Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for June 30, 1997

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who shows up with two lovely ladies carrying a mannequin dressed like "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Flair and the two lovely ladies make fun of Piper, then Flair tells Piper that he crossed a line last week by telling Flair how to wrestle a wrestling match. Flair says Piper may be the icon in Hollywood, but he is the icon in the ring and Piper can't hang with him. Flair takes the kilt from the mannequin and says that this is all that is left of Piper, and places it flat on the mat to "lay Piper to red" and have "a moment of silence" for him. Flair then tells Okerlund he's taking him to the party in Las Vegas and then tells the ladies they're going to party all night long.

Chris Jericho - now the WCW Cruiserweight Champion after being Syxx for the title last Saturday night in an Internet-only, audio-only feed of a house show from that night known only as "Saturday Nitro" that was advertised on Nitro for the past few weeks - retains the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Juventud Guerrera with a top rope Frankensteiner followed by the elevated Boston Crab submission that he debuted last week. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Jericho after the match, and Jericho says the Cruiserweight title is a WCW title, not an nWo title, and that it is back where it belongs. Syxx shows up, tells Jericho he beat nothing until he returned to his hotel room afterwards. As far as he is concerned, he is still the Cruiserweight Champion and gives him "another shot" at the title by slapping Jericho. Jericho and Syxx brawl during the break, and WCW security have to break them apart. After the break, Alex Wright tells "Mean" Gene Okerlund it's about time someone did an interview with him. Wright says WCW has done nothing but hold him down for the last three-and-a-half years because he's from Germany. Wright says he is a fantastic wrestler with a great look and a great body, and that Lex Luger has nothing on him. The "interview" is cut short by Okerlund before the next match begins with Eddie Guerrero rushing at Dean Malenko from behind as Malenko makes his way to the ring.

Eddie Guerrero beats Dean Malenko. During the match, Chavo Guerrero, Jr. shows up and cheers Eddie on from the apron, distracting Malenko. Eddie runs Malenko into Chavo before hitting the frog splash for the win. Eddie and Chavo leave together.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Rey Mysterio, Jr., who says that he is sick and tired of being pushed around by The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx). Rey wants to know if he can beat Kevin Nash and challenges him to a match tonight. Nash shows up, and Rey says he has a bigger heart than Nash. Nash accepts the challenge, saying he'll do an autopsy and see what he's made of. Rey says it's about courage, but Nash tells him he's heard one too many bedtime stories. Nevertheless, Nash accepts.

Eric Bischoff shows up on a motorcycle, and is soon followed by "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan on the way to the ring. Hogan says he's been around and done it all, and says that him and Dennis Rodman beating up Lex Luger and The Giant was one of the greatest days of his life. As a result, he and Rodman have a special party going on tonight, and is letting Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and "Macho Man" Randy Savage have fun with Luger, The Giant and Diamond Dallas Page. He says The New World Order has the momentum, and at Bash at the Beach, he and Rodman will wipe up Luger and The Giant, but for now, it's time to party. He and Bischoff call Rey Mysterio, Jr. "a magician," then Hogan says the nWo is like a pack of wolves before asking if you want to be safe on the verge of greatness or if you want to walk on the fine line of disaster. He then says Rey Mysterio, Jr. is going down in a blaze of flames because Kevin Nash will wipe him out before they have some real fun in the ring later on.

Steven Regal beats Hector Garza with the Regal Stretch to retain the WCW World Television Championship after putting the knees up to block an Asai moonsault.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner). Scott says they're back at the front of the line and are owed a title shot by Eric Bischoff. Rick says they're not leaving until they are given that title match. It isn't long before The New World Order shows up. Hall has a contract in his hands, and says that if the Steiners were in their wrestling gear, they would go at it right now. Hall then says that he and Nash are the reason people are watching, and give the Steiners their title shot. The Steiners sign the contract, and Scott Steiner says they'll see them in the ring. Nash tells him to close their eyes, as they might pass them in the back somewhere. As The Steiners leave, Hall shows Okerlund the contract, saying that the Steiners have unintentionally agreed to a match against Masahiro Chono and The Great Muta before they can have the actual title shot.

Chris Jericho is seen currently holding an interview on wcwwrestling.com.

Psychosis beats Super Calo after Sonny Onoo grabs one of Super Calo's legs and pulls him forward, allowing Psychosis to get the pinfall. Super Calo attacks Psychosis after the match, then La Parka shows up as Onoo directs traffic and smacks a wooden chair into the back of Super Calo. Juventud Guerrera shows up and outsmarts both La Parka and Psychosis.

Pyrotechnics signal the start of the second hour.

The Four Horsemen ("The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, "The Crippler" Chris Benoit", Steve "Mongo" McMichael) beat Mashahiro Chono and Vicious and Delicious (Scott Norton and Buff Bagwell) when Vincent interferes. Vincent gets smacked from behind with the steel Halliburton briefcase for his efforts.

High Voltage (Rage and Kaos) beat Mortis and Wrath when Glacier distracts the referee and Wrath while "The Cat" Ernest Miller kicks Mortis during the Flatliner to allow Rage to get the pinfall. James Vandenberg says that Glacier and Miller will pay dearly for this after the match.

A white limousine has made it to the arena...

Lee Marshall calls from Memphis, Tennessee - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.

Raven from Extreme Championship Wrestling is seen sitting in the front row.

Jeff Jarrett beats Konnan with the Figure Four Leg Lock to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship after "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair shows up and distracts Konnan, who spits at Flair. Flair helps Jarrett by grabbing on to Jarrett's hands to give leverage and ensure that the Figure Four is cinched in. "The Crippler" Chris Benoit, Steve "Mongo" McMichael and Debra McMichael join Flair and Jarrett after the match, and it is believed that the "Horsemen probation" is over. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Jarrett after the match, and Jarrett says that professional jealousy came between him and the Horsemen. He says he and Flair have always seen eye-to-eye, and that he is a Horseman because Flair said so. Flair says that familiarity breeds contempt, and tells Jarrett is a fine athlete, a great young man and a player, but as of this moment, he is no longer a Horseman. Debra tells Jarrett is as welcome in the Horsemen as a skunk at a lawn party, and tells him he stinks. Jarrett then says Flair is just like Benoit and Mongo, and says that all three of them are professionally jealous of him. He tells Flair that he just loaded the gun and put it to his gun, and he'll be the one to pull the trigger and put him out to pasture where he belongs. Jarrett leaves, then Benoit says that Jarrett tried to conform when the Horsemen are non-conformists, and that Jarrett squandered his opportunity.

We look back at what The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) have done to Rey Mysterio, Jr. since the nWo's inception.

Kevin Nash beats Rey Mysterio, Jr., then hits him with another Jackknife Power Bomb and punches out referee Scott Dickinson. Nash puts Rey in a third Jackknife Power Bomb when Konnan suddenly shows up and heads to the ring, as he and Rey Mysterio, Jr. trained together in Mexico. Nash leaves the ring, then Konnan puts Rey in the Tequila Sunrise before leaving. Medical staff tend to Rey, who now has an injured knee.

After the break, Rey Mysterio, Jr. has to be placed on a stretcher, with speculation that either Rey's knee or leg is injured.

Mike Tenay interviews Raven, who is still seated at ringside. Raven says absolutely nothing to Tenay, and denies him an interview.

During The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) and "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Lex Luger, The Giant and Diamond Dallas Page, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan shows up and lays out both Luger and The Giant with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship before the rest of the nWo do the rest of the work while DDP is left alone in the ring with Hall, Nash and Savage. Sting shows up in the crowd, but ting then rappels from the ceiling and goes after the nWo, the two Stings looking distinctly different with the former having shorter hair. All of a sudden, Mr. Perfect - real name Curt Hennig - shows up from backstage, and Raven jumps over the guardrail.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 30, 1997

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley when Mankind shows up and distracts Helmsley. After the match, Mankind goes after Helmsley, who runs out of the ring.

It is announced that Ahmed Johnson tore ligaments in his right knee during the brawl between The Nation of Domination and The Disciples of Apocalpyse, and was operated on at the Texas Orthopedic Hospital in Houston, Texas last Friday. Ahmed tells The Undertaker that when he returns to the WWF, he will tear through The Undertaker and D.O.A.

New WWF correspondent Michael Cole interviews The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) backstage. Animal says there is not a single team in the WWF that has come close to beating them legally, and they will go through The Nation of Domination to take the tag titles. Hawk tells the Nation to get ready to enter Road Warrior World, and when they get done with them, they will be the equivalent of a steaming pile of bat guano and other small animal excrements.

We see Sunny with a couple of one-dollar bills in her tanktop to advertise Your SummerSlam Million Dollar Chance with a casket full of money. Watch later tonight to get your very first clue on how to get a million dollars!

The Nation of Domination (Faarooq and D'Lo Brown) beat The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) to continue to the next round of the tag team tournament despite Faarooq not being the legal man when he makes the pinfall when The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) - who are watching from the top of the entrance ramp during the match - rush in so Henry can hit Hawk in the back with his slop bucket. Animal and Hawk chase The Godwinns to the back. After the match, Faarooq says a member of the Nation should be next in line for the WWF Championship, and says Vader was chosen because he is White and they are Black. D'Lo brown echoes Faarooq's sentiments, then Faarooq says Crush and Savio Vega could not get the job done, and calls The Disciples of Apocalypse "disciples of The Undertaker" as they knew the Nation would kick his butt. As he talks about whipping Savio Vega like a dog last week, Vega shows up and tells Faarooq that he quits and is going to get revenge. Faarooq tells him that if he wants revenge, he'll get in the ring. Savio Vega then calls some friends who are all dressed in white like he is, and they all go after The Nation. Referees and officials have to stop the brawl, then Crush shows up with The Disciples of Apocalypse, all on motorcycles once again. All three gangs fight each other, and this time uniformed security has to step in to stop the carnage.

Michael Cole interviews Savio Vega, who says that he knows gangs better than Faarooq. He calls his gang Los Boricuas, and they are here to kick some ass.

We see some footage from Sunny's photo shoot for Raw Magazine, and we see some photos of Sunny with her "secret liaison" Brian Pillman.

