help of Jack Tunney are hoping to get this carrier of corruption OUT of power!"

Slickster" Nah, c'mon!! Dibiase's the man with the MON-EEE!!! Why he gotta go?"

McMahon" Plus, Kama Mustafa the Ultimate STreet Fighter goes one on one...with a man, who's certainly shown what he's made of, LEE!!"

Slickster" Lee's gone through a big UNDERTAKING, lately!"

McMahon" And of course, the contract signing, the WWF Title on the line...Wrestlemania '98--Shawn Waltman vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan! Join us, on Monday Night RAW, g'nite everybody!"

Slickster" DA MON-EE!"

Card Quality: 69

(February's Big Event PPV is ARSNAL X2

THE HORSEMEN IV

'Sweet Bruti', Brutus Beefcake, Carl Oulette, The Sandman, Lance Storm

(The Managers)

Percy Pringle (Beefcake), Woman (Sandman)

Edited April 9, 2005 by Treyu

[ChuBalso]

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

Feb 12rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: The Polane Centre, Cleveland - Ohio

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & The Doctor Of Style Slick

Attendance: 12039

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- The Ugandan Giant Attacks -

Flexx Kavanna & Terry Taylor d. Kamala & Tatsumi Fujinami

PHAT TV began with the opening match, immediatley following the opening credits. McMahon did the rundown of the card, as soon as the match started. I like how they emphasize wrestling on PHAT TV, with still giving some attention to angles & storylines. It also looks like their going with the Japan style of makeshift tag teams. Kavanna won with the Kavanna Krush on Kamala at 8:07. After the match Kamala lunged at Kavanna & Taylor, attacking them both, relentlessly. It was really wierd to have Kamala teaming with Fujinami, in the first place. But it looks like this was Kamala's heel turn.

Overall: 53

Crowd: 48

Match: 58

Kamala's turn didn't work very well, and that affected the crowd. Kamala lost overness from this turn.

-ADVERTS-

- The Crimsons Scout The Rapper -

Wolfie d. Koko B. Ware

Wolfie D made his debut, and pretty much impressed the Cleveland crowd. After they replayed the incident between The Crimsons & Wolfie D from last week's PHAT TV, they showd the Crimson Twins, standing in the isleway, watching Wolfie wrestle. This started the usual "Crimson Sux" chants. Wolfie won with a big splash, at 9:38. Koko was blown up by the 2nd minute. After the match, the Crimson's had the microphones, and proceeded to enter the ring.

Overall: 60

Crowd: 63

Match: 54

Koko B. Ware lost overness from this match. Wolfie D gained overness from this match.

- The Crimsons Punished For The Treatment of Wolfie D -

Xamot" So last week on PHAT TV..."

Tomax"....your WWF Tag Team Champions..."

Tomax & Xamot" THE CRIMSON TWINS!"

Tomax" Come out to have a friendly rap..."

Xamot"...but are met with flying fists, instead!" [*Crowd cheers*]

Xamot" So now it's our turn...!"

Tomax" To serve the punch!"

At that point, the old Wrestlemania Theme played, and out came interim President Jack Tunney. He got a really nice pop coming out which is something that he almost, NEVER got during his first run. I like the fact that, this time, Tunney has a bit of personality.

Tunney" Hold on! There will be no punches thrown, tonight! Xamot! Tomax! What you did to Wolfie, last week, is exactly why the rest of your Presidential Council impeached your manager, President Dibiase!"

The Crimson twins paused, then laughed at Tunney.

Tomax" Thanks for the speech..."

Xamot"...it really meant alot."

Tomax & Xamot" WE PROMISE TO NEVER DO IT AGAIN!" [*Both laugh, then start to leave the ring*]

Tunney" NOT SO FAST, CRIMSON TWINS! A speech isn't your only punishment. Because now, at Arsenal X2, I'm granting Wolfie D and a partner of his choice a shot at your WWF Tag Team Titles!"

The crowd popped big time as Wolfie D started to jump up in celebration at this news. The Crimson couldn't believe it. Wolfie D, excitedly grabbed the microphone...

Wolfie D" That's right, homey!! Me is getting the biggest, baddest, thug in all of Memphis, dog! That's right! Wolfie D is going back home, to the hard life streets of, the mean, gritty town of Thugtown, Memphis! Crimson Twins it's over!"

Tomax" No! No! No! You can't do..."

Xamot"...such a thing..."

Tunney" From now, until Arsenal x2 I can do whatever I want, because I'm the interim President, pals! And if you don't like that, I got two words for, you! TOO BAD!!"

Crowd popped big for Tunney saying that 'Too Bad' line again. The crowd really got behind Wolfie D. I wonder who they're going to bring in as Wolfie's partner. From, Thugtown, that is. 77%

Wolfie D gained overness from this segment.

- Bruce Pritchard & Sexteen vs. The WWF Women -

Pauline Patriot & Christian Blaze d. Bull Nakano & Dean Diana Polane

Actually, a very good match, here. It seems as if these women actually have some sort of wrestling training. Dean Diane Polane, who was just as big as Nakano, had the gimmick of an out of shape Gym Teacher. Blaze was very quick on her feet. She went into a dropkick fest, finally getting both, Nakano & Polane of their feet. Patriot came off the top rope with her shoulder block "patriot missle". She hooked the leg on Polane for the cover, at 7:56. Patriot looked to hurt herself, legit, when coming down, off the turnbuckle.

Overall: 49

Crowd: 39

Match: 60

Interupting, Blaze & Patriot, playing to the crowd was Bruce Pritchard's, Brother-Love-esque voice screaming, "EEyyyyeeeeeee Lovvvvveeeeeee Yooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!" All of the ladies in the ring directed their attention to Bruce Pritchard standing with a mic, in front of the Titan Tron, with Brian Christopher, and the dumb-blond-lesbian-type looking, Sexteen Summers.

Pritchard

" Well, last week we saw Dustine Rhoades, and this week, now we see several more of the WWF Woman in the ring. [*Crowd booes*] Oh, allow me to introduce myself! I'm Bruce Pritchard -- the greatest manager in WWF History! I'm the man that introduced Hiroyoshi Tenzan to the WWF. I brought that ingrate, Lee, to the WWF! I introduced The Berzerker to the wrestling world!! [*Crowd booes even louder*] And this, as you know, is Brian Christopher, already 10x the wrestler than his Father! And, [*points to Sexteen*] this right here, ladies...this is THEEEE Premiere woman in wrestling today! She's Sexy! She's Sexy! And....SHE'S SEXY!! SEXTEEN SUMMERS!!!"

Sexteen, who was wearing leather, and looked like your resident skinny lesbian, gave a nod to the crowd, and a look to the WWF Women, then grabbed the mic,

Sexteen" See you in the ring...loosers."

The crowd actually got behind the women, standing in the ring, showing that they actually cared about what was going on. McMahon, here, announced that he just received word, that there will be a WWF Women's Battle Royal, in a couple of weeks, at Arsenal x2. 85%

-ADVERTS-

- Lance Storm challenges a Canadian pioneer of Wrestling -

Coming out of the break, Lance Storm was already in the ring, wearing red Sting paint, on his face, staring blankly to the fans. He then went to a clip, from the WWF Archives...

( Feb, 1993 - The Mountie & The Canadian Foundation Celebrating The Mountie's Royal Rumble Win)

Announcer Steve Corino" Hey Mountie! Will you be facing Bret Hart at the Wrestlemania for the WWF Title? Or will you be giving your title shot to Jerry Lawler, who was the runner up? Mountie? Mountie? Hello?

Jimmy Hart (The Mountie is singing in the background with the other Mounties, Jimmy Hart stumbles up to the camera) " That's right Corino! We're partying like Horsemen tonight! Yeaaa!!! That's right baby!! Yea! "(Ray Rougeau comes over and pours champagne on Jimmy Hart....the Camera gets wet..and as a result, the satellite feed is ruined. In the background, we still get some audio, listening to the Mountie sing along with the other Mounties....." We're not the Mounties! We're handsome , we're brave and we're strong! We're not the Mounties! And we...enforce the law....." The announcers continue to speculate as to whether the Mountie would take the title shot or not.

[ChuBalso]

The Year of "The Dragon"...

Feb 16rd, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: Toledo Centre, Atlanta Georgia

Attendance: 10,014

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

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

RAW OPENING

[*]I-C Title: Owen Hart (Champion) vs. Sweet Bruti

[*]Paulie Dangerously's 'Big Announcement'

- Ace Complains About Lawler; Duggan Interjects -

After the opening, Johnny Ace came out with manager, James E. Cornette and instantly began boasting his 3-way #1 Contendor's match, that he won on PHAT TV. He then said that, now, as the #1 contendor, he had to focus all of his attention on 'wrestling', and couldn't worry about looking over his shoulder, at all times -- for Lawler. He then demanded that interim President Jack Tunney do something about it before he "Gives Lawler an Ace-Crusher that'll put his neck into retirment" Suddenly, Hacksaw Jim Duggan's " Hoooooooooo!!!!", was heard -- and he appeared in front of the curtain -- 2X4 in hand, to a moderately loud 'USA' chant.

Duggan

" Johnny Ace!? Hoooooooo!!! You hear these fans? U.S.A! U.S.A! U.S.A!! These people remember the country that they live in! They remember this great country called the U.S.A! And I think, you hangin' around with all of yo' PRIDE buddies made you forget! But good 'ol Hacksaw will be proud to give you a little...'History Lesson' later on tonight, in that ring!! So whattaya say, 'tough guy!?' Hoooooooo!!"

Ace [*Waits for USA Chant to simmer*]" Hacksaw...you wanna match with me? The #1 Contender for the I-C Title? Fine. This'll be a great warm up."

Duggan" We'll see about that, tough guy!"

With that, Hacksaw began chanting again as he went to the back. The ring music of The Ebony Experience began to play, as Bischoff and Heenan began to hype the rest of the programme, once again. 69%

Johnny Ace lost overness from this segment.

Ebony Experience (Booker T & Stevie Ray) w/ Lady Jacqueline & D'lo Brown d. Terry Taylor & Rick Steiner

Is it me, or does Taylor get paired up with someone different, each week? Finals of this match came at 8:10, when Taylor missed his patented top rope knee drop, on Steve Ray. Ray tagged in Booker T, and they nailed Taylor with the Harlem Hangover--a double flapjack.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 64

Match: 63

Terry Taylor lost overness from this match. Stevie Ray gained overness from this match. Booker T gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Senior Official Bill Alfonso, Supports Johnny Ace -

Coming out of the break, senior official Bill Alfonso, was standing backstage with Sean Mooney, and The Crimson Twins. He had a piece of paper in his hand, that was found by Tomax, one of the former aides, along with brother Xamot - to Ted Dibiase. Alfonso said that the paper was the contract of Lawler's retirement match with Sweet Bruti, last year. Alfonso read out the important stipulations of the contract;

Alfonso"...and the looser of the match, will not only be banned from active competition, but they are not to engage in conflict with any active competitors, and could face permanent suspension from the World Wrestling Federation, if they do so. This includes, being depraved of announcing duties, special events etc."

*The crowd reacted big to this. Now, suddenly, Jerry Lawler--a man who has been an icon in the WWF, faced a possibillity of permanent suspension.*

Tomax" Remember, we were aids to President Dibiase..."

