Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 2, 1997

The Undertaker shows up to start tonight's show. Vince McMahon asks The Undertaker to give an explanation for his actions last week. He says it's simple, but at the same time it's very complicated. He says it's about blackmail, and that he did what he did not to protect himself, but to protect the ones he loves. He admits that it would have been great to break Paul Bearer's neck, but in reality, that would not have solved anything and helped the circumstances that surround him now. When he passes on, he won't be going to Hell as he is living in it right now. Last week, innocent people from his past were on the verge of being unnecessarily hurt, and for that he must reluctantly take the path with Paul Bearer as his manager. He knows that nobody will understand why and that he will face the persecution and ridicule from the creatures of the night, the ones he cares about most. He then tells Bearer that when his world comes to an end and he's sitting in Hell, he'll make a deal with the Devil where Bearer burns in Hell for eternity. Bearer shows up, the face wrap gone and with only two bandages on the side of his face. Bearer says The Undertaker talks too much, and that maybe he should do some talking, too. He calls 'Taker his personal instrument of destruction, and does not want him talking behind his back. He commands him to do what he wants, when he wants it, whether he likes it or not, and they will eventually run down the roster of the WWF, one by one, until Bearer is the ruler of the world. That "ruler of the world" statement attracts Sycho Sid, who hasn't been seen since March due to a lower lumbar injury. Sid tells Bearer he rules nothing, and that he ruled the World Wrestling Federation until he lost the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 13. He saw no reason to procure a rematch with The Undertaker because 'Taker wore the championship with pride, but then he lost respect for him when he reluctantly allied himself with Bearer. He now wants that rematch, and he wants it tonight so he can powerbomb him straight to Hell. 'Taker says he dropped Sid on his head once, and he'll do it again. Suddenly, The Nation of Domination shows up, and Faarooq tells Sid and 'Taker can argue over who rules the world all they want, because next week, he will rule the World Wrestling Federation. He also tells 'Taker that anyone who sells out to black men the way he did doesn't deserve to be champion, and 'Taker goes after The Nation as soon as they leave.

Ahmed Johnson says Faarooq has plans to be the WWF Champion, but he doesn't care about those plans as he is going to take him out tonight.

Faarooq beats Ahmed Johnson after The Undertaker shows up and fights off the rest of The Nation of Domination (Savio Vega, Crush, D'Lo Brown) alongside Ahmed, only for Faarooq to overpower Ahmed. After the match, The Nation try to surround 'Taker, but it doesn't work, and 'Taker chases Faarooq out of the ring. Ahmed confronts 'Taker only to get choke slammed.

Vince McMahon interviews The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) in the ring. On the TitanTron are "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who are in separate areas backstage. Bret, who is on crutches again, says that Austin has took it upon himself repeatedly to jump him, and that tells Shawn that he won't get his dream match as his doctors have told him it is a huge risk to come back, and that he can owe it all to Austin and that both men will have to wait to get their hands on them. Shawn says Hart is making excuses, but says he has Austin to thank for that. He tells Austin he still faults him for costing him his chance of ridding the United States of Bret Hart. Austin doesn't care, saying he tried to take him out for good, and says he isn't done with Bret Hart. Austin says he got the job done, but Shawn tells him he didn't finish the job at all, and dares Shawn to come on over so he can kick his ass. Shawn does just that, argues with Austin, then leaves. Brian Pillman says the Foundation is enjoying the tiff between Shawn and Austin so much, that he is willing to let Shawn take his place at King of the Ring so they can settle their differences, provided he gets a shot at him in short order. Austin tells him he'll kick Shawn's ass at King of the Ring, then kick Pillman's ass the next right on Raw.

Owen Hart retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Bob "Spark Plug" Holly with the Sharpshooter.

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels accepts the match against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at King of the Ring, but he is not doing this as a favor for Brian Pillman and tells Pillman he can have what's left of Austin the night after.

In Episode 4 of "Sunny's Search and Soak Mission," The Headbangers are armed with Super Soaker XXP 175s...but Sunny has a Triple Shot XP 85, much to the disappointment of Jim Cornette and The Honky Tonk Man.

Goldust beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley when Marlena grabs Chyna's leg as Chyna tries to choke Goldust from the apron, only for Helmsley to hit Chyna with a high knee by mistake when Goldust is able to move out of the way. Chyna tosses the referee out of the ring after the match.

It is mentioned that three WWF Superstars have just finished filming a music video, while a WWF Superstar nearly has career ended. Details are on the WWF Superstar Line.

Backstage, The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) says that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's inability to get along will be their downfall.

The intro the show is replayed to signify the start of the second hour.