Brian Christopher beats Scott Putski in a Light Heavyweight Division match after interference from Jerry "The King" Lawler. Putski goes after Christopher after the match, but Lawler and Christopher double-team Putski and put him out with a spike piledriver. Lawler takes the microphone, and mocks Putski by sending a message to his Hall of Famer father Ivan Putski that the only good thing to come from Poland was an empty boat. Brian Christopher says that Scott Putski was foolish to think he could beat "the greatest light heavyweight in the history of the WWF" before he and Lawler tell Putski to go home.

We see footage of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin making fun of World Championship Wrestling in Extreme Championship Wrestling while imitating Hulk Hogan in a preview of the new WWF VHS release 'Cause Stone Cold Said So.

The Undertaker tells his fans and those of the WWF that tonight, they will hear a slanted version of the worst night of his life, a night which changed him forever. He says Paul Bearer will try to poison their minds with events of that night, which are burned in his mind along with the results which he has carried for over 20 years. He asks that the fans give him the opportunity to tell his side of the story.

The Great Sasuke will face Taka Michinoku in a Light Heavyweight Division match this Sunday at In Your House: Canadian Stampede.

It is announced that Brian Pillman has been fired as commentator on Shotgun Saturday Night after beating up a fan who had heckled him all night, and that WWF President Gorilla Monsoon has forced him to issue a public apology. We hear that apology, where Pillman says he deeply regrets his actions...and for being the only athlete in the WWF with any guts and being the voice of reason who has what it takes to tell it like it is. He refuses to apologize for taking his teeth to Mankind's good ear while showing Merv Albert and Mike Tyson what it's like to take a bite out of the human anatomy.

Mankind shows up with another "Pick Me Steve" sign around his neck before the next match, and hands a gift to Jim Ross in a gesture of apology for what he did to him in recent weeks. Inside is a plastic hand in the Mandible Claw position. Pillman takes the hand away from Ross, uses it as a weapon, then rips the "Pick Me Steve" sign in half before tossing Mankind into the ring. Also, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is in the building, and he says that Mankind is smart for picking the best talent in wrestling to team with. He also says Mankind sucks as you never know who exactly you're going into the ring with, and that he doesn't exactly care much for anyone else in the company as he says he will defend the tag team titles himself.

Brian Pillman beats Mankind by count-out. During the match, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Chyna are seen watching from the top of the entrance ramp, and at one point Pillman tries to stab Mankind with a pencil much like he did to the fan on Shotgun Saturday Night. Hunter Hearst Helmsley tries to get in the ring, and Pillman uses one of his boots as a weapon after Mankind puts Helmsley in the Mandible Claw. Pillman goes after Manind, but he accidentally gets hit in the head with a steel chair by Helmsley. Mankind gets the chair and chases Helmsley to the back with it, but he fails to get back in the ring in time. Mankind calls out for Helmsley afterwards.

Paul Bearer says the moment The Undertaker has been dreading is at hand, and that it is the beginning of The Undertaker's end.

The intro to the show replays to signal the start of War Zone.

Paul Bearer starts the second hour, and he is suddenly grabbed by the leg by a fan in black who is escorted out of the building immediately after tackling Bearer. Bearer makes it into the ring to reveal the secret. 20 years ago, at a small family-owned funeral home on the hill with oak trees all around. The family lived upstairs, with the father being the mortician and the mother being the secretary and receptionist. There were two kids, one of them "a red headed punk" and the other whose name was Kane. Paul Bearer was the apprentice at the funeral home and worked under "the red headed punk's father" with "the red headed punk" being The Undertaker. 'Taker's father was a mortician of excellence who taught him everything he knows from A to Z. While he was working there, he saw things that should not have happened. He thought there was something funny about The Undertaker, who he says had the look of a devil, calling him "a devil's seed." Kane followed The Undertaker everywhere he went, and viewed him like some sort of hero. Bearer spent two years as an apprentice while also going to school, and during that time, Kane and 'Taker would run around the funeral home like wildmen, taking chemicals out of the embalming room and smoking cigarettes behind the garage. He saw all this, but their parents did not. One time as he went to school, he saw Kane and 'Taker outside of the funeral home. He had a bad feeling about it, but went to school anyway. When he came back, the funeral home was in ashes, and he knew someone burned it down. He looked around and found 'Taker in the bushes. Bearer then reveals that 'Taker burned down the funeral home and killed his family, and calls him a murderer. Suddenly, the sound of thunder can be heard in the arena as the lights dim in and out.

Vader is backstage with Paul Bearer, and we see "Wildman" Marc Mero with Sable in front of the casket full of money for Your SummerSlam Million Dollar Chance. The first clue is "The Key."

Owen Hart and The British Bulldog beat The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) to continue to the finals of the tag team tournament. During the match, Vince McMahon interviews Bret "The Hit Man" Hart via telephone, and says that he is waiting until Sunday night at home, saying he is not afraid of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, whom he calls "scum." He says that he is back and has the support that he needs, and that he will fight fire with fire in Calgary, where the Canadian fans will get what they want while implying that the American fans may not. After the match, Owen and Bulldog are suddenly congratulated by Jim Cornette, who tells them that he has a tag team right now who didn't make the tournament that he wants to show off. With a whistle, he calls out two heavy-set men with pointed toe boots who rush to the ring. Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and The Headbangers brawl with them, and when The Headbangers knock them down temporarily and focus their energies on Jim Cornette, these two unknown men go back on the attack, and one of them hits a top rope moonsault on Thrasher. Referees have to stop them from doing any more damage. (This is the one appearance of these two men, who would have gone by the name of The Arabian Butchers, and they are never seen in the WWF again.)

The Undertaker says that what Paul Bearer revealed is true, saying that his mother, father and little brother Kane burnt to death in the family funeral home. He says that he and Kane were playing with matches that day, and were punished when their father caught them. He was punished more than Kane as he was the older brother, and says he should have known better. His father explained to them what they were doing, and that those embalming liquids were flammable. He was then sent on his way to do his daily chores outside of the funeral home, and as he left, he saw Kane leave through one of the rear doors with one of the embalming liquids in his hands. It never occured to him what Kane would do, and thought nothing of it. Now he lives with that every day of his life, as he considered Kane his responsibility. When he came back home from doing the chores, he heard the sirens and see the smoke filling the sky. Without knowing, he knew what happened. He ran as fast as he could, and when he got to the funeral home, it was engulfed in flame. He ran right to the front door, but the firefighters would not let him go in. As he stood there, he watched the funeral home and saw his mother, his father and Kane inside as he watched the funeral home burn down to the ground. 'Taker says he was not at the funeral as Paul Bearer said, but says Bearer didn't explain to the fans why that was. Two nights before, in the middle of the night, he drug him to the neighboring funeral home so he could see his family. To this very day, the image of the burnt, charred body of his mother laying on a table with the sheet pulled back made him sick. 'Taker says this was the day that changed him forever. To be able to deal with the death of his family, he had to look at death and understand that without death, there cannot be life. He has taken it upon himself to walk a path where no one else chooses to, and he draws strength from the spirit of the dead. He tells Paul Bearer that the spirit of his mother, father and his brother Kane will strike him down.

The Undertaker shows up shortly after Rockabilly vs. Vader begins and attacks Vader. Paul Bearer calls 'Taker a murderer, and 'Taker grabs Bearer by the throat and tries to get the truth out of him. Bearer tells 'Taker "Kane told me," but 'Taker doesn't believe him until Bearer tells him that his brother Kane is alive and breathing just like everyone in the arena. Vader attacks 'Taker from behind and helps Paul Bearer escape.

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin ends when Bret "The Hit Man" Hart attacks Stone Cold. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock is seen watching the match from backstage, and is attacked by Bret "The Hit Man" Hart backstage during the break with a metal drum during the break, revealing that Bret is in the building and that he did not do tonight's phone interview from Calgary at all. Referees have to stop Bret from attacking Shamrock further. Bret stomps Austin a few times before putting in a Figure Four Leg Lock on the ring post while Neidhart presses his boot against Austin's face. Mankind shows up and puts Bret in the Mandible Claw, but Brian Pillman and Owen Hart show up and attack as the show ends.

Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for June 28, 1997

In memory of Stan "The Man" Stasiak, 1937-1997.

Owen Hart beats Goldust. During the match, Brian Pillman is worked up by the "Pillman sucks" signs and chants, and shortly afterwards, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart shows up and watches the match from ringside. The match ends when Bret distracts Goldust, allowing Owen to hit Goldust with a spinning heel kick to win the match. After the match, Bret says Goldust is the last one left after beating up the rest of The Hart Foundation's opponents for In Your House: Canadian Stampede, and says they might as well beat him up, too. After Owen takes the boots to Goldust, Bret puts Goldust in the Figure Four Leg Lock around the ring post before Owen tries to drape Goldust's head in the Canadian flag. Marlena takes the Canadian flag away from Owen as referees and officials try to break Bret's hold on Goldust. Bret event ually lets go and leaves with Owen.

The Disciples of Apocalypse (Crush and an unknown tag team partner) beat The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) in their in-ring debut. Before the match, we see Thrasher and Mosh give a body slam and a elbow drop to a reporter during a local newscast on WABC-TV. During the match, Brian Pillman threatens to beat up a fan seated behind him due to his "Pillman sucks" chants. Later on in the match, Pillman confronts the fan again. The fan leads a "Pillman sucks" chant again.

Vince McMahon interviews Mankind, who shows up in an "Austin 3:16" T-shirt. Mankind says comparing himself to "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is like comparing apples and applesauce, as he is the apple after it has been smashed. He says he and Shawn could pass as twins, as they both have long hair, Shawn has a belly button piercing where he has lint, they both have tattoos on their arms, and with the exception of him being the better kisser, they are exactly the same. As for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, he says Austin sees him as nothing but a homicidal freak, which may be true, but he sees Austin as a sociopathic loser. In the end, they are both people who need people, and people who need people are the luckiest people of them all. He says that Austin is drowning in a sea of despair, and wants to be his life preserver. He says Austin is sinking in the quicksand of distrust, and asks to be his tree branch. He also says Austin is boiling in a stew of doubt, and asks to be his carrot. As for his match with Hunter Hearst Helmsley at In Your House: Canadian Stampede, he says he could say Helmsley cheated with the help of Chyna to win, and then outright says it. He says he is guilty of taking Helmsley too lightly the last time they faced off, and believes that either he is not as good as Helmsley or Helmsley is better than he expected him to be, and concludes the latter is true. He then says Helmsley wounded his pride by putting him in a Pedigree through a table to give him a taste of his own medicine, of which he did not like the taste of. This time, he has something for Helmsley to snack on for a while, as the two fingers of the Mandible Claw will make him sick. He tells Helmsley to think about it for a while, and to try to have a nice day.