Xamot" ...during the time of the retirement match."

Tomax" So as a result..."

Xamot" ...we remember the details."

Tomax" Details that Lawler and..."

Tomax"...interim President Joke Tunney seems to have..."

Tomax & Xamot" Selectively forgot!"

Mooney" Well, there you heard it, folks. Senior Official Bill Alfonso, along with WWF Tag Team Champions, and close aides to President Dibiase, calling for disciplinary action against Jerry Lawler for his actions. Will Jack Tunney--"

Tomax & Xamot" JOKE TUNNEY!"

Mooney" Er..yeaa...will he suspend Lawler? Back to you Bischoff and The Brain!" 80%

Tomax gained overness from this segment.

- The Ugandan Giant Snaps Again -

Flexx Kavanna d. Kamala

Kavanna had, I guess a 'return bout' with Kamala, following Kamala snapping and attacking Taylor & Kavanna on PHAT TV, last week. Of course, he did that again. Kavanna got Kamala with the Kavanna Krush, for the cover at 7:16. After the victory, while Kavanna was celebrating, Kamala attacked him from behind, and followed up with two big splashes. Bischoff kept yelling that Kamala had to be controlled. They then hyped up Paulie Dangerously's 'big announcement' that would follow the break.

Overall: 62

Crowd: 66

Match: 55

-ADVERTS-

- Paulie Dangerously 'The Guiding Light' Of The WWF -

Coming out of the break, Paulie Dangerously came down, to old ECW music, as his theme. There was a small 'ECW' chant...but Dangerously got right to business...

Dangerously

" You know...I heard Bruce Pritchard on PHAT TV talking about how he's the greatest manager in WWF History, blah blah blah! But everyone knows that I am the real guiding light of the World Wrestling Federation. [*Crowd cheers*] I started, and guided the careers, of many former WWF stars! I'm not proud about it--but I was part of THE CARTEL, during it's most dominant period! As WWF President, I laid down the law! I guided Sabu to a long healthy Intercontinental Title reign, and got him a shot at the WWF Triple Crown Title! And last year, I lead the fight against The Dark Carnival!

Just before Shangril-a, I made a call to a special friend..Sting! I needed help. We needed help. The Undertaker and the Dark Carnival were terrorizing the WWF like no group ever before! And, on Novemember 30th, when Lee The Undertaker got up, after falling off of the scaffold, high above the ring, all the way down through over 12 tables, I saw something special. I saw that, an Ultimate Sacrifice, was indeed, made. I saw a man, that didn't need to be apart of a cult, like The Dark Carnival. I saw...LEE. [*Crowd pops, 'Lee' chants start.*]

But you see, just as in the past, Lee was short of one thing -- GUIDANCE. All these years, it was clear that his manager was going for one thing -- POWER. Did he care about where Lee's career was heading? NO! He just used Lee to lead the CARTEL -- just like Ringmaster Jim Neidhart & Paul Bearer used the Undertaker to achieved their power. But, I'm different. I put the career of my clients in front of my own personal gratifications! I stepped down as WWF President, so that I can further concentrate leading Sabu to a long healthy I-C title run!

So now...at this time...I would like to bring out, the man--who over the last few months, showed that he's more than just An Undertaker. He's a fighter! A winner. And, to me -- A Champion! Ladies and gentleman...please welcome...a man, who's promising career will now be placed under The Guiding Light of Paul E. Dangerously! THIS! IS! LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

And, with that grand introduction, Lee came out, in his new usual ring attire of leather gear, and a bandana. Lee and Paulie then stood in the ring for a few minutes, absorbing the Lee chants that overtook the arena. Bischoff sold this new pairing big time, citing that nothing can get in Lee's way now. As they returned to the back they showed a brief clip of Sabu, throwing things around, backstage. Apparently, he didn't like his manager's announcement, very much. 80%

Lee lost overness from this segment.

- President Ted Dibiase Arrives -

The Crimson Twins & PHAT d. The Space Croppers & The Warriors Of Doom

Tomax & Xamot w/ Bill Alfonso, Big Bossman & Earthquake d. Rhyno Starr, Devon Storm, The Renegade Warrior & Mighty Horace Hogan w/ Paul Ellering)

Well, Bill Alfonso accompanied the Crimson's once again, to the ring. Bischoff mentioned that Ted Dibiase had not arrived yet. I found it interesting that Pedicino introduced Bossman & Earthquake as 'PHAT' --

from Slick's 1993-94 group with them, along with, The PHAT Meanie, and Kamala. Finals of this fast paced 8 man tag came at 11:17, when Ted Dibiase ran down the isle, and smashed a chair accross the back of Storm, from the outside -- as he was coming off of the ropes. The Crimsons then nailed him with The Crimson Cold Wave -- the Hart Foundation's old move, (The Hart Attack), for the victory. Dibiase, who got a huge heel reaction, coming in, then played to the crowd with Alfonso and the Crimsons, in the ring as they went to break.

Overall: 68

Crowd: 69

Match: 68

-ADVERTS-

- President Ted Dibiase Demands Action From Interim President -

Coming out of the break, Dibiase was still in the ring with the Crimsons and Alfonso--but this time, had a mic in his hand. He hyped the Impeachement Trial at Arsenal x2, and said, that until then he still had some say in what went on in the WWF. He pushed the idea that he was innocent and did nothing wrong during his tenure. Bischoff, I guess not knowing he was shouting over Dibiase's promo, yelled here; " What about being apart of PRIDE! Working with the Dark Carnival! Attacking WWF Officials! C'mon! What kind of President is that!?" Dibiase, then, moved onto the subject of Jerry Lawler attacking Johnny Ace on numerous occassions, ever since they had that little altercation, a few weeks ago, on Monday Night Raw. He then demanded that Tunney, as interim President punish Lawler for what he's been doing. That's when the Wrestlemania theme began to play, and out came interim President Jack Tunney -- or as the Crimsons say, JOKE Tunney.

Tunney" President Ted Dibiase, once again, this is a prime example of you, using your power to hurt your enemies! The months of, attacking officials, helping PRIDE Wrestler's win their matches, working with The Dark Carnival...these are all reasons why you're being impeached! [*Crowd cheers*] But...in this case...the Lawler case...even though I know that you guys have a bitter rivarly dating back to '94...you do have a point."

Dibiase" Mwahahahahahahaha!!! That's right, Tunney! It's about time that you see things my way! So what's it gonna be, for Lawler? Lifetime suspension!? That's what it says in the contract!"

Tunney" I'll make a decision...but NOT TONIGHT! I will make a decision, this week, on PHAT TV! I'll see you then. [*Starts to leave ring, then stops in between the ropes*] Oh...and Dibiase -- If you don't like that, I've got two words for you...TOO BAD!"

Crowd popped for Tunney's usual line. As Tunney was drawing near the curtain, Dibiase decided to get in some last words...

Dibiase" Tunney!! Tunney!! You'd better bring your best Lawyers to that trial, because I'll have million dollar Lawyers on my side! Mwahahahahaha! Tunney...you will learn...just like everyone else has, that -- IT DOESN'T PAY TO CROSS...THE MILLION DOLLAR BOSS!! Mwahahahahaha!!!"

79%

Johnny Ace d. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Ace and Cornette shook Dibiase's hand, when they got into the ring, for this match. This was another small scene to sell the 'corruptiveness' of Dibiase, as President. Ace did what he could to make this match, something, but Duggan's as immobile as a desk draw. Hacksaw did do a good job of keeping the fans, somewhat interested. Ace won with the ace crusher at 9:03. Bischoff sold the Ace-Crusher big time, saying that it could permantley injure wrestler's necks. Once again, Ace took his carboard box for Lawler charity, and walked around ringside, looking for donations. Heenan mentioned that Ace will be facing, either Owen Hart or Sweet Bruti, at Arsenal x2.

Overall: 62

Crowd: 72

Match: 42

-ADVERTS-

- Lawler requests reinstatement -

Coming out of the break, Mooney was standing by with Jerry Lawler, who had a very serious look on his face. Mooney asked Lawler his thoughts, on the fact that he could face expulsion from the WWF, after this Thursday. Lawler did a serious promo, here...

Lawler" Ya know, Mooney...Should I really be suspended? I mean, sure, I violated the stipulations of that retirement match a few times -- but how would you feel, if you're hanging out backstage, talking with announcer Vince McMahon, and all of a sudden, you hear a wrestler making fun of you!? For no reason at all! So here's what I'm asking, iterim President Jack Tunney. Instead of suspending me...REINSTATE ME" [*crowd is heard cheering*]

Mooney" Holy Cow! Reinstate you!? The only ones who can reinstate you, is the wrestler who beat you, Brutus Beefcake and...."

Lawler" The WWF President! Or, in this case, the Interim President. And, I know I violated rules...and I know that Beefcake ain't gonna get me reinstated...so I'm asking Tunney to reinstate me. I was provoked. I was horsed into this! "

Mooney" Jerry 'The King' Lawler, I hate to be a party pooper, here -- but the chances of you being reinstated are...are....well..."

Lawler" Slim to none? Is that what you're trying to say? Because, you're right. But I'd figured I'd throw that out there. I shouldn't have to take this treatement, Mooney. And if I am suspended...then...well...so be it. But, I don't regret anything that I've ever done, here."

Mooney [*Shakes hands with Lawler*]" You're one of Memphis' greats. Good luck. Eric. Bobby. Back to you guys."

Owen Hart d. 'Sweet Bruti' Brutus Beefcake w/ Percy Pringle III

Heenan was hilarious, here during the ring introductions in making fun of Lawler for his pleading; " Waaaaaahh! Waaaahhh! Waaahhh! What a crybaby that Lawler is! You do something wrong, then you pay for it. I never met a King that cries, have you?"

Beefcake worked his usual slow style, hiding his ability of not being able to do, basically anything. Bischoff pushed this, as a 4 Horsemen vs. Horsemen IV match, which went over well, especially due to the hot crowd. At 9:44, following an overhead toss, Beefcake gave the sign for the Sleeper hold, which got a HUGE heel reaction. Beefcake, then, instead of doing the hold, got angry at the crowd for booing, and made his sleeper sign, again--getting an even hotter reaction. It's great to see Beefcake, at this point in his career, with so much heat. He's in great condition, and--even though he was never much of an intriguing talker--his character is what got him over. Both Beefcake and Pringle, then started to yell at ringside fans. At this point, Owen got behind Beefcake, and suprised him with the roll-up for the cover, and the victory. Crowd popped big time, for the finish. Beefcake was livid. He began throwing a tantrum, as he was joined with the other Horsemen IV members. However, The 4 Horsemen quickly hit the ring, to join the Intercontinental Champion, Owen Hart celebrating in the ring.

They went to an advert break with the Horsemen IV outside the ring, and the Four Horsemen in the ring. They did the split screen deals again showing Sting/Lance Storm, and Oulette/Flair. I'm hearing their going to add Sting-Lance Storm to the card, since Storm is still going around wearing Sting paint.

Overall: 77

Crowd: 85

Match: 61

The WWF Intercontinental title has lost image.

-ADVERTS-

Commentary Aftermath

Bischoff" Well folks, we're just about to rap things up here, but, Brain, what a RAW it was tonight! In a few days; PHAT TV, Jerry Lawler is hoping that Tunney grants him reinstatement!"