The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) beat "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin by count-out when Shawn confronts The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, THe British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Brian Pillman) outside of the ring and Austin tries to drag Shawn back to the ring by his hair only for Austin and Shawn to fight each other again. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin retain the WWF Tag Team Championships.

We see part three of the interview with Mankind. He talks about his years as Cactus Jack, who "wanted it just a little bit more" and was willing to go the extra length in order to achieve his dreams and make it with his won style in an era of bodybuilder physiques. As his legend grew, so did his tolerance for pain, and he ended up leaving the United States for Japan to take part in death matches. He had heard of these matches, but didn't care, and when he entered a match with the ropes replaced entirely with barbed wire, he knew he was at home. He wrestled on beds of nails, thousands of thumbtacks, and even C4 explosives, and no matter how much he was mutilated physically, he healed him spiritually as for the first time, he was respected and even loved as people chanted his name, unlike in the WWF where he is spit on. He has his dignity, but he doesn't know if he even has it anymore. We learn that the scar on his left arm are from one of these matches. He says that when he looks in a mirror, he sees a life fulfilled and a road map of where he's been. He also tells a story of a time when he was on an airplane and he scared a woman so much that she moved back to coach, and he thinks of that moment every so often, where he was a death match hero and he had the power to make people sick.

Jerry "the King" Lawler guests on commentary for the next match.

Mankind beats Savio Vega to continue tot he second round of the King of the Ring tournament when Mankind grabs Jerry "The King" Lawler for calling him a freak. As the ref is distracted by Lawler, Crush tries to punch Mankind from the apron but ends up punching Vega instead. Crush confronts Savio Vega, and both men start fighting. Faarooq shows up, but waves his hand downward as if to say "forget it" and turns around while officials break up the brawl between Crush and Vega.

It is announced that Sycho Sid will team up with The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) to take on The Hart Foundation (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) at King of the Ring.

The Undertaker retains the WWF Championship against Sycho Sid. The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, Crush, Savio Vega, D'Lo Brown) attacks The Undertaker after the match. Sid gets his hands on Crush and D'Lo Brown and choke slams both of them, but Faarooq hits Sid in the knee with a chop block and The Nation beats him and The Undertaker up as officials try to break the brawl up.

Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for April 5, 1997

Mankind beats Bob "Spark Plug" Holly with the Mandible Claw. After the match, Kevin Kelly interviews Mankind and Paul Bearer in the ring, and when asked if he is ashamed of how he betrayed The Undertaker last week, Paul Bearer grabs Kevin Kelly by the jacket collar and asks him who he is to stick his nose in their business before bullying him out of the ring and celebrating what he and Mankind did to The Undertaker. Mankind tells Paul Bearer to imagine how he felt when the three-count was made and The Undertaker became WWF Champion, as in his mind and soul, he knew he was the better man. Mankind feels no remorse, and says that it made him happy to smell his burning flesh, because he remembers the time that he was escorted off an airplane by military police because his skin was melting off his face after a wrestling match. He then says he has no sympathy for what he will do to The Undertaker, because it has already happened to him, and at In Your House, The Undertaker may be the cream of the crop, but there is a filthy pond near his house and sometimes the scum rises to. He says The Undertaker will know what it is like to walk in his shoes while he gets to know the love of the fans when he walks out as WWF Champion.

The Undertaker full-size vinyl banner is now available for $29.95 plus shipping and handling!

Sycho Sid beats Jerry Fox. After the match, The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog) show up and stare at Sycho Sid from the stage. Suddenly, they approach the ring, and Sid dares them to get in the ring. It is then that The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) show up from out of the crowd and get in the ring, and The Hart Foundation turn around and head to the back.

Los Cadetes de Espacio (Discovery, Ludxor, Super Nova and Venum) beat Abismo Negro, El Mosco, Histeria and Maniaco.

Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon beat "The Portuguese Man-O-War" Aldo Montoya and R.T. Williams. During the match, Jim Cornette shows up and takes notes on the match.

It's time for Sunny Undercover. On the subject of Mankind having anything up his sleeve for In Your House, a reliable source tells her that he does. She also reports that The Honky Tonk Man has a new protege to replace "Double J" Jesse James, who turned him down, and that this person has been a champion in WWF before. She also recaps Rocky Johnson fighting alongside Rocky Maivia, and says Rocky Maivia will be hit with a second shocker, then asks what Tony Atlas was doing watching the match from ringside. Sunny then reports that The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog) will continue to grow, and by summer's end, they will be a foursome to be reckoned with. As for the identity of the fourth member, that person may not necessarily be a wrestler or even a man, and that sunny days may be ahead for The Hart Foundation.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for March 17, 1997