The Triple Threat Match: coming soon to an arena near you!

"Double J" Jesse James beats The Brooklyn Brawler. Brian Pillman confronts the fan behind yet again at the start of the match. After the match, Pillman finally snaps and beats the fan up, stabbing him with a pencil ripping his shirt off and hitting him with a steel chair as referees and officials try to pull Pillman off of him. Pillman is seen being threatening towards Jim Ross and verbally abusive to the fans (he is seen telling one person to "suck me") as he is escorted to the back by officials.

Jim Ross apologizes for Brian Pillman's actions from earlier. He reports that the fan is receiving medical attention, and that Brian Pillman has been escorted from the arena by the police.

The Truth Commission (Recon, Tank, The Interrogator) beat Al Brown, Gene Miller and Terry Richards. Before the match, we see pre-recorded comments from The Commandant, who says The Truth Commissioner have come to America to remind Ameria what a great country it once was before it turned that picture upside down and gave unlimited rights to everyone. He says they have come to remind everyone that nature has decreed that there will always be leaders and those who must be dominated, and that they will prove their superiority when they smash America's so-called athletes right before the people's very eyes.

Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for June 23, 1997

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly at the top of the show. Page says he loves surprises, and tells The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) he can't wait to see the look on their faces when he shows him their surprise. Kimberly says she's made a call to J.J. Dillon and the WCW Executive Committee and has gotten a match between Page and Hall tonight. It is then mentioned by commentary that Kevin Nash is not in the building tonight.

La Parka and Damien beat Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and "Flyboy" Rocco Rock) after La Parka hits Johnny Grunge in the back with a steel chair while the referee is checking on Damien, who has been put through a table by "Flyboy" Rocco Rock with a somersault over the top rope. During the match, it is announced that Eddie Guerrero is back from injury and will be taking on Syxx for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship, and that "The Cat" Ernest Miller will be making his WCW debut in a tag team match with Glacier.

This Saturday on WCW Saturday Night: Scotty Riggs vs. Jeff Jarrett for the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship! Bobby Eaton vs. Steven Regal for the WCW World Television Championship! "The Crippler" Chris Benoit! Wrath!

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Eddie Guerrero, who is now back from injury. We find out that Eddie was signed for last week's match against Dean Malenko, but Eddie supposedly sent out his nephew Chavo Guerrero, Jr. to face Malenko instead. Eddie says that he would never do anything like that to his nephew, and says he had not been released medically to wrestle that night and that Chavo offered to take his place. Eddie then brings out Chavo so he can clear the air, but Chavo says he wouldn't exactly say he offered to take Eddie's place. Eddie stops him and gives Chavo another opportunity, and gives Chavo the opportunity to become the Cruiserweight champ by giving him his title shot against Syxx, and tells him that he has gotten it straightened out with WCW Executive Committee head J.J. Dillon. Chavo is hesitant and can't believe what's going on, and Eddie flatly asks if Chavo wants the shot. Chavo says yes, and hesitantly fist bumps with Eddie before they both head to the back.

Chris Jericho beats Alex Wright with the Boston Crab.

The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) beat Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) to become the #1 contenders for the WCW Tag Team Championships after Rick Steiner sends Booker T into Sister Sherri, knocking her off the apron and into Stevie Ray. "Mean" Gene Okerlund is about to conduct an interview when Buff Bagwell, Vincent and Scott Norton show up. Buff says he has better muscles than Scott Steiner, then introduces the new tag team of himself and Norton known as "Vicious and Delicious." Norton says they don't care and they ain't scared, and tells the competition to watch their careers crumble before their eyes. Okerlund then interviews the Steiners. Rick makes it clear that he and Scott want The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) next week for the WCW World Tag Team Championships. Scott tells The Outsiders there will be a confrontation, as they owe them a title shot.

We see footage of "The Cat" Ernest Miller at a training session.

Hector Garza beats Villano IV.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Lex Luger and The Giant. Luger says that everyone is sickened and disgusted over what happened last week, and that WCW officials have given him and The Giant every assurance that every security measure will be taken while his friends will watch their backs even if they have to get physically involved to ensure that their match against "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman will be done on equal footing. He is taking the low point of last week as incentive for revenge, as he knows that there is nothing in Hogan and that Hogan is a quitter, unlike him and The Giant, who will have their day of reckoning. The Giant says he is the luckiest person of all because he is the only one who will stick a big giant hook in "The Worm" Dennis Rodman. He also wants to see how many times he slaps Hogan and Rodman and to see whose hair dye comes out first. Luger says no words can express how he and The Giant felt last week, and that their talking will be done in the ring at Bash at the Beach.

Pyrotechnics signal the start of the second hour.

Syxx retains the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Chavo Guerrero, Jr. with the Buzzkiller after Scott Hall hits Chavo with The Outsider's Edge behind the referee's back. Eddie Guerrero, who promises to have Chavo's back, simply stands there as Chavo is taken out, disappointed in Chavo.

Steve "Mongo" McMichael beats Konnan with a Tombstone Piledriver when Konnan is distracted by Hugh Morrus, who shows up with a wooden stick and is blocked from entering the ring by Doug Dellinger and WCW security.

We see a video package of "The Crippler" Chris Benoit and his road to getting another shot at The Taskmaster at Bash at the Beach, where The Taskmaster's career is on the line.

Lee Marshall calls from Las Vegas, Nevada - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Piper says he is here tonight to do what he does best: makin' bacon. He says that he has been a little goody two-shoes for his own liking, as he's good when he good and better when he's bad and he likes himself when he is bad, and wherever he goes, hell will follow. Piper goes on to say that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair did not betray him at Slamboree and sees no reason why he would, but admits Flair does have his quirks. Flair shows up and reiterates his comments from last week, saying that Piper is his friend and will stand by his side, and that his decision to chase Syxx to the back was in both their best interests. Piper believes him, even though he left him to the wolves. Flair tells Piper he's here to help him avoid disaster when all of a sudden "The Crippler" Chris Benoit, Steve "Mongo" McMichael and Debra McMichael show up. After Debra says that Jarrett has "lost his scholarship" and that she has ditched him like last year's fashion (implying that Jarrett is out of The Four Horsemen, which Flair will neither confirm nor deny is his doing), Mongo tells Piper that just because Dennis Rodman isn't here doesn't mean that Piper has to wear a skirt. Piper says he didn't come here for any of this, but Mongo says that his other team didn't win by "letting the likes of [Piper] mess with the team captain." Flair tells Mongo that Piper is a good guy and is going to leave, but Mongo isn't having any of it and says that Piper is looking for a soft spot to put the knife in. Benoit says that Piper has been around for too long and judging by his spine, he is suffering from osteoporosis. Flair decks Mongo and Benoit, and also decks Flair. Piper is focused on Flair when Mongo hits him with the steel Halliburton briefcase and Benoit puts the Crippler Crossface on him. Flair, Mongo and Benoit then attack Piper as Doug Dellinger and WCW security get in the ring.

Glacier and the debuting "The Cat" Ernest Miller beat High Voltage (Rage and Kaos). James Vandenburg, Mortis and Wrath watch from the entrance ramp during the match, then rush the ring before Glacier and Miller stop them. James Vandenberg stops Mortis and Wrath, telling them the time is not right.

We see a video package of The New World Order, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman.

The limited edition Outsiders pin set is available for $15 plus $5.95 shipping and handling. Only 10,000 sets will be made.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth show up with Scott Hall before the next match, much to the surprise of the commentators. Kimberly leaves, saying she wants to be nowhere near Savage, while Page stands his ground.

Diamond Dallas Page beats Scott Hall by disqualification after "Macho Man" Randy Savage attacks Page from behind. Savage and Hall gang up on Page after the match, then Sting is sen in the crowd pointing his baseball bat towards the ring as he is surrounded by the crowd. Sting then fights through his way through the fans and gets in the ring, and Hall and Savage retreat temporarliy, and when they try to attack Sting, Sting lays them out with his baseball bat as the show ends.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 23, 1997

Vince McMahon interviews The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, Ahmed Johnson) to start tonight's show. Ahmed, when asked why he joined the Nation, tells Vince to ask himself why, then says the fans never backed him up for a title, and that he never got another shot at the Intercontinental Championship after returning from injury as he is a Black man. Vince tells Ahmed he was going to get an opportunity, but Ahmed says that Martin Luther King Jr. was going to live another ten years and that never happened because he got assassinated for "trying to be nice." He then says Louis Farrakhan is alive because he doesn't preach the peace. Ahmed goes on to announce that he has no respect for The Undertaker anymore, saying that a man who has to listen to another man is "a low-down, dirty slave dog" and says that when The Undertaker puts his hands on him, he won't be dead enough. D'Lo Brown proclaims that Ahmed came back because he was held down and the people, including Vince, turned his back on him. Faarooq says the truth kills everybody, and says Savio Vega and Crush couldn't get the job done. He says the most feared threat in the world today is powerful, intelligent Black human beings getting together for a cause, and that the new Nation will get the job done. D'Lo Brown calls the Nation the four most dominating men in the WWF today, and that nobody will stop them. Ahmed tells Vince that if he crosses his eyes at the Nation again, he will wish he was never born. Kama says he is proud of himself for single-handedly defeating The Undertaker last week, and is also proud of The Nation as well as Ahmed Johnson, who finally has a chance to take down The Undertaker and prove The Nation are the champions. D'Lo Brown says The Nation rules the WWF, and will do so by any means necessary. Suddenly, four men in biker gear show up on motorcycles, and one of them is Crush. They surround the ring and rev up their motors as a means of intimidation, then get off the bikes and into the ring. Crush says he can't remember hearing so much crap in his entire life, and tells Faarooq he never fired him because he quit. He then introduces the Nation to a real brotherhood: D.O.A., the Disciples of Apocalypse, who live together, ride together and fight together. This starts an all-out brawl that not only referees have to quell, but also WWF officials and police officers.