Heenan" Oh, c'mon Bischy. Lawler broke the rules of a contract. He should be suspended. End of story!"

Bischoff [*Holding his ear*]" I'm...ok..ok...well we're gonna wrap it up here, folks, join us next week for the final RAW before Arsenal x2 -- but PHAT TV is right around the corner...and...I'm hearing...that Sean Mooney is with...Johnny Ace? Let's..um...yes...let's go to the back. Mooney?"

Heenan" Give an Ace-Crusher to Mooney!"

- Ace's parting words for Lawler -

They jumped to the back, where Sean Mooney was literally chasing behind Ace, as he angrilly searched for Lawler. Ace was upset that Lawler was asking for reinstatement. When they got to the back, they saw Lawler, bags in hand, heading towards his car. Ace, yelled at Lawler from the doors...

Ace" Hey, Burger King! Lemme tell ya something -- I don't know what you're trying to pull, but YOUR RETIRED! And that means that you can't go attacking...TITLE CONTENDERS, like me, just because you were never one yourself! [*Crowd is heard in background, booing*]

Lawler, you're out of here!"

At this point, Ace, who had the camera pointed at him, snatched the camera from the camera man's grasp. He then pointed it at Lawler, who stood there, like a loaf, next to his car, and said;

Ace" Take a look, right there. You're looking at WWF Great Jerry Lawler, here for the final time! It's been great, Jerry -- but like all Burger Kings -- you gotta go outta business sometimes! Haha! There he is! The King Of The WWF! For the very last time...." 74%

Jerry Lawler lost overness from this segment.

Card Quality: 69

TV Ratings -

Nitro: 7.87

Raw: 7.30

ECA: 3.90 (Graveyard - TNT)

PHAT TV Preview!

[*]Lee & Sabu vs. Brian Christopher & The Big Bossman

[*] Al Snow vs. Simon Diamond

[*]The Helmsley Cousins (John Kronus Helmsely & Hunter McMahon Helmsley)

vs.

The Brooklyn Bad Boyz (Debut)

[*]Joey Styles' with a Live Face2Face w/ Jerry Lawler following....

[*]Interim President Jack Tunney's decision regarding Lawler's future in the World Wrestling Federation

[ChuBalso]

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

<BR><P>

PO Box 1228, CA - February 2nd, 1998

<BR><P>

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

<p>

Corino Out For Arsenal. Lee's Plans to Go into Rehab, after Arsenal

In, what has to be two devasting blows to the WWF, Steve Corino, announced this past week that he will not be able to make it to Arsenal x2. According to several sources, Corino gave notice to Vince McMahon just several days ago, informing him that he had a family emergency to attend to. This, of course, now leaves the WWF in a huge bind, as now, their Main Event is more-or-less, ruined.

In more bad news for the WWF, at the reccomendation of road agent, Mike Rotunda, Brian Lee will be heading into rehab, immediately following Arsenal x2. The recommendation came, after Lee arrived at 4 consecutive house shows, considerably drunk. As a result, the WWF gave him an ultimatum. The choice of being fired, or checking into rehab. The amount of time that Lee will spend in rehab is unknown, but many feel his behaviour is a direct result of his success in the WWF, over the last year.

Where this leads the WWF, into Arsenal x2 is unknown. Who will replace Corino? Where does this leave Lee, and the future plans that the WWF had, with him. I'm hearing they were planning for a Lee vs. Sabu Wrestlemania match -- stemming from Lee joining with Paulie Dangerously; but that looks like it's been scratched now. As for the WWF Title Match -- I can't think of any viable options for Corino's replacement. Waltman wouldn't work...since that's the Wrestlemania, Main Event. Of course, the WWF could go with a quick switch, and just put one of the other, more established, top faces, like any of the other Horsemen -- but to put someone like Sting in there, would be a waste -- as a Sting-Tenzan feud could do great for business, given the correct set up. Owen can't face him, as he's already I-C Champion. And Flair and Tenzan already fought 4 times in the last two months.

With the WWF going up against WCW's Superbrawl Main Event of Stunning Steve Austin vs. Hulk Hogan, it's clear that the WWF's going to have to think of something. And fast. The Lee situation, while an inconvenience, and a dissappointment to many -- isn't as severe as Corino's case. Lee, has just started to get popular, so the WWF still has the Horsemen as their top faces; with Waltman close behind. Waltman has been said to have been getting pops, just below those of Lee.

Next week's PHAT TV will be an interesting one. The WWF, as of RAW 2/16, did not acknowledge either Corino's or Lee's eventual departures. Corino will be back on March 2nd. But, Arsenal x2 is Feb 22nd.

In other news, Bret Hart is said to be very happy with Golden Canvas Grappling.....

[ChuBalso]

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

Feb 19rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: The LiveCline Auditorium, Cleveland - Ohio

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & The Doctor Of Style Slick

Attendance: 9023

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 Brooklyn Badboys Taz & Kama -

The Brooklyn Badboys (Taz & Kama) d. The Helmsley Cousins (John Krunos & Hunter McMahon Helmsely)

Peter Senerca, aka Tazmaniac in the GWF, was recently called up, at the recommendation of Paul Heyman, who also helps Inoki with GWF booking. Taz, came out with Kama, which kinda confused the fans -- as Kama (aka Papa Shango) spent the last few months being Simon Diamond's 'ultimate fighter' out to get Don Frye. However, after Taz impressed fans with his variety of suplexes, and amateur wrestling knowledge the fans instantly got into the team. They even cheered for Kama, when he started with the quick jabs to the ribs onto Kronus, when he was pinned in the corner. McMahon mentioned that Kama & Taz were buddies from the 'streets of Brooklyn' -- which matches Kama's gimmick of being brought up in the 'hood'. The Brooklyn Badboys won after a Taz, "T-Bone Taz Plex", on McMahon Helmsely at 9:33. After the match, Taz, took the mic.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 69

Match: 70

Taz

" Now, that we have your attention...[*Crowd pops*]..Let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Taz. I am from Brooklyn New York. I'm 5'9", 262 lbs. I may be short, but as you just saw -- I pack a tall punch. [*Crowd pops*] This is Kama. You all know him as being Simon Diamond's muscle. But now, he's back with me -- yes, back. We've been together since childhood. Holding down the corner of Avenue I...right there in the rough streets of Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York. [*crowd pops a little*] Now, we've got alot of tag teams that think that their IT. The Helmsely's. [*Crowd booes*] Well. We took care of them. The...{*Laughing*} 'Doctors Of Style' [*Crowd booes*]. I can't believe Dell Ray & Pritchard are still around. Mike Barton & Johnny Ace. [*Crowd booes louder*] The Ebony Experience. [*Crowd booes*] The Crimson Twins! [*Crowd booes loudest*] Well, this is what I have to say---"

Taz's well articulated promo was interupted by Simon Diamond. He approached the ring as he spoke....

Diamond

" SIMON HAS A PROBLEM!!!! I come out here, and Kama is having a reunion with one of his Brooklyn looser-friends! [*Crowd booes*] SHUT UP!! Simon didn't say to 'boo'!! Kama!! Do you want to go back to those years of worrying? The years of fighting for food! Fighting, right and left -- just to be able to walk accross the street with a piece of mind! Or do you want to remain with, a winner!? Simon Diamond! Together, we can be the tough bucks of 'em all! The ---"

At this point, Diamond, who was in the ring, was promplty knocked down with a right hand by Kama. The crowd popped for it, but were a bit dissappointed when TBBB left, right after. They were hoping that Taz did another one of those great looking suplexes. Overall, a good debut for, "T Triple B", as Mcmahon began refering to them by. 82%

Tazmaniac gained overness from this segment. Simon Diamond gained overness from this segment. Kama Mustafa's turn didn't work very well, and that affected the crowd. Kama Mustafa lost overness from this turn.

-ADVERTS-

Damien Demento d. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Damien Demento was announced by Pedicino as, "The Only Remaining Member of The Dark Carnival". The match was horrible, but the crowd has been trained to react to Demento. He snatched on his 'innervoices' claw hold on Hacksaw at about 8:52. Demento continued on to the back, talking to himself. They had excellent shots, during the match, of fans that were just freaked out, by Demento.

Overall: 58

Crowd: 64

Match: 46

Damien Demento is losing overness because of his weak gimmick.

-ADVERTS-

Al Snow d. Simon Diamond

Another great PHAT TV match, once again. There's always a guaranteed winner, on the show, each week. The idea of this match was that Diamond couldn't 'concentrate' much, because he was just ditched by Kama Mustafa. This helped the match, as Diamond had many comebacks, which got the fans on his tail. Finals of the match, that lasted through two adverts--occured when Diamond missed a top rope legdrop at 13:11. Snow recovered, minues later, and nailed Diamond with the Snow Plow.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 76

Match: 89

-ADVERTS-

Wolfie D d. Dr. Wagner Jr.

McMahon & Slick spent this match speculating as to who Wolfie's partner (against the Crimsons) will be, at Arsenal x2. Slick said that he was the only person who "Could hop with the hip", so he should be Wolfie's partner at Arsenal x2. Yea, that'll be great. Wolfie D and Slick as a tag team. Wolfie won with an implant DDT on Wagner Jr. at 7:44.

Overall: 59

Crowd: 46

Match: 72

- Percy Pringle III getting the Horsemen IV ready for Arsenal x2 -

After the match, they went to Sean Mooney, who was standing by with Carl Oulette & Lance Storm. Storm had the Sting paint on, once again. Pringle warned Joey Styles not to let his personal opinions of his men, effect his job of refereeing, like it did his job of announcing. Mooney said something, to the effect of Styles always standing for what he believes in. To that, Pringle yelled;

Pringle III" Well! Well! Well! If Styles thinks that he's going to stand up to Carl P. Oulette, or any of my Horsemen, this Sunday Night...then he won't be standing for long! Hmph!" 78%

-ADVERTS-

- Cactus Girl "Bang Bang!" -

Lady SPEED DRAW Sexteen

Another women's wrestler, Lady SPEED, made her debut, drawing Sexteen Summers at 6:18, following an attack on both competitors by Catcus Girl. 'The Catcus Girl' looked to be a clever takeoff of WCW Main Eventer, brawler, Catcus Jack. Cactus Girl, ran into the ring, and recklessly began attacking both women. She then started pulling out her own hair, whilst yelling, "Bang Bang! Bang Bang! Bang Bang!", over and over again. She threw both wrestlers out of the ring, and gave them, each, a diving elbow off of the apron to the arena floor--ala Catcus Jack. These woman were all trained in the GWF. The WWF's developement territory, booked by, agent Antonio Inoki.McMahon, being the clever announcer that he wishes he was, said after the attack, "Where have I seen that before!?" It looks like the WWF are looking to generate interest in the women's division, at the expense of WCW. What's next? A female Berzerker? Pritchard and Christopher came out to help Sexteen, following the attack.

