The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, Savio Vega, Crush) beats Mankind, Vader and The Undertaker after Faarooq gets Vader in a schoolboy pin. Before the match, Paul Bearer demands that The Undertaker hand him the WWF Championship, but The Undertaker hands it over to the timekeeper instead. Bearer takes it from the timekeeper and insists it is his belt now. During the match, The Undertaker makes it known that he wants no part in this match, staying far away from Mankind and Vader, hitting Vader with a cheap shot as both men are on the apron, and - at one point in the match - standing near the middle of the ring after the commercial break. After the match, Paul Bearer has to keep The Undertaker from choke slamming Vader, and The Undertaker leaves soon after before Mankind, Vader and Paul Bearer.
Blackjack Bradshaw vs. Phineas I. Godwinn ends in a double count-out after Blackjack Windham tries to drag Phineas out of the ring by his leg and Henry O. Godwinn gets physically involved.
Paul Bearer says he cannot believe that he just won a six-man tag with Mankind, Vader and The Undertaker together, and tells The Undertaker that the days of doing things are over and that he will doing things his way whether he likes it or not. The Undertaker leaves as Mankind and Vader laugh.
Vince McMahon interviews Brian Pillman. He is no stranger to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and as much as he hates announcers, he is glad that Vince is interviewing him as Vince knows how it feels to be stabbed in the back. Under the bright lights, cameras and hooplas of the big show, nothing masks the realities behind the scenes. He asks Austin to think back to their days in the bush leagues, when they wondered if they would ever be able to pay the note on their house. He says Austin left, shaved his hair and came back, and now the people believe in him, but he does not care. When Austin broke his ankle, it hurt a great deal and he took away the use of his left leg; however, he gave him the gift of revenge. When Austin broke into his home, he found out very quickly that he was willing to escalate the violence, and they could not even air it on television. He will do whatever it takes to Austin, saying it is what seperates him from Austin and what led Austin to the path that he has taken and believing he could erase everything they did. At King of the Ring, he says Austin had better hope that John 3:16 - and not Austin 3:16 - applies.
The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) beat The Rock and Flash Funk by disqualification when Thrasher tries to use their stereo as a weapon only for Flash Funk to take it from him and hit him with it repeatedly. Referee Tim White catches Flash Funk in the act of using the stereo as a weapon, and the match is over. During the match, it is announced that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will defend the WWF Tag Team Championships against The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) this Monday night on Raw.
Faarooq says that there is a double standard in the WWF, as he has to constantly prove himself. He calls tonight's six-man tag match a small taste of what is going to happen to The Undertaker at King of the Ring, and says there is no problem with The Nation of Domination. Now that he is #1 contender for the WWF Championship, the whole world is shaking, as a Black man has never held the title. He says that even Vince McMahon is shaking, and that it is time. He says that The Undertaker is a dead man at King of the Ring.
Tony Williams beats Scott Taylor after reversing a roll-up from Taylor into one of his own.
Saturday, May 31, 1997
Monday, May 26, 1997
Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for May 26, 1997
Eric Bischoff starts tonight's show by walking down the aisle and introducing "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. Hogan says Bischoff is the reason he's in the Bahamas spending Ted Turner's movie and making movies, and says that when it comes to messing with family, nobody is closer to family than Bischoff. He says that Sting is in deep doo-doo for laying his hands on Bischoff. He tells the Sting fans that Sting is scared of The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) and can't keep up with Syxx, then calls Sting out so he can tear him apart. Bischoff says that Sting is nowhere in the building and is scared of Hogan, and Hogan says that his arms are bigger than Sting's entire body. He plans to look through the building himself and slap anybody who remotely looks like Sting as he calls him out again.
Juventud Guerrera, Super Calo and the debuting Hector Garza beat Ciclope, La Parka and the debuting Damien.
Psychosis beats Alex Wright.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Sonny Onoo, who says that Masahiro Chono's nightmare is waiting in the back, and that we will have to wait to see who it is. When Psychosis approaches the entrance ramp, Sonny Onoo tells him he has a deal for him and asks if he is interested. Psychosis says he is, and says he'll see him in the back. Onoo then says Chono willget his tonight, and no sooner does he say this that Madussa shows up and says she'll do anything for a shot at Akira Hokuto. Onoo gives her the shot at The Great America Bash, but if Madusa loses, Madusa's career is over. After being rushed to make an answer by Onoo, Madusa accepts the offer.
We get a look at some footage of Ernest Miller from The Battle of Atlanta, and we learn that Glacier had arranged for Ernest Miller to appear at Slamboree due to their long-time friendship and their connection to the martial arts. We also learn that Miller has experience in other sports.
Wrath beats Mark Starr. Wrath and Mortis continue to attack Starr after the match.
We hear pre-recorded comments from Hugh Morrus, who tells Konnan that it wasn't funny furthering his career at his expense and that we will soon see what kind of a sense of humor Konnan has.
Konnan beats Villano IV with the Tequila Sunrise. During the match, Hugh Morrus shows up, but WCW security stop him from entering the ring. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Konnan after the match, who says that The Taskmaster, who has taken a brief sabbatical, has lost his touch, especially when it took him a year to take care of Benoit and has Jacqueline doing his work for him. He also tells Hugh Morrus that he is ready to throw down if he shows up during any of his matches.
This Saturday on WCW Saturday Night: Meng! Psychosis! The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner)! The Giant!
Sonny Onoo introduces the man he deems the nightmare of Masahiro Chono: The Great Muta. Unfortunately for Onoo, Muta turns on him by spitting red mist into his face when Onoo finds out that Muta and Chono aren't really fighting and Muta isn't doing what he is asking him to do. It is then revealed that The Great Muta has joined The New World Order.
The Barbarian beats Joe Gomez. "Mean" Gene Okerlund is about to interview Jimmy Hart and The Barbarian when "The Crippler" Chris Benoit and Woman appear, wanting to know where The Taskmaster is. Benoit tells Jimmy Hart that he hopes The Taskmaster finds himself so he can do what he does best to him, and asks Hart what he has to do to get him back in the ring. Hart tells him the road to The Taskmaster lies in The Barbarian. Benoit immediately answers the challenge and gets in the ring, but Hart says they've got seven days to think about this. Nevertheless, the match is on for next week.
The Giant beats Johnny Swinger, Ron Fuller and Jerry Flynn in a 3-on-1 handicap match. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Lex Luger and The Giant after the match, who have a shot at "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman at Bash at the Beach in July yafter Hogan and Rodman signed an open contract. Luger says he's always been a fan of the NBA, but he's kept an eye on Dennis Rodman to see how he moves and thinks after stepping into WCW's domain and humiliated him. Luger says he and The Giant want the first shot at Hogan and Rodman, and tells Rodman to get ready because he has no idea what he's stepping into. The Giant tells Hogan that he's been hiding, but now he's in the building, he wants him to know well that what comes around, goes around, and The Giant is coming for him.
Lee Marshall calls from Dayton, Ohio - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
Syxx shows up. He says Nick Patrick from Slamboree doesn't count as he was not reinstated until the following night. He then brags about the beating that he and The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) gave "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair last week before introducing Nash and Hall. Hall says it brings back memories seeing Flair get tossed around "like the dirtbag he is" after they gave him a reality check. Nash says that "Rowdy" Roddy Piper could only make him and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan go to sleep if they tied them up in recliners and had them watch his next movie. He and Hall then decide to put the tag team titles on the line, and want to defend them against Piper and Flair, joking that maybe they'll put one of their dialysis machines on the line in exchange. He then tells Piper that since he didn't retire like he told his son Colton he would, they will retire him themselves. Hall then declares Nashville, Tennessee to be nWo territory.
The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) advertise the "nWo 4 Life" shirt, just $20 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.
Kevin Greene guests on commentary for the next match.
Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) beat The Four Horsemen (Jeff Jarrett and Steve "Mongo" McMichael). During the match, Steve "Mongo" McMichael goes for the commentary table when the video screen shows Kevin Greene at the commentary table, which leads to Mongo leaving Jeff Jarrett being left and high and dry as Mongo and Greene brawl their way into the back. Jarrett and Debra McMichael show their disappointment with Mongo after the match.
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff show up. Hogan says that the "nWo World Heavyweight Championship" is on the line and The New World Order has Sting cornered, and calls Sting out so he can receive the whupping that he deserves. Bischoff says that Sting isn't here, and that if he was, they would make him worship the ground Hogan spits on. As Hogan says Sting wants to be like him, Sting pops out from the underside of the ring and points his bat at Hogan and Bischoff. Bischoff tells Sting to get down on his knees, and this Sting gets down on his knees, revealing that this Sting is a fake, and when Bischoff asks this Sting if he wishes he was half the man that Hogan is, he shakes his head yes. Bischoff then tells Hogan to make this Sting worship the ground that Hogan spits on in, and as this Sting frovels, the real Sting rappels down to the ring and hits Bischoff with a reverse DDT. The real Sting makes Hogan trip over the fake Sting, and when the fake Sting swings his bat, the real one blocks it and hits him with the reverse DDT, too. Hogan then calls out the rest of the nWo, who appears at the entrance ramp, and Sting stands his ground as the nWo surrounds the ring. When they get in the ring, Sting rappels back up to the rafters as the show ends.
Juventud Guerrera, Super Calo and the debuting Hector Garza beat Ciclope, La Parka and the debuting Damien.
Psychosis beats Alex Wright.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Sonny Onoo, who says that Masahiro Chono's nightmare is waiting in the back, and that we will have to wait to see who it is. When Psychosis approaches the entrance ramp, Sonny Onoo tells him he has a deal for him and asks if he is interested. Psychosis says he is, and says he'll see him in the back. Onoo then says Chono willget his tonight, and no sooner does he say this that Madussa shows up and says she'll do anything for a shot at Akira Hokuto. Onoo gives her the shot at The Great America Bash, but if Madusa loses, Madusa's career is over. After being rushed to make an answer by Onoo, Madusa accepts the offer.
We get a look at some footage of Ernest Miller from The Battle of Atlanta, and we learn that Glacier had arranged for Ernest Miller to appear at Slamboree due to their long-time friendship and their connection to the martial arts. We also learn that Miller has experience in other sports.
Wrath beats Mark Starr. Wrath and Mortis continue to attack Starr after the match.
We hear pre-recorded comments from Hugh Morrus, who tells Konnan that it wasn't funny furthering his career at his expense and that we will soon see what kind of a sense of humor Konnan has.
Konnan beats Villano IV with the Tequila Sunrise. During the match, Hugh Morrus shows up, but WCW security stop him from entering the ring. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Konnan after the match, who says that The Taskmaster, who has taken a brief sabbatical, has lost his touch, especially when it took him a year to take care of Benoit and has Jacqueline doing his work for him. He also tells Hugh Morrus that he is ready to throw down if he shows up during any of his matches.
This Saturday on WCW Saturday Night: Meng! Psychosis! The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner)! The Giant!
Sonny Onoo introduces the man he deems the nightmare of Masahiro Chono: The Great Muta. Unfortunately for Onoo, Muta turns on him by spitting red mist into his face when Onoo finds out that Muta and Chono aren't really fighting and Muta isn't doing what he is asking him to do. It is then revealed that The Great Muta has joined The New World Order.
The Barbarian beats Joe Gomez. "Mean" Gene Okerlund is about to interview Jimmy Hart and The Barbarian when "The Crippler" Chris Benoit and Woman appear, wanting to know where The Taskmaster is. Benoit tells Jimmy Hart that he hopes The Taskmaster finds himself so he can do what he does best to him, and asks Hart what he has to do to get him back in the ring. Hart tells him the road to The Taskmaster lies in The Barbarian. Benoit immediately answers the challenge and gets in the ring, but Hart says they've got seven days to think about this. Nevertheless, the match is on for next week.
The Giant beats Johnny Swinger, Ron Fuller and Jerry Flynn in a 3-on-1 handicap match. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Lex Luger and The Giant after the match, who have a shot at "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman at Bash at the Beach in July yafter Hogan and Rodman signed an open contract. Luger says he's always been a fan of the NBA, but he's kept an eye on Dennis Rodman to see how he moves and thinks after stepping into WCW's domain and humiliated him. Luger says he and The Giant want the first shot at Hogan and Rodman, and tells Rodman to get ready because he has no idea what he's stepping into. The Giant tells Hogan that he's been hiding, but now he's in the building, he wants him to know well that what comes around, goes around, and The Giant is coming for him.
Lee Marshall calls from Dayton, Ohio - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
Syxx shows up. He says Nick Patrick from Slamboree doesn't count as he was not reinstated until the following night. He then brags about the beating that he and The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) gave "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair last week before introducing Nash and Hall. Hall says it brings back memories seeing Flair get tossed around "like the dirtbag he is" after they gave him a reality check. Nash says that "Rowdy" Roddy Piper could only make him and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan go to sleep if they tied them up in recliners and had them watch his next movie. He and Hall then decide to put the tag team titles on the line, and want to defend them against Piper and Flair, joking that maybe they'll put one of their dialysis machines on the line in exchange. He then tells Piper that since he didn't retire like he told his son Colton he would, they will retire him themselves. Hall then declares Nashville, Tennessee to be nWo territory.
The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) advertise the "nWo 4 Life" shirt, just $20 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.
Kevin Greene guests on commentary for the next match.
Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) beat The Four Horsemen (Jeff Jarrett and Steve "Mongo" McMichael). During the match, Steve "Mongo" McMichael goes for the commentary table when the video screen shows Kevin Greene at the commentary table, which leads to Mongo leaving Jeff Jarrett being left and high and dry as Mongo and Greene brawl their way into the back. Jarrett and Debra McMichael show their disappointment with Mongo after the match.
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff show up. Hogan says that the "nWo World Heavyweight Championship" is on the line and The New World Order has Sting cornered, and calls Sting out so he can receive the whupping that he deserves. Bischoff says that Sting isn't here, and that if he was, they would make him worship the ground Hogan spits on. As Hogan says Sting wants to be like him, Sting pops out from the underside of the ring and points his bat at Hogan and Bischoff. Bischoff tells Sting to get down on his knees, and this Sting gets down on his knees, revealing that this Sting is a fake, and when Bischoff asks this Sting if he wishes he was half the man that Hogan is, he shakes his head yes. Bischoff then tells Hogan to make this Sting worship the ground that Hogan spits on in, and as this Sting frovels, the real Sting rappels down to the ring and hits Bischoff with a reverse DDT. The real Sting makes Hogan trip over the fake Sting, and when the fake Sting swings his bat, the real one blocks it and hits him with the reverse DDT, too. Hogan then calls out the rest of the nWo, who appears at the entrance ramp, and Sting stands his ground as the nWo surrounds the ring. When they get in the ring, Sting rappels back up to the rafters as the show ends.
Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 26, 1997
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up to start tonight's show, as does "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. When Jim Ross asks them if they can co-exist long enough tonight to win the tag team titles, it becomes apparent that they don't like each other, but at the same time they will kick some ass. Suddenly, The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) show up for their match and desire a tag team title shot if they win. Both Austin and Shawn agree, then The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) show up, and Bret Hart is finally standing upright without the aid of crutches.
The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) beat The Hart Foundation (Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and "The Loose Cannon" Brian Pillman, who finally has his first match on Raw) by disqualification after Owen Hart and The British Bulldog interfere. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels show up together to clean house, but when Shawn goes after the Foundation, Austin confronts Shawn and the two of them fight one another yet again, and officials have to break up the brawl.
In Episode 3 of Sunny's Search and Soak Mission, The Honky Tonk Man gets soaked with the Super Soaker CPS 2000.
Paul Bearer is backstage, and we can finally see half of his face. It is noted that his hair is red and his facial hair is notably absent. He says that he has all the bases covered ashis attorney has a key to the safe deposit box that holds his secret, and only his attorney can open that box. He says that whatever happens, the secret will be revealed one way or another before the end of the night. He says that he is a different Paul Bearer, and either the secret comes out or The Undertaker joins him.
Faarooq guests on commentary for the next match.
D'Lo Brown - who appears for the first time on Raw in wrestling gear instead of behind a suit as a member of The Nation of Domination - beats Bob "Spark Plug" Holly.
The Undertaker knows he has to make a decision that could affect the rest of his life in an hour's time, and is not even worried about Faarooq.
Jerry "The King" Lawler says Goldust has an identity crisis, and says Dusty Rhodes doesn't love him anymore because he married the biggest gold-digger in Georgia before wearing a woman's wig and "kissing men like a flamin' fag." He tells Goldust to bring Marlena and Dakota with him, as tears will be running down their faces when he's done with them. He also says that Dakota should have been named "Target," as "everyone had a shot at it" last week.
The official King of the Ring inflatable chair is available for $59.99 plus $11 shipping and handling.
Jerry "The King" Lawler beats Goldust to continue to the second round of the King of the Ring Tournament after putting his feet on the ropes for leverage. After the amtch, Goldust continues to fight Lawler on the ramp, and Lawler rolls down to the ring after a slap from Goldust. Marlena steps on Lawler's gut as she and Goldust leave.
Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and Brian Pillman attack "Stone Cold" Steve Austin backstage.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels argue backstage after Shawn confronts Austin for not watching his back.