The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) says it's going to be their tournament tonight, and that's the way they like it.

Former UFC and current NWA champion Dan Severn guests on commentary for the next match to provide some insight on "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock, having faced Shamrock on two occasions.

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock beats Rockabilly with the ankle lock submission. The Honky Tonk Man almost whacks Shamrock in the head with his guitar, but Shamrock turns around and makes him think twice. Shamrock then notices Dan Severn at the commentary table, and both men stare down for a few seconds before shaking hands. Shamrock then raises Severn's hand.

Henry O. Godwinn says that his recent neck injury that broke his C4 vertebrae was no accident, and didn't feel like on either. He tells The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) that what they will do to them tonight will be no accident. He's not stupid, and neither is his brother, Phineas I. Godwinn, and the Godwinns - now sans shirts - will do things their way from now on.

Chyna, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock will be at Muscle Beach in Venice, California this Saturday from 1 to 2 PM.

It is noted that "Wildman" Marc Mero is seemingly becoming jealous of the attention that Sable has been getting in his absence, and that the issue is discussed in the newest issue of Raw Magazine.

The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) slop The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk), but all it does is get the L.O.D. mad. It is then mentioned that "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock has been attacked backstage by The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit" Man, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman).

The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) beat The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) to continue to the next round of the tag team tournament. After The Godwinns attack The Legion of Doom with their slop buckets and Animal clears them out with a steel chair, The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit" Man, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) zoom in to attack the L.O.D. as Bret "The Hit Man" Hart surveys the carnage from the top of the entrance ramp.

Boxer and multi-weight class champion Tommy "The Hitman" Hearns is seen in the front row with his family.

Paul Bearer tells The Undertaker it's all about him, and The Undertaker finally put his hand on the throat of Bearer...as well as Vader, who rushes in to protect Bearer. Bearer tells The Undertaker to remember the fire, and 'Taker leaves the room.

Owen Hart is disgusted with the triple threat with the Intercontinental Championship on the line, considering it unfair that a Canadian has to face two Americans at the same time on American soil. Owen is not worried, as he has a big surprise in store.

We see a preview of 'Cause Stone Cold Said So, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's new video.

Paul E. Dangerously guests on commentary for the next match.

Flash Funk and Sabu wrestle to a double-count out as Sabu tries to put Flash Funk through a table with a moonsault, with the table refusing to break. During the match, It is mentioned that Bill Alfonso was originally a referee in the World Wrestling Federation prior to becoming a manager in Extreme Championship Wrestling. Sabu and his manager Bill Alfonso leave through the crowd after the match.

Mankind comes to the ring for his match wearing an Austin 3:16 shirt as well as a cardboard sign around his neck saying "Pick Me Steve." He dedicates his efforts in the ring tonight to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, a man he is proud to call his friend. (The sign gets ripped in half by The British Bulldog during the match.)

The recently injured "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed via telephone, who says never to call him collect again because he will not accept the charges. He also says hello to his brother Kevin, who was recently stepped on by a bull and owes him $30. He will be back on Friday night in Salt Lake City, Utah. As for Mankind's campaign to be his tag team partner, he sees it as a tribute to himself and appreciates the effort, but also calls him a freak and would still defend the tag team titles by himself even if Mankind is a worth tag team partner.

Mankind beats The British Bulldog by disqualification after Bulldog repeatedly hits Mankind with a steel chair. Four chair shots aren't enough, however, as Mankind cinches the Mandible Claw on Bulldog until Bulldog is able to escape.

WWF President Gorilla Monsoon has no problem with Brian Pillman managing Owen Hart in the Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship.

We see some of the men who have held the WWF Intercontinental Championship: Pat Patterson, Pedro Morales, Don Muraco, Tito Santana, The Honky Tonk Man, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, The British Bulldog, Ahmed Johnson, and "Wildman" Marc Mero.

The intro to the show is replayed to signify the start of War Zone.

Pat Patterson is special guest referee for the next match.

Goldust almost beats Hunter Helmsley and Owen Hart to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship. During the commercial break, referee Earl Hebner and WWF President Gorilla Monsoon bring up the fact that Owen Hart placed his foot on the rope, which Patterson did not see. As a result, the match is restarted.

Owen Hart retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Goldust when Goldust tries to break Owen's pinfall attempt from the top rope only for Owen to move out of the way so he can cinch the win. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart watch the post-match celebration from backstage.

Vince McMahon interviews "Bret Hit Man" Hart, who is accompanied by Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Hart says The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) aren't the best tag team in the WWF, and that he and Neidhart are. He has no problem with "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock coming to the WWF to make a name for himself, and tells Marlena that he has four sisters who will knock her socks off if she lays a hand on The British Bulldog. As for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, he just considers him the scum of the earth. He says that Austin can look over his shoulder, but justice is coming in the form of The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit" Man, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) in Hart's hometown, whether Austin likes it or not. He says that a victory will not be stolen from the Foundation, or else they will eliminate their opponents forever. Bret Hart then calls out Tommy "The Hitman" Hearns, saying that Hearns stole his nickname, and dares him to step in the ring and prove himself, which he does after Bret says "I don't think you're The Hitman, I think you're the Chicken Man." Bret and Hearns stare down, then Hearns punches Neidhart in the gut several times. Officials have to keep Hearns away from Bret, while Neidhart is out on his feet.

Tommy "The Hit Man" Hearns is seen on camera one more time after the break, this time to crowd ovation.

Faarooqis confronted by Savio Vega backstage, and gets beaten up by D'Lo Brown and Kama Mustafa for his efforts before Faarooq whips him with the leather straps.

Jerry "The King" Lawler guests on commentary for the next match after accompanying Brian Christopher to the ring. Lawler refuses to admit that Brian Christopher is his son, simply saying that Christopher is a great athlete.

Brian Christopher beats Scott Taylor in a Light Heavyweight Division match.

Paul Bearer tells Vince McMahon not to read into his "Remember the fire" statement to The Undertaker from earlier tonight, saying that everything is okay.

The Nation of Domination (Faarooq and Kama Mustafa) beat The Undertaker and Vader to continue to the next round of the tag team tournament after 'Taker punches Vader from the apron. During the match, The Disciples of Apocalypse show up and attack The Nation of Domination, but are cleared out during the break when The Undertaker also fights the D.O.A. off. After the match, Paul Bearer confronts 'Taker, but "Taker waves him off. Vader fights The Undertaker, but falls victim to a Tombstone Piledriver. Bearer runs away, and 'Taker is about to leave when Bearer tells him to turn around. He threatens to tell 'Taker's secret next week, and 'Taker answers with a throat slash gesture before heading to the back.

Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for June 21, 1997

Jim Ross reminds everyone that the new "'Cause Stone Cold Said So" VHS video starring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is for mature audiences only.

Before the next match, Ahmed Johnson tells Brian Pillman to tell The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) that they are out of here, and if he sees him or any of them again, he will get rid of them.

The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, Kama Mustafa, Ahmed Johnson) beat Jeff Libolt, Mike Bell and Tony DeVito.

Vince McMahon interviews The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). Animal says they don't need a third member on their team, but they trusted Ahmed Johnson. He feels Ahmed stabbed not only them in the back, but also the fans and the WWF. He says he has heard Brian Pillman talk about how popular The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) will be at In Your House, but they are products of the United States of America, and they have their integrity. He says there are some Canadians who will not buy The Foundation's crap, and that their team will fight to victory. Hawk gives a good old hello in Godwinn form, which he does by squealing like a pig. He also says that they will have a match against The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn), and says that's just fine with them, for when they are done with The Godwinns, they will be like "Uncle Joe moving mighty slow at the junction." Suddenly, The Godwinns show up, and both of them are only wearing overalls and shoes. Henry says they are happy they are together. He tells Vince to keep his mouth shut, and that he has been here for three years "doing the right thing for Vince McMahon." He also says it is almost a good thing that Hawk broke his neck, for now he remembers where he comes from. Hawk tells him that the first time they broke his neck, it was an accident, but next time, it will be on purpose. He also tells Hawk to remember how he squealed like a pig earlier, because he will be doing it again. Hawk says every man has a dream, but this will be Henry and Phineas' nightmare. Henry says this is not about a ten-man tag team match or tag team titles; this is personal. Hawk says The Legion of Doom is from the city and The Godwinns are from the country, and he has no problem with anybody in the country but him, and city slickers rule in this case. Henry says they have a problem with the Godwinns, and they will take care of it Monday night. Hawk tells Henry to remember to take a shower before their match. Henry then says The Godwinns will do things their way like he did when he first showed up in the WWF, then tells The Legion of Doom they will see them Monday. Hawk says there are winners in the world, and there are losers.

The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) beat Salvatore Sincere and Ed Ramos.

The newest issue of Raw Magazine is available now and has a spread of Sunny as well as pictures of Sunny with Brian Pillman.

Mankind beats Rockabilly with the Mandible Claw. During the match, it is announced that Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon will be out of action after suffering injuries from a car accident from Montreal, Quebec, Canada to Ottawa City, Ottawa, Canada.

Brian Christopher beats Tommy Rogers in a Light Heavyweight Division match after pulling the rights following a top rope cross body.

Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for June 16, 1997

The New World Order arrive in the arena in a limousine, with Dennis Rodman in tow, and make their way to the ring. After Bischoff makes a big deal of having two world champions in the ring in the form of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman, Hogan says the nWo-ites feel the same way about The Giant and Lex Luger as they do about Utah, and with Rodman as his tag team partner, he is guaranteed victory. He says The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) got him on his toes and Syxx can do it all night long, and they got it done for the nWo last night, and tonight, he and Rodman will flush The Giant and Lex Luger out tonight, and if Luger and The Giant show up tonight, he'll let Rodman beat both them up at the same time. Bischoff says the whole world knows that Rodman is a man of few words, but he knows Rodman has something to say about Luger and The Giant. Rodman says The Giant may be bigger than him, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall, and asks where Luger and The Giant are. Hulk says Giant and The Luger can show up anytime they want tonight, and says Rodman can body slam The Giant for him while he takes care of Luger.