Overall: 38

Crowd: 26

Match: 50

-ADVERTS-

Lee & Sabu w/ Paulie Dangerously d. Brian Christopher & Big Bossman w/ Bruce Pritchard

This was a teaser for the Christopher-Lee Arsenal x2 match. The crowd was into the Lee/Sabu team big time. Those "Lee! Lee! Lee!" chants started, and lasted the whole match. Sabu, sold, actually getting somewhat annoyed by the chants. It's too bad that those cheering don't know that their contributing to his alchohol problems. Finals of the match came after Lee suprised everyone by giving the Lee Chokeslam to the Big Bossman. McMahon put over Lee huge. After the victory, Sabu left the ring quickly, leaving Lee & Paulie Dangerously still in the ring, celebrating. Christopher shouted back and forth with Lee as he returned to the back. After this match, McMahon teased the Tunney-Lawler announcement/decision.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 85

Match: 76

-ADVERTS-

- Cornette Hypes Six Man Tag & Arsenal x2 -

Returning from the break, Sean Mooney was backstage with Jim Cornette, who was with Mike Barton, Johnny Ace, & Hayabusa--gearing up for their 6 man tag with Ric Flair, Owen Hart, & Sting. First, Mooney asked him what he believed Tunney was going to do, regarding Jerry Lawler's behaviour over the last few weeks.

Cornette

" If I had a nickel for every time I had a thought about Jerry Lawler--I'd be almost as poor and useless, as you, Mooney! But Let me tell you this! If Tunney has any ounce of credibilty, he'll supsend Lawler for good! Lawler defied the stipulations to his retirement, and he should get the punishment as stated by the WWF, and accepted by Lawler, himself! He attacked, my man, Johhny Ace on a number of occasions! And he's not even a wrestler! That's right, Lawler! You're not a wrestler, anymore! Except it you Memphis Moron! But now onto other important things! Let's talk about PRIDE! Let's talk about PRIDE'S road to greatness! You see, it started years ago, when the likes of The Dark Patriot, and Dr. Death Steve Williams, won, and held the WWF Tag Team Titles for over a year! It continued with Jun Akiyama winning and never loosing the ECW Title! And we're striving on with Hiroyoshi Tenzan -- perhaps the greatest Champion in the World Today -- unifying the GWF and WWF Heavyweight Championships! And now--it continues into Arsenal x2!! This Sunday Night, Johnny Ace will beat Owen Hart...and will add the Intercontinental Title, to his accomplishments here in the WWF! Then Tenzan, will defeat the only Four Horsemen Member that belongs in pre-school, Steve Corino! And tonight...we're going to show our superiority against, Sting...Owen..and [*Cornette starts spinning and stylin' ala Ric Flair*] WOOOOOOOO! I hope he has a spasm, the next time he does that. Yea! That's right! I'm talking about, The Nature Boy! Let's go! " 86%

Ric Flair, Sting, & Owen Hart d. Johnny Ace, Mike Barton, & Hayabusa

Very strong match here, between PRIDE & The Horsemen -- Barton and Flair was pretty interesting, because the crowd was really getting on Barton for trying to stop them from "Woooo'ing" I've never seen the crowd jump on someone for that, as much as they did Barton, which is good -- showing that Barton still has heat. Sting threw around Hayabusa like a rag doll. Hayabusa got a few chops and strikes in, but Sting was rather dominant. Crowd popped for everything he did. Ace and Owen had a good exchange, during the end of the match, where Ace teased the Ace-Crusher numerous times -- but Owen was able to avoid it. At 10:03, referee Joey Marella lost control of the match, and all 6 men were brawling in the ring. In the melee, the two legal men were Barton & Hart. Hart got the sharpshooter on Barton for the submission at 11:51. After the match, as PRIDE retreated, Flair took Cornette's Tennis Racket, that he left behind, and broke it, right there in the ring. They did one of those split screen deals again, showing Oulette looking on at Flair, from the backstage area. Here, McMahon hyped Arsenal x2 big time.

Overall: 79

Crowd: 83

Match: 72

-ADVERTS-

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Thank you very much for joining us, here on PHAT TV! Arsenal x2 is just around the corner! Ric Flair faces Carl P. Oulette! The WWF Triple Crown Title is on the line, as Hiroyoshi Tenzan takes on Steve Corino! The Tag Team Titles are on the line! The Crimson Twins go against Wolfie D and his partner! Plus, the WWF Women's Battle Royal...with Lady SPEED, Dustine Rhoades, Sexteen Summers, Catcus Girl, and plenty of great Woman wrestling superstars! And of course...the big one...the Impeachement Trial of Ted Dibiase! Will he stay, or will he go? Whattaaaya think, Slick?"

Slickster" Well, c'mon Vince...heeeeezzzzzz daaaa MON-EEE MAN!!!! DA-MAN-WID-DA-MONAY!! He can do wat-ev-er he wants!"

McMahon" Well, I beg to differ. Interim President Jack Tunney has certainly been busy, since his return to the WWF...here now...is Interim President Jack Tunney's decision, on Jerry The King Lawler!"

Slickster" Good bye, King!"

- Jack Tunney's Ruling -

Jack Tunney was pictured, as usual, sitting behind his desk. Ah, the memories. He then began, in his usual, stale, apathetic matter, in deciding the wrestling future of Jerry The King Lawler...

Tunney

" Years ago, when I departed from the WWF, I saw something that was amazing. I saw, Jerry Lawler, become the most popular superstar in the WWF. I saw Jerry Lawler go from an obnoxious arrogant sotherner, to a hero of heroes. Though he never won the WWF Title, he did have a short reign as GWF Champion. And, many say, that Lawler never won the World Title because he was too busy, 'Fighting for what's right', rather than, 'Fighting for the gold'. So, in fighting for, what he felt was right -- Lawler lost a retirement match to Brutus Beefcake, at Summerslam, of last year. The stipulations, under the contract set by WWF President, at that time, Ted Dibiase, states;

'The wrestler who looses this match is not to compete in a wrestling ring again. If he does so, he faces the penalty of being terminated from the WWF completely. That means, all announcing, officiating, and other duties will become unavailable to that wrestler.'

I've gotten many letters from Jerry Lawler fans, that maybe I should grant him one more match. Other say I should reinstate him. But the rules are rules. Lawler, when you heard Johnny Ace make that comment, some 3-4 weeks ago...you should've turned the other way. You shouldn't have continously acted as violent as you did. Your attacks came to a point where they were almost, expected.

I'm sorry. But, as a result of Mr. Lawler's actions, I'm forced to...suspend...Jerry The King Lawler, indefinately, from the World Wrestling Federation. I apologise to all Jerry Lawler fans, and I wish Mr. Lawler the best of luck. wherever he may go.

In honour of Mr. Lawler, and in the spirit of Arsenal x2...we will end this edition of WWF PHAT TV, with a memorable Jerry Lawler moment. It was when, Jerry Lawler won his WWF Crown back from arch nemesis, our WWF President, Ted Dibiase.

Thank you."

At this point, they cut to Joey Styles sitting in the studio with Jerry Lawler, for their advertised live 'Face2Face' segment, following the annoucement. But, as soon as he heard the announcement, Lawler got up, and left. 71%

PHAT TV, ended with that Jerry Lawler clip. Oh, and how fitting. It was from Arsenal II....

ARSENAL II; THE PAY PER VIEW

- May 28th, 1994 - Live on PPV - Attendance 20,231

Announcers: Vince McMahon & Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan & Clive Anderson

Jerry Lawler vs. Ted Dibiase - WWF Crown - Memphis Brawl

At this point, Lawler, recovering from the Christopher chair shot, got back in the ring, to see Dibiase, Virgil, Bossman, and his son laid out. Torn between 'helping' his son and making the pin, Lawler, after great deliberation, nailed Dibiase with the stump Piledriver, for the 1....2.....3!! Jerry The King Lawler has defeated The Million Dollar man!!!! And Ric Flair gets the assist!!!

Overall: 88

Crowd: 96

Match: 72

Ted DiBiase gained overness from this feud ending. The WWF King title has gained in image.

**Arsenal went off the air, with the Million Dollar Man, the Million Dollar Kid, Virgil, and Bossman all layed out, while the locker room emptied with the faces, as they celebrated with King Jerry Lawler!**

[ChuBalso]

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

Feb 22rd, 1998

ARSENAL II - PAY PER VIEW

Venue: The Aethran Arena - Portland, Oregon

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

Attendance: 18,246

In-Ring Announcer: Howard Finkel

Referee Team: Mike Chioda, Shane McMahon, Earl Hebner, Charles Robinson, Jim Mollineaux, John Finnegan, Bill Alfonso, Shane McMahon, Dave Hebner, Bill Silvermann, Joey Marella, Fuji-san, Jimmy Korderas, Earl McDavis

-- By Dave Schmeltzer

Arsenal x2 on 2/22 drew in 18,246 totalling up for a total gate of $1,094,760, expecting to see Tenzan vs. Corino, on top. Before the Pay Per View started -- during the preview -- they said that Steve Corino missed his flight into Portland, and would most likely not be able to make it to Arsenal x2. Well, it's about time they let the fans in on the truth, well, part of it anyway. In what could've been a pure disaster, the WWF used this time increase the innovation with the smaller feuds, and pushed the Waltman - Tenzan confrontation.

[*] - Introducing The Crimson Sister; 'Rusha' -

1. Rusha won the WWF Women's Battle Royal, in 11:07, after eliminating Lady SPEED

Referee - Joey Marella, Tim White, Shane McMahon

Entrants: Beulah, Christy Blaze, Cactus Girl, Sexteen Summers, Dean Diana Polane, Lady SPEED, Bull Nakano, Dustine Rhoades, Rusha & Helen Wolfenstein

During the ring entrances of the women, Jesse Ventura started talking about his recent autograph signings, and public appearances. He called himself, 'The Most Popular WWF Superstar Of All Time - EVER' McMahon laughed, and began calling the match.

The crowd, which was hot, right away, actually reacted to this match. Most of the attention was revolving the subtle lesbian, Sexteen Summers, Dustine Rhoades, Lady SPEED, and the winner, Rusha. The highlight of the match occured, 3 minites in; After Bull Nakano was elimated by Rhoades, Catcus Girl decided to go for a top rope elbow to the outside, onto Nakano. She missed, and eliminated herself. This got a small 'Oh My Gawd' chant started for a short while. At 4:44 Lady SPEED awed the crowd after she went to the top rope for a springboard onto Dean Diana Polane. Her gimmick is that she's obviously recklessly fast and agile. The overweight female Dean flopped over the top rope to the ground shortly after. At 7:44 when Rhoades was on a rampage, landing the bionic elbow on all 8 women left, an unfamiliar face appeared from the curtain. It was 29 year old female bodybuilder, and GWF Wrestler, Joanie Laurer (Chyna)

Final Call By Vince McMahon & Jesse 'The Body' Ventura

McMahon" Wow!! Look at Rhoades go! An elbow to Christine Blaze! Helen Wolfenstein...staggers into the corner! Sexteen Summers...down to the mat! Oh here we--[*Notices Laurer*]WAIT A SECOND! Who's that!?"

Ventura" I've got a better question, McMahon: WHAT'S THAT!?!?!"

[*Laurer enters ring. Picks up Sexteen Summers and gorilla slams her to the outside*]

McMahon" Oh my! Look at the power of this woman! Who is she?"

Ventura" She's entry #12, McMahon! There were only 11 entrants! Up until now!"

[*Gives the 6'7" Helen Wolfestein a lariat, that sends her over the top, and to the outside*]

McMahon" Unbelievable!"