Rocky Maivia beats Flash Funk. During the match, The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) guest on commentary with King of the Ring inflatable chairs, popcorn, cotton candy and their own music, but it isn't long before they interfere in the match. Amazingly, no disqualification takes place, and The Headbangers' interference gives Rocky the win. Flash Funk tells Rocky what happened, and both men show respect after the match.
We see more of the interview with Mankind. We learn that he played lacrosse in high school, where he played as a goalie...without protective gear. One May morning, he got hit in the testicles during a game, and even though it was supposed to be three weeks before he could return to school, he went back the next day even though the swelling had not gone down. He remembers this as the only time girls looked at his genital region, which he considers his greatest day in his high school days.
Bret "The Hit Man" Hart appears on the TitanTron with the rest of The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman). He says that at King of the Ring, it will be an untamed world, like a lion ripping into an antelope. He tells "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels he's got what he wanted, but promises that all he needs is ten minute to beat Shawn's face to a pulp, as Shawn will find out how real he is. Pillman tells "Stone Cold" Steve Austin he knows everything about him, and that he hates his guts. He plans to pull his head out of his ass at King of the Hart so he can clearly see that he is the king of Austin's pathetic world. Owen Hart and The British Bulldog plan to expose Austin and Shawn as the losers that they are, especially when they can't get along.
The intro to the show is replayed to signify the start of the second hour.
"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock guests on commentary for the next match.
Ahmed Johnson beats Vader. Before the next match, it is announced that Ahmed Johnson's semi-final slot in the King of the Ring tournament is on the line in this match.
It is announced that news on why Brian Pillman isn't a full-fledged member of The Hard Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Pillman) as well as whether or not there is dissent - and new members on the way - in The Nation of Domination on The Ross Report on Option 3 of the WWF Superstar Line.
Paul Bearer is backstage. He says that he has had a secret on his conscience for so long, and in a few words, he will bring him to his knees like no giant, warrior or immortal could do.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Rockabilly after Chyna stops The Honky Tonk Man from using his guitar as a weapon and scoop slams him outside of the ring.
The Undertaker says that sometimes in live, we have to make decisions we don't want to, but have to. He tells Paul Bearer to do what he has to do, and in turn, he will do what he himself has to do.
Sable shows off the King of the Ring inflatable chair.
We see part two of the interview with Mankind. He talks about how he hitch-hiked to the match between "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka and Don "The Rock" Muraco in a steel cage in October 17, 1983 in Madison Square Garden, and realized what he wanted to do with his life when Snuka dove off the top of the cage. This led to him creating an alter-ego in high school, and made a movie of himself when he was 18 as a form of escape. He says he met "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, who asked him if he always envisioned himself in this way. During this time, he was not Mick Foley, nor was he Mankind. Instead, he was "Dude Love." We see portions of this homemade movie, including one where he dove off the roof of his friend's house's roof. The video ended up in the hands of Dominic DeNucci, who took him under his week and trained him to wrestle every weekend for two years, with Mankind traveling 800 miles round-trip and eating and sleeping in the back of his 1979 Ford Fairmont during these training sessions as he tried to realize his dreams. This led to him becoming "Cactus Jack," which was supposed to last for only three months but ended up staying for eleven years.
It is announced before the next match that The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) will officially face Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for the WWF Tag Team Championships next week should Shawn and Austin win.
In what is "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels' first match in four months, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin beat Owen Hart and The British Bulldog to become the WWF Tag Team Champions! During the match, The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) are seen watching the match from the back. After the match, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Brian Pillman rush into the ring and attack Shawn while Austin makes a beeline for Bret "The Hit Man" Hart. Austin is able to make it to the back before Bret's comrades can attack him, too.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels still can't get along even after winning the WWF Tag Team Championships, and start arguing when Austin says he won the titles by himself.
Paul Bearer shows up, and is interviewed by Vince McMahon. He tells The Undertaker that his time is up, and says Brother Love didn't bring him to the WWF off the streets. He has known The Undertaker for many, many years. He then reveals that he was the mortician and funeral director when The Undertaker's parents' caskets were lowered. He then reveals that there were three graves prepared that day. As he is about to elaborate, The Undertaker immediately makes his way to the ring and tells Bearer he hates him with all that he is. He loathes and despises him for what he is about to do tonight, and although the hounds of Hell may bay at the secret Bearer's attorney will reveal, Bearer won't be able to, and he only hopes the ones that love him and have loved him in the past will be able to forgive him. He then grabs Bearer by the throat, and Bearer begs for merc. The Undertaker lets him go, then rejoins Paul Bearer.
The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) beat The Hart Foundation (Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and "The Loose Cannon" Brian Pillman, who finally has his first match on Raw) by disqualification after Owen Hart and The British Bulldog interfere. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels show up together to clean house, but when Shawn goes after the Foundation, Austin confronts Shawn and the two of them fight one another yet again, and officials have to break up the brawl.
In Episode 3 of Sunny's Search and Soak Mission, The Honky Tonk Man gets soaked with the Super Soaker CPS 2000.
Paul Bearer is backstage, and we can finally see half of his face. It is noted that his hair is red and his facial hair is notably absent. He says that he has all the bases covered ashis attorney has a key to the safe deposit box that holds his secret, and only his attorney can open that box. He says that whatever happens, the secret will be revealed one way or another before the end of the night. He says that he is a different Paul Bearer, and either the secret comes out or The Undertaker joins him.
Faarooq guests on commentary for the next match.
D'Lo Brown - who appears for the first time on Raw in wrestling gear instead of behind a suit as a member of The Nation of Domination - beats Bob "Spark Plug" Holly.
The Undertaker knows he has to make a decision that could affect the rest of his life in an hour's time, and is not even worried about Faarooq.
Jerry "The King" Lawler says Goldust has an identity crisis, and says Dusty Rhodes doesn't love him anymore because he married the biggest gold-digger in Georgia before wearing a woman's wig and "kissing men like a flamin' fag." He tells Goldust to bring Marlena and Dakota with him, as tears will be running down their faces when he's done with them. He also says that Dakota should have been named "Target," as "everyone had a shot at it" last week.
The official King of the Ring inflatable chair is available for $59.99 plus $11 shipping and handling.
Jerry "The King" Lawler beats Goldust to continue to the second round of the King of the Ring Tournament after putting his feet on the ropes for leverage. After the amtch, Goldust continues to fight Lawler on the ramp, and Lawler rolls down to the ring after a slap from Goldust. Marlena steps on Lawler's gut as she and Goldust leave.
Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and Brian Pillman attack "Stone Cold" Steve Austin backstage.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels argue backstage after Shawn confronts Austin for not watching his back.
Rocky Maivia beats Flash Funk. During the match, The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) guest on commentary with King of the Ring inflatable chairs, popcorn, cotton candy and their own music, but it isn't long before they interfere in the match. Amazingly, no disqualification takes place, and The Headbangers' interference gives Rocky the win. Flash Funk tells Rocky what happened, and both men show respect after the match.
We see more of the interview with Mankind. We learn that he played lacrosse in high school, where he played as a goalie...without protective gear. One May morning, he got hit in the testicles during a game, and even though it was supposed to be three weeks before he could return to school, he went back the next day even though the swelling had not gone down. He remembers this as the only time girls looked at his genital region, which he considers his greatest day in his high school days.
Bret "The Hit Man" Hart appears on the TitanTron with the rest of The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman). He says that at King of the Ring, it will be an untamed world, like a lion ripping into an antelope. He tells "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels he's got what he wanted, but promises that all he needs is ten minute to beat Shawn's face to a pulp, as Shawn will find out how real he is. Pillman tells "Stone Cold" Steve Austin he knows everything about him, and that he hates his guts. He plans to pull his head out of his ass at King of the Hart so he can clearly see that he is the king of Austin's pathetic world. Owen Hart and The British Bulldog plan to expose Austin and Shawn as the losers that they are, especially when they can't get along.
The intro to the show is replayed to signify the start of the second hour.
"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock guests on commentary for the next match.
Ahmed Johnson beats Vader. Before the next match, it is announced that Ahmed Johnson's semi-final slot in the King of the Ring tournament is on the line in this match.
It is announced that news on why Brian Pillman isn't a full-fledged member of The Hard Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Pillman) as well as whether or not there is dissent - and new members on the way - in The Nation of Domination on The Ross Report on Option 3 of the WWF Superstar Line.
Paul Bearer is backstage. He says that he has had a secret on his conscience for so long, and in a few words, he will bring him to his knees like no giant, warrior or immortal could do.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Rockabilly after Chyna stops The Honky Tonk Man from using his guitar as a weapon and scoop slams him outside of the ring.
The Undertaker says that sometimes in live, we have to make decisions we don't want to, but have to. He tells Paul Bearer to do what he has to do, and in turn, he will do what he himself has to do.
Sable shows off the King of the Ring inflatable chair.
We see part two of the interview with Mankind. He talks about how he hitch-hiked to the match between "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka and Don "The Rock" Muraco in a steel cage in October 17, 1983 in Madison Square Garden, and realized what he wanted to do with his life when Snuka dove off the top of the cage. This led to him creating an alter-ego in high school, and made a movie of himself when he was 18 as a form of escape. He says he met "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, who asked him if he always envisioned himself in this way. During this time, he was not Mick Foley, nor was he Mankind. Instead, he was "Dude Love." We see portions of this homemade movie, including one where he dove off the roof of his friend's house's roof. The video ended up in the hands of Dominic DeNucci, who took him under his week and trained him to wrestle every weekend for two years, with Mankind traveling 800 miles round-trip and eating and sleeping in the back of his 1979 Ford Fairmont during these training sessions as he tried to realize his dreams. This led to him becoming "Cactus Jack," which was supposed to last for only three months but ended up staying for eleven years.
It is announced before the next match that The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) will officially face Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for the WWF Tag Team Championships next week should Shawn and Austin win.
In what is "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels' first match in four months, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin beat Owen Hart and The British Bulldog to become the WWF Tag Team Champions! During the match, The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) are seen watching the match from the back. After the match, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Brian Pillman rush into the ring and attack Shawn while Austin makes a beeline for Bret "The Hit Man" Hart. Austin is able to make it to the back before Bret's comrades can attack him, too.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels still can't get along even after winning the WWF Tag Team Championships, and start arguing when Austin says he won the titles by himself.
Paul Bearer shows up, and is interviewed by Vince McMahon. He tells The Undertaker that his time is up, and says Brother Love didn't bring him to the WWF off the streets. He has known The Undertaker for many, many years. He then reveals that he was the mortician and funeral director when The Undertaker's parents' caskets were lowered. He then reveals that there were three graves prepared that day. As he is about to elaborate, The Undertaker immediately makes his way to the ring and tells Bearer he hates him with all that he is. He loathes and despises him for what he is about to do tonight, and although the hounds of Hell may bay at the secret Bearer's attorney will reveal, Bearer won't be able to, and he only hopes the ones that love him and have loved him in the past will be able to forgive him. He then grabs Bearer by the throat, and Bearer begs for merc. The Undertaker lets him go, then rejoins Paul Bearer.
Saturday, May 24, 1997
Vince's Got A Shotgun (Challenge) - Shotgun Challenge recap for May 24, 1997
The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) beat Doug Furnas and Philip LaFon. The match is Henry O. Godwinn's first match since his C4 vertebrae injury last month, and compared to Phineas' usual jovial dancing, Henry is a lot more serious and is not smiling. After the match, Henry O. Godwinn refuses to dance.
We hear from Faarooq. He says that ever since he has entered the World Wrestling Federation, he has had to constantly prove himself as both a Black man and a wrestler. He says that the Black race is tired of doing menial work, and they will no longer sit back and be pacifists as they will take their rightful place on this earth and be treated equally. He says there has never been a black WWF Champion, but that day is coming. He calls The Undertaker "the great White hope" that everyone gives praise, but history will be made at King of the Ring and he will become the first Black WWF Champion by any means necessary.
We see episode two of Sunny's Search and Soak Mission, where Jim Cornette gets soaked with with the Super Soaker CPS2000.
"Double J" Jesse James beats David Haskins.
The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) beat Reginald Walker and Carl Fergie.
Jim Ross interviews The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) in the ring. Animal says that they have beaten The Hart Foundation once, and at King of the Ring, they have them for the tag team titles and they will beat them again. However, next Monday night, they realize they will be facing "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and if Austin and Shawn take the tag team titles from them that night, they'll beat Austin and Shawn up, too, because they want the titles badly. Hawk says it was not too long ago that they had Owen and Bulldog in a match and won, and that they came up with a technicality that they pinned the wrong guy. He goes on to say that they have more excuses than Eddie Murphy, and after King of the Ring, they will win.
Brian Pillman beats Tony Williams. During the match, Pillman is aggressive towards Jim Cornette for sitting in his seat on commentary.
We hear from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. He asks Bret "The Hit Man" Hart if he knows what bat guano is, and says Bret has been spreading so much of it around the WWF since WrestleMania, and now Bret wants to make a challenge where he can beat him in ten minutes while the rest of The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) is handcuffed to all four ring posts. He says this will be mano-a-mano, and while the world has been waiting for his, nobody has waited for this longer than him. He has had it with Bret's shit, and know he's going to knock it out of him.
Ahmed Johnson beats D'Lo Brown. After the match, Crush and Savio Vega stomp Ahmed Johnson, then Rocky Maivia runs in to make the save. This is almost to no avail, but with Crush and Savio Vega forced to focus on both men, Rocky and Ahmed are able to fight back.
We hear from Faarooq. He says that ever since he has entered the World Wrestling Federation, he has had to constantly prove himself as both a Black man and a wrestler. He says that the Black race is tired of doing menial work, and they will no longer sit back and be pacifists as they will take their rightful place on this earth and be treated equally. He says there has never been a black WWF Champion, but that day is coming. He calls The Undertaker "the great White hope" that everyone gives praise, but history will be made at King of the Ring and he will become the first Black WWF Champion by any means necessary.
We see episode two of Sunny's Search and Soak Mission, where Jim Cornette gets soaked with with the Super Soaker CPS2000.
"Double J" Jesse James beats David Haskins.
The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) beat Reginald Walker and Carl Fergie.
Jim Ross interviews The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) in the ring. Animal says that they have beaten The Hart Foundation once, and at King of the Ring, they have them for the tag team titles and they will beat them again. However, next Monday night, they realize they will be facing "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and if Austin and Shawn take the tag team titles from them that night, they'll beat Austin and Shawn up, too, because they want the titles badly. Hawk says it was not too long ago that they had Owen and Bulldog in a match and won, and that they came up with a technicality that they pinned the wrong guy. He goes on to say that they have more excuses than Eddie Murphy, and after King of the Ring, they will win.
Brian Pillman beats Tony Williams. During the match, Pillman is aggressive towards Jim Cornette for sitting in his seat on commentary.
We hear from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. He asks Bret "The Hit Man" Hart if he knows what bat guano is, and says Bret has been spreading so much of it around the WWF since WrestleMania, and now Bret wants to make a challenge where he can beat him in ten minutes while the rest of The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) is handcuffed to all four ring posts. He says this will be mano-a-mano, and while the world has been waiting for his, nobody has waited for this longer than him. He has had it with Bret's shit, and know he's going to knock it out of him.
Ahmed Johnson beats D'Lo Brown. After the match, Crush and Savio Vega stomp Ahmed Johnson, then Rocky Maivia runs in to make the save. This is almost to no avail, but with Crush and Savio Vega forced to focus on both men, Rocky and Ahmed are able to fight back.
Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for May 24, 1997
Brian Pillman beats Tony Williams. During the match, Pillman is aggressive towards Jim Cornette for sitting in his seat on commentary.
The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) beat Doug Furnas and Philip LaFon. The match is Henry O. Godwinn's first match since his C4 vertebrae injury last month, and compared to Phineas' usual jovial dancing, Henry is a lot more serious and is not smiling. After the match, Henry O. Godwinn refuses to dance.
Ahmed Johnson beats D'Lo Brown. After the match, Crush and Savio Vega stomp Ahmed Johnson, then Rocky Maivia runs in to make the save. This is almost to no avail, but with Crush and Savio Vega forced to focus on both men, Rocky and Ahmed are able to fight back.
Jim Ross interviews The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) in the ring. Animal says that they have beaten The Hart Foundation once, and at King of the Ring, they have them for the tag team titles and they will beat them again. However, next Monday night, they realize they will be facing "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and if Austin and Shawn take the tag team titles from them that night, they'll beat Austin and Shawn up, too, because they want the titles badly. Hawk says it was not too long ago that they had Owen and Bulldog in a match and won, and that they came up with a technicality that they pinned the wrong guy. He goes on to say that they have more excuses than Eddie Murphy, and after King of the Ring, they will win.
The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Bradshaw and Blackjack Windham) beat Reginald Walker and Carl Fergie. During the match, it is announced that part two of Jim Ross' interview with Mankind will air, while Jerry "The King" Lawler will meet Goldust in a King of the Ring first round match-up.
"Double J" Jesse James beats David Haskins.
The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) beat Doug Furnas and Philip LaFon. The match is Henry O. Godwinn's first match since his C4 vertebrae injury last month, and compared to Phineas' usual jovial dancing, Henry is a lot more serious and is not smiling. After the match, Henry O. Godwinn refuses to dance.