Glacier beats Mortis. Wrath gets in the ring after the match, and he and Glacier immediately start fighting. James Vandenberg gets in the ring with a pair of handcuffs, but Ernest Miller jumps the guardrail again and fights off Mortis, evening the numbers game. Doug Dellinger and WCW security keep Mortis and Wrath from getting back in the ring.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews a devastated Madusa. Madusa says she is a woman of her word, and last night was the end of her career. She thanks the fans and her friends and family for all the support and making her who she is today, and in her heart, she will always be a wrestler.

Before the next match, Dean Malenko challenges Eddie Guerrero to get in the ring and face him like a man after the events of last night.

Dean Malenko beats Chavo Guerrero, Jr. with the Texas Cloverleaf. Eddie Guerrero shows up to watch the closing moments of the match form the entrance ramp, and it is evident that Guerrero's demeanor has changed as he slowly backs his way backstage while Malenko goes after him.

This Saturday on WCW Saturday Night: Chris Jericho! Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray)! Lex Luger! The Giant!

Earlier tonight, Internet Insiders premiered, with "Mean" Gene Okerlund and Mark Madden interviewing "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. The replay is available on wcwwrestling.com.

Super Calo beats La Parka. La Parka attacks Super Calo after the match and smashes a hard plastic chair over his head.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Lex Luger and The Giant. Luger mocks the confidence of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman, and says Hogan wasn't so cool when he made him submit to the Torture Rack last week. The Giant tells Rodman and Hogan he's got the guts, the guns and the choke slam, and dares them to come and get it. Luger says that if Hogan and Rodman think they're pushovers, they can get it on tonight.

The Amazing French Canadians (Jacques Rougeau and Carl Ouellet) sucker punch Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) from behind as they sing the Canadian national anthem before the next match.

Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) beat The Amazing French Canadians (Jaxques Rougeau and Carl Ouellet) as Rougeau's attempt to get the win by using one of Col. Robert Parker's boots as a weapon fails. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews WCW Executive Committee head J.J. Dillon after the match, and after the match of Lex Luger and The Giant vs. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman is official for tonight, it is announced that The New World Order and The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) are manipulating the rankings in the tag team division in order to pick opponents. Harlem Heat are not happy about this announcement, as a rematch between Harlem Heat and The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiners) to declare a new #1 contender is announced for next week. Vincent shows up, saying The New World Order simply gave them an opportunity last week, and Harlem Heat give Vincent the beating of his life after saying they'll beat The New World Order.

Pyrotechnics signify the start of the second hour.

Syxx retains the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Rey Mysterio, Jr. with the Buzzkiller after Rey fights off The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall). Kevin Nash hits Rey with a Jackknife Power Bomb after the match, then says Rey found out just like "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper that The Wolfpac (Nash, Hall, Syxx) are the strongest beasts in the jungle, and that last night they divided the herd after Piper made the kill much sweeter by putting up a fight. Hall dismisses the iconic status of Flair and Piper, and says "Macho Man" Randy Savage is the real icon as The Wolfpack introduces him to the ring. Savage appears along with Miss Elizabeth, and Hall declares that Chicago, Illinois is nWo territory. Savage brags about his victory against Diamond Dallas Page, and pays homage to the rest of the nWo. Hall says he had to leave the arena early last night, but says he heard it was one of Savage's most stellar performances. Savage goes on to say he was on the top of his game, then Diamond Dallas Page is seen in the nosebleed section with Kimberly. Page says Savage proved last night that he couldn't get the job done himself, as he needed "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan to take him out twice and is now tag teaming with Scott Hall. Page says nobody knows Hall better than him, and that he got on the phone and made a few calls to some key players. Page now has a tag team partner, and says everyone knows who he is. Page then challenges The Outsiders to a tag team match at Bash at the Beach.

Before the next match, Sonny Onoo tries to make an offer for Chris Jericho, but Jericho pushes Onoo backwards by his face.

The Ultimate Dragon beats Chris Jericho.

Lee Marshall calls from Macon, Georgia - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Piper says Dennis Rodman cannot borrow his kilt tonight, and neither can the people that are booing. Piper mentions "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair deserting him in last night's main event, and doesn't believe that Flair left him to the wolves. He wants to hear what happened from Flair himself, and calls Flair out. Flair shows up and tells Piper he is his friend for life, and that he will never leave him. He tells Piper he had the fight of his life with Syxx as he tells Piper that he'll stand by him forever. Piper and Flair then head to the back.

Scott Norton and Buff Bagwell beat Jeff Jarrett and Steve "Mongo" McMichael after Mongo hits Jarrett with a Tombstone Piledriver in response to Jarrett accidentally hitting him with the steel Halliburton briefcase last night.

Before the next match, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan says The Giant and Lex Luger are nothing but talk, and Dennis Rodman says he's ready. After the commercial break, Rodman decides he and Hogan might as well leave after The Giant and Lex Luger have failed to appear after two minutes. As they leave, however, Lex Luger and The Giant show up. Hogan hits Luger with a kick to the groin, then keeps The Giant from choke slamming Rodman. Rodman nails The Giant in the back with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, and Hogan does the same to Luger as The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx) join in. Hogan and Rodman spray paint "nWo" on the backs of Luger and THe Giant with black spray paint as "Macho Man" Randy Savage gets in the ring as the rest of the nWo celebrate.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 16, 1997

It is announced that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels has suffered another injury to his surgically repaired knee and will be out for at least four to six weeks. As a result, there will be a tag team tournament where the winning team will face "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and a partner of his choosing for the WWF Tag Team Championships.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin makes his way to the ring. He tells Vince McMahon he doesn't care about the tournament, saying he doesn't need "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels as the WWF stuck him with Shawn...or anyone, for that matter. Mankind appears on the TitanTron, saying that he felt a bond between the two of them when Austin flipped him off last night and that they could set the tag team division on fire. Austin isn't interested, but Mankind says that like Shawn, he has long hair, can wear one earring and can shake his ass as he has a nice ass. He gives Austin some time to think about it, and disappears from the TitanTron. Austin then tells Brian Pillman will get his ass whipped and join his friends in the sewer system when he gets flushed down the commode. As Vince McMahon says that rest of The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) will be cuffed to each ring post, "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock shows up and tells Austin he only showed up to fight off the Foundation because he doesn't like bullies, and says that Austin is no less of a bully than the Foundation. He hasn't forgotten last week, and he will make him pay as he challenges him to a match right now. Austin accepts without any hesitation.

'Cause Stone Cold Said So is now available on VHS! Just $19.99 plus $6 shipping and handling!

Brian Pillman finds it ludicrous that The Hart Foundation is being cuffed to the ring, as they made a mistake in not cuffing him, the convicted felon with the rap sheet. He tells "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock he has nothing to worry about, as Austin is going down tonight.

Owen Hart and The British Bulldog beat The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) to continue to the next round of the tag team tournament.

Paul Bearer says that both The Undertaker and Ahmed Johnson will do what he says if they know what's best for them tonight.

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock says "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will pay for the Stone Cold Stunner he gave him last week, and that he will make him pay tonight.

Before the next match, Phineas I. Godwinn tries to impress Chyna, and Chyna manhandles the backstage worker who takes Hunter Hearst Helmsley's jacket to the back.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Phineas I. Godwinn after Phineas I. Godwinn kisses Chyna. Henry O. Godwinn shows up as Helmsley and Chyna leaves and confronts Phineas for his actions. He then points at Vince McMahon, screaming "This is your fault, McMahon!"

Faarooq insists that two bigger, better, badder and blacker members will join the new Nation of Domination tonight.

Sunny is guest ring announcer for the next match, while Paul E. Dangerously of Extreme Championship Wrestling guests on commentary as it is an inter-promotional match.

USWA's Brian Christopher vs. ECW's Chris Candido ends in a no-contest. During the match, Paul E. Dangerously acknowledges that Chris Candido used to be in the WWF (though does not exactly say that Chris Candido used to be Skip of the Bodydonnas) and that Brian Christopher is the son of Jerry "The King" Lawler as he says that Christopher's own father never gave him a chance in professional wrestling. Suddenly, Lawler shows up with Rob Van Dam, slaps Paul E. Dangerously and tosses Chris Candido off the top turnbuckle. As Christopher, Lawler and RVD stomp on Candido, "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer rushes in with a steel chair. Dreamer flashes a ticket to the event afterwards.

Backstage, Ahmed Johnson says he thought about what Paul Bearer said last week, and tells Paul Bearer and The Undertaker that he hopes they can do it the easy way tonight.

We see footage from Saturday night's live event at the Toronto Skydome, where Bret "The Hit Man" Hart praises Canada, saying it is the best country on the planet as he and fellow Hart Foundation cohorts Owen Hart and The British Bulldog are treated like national heroes.

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart says he doesn't like being treated like a common criminal or being handcuffed to a ring post, and that he doesn't what Goldust likes or doesn't like. He tells Goldust that if he thinks the Foundation are criminals, he'll show him that crime pays.

Goldust beats Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. During the match, The British Bulldog stalks Marlena, and grabs Marlena by the wrist when she tries to slap him. As the referee is distracted by Marlena, Neidhart and Bulldog attack Goldust, but it's not enough.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin says he has Brian Pillman and The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) where he wants them and will run through them, then he will rock the world of "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock.

The intro to the show replays to signify the start of War Zone.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Brian Pillman ends in a no-contest. During the match, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin hits the referee with a Stone Cold Stunner, and Pillman takes advantage of the situation by hitting Austin with a foreign object. As another referee checks on the downed referee, Owen Hart takes the key from the downed referee and uses it to unlock the handcuffs, first his own and then those of The British Bulldog and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. All four members of The Hart Foundation attack Austin, and Mankind, Goldust and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock rush in to make the save. After the Foundation retreats, Austin and Shamrock get it on, and Shamrock hits Austin with a belly-to-belly suplex before the two of them brawl. The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) run into the ring to separate both men. Goldust gets a microphone and tells everyone to stop the brawling, telling Austin and everyone that this is what the Foundation want. Goldust says the Foundation have laid down a challenge, and says all five of them will come to Calgary and whip their asses just like Stone Cold said so. Stone Cold relents for once and says this is a one-time thing and that after In Your House: Canadian Stampede, they're not going to be friends and it's going to be business as usual.