Ventura" Now, McMahon, this is my kinda girl!!"

[*Grabs the last entrant left, Lady Speed, by the throat -- and tosses her, with one hand, right over the top rope to the arena floor*]

McMahon" She's no girl! She's a monster!"

Ventura" And this monster has just won the WWF Women's Battle Royal!"

Overall: 38

Crowd: 45

Match: 41

Howard Finkel began to announce Laurer as the winner, but he stopped midway in sentence because he didn't know her name. While he stood there confused, asking everyone if they knew who she was, Laurer stood around the ring and eyed down the crowd. Most cheered. They've never seen a woman wrestler of this magnitude. The cheers quickly turned to booes when The Crimson Twins, WWF Tag Team Champions, emerged out of the curtains and made their way to the ring. They were followed by the whistle blowing, always hopping, senior official Bill Alfonso. They paused and looked arrongantly at the crowd as they did the famous alternating arena sides, 'Crimson Sux' chants. They were flawless on the mic. Even, at times when it was clear that Tomax was improvising - as he is the more charasmatic one - Xamot always quickly followed as if they planned it. The chemistry is amazing.

Tomax[*On Turnbuckle, shouting*]" There's nothing worse than bloody, Portald Oregan..."

Xamot" ....the city that never wakes!"[*Crowd booes*]

Tomax" Allow us to introduce to you..."

Xamot"...the winner of the WWF Arsenal x2 Women's Battle Royal!!"

Tomax & Xamot" OUR SISTER!"

Xamot" Adopted, of course..."

Tomax" RUSHA!!"

Crowd popped big time for that announcement, as Alfonso hopped around all three, like a kangaroo on coke. Rusha took the mic, and began to talk, but Xamot yanked it out of her hand, laughing a bit with Tomax.

Xamot" Rusha doesn't get to speak..."

Tomax"...don't be silly."

[*Rusha grins, showing probably one of the most hideous looking smiles that I have every seen*]

Xamot" What we'd like you to do Rusha..."

Tomax" ...is to show the people here, those muscles of yours..."

[*Rusha flexes, frowning into the camera*]

Xamot"...those biceps..."

Tomax" are like the size of..."

Xamot"..of what?"

Tomax" I'VE GOT IT!"

Xamot" Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Tomax" I always am!"[*Both arrogantly shine their Tag Titles, crowd booes*]

Tomax" Now, where were we? Ah yes!"

Xamot" The biceps!"

Tomax" Those biceps are the size...."

Tomax & Xamot" OF RUSSIA!"

Rusha flexed for a few more seconds, answering the crowd's booes, until Wolfie D's music hit. He came out to the curtain with a mic....

Wolfie D" Yo! Crimson sissy's! You gotta girl to watch yo' back! And she ain't even biological! [*Crowd laughs. A closeup is shown of Rusha grimacing at that remark*] Well, I got mah dawgs watchin' mah back! And this is mah main dawg! He's the biggest baddest thug out of thugsville, Tennesse! He's SCOTTY T! And we are RATED R!"

At that point, out came called up GWF Wrestler, Scott Taylor. When he was younger, he started out in the USWA with Jerry Lawler, and his son, Brian Christopher -- before they both came to the WWF. Scotty wore gangster clothing, and strutted down the isle like he was straight out of, 'thugsville', I guess. They both charged the ring, and the match began. 68%

Rusha gained overness from this segment.

[*] - The Crimson Switch -

2. The Crimson Twins (Xamot [70] & Tomax [64] w/ Bill Alfonso [83] & Rusha [52]) defeated Rated R (Wolfie D [67]& Scotty T [48]) in 15:48, retaining the WWF Tag Team Titles

Referee: Shane Mcmahon

WWF Tag Team Championship

Bringing in ECA woman star Rusha, into the GWF Developement territory, a few months ago, looked to have paid off, as she was jawwing with ringside fans, already. Match started off, fast paced, with all 4 men brawling. This was definately a good way to hide Xamot's lack of workrate. But of course, Ventura brings up that German-Army inflicted scar under Xamot's left eye, every two minutes to get him over -- which works. Tomax & Scotty T had a really good exchange, that the crowd was getting into. Tomax wore Scotty T down, with a abdominal stretch spot, at 7:57. When the ref was distracted by Rusha and Alfonso, the Crimson twins switched spots -- and the alternate twin ran in, and continued with the abdominal stretch. Crowd started to grow restless during a 3 minute boston crab spot, by Tomax onto Scotty T -- but popped when Scotty powered out of it, sending Tomax flying into the turnbuckle. He tagged out to Xamot, who couldn't catch Scotty in time, before he made the hot tag to Wolfie D. Xamot sold Woflie's punches, and took an underhook suplex, leading into a near fall. After a few more minutes of Xamot getting thrown around, Wolfie tagged in a re-energised Scotty T. McMahon stressed that not only would the Crimson's loose the Tag Team Titles -- but, should they loose this match, it would be their first WWF loss. Scotty & Wolfie gave Xamot a double brainbuster -- or the "Thug Drop". At this point, Alfonso hopped on the apron and started blowing his whistle at McMahon. Of course McMahon ran over to stop him.

Here, at 12:44 into the match, Rusha pulled herself up by the ropes and into the ring. The crowd looked in anticipation as she taunted Rated R. Wolfie D ran up to her, but stopped, as he didn't want to hit a woman. Scotty T did the same. She then slapped both men -- right after each other -- with the slaps echoing througout the arena. Rusha kicked Wolfie, then sent him through the ropes to the floor. Next, she gave Scotty a nice looking implant DDt -- his own move. After both Twins recovered, they told Rusha to hold up Scotty, for what looked like the Hart Attack tag team move. But instead they did, what Ventura called The WWF's first ever 'Triple Team Move'

While Xamot climbed the turnbuckle, Tomax nailed Scotty with a high Crimson Cranium Kick, to the back of the head. Xamot quickly followed up with a top rope clothesline, sending Scotty out of Rusha's grasp, and straight down into the mat. Rusha quickly left the ring, while Xamot attended to Wolfie on the outside. Finally, after Tomax made the cover, McMahon returned from Alfonso, and made the cover, awarding the match to The Crimson Twins.

Overall: 61

Crowd: 62

Match: 74

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" The Crimson Twins are still the WWF Tag Team Champions! But you can't tell them apart! That's why they won, tonight!"

Ventura" McMahon, did you see that!? The WWF's first ever Triple Team Move! Tomax's kick to the back of the head -- then, BAM! Here comes Xamot with top rope clothesline! All while Rusha held that Scotty up above her shoulder!"

McMahon" Well certainly this, 'sister' of the Crimson Twins, is quite the unique one, but this wasn't a 6-man contest, Jesse. But coming up, the verdict; Will President Dibiase be impeached? "

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

They breifly went to the back where Sean Mooney was standing outside of a door that read, "KEEP OUT: TRIAL IN PROCESS" Mooney said that he was hoping to get updates from WWF staff as they enter and leave the room. Just as he said that, Cowboy Bob Orton, of the Presidential Council, appeared, walking to the door. Orton, doing his total heel act, told Mooney to get out of his ways, as "He had more important matters to attend to"; that being the trial, as he brushed by Mooney and walked into the room. Mooney, pearing into the room, had the door rudely slammed in his face right before he sent it back to McMahon & Ventura.

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

[*] - The Memphis Knight -

3. Owen Hart [86] defeated Johnny Ace [80], in 11:13 retaining the Intercontinental Championship

Referee: John Finnegan

WWF Intercontinental Championship

During the ring entrances, McMahon announced that Steve Corino was attempting to make it into Oregon via emergency helicopter. Boy, Mcmahon sure can tell a good lie. Match started off with the two going at it via a slugfest, which got the crowd hot, almost, immediately. Cornette, outside the ring held a sign that read, "RIP BURGER KING", of course, directed at the suspended Lawler. At 7:13 the two got into a chopfest, over in the turnbuckle corner -- which climaxed with Ace crushing Owen in the face, with a forearm, following his chop. Ace, then began alternating between rapid chops and forearms, then gave Owen a snap mare out of the turnbuckle. He quickly went to the top, and nailed owen with a forearm off of the top turnbuckle to the back of the neck. Ace, who was pumped at this point, followed up with two back drops, followed by a top rope legdrop, for another near fall. Ace, sweating prefously(sp), starting to push around referee John Finnegan, urging him to count faster. He was then suprised, as he turned back around, to an Owen punch to the stomach from his knees. Owen gave him another punch, but his comeback was quickly stopped with a kneelift, for another near fall. Ace, than gave the sign for the Ace-Crusher, which got a heel pop from the crowd. However, as he was setting up for the move, he decided to go one step better -- A top rope Ace Crusher. After he sat Owen on the turnbuckle, Owen started to punch him, as he was climbing up for the Ace-Crusher. The crowd started the 'Owen' chant until Owen landed a roundhouse right on Ace, sending him off the turnbuckle and too the mat. Owen quickly followed with a 2nd rope elbow drop, ala his brother, Bret -- that the crowd, noticed, and popped for. McMahon and Ventura started selling the idea, that Ace, perhaps made a mistake by going up for the top rope Ace-Crusher. 5 minutes later, Owen came off of the tope rope with a flying splash, ala his GWF Championship Blue Blazer days. At this point, The Memphis Knight made his (first?) appearance.

Final Call By Vince McMahon & Jesse 'The Body' Ventura

Ventura" Look at Owen, McMahon! Did you see how high he got! What's---"

[*At this point, Jerry 'The King' Lawler's old music plays, crowd pops*]

McMahon" Wait a minute! Is that what I think it is!?"

Ventura" It's Jerry Lawler's music! But he's been suspended, McMahon! He'd better not be here!"

[*Out of the curtain, comes a masked man, wearing blue single strap tights, with white colouring on the pants. It clearly looks to be the body of Jerry 'The King' Lawler. Accross the right pant leg reads "Memphis", the other reads "Knight.

McMahon" Wait a second! That's not Jerry Lawler! That's...That's.....The Memphis Knight!?"

The Memphis Knight, got a huge pop coming out, especially coming out to Lawler's music. The Knight got in the ring, and went right after Ace, nailing him with 3 roundhouse rights, followed by an elbow smash after throwing Ace into the ropes. Crowd popped big time here, as McMahon & Lawler got over John Finnegan, as usual, as being one of the most lenient officials in the WWF.

Ventura" Now why isn't Finnegan disqualifying Owen!?"

McMahon" Because that's referee John Finnegan! Acquired years ago when ECW merged with the WWF! OH MY...look at that...SPINNING PILEDRIVER!"

After giving Ace a spinning piledriver, though he only moved a few degrees to his right when coming down, The Knight, went to the second rope, pulled off his strap ala Jerry Lawler, and nailed Ace with a top rope fist. Owen looked on in confusion, with Finnegan. Crowd started to chant 'Jerry', here, as they were now noticing the similiarities between this Knight & Jerry Lawler. Plus, Ace was getting destroyed. After a stump piledriver, the Memphis Knight left to a huge pop. Cornette tried pulling on Knight on his way back up the ramp, but was met with a right hand to the face, sending him staggering all over the place. Owen, administered the sharpshooter onto a beaten and battered Ace, at 13:01, for the victory.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 81

Match: 71

The WWF Intercontinental title has lost image.