Ahmed Johnson beats D'Lo Brown. After the match, Crush and Savio Vega stomp Ahmed Johnson, then Rocky Maivia runs in to make the save. This is almost to no avail, but with Crush and Savio Vega forced to focus on both men, Rocky and Ahmed are able to fight back.
Jim Ross interviews The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) in the ring. Animal says that they have beaten The Hart Foundation once, and at King of the Ring, they have them for the tag team titles and they will beat them again. However, next Monday night, they realize they will be facing "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and if Austin and Shawn take the tag team titles from them that night, they'll beat Austin and Shawn up, too, because they want the titles badly. Hawk says it was not too long ago that they had Owen and Bulldog in a match and won, and that they came up with a technicality that they pinned the wrong guy. He goes on to say that they have more excuses than Eddie Murphy, and after King of the Ring, they will win.
The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Bradshaw and Blackjack Windham) beat Reginald Walker and Carl Fergie. During the match, it is announced that part two of Jim Ross' interview with Mankind will air, while Jerry "The King" Lawler will meet Goldust in a King of the Ring first round match-up.
"Double J" Jesse James beats David Haskins.
Monday, May 19, 1997
Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for May 19, 1997
This episode is an hour long due to the NBA playoffs.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund announces the start of the show, then interviews "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Flair celebrates last night's victory, but it's not longer before Syxx shows up. He says that WCW beat nobody last night and the wrong guy was in the ring. He also says that he can take Flair after having been in the ring with him last night, and if Flair's got the guts, they can do it tonight, right here, right now. Flair once again says he doesn't know about Scott Hall or Kevin Nash, but he calls Syxx "a fly in the ointment" and tells him he will kick his flyweight ass. He shoves Syxx, which starts a brief brawl that is near the commentary table for a few seconds before Syxx runs to the back.
Steven Regal beats Prince Iaukea with the Regal Stretch.
Mike Tenay guests on commentary for the next match to announce that Nitro is coming to Las Vegas, Nevada on June 30th. On that day, he will join "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Madusa for an autograph signing at the Great Gardens box office, and a major star will make his WCW debut that night.
Masahiro Chono beats David Taylor with an STF.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Sonny Onoo. Onoo says he can make or destroy a champion, and tells Masahiro Chono he has a debt to pay with him and all of New Japan. Next week, Onoo has Chono's worst nightmare, and Chono will have a match with him. When Chono asks who it is, Onoo says he will make him sweat, and refuses to divulge any details on this mystery opponent.
WCW Executive Committee member and Chairman James J. Dillon announces that Nick Patrick is officially reinstated as a referee, and will be on probation for the next 30 days to show that he deserving of this second chance.
Scotty Riggs beats Michael Wallstreet - who now wears an anti-WCW shirt - after referee Nick Patrick keeps Wallstreet from pulling a weapon out of his pocket and kicks Wallstreet's hand off the rope during a pinfall.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund introduces Mark Martin, who is accompanied by "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. The car in front of them is going to be given away. All one has to do to win is to go anywhere where Valvoline is sold and register to win between now and June 25th. For more info, call 1-800-TEAM-VAL. He hopes to win this weekend, and Flair asks Martin to stick around long enough to stick Syxx to the wall.
Lee Marshall calls from Nashville, Tennessee - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) beat The Four Horseman (Jeff Jarrett and Steve "Mongo" McMichael) after Kevin Greene shows up and smashes the steel Halliburton briefcase into Mongo's back. An enraged Mongo runs to the back and shoves head of WCW security Doug Dellinger to the side in the process. Before the break, it is announced that Nitro is returning to its original starting time of 7:55 PM Eastern, 6:55 PM Central and returning to two hours.
"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair beats Syxx by disqualification in his first singles match since returning from injury after The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) show up and attack Flair. Any officials who try to break this up are immediately attacked by the threesome. Nash says that if last night was Flair's finest moment, tonight is anything but. Nash says it's now about putting Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, saying that Piper "had better be strapped sitting on top of that mountain, 'cause we're gonna be bumrushin' you, old man." Hall asks Nash to call the Smithsonian as they have one-half of that dinosaur exhibit they were looking for, and that Piper will be sitting in the other half soon.
Eric Bischoff shows up. Last week, he had something he wanted to say to Sting, and has called him at home, at the gym where he used to work out, and even hired a private detective agency to find him and keep track of him so he can give him a message, but he can't find him. Bischoff looks up at the ceiling a few times, then says Sting isn't here because he's a coward who is consumed with his hatred for "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. He says Sting will never get in the ring with Hogan because he loves him and is not worth a drop of Hogan's perspiration, and that Sting should worship the ground that Hogan spits on. He then wishes Sting was here tonight so he could slap the paint off of his face. Almost as if on cue, Sting pops out from underneath the ring in the corner of the ring and hits Sting with a reverse DDT.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund announces the start of the show, then interviews "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Flair celebrates last night's victory, but it's not longer before Syxx shows up. He says that WCW beat nobody last night and the wrong guy was in the ring. He also says that he can take Flair after having been in the ring with him last night, and if Flair's got the guts, they can do it tonight, right here, right now. Flair once again says he doesn't know about Scott Hall or Kevin Nash, but he calls Syxx "a fly in the ointment" and tells him he will kick his flyweight ass. He shoves Syxx, which starts a brief brawl that is near the commentary table for a few seconds before Syxx runs to the back.
Steven Regal beats Prince Iaukea with the Regal Stretch.
Mike Tenay guests on commentary for the next match to announce that Nitro is coming to Las Vegas, Nevada on June 30th. On that day, he will join "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Madusa for an autograph signing at the Great Gardens box office, and a major star will make his WCW debut that night.
Masahiro Chono beats David Taylor with an STF.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Sonny Onoo. Onoo says he can make or destroy a champion, and tells Masahiro Chono he has a debt to pay with him and all of New Japan. Next week, Onoo has Chono's worst nightmare, and Chono will have a match with him. When Chono asks who it is, Onoo says he will make him sweat, and refuses to divulge any details on this mystery opponent.
WCW Executive Committee member and Chairman James J. Dillon announces that Nick Patrick is officially reinstated as a referee, and will be on probation for the next 30 days to show that he deserving of this second chance.
Scotty Riggs beats Michael Wallstreet - who now wears an anti-WCW shirt - after referee Nick Patrick keeps Wallstreet from pulling a weapon out of his pocket and kicks Wallstreet's hand off the rope during a pinfall.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund introduces Mark Martin, who is accompanied by "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. The car in front of them is going to be given away. All one has to do to win is to go anywhere where Valvoline is sold and register to win between now and June 25th. For more info, call 1-800-TEAM-VAL. He hopes to win this weekend, and Flair asks Martin to stick around long enough to stick Syxx to the wall.
Lee Marshall calls from Nashville, Tennessee - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) beat The Four Horseman (Jeff Jarrett and Steve "Mongo" McMichael) after Kevin Greene shows up and smashes the steel Halliburton briefcase into Mongo's back. An enraged Mongo runs to the back and shoves head of WCW security Doug Dellinger to the side in the process. Before the break, it is announced that Nitro is returning to its original starting time of 7:55 PM Eastern, 6:55 PM Central and returning to two hours.
"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair beats Syxx by disqualification in his first singles match since returning from injury after The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) show up and attack Flair. Any officials who try to break this up are immediately attacked by the threesome. Nash says that if last night was Flair's finest moment, tonight is anything but. Nash says it's now about putting Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, saying that Piper "had better be strapped sitting on top of that mountain, 'cause we're gonna be bumrushin' you, old man." Hall asks Nash to call the Smithsonian as they have one-half of that dinosaur exhibit they were looking for, and that Piper will be sitting in the other half soon.
Eric Bischoff shows up. Last week, he had something he wanted to say to Sting, and has called him at home, at the gym where he used to work out, and even hired a private detective agency to find him and keep track of him so he can give him a message, but he can't find him. Bischoff looks up at the ceiling a few times, then says Sting isn't here because he's a coward who is consumed with his hatred for "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. He says Sting will never get in the ring with Hogan because he loves him and is not worth a drop of Hogan's perspiration, and that Sting should worship the ground that Hogan spits on. He then wishes Sting was here tonight so he could slap the paint off of his face. Almost as if on cue, Sting pops out from underneath the ring in the corner of the ring and hits Sting with a reverse DDT.
Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 19, 1997
We see what happened after the cameras stopped rolling last week. After the cameras go off, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart keeps talking trash to "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and says Shawn doesn't have the guts to hit him as he stands from his wheelchair. Bret instantly eats a superkick, and Shawn runs around the ring avoiding the rest of The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman). That doesn't happen for long, as they eventually get a hold of Shawn and beat him up on the entrance ramp. They almost toss him off the side of the entrance ramp when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up and attacks The Foundation. Officials have to keep Austin and Michaels from getting close to the Foundation again as the Foundation checks on Bret.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed in the ring by Jim Ross to start the show. Austin says he doesn't give a rat's ass about "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and that he only came out because The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) turned their backs. As far as Shawn is concerned, he can thank his lucky stars he was there as Shawn was about to take a hell of an ass whipping. He says the Foundation runs in a pack, and that he can run through the pack with or without Shawn, as they are both going different paths and the Foundation is just a common denominator. Suddenly, Shawn Michaels shows up and tells Austin with diction similar to his that it wasn't too long ago that he did the same for him and that he only did it because he hates the Foundation as much as any other guy in the World Wrestling Federation. He has fallen off ladders tossed off the top of steel cages before Austin showed up, and if he had been tossed off the side of the entrance ramp, he would have picked himself right back up. Austin tells Shawn that he didn't say he wasn't tough, and tells him to go back to the back before he kicks his teeth down his throat, but Shawn tells him he can just as well kick his guts in. This leads to a brawl between Austin and Shawn that leads to officials quickly scrambling to the ring to break apart. Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart show up on the TitanTron, making fun of Austin and Shawn for failing to get along. Owen wishes Bret "The Hit Man" Hart to see this, but he will be there in a few minutes. He then issues a challenge to them for the tag team titles next week if they can get on the same page. Shawn and Austin both say that they'll find a partner other than each other for the match, and then they start brawling again.
It is announced that Vader will not be able to appear for his first round King of the Ring match against Crush, due to a ruptured septum in his nose suffered from the No Holds Barred Match against Ken Shamrock. In his place is Hunter Hearst Helmsley, who has a second chance in the tournament after being defeated via disqualification by Ahmed Johnson. According to Gerald Brisco, referee Tim White erred in instructing Hunter Hearst Helmsley that he could only win by pinfall or submission and that loss via disqualification would eliminate him from the tournament, and will therefore take Vader's place in the tournament in order to avoid any legal action.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Crush to continue to the second round of the King of the Ring tournament when Savio Vega tries to interfere, leading Helmsley to get some assistance from Chyna. Savio Vega gets off the apron and Chyna gets caught, and Savio Vega tries to take advantage of that by trying to roundhouse kick Helmsley from the apron while Crush holds Helmsley from behind. Unfortunately for Vega, Triple H escapes Crush's grasp and Vega ends up kicking Crush in the side of the head instead. Chyna grabs Vega by the foot to keep him from breaking the pinfall, and Crush confronts Vega after the match. This leads to a shoving match between the two, and Faarooq has to rush into the ring and tell both of them to knock it off.
We see pre-recorded comments from two WWF fans who wish hometown hero Bob "Spark Plug" Holly luck tonight. We also see footage of Jerry "The King" Lawler interviewing two local fans, and asks the older fan if he and his wife would still be brother and sister if they divorced.
Bob "Spark Plug" Holly gets a surprise win in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama on Owen Hart with an inside cradle. After the match, The British Bulldog and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart go after Holly, who immediately sidesteps into the crowd.
It's time for Episode 2 of "Sunny's Search and Soak Mission," where Jim Cornette gets soaked with the Super Soaker CPS 2000.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels has found a partner for tonight in the form of "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock. Shamrock calls this a privilege and an honor, and asks Shawn to take care of Owen Hart so that he can give The British Bulldog more than he can handle.
Jim Ross apologizes for the satellite transmission problems tonight, as the show is in the middle of a huge thunderstorm.
We see the first part of an interview with Mankind. Mankind says that the biggest misconception fans have of him is that he is a bad person. Even though there are plenty of reasons to hate him, he does not want to be hated to due to "untruths, partial truths and rumors." He says that he always played the Indians in a game of Cowboys and Indians, and if he is the bad guy for standing for what he believes in, then Jim Ross has him dead to rights. He also talks about a time when he was playing dodgeball at eight years old when he was accidentally kicked in the lip and started bleeding, and noticed that he handled pain better than other people to the point that he loved it, and wanted to do something where he could be in pain and make a living out of it, which lead to him becoming a professional wrestler. This lead to him and his brother play wrestling, which ended with Mankind breaking his brother's nose. Even though he was forbidden from watching pro wrestling by his mother from that point on, the dream still lived. Mankind wants to tell his son when he turns 15 "not to be the guy who eats strange things," as he was always bullied by having worms thrown at him and he got back at his tormentors by eating the worms, which backfired as he went through his high school days without a single date.
It is announced by Jerry "The King" Lawler that Paul E. Dangerously has forbidden Rob Van Dam from returning to Raw via legal proceedings.
Scott Taylor beats Leif Cassidy with an inside cradle. (After six years of working as enhancement talent, Taylor is finally working in the WWF under contract.) After the match, Leif Cassidy jumps on the commentary table and says he can't take it anymore.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin walks in on Sable dressing while looking for a tag team partner.
Bret "The Hit Man" Hart has made it to the arena.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) is seen backstage before the beginning of the second hour.
The introduction to the show replays to signify the start of War Zone.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) show up. Bret is now on crutches instead of rolling around in a wheelchair. Once again, Bret trashes the American wrestling fans and says that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels would not allow him his right to free right, which he calls typical behavior of the American wrestling fans as he mocks the southern American accent. He says that Shawn is no better than "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and that Shawn had to take it on himself to attack him last week. He doesn't care who Shawn picks for a partner for next week's tag team title match, as his days are numbered and he cannot think of anyone who would even want to tag team with Shawn. He tells his true fans around the world as well as the American fans that someone else - a real hero and a real man - will come back at King of the Ring with a bad knee, and that man is him. Despite many well wishes despite the bad knee, he challenges Shawn to a match at King of the Ring, and if he cannot beat him in ten minutes, he will never wrestle in the United States again. All of a sudden, Shawn appears on the TitanTron, and tells Bret he couldn't beat him in sixty minutes and says the only reason Bret thinks he can beat him in 10 is because of the rest of the Foundation. Shawn goes on to say he wants the rest of the Foundation at ringside, and adds a stipulation of his own: the rest of the Foundation must be handcuffed to a ring post so they can't jump in and he and Bret can settle once and for all if Bret can be beaten like a man, saying that Bret couldn't last ten minutes in any situation and that he will knock him down and drag him out. Bret accepts the challenge, saying ten minutes is all he needs to smoke Shawn. Shawn tells Bret he can smoke him, but he has to beat him, which he says Bret doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of doing.
Before the next match, Goldust asks the crowd if they want to see Marlena, and says he can do one better: two Marlenas. Not only does Marlena show up, but so does his and Marlena's daughter, Dakota, who has a bit of fun on the microphone.
Rockabilly beats Goldust by disqualification when he gets caught in the ropes and The Honky Tonk Man takes advantage of the ref helping Rockabilly out of the ropes by trying to hit Goldust with his guitar. Goldust takes the guitar away from him and hits him in the head with it, but Rockabilly walks away with the win when the referee sees .
Backstage, Ahmed Johnson calls Faarooq a sell-out, a liar, a racist and a cheat, but says that what Faarooq said last week about there never being a Black WWF Champion is the truth, and wants to know why. Ahmed says he's no racist and is tolerant of everyone, and says he will set out to become the first Black WWF Champion.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin has found a tag team partner for next week: Harvey Wippleman. The Brooklyn Brawler wants to tag up with Stone Cold, but gets thrown into the backstage set for his trouble. Austin then tells Wippleman to stay at the corner and watch him whip ass next week.
Episode 2 of "Sunny's Search and Soak Mission" is replayed.
It is announced before the next match that J.C. Ice and Wolfie D are no longer part of The Nation of Domination after what happened last week against The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk).
Faarooq beats Rocky Maivia. After the match, Faarooq asks Savio Vega and Crush not to attack Rocky Maivia in a post-match beatdown. We then see The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) beating up Bob "Spark Plug" Holly backstage, with officials trying to stop the carnage.
Vince McMahon interviews The Undertaker in the ring and asks about Faarooq, Paul Bearer's comments and the secret he swore not to tell. The Undertaker says that last week, Faarooq played the race card, and says that he is not a "white savior" as he doesn't recognize color. He is neither white or black, only the reaper of wayward souls, and when all is said and done and Faarooq is wondering why he isn't WWF Champion, it's because he couldn't beat The Undertaker, not because he's Black. As for Paul Bearer's secret, 'Taker simply says that this is not the time. Paul Bearer then appears on the TitanTron, saying it is. He tells him to remember that dark, drizzling morning where his parents' caskets were lowered and he promised never to let the secret he knows out. He tells 'Taker to come back to him, or he reveal the secret. 'Taker says he needs more time, and Bearer gives him seven days, and if he doesn't rejoin him, he will open Pandora's Box.