The Hart Foundation know who their five opponents are, and plan to treat them like the American scum that they are. They are equal opportunity destroyers, and the battle lines have been drawn in blood.

Sable is guest ring announcer for the next match.

Tommy Rogers beats Bobby Fulton, his long-time tag team partner in The Fantastics, after Fulton thinks he has won when the referee has caught him using the ropes for leverage. The match is the very first one to be part of what is called the Light Heavyweight Division, where all the competitors are 215 lbs. or less. After the match, "Wildman" Marc Mero shows up and walks Sable to the back.

The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) beat "Mr. Monday Night" Rob Van Dam and Jerry "The King" Lawler to continue to the next round of the tag team title tournament. Paul E. Dangerously and "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer are seen in the front row during the match, but it is The Sandman who shows up and rams a kendo stick into Lawler's crotch as the referee is distracted. RVD, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer all fight each other in the front row after the match, and Paul E. has to hold The Sandman back.

Ahmed Johnson and The Undertaker are ready for their match against the new Nation of Domination tonight. When Paul Bearer says that he is the leader of the team, Ahmed tells Paul that he respects and fears The Undertaker, and that Bearer is nothing to him. Ahmed then tells 'Taker that if he is going to listening to Bearer tonight, they're going to have a problem.

Faarooq reveals the first of two new members of the new Nation of Domination: Kama Mustafa, who attacks The Undertaker from behind before the start of the match. This marks the return of Kama, who hasn't been seen since the 1996 Royal Rumble match.

The Nation of Domination (Faarooq and Kama Mustafa) as Ahmed Johnson confronts Paul Bearer at ringside, leaving The Undertaker unable to make a tag. After the match, Ahmed hits The Undertaker with the Pearl River Plunge, then walks up the entrance ramp and raises his fist in the Black power salute, revealing himself to be the second man.

The Great American Bash 1997 - The Results

Mike Tenay guests on commentary for the next match.

The Ultimate Dragon beats Psychosis in a special Respect Match with the Dragon Sleeper after Sonny Onoo - who now manages Psychosis - accidentally kicks Psychosis from the ring apron. Onoo tries to stop the Dragon Sleeper, but to no avail. The Ultimate Dragon almost gets his hands on Onoo after the match.

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit chats with fans at www.wcwwrestling.com. While answering a fan question, Benoit says he wants to beat The Dungeon of Doom on his own and that he hopes that his match tonight is man against man and not man against The Dungeon.

Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) beat The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) by disqualification to become the #1 contenders for the WCW World Tag Team Championships after Vincent of the New World Order shows up and hits Scott Steiner with an elbow drop in full view of the referee. The Steiners lay Vincent out after the match, and Rick places Vincent's nWo shirt back on him and spits on it before stomping on him again.

Konnan beats Hugh Morrus with the Tequila Sunrise after Konnan knocks Morrus off the top rope, causing Morrus to hit the turnbuckle bolt face first, knocking him out.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund plugs the WCW Hotline with news that a man having problems with his current organization may be showing up at Nitro, and says that his name can only be mentioned on the hotline. He then interviews Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and "Flyboy" Rocco Rock), who show up with a table that the three of them sit on. Rocco is excited to be here tonight, and he and Johnny say they should be #1 contenders for the tag team titles and that they've been overlooked, and that they're not afraid of any of the other tag teams in the company. They then interact with the fans from within the crowd before leaving.

Glacier beats Wrath when Mortis - who is handcuffed to a ring post as per new stipulations announced on WCW Saturday Night - tosses a chain to Wrath only to miss, leading to Glacier grabbing it instead and wrapping it around his fist as a weapon. Mortis is freed from the handcuffs by James Vandenberg - who has taken the key from referee Nick Patrick - after the match, and the cuffs are now applied to Glacier as Mortis and Wrath go after him. Referee Nick Patrick tries to stop Mortis and Wrath from attacking Glacier, but they go after him anyway, and other referees have to rush in to stop it.

Lee Marshall guests on commentary for the next match.

Akira Hokuto retains the WCW Women's Championship against Madusa after injuring Madusa's left knee in a Title vs. Career match. As per pre-match stipulation, Madusa is forced to retire as a result of losing the match. "Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Madusa as she is being helped to the back, but she is too sad and too much in pain for words, and the crowd chants "Leave her alone!" and "U-S-A!" (After this match, Akira Hokuto never appears in WCW again, and the WCW Women's Championship is never mentioned again. The title would be deactivated later in the year.)

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit beats Meng in a Return Death Match with the Crippler Crossface. It is announced as the first time that Meng has ever been beaten by submission, and that he lost consciousness instead of giving up. Medical staff have to tend to both men after the match, and both men have to stretchered to the back. "Mean" Gene Okerlund is about to speak when Meng accidentally falls off the gurney.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund plugs the WCW Hotline again.

Bash at the Beach is coming live to pay-per-view on Sunday, July 13th!

Kevin Greene beats Steve "Mongo" McMichael when Jeff Jarrett shows up with the steel Halliburton briefcase to hit Greene only to accidentally hit Mongo instead when Greene pulls Mongo towards him. During the match, Kevin Greene's mom - who is watching with Greene's family in the front row - whacks Mongo in the side of the head with her handbag. Greene cheks on his mom almost immediately after this happens.

Madusa's injured right knee is tended to backstage.

The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) retain the WCW World Tag Team Championships against "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper after Flair and Syxx fight they way to the back after Syxx interferes in the match, leaving Piper on his own.

Before the next match, Diamond Dallas Page comes out through the crowd and attacks "Macho Man" Randy Savage from behind.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage beats Diamond Dallas Page in a non-sanctioned "lights out" match. During the match, referee Mickey Jay is taken down by Savage with a piledriver, and Savage also tosses referee Mark Curtis out of the ring. Nick Patrick rushes in as Savage is about to attack Kimberly, and referees the match until Savage punches him out for stopping him from piledriving Page through cement before attacking a cameraman. Nick Patrick is attacked again by Scott Hall when he counts a Page pinfall attempt, but Page takes Hall down. Savage hits Page in the back of the head with Hall's tag team championship belt, allowing Hall to hit Page with The Outsider's Edge. After a top rope elbow drop from Savage, Hall drags Nick Patrick to the center of the ring to count the pinfall.

Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for June 14, 1997

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart beats "Double J" Jesse James. During the match, Brian Pillman shows up late, throwing Jesse James into the ring before heading to the commentary table. He also tosses water into Jesse James' face during the match, and does it again after the match before tossing the bottle at referee Tim White.

Vince McMahon interviews Ahmed Johnson. Ahmed says he loves The Undertaker just as much as the fans do, but all he wants from The Undertaker is to wake up and come back to reality in regards to Paul Bearer. As far as the new Nation of Domination goes, he used to run with a gang, and if they want a gang fight, he is the man they can take it to. If The Undertaker comes out as himself, that is fine, but if he wants to listen to Paul Bearer, he will do whatever he has to do for his people, and if that means hitting The Undertaker with the Pearl River Plunge, he will do that. The Undertaker shows up with Paul Bearer. Paul Bearer tells Ahmed to listen to him, as this Monday, he will be in the same boat as The Undertaker and he will do what he tells him to do. He also tells The Undertaker they can do this the easy way or the hard way. Ahmed tells The Undertaker he loves and respects him like a brother, and that he has always been the man and there is nobody like him, but as a brother, if he crosses him, he will stomp his ass. As for Paul Bearer, he is using The Undertaker like a slave, and he will break Paul Bearer's slave mentality on The Undertaker any way he can as he does not play around. Paul Bearer commands The Undertaker to leave the ring with him, but Ahmed begs him not to do it. Ahmed and 'Taker shake hands, then The Undertaker leaves.

We see footage from last weekend at the ECW Arena where Jerry "The King" Lawler and "Mr. Monday Night" Rob Van Dam fought the ECW locker room prior to Paul E. Dangerously's revenge last Monday night.

Jerry "The King" Lawler and "Mr. Monday Night" Rob Van Dam vs. The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) after "The Innovator of Violence" ends when Tommy Dreamer gets into the ring and goes after Rob Van Dam. Paul E. Dangerously is seen at ringside directing traffic, but referees and officials get in the ring and keep everyone away from Dreamer.

Henry O. Godwinn beats Salvatore Sincere in his first match back from his neck injury. Compared to Phineas I. Godwinn, Henry O. Godwinn is not as jovial when he makes his way to the ring, and his wrestling style is more aggressive. After the match, Henry O. Godwinn absolutely refuses to dance with Phineas, and makes it known to him.

Scott Taylor beats Steve Ramsey.

Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for June 9, 1997

Diamond Dallas Page attacks a limousine as Miss Elizabeth and "Macho Man" Randy Savage arrive, and kicks the window in. Miss Elizabeth closes the door - both figuratively and literally - on Page's chances of getting his hands on Savage, and the limo driver is able to drive away with Savage still in the back seat.

The Ultimate Dragon, Super Calo and Juventud Guerrera beat Psychosis, La Parka and the debuting Silver King with a Dragon Sleeper on Psychosis. La Parka attacks Super Calo with a wooden chair after the match.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Lex Luger. Luger says that he has heard nothing from "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman as of last week. He has talked to The Giant, who is in Germany for an upcoming tour, and they have signed the contract for the tag match between them and the team of Hogan and Rodman at Bash at the Beach on July 13th, as have Hogan and Rodman. He then tells Hogan that J.J. Dillon and the WCW Executive Committee have announced that Hogan has not defended the WCW World Heavyweight Championship since February, and that tonight, Hogan will be wrestling him in the ring.

We see footage from earlier today when Mike Tenay interviewed "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Rowdy' Roddy Piper, who will be facing The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) tonight and not Bash at the Beach. Piper is ready for this, as is Flair, who says that The Wolfpack (Hall, Nash, Syxx) has had its way for long enough and that tonight, they'll think Bobby Orr and Larry Bird are walking the aisle tonight.

Alex Wright reverses a top rope cross body and puts his feet on the rope - and over the referee - for leverage to beat Chris Jericho.