Commentary Aftermath

Ventura" Where's the disqualification, McMahon!? Why is Owen the winner of the match! Who was that man!? I'll say it, McMahon! That looked alot like that crybaby, Jerry Lawler!"

McMahon" Wait a minute! You don't think---"

Ventura" OF COURSE THAT'S WHAT I THINK, MCMAHON!! Not everyone's as dumb as you!"

McMahon" Well, I don't think that's the case, Jesse -- We will find out more about this Memphis Knight in the weeks to come! Coming up, it's time for the verdict. Will Ted Dibiase be removed as WWF President!? For the first time ever, a WWF President has been impeached! Is this the end of the road for Dibiase?"

Ventura" I hope not!"

[*] - The WWF Presidential Impeachment Trial -

They to the backstage area with Sean Mooney joined by Lanny Poffo, who was dressed a read shirt, and grey sweatpants. He represented the Presidential Council, who impeached Ted Dibiase. On the other side of Mooney, was Clerance Mason, introduced as Ted Dibiase's lawyer. Vince Russo, who's last on air appearance was in 1994, with Randy Savage and Sid -- was immediatley next to Mooney, holding an envelope in his hand. He was introduced as WWF Matchmaker Vincent Russo. As Poffo and Mason looked on in anticipation, hoping for a not=guilty verdict, Russo made the verdict;

Russo [*Reading from the paper in the envelope*]" We, the executive board of the World Wrestling Federation, find, President Ted Dibiase guilty, of running a corrupt campaign as WWF President. [*Poffo and Mason start to have a fit. Russo talks over them*] Time and time again, Mr. Dibiase has failed to show the qualities of a fair, honourable President...[*Poffo and Mason continue their uproar*]...and has failed to consistently display signs of improvement, or willingness to change. This verdict was reached as a result of reviewing countless amounts of footage, where President Dibiase exemplified these dishonourable qualities; one of which will be shared, immediatley following this annoucement. Lastly. THIS DECISION IS FINAL. President Ted Dibiase is no longer, nor can he ever be again, WWF President. Ted Dibiase has been impeached."

As Russo stood there, Poffo, and Clerance Mason protested the announcement. Cowboy Bob Orton, Mike Rotunda/IRS, & Jack Lanza also joined Poffo and Mason in the protest.

Poffo" NO! NO! You can't do this!?"

Orton" You won't get away with this!"

Mason" My client will not tolerate this! You will be hearing from my lawyers!"

Russo [*Ignoring the trio*]

" Consequently, there will be a new WWF President named at Wrestlemania '98, in just a couple of months. Thank you."

Poffo" You can't do this to our President!"

Mason" This ain't over!"

Crowd popped big time for the 'guilty' announcement. Russo then showed the key piece of evidence, that helped 'them' in making the decision. It was from RAW last year, where then WWF, now, ECA announcer, Sgt. Slaughter actually confronted Dibiase about the way he was acting as President.

This, shortly after Dibiase introduced PRIDE. I'm sure the WWF did this, also, to take a shot at Sgt. Slaugther, announcer of GCG.

Raw August '97

Slaughter came out and started running down Dibiase as President and said that he should resign as leader of PRIDE so that he can be an 'honourable' President. At that point, PRIDE'S Japanese music played, as President Ted Dibiase, Road Agents Mike Rotunda/IRS & Antonio Inoki, & ECW Champion Jun Akiyama walked down the isle to a huge heel reaction. Dibiase yelled at Slaughter for questioning him. Slaughter, apparently not heeding Dibiase's word asked him if he and PRIDE were afraid of the WWF's newest addition, STING! Dibiase threw a tantrum, yelling;

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

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

Jun Akiyama gained overness from this segment.

[ChuBalso]

WWF PHAT TV

WWF Physically Huge And Tough Television

The Year Of "The Dragon"...

March 5rd, 1998

Channel: SKY

Venue: The LiveCline Auditorium, Cleveland - Ohio

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & The Doctor Of Style Slick

Attendance: 7,998

In-Ring Announcer: Joe Pedicino

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

By

Dave Schmeltzer

- Will The Real Memphis Knight, please stand up -

Right before the start of the show, they showed the Joey Styles-Carl Oulette confrontation on RAW, where Styles escaped the attack of Oulette, thanks to Corino. Styles stood to a hot crowd for the second night of shows in Ohio. Styles said something about there being alot of heroes in the WWF, then introduced, The Memphis Knight. As always, he came out to Jerry Lawler's music. The Knight came out wearing, this time, a Cleveland Browns Jersey, to suck up to the fans. Styles asked the Memphis Knight, why he's keeping his identity a secret. The Knight yelled;

"Because I'm a secret kinda guy, YEAAAA!!", then looked to the crowd. The Knight, who's voice soundednothing like Lawler's, continued....

Knight" But ya know, Styles, I gotta question for ya! How'd ya feel when Carl P. Oulette almost decked you in the face with his fist!?"

Styles" Well...I..."

Knight" Hold that thought, buster!"

With that, The Memphis Knight went to the back, and returned, moments later with a singapore cane. Upon getting back in the ring, The Memphis Knight took off his mask, revealing himself to be the Sandman. The crowd booed, as The Sandman now stood face to face with Styles threatening him with the stick. As Styles hovered in the corner, about to pay for his Horsemen IV opposition, The REAL Memphis Knight, emerged from out of the stands, as he did on RAW, and delt the punches to The Sandman. He nailed Sandman with a few right hands, followed by a couple of uppercuts. Knight, then picked the Sandman up, and nailed him with, a spinning piledriver. Mike "IRS" Rotunda, Jack Lanza, Antonio Inoki, and some WWF referees hit the ring to go after Knight, but Knight quickly escaped back into the crowd, to a nice "Memphis Knight!" chant. They went to their first adverts, with the officials standing in the ring, watching Knight escape through the fans. 79%

The Memphis Knight's turn was completed, and he is now a face. The Memphis Knight gained overness from this turn.

-ADVERTS-

- Sting denies Brian Christopher's complaints -

Groupee d. Sexteen Summers

They had another one of those woman's 'exhibition matches. There's been alot of talk about the Women's division now, as many purists are hoping for a Rusha-Bull Nakano confrontation at Wrestlemania. I wonder where they'll go with this. Personally, I'm thinking Dustine Rhoades and one of the other faces, like Pauline Patriot, or Lady SPEED will be in the finals. Ending of this match came with the, shake, rattle, & roll by Groupee on Summers, at 7:04. Sting did commentary with Vince during this match, and said that, despite Christopher's comments on RAW, he had nothing to do with Lee's dissapearance, and actions following Shangril-a.

Overall: 49

Crowd: 53

Match: 42

- Don Frye's Trainee, Jim Powers -

Don Frye w/ Jim Powers & Clyde Vasseaur d. D'lo Brown w/ Lady Jaqueline

Vasseaur, Frye's agent, was accompanied by Jim Powers. Powers, who's been working on and off with ECA, along with the independents, hasn't been in the WWF since the early '90s. After breaking up the Itallion Stallions team with he and Roma, Roma went on to become a tag team with Hercules, then of course, had his career take off from 95-96 during his WWF I-C title push. Powers, on the other hand, got let go, and hovered around the independants. Now, at 34, it looks like the WWF's are giving Powers a second chance. Frye won with an ankle lock on Brown at 7:44.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 54

Match: 75

-ADVERTS-

- The Presidential Council vs. Curt Hennig -

Coming out of the break, Lanny Poffo's music (as stated before, Mr. Perfect's old music) came down the isle, accompanied with, his new buddy, Phil Lafon, senior official Bill Alfonso, Tag Team Champions The Crimson Twins, & Rusha. Alfonso whistled, while jumping back and forth around the Crimson..er..family, I guess. Poffo began talking about, how when older wrestlers get old and stale, they never want to leave. Of course, he was refereing to Jerry Lawler. Poffo said that while he had no proof that it was Lawler underneath the mask, he had every reason to believe that it was, indeed, the suspended, Jerry Lawler. He then moved on, and spoke about what a great move Phillip Lafon made, by siding with Poffo, over Furnas & Ellering. That's when, Mr. Perfect's music hit again...this time, it was Curt Hennig. He stood in the isleway, with a mic in hand.

Hennig" Lanny, Lanny, Poffo! The Genius!? [*'Genius Sux' chants begin*] To think that you are the Presidential Assistant is just scary! [*Crowd cheers*] But last week on RAW, when I came out to help the Memphis Knight, I knew that you would finally understand what I was trying to prove. And that is, that no one cares what you, or any one of your other stooges in that ring, thinks about 'The Memphis Knight! [*Crowd cheers*] And, tonight on PHAT TV, you're gonna find out, what makes your new buddy, Phil LaFon, a nobody...and me, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!" [*Crowd pops*]

Poffo had a tantrum in place, as he led LaFon back to the back. Remaining in the ring were The Crimsons along with Bill Alfonso. It was time for Rusha's debut. And just like that, everyone forgot about Hennig, again. 73%

Mr. Perfect lost overness from this segment.

Rusha d. Jillian Jeepers

This, was another woman's match that the crowd looked to be just as much into, as they are for some of the men's matches. Rusha, a female bodybuilder, looked really good, here. She works a bit stiffly, like Nakano, but also has muscle mass that Nakano lacks. Rusha really layed it into the Jolly Jillian with countless forearms in the corner, one of which caused Jeepers to clutch her nose for the rest of the match. Finals of the match came when Rusha nailed Double J with her running forearm ala the Narcissist Lex Luger, at 8:16. That's her finisher, called The Crimson Crash. The Crimson Twins celebrated by jumping up in excitement on the outside, before jumping into the ring and celebrating with their (adopted) sister. McMahon teased Rusha ever facing Dustine Rhoades, the rowdy Cactus Girl, or Bull Nakano.

Overall: 53

Crowd: 52

Match: 55

Jillian Jeepers lost overness from this match. Rusha gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

"Mr. Everything" Andrew Martin d. Terry Taylor

Martin was sporting an "I beat Sting" shirt, which I found, rather funny. Finals of the match came at 10:11 when Taylor missed his top rope knee drop. Everything nailed him with the Everything Slam, right after, for the victory. Francine and Martin make a great pairing.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 78

Match: 61

-ADVERTS-

- Kamala Strikes Again -

Damien Demento d. Flexx Kavanna

During this match, they hyped up the debut of Q, this upcoming week on RAW.. They emphasized that no one knew anything about him, at all. I like how the WWF's going back to regularly bringing in new guys. After loosing most of their stars to WCW, they need to have a strong talent pool, in case something like that happens again. Kamala ran down the isle and tripped up Kavanna, at 5:56. Demento, then, applied the Inner Voices Claw for the victory. Kamala, after the match stomped out Kavanna, until referees broke him off. McMahon commented on Kamala's interest in Kavanna.

Overall: 62

Crowd: 63

Match: 63

Damien Demento is losing overness because of his weak gimmick.