Brian Pillman guests on commentary during "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, which quickly ends when Austin gets his hands on Pillman, who responds with a crutch to Austin's back. Owen hart and The British Bulldog also attack Austin, but "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up and nails everyone with a steel chair. As The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) leaves, Austin grabs the chair and is about to hit Shawn in the back with it when Jim Ross gets in the ring and tells Austin and Shawn that as per WWF President Gorilla Monsoon that they have no choice but to tag together against Owen Hart and The British Bulldog for the WWF Tag Team Championships. Shawn says Austin can't be trusted as far as he can be thrown, and Austin doesn't want to tag with Shawn, either. Both Austin and Shawn fight each other, and officials have to break up the brawl.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed in the ring by Jim Ross to start the show. Austin says he doesn't give a rat's ass about "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and that he only came out because The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) turned their backs. As far as Shawn is concerned, he can thank his lucky stars he was there as Shawn was about to take a hell of an ass whipping. He says the Foundation runs in a pack, and that he can run through the pack with or without Shawn, as they are both going different paths and the Foundation is just a common denominator. Suddenly, Shawn Michaels shows up and tells Austin with diction similar to his that it wasn't too long ago that he did the same for him and that he only did it because he hates the Foundation as much as any other guy in the World Wrestling Federation. He has fallen off ladders tossed off the top of steel cages before Austin showed up, and if he had been tossed off the side of the entrance ramp, he would have picked himself right back up. Austin tells Shawn that he didn't say he wasn't tough, and tells him to go back to the back before he kicks his teeth down his throat, but Shawn tells him he can just as well kick his guts in. This leads to a brawl between Austin and Shawn that leads to officials quickly scrambling to the ring to break apart. Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart show up on the TitanTron, making fun of Austin and Shawn for failing to get along. Owen wishes Bret "The Hit Man" Hart to see this, but he will be there in a few minutes. He then issues a challenge to them for the tag team titles next week if they can get on the same page. Shawn and Austin both say that they'll find a partner other than each other for the match, and then they start brawling again.
It is announced that Vader will not be able to appear for his first round King of the Ring match against Crush, due to a ruptured septum in his nose suffered from the No Holds Barred Match against Ken Shamrock. In his place is Hunter Hearst Helmsley, who has a second chance in the tournament after being defeated via disqualification by Ahmed Johnson. According to Gerald Brisco, referee Tim White erred in instructing Hunter Hearst Helmsley that he could only win by pinfall or submission and that loss via disqualification would eliminate him from the tournament, and will therefore take Vader's place in the tournament in order to avoid any legal action.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Crush to continue to the second round of the King of the Ring tournament when Savio Vega tries to interfere, leading Helmsley to get some assistance from Chyna. Savio Vega gets off the apron and Chyna gets caught, and Savio Vega tries to take advantage of that by trying to roundhouse kick Helmsley from the apron while Crush holds Helmsley from behind. Unfortunately for Vega, Triple H escapes Crush's grasp and Vega ends up kicking Crush in the side of the head instead. Chyna grabs Vega by the foot to keep him from breaking the pinfall, and Crush confronts Vega after the match. This leads to a shoving match between the two, and Faarooq has to rush into the ring and tell both of them to knock it off.
We see pre-recorded comments from two WWF fans who wish hometown hero Bob "Spark Plug" Holly luck tonight. We also see footage of Jerry "The King" Lawler interviewing two local fans, and asks the older fan if he and his wife would still be brother and sister if they divorced.
Bob "Spark Plug" Holly gets a surprise win in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama on Owen Hart with an inside cradle. After the match, The British Bulldog and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart go after Holly, who immediately sidesteps into the crowd.
It's time for Episode 2 of "Sunny's Search and Soak Mission," where Jim Cornette gets soaked with the Super Soaker CPS 2000.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels has found a partner for tonight in the form of "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock. Shamrock calls this a privilege and an honor, and asks Shawn to take care of Owen Hart so that he can give The British Bulldog more than he can handle.
Jim Ross apologizes for the satellite transmission problems tonight, as the show is in the middle of a huge thunderstorm.
We see the first part of an interview with Mankind. Mankind says that the biggest misconception fans have of him is that he is a bad person. Even though there are plenty of reasons to hate him, he does not want to be hated to due to "untruths, partial truths and rumors." He says that he always played the Indians in a game of Cowboys and Indians, and if he is the bad guy for standing for what he believes in, then Jim Ross has him dead to rights. He also talks about a time when he was playing dodgeball at eight years old when he was accidentally kicked in the lip and started bleeding, and noticed that he handled pain better than other people to the point that he loved it, and wanted to do something where he could be in pain and make a living out of it, which lead to him becoming a professional wrestler. This lead to him and his brother play wrestling, which ended with Mankind breaking his brother's nose. Even though he was forbidden from watching pro wrestling by his mother from that point on, the dream still lived. Mankind wants to tell his son when he turns 15 "not to be the guy who eats strange things," as he was always bullied by having worms thrown at him and he got back at his tormentors by eating the worms, which backfired as he went through his high school days without a single date.
It is announced by Jerry "The King" Lawler that Paul E. Dangerously has forbidden Rob Van Dam from returning to Raw via legal proceedings.
Scott Taylor beats Leif Cassidy with an inside cradle. (After six years of working as enhancement talent, Taylor is finally working in the WWF under contract.) After the match, Leif Cassidy jumps on the commentary table and says he can't take it anymore.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin walks in on Sable dressing while looking for a tag team partner.
Bret "The Hit Man" Hart has made it to the arena.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) is seen backstage before the beginning of the second hour.
The introduction to the show replays to signify the start of War Zone.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) show up. Bret is now on crutches instead of rolling around in a wheelchair. Once again, Bret trashes the American wrestling fans and says that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels would not allow him his right to free right, which he calls typical behavior of the American wrestling fans as he mocks the southern American accent. He says that Shawn is no better than "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and that Shawn had to take it on himself to attack him last week. He doesn't care who Shawn picks for a partner for next week's tag team title match, as his days are numbered and he cannot think of anyone who would even want to tag team with Shawn. He tells his true fans around the world as well as the American fans that someone else - a real hero and a real man - will come back at King of the Ring with a bad knee, and that man is him. Despite many well wishes despite the bad knee, he challenges Shawn to a match at King of the Ring, and if he cannot beat him in ten minutes, he will never wrestle in the United States again. All of a sudden, Shawn appears on the TitanTron, and tells Bret he couldn't beat him in sixty minutes and says the only reason Bret thinks he can beat him in 10 is because of the rest of the Foundation. Shawn goes on to say he wants the rest of the Foundation at ringside, and adds a stipulation of his own: the rest of the Foundation must be handcuffed to a ring post so they can't jump in and he and Bret can settle once and for all if Bret can be beaten like a man, saying that Bret couldn't last ten minutes in any situation and that he will knock him down and drag him out. Bret accepts the challenge, saying ten minutes is all he needs to smoke Shawn. Shawn tells Bret he can smoke him, but he has to beat him, which he says Bret doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of doing.
Before the next match, Goldust asks the crowd if they want to see Marlena, and says he can do one better: two Marlenas. Not only does Marlena show up, but so does his and Marlena's daughter, Dakota, who has a bit of fun on the microphone.
Rockabilly beats Goldust by disqualification when he gets caught in the ropes and The Honky Tonk Man takes advantage of the ref helping Rockabilly out of the ropes by trying to hit Goldust with his guitar. Goldust takes the guitar away from him and hits him in the head with it, but Rockabilly walks away with the win when the referee sees .
Backstage, Ahmed Johnson calls Faarooq a sell-out, a liar, a racist and a cheat, but says that what Faarooq said last week about there never being a Black WWF Champion is the truth, and wants to know why. Ahmed says he's no racist and is tolerant of everyone, and says he will set out to become the first Black WWF Champion.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin has found a tag team partner for next week: Harvey Wippleman. The Brooklyn Brawler wants to tag up with Stone Cold, but gets thrown into the backstage set for his trouble. Austin then tells Wippleman to stay at the corner and watch him whip ass next week.
Episode 2 of "Sunny's Search and Soak Mission" is replayed.
It is announced before the next match that J.C. Ice and Wolfie D are no longer part of The Nation of Domination after what happened last week against The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk).
Faarooq beats Rocky Maivia. After the match, Faarooq asks Savio Vega and Crush not to attack Rocky Maivia in a post-match beatdown. We then see The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) beating up Bob "Spark Plug" Holly backstage, with officials trying to stop the carnage.
Vince McMahon interviews The Undertaker in the ring and asks about Faarooq, Paul Bearer's comments and the secret he swore not to tell. The Undertaker says that last week, Faarooq played the race card, and says that he is not a "white savior" as he doesn't recognize color. He is neither white or black, only the reaper of wayward souls, and when all is said and done and Faarooq is wondering why he isn't WWF Champion, it's because he couldn't beat The Undertaker, not because he's Black. As for Paul Bearer's secret, 'Taker simply says that this is not the time. Paul Bearer then appears on the TitanTron, saying it is. He tells him to remember that dark, drizzling morning where his parents' caskets were lowered and he promised never to let the secret he knows out. He tells 'Taker to come back to him, or he reveal the secret. 'Taker says he needs more time, and Bearer gives him seven days, and if he doesn't rejoin him, he will open Pandora's Box.
Brian Pillman guests on commentary during "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, which quickly ends when Austin gets his hands on Pillman, who responds with a crutch to Austin's back. Owen hart and The British Bulldog also attack Austin, but "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up and nails everyone with a steel chair. As The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) leaves, Austin grabs the chair and is about to hit Shawn in the back with it when Jim Ross gets in the ring and tells Austin and Shawn that as per WWF President Gorilla Monsoon that they have no choice but to tag together against Owen Hart and The British Bulldog for the WWF Tag Team Championships. Shawn says Austin can't be trusted as far as he can be thrown, and Austin doesn't want to tag with Shawn, either. Both Austin and Shawn fight each other, and officials have to break up the brawl.
Sunday, May 18, 1997
Slamboree 1997 - The Results
Steven Regal - no longer wanting to be called a Lord - beats The Ultimate Dragon with the Regal Stretch to win the WCW World Television Championship after Sonny Onoo roundhouse kicks Dragon in the back of the head. Onoo is heard saying "I make champions...I destroy champions" after the match.
Lee Marshall guests on commentary for the next match.
Madusa beats Luna Vachon.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund plus the WCW Hotline, announcing that there is an interim change in talent coordination in WCW, and that the exclusive details are on the Hotline, as well as news that a WCW Superstar may be leaving. Suddenly, "Macho Man" Randy Savage shows up with Miss Elizabeth, takes Okerlund's microphone and shoos him away before he and Miss Elizabeth head to the ring. Savage rattles off some name from the New World Order, and says that Diamond Dallas Page doesn't want to feel the madness or want a piece of him anymore. Page shows up in the crowd with a bent crutch in his hands, and his advance towards the ring proves otherwise. Eric Bischoff shows and helps Savage to the entrance ramp where Buff Bagwell, Vincent and Scott Norton wait as Bischoff, and Page says that Savage doesn't want to feel the madness anymore, and implies that Savage is running to Hogan by saying that Savage is going to his house to wash his car and kiss his ass. Savage tells the nWo that he's taking care of business. Savage then slowly heads to the ring, but when he slides in, Page bashes him with the crutch. When the rest of the nWo get in, they feel that crutch, too, but Scott Norton is able to get his hands on Page and slug him, ripping his shirt off and exposing his taped ribs. As the nWo stomp on Page, The Giant runs in and comes to the aid of Page. Savage tries to get back into the ring, but the nWo have to hold him back.
Mike Tenay guests on commentary for the next match.
Rey Mysterio Jr. beats Yuji Yasuroaka.
Glacier beats Mortis by disqualification after Wrath shows up and attacks Glacier with Mortis' staff. As Mortis and Wrath continue to attack Glacier, an unknown man shows up and lays out both Mortis and Wrath with some well-practiced karate kicks, and he is identified by commentary as karate champion Ernest Miller.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund plugs the WCW Hotline again.
Dean Malenko retains the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Jarrett with the Texas Cloverleaf when Steve "Mongo" McMichael shows up and tosses Jarrett back into the ring.
Meng beats "The Crippler" Chris Benoit in a Death Match by submission with a nerve hold. Before the match, Meng scares Jimmy Hart away. During the match, Jacqueline shows up, but walks away when Woman approaches her. After the match, officials, Woman and a trainer all check on Benoit.
The Great American Bash comes to pay-per-view on June 15th!
The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) beat The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus). After the match, Konnan lays Hugh Morrus out, and tells Jimmy Hart "Blood in, blood out."
Steve "Mongo" McMichael beats Reggie White. During the match, Green Bay Packers team member Gilbert Brown shows up and carries Mongo back to the ring when he decides to leave, and Mongo drops the briefcase, which he eventually gets back. Near the end, Debra McMichael distracts the ref so that Mongo can use the Halliburton briefcase as Reggie White has him beat, but Gilbert Brown takes it from him. As the referee is distracted with Gilbert Brown, Jeff Jarrett shows up with another steel Halliburton briefcase and tosses it to Mongo, who then smacks it into the back of Reggie White. (The match proves to be Reggie White's only professional wrestling match.)
"Rowy" Roddy Piper, Kevin Green and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair beat The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx). During the match, Piper knocks out referee Randy Anderson when he does not see Piper get tagged in, leading to total chaos and Nick Patrick officiating the rest of the match.
Lee Marshall guests on commentary for the next match.
Madusa beats Luna Vachon.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund plus the WCW Hotline, announcing that there is an interim change in talent coordination in WCW, and that the exclusive details are on the Hotline, as well as news that a WCW Superstar may be leaving. Suddenly, "Macho Man" Randy Savage shows up with Miss Elizabeth, takes Okerlund's microphone and shoos him away before he and Miss Elizabeth head to the ring. Savage rattles off some name from the New World Order, and says that Diamond Dallas Page doesn't want to feel the madness or want a piece of him anymore. Page shows up in the crowd with a bent crutch in his hands, and his advance towards the ring proves otherwise. Eric Bischoff shows and helps Savage to the entrance ramp where Buff Bagwell, Vincent and Scott Norton wait as Bischoff, and Page says that Savage doesn't want to feel the madness anymore, and implies that Savage is running to Hogan by saying that Savage is going to his house to wash his car and kiss his ass. Savage tells the nWo that he's taking care of business. Savage then slowly heads to the ring, but when he slides in, Page bashes him with the crutch. When the rest of the nWo get in, they feel that crutch, too, but Scott Norton is able to get his hands on Page and slug him, ripping his shirt off and exposing his taped ribs. As the nWo stomp on Page, The Giant runs in and comes to the aid of Page. Savage tries to get back into the ring, but the nWo have to hold him back.
Mike Tenay guests on commentary for the next match.
Rey Mysterio Jr. beats Yuji Yasuroaka.
Glacier beats Mortis by disqualification after Wrath shows up and attacks Glacier with Mortis' staff. As Mortis and Wrath continue to attack Glacier, an unknown man shows up and lays out both Mortis and Wrath with some well-practiced karate kicks, and he is identified by commentary as karate champion Ernest Miller.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund plugs the WCW Hotline again.
Dean Malenko retains the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Jarrett with the Texas Cloverleaf when Steve "Mongo" McMichael shows up and tosses Jarrett back into the ring.
Meng beats "The Crippler" Chris Benoit in a Death Match by submission with a nerve hold. Before the match, Meng scares Jimmy Hart away. During the match, Jacqueline shows up, but walks away when Woman approaches her. After the match, officials, Woman and a trainer all check on Benoit.
The Great American Bash comes to pay-per-view on June 15th!
The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) beat The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus). After the match, Konnan lays Hugh Morrus out, and tells Jimmy Hart "Blood in, blood out."
Steve "Mongo" McMichael beats Reggie White. During the match, Green Bay Packers team member Gilbert Brown shows up and carries Mongo back to the ring when he decides to leave, and Mongo drops the briefcase, which he eventually gets back. Near the end, Debra McMichael distracts the ref so that Mongo can use the Halliburton briefcase as Reggie White has him beat, but Gilbert Brown takes it from him. As the referee is distracted with Gilbert Brown, Jeff Jarrett shows up with another steel Halliburton briefcase and tosses it to Mongo, who then smacks it into the back of Reggie White. (The match proves to be Reggie White's only professional wrestling match.)
"Rowy" Roddy Piper, Kevin Green and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair beat The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx). During the match, Piper knocks out referee Randy Anderson when he does not see Piper get tagged in, leading to total chaos and Nick Patrick officiating the rest of the match.
Saturday, May 17, 1997
Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for May 17, 1997
Rocky Maivia beats Rockabilly by disqualification. During the match, Rocky Maivia inadvertently knocks referee Earl Hebner out by knocking Rockabilly into him. The Honky Tonk Man hits Rocky with his guitar, but Hebner sees it and disqualifies Rockabilly. After the match, Rockabilly breaks the guitar on Rocky's back.
Dok Hendrix interviews "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock in the ring. He thanks the World Wrestling Federation fans for being good to him, and says it feels good to have this kind of support from them and the support to go a little further. He is still a little sore from Vader, whom he admits is a tough competitor, and says it was good to go up against an opponent of Vader's caliber and get the win the first time out. He knew it would be a war with Vader, but he came out on top. As for what his next war will be for him as well as what the future holds, his door is open for a rematch with Vader, but as for his next challenge, he has challenged "Iron" Mike Tyson but has not heard back from him. As for the WWF, if anyone wants to step into his world and face him, he will be here.
Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart beats Marty Garner.
Faarooq beats Jason Ahrndt.
Leif Cassidy beats Matt Hardy.
It's time for Sunny Undercover. She mentions Paul Bearer's secret concerning The Undertaker, and she hopes to get news on what that secret is from tonight's guest, Mankind. Mankind asks Sunny how badly she wants to know, and Sunny tells him that missing body parts can be attractive and that she has gone to great length to get information from some people. She says whatever Sunny wants, Sunny gets. Mankind asks Sunny what she is willing to do to get the truth, and tells her to understand that he knows the only thing in this world that The Undertaker fears and keeps him awake at night. He screams to her again, asking how badly she wants to know. Mankind scares Sunny away, and Mankind says The Undertaker will rue the day that he ruined Paul Bearer's face as Paul Bearer knows the truth, and the truth hurts.
Dok Hendrix interviews "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock in the ring. He thanks the World Wrestling Federation fans for being good to him, and says it feels good to have this kind of support from them and the support to go a little further. He is still a little sore from Vader, whom he admits is a tough competitor, and says it was good to go up against an opponent of Vader's caliber and get the win the first time out. He knew it would be a war with Vader, but he came out on top. As for what his next war will be for him as well as what the future holds, his door is open for a rematch with Vader, but as for his next challenge, he has challenged "Iron" Mike Tyson but has not heard back from him. As for the WWF, if anyone wants to step into his world and face him, he will be here.
Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart beats Marty Garner.
Faarooq beats Jason Ahrndt.
Leif Cassidy beats Matt Hardy.
It's time for Sunny Undercover. She mentions Paul Bearer's secret concerning The Undertaker, and she hopes to get news on what that secret is from tonight's guest, Mankind. Mankind asks Sunny how badly she wants to know, and Sunny tells him that missing body parts can be attractive and that she has gone to great length to get information from some people. She says whatever Sunny wants, Sunny gets. Mankind asks Sunny what she is willing to do to get the truth, and tells her to understand that he knows the only thing in this world that The Undertaker fears and keeps him awake at night. He screams to her again, asking how badly she wants to know. Mankind scares Sunny away, and Mankind says The Undertaker will rue the day that he ruined Paul Bearer's face as Paul Bearer knows the truth, and the truth hurts.
Monday, May 12, 1997
Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for May 12, 1997
This episode is one hour long due to the NBA playoffs.
Ring announcer Michael Buffer welcomes the audience to the show, then "Macho Man" Randy Savage - now without crutches. and Miss Elizabeth arrive. Savage says he is healed, and when Diamond Dallas Page attacked him last week, it pumped him full of adrenaline that he was able to slap him upside the head beat him up with his own crutches. He then calls out Page for later tonight.
It is announced that Eric Bischoff has informed World Championship Wrestling that he was contacted by Sting, and that Sing wants to conduct a one-on-one interview with Bischoff.
We hear pre-recorded comments form "Lord" Steven Regal, who says that Ultimate Dragon holds something dear to him in the World Television Championship. While he is not as athletic as Dragon, he can outwrestle him. He says that he is leaving the nobility for a while and going back to his "old, dirty rotten scoundrel self" who was able to beat people twice his age as he warns The Ultimate Dragon to watch himself.
The Ultimate Dragon beats Juventud Guerrera with the Dragon Sleeper thanks to some help from Sonny Onoo.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interivews "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Kevin Greene. Greene says he has never lost in Charlotte, North Carolina, and tells the New World Order that only three things are definitive: taxes, death and him breaking his foot off in the nWo's ass. Flair tells The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) and Syxx that the three of them will be there at Slamboree. Piper says that he's had quite a few fights in Charlotte, and tells the New World Order that this isn't The Wizard of Oz and he's not Dorothy. On the subject of the three of them being dinosaurs and the nWo being young lions according to Kevin Nash, Piper considers himself a Tyrannosaurus Rex and that he will eat them up. The Outsiders and Syxx are seen on the video screen to mock Piper, Flair and Greene, and say they would be at Slamboree, but "there wasn't enough cheese to go with that whine." They say that Piper, Flair and Greene have done plenty of whining and crying and after Slamboree, they'll have plenty to whine about when they snuff them out. Nash says that Greene might as well not show his face in Charlotte, because next Sunday, their match is no-disqualification and no count-out and "somebody's gonna get beat in the middle," as The Wolfpack (Hall, Nash, Syxx) are the ones calling the shots.
During Steve "Mongo" McMichael vs. Dean Malenko, Mongo accidentally knocks the referee out with one of Dean Malenko's boots. This leads to Reggie White of the Green Bay Packers running into the ring and laying out Mongo, before pushing Jeff Jarrett off the apron. By the time the referee has come to, Reggie White is out of the ring and Malenko has Mongo in a jackknife pin. Dean Malenko beats Steve "Mongo" McMichael. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Reggie White after the match, who says that people can talk about him all they want, but when it comes to the Green Bay Packers fans and his family, he takes it personally, and tells Mongo to leave the fans out of this. Reggie knows what he's up against, and after he calls the Packers vs. the Chicago Bears the best rivalry in football, he says this Sunday will prove that the Packers are better than Mongo's Chicago Bears.
Lee Marshall calls from Asheville, North Carolina - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
Before the next match, James Vandenberg reveals the identity of his and Konnan's mysterious ally, whom he deem sthe deadliest man signed to pro wrestling - Wrath.
Wrath quickly beats Scotty Riggs. Glacier shows up immediately after the match and stares a hole through Wrath from the entrance ramp.
Members of the Baltimore Ravens are seen in the front row before the next match.
The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus) beat Ice Train and Alex Wright by submission. During the match, Alex Wright shows more heelish behavior and also brings back his dancing gimmick, much to the chagrin of Theodore Long, which leads to Wright suffering a bum knee. When Long confronts him, Wright leaves Ice Train and Teddy Long high and dry, allowing Konnan to get the submission win for his time. Wright says everyone knows he's the greatest after the match.
It is discovered backstage that The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx) have attacked "Rowdy" Roddy Piper backstage, targeting his hip in the process.
Eric Bischoff, now strangely clean-shaven compared to his more recent appearances, shows up. Bischoff says he promised the world that they would hear from Sting and that he is a man of his word, and if they want to hear Sting talk for the first time in month, it will happen, as he wants to know where Sting has been as the nWo was looking for him. Sting's entrance music plays for the first time in months, and it turns out to be the fake Sting. Bischoff tells him that he did not need to bring the bat, as this is an interview. He then asks the fake Sting if it's true that he has been compared to "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan throughout his career, and if it's true that the people who make those comparison believe he will never accomplish what Hogan has. The fake Sting nods his head "yes" to both questions. Bischoff then asks if it's true that way down deep inside in places where no one can see that he knows that he will never measure up to Hogan. Before he can answer that question, the real Sting shows up. The fake Sting readies his weapon, but the real Sting pulls out his own baseball bat. The real Sting fakes out the faker and hits the reverse DDT, and Eric Bischoff runs out through the crowd as the show ends.
Ring announcer Michael Buffer welcomes the audience to the show, then "Macho Man" Randy Savage - now without crutches. and Miss Elizabeth arrive. Savage says he is healed, and when Diamond Dallas Page attacked him last week, it pumped him full of adrenaline that he was able to slap him upside the head beat him up with his own crutches. He then calls out Page for later tonight.
It is announced that Eric Bischoff has informed World Championship Wrestling that he was contacted by Sting, and that Sing wants to conduct a one-on-one interview with Bischoff.
We hear pre-recorded comments form "Lord" Steven Regal, who says that Ultimate Dragon holds something dear to him in the World Television Championship. While he is not as athletic as Dragon, he can outwrestle him. He says that he is leaving the nobility for a while and going back to his "old, dirty rotten scoundrel self" who was able to beat people twice his age as he warns The Ultimate Dragon to watch himself.
The Ultimate Dragon beats Juventud Guerrera with the Dragon Sleeper thanks to some help from Sonny Onoo.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interivews "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Kevin Greene. Greene says he has never lost in Charlotte, North Carolina, and tells the New World Order that only three things are definitive: taxes, death and him breaking his foot off in the nWo's ass. Flair tells The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) and Syxx that the three of them will be there at Slamboree. Piper says that he's had quite a few fights in Charlotte, and tells the New World Order that this isn't The Wizard of Oz and he's not Dorothy. On the subject of the three of them being dinosaurs and the nWo being young lions according to Kevin Nash, Piper considers himself a Tyrannosaurus Rex and that he will eat them up. The Outsiders and Syxx are seen on the video screen to mock Piper, Flair and Greene, and say they would be at Slamboree, but "there wasn't enough cheese to go with that whine." They say that Piper, Flair and Greene have done plenty of whining and crying and after Slamboree, they'll have plenty to whine about when they snuff them out. Nash says that Greene might as well not show his face in Charlotte, because next Sunday, their match is no-disqualification and no count-out and "somebody's gonna get beat in the middle," as The Wolfpack (Hall, Nash, Syxx) are the ones calling the shots.
During Steve "Mongo" McMichael vs. Dean Malenko, Mongo accidentally knocks the referee out with one of Dean Malenko's boots. This leads to Reggie White of the Green Bay Packers running into the ring and laying out Mongo, before pushing Jeff Jarrett off the apron. By the time the referee has come to, Reggie White is out of the ring and Malenko has Mongo in a jackknife pin. Dean Malenko beats Steve "Mongo" McMichael. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Reggie White after the match, who says that people can talk about him all they want, but when it comes to the Green Bay Packers fans and his family, he takes it personally, and tells Mongo to leave the fans out of this. Reggie knows what he's up against, and after he calls the Packers vs. the Chicago Bears the best rivalry in football, he says this Sunday will prove that the Packers are better than Mongo's Chicago Bears.
Lee Marshall calls from Asheville, North Carolina - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
Before the next match, James Vandenberg reveals the identity of his and Konnan's mysterious ally, whom he deem sthe deadliest man signed to pro wrestling - Wrath.
Wrath quickly beats Scotty Riggs. Glacier shows up immediately after the match and stares a hole through Wrath from the entrance ramp.
Members of the Baltimore Ravens are seen in the front row before the next match.
The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus) beat Ice Train and Alex Wright by submission. During the match, Alex Wright shows more heelish behavior and also brings back his dancing gimmick, much to the chagrin of Theodore Long, which leads to Wright suffering a bum knee. When Long confronts him, Wright leaves Ice Train and Teddy Long high and dry, allowing Konnan to get the submission win for his time. Wright says everyone knows he's the greatest after the match.
It is discovered backstage that The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx) have attacked "Rowdy" Roddy Piper backstage, targeting his hip in the process.
Eric Bischoff, now strangely clean-shaven compared to his more recent appearances, shows up. Bischoff says he promised the world that they would hear from Sting and that he is a man of his word, and if they want to hear Sting talk for the first time in month, it will happen, as he wants to know where Sting has been as the nWo was looking for him. Sting's entrance music plays for the first time in months, and it turns out to be the fake Sting. Bischoff tells him that he did not need to bring the bat, as this is an interview. He then asks the fake Sting if it's true that he has been compared to "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan throughout his career, and if it's true that the people who make those comparison believe he will never accomplish what Hogan has. The fake Sting nods his head "yes" to both questions. Bischoff then asks if it's true that way down deep inside in places where no one can see that he knows that he will never measure up to Hogan. Before he can answer that question, the real Sting shows up. The fake Sting readies his weapon, but the real Sting pulls out his own baseball bat. The real Sting fakes out the faker and hits the reverse DDT, and Eric Bischoff runs out through the crowd as the show ends.
Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 12, 1997
The show begins with The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) standing at the entrance ramp. Bret says he has surrounded himself with the best that the WWF has to offer, and he would take his men into the mouth of Hell to fight the devil and trust them to breathe for him and to pump his blood with their hearts. He thinks all the fans are trying to pin him out to be the bad guy, but he says the real bad guys are the American wrestling fans for cheering on "scum" like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. He calls Austin "a babbling ass full of warmed-very Texas cliches with barnyard overtones" and "a dirty rotten, stinking hyena" that the American wrestling fans look up on like a hero who finds it fine and dandy to jump into any match he wants, and as soon as he gets a little bit of his own medicine, the fans cry for justice. Bret asks what kind of hero would pick on a guy in a wheelchair, and asks what he's supposed to do while in a wheelchair. He then says that Austin is a loser who isn't very happy that he lost the WWF Championship, and that Austin shouldn't be too worried about that as The Undertaker should not get too attached to the title as it will soon belong to The Hart Foundation. Bret then considers saying something that he considers a shock to everyone around the world including the Foundation and his family, but can't say it now as the fans refuse to be quiet to his liking.
Ahmed Johnson beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley by disqualification to continue to the quarter-finals for the 1997 King Of The Ring tournament after Chyna hits Ahmed in the back with a steel chair. Helmsley and Chyna are fleeing to the back when Ahmed chases after them and gets Helmsley back. Officials have to pull Helmsley and Chyna off of Ahmed.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed in the ring by Vince McMahon. Austin says it was one hell of a match last night, but warns Vince not to kiss up to him. He makes no excuses about what happened as The Undertaker won after he was dumped on his head, and sooner or later, he will become WWF Champion, and if he says it, it's going to happen. Austin has one of Bret "The Hit Man" Hart's crutches, and if he wants it back, all he has to do is wheel over to the ring and see what kind of luck he has. He mocks Bret for talking about how he wanted to be a hero for the fans, then calls him a lair, a "Judas Priest" and a complete piece of human trash. He compares The Hart Foundation(Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) to a snake, as it has to be killed by chopping the head off with a shovel. In the Foundation's case, the head is Bret, and he can take him out with a snap of his fingers. Instead of going straight ahead with it, he's going to start with "the snake's ass." He says that there is a ass to the snake machine of the Foundation, it's Brian Pillman, who he crippled once before after "carrying him around in the bush leagues." He tells Pillman that once he gets him in the ring, his ass is his.
Scott Putski, son of WWF Hall of Famer Ivan Putski, beats Leif Cassidy in his WWF debut. An angry Cassidy dives into Putski and assaults him after the match, but Putski fights back and sends Cassidy over the ropes. Cassidy insists to commentary that he won.
The newest edition of WWF Magazine, featuring The Undertaker on the cover, is on newsstands tomorrow.
Crush and Savio Vega force PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D) to face The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). To nobody surprise, The Legion of Doom beats PG-13 in a few comedic minutes, then The Nation of Domination walk away.
Mankind shows up. He talks about how he brought forth to The Undertaker a great wall of flame and blinded him in an attempt to permanently scar him. He was not completely successful, and at In Your House, he vowed to finish the job. He tells 'Taker that if he has a problem with what he's done, then he should take it out on him. Instead, he says he took the coward's way out and burned Paul Bearer's face. Mankind announces Bearer is here tonight, but Bearer is self-conscious about his appearance, and he asks the fans to show some compassion as he brings him forward. Paul Bearer is brought out with bandages all over his face, and Mankind says that Bearer has a stunning announcement. Bearer says that the fire that singed his face and put him in the hospital, and the sacred bond that he once had with The Undertaker, have both been seared. He tells 'Taker he will give him one more chance for them to get back together, and if 'Taker does not accept, he will do something to him that only he knows about, and it involves a secret that came from standing at the graves of 'Taker's parents. He tells 'Taker to come back or he will hurt him. Mankind tells 'Taker he has been forewarned.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) is seen in the locker room.
The intro to the show is replayed to signify the second hour. For the first time, the first hour is called "Raw Is War" and the second hour is called "War Zone." (The iconic "War Zone" graphics are not shown yet, however.)
Vince McMahon interviews Faarooq, who is now the #1 contender for the WWF Championship. Faarooq says being #1 contender feels great, and says that Ahmed Johnson's best wasn't good enough last night. He says it's time to become WWF Champion, and asks when the last time a Black man wore the title. Vince admits a Black man has never held it, and Ahmed says that WWF has had token Black champions for short periods of time but never a Black World Champion, going so far as to say that Ahmed has never gotten a shot at it because the fans feel that a Black wrestler is not worthy of being WWF Champion but worthy of much less. Faarooq says that this is a different day and age, and that Black people are taking matters into their own hands. Vince says this has nothing to do with being Black, but Faarooq says this has everything to do with being Black, and at King Of The Ring, King Faarooq will live again and the fans' "white savior" The Undertaker will be a dead man. When Vince asks Faarooq if his comments are racist, Faarooq says that he did not come to the WWF to be a role model, and says that some Black child feels the pain that he feels, and that Black people will take matters into their own hands by any means necessary.
The Undertaker retains the WWF Championship against Savio Vega by disqualification after he is attacked by the rest of The Nation of Domination. Faarooq beats The Undertaker with the leather strap, then holds up the WWF Championship for all to see before tossing it at The Undertaker.
Before the next match, Jerry "The King" Lawler mentions how he talked about Extreme Championship Wrestling several weeks ago and how much it stinks, and that he has found a man who has been in ECW and knows how low, cheap and rotten it is in the form of Rob Van Dam. RVD says that ECW is nothing but low-budgeted, very low-talented wannabes who cannot hold on to his extreme talents. Lawler has so much confidence in RVD that he declares that he will be called "Mr. Monday Night."