This Saturday on WCW Saturday Night: "The Crippler" Chris Benoit! Glacier! Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Flyboy "Rocco" Rock)! Dean Malenko! Diamond Dallas Page!

Akira Hokuto beats Malia Hosaka. It is announced at the end of the match that the match between "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Lex Luger is official. After the match, Hokuto body slams Hosaka, then Madusa runs in and gets her hands on Hokuto, hitting three German suplexes before Hokuto and Sonny Onoo run for the hills.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner). Rick is tired of having to prove themselves as the best tag team today. As Scott says they'll take on any tag team in WCW, Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) and Sister Sherri show up, proclaiming they are seven-time tag champs and deserve the shot at the tag titles. Rick says their seven reigns don't mean a thing and that they can go at it tonight...which they do right in the middle of the aisle. Referees stop the brawl as The Steiners get the upper hand.

Kevin Greene attacks Steve "Mongo" McMichael before Mongo's match with Konnan. Referees and security have to stop the brawl. As the cameras are focused on Greene and Mongo, it is revealed that Konnan is down and out in the ring, haven been attacked by a broom that now lays broken in the ring, and it is implied that Hugh Morrus is the attacker. The match ends in a no contest as the match never started.

"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff speak before the next match. Bischoff tells J.J. Dillon and the WCW Executive Committee "bite me," saying there is nobody who can force Hogan into the ring until he's ready. Hogan says hello to "all the nWo-ites out there," and says that if Luger wants a shot at him, he'd better start working out as he is not in enough shape to beat him, will never beat him in this lifetime or the next, and that he only wrestles or defends the WCW World Heavyweight Championship when he feels like it. He refuses to give them a match where he easily outclasses his opponent, then says the match isn't happening before he "gives 'em a piece of Hollywood" and poses for the crowd. Luger walks out with referee Randy Anderson behind him, then waits behind Hogan and Bischoff. Bischoff says there is no match, as does Hogan, who tells Luger he couldn't beat him in the ring in this lifetime and tells him to get out of the ring before he destroys him. Bischoff calls Luger and Sting "Hollywood wanna-bes" and says Luger wishes he was half the man Hogan was. Luger shoves Bischoff, then the match immediately begins. The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx) rush in soon after the bell rings, and Hogan gets back in the ring when they tell him they have his back.

Lex Luger beats "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan with the Torture Rack after he fights off The Wolfpack (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx). The Wolfpack assault Luger after the match and also attack referee Randy Anderson, then Hulk Hogan hits the signature atomic leg drop right as the pyrotechnics go off to signify the start of the second hour. Hogan repeatedly hits Luger with leg drops before Hogan and The Wolfpack celebrate. Two referees have to help Luger to the back afterwards, then Hogan and Bischoff lay down in the ring and make fun of Luger. Hogan says Dennis Rodman was watching tonight, and says he'll make it up to him after beating only Luger tonight.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews WCW Executive Committee head J.J. Dillon. He plans to hold "Macho Man" Randy Savage accountable for his actions last week by means of a $50,000 fine. Savage will not, however, be suspended, and the match between Savage and Diamond Dallas Page at The Great American Bash will take place, and it will be an unsanctioned "lights out" match with no disqualifications, no count-outs and falls counting anywhere. Savage is in the crowd with Miss Elizabeth, and says he'll put his hands on Dillon again. Diamond Dallas Page shows up and tells Savage they can face each other right now. Savage tells Page he just made the dumbest move that he has ever made, and makes his way down to the ring through the fans. Security has to break both men apart as they go at it at ringside.

Lee Marshall calls from Chicago, Illinois - the site of next week's Nitro - for the 1-800-COLLECT Road Report.

Jeff Jarrett beats Dean Malenko with the Figure Four Leg Lock after Eddie Guerrero - who takes off his arm sling to reveal that he is no longer injured - hits Malenko with the frog splash from the top rope as Debra McMichael distracts the referee to win the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Jimmy Hart, who is joined by The Faces of Fear (Meng and The Barbarian). He tells "The Crippler" Chris Benoit to be careful what he wishes for, as it might come true. He then introduces Benoit's final step: The Taskmaster, who has returned along with Miss Jacqueline. The Taskmaster says he is finally home at last and is still alive. He says it's been a long time since he crossed the river and made it in the wrestling business, and he thanks the fans that are home with him. He knows that Benoit has taken on Meng, whom he calls "the baddest man on the planet", and tells Benoit he knows that he is in the building and tells him he's not taking his hometown from him. Benoit shows up and he and The Taskmaster immediately start punching each other. It isn't long before the rest of the Dungeon of Doom attack Benoit.

"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) ends after Syxx gets involved. The rest of The Four Horsemen (Jeff Jarrett, "The Crippler" Chris Benoit, Steve "Mongo" McMichael) show up to assist Flair, then The New World Order rushes into the ring to even the odds. Kevin Greene shows up and fights off the nWo at first, but eventually ends up in a brawl with Mongo. Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) show up, but they are quickly attacked by The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) in the aisle and at the commentary table. Glacier rushes in, too, but he has to tend with Mortis and Wrath in the aisle. Juventud Guerrera, La Parka, Silver King and Super Calo fight each other in the aisle, and The Taskmaster and The Faces of Fear (Meng and The Barbarian) show up to attack Benoit. "Macho Man" Randy Savage arrives to attack Flair, but Diamond Dallas Page goes after Savage only to be attacked by The Outsiders. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan shows up and hits Page and Flair with the World Heavyweight Championship before helping Savage. The show ends with Sting rappelling down to the ring, baseball bat in hand to keep The New World Order at bay. Nash is the first to get out of the ring and the first to be smacked with the bat, with Scott Norton to follow. Sting then rescues Page by tethering him to the cord that rappeled him down to ringside and making his way back up to the rafters, taking Page with him.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 9, 1997

Before the next match, it is noticed during The Nation of Domination's entrance that Crush and Savio Vega are reluctant to do the Black power salute that is customary of their entrance.

Ahmed Johnson and The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) beat The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, Crush, Savio Vega) after extreme miscommunication between Faarooq, Crush and Vega that leads to Crush and Vega walking out on Faarooq.

The King of the Ring encore is tomorrow night on pay-per-view at 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central.

Vince McMahon interviews Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Chyna in the ring. Helmsley says he should have been King of the Ring a year ago, but because of Vince and his politics, he never got a shot, and what he did last night was him taking his career out of Vince's hands and into his own because he couldn't get the job done, and nobody in the WWF is ever going to stand in his way again. He deems the ring to be his house and his backyard, and says the door is wide open for any WWF Superstar that wants to step in with him. Mankind is then heard on the TitanTron, wanting admission to his house of pain as well as a rematch. Helmsley says he enjoyed every minute of what he did to Mankind last night, as every time Mankind got back up, it meant there was more he could do with him. He then consults with Chyna, who tells Mankind to come into the ring and kiss her ass. Mankind says it's Chyna's lucky day, because he's a good kisser. It doesn't take long for Mankind to make his way to the ring only for Helmsley to attack him with his crown just like he did last night. Helmsley and Chyna then leave the ring, but Mankind takes the crown and puts it on.

Sunny models the "Raw Is War" T-Shirt, only $25 plus $6 shipping and handling.

We see The British Bulldog's road to the WWF European Championship, which features live event match footage against Mankind and Vader from the tournament.

Goldust almost beats The British Bulldog for the WWF European Championship, but the referee realizes that Bulldog had his foot on the bottom rope during the pinfall and the match continues. Goldust and The British Bulldog then wrestle to a double count-out, and when Bulldog continues to attack Goldust, he is smacked by Marlena not once, but twice. Bulldog grabs a steel chair and pushes the referee away when he tries to stop him. Bulldog is about to swing the chair when Ken Shamrock shows up and takes Bulldog down. Bulldog decides to retreat instead of take on Shamrock.

"Your SummerSlam Million Dollar Chance" is brought to you by Discovery Zone! Stay tuned to find out how to win a million dollars! It pays to watch Raw!

Dok Hendric is backstage behind The Nation of Domination's locker room. The door is locked, but there is loud arguing behind the door. Faarooq comes out and tells Hendrix that he's got something to say and that he is heading to the ring to say it now. Hendrix enters the Nation's locker room. Crush tells him to leave, but Savio Vega says he gave Faarooq he gave him the back of his own people. Crush tells Hendrix not to come in unless he is invited, and says The Nation is doing just fine before he tells him to get out before he knocks his teeth down his throat. Jim Ross then interviews Faarooq in the ring. Faarooq says he recruited people who would watch his back at all costs, only to be stabbed in the back. Faarooq fires Savio Vega and Crush. He then tells everyone with him in a tuxedo to leave, then tells D'Lo Brown to hold the ropes open for Clarence Mason, whom he also fires. Faarooq says that from this day forward, there will be a new Nation formed under Faarooq that is more powerful and more loyal than before. He then wants the two people in WWF he hates most - The Undertaker and Ahmed Johnson - to be the first two victims of the "New Nation," and challenges them to a match next week on Raw.

"The Wildman" Marc Mero is backstage, and so is Sable...

"The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Paul E. Dangerously of Extreme Championship Wrestling show up in the crowd to watch the next match from the front row.

The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) beat Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon.

Jerry "the King" Lawler is backstage with Rob Van Dam, who is somehow on Raw despite Paul E. Dangerously doing all he can to keep him off the show. If Paul E. Dangerously and "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer interfere, there will be hell to pay.

The intro to the show is replayed to signify the start of the second hour. At this point, the graphics for "War Zone" are shown and is treated as its own section proper.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed in the ring by Vince McMahon. Austin says he's proud of giving Brian Pillman a swirly, and says that he's only sorry that the toilet wasn't full of "certain contents." As for tonight, Pillman is getting his ass kicked up and down the ring and hit with the Stone Cold Stunner when Austin sees fit before Austin drags him to the back and finishes him off. When asked about Bret "The Hit Man" Hart's challenge for In Your House: Canadian Stampede, he volunteers for the match, and says he'll stampede The Hart Foundation regardless of whether or not he has four guys with him. He then tells WWF President Gorilla Monsoon he'll beat his fat ass like he did Bret's if he gets in his way, and says he'll beat up the whole Hart family if he has to.