Sabu w/ Paulie Dangerously & Barry Horowitz d. Brutus Beefcake & The Sandman w/ Percy Pringle

Interesting pairing here. Sabu, ever since his classic Shangril-a match with Shangrila, is another one, who's become insanely popular. The 'Sabu' chants started right away, and continued, ever when Horowitz was in there. Finals of the match came after Sabu nailed the Sandman with the Arabian Moonsault, following Horowitz's top rope dropkick, at 8:11. I'm hearing a possible Jun Akiyama-Sabu match, at Wrestlemania. Perhaps this will cause Jun Akiyama to defend that ECW Title, after months of neglect (due to his injury).

Overall: 74

Crowd: 80

Match: 63

-ADVERTS-

- Corino Makes One Last Save, For the Horsemen -

Coming out of the break, Bruti and Sandman were still in the ring, disgruntled from their loss. Sweet Bruti took the mic, and starting talking about Ric Flair loosing to Carl P. Oulette. Beefcake then began talking about putting the 'finishing touches to Ric Flair, just like he did to Jerry Lawler, last year. They look to be hinting another retirement match of some sort. Of course, with this whole Memphis Knight thing, this got a big responce from the crowd. Seconds later, Flair, came out, with Owen Hart. Owen's lost alot of heat over the last few months -- Even though he's been defending the Intercontinental Title in excellent matches, not much attention has been placed on him. Anyway, Flair began blabbering about what 'a great wrestler' Lawler was, and what an embarrassment it was (for Lawler) to loose to someone like Bruti. However, as he was talking, and image on the Titan Tron came up. It was a picture of Sting coming in from his car. Crowd popped hard. Here, Flair, looking up at the Titan Tron screamed; "Wooooo! And it looks like the Stingeerrrrrrrr is here! Woooo!"

The crowd popped, but seconds later, coming from out of nowhwere, was Lance Storm, cracking Sting over the head with a chiar, coming down from another car. It's clear that this was all Inoki booking, as this was almost a carbon copy of the Hashimoto-Ogawa car park confrontation of last year. Storm, then began yelling, "C'mon 'Stinger'! C'mon! Where's your sting now!?" hovering over Sting, with the chair.. It should be noted that, yes, Storm's face was painted in red Sting paint.

This prompted, Flair & Sting to scamper to the back, throughout the backstage area screaming "Where's the back exit!? Where's the exit!?" to everyone, trying to get to Sting. The WWF had an excellent split screen here, showing, on the right, Storm yelling at Sting, and on the left -- Flair & Owen searching frantically to the back exit. However, Steve Corino emerged in the car park, chasing Storm away, getting a HUGE pop from the fans. Those in attendance rank this up there with the save that Corino made, that made him a superstar in one night -- when he saved Hulk Hogan from Ted Dibiase, backstage, in 1996. Finally, when Flair & Owen caught up to Sting, there was a moment of silence, as Corino stared at, according to what he said, his former stablemates. The fans began to chant "Horsemen" here for quite some time, as Corino stared into the eyes of his mentor. McMahon pushed the idea, that Corino may have felt, guilty for announcing his departure for the Horsemen. But, after a few moments, Flair extended his hand to Corino, and said "Thanks, Kid. Now it's you're turn for greatness" A really long applause here from the crowd, as each of the Horsemen shook hands, then hugged, Steve Corino. Sting, who was recovering slowly, said "Thank You", before holding up with Horsemen sign with Corino, for one last time....80%

Lance Storm gained overness from this segment. Steve Corino lost overness from this segment. Steve Corino's turn was completed, and he is now a face. Steve Corino gained overness from this turn.

-ADVERTS-

- Lanny Poffo's Perfect Poem -

Coming out of the break, Lanny Poffo stood in the ring, scroll in hand, with Phillip Lafon, already getting a handful of booes for his decision-making. Poffo, greeted the fans with a '98 poem.

Poffo"

Ladies and germs, when I say, LANNY POFFO PRESENTS....

You sit and listen, for it's the only time that you'll have sense! [*Crowd booes*]

LANNY POFFO PRESENTS...[*crowd booes*]

I said...LANNY POFFO PRESENTS...[*Crowd booes louder*]

Lanny Poffo presents an athlethe among all men....

He dumped his partner, who went down the den...

But this man is going to far and beyond....

HE'S THE TRUE CANADIAN HORSEMAN -- PHILLIP LAFON!!!!"

The crowd booed, as Lafon held both hands up to the crowd. 66%

Phil Lafon w/ Lanny Poffo d. Curt Hennig

Did Lafon and Furnas save Vince McMahon from some type of accident or something? This week on RAW, Lafon got more airtime than some Main Eventers and Uppercarders usually do. And tonight, McMahon was putting Lafon over HUGE. I think, it's just more of Inoki influencing the WWF, once again, as McMahon and Russo wouldn't think of pushing anyone without a gimmick. Lafon, who was given a chance to prove himself, did not dissapoint. At 4:33, he quickly locked Perfect in the S.T.F., but Hennig quickly latched onto the ropes. It was that point, that the crowd actually believed that Lafon had a chance at beating the former I-C & World Champion. At 8:56 there was a long dragon-sleeper spot by Lafon, but Hennig eventually got out of it with a few overhead kicks to the head. This stunned Lafon, enough for Hennig to follow up with a tackle, into a boston crab spot. Lafon pulled himself over to the ropes, after selling the crab for a few minutes.

At 13:01, following an advert break, both men looked to be heavily fatigued. Lafon got some nice heat, just by raising his hand, and having Poffo verbally support him, from the outside. Perfect, seeing this as an opportunity, nailed Lafon from behind with a running bulldog for a near fall. After a few moments, he followed that with a figured four, but was countered by a kick, sending him crashing chest-first into the turnbuckle. Lafon caught him bouncing back off the turnbukle, with a fallaway german suplex, getting a nice reaction from the crowd. He then followed with a 3-count-german suplex, for another very near fall. Poffo was getting hyped up here, banging on the apron from the outside, for the referee to count faster. Lafon, nailed Perfect with another German Suplex -- this time dropping him on his neck, causing Perfect to end up face first down on the mat. Here, Lafon went behind Hennig, as if he were Ted Dibiase going for the Million Dollar Dream, and quickly latched on the S.T.F. -- this time, in the centre of the ring. Perfect held on, and had the crowd chanting his nickname, "Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!", for quite some time. Finally, after, literally, 3 minutes & 17 seconds of being in the hold, Hennig submitted.

At this point, Pedicino was about to announce LaFon as the winner, but Poffo shoved him, grabbed the mic, and ran into the ring to make the announcement on his own. Poffo's the only man in wrestling (besides Jannetty in ECA) who runs around in a read graduation suit. He's up there with Lawler and The Berzerker, of wrestlers who get away with wearing just rediculous clothing;

Poffo

" Ladies and Germs! LANNY POFFO PRESENTS.....

Your winner; THE REAL CANADIAN HORSEMAN - PHILLIP LAFON!!!!"

Overall: 77

Crowd: 74

Match: 80

Phil LaFon gained overness from this match.

Commentary Aftermath

McMahon" Phillip Lafon, victorious over Mr. Perfect! What an upset!"

Slick" Upset? Upset! Noooo waaayyy bruthaahh!!! Now, Lafon is under the guidance, of a trewwwww geeeennnnniiiiiuussss, HEH! HEH! HEH!"

McMahon" Well, that could just be the case -- next week, it's Monday Night RAW, from Montreal Canada! This'll be the first WWF Event in Canada since Shangril-a! And what better place is there, to kick off the WWF Womans Tournament, and the Tag Team C1 CLASH!!"

Slick" Mah money is on...BULL NAKANO!"

McMahon" Well, everyone has their opinion. Also, Owen Hart defends the WWF I-C Championship Title against, Mr. Everything!, and Sting goes one-on-one with Lance Storm!!"

Slick" Well, Sting's on a loosing streak! He lost to Mr. Everything, last week on RAW!"

McMahon" It's the Road To Wrestlemania '98!!!! Oh Yeaaahhh!!!"

Card Quality: 68%

RAW PREVIEW!!

[*]I-C Title: Mr. Everything vs. Owen Hart!

[*]Sting vs. Lance Storme!

[*]The WWF Women's & WWF C1 CLASH Tournaments BEGIN!

Plus!

[*]The Debut Of Q

[ChuBalso]

The Year of "The Dragon"...

March 10rd, 1998

Monday Night Raw-

Channel: USA Network - Prime Time

Venue: The Bear Venture Bloom Centre, Minneapolis - MN

Attendance: 10,014

Announcing Team: Vince McMahon & Paulie Dangerously

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

RAW OPENING

[*]IC TITLE - Mr. Everything vs. Champion Owen Hart

[*]The Debut Of Q!

[*]Sting vs. Lance Storme!

[*]WWF Woman's Tournament: Rusha vs. Groupie

[*]WWF Tag Team C1 CLASH: "The Shooters" (Don Frye & Jim Powers) vs. The Helmsley Cousins (Hunter Hearst & John Kronus Helmsley)

- Rusha Cleans House -

The Crimson Twins (WWF Tag Team Champions) d. Rated R (Scotty T & Wolfie D) (non-title matches)

Wolfie D got pinned by Tomax Crimson, this time, in 7:33 following the Crimson Cold Wave -- bringing back one of the most dangerous tag team maneuvers in a while. Following an orange crush by Tomax, Xamot comes off the top rope with a leg drop. After the victory, Rusha came into the ring, dealt a few forearms to Wolfie & Scotty; then threw them out of the ring. The crowd booed as she made a title-gesture around her waist, while calling out her round 1 opponent, Groupie.

Overall: 67

Crowd: 63

Match: 72

Rusha d. Groupie - WWF Women's Tournament Round 1

I remember, late last year, when Pauline Patriot would face Christine Blaze, to virtually no reaction. Now, the fans remain somewhat interested in the women's matches, especially now with the tournament beginning. Rusha completely annihilated Groupie. McMahon slipped up a few times, calling Rusha, 'Laurer' a few times, when speaking of her bodybuilding experience. Rusha won after a hanging brainbuster in 7:55. Rusha advances to the next bracket (Brackets displayed in next update)

Overall: 50

Crowd: 48

Match: 52

-ADVERTS-

- The Horsemen Speak -

Sean Mooney was waiting in the ring, following the break, and called out The Horsmen -- Ric Flair, Owen Hart, & Sting. They got a great pop coming out, as always. The woo's began, as Mooney began the inteview starting off by asking Sting about his match later tonight, with Lance Storme.

Sting" Lance Storme, AAAYYYEEEEE?!!? [*Crowd pops*] The 'little Stinger'. I know what this is all about, Storme! You wear my paint on your face! You're in a group that's called, The Horsmen IV. Let's face it, you wanna be like the Stinger! [*Crowd pops*] And tonight, I'm gonna show you, that your 'Storm', is nothing more than 'light rainfall!' Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!"

The crowd popped for that, as Mooney moved right along to the Intercontinental Champion.

Mooney" Owen, every since you've won that title, at Shangrila '97, you've defended that title day in, and day out, ladder matches and all. What's next for the Canadian Horseman?"

Hart" That's right, Mooney! But you know, I heard something last week on PHAT TV, that I didn't like! I heard Lanny Poffo refer to his buddy, Phil Lafon as, 'The Canadian Horseman'! [*Crowd booes*] There's only one Canadian Horsman, and he's wearing the WWF Intercontinental Championship belt! [*Crowd cheers*] Remember that! "

Mooney then moved on to the Nature Boy, the Woo's started right away. Mooney asked Flair about Beefcake's comments that he wanted to add Flair to the list of Superstars that he 'retired'. Someone should remind Mooney that that list is occupied by one name; Jerry Lawler.