"Mr. Monday Night" Rob Van Dam beats Jeff Hardy.
We see the second half of the interview with Dustin and Terri Runnels, better known as Goldust and Marlena. Dustin says he wants to have fun with his character, entertain the people and provide for his family. His goal is to put on a show so that when everyone leaves the building, people will say he was something. As a child, he fought with the fans for the attention of his father, and now that he has a daughter of his own in 3-year-old Dakota, he finds himself in a similar situation. Dustin says family comes first, and there were things in the past that happened to him that he can't change and has to let go, and has to make sure they don't happen again for Dakota's sake, so when he is an old man, his daughter will still sit on his lap. He says that Dakota looking up to her was the greatest feeling in the world. He tells his father Dusty Rhodes, who he admits was bigger than life, that becoming a professional wrestler was the hardest thing he has ever done as he cries, and says that nobody can do Goldust like he can. He hopes that his father is proud of him and his family.
Jim Ross interviews The Undertaker, who is on the TitanTron. The Undertaker first address Paul Bearer, telling him that there are certain events that have occured on the dark side that should never see the light of day. As for Faarooq, he has left him no choice but to go to the vault of souls and unleash a demon to do battle with a nation of destruction that will soon rest in peace.
The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart and The British Bulldog beat the team of Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon, The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) and The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) in a four-way elimination tag team match. During the commercial break, Furnas and LaFon, who have just been eliminated by The New Blackjacks, help The Headbangers eliminate The New Blackjacks after one of them hold down one of the New Blackjacks' feet. At one point, The Headbangers almost win, but Owen Hart's foot is seen on the bottom rope at the last second. After the match, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Brian Pillman head to the ring.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) are in the ring. Bret asks everyone else in the Foundation to leave him alone in the ring, as it is time to be a man, which they reluctantly do due to being uncomfortable with leaving him in the ring alone in his wheelchair. Bret then tells "Stone Cold" Steve Austin that if he tries to come to the ring, his partners will rip him to shreds. He then calls out "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Micheals. Shawn shows up. Hart says there was a time that he couldn't stand Shawn, but now that he looks at him, he now hates his guts. He says Shawn's career keeps going hot and cold, and can't stand his dancing around and his cocky attitude, as it symbolizes the American wrestling fans. He says that America is not better than the rest of the world, and just like how America hates it when it is told the truth, so does Shawn, and says that America is rotting from the inside and about to destroy itself due to being run by scum like Shawn. Bret tells Shawn he ripped him off for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 12 in the Iron Man Match, and everyone just stood by and did nothing about it. When he came back, Shawn didn't have the guts to face him like a man as he was too busy posing for "girly magazines," dancing around, kissing all the girls, putting on tattoos and earrings, shaking his ass and making himself a horse's ass. He then calls Shawn "a self-professed degenerate" who took the WWF Championship through a reign of decadence. He says Shawn didn't have the guts to face him at WrestleMania this year and accused him of being powered by the almighty dollar. He says it shouldn't concern him when he gets paid, when his family sets in the front row, or what he does, and that what should concern him is whether or not he is as good as he is. After the cameras go off, Bret keeps talking trash to Shawn, and says Shawn doesn't have the guts to hit him as he stands from his wheelchair. Bret instantly eats a superkick, and Shawn runs around the ring avoiding the rest of the Foundation. That doesn't happen for long, as they eventually get a hold of Shawn and beat him up on the entrance ramp. They almost toss him off the side of the entrance ramp when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up and attacks The Foundation. Officials have to keep Austin and Michaels from getting close to the Foundation again as the Foundation checks on Bret.
Ahmed Johnson beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley by disqualification to continue to the quarter-finals for the 1997 King Of The Ring tournament after Chyna hits Ahmed in the back with a steel chair. Helmsley and Chyna are fleeing to the back when Ahmed chases after them and gets Helmsley back. Officials have to pull Helmsley and Chyna off of Ahmed.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed in the ring by Vince McMahon. Austin says it was one hell of a match last night, but warns Vince not to kiss up to him. He makes no excuses about what happened as The Undertaker won after he was dumped on his head, and sooner or later, he will become WWF Champion, and if he says it, it's going to happen. Austin has one of Bret "The Hit Man" Hart's crutches, and if he wants it back, all he has to do is wheel over to the ring and see what kind of luck he has. He mocks Bret for talking about how he wanted to be a hero for the fans, then calls him a lair, a "Judas Priest" and a complete piece of human trash. He compares The Hart Foundation(Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) to a snake, as it has to be killed by chopping the head off with a shovel. In the Foundation's case, the head is Bret, and he can take him out with a snap of his fingers. Instead of going straight ahead with it, he's going to start with "the snake's ass." He says that there is a ass to the snake machine of the Foundation, it's Brian Pillman, who he crippled once before after "carrying him around in the bush leagues." He tells Pillman that once he gets him in the ring, his ass is his.
Scott Putski, son of WWF Hall of Famer Ivan Putski, beats Leif Cassidy in his WWF debut. An angry Cassidy dives into Putski and assaults him after the match, but Putski fights back and sends Cassidy over the ropes. Cassidy insists to commentary that he won.
The newest edition of WWF Magazine, featuring The Undertaker on the cover, is on newsstands tomorrow.
Crush and Savio Vega force PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D) to face The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). To nobody surprise, The Legion of Doom beats PG-13 in a few comedic minutes, then The Nation of Domination walk away.
Mankind shows up. He talks about how he brought forth to The Undertaker a great wall of flame and blinded him in an attempt to permanently scar him. He was not completely successful, and at In Your House, he vowed to finish the job. He tells 'Taker that if he has a problem with what he's done, then he should take it out on him. Instead, he says he took the coward's way out and burned Paul Bearer's face. Mankind announces Bearer is here tonight, but Bearer is self-conscious about his appearance, and he asks the fans to show some compassion as he brings him forward. Paul Bearer is brought out with bandages all over his face, and Mankind says that Bearer has a stunning announcement. Bearer says that the fire that singed his face and put him in the hospital, and the sacred bond that he once had with The Undertaker, have both been seared. He tells 'Taker he will give him one more chance for them to get back together, and if 'Taker does not accept, he will do something to him that only he knows about, and it involves a secret that came from standing at the graves of 'Taker's parents. He tells 'Taker to come back or he will hurt him. Mankind tells 'Taker he has been forewarned.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) is seen in the locker room.
The intro to the show is replayed to signify the second hour. For the first time, the first hour is called "Raw Is War" and the second hour is called "War Zone." (The iconic "War Zone" graphics are not shown yet, however.)
Vince McMahon interviews Faarooq, who is now the #1 contender for the WWF Championship. Faarooq says being #1 contender feels great, and says that Ahmed Johnson's best wasn't good enough last night. He says it's time to become WWF Champion, and asks when the last time a Black man wore the title. Vince admits a Black man has never held it, and Ahmed says that WWF has had token Black champions for short periods of time but never a Black World Champion, going so far as to say that Ahmed has never gotten a shot at it because the fans feel that a Black wrestler is not worthy of being WWF Champion but worthy of much less. Faarooq says that this is a different day and age, and that Black people are taking matters into their own hands. Vince says this has nothing to do with being Black, but Faarooq says this has everything to do with being Black, and at King Of The Ring, King Faarooq will live again and the fans' "white savior" The Undertaker will be a dead man. When Vince asks Faarooq if his comments are racist, Faarooq says that he did not come to the WWF to be a role model, and says that some Black child feels the pain that he feels, and that Black people will take matters into their own hands by any means necessary.
The Undertaker retains the WWF Championship against Savio Vega by disqualification after he is attacked by the rest of The Nation of Domination. Faarooq beats The Undertaker with the leather strap, then holds up the WWF Championship for all to see before tossing it at The Undertaker.
Before the next match, Jerry "The King" Lawler mentions how he talked about Extreme Championship Wrestling several weeks ago and how much it stinks, and that he has found a man who has been in ECW and knows how low, cheap and rotten it is in the form of Rob Van Dam. RVD says that ECW is nothing but low-budgeted, very low-talented wannabes who cannot hold on to his extreme talents. Lawler has so much confidence in RVD that he declares that he will be called "Mr. Monday Night."
"Mr. Monday Night" Rob Van Dam beats Jeff Hardy.
We see the second half of the interview with Dustin and Terri Runnels, better known as Goldust and Marlena. Dustin says he wants to have fun with his character, entertain the people and provide for his family. His goal is to put on a show so that when everyone leaves the building, people will say he was something. As a child, he fought with the fans for the attention of his father, and now that he has a daughter of his own in 3-year-old Dakota, he finds himself in a similar situation. Dustin says family comes first, and there were things in the past that happened to him that he can't change and has to let go, and has to make sure they don't happen again for Dakota's sake, so when he is an old man, his daughter will still sit on his lap. He says that Dakota looking up to her was the greatest feeling in the world. He tells his father Dusty Rhodes, who he admits was bigger than life, that becoming a professional wrestler was the hardest thing he has ever done as he cries, and says that nobody can do Goldust like he can. He hopes that his father is proud of him and his family.
Jim Ross interviews The Undertaker, who is on the TitanTron. The Undertaker first address Paul Bearer, telling him that there are certain events that have occured on the dark side that should never see the light of day. As for Faarooq, he has left him no choice but to go to the vault of souls and unleash a demon to do battle with a nation of destruction that will soon rest in peace.
The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart and The British Bulldog beat the team of Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon, The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) and The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) in a four-way elimination tag team match. During the commercial break, Furnas and LaFon, who have just been eliminated by The New Blackjacks, help The Headbangers eliminate The New Blackjacks after one of them hold down one of the New Blackjacks' feet. At one point, The Headbangers almost win, but Owen Hart's foot is seen on the bottom rope at the last second. After the match, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Brian Pillman head to the ring.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) are in the ring. Bret asks everyone else in the Foundation to leave him alone in the ring, as it is time to be a man, which they reluctantly do due to being uncomfortable with leaving him in the ring alone in his wheelchair. Bret then tells "Stone Cold" Steve Austin that if he tries to come to the ring, his partners will rip him to shreds. He then calls out "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Micheals. Shawn shows up. Hart says there was a time that he couldn't stand Shawn, but now that he looks at him, he now hates his guts. He says Shawn's career keeps going hot and cold, and can't stand his dancing around and his cocky attitude, as it symbolizes the American wrestling fans. He says that America is not better than the rest of the world, and just like how America hates it when it is told the truth, so does Shawn, and says that America is rotting from the inside and about to destroy itself due to being run by scum like Shawn. Bret tells Shawn he ripped him off for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 12 in the Iron Man Match, and everyone just stood by and did nothing about it. When he came back, Shawn didn't have the guts to face him like a man as he was too busy posing for "girly magazines," dancing around, kissing all the girls, putting on tattoos and earrings, shaking his ass and making himself a horse's ass. He then calls Shawn "a self-professed degenerate" who took the WWF Championship through a reign of decadence. He says Shawn didn't have the guts to face him at WrestleMania this year and accused him of being powered by the almighty dollar. He says it shouldn't concern him when he gets paid, when his family sets in the front row, or what he does, and that what should concern him is whether or not he is as good as he is. After the cameras go off, Bret keeps talking trash to Shawn, and says Shawn doesn't have the guts to hit him as he stands from his wheelchair. Bret instantly eats a superkick, and Shawn runs around the ring avoiding the rest of the Foundation. That doesn't happen for long, as they eventually get a hold of Shawn and beat him up on the entrance ramp. They almost toss him off the side of the entrance ramp when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up and attacks The Foundation. Officials have to keep Austin and Michaels from getting close to the Foundation again as the Foundation checks on Bret.
Sunday, May 11, 1997
In Your House 15: A Cold Day In Hell - The Results
Ken Shamrock is attacked during an interview by Mankind and Vader during the Free For All.
Rockabilly beats "Double J" Jesse James during the Free For All. During the match, Todd Pettengill says that Ken Shamrock is still shaken up after earlier tonight, but is unaffected.
During the Free For All, The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) announces that they have bought five front row tickets from scalpers to watch "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's match later tonight, as they can't rely on anyone within the World Wrestling Federation.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Flash Funk. After the match, Chyna picks Funk up, carries him around, and plants him crotch-first into the top rope and out of the ring. During the match, it is confirmed that The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman), and we see their front row seats.
Ken Shamrock says he is in the zone, and when the bell rings, it's knuckle-up time.
Todd Pettengill interviews Rocky Maivia. After we look back at his Survivor Series 1996 debut, his Intercontinental Championship victory and his loss of the title to Owen Hart, Rocky says success may have come too soon but at the same time has surprised himself with that success. He has learned on the way up and has learned even more on the way down, and right now, it's not about his success, it's about his determination.
Mankind beats Rocky Maivia with the Mandible Claw.
Todd Pettengill interviews Ahmed Johnson. He says the odds are always stacked against him, and if Faarooq was a man, he'd step up first. Nevertheless, he's brought Crush and Savio Vega with him, and they might as well. Tonight, either he or The Nation of Domination is going down.
WWF President Gorilla Monsoon shows up before the next match, demanding to know who will start the match. Crush is ordered to step up first, and the rest of The Nation of Domination is banished from ringside.
Ahmed Johnson beats Crush (who is currently dealing with the flu) after countering the Heart Punch. Savio Vega (who sprained his ankle last night in Scranton, Pennsylvania) gets himself disqualified after striking Ahmed with a steel chair, which he continues to do for a little while after being disqualified. When Faarooq gets in the ring, he removes his arm sling and reveals that his shoulder is not hurt. Ahmed hits Faarooq with the Pearl River Plunge, but cannot get the three-count due to the extent of the damage of the steel chair shots from Savio Vega, and Faarooq finishes a weakened Ahmed off with a Dominator. Ahmed Johnson beats Crush by pinfall and Savio Vega by disqualification, but Faarooq beats Ahmed Johnson, keeping The Nation of Domination intact.
Todd Pettengill interviews Vader, who says he was playing with Ken Shamrock's mind when he attacked him earlier. He says that ABC News said nothing about the World Wrestling Federation when they called Sharmock "The World's Most Dangerous Man," and that Shamrock knows nothing about pain or the power of Vader as well as his pain game.
Ken Shamrock beats Vader in a No-Holds-Barred Match with an ankle lock. During the match, it is announced that Ultimate Fighting Championship will have a pay-per-view event on May 30th in the United States only. Vader has to be helped to the back by the referee.
Todd Pettengill interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin knows The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) will be close to him. After he whips The Undertaker's ass, he'll send the Foundation back to Calgary in wheelchairs. He says that Hell is about to freeze over.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) show up to sit in their front row seats just before "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker for the WWF Championship. It isn't long at all before Austin yanks Owen Hart out of the front row and hits him a few times before The Undertaker throws Austin into the steel steps and then hits Owen himself.
During "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker, Brian Pillman rings the bell before Austin can pin The Undertaker after the Stone Cold Stunner. The Undertaker hits the Tombstone Piledriver after reversing Austin's attempt at a Tombstone, which is a reversal of The Undertaker's Tombstone Piledriver itself. The Undertaker retains the WWF Championship against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. The rest of The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) attacks The Undertaker, while Austin, who is outside of the ring, jumps over the guardrail and topples Bret "The Hit Man" Hart out of his wheelchair before getting in the ring with one of Bret's crutches. Austin and 'Taker clear the ring, and Owen eat a choke slam as The Hart Foundation retreats. After it is announced that The Undertaker won the match and is still WWF Champion, Austin hits 'Taker with a Stone Cold Stunner.
Rockabilly beats "Double J" Jesse James during the Free For All. During the match, Todd Pettengill says that Ken Shamrock is still shaken up after earlier tonight, but is unaffected.
During the Free For All, The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) announces that they have bought five front row tickets from scalpers to watch "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's match later tonight, as they can't rely on anyone within the World Wrestling Federation.
Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Flash Funk. After the match, Chyna picks Funk up, carries him around, and plants him crotch-first into the top rope and out of the ring. During the match, it is confirmed that The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman), and we see their front row seats.
Ken Shamrock says he is in the zone, and when the bell rings, it's knuckle-up time.
Todd Pettengill interviews Rocky Maivia. After we look back at his Survivor Series 1996 debut, his Intercontinental Championship victory and his loss of the title to Owen Hart, Rocky says success may have come too soon but at the same time has surprised himself with that success. He has learned on the way up and has learned even more on the way down, and right now, it's not about his success, it's about his determination.
Mankind beats Rocky Maivia with the Mandible Claw.
Todd Pettengill interviews Ahmed Johnson. He says the odds are always stacked against him, and if Faarooq was a man, he'd step up first. Nevertheless, he's brought Crush and Savio Vega with him, and they might as well. Tonight, either he or The Nation of Domination is going down.
WWF President Gorilla Monsoon shows up before the next match, demanding to know who will start the match. Crush is ordered to step up first, and the rest of The Nation of Domination is banished from ringside.