Vince McMahon and Jim Ross read some fan comments about King of the Ring from America On-Line.

Paul E. Dangerously and WWF officials have to keep "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer from swinging a steel chair at Jerry "The King" Lawler and Rob Van Dam before the next match.

We see the promo for SummerSlam 1996, which won a Promax Award this year.

We see footage from last Saturday night at ECW Arena, where Jerry "The King" Lawler was in action. Jerry "The King" Lawler guests on commentary for the next match, his voice hoarse from the effects of Mankind's Mandible Claw from last night.

"Mr. Monday Night" Rob Van Dam beats Flash Funk. Paul E. Dangerously and "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer jump the guardrail and go after RVD and Jerry "The King" Lawler after the match, and officials have to keep all four men apart.

The next issue of Raw Magazine will be available next Tuesday!

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock guests on commentary for the next match. It is also announced that Paul E. Dangerously and "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer are no longer in the building following the brawl from earlier.

Sycho Sid beats Owen Hart after "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock gets off commentary and keeps Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart from further interfering in the match.

Sunny models the "Raw Is War" T-Shirt, only $25 plus $6 shipping and handling. "The Wildman" Marc Mero then calls her backstage.

Jim Ross tells the audience that he has interviewed wrestlers for over 20 years, but after this recent one, he never felt so helpless and wishes that he did not take the assignment. We then see the final part of the interview with Mankind. Mankind says Cactus Jack would have set the WWF on its ear if he showed up, and wonders why Vince McMahon did not take him when he was good and when he was good. He states that this is where the Mandible Claw, its power tempered in mercy, comes from. He wonders why "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels looks like he does and why he himself looks like he does, and wonders why his boyhood dream coming true has never come true. He wishes Shawn and the other WWF Superstars nothing but personal trauma and tragedy in their personal and professional lives, wanting the suffering to be on the other side as well as be the cause of it, as he considers it a nice day. When asked if diagnosed with any mental disorders, Mankind says he doesn't believe in doctors and that if there was something wrong with his mind, he'd be the first one to know. Jim Ross then asks if he thinks it's time to look in the mirror and accepted personal responsibility for who he is, Mankind tells Jim Ross to end the interview, saying that he has the power to tell the truth about him but neglects to do it. Mankind asks JR what it is about pain that he loves, saying it hurts, especially when he can't play with his son or when a doctor injects a needle into his spine so he can wrestle one more day. He says Jim Ross has misled people by saying that he is having the time of his life when he is in pain, and inflicts the Mandible Claw on him. After the interview has aired, Jim Ross takes personal responsibility for "pushing some buttons" and asking some personal questions of Mankind.

After several months, the former Smoking Gunns finally have their rematch as Rockabilly beats his brother Bart Gunn.

The WWF Canadian Collision is coming to Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) attack a cameraman backstage.

The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) attack "Stone Cold" Steve Austin during his ring entrance, and his tag team title belt is used against him as a weapon. Mankind shows up out of nowhere and fights Pillman in the ring. Mankind takes Austin's place, and as Austin is helped to and tended to in the back, Mankind vs. Brian Pillman becomes an official, albeit impromptu, match. It is then announced that Bret "The Hit Man" Hart and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels have both been tossed out of the building after an "unprofessional display of conduct."

Mankind beats Brian Pillman by disqualification when Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart show up and attack Mankind. A hurt "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up, as does "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock, to even the numbers game. WWF officials keep The Hart Foundation (Owen, Bulldog, Neidhart, Pillman) from Austin then hits Shamrock with a Stone Cold Stunner.

King of the Ring 1997 - The Results

The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) beat "Double J" Jesse James and Bart Gunn on the Free For All.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Ahmed Johnson to continue to the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament after Chyna distracts Ahmed. Ahmed chases after Helmsley and Chyna after the match.

Before the next match, Mankind wants to know where Paul Bearer has gone, as he wants "Uncle Paul" to see him win the King of the Ring tournament. He says that his absence will not stop him from becoming King of the Ring. He says there have been cruel kings who have kept their people down and benevolent kings who have brought their people up, and asks the fans they would like him to be. He says Jerry "The King" Lawler can surround himself with royal robes, but as far as he is concerned, the emperor has no clothes. He calls Lawler a pawn in his king, and the only thing he finds more sickening that Lawler running around stark naked is himself running around stark naked. He then channels both Cactus Jack and Dude Love.

Todd Pettengill interviews Jerry "The King" Lawler. Lawler takes the microphone, and says he will take care of some business as he heads to the ring as he shows the fans how a real king really is while making fun of them as well as Mankind.

Mankind beats Jerry "The King" Lawler with the Mandible Claw to continue to the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament.

Todd Pettengill interviews Brian Pillman, who says that while he feels responsible for his match with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels tonight, it was Bret "The Hit Man" Hart who inspired him when he whispered in his here. He's here to give his support for the family and watch Shawn kick Austin's ass so he can get whatever's left. As Pillman says "Seek and you shall find," we see Austin hiding behind Pillman until he finally strikes and gives Pillman a swirly in a nearby bathroom.

Despite the distraction from Clarence Mason and D'Lo Brown surrounding Marlena, Goldust beats Crush.

Dok Hendrix interviews Sycho Sid and The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). Hawk says revenge is a dish best served cold, and the Legion is serving the coldest dish in town. Animal says the Legion is the tightest tag team in the business, and when Animal asks if Sid will be there for the tag, Sid says he is the man and the ruler of the world, and that The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) will have the worst night ever.

Todd Pettengill interviews The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart). Bulldog says that they beat The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) in April and that history will repeat itself. Owen tells The Legion that it takes a lot to beat them, especially when The Legion and Sycho Sid can't trust each other. Neidhart says that if Sid thinks he's crazy, he hasn't seen anything yet.

The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) beats Sycho Sid and The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). During the match, it is announced that Goldust, Marlena and Crush are currently on the WWF Superstar Line.

We look back at "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's King of the Ring victory from last year.

Todd Pettengill interviews Mankind. Mankind may not feel like a million bucks, but he will not go down for anyone, and he can't wait to be king.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Making to become the 1997 King of the Ring. During the match, Chyna distracts the ref and breaks Mankind's Mandible Claw by dragging him out of the ring by his head during the hold. Also, Helmsley removes Mankind's mask, which also came off at an earlier point in the match. Chyna is almost tossed out of the ring, and Helmsley hits a Pedigree on Mankind through the announce table, and as Mankind gets into the ring, Chyna smashes the steel King of the Ring scepter on Mankind's back, shattering it. This leads to Mankind being knocked off the apron and into photographer Tom Buchanan. Even after this, Mankind still kicks out, and Helmsley has to hit another Pedigree to finish the job. Todd Pettengill is bossed around by Helmsley and Chyna to give Helmsley the crown and robe. Helmsley dons the robe, but smashes the crown into the back of Mankind's head as he inches towards him. Even after this, Mankind is still moving, crawling his way to the back as Helmsley and Chyna leave.

The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) show up before the next match. Bret says the time is coming when he is no longer be injured and vulnerable, and that the time is coming for retribution. He says he has surrounded himself with the best that the World Wrestling Federation has to offer and men that he would go into the bowels of Hell with and allow to pump his heart with their blood. On July 6th at In Your House: Canadian Stampede, he will make himself and the rest of the Foundation available, and offers a challenge to any five wrestlers in the WWF who want to cross the border and challenge the Foundation in Bret's own hometown, saying it is payback time. He tells the crowd not to be surprised when scores of wrestlers start suddenly having injuries, as he's coming back on July 6th and payback is coming to the American wrestling fans. Bret then almost guests on commentary for the next match, but the Foundation surrounds the table and give Vince McMahon and Jim Ross a hard time, with Pillman being ever the loose cannon. Officials show up and expel the Foundation from ringside.

Dok Hendrix interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin says "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels knows he is the captain of the tag team champions, but he still plan to give Shawn an ass-whipping. He entertains crippling Shawn, but decides to keep him around so they can keep the tag titles. However, if Shawn forces him to turn up the violence factor, he will change his mind. As Austin heads to the ring, he runs into The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman), who are being held back by scores of officials and referees, and agitates them.

Dok Hendrix interviews "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. He knows The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) want him and Austin to tear each other apart. He doesn't want to do it, but at the same time, he has no choice, especially when he has both Austin and the tag titles to worry about.

At the beginning of the next match, a Special Olympian hops the rails to be next to "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. Shawn tries to help him back to his seat after he is stopped by security, but Austin attacks him from behind. After some time and action between Shawn and Austin, Shawn helps the Special Olympian backstage along with security, and Austin sits on the ropes as if to allow him to get back in the ring.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. "The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels ends in a double disqualification. During the match, Shawn whips Austin into the referee, knocking him down in the corner. Austin tries to get the three count after he hits the Stunner, but hits the Stunner on the ref. A second referee shows up to check on the first ref, but he is hit with a Sweet Chin Music by Shawn. A third referee shows up and disqualifies both men. After the match, Austin tries to hit Shawn with his tag team belt, but Shawn grabs his and almost hits Austin with it. Other referees and officials show up to remove both men from the ring. Austin and Shawn continue to argue outside of the ring.

Todd Pettengill interviews Faarooq. He says that history will be made tonight, and that he will be the first WWF Championship. He tells The Undertaker not to worry about Paul Bearer's blackmail, and instead worry about this Black male.

Dok Hendrix interviews The Undertaker, but Paul Bearer tells Hendrix to stay out of their business and tells The Undertaker that he will do what he says when he says it as long as he holds his secret above 'Taker's head.

The Undertaker retains the WWF Championship against Faarooq. During the match, Crush and Savio Vega start arguing again, distracting Faarooq. After the match, Savio Vega and Crush are choke slammed. Paul Bearer then commands The Undertaker to choke slam Faarooq twice, which he does. Ahmed Johnson then shows up and confronts Bearer and The Undertaker, telling 'Taker not to listen to Bearer and to "get it together." 'Taker fights Ahmed only to fall victim to a Pearl River Plunge. After 'Taker gets up, he confronts Paul Bearer, an he slowly nacks Bearer towards the backstage area.