Flair

" Woooooooo!!!!! Bruti!!! Wooooo!! Sweet Bruti!!! He wheels! He deals! He drinks the wine that makes it all fine! Wooooo!!! But he still doesn't rank up there with the Nature Boy! Wooooo!! Beefcake, punk! When you mess with Ric Flair, you're messing with greatness! So...why....[*Grabs mic and starts to strut*]....don't...you...put..your...money...where...your...mouth...is! Woooooo! You and me, Beefcake! In, what I like to call, A Stylin' and Profilin' match!"

Mooney" What's that!?"

Flair" Wrestlemania '98! The biggest stage of them all, Mooney! $100,000!! Held up, hung from the rafters of the Houston Astrodome! Woooo!! And to win! Wooo!! You've got to climb up on a ladder and grab that purse! Beefcake! I'll put in $50,000 -- you put in $50,000! Let's see if you can put your money, where your mouth is, ohhh Sweet one! Woooooo!!! Wooooo! Woo!!!! Woooo!!"

Mooney" Well, there you have it, folks! A challenge from The Nature Boy to Sweet Bruti! Will Bruti accept!? We'll be right back, with the start of the TAG C1 CLASH, after this!" 89%

- The Shooters: Don Frye & Jim Powers -

Don Frye & Jim Powers d. John Kronus Helmsley & Hunter Hearst Helmsely - C1 CLASH TAG ROUND 1

Wow, it seems as if they're actually putting effort into Jim Powers' push. Before the start of the match, they showed old clips of a young Jim Powers, as a tag partner with well known wrestler Paul Roma during the early 90's. They did continued the short bio, narrated by Paulie Dangerously, speaking of Powers' switch in sports, from Wrestling, to shoot fighting competition. Of course, they didn't refer to his mediocre 20-15 record -- but they did show clips of his victories. They mentioned that he had the same agent as Frye, Clyde Vasseur. Powers & Frye won, when Powers made Hunter submit with the leg scissors armbar, or the triangle submission, at 8:22.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 58

Match: 68

-ADVERTS-

- Akiyama brings back the ECW World Title -

Joe Pedicino:

" Ladies and Gentleman, the following contest is schedule for one fall, and is for...The Eastern Championship Wrestling World Title!"

The crowd popped huge for this unexpected announcement, sparking a huge 'ECW' chant. Before the ring entrances started, the chant continued, until Dangerously, now the new colour commentator of PHAT TV--but sitting in for Heenan, stood up, and tipped his hat to the Philly crowd.

Jun Akiyama (Champion) w/ James Cornette & w/ Johnny Ace d. Al Snow

Dangerously and McMahon did a good job of explaining for newer fans, that Jun Akiyama was always the ECW Champion, but was hit with an injury putting him out for months. I'm guessing that he'll be dropping the ECW title soon, since he's at a higher stage in his career, than he was when he first got the belt. Really strong match here, as these two are two of the best workers in the company. At 11:33, Snow missed a moonsault off of the top rope, leading to an exploder-fest by Jun Akiyama. Akiyama nailed a fatigued snow, at 13:16 with top rope exploder for the victory and the successful defense. After the match, McMahon teased a possible return bout, between the two.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 77

Match: 88

Al Snow lost overness from this match. The ECW World title has gained in image.

-ADVERTS-

- Jerry Lawler vs. The WWF -

Coming out of the break, Cornette, Ace, & the ECW Champion, Jun Akiyama were still in the ring, now joined by Joey Styles. The crowd started up with the ECW chants again, to which Cornette yelled;

Cornette" I've never heard a crowd chant for a belt! What a bunch of idiots!"[*Crowd booes*]

Styles defended the crowd, then went on to Johnny Ace, asking about the Memphis Knight. Ace said challenged the Knight to a Hair vs. Mask match, anytime 'anywhere'; Ace's Hair on the line vs. Knight's mask. He said that he wanted to prove to the world, that the man under the mask, was indeed, Jerry Lawler. At this point, Jerry Lawler's music hit -- but this time, it was really Jerry Lawler who came out. The crowd popped with the 'Jerry' chants, as Ace & Lawler stood face to face with each other, staring each other down. Before Lawler got to speak, Mike Rotunda came out, his face as red as ever.

Rotunda (Speedwalking to the ring)" Now, wait a minute! This is a clear violation of your suspension!"

Lawler" Now, hold on--"

Rotunda" No! Security! I want this man removed from this building! You can fool us once, Lawler! But--"

Here, Rotunda was quickly joined by 2 security guards. Lawler interupted Rotunda, as he stood before the apron with the guards.

Lawler" Now hold on, hold on, hold on a minute! Let me get something off my chest first, Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrwwwwwiinnnn! [*Crowd laughs and cheers, starting their own 'Iwrin' chants*]! I've been sitting at home, for the last 3 weeks watching this Memphis Knight guy, just like everyone else. And, I can't even watch the WWF without hearing my name mentioned 100 times! I came here to say, I'm not this Memphis Knight! I don't know who he is! Now, I took this unfair suspension with no problem! But if you're going to talk about me every week, then I should be here!"

[*Crowd cheers, 'Jerry' chants increase*]

Rotunda" That's very touching, Lawler. [*To security*] Now, that man is a trespasser. My apologies to Mr. Ace, Akiyama, & Cornette for our tardiness. Remove this man, immediatley."

And, with that the crowd booed as the security guards cautiously approached Lawler, as Ace and company snickered in the background. Lawler resisted at first; "Don't make this any harder on yourself than it already is, Lawler!" screamed Rotunda. Lawler was escorted out of the ring, to a very hot crowd. Here, those age-old "Iwrin" chants began, again. Rotunda gave one more parting blow to the crowd & Lawler before cutting to footage hyping Wrestlemania '98.

Rotunda [*In referance to the 'Iwrin' chants*] " Yea. Ha. Ha. Ha. That chant is outdated -- just like your hero, Jerry Lawler!" 80%

- Sting's Looses Streak Continues -

Lance Storme d. Sting

It should be noted that D'lo Brown was reffing this match. Sting was completely throwing Storme around like nothing, for the first 5 minutes. The crowd loved it, until Brian Christopher came out with Sexteen Summers, & Pritchard. All, like Storme, were wearing Sting paint. Christopher did his silly-looking strut complete with his high pitched laugh which was enough to taunt Sting and get his attention. At this point, Storm rolled up Sting with a handfull of tights for the suprise victory. McMahon defended D'lo Brown not seeing the tights as a result of him being a new referee. Storme celebrated and quickly ran to the back, with Christopher & company -- escaping a pissed off Sting.

Overall: 78

Crowd: 80

Match: 75

Lance Storme gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- The Debut Of Q -

Q d. The Big Bossman

Q has the height of WCW wrestler, Mark Calloway, with the build of indi wrestler Doomsday (Glen Jacobs). The bald man wore dark shades, a long black trench coat, with black boots. He looked like someone straight out of the movie "A Clockwork Orange". I love the way they're building this guy up; Pedicino didn't announce a weight or homeplace for Q, as 'nothing's known about this mysterious man'. Mcmahon mentioned how he would usually have some background information to tell the fans, but not this time. Q's ring attire (minus the trench coat) is similiar to Barry Darsaw's, as The Repo Man. At first the crowd was pretty silent and not caring about this match-figuring that Bossman would annihilate Q -- but Q shocked all by nailing a charging Bossman, hard, with a big boot out of the corner. The crowd slowly began to get behind Q as the match went out with Q with the upper hand. At 6:33, Q threw Bossman out of the ring, then tossed him 5 times into the railing. The crowd began to applaud after the 4th and 5th tries, and even chanted 'One more time'. But Q, acknowledged none of the crowd's reactions, and just continued in on his attack. At 11:11, Q shocked everyone by lifting Bossman into a powerbomb, and dropping him straight into the turnbuckle corner, as his finisher. Q pinned Bossman, and got a really strong ovation for his win. Q observed the fallen Bossman for a few moments before walking out of the ring and to the back. Once again, Q didn't acknowledge the crowd. He simply put on his shades and trench coat, and continued to the back.

Overall: 73

Crowd: 74

Match: 73

Q debuted his new gimmick (loner), it got a positive response. Big Bossman lost overness from this match. Q gained overness from this match.

-ADVERTS-

- Waltman prepares for Wrestlemania -

Coming out of the break, Sean Mooney knocked on the door of Shawn Waltman. Waltman got a pretty strong pop. He was watching tapes of Tenzan matches, in preparation for his Wrestlemania '98 match. Mooney said that many believed that Waltman was the only person who could beat Tenzan, due to his martial arts mastery, combined with his speed.

Waltman" You know what, I've heard alot of people call Tenzan 'the Perfect Wrestler'. But lemme tell ya something, there is no perfect wrestler. I mean, yea -- he defeated Bret, Corino, Flair -- he's defeated the best there was. But...not the best there IS! And that's me! Tenzan, Wrestlemania '98...you're in for something different. Your in for the lightning of the Lightning Kid. Your in for the 1.2.3, of the 1.2.3. Kid! And , you're in for the highlights, of the Highlight Kid! But most of all -- when it's all said and done; you're in for hearing that Shawn Waltman is the new WWF Triple Crown Champion! And that's me! Shawn Waltman -- The best there ever will be!"

Mooney" It looks like there will be plenty of highlights in what will be the greatest Wrestlemania ever! Back to you, Vince and Paulie, sitting in for Bischoff & Heenan who are in England right now! Vince?" 80%

- Phil Lafon, The 'Real' Canadian Horseman? -

Owen Hart d. Mr. Everything Andrew Martin w/ Francine - IC TITLE

Martin's probably to the WWF what Orndorff was, to the WWF during the 80's. He's got a similiar look, and while he's not the best talker, he's got Francine to do that part. Very strong main event here, with both men switching near falls. Crowd fell for a tease title switch at 6:33, when the fall was very close causing the timekeeper to erronously ring the bell. Everyting celebrated as if he won, and his music even played, totally tricking the fans. Referee Shane McMahon eventually got the word out that the count was only two, and the match continued. Hart won with the Sharpshooter in 13:01, successfully defending the title. At this point, Lanny Poffo's music played (Mr. Perfect's old music), and he emerged in front of the curtain with Phil LaFon.

Overall: 82

Crowd: 83

Match: 80

Poffo

" Mr. Hart, we heard your comments earlier on about this Canadian Horsemen business. Perhap you missed it, when LaFon easily defeated Curt Hennig, a former World Champion, last week on PHAT TV. Here it is, in case you missed it:"

Titan Tron PHAT TV Last Week

Poffo was getting hyped up here, banging on the apron from the outside, for the referee to count faster. Lafon, nailed Perfect with another German Suplex -- this time dropping him on his neck, causing Perfect to end up face first down on the mat. Here, Lafon went behind Hennig, as if he were Ted Dibiase going for the Million Dollar Dream, and quickly latched on the S.T.F. -- this time, in the centre of the ring. Perfect held on, and had the crowd chanting his nickname, "Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!", for quite some time. Finally, after, literally, 3 minutes & 17 seconds of being in the hold, Hennig submitted.