Ahmed Johnson beats Crush (who is currently dealing with the flu) after countering the Heart Punch. Savio Vega (who sprained his ankle last night in Scranton, Pennsylvania) gets himself disqualified after striking Ahmed with a steel chair, which he continues to do for a little while after being disqualified. When Faarooq gets in the ring, he removes his arm sling and reveals that his shoulder is not hurt. Ahmed hits Faarooq with the Pearl River Plunge, but cannot get the three-count due to the extent of the damage of the steel chair shots from Savio Vega, and Faarooq finishes a weakened Ahmed off with a Dominator. Ahmed Johnson beats Crush by pinfall and Savio Vega by disqualification, but Faarooq beats Ahmed Johnson, keeping The Nation of Domination intact.
Todd Pettengill interviews Vader, who says he was playing with Ken Shamrock's mind when he attacked him earlier. He says that ABC News said nothing about the World Wrestling Federation when they called Sharmock "The World's Most Dangerous Man," and that Shamrock knows nothing about pain or the power of Vader as well as his pain game.
Ken Shamrock beats Vader in a No-Holds-Barred Match with an ankle lock. During the match, it is announced that Ultimate Fighting Championship will have a pay-per-view event on May 30th in the United States only. Vader has to be helped to the back by the referee.
Todd Pettengill interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin knows The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) will be close to him. After he whips The Undertaker's ass, he'll send the Foundation back to Calgary in wheelchairs. He says that Hell is about to freeze over.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) show up to sit in their front row seats just before "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker for the WWF Championship. It isn't long at all before Austin yanks Owen Hart out of the front row and hits him a few times before The Undertaker throws Austin into the steel steps and then hits Owen himself.
During "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker, Brian Pillman rings the bell before Austin can pin The Undertaker after the Stone Cold Stunner. The Undertaker hits the Tombstone Piledriver after reversing Austin's attempt at a Tombstone, which is a reversal of The Undertaker's Tombstone Piledriver itself. The Undertaker retains the WWF Championship against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. The rest of The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) attacks The Undertaker, while Austin, who is outside of the ring, jumps over the guardrail and topples Bret "The Hit Man" Hart out of his wheelchair before getting in the ring with one of Bret's crutches. Austin and 'Taker clear the ring, and Owen eat a choke slam as The Hart Foundation retreats. After it is announced that The Undertaker won the match and is still WWF Champion, Austin hits 'Taker with a Stone Cold Stunner.
Saturday, May 10, 1997
Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for May 10, 1997
Mankind beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley by disqualification after Chyna punches Mankind in the groin as he has Helmsley in the Mandible Claw. Mankind goes for the Mandible Claw on Helmsley again, and Chyna kicks Mankind in the groin in response.
Owen Hart beats Sonny Rogers with the Sharpshooter.
Before the next match, Ahmed Johnson is seen on the TitanTron, proposing that he join The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) in their match against The Nation of Domination (Savio Vega and Crush) to make the match a six-man tag team match whether The Nation wants it or not. Ahmed Johnson then shows up and watches the match from ringside.
The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) beat The Nation of Domination (Savio Vega and Crush) by count-out after Ahmed Johnson chases Faarooq for trying to choke Blackjack Windham with his leather strap, which leads to the rest of The Nation chasing after Ahmed.
"Double J" Jesse James beats Leif Cassidy.
It's time for Sunny Undercover. Sunny says that Ken Shamrock has been in the WWF looking mean and lean and manhandling everyone who has gotten in his way, and at In Your House, he has chosen to get in the ring with Vader. Suddenly, Vader shows up, and says that of all the women he has seen around the world, he thought Sunny would have some common sense. He tells her that if she wants a big man compared to "a small Iowa farmboy" like Shamrock, she's got it with him. He then says that after he gets down with Shamrock, Sunny might want not want Shamrock because he won't be looking so pretty. After Vader says he is "490 on [his] feet and 190 in the sheets," Sunny ends the segment prematurely and runs away.
Owen Hart beats Sonny Rogers with the Sharpshooter.
Before the next match, Ahmed Johnson is seen on the TitanTron, proposing that he join The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) in their match against The Nation of Domination (Savio Vega and Crush) to make the match a six-man tag team match whether The Nation wants it or not. Ahmed Johnson then shows up and watches the match from ringside.
The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) beat The Nation of Domination (Savio Vega and Crush) by count-out after Ahmed Johnson chases Faarooq for trying to choke Blackjack Windham with his leather strap, which leads to the rest of The Nation chasing after Ahmed.
"Double J" Jesse James beats Leif Cassidy.
It's time for Sunny Undercover. Sunny says that Ken Shamrock has been in the WWF looking mean and lean and manhandling everyone who has gotten in his way, and at In Your House, he has chosen to get in the ring with Vader. Suddenly, Vader shows up, and says that of all the women he has seen around the world, he thought Sunny would have some common sense. He tells her that if she wants a big man compared to "a small Iowa farmboy" like Shamrock, she's got it with him. He then says that after he gets down with Shamrock, Sunny might want not want Shamrock because he won't be looking so pretty. After Vader says he is "490 on [his] feet and 190 in the sheets," Sunny ends the segment prematurely and runs away.
Monday, May 5, 1997
Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for May 5, 1997
Tonight's episode is one hour long due to the NBA Playoffs.
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Kevin Greene are at the commentary table, which has a black nWo banner with the words "Tradition bites!" behind it. As Piper is about to speak, commentary notices it and Piper tears it off. The three of them are in the ring after the show's intro, and more nWo papers with the words "Tradition bites! nWo 4 Lyfe" on them fall from the sky. "Tradition bites" banners surround the arena where the Nitro banners should be. Piper says he has reading the papers falling from the top of the arena last week, and tells Flair that he will not leave him. Referring to Kevin Nash demanding 75% of the gate, Piper says he wants no money. James J. Dillon shows up, and tells Piper that there are people here that are playing mind games. He knows that the "75% of the gate" demand got to Piper, and tells him that Eric Bischoff made some sweet deals for the New World Order that he can't do a thing about because they are all legal. Piper will get 25% of the gate, and if he doesn't show up for the match, he will be in breach of contract and will let WCW down. Dillon asks Piper to come with his head on straight, but Piper says his head has never been on straight and that he and his friends are lions. Flair tells Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx that he doesn't know much about Hall and Nash, but insists that Syxx is his, and at Slamboree, a man with no regrets who has performed at 120% his whole career will promise that when one drives out of Charlotte, North Carolina, there will not be a pothole in the road.
The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus) bring out a table of their own before their match with Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and "Flyboy" Rocco Rock).
The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus) beat Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and "Flyboy" Rocco Rock) after Morrus puts Rocco Rock through a table that Konnan is lying on top of. A trainer has to tend to Johnny Grunge during the match.
Syxx shows up with The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) before the next match, and also fights in an nWo T-shirt and blue jeans. Hall and Nash distract the ref before the next match so that Syxx can get a cheap shot in, and Rey Mysterio, Jr. fights off all three men only for the referee to be distracted as Hall hits Rey with The Outsider's Edge before Syxx beats Rey Mysterio, Jr. with the Buzzkiller. James J. Dillon shows up with security and Nick Patrick, who is now wearing a white WCW Monday Nitro shirt, and Eric Bischoff and the New World Order soon follow. After Dillon tells Syxx to release the hold or the decision will be reversed, Bischoff tells Dillon to back off, saying that Dillon has "no stroke." Syxx tells Dillon that if he thinks he can pull "the same crap he did with McMahon, he's got another thing coming," while Nash yells to him that he has had enough of him in New York, and tells him not to get in his face because he's got one coming.
Lee Marshall calls from Baltimore, Maryland - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff show up. Bischoff shows up with an nWo shirt saying "Bite me..." on it. With The Wolfpack (Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Syxx) taking care of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Kevin Greene, Hogan says that he's been "making money and buying land." He says it's hard to be himself when he tunes in to Nitro and sees everyone wanting a piece of him, and since he's here, he wants a piece of the big dog and calls out Sting. Sting doesn't show, and Hogan says "Once a god, always a god."
The Taskmaster puts a very quick end to "Lord" Steven Regal vs. Meng, after Regal goes after The Taskmaster and Meng puts a nerve hold on Regal. Jacqueline, Jimmy Hart and The Taskmaster have to pull Meng off of Regal. Even after he is let go, Regal continues to fight but Meng puts him in the hold again. It is announced before the break that next week's show will air at 7 PM Eastern, 6 PM Central.
We get a video package detailing the feud between Diamond Dallas Page and "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly. Page says that before he was a wrestler, he grew up in the nightclub business, and from the Jersey shore to Fort Myers, Florida, he's been in more barfights than he can remember. At Spring Stampede, however, he was in a fight like he had never been before, and he calls it a defining moment, saying that either you define the moment or the moment defines you and that he defined "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Kimberly says that Savage claims she is obsessed with him just to get at DDP and that Savage has a one-track mind and the traffic is very light. Suddenly, Savage and Miss Elizabeth make their presence known in the crowd, saying Kimberly is a liar and that everyone wants him. He tells Kimberly to stop calling and writing him, and Page tells Savage he has two words for him: Diamond Cutter. Savage says it's too bad he's hurt, as he would come down there and kick his ass. Page dares him to come down to the entrance so they can go, but Savage and Elizabeth leave.
Jeff Jarrett beats Alex Wright with the Figure Four Leg Lock after Debra McMichael distracts the referee as well as Alex Wright, who dances towards her just to get her mad.
Glacier quickly beats Lizmark, Jr. with a Cryonic Kick in the latter's WCW debut after Lizmark backflips off the top rope. James Vandenberg and Mortis run in and attack Glacier after the match, and the big masked man shows up to do some more damage. Glacier almost lays out Mortis, but Mortis gets back up and whips Glacier into the big man. Mortis hits the Flatliner on Glacier before whacking Glacier in the kidneys with his jester-like staff. James Vandenberg is seen still carrying Glacier's helmet as trainers get Glacier to the back.
Lex Luger is supposed to team with The Giant for the next match, but Lex Luger is injured and The Giant comes out alone. The Giant grabs a microphone that he does have a partner for tonight, however: Diamond Dallas Page. Page and Kimberly show up, but they see "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth. Page grabs one of Savage's crutches and tries to swing at him as Savage uses Elizabeth as a shield, but it's all a set-up as Hogan attacks Page from behind and the rest of The New World Order attack Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) and The Giant. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Kevin Greene show up, and while Flair has Syxx in the Figure Four Leg Lock, Greene and Piper take a beating. Hogan and Savage take over the commentary table, announcing that the nWo has everything under control and that Savage's leg feels a whole lot better while they mock the WCW Superstars in the ring.
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Kevin Greene are at the commentary table, which has a black nWo banner with the words "Tradition bites!" behind it. As Piper is about to speak, commentary notices it and Piper tears it off. The three of them are in the ring after the show's intro, and more nWo papers with the words "Tradition bites! nWo 4 Lyfe" on them fall from the sky. "Tradition bites" banners surround the arena where the Nitro banners should be. Piper says he has reading the papers falling from the top of the arena last week, and tells Flair that he will not leave him. Referring to Kevin Nash demanding 75% of the gate, Piper says he wants no money. James J. Dillon shows up, and tells Piper that there are people here that are playing mind games. He knows that the "75% of the gate" demand got to Piper, and tells him that Eric Bischoff made some sweet deals for the New World Order that he can't do a thing about because they are all legal. Piper will get 25% of the gate, and if he doesn't show up for the match, he will be in breach of contract and will let WCW down. Dillon asks Piper to come with his head on straight, but Piper says his head has never been on straight and that he and his friends are lions. Flair tells Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx that he doesn't know much about Hall and Nash, but insists that Syxx is his, and at Slamboree, a man with no regrets who has performed at 120% his whole career will promise that when one drives out of Charlotte, North Carolina, there will not be a pothole in the road.
The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus) bring out a table of their own before their match with Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and "Flyboy" Rocco Rock).
The Dungeon of Doom (Konnan and Hugh Morrus) beat Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and "Flyboy" Rocco Rock) after Morrus puts Rocco Rock through a table that Konnan is lying on top of. A trainer has to tend to Johnny Grunge during the match.
Syxx shows up with The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) before the next match, and also fights in an nWo T-shirt and blue jeans. Hall and Nash distract the ref before the next match so that Syxx can get a cheap shot in, and Rey Mysterio, Jr. fights off all three men only for the referee to be distracted as Hall hits Rey with The Outsider's Edge before Syxx beats Rey Mysterio, Jr. with the Buzzkiller. James J. Dillon shows up with security and Nick Patrick, who is now wearing a white WCW Monday Nitro shirt, and Eric Bischoff and the New World Order soon follow. After Dillon tells Syxx to release the hold or the decision will be reversed, Bischoff tells Dillon to back off, saying that Dillon has "no stroke." Syxx tells Dillon that if he thinks he can pull "the same crap he did with McMahon, he's got another thing coming," while Nash yells to him that he has had enough of him in New York, and tells him not to get in his face because he's got one coming.
Lee Marshall calls from Baltimore, Maryland - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff show up. Bischoff shows up with an nWo shirt saying "Bite me..." on it. With The Wolfpack (Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Syxx) taking care of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Kevin Greene, Hogan says that he's been "making money and buying land." He says it's hard to be himself when he tunes in to Nitro and sees everyone wanting a piece of him, and since he's here, he wants a piece of the big dog and calls out Sting. Sting doesn't show, and Hogan says "Once a god, always a god."
The Taskmaster puts a very quick end to "Lord" Steven Regal vs. Meng, after Regal goes after The Taskmaster and Meng puts a nerve hold on Regal. Jacqueline, Jimmy Hart and The Taskmaster have to pull Meng off of Regal. Even after he is let go, Regal continues to fight but Meng puts him in the hold again. It is announced before the break that next week's show will air at 7 PM Eastern, 6 PM Central.
We get a video package detailing the feud between Diamond Dallas Page and "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly. Page says that before he was a wrestler, he grew up in the nightclub business, and from the Jersey shore to Fort Myers, Florida, he's been in more barfights than he can remember. At Spring Stampede, however, he was in a fight like he had never been before, and he calls it a defining moment, saying that either you define the moment or the moment defines you and that he defined "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Kimberly says that Savage claims she is obsessed with him just to get at DDP and that Savage has a one-track mind and the traffic is very light. Suddenly, Savage and Miss Elizabeth make their presence known in the crowd, saying Kimberly is a liar and that everyone wants him. He tells Kimberly to stop calling and writing him, and Page tells Savage he has two words for him: Diamond Cutter. Savage says it's too bad he's hurt, as he would come down there and kick his ass. Page dares him to come down to the entrance so they can go, but Savage and Elizabeth leave.
Jeff Jarrett beats Alex Wright with the Figure Four Leg Lock after Debra McMichael distracts the referee as well as Alex Wright, who dances towards her just to get her mad.
Glacier quickly beats Lizmark, Jr. with a Cryonic Kick in the latter's WCW debut after Lizmark backflips off the top rope. James Vandenberg and Mortis run in and attack Glacier after the match, and the big masked man shows up to do some more damage. Glacier almost lays out Mortis, but Mortis gets back up and whips Glacier into the big man. Mortis hits the Flatliner on Glacier before whacking Glacier in the kidneys with his jester-like staff. James Vandenberg is seen still carrying Glacier's helmet as trainers get Glacier to the back.
Lex Luger is supposed to team with The Giant for the next match, but Lex Luger is injured and The Giant comes out alone. The Giant grabs a microphone that he does have a partner for tonight, however: Diamond Dallas Page. Page and Kimberly show up, but they see "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth. Page grabs one of Savage's crutches and tries to swing at him as Savage uses Elizabeth as a shield, but it's all a set-up as Hogan attacks Page from behind and the rest of The New World Order attack Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) and The Giant. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Kevin Greene show up, and while Flair has Syxx in the Figure Four Leg Lock, Greene and Piper take a beating. Hogan and Savage take over the commentary table, announcing that the nWo has everything under control and that Savage's leg feels a whole lot better while they mock the WCW Superstars in the ring.
Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 5, 1997
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) shows up to start tonight's show. Bret thanks all of his fans around the world for their support, especially in South Africa, Germany, England, the Far East, the Middle East and even up in Canada. He does not, however, thank the American fans, quoting "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, "Tough titties, said the kitty." He thanks Brian Pillman for his heartfelt words and inspiration last week, congratulates and thanks his brother Owen Hart for taking the gold and dedicating his Intercontinental title win to him last week, thanks The British Bulldog for thrashing The Undertaker in his name last week, and thanks his best pal and long-time friend Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart for coming up on the entrance ramp last week and protecting him from "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. He says the American fans would have loved to see Austin toss him off the side of the entrance ramp because they are a sick, violent society. Bret says it doesn't look like Austin will be here tonight, because he doesn't think he's got "the jam" and that he's a gutless, rotten stinking hyena who got what was coming to him and is now a pile of broken bones as a result. He knows the American fans hate him, and says that's okay, because he hates all of them as they all have a tinge of jealously towards him for having so many of the championships, two Slammy Awards, gold in Neidhart's teeth, and Pillman, who knows the Golden Rule: "Do unto others, and enjoy it." He calls The Hart Foundation the best pack of lion in the entire world, and calls them "The Dream Team." Now that they have gotten rid of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, they need to destroy somebody else: "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. Bret knows Shawn is hiding somewhere, and he feels it is high time to sic The Hart Foundation on him like Shawn is an antelope dancing around, wiping him out and making him sorry for running in on all of Bret's matches with a steel chair and a bad leg. He wants him right here, right now, so he can finish the job.
Rockabilly beats Ahmed Johnson (who is in black sweatpants and boots instead of his usual red wrestling gear) by disqualification after the referee catches Ahmed using the guitar against Rockabilly, who brought the weapon into the ring as The Honky Tonk Man had the referee distracted. During the match, Faarooq says he has never been impressed with Ahmed Johnson and that it will be a cold day in Hell before Ahmed can abolish the Nation of Domination, and Crush will beat up three men that he has personally hand-picked to make an example out of. He hopes that Ahmed watches Crush's match tonight, as it will be a taste of what is to come on Sunday.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) look for "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels in the locker room.
During the break, The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) go downstairs into another locker room but can't find "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.
We get another look at Ken Shamrock via an ABC News special "The World's Most Dangerous Things." As a kid, he has fought from anger. He was good at football and wrestling, but stopped because he fought from anger. Now he has controlled his anger and now fights with skill. We also learn that he was a runaway as a youth, but met the man who would later legally adopt him. Now with a wife and four kids, he now has a family to call his own and has balance and self-importance in his life. As for why he made the challenge to Mike Tyson, he respects his ability as a boxer, but doesn't respect other things he's done and says that Tyson blames other people for things he has done, calling Tyson a bully.
Ken Shamrock guests on commentary for the next match.
Vader beats Goldust, looking straight at Ken Shamrock during the pinfall after landing the Vader Bomb. During the match, Vader steps out of the ring to stare Ken Shamrock down, and Vader does it again after the match, and this time dares him to get in the ring. After spitting at Shamrock, Shamrock speeds in and gets Vader with a takedown, causing officials to rush in. Mankind shows up and goes after Shamrock, but Goldust goes after Mankind and forces him to retreat alongside Vader.
Jim Ross interviews the husband-and-wife team of Dustin and Terri Runnels, better known as Goldust and Marlena, respectively. We learn that Goldust's dad is none other than Dusty Rhodes, whom Dustin says was everything he wanted to be. Dustin followed in his father's footsteps and entered the WWF, but never got the chance to step out of Dusty's shadow. He reinvented himself to escape his past and his father's shadow, and knew he was taking a great risk by becoming Goldust, and while he didn't get the respect he expected at first, especially when Razor Ramon (who is only mentioned once as "Scott Hall") refused to wrestle him. He has since obtained acceptance, and can now make his own destiny. He doesn't know if he's gained his father's respect, since he has not talked to him in at least two years, but he tells Dusty he's done the best that he can do.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) think they have "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, but it's the wrong guy. They still beat him up, anyway.
Faarooq tells the crowd that he has found the three biggest, baddest man he can find and that Crush will destroy all of them. He tells Ahmed Johnson that this will be a taste of what will happen to him on Sunday. Crush demolishes the first two as advertised, but the third one is wearing a mask and a Green Bay Packers jacket. He hits Crush with a Pearl River Plunge and gets the three count before running out of the ring. The man is none other than Ahmed Johnson.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) look outside of the arena for "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.
The show intro replays to signify the second hour.
Vince McMahon interviews "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels in the ring. Shawn has no idea where "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is, but does tell him that if he feels he can take on The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) alone, so be it, but he may not be there again. If he is there, it will be to hurt the Foundation. He also notes that cutting down the fans seems to be "the in thing" to do right now, and that he is the one to start trends, not follow them. He says the search is on, but he's not exactly hiding, and that the Foundation should have found him by now. He says the Foundation may run in a pack, but The Kliq runs in a herd, and that there is no group more powerful than The Kliq. As for when he will return to the ring, it will happen at King of the Ring the following month. He says that Bret might not like exactly what America does, but America is the land of the free and the home of the brave, and if Bret doesn't like it, he shouldn't let the door hit him on the way out. Shawn proclaims that he and the fans are tired of Bret's whining and crying, and if he has to go through the rest of the Foundation to get to Bret, he will do it and he will tear Bret to pieces. As Shawn leaves, Bret and Brian Pillman show up on the TitanTron, and Bret tells Shawn he should have wiped him out when he got him in the Sharpshooter. He mocks Shawn's comeback and constant run-ins, and says there's nothing wrong with his knee and that there isn't much point in waiting until King of the Ring. He then challenges Shawn to a match against Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart if he's got the jam, and Neidhart shows up before Michaels has much time to accept. Shawn and Neidhart brawl, and Owen Hart and The British Bulldog join in to make it a 3-on-1 beatdown. The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) run in and even the odds.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is backstage, looking for The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart).
Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon beat The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) when The British Bulldog distracts the referee and Animal while Owen Hart attacks Road Warrior Hawk. During the match, officials have to keep "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) separated, but after the match is over, both parties are going at it while "Stone Cold" Steve Austin enters the building and joins in.
The Undertaker shows up. He is the World Wrestling Federation Champion, and the defender of the belt that belongs to the creatures of the night. He says that someone has decided to steal it, and tells the perpetrator that he may have the belt, but he is no champion and what he is doing is playing a deadly game that they cannot win. As his date with destiny grows near, his patience is wearing thin, and the perpetrator has chosen a bad time to cross into the valley of the dead. Before the end of the night, whoever took the championship will pay dearly. As for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the flame that is Austin's fury will be extinguished by the darkness. He respects that flame, but it will be a cold day in Hell before he becomes WWF Champion.
Sunny shows off the Steve Austin shirt with "Austin 3:16" n the front and a smoking skull on the back (and not much else, aside from white go-go boots), only $20 plus shipping and handling.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin beats The British Bulldog. During the match, it is mentioned that WWF is trying to negotiate a huge deal with "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels concerning King of the Ring, and that the details can only be heard on Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Line. After the match, Owen Hart and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart attack Austin from behind, and Owen uses the WWF Championship as a weapon, revealing that The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) stole the title. All the while, Brian Pillman and Bret "The Hit Man" Hart watch from backstage. The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) show up to help Austin, while Doug Furnas and Phil Lafon show up to help The Hart Foundation only to be attacked by them. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels then shows up to fight off the Foundation, then the lights go out. The Undertaker appears in the ring after the lights come back on. The Hart Foundation, Furnas and LaFon leave, then Austin takes the WWF Championship. The Undertaker snatches the WWF title from him, then lays it in the middle of the ring. Austin almost leaves the ring, but Austin and 'Taker fight each other while officials try to separate them to end the show.
Rockabilly beats Ahmed Johnson (who is in black sweatpants and boots instead of his usual red wrestling gear) by disqualification after the referee catches Ahmed using the guitar against Rockabilly, who brought the weapon into the ring as The Honky Tonk Man had the referee distracted. During the match, Faarooq says he has never been impressed with Ahmed Johnson and that it will be a cold day in Hell before Ahmed can abolish the Nation of Domination, and Crush will beat up three men that he has personally hand-picked to make an example out of. He hopes that Ahmed watches Crush's match tonight, as it will be a taste of what is to come on Sunday.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) look for "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels in the locker room.
During the break, The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) go downstairs into another locker room but can't find "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.
We get another look at Ken Shamrock via an ABC News special "The World's Most Dangerous Things." As a kid, he has fought from anger. He was good at football and wrestling, but stopped because he fought from anger. Now he has controlled his anger and now fights with skill. We also learn that he was a runaway as a youth, but met the man who would later legally adopt him. Now with a wife and four kids, he now has a family to call his own and has balance and self-importance in his life. As for why he made the challenge to Mike Tyson, he respects his ability as a boxer, but doesn't respect other things he's done and says that Tyson blames other people for things he has done, calling Tyson a bully.
Ken Shamrock guests on commentary for the next match.
Vader beats Goldust, looking straight at Ken Shamrock during the pinfall after landing the Vader Bomb. During the match, Vader steps out of the ring to stare Ken Shamrock down, and Vader does it again after the match, and this time dares him to get in the ring. After spitting at Shamrock, Shamrock speeds in and gets Vader with a takedown, causing officials to rush in. Mankind shows up and goes after Shamrock, but Goldust goes after Mankind and forces him to retreat alongside Vader.
Jim Ross interviews the husband-and-wife team of Dustin and Terri Runnels, better known as Goldust and Marlena, respectively. We learn that Goldust's dad is none other than Dusty Rhodes, whom Dustin says was everything he wanted to be. Dustin followed in his father's footsteps and entered the WWF, but never got the chance to step out of Dusty's shadow. He reinvented himself to escape his past and his father's shadow, and knew he was taking a great risk by becoming Goldust, and while he didn't get the respect he expected at first, especially when Razor Ramon (who is only mentioned once as "Scott Hall") refused to wrestle him. He has since obtained acceptance, and can now make his own destiny. He doesn't know if he's gained his father's respect, since he has not talked to him in at least two years, but he tells Dusty he's done the best that he can do.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) think they have "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, but it's the wrong guy. They still beat him up, anyway.
Faarooq tells the crowd that he has found the three biggest, baddest man he can find and that Crush will destroy all of them. He tells Ahmed Johnson that this will be a taste of what will happen to him on Sunday. Crush demolishes the first two as advertised, but the third one is wearing a mask and a Green Bay Packers jacket. He hits Crush with a Pearl River Plunge and gets the three count before running out of the ring. The man is none other than Ahmed Johnson.
The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) look outside of the arena for "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.
The show intro replays to signify the second hour.
Vince McMahon interviews "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels in the ring. Shawn has no idea where "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is, but does tell him that if he feels he can take on The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) alone, so be it, but he may not be there again. If he is there, it will be to hurt the Foundation. He also notes that cutting down the fans seems to be "the in thing" to do right now, and that he is the one to start trends, not follow them. He says the search is on, but he's not exactly hiding, and that the Foundation should have found him by now. He says the Foundation may run in a pack, but The Kliq runs in a herd, and that there is no group more powerful than The Kliq. As for when he will return to the ring, it will happen at King of the Ring the following month. He says that Bret might not like exactly what America does, but America is the land of the free and the home of the brave, and if Bret doesn't like it, he shouldn't let the door hit him on the way out. Shawn proclaims that he and the fans are tired of Bret's whining and crying, and if he has to go through the rest of the Foundation to get to Bret, he will do it and he will tear Bret to pieces. As Shawn leaves, Bret and Brian Pillman show up on the TitanTron, and Bret tells Shawn he should have wiped him out when he got him in the Sharpshooter. He mocks Shawn's comeback and constant run-ins, and says there's nothing wrong with his knee and that there isn't much point in waiting until King of the Ring. He then challenges Shawn to a match against Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart if he's got the jam, and Neidhart shows up before Michaels has much time to accept. Shawn and Neidhart brawl, and Owen Hart and The British Bulldog join in to make it a 3-on-1 beatdown. The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) run in and even the odds.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is backstage, looking for The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart).
Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon beat The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) when The British Bulldog distracts the referee and Animal while Owen Hart attacks Road Warrior Hawk. During the match, officials have to keep "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) separated, but after the match is over, both parties are going at it while "Stone Cold" Steve Austin enters the building and joins in.
The Undertaker shows up. He is the World Wrestling Federation Champion, and the defender of the belt that belongs to the creatures of the night. He says that someone has decided to steal it, and tells the perpetrator that he may have the belt, but he is no champion and what he is doing is playing a deadly game that they cannot win. As his date with destiny grows near, his patience is wearing thin, and the perpetrator has chosen a bad time to cross into the valley of the dead. Before the end of the night, whoever took the championship will pay dearly. As for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the flame that is Austin's fury will be extinguished by the darkness. He respects that flame, but it will be a cold day in Hell before he becomes WWF Champion.
Sunny shows off the Steve Austin shirt with "Austin 3:16" n the front and a smoking skull on the back (and not much else, aside from white go-go boots), only $20 plus shipping and handling.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin beats The British Bulldog. During the match, it is mentioned that WWF is trying to negotiate a huge deal with "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels concerning King of the Ring, and that the details can only be heard on Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Line. After the match, Owen Hart and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart attack Austin from behind, and Owen uses the WWF Championship as a weapon, revealing that The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) stole the title. All the while, Brian Pillman and Bret "The Hit Man" Hart watch from backstage. The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) show up to help Austin, while Doug Furnas and Phil Lafon show up to help The Hart Foundation only to be attacked by them. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels then shows up to fight off the Foundation, then the lights go out. The Undertaker appears in the ring after the lights come back on. The Hart Foundation, Furnas and LaFon leave, then Austin takes the WWF Championship. The Undertaker snatches the WWF title from him, then lays it in the middle of the ring. Austin almost leaves the ring, but Austin and 'Taker fight each other while officials try to separate them to end the show.
Saturday, May 3, 1997
Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for May 3, 1997
The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart and The British Bulldog) retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Bradshaw and Blackjack Windham) by disqualification after Bradshaw uses the WWF European Championship as a weapon. Brian Pillman antagonizes some fans and spends a few seconds with Owen and The Bulldog before the match.
This Monday on Raw, Goldust comes out of the closet...and it's not the kind you think it is!
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michael shows up. Shawn says that Vic Venom has only one opinion, and that is his own. He may have been sick, but he did not have a nervous breakdown. He says there has been a lot of negativity in the World Wrestling Federation, and a lot of it has come from him and a lot of it has been about him. He has thought about this negativity while sitting at home, and says it is getting wacky in the WWF these days. If you are not tough, you get run over. He has been run over plenty of times, but instead of getting upset about it like he has in the past, he has decided that nothing is going to keep him from keeping himself in a good mood these days. He says that part of a good mood is coming and going as he please, and he will soon be shaking his booty, slapping hands and doing what he has been doing for the last 13 years, which is having fun like nobody else's business. As he gets chummy with the fans, he says that the man who decides what is cool in the WWF is him, and if he says it is cool to have fun with the fans, then that is what he is going to do whether anybody likes it or not. True to form, he dances afterwards.
Vader beats Don Chota, then intimidates Jim Ross and some fans near the commentary table.
Before the next match, Ahmed Johnson tells Mike DeCero that the fans in the crowd are his family. He tells him to go ahead and leave, as he skipped off his Prozac and is in a really bad mood, and he does not want to see him when he is off his Prozac. DeCero slaps him, and Ahmed Johnson proceeds to beat him up.
Ahmed Johnson beats Mike DeCero.
The Nation of Domination (Crush and Savio Vega) beat Derek Stone and Neil Haley with the help of the rest of The Nation, which referee Earl Hebner fails to see.
Sunny shows up for Sunny Undercover. She talks about how Henry O. Godwinn broke his next week, and now Phineas I. Godwinn is looking for a new tag team partner. Meanwhile, Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon have been upset at the fans for not giving them the same support that other teams have gotten, as the fans have been brainwashed by flashy costumes and bright lights while Furnas and LaFon are a no-frills tag team who will need her help to jumpstart their career. She then talks about The Hart Foundation's (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog) recent gold rush, and that a certain member other than Bret "who is the only man animal enough to please [her]" wants to sink his teeth into the title. She also announces she has completed a photoshoot that will let the fans' imaginations run wild, and if the fans have ever wanted to see her dripping wet, you will see that on the next issue of Raw Magazine.
This Monday on Raw, Goldust comes out of the closet...and it's not the kind you think it is!
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michael shows up. Shawn says that Vic Venom has only one opinion, and that is his own. He may have been sick, but he did not have a nervous breakdown. He says there has been a lot of negativity in the World Wrestling Federation, and a lot of it has come from him and a lot of it has been about him. He has thought about this negativity while sitting at home, and says it is getting wacky in the WWF these days. If you are not tough, you get run over. He has been run over plenty of times, but instead of getting upset about it like he has in the past, he has decided that nothing is going to keep him from keeping himself in a good mood these days. He says that part of a good mood is coming and going as he please, and he will soon be shaking his booty, slapping hands and doing what he has been doing for the last 13 years, which is having fun like nobody else's business. As he gets chummy with the fans, he says that the man who decides what is cool in the WWF is him, and if he says it is cool to have fun with the fans, then that is what he is going to do whether anybody likes it or not. True to form, he dances afterwards.
Vader beats Don Chota, then intimidates Jim Ross and some fans near the commentary table.
Before the next match, Ahmed Johnson tells Mike DeCero that the fans in the crowd are his family. He tells him to go ahead and leave, as he skipped off his Prozac and is in a really bad mood, and he does not want to see him when he is off his Prozac. DeCero slaps him, and Ahmed Johnson proceeds to beat him up.
Ahmed Johnson beats Mike DeCero.
The Nation of Domination (Crush and Savio Vega) beat Derek Stone and Neil Haley with the help of the rest of The Nation, which referee Earl Hebner fails to see.
Sunny shows up for Sunny Undercover. She talks about how Henry O. Godwinn broke his next week, and now Phineas I. Godwinn is looking for a new tag team partner. Meanwhile, Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon have been upset at the fans for not giving them the same support that other teams have gotten, as the fans have been brainwashed by flashy costumes and bright lights while Furnas and LaFon are a no-frills tag team who will need her help to jumpstart their career. She then talks about The Hart Foundation's (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog) recent gold rush, and that a certain member other than Bret "who is the only man animal enough to please [her]" wants to sink his teeth into the title. She also announces she has completed a photoshoot that will let the fans' imaginations run wild, and if the fans have ever wanted to see her dripping wet, you will see that on the next issue of Raw Magazine.
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