The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) beat The Nation of Domination (Crush and Savio Vega) by disqualification in a match where Faarooq and Ahmed Johnson are banned from ringside, after Faarooq shows up with a nightstick and attacks The Legion of Doom. During the match, Ahmed Johnson is pleased that The Legion of Doom is cleaning house in the ring, and says that there's no telling what will happen in the Chicago Street Fight at WrestleMania 13. Faarooq says Madison Square Garden was the start of what The Nation of Domination will do at WrestleMania 13, and that Ahmed doesn't know what the streets are like as when you look up "street," you'll see Faarooq's name next to it. Also, footage from the aftermath of last night's Madison Square Garden match between Ahmed Johson and Savio Vega, where The Nation attacks Ahmed, is shown. After the commercial break, Ahmed is attacked by Faarooq with a nightstick after it is revealed that Faarooq is not in the locker room. It is not long until Faarooq attacks The Legion of Doom with the nightstick. After the match, The Nation attacks The Legion, but Ahmed Johnson rushes to the ring with a 2x4 in his hand and gets J.C. Ice and Wolfie D as he clears the ring out, while another member of the Nation eats a Doomsday Device from Animal and Hawk.

It is announced that WWF President Gorilla Monsoon is en route to the arena right now to make an announcement regarding whether or not the steel cage match between Bret "The Hit Man" Hart and Sycho Sid will be for the WWF Championship. There is a rumor going around that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels might be in the building, but it is confirmed that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Flash Funk after Chyna gets on the apron to keep Flash Funk from hitting his 450 Splash. After the match, Chyna holds Flash Funk down while Helmsley continues to attack him. When officials tell Chyna and Helmsley to get out of the ring, Chyna gets physical and pushes one of them back with authority.

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is seen in the building in his first Raw appearance since Thursday Raw Thursday.

It is announced that a tax bill has died in New Jersey to ensure that professional wrestling can come back to New Jersey. New Jersey Governor Hon. Christine Todd Whitman announces that professional wrestling is coming back to the state of New Jersey, who says that she and her son are big wrestling fans and that she understands what a difference it means to the people of New Jersey. The Undertaker made a special appearance during this announcement.

Mini Goldust and Mascarita Sagrada, Jr. beat Mini Mankind and Mini Vader. It is announced that on Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Line, The Ross Report has news on a WWF Superstar recently undergoing a strip search under orders from the FAA. After the match, Mascarita Sagrada, Jr. chases Mini Vader to the entrance ramp, drop kicks him off the side of it, and then hits a cross body from the side of the entrance ramp to the floor below, hitting Mini Vader.

WWF President Gorilla Monsoon announces that Bret "The Hit Man" Hart vs. Sycho Sid in a steel cage match is for the WWF Championship, promising to give Hart the opportunity that he deserves despite bad timing (which is especially bad for Undertaker fans).

Kevin Kelly interviews Bret "The Hit Man" Hart in the ring. He says that he is appreciative of Gorilla Monsoon looking into his situation a little more closely, and says that he deserves a little more respect around here. He knows The Undertaker is not too thrilled about Monsoon's decision, but there is a new motto in the World Wrestling Federation: "You scratch my back and I'll stab yours." He also knows The Undertaker won't be too thrilled when he becomes a five-time WWF Champion, but he need not worry because he will give him his shot. Once he changes the face of WrestleMania 13 and faces "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Austin will be in for the worst thrashing of his entire life and that he won't be able to scream "I give" loud enough in a submission match. He also respects Ken Shamrock and his reputation, and hopes that he will call the match down the middle and be close enough to hear the words "I quit." He hopes to become a five-time WWF Champion tonight, and looks forward to a long, healthy title run.

The Wrestlemania 13 Hockey Jersey and Black Denim Jacket are available at $69 and $99...and George and Adam from the Royal Rumble vignettes are the models.

Rocky Maivia guests on commentary for the next match.

The Sultan beats Mike Bell with the Camel Clutch, then stares down with Rocky Maivia after the match. Rocky Maivia is about to fight The Sultan when Tony Atlas climbs over the guardrail and calms Maivia down as officials tell The Sultan to back off.

The intro to the show replays to signify the start of the second hour.

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up in a WWF ring for the first time since Thursday Raw Thursday, and Vince McMahon interviews him in the ring. Shawn has his smile back, as he has found it back home in San Antonio, Texas and plans to bring it with him wherever he goes. He thanks the fans of the World Wrestling Federation for not only sending him cards and letters - some of them to his parents' address - wishing him well, but also for being patient with "the world's most emotional wrestler," as he is very hard to deal with. He says the cards and letters came at a time when it seemed like nobody gave a damn about "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. He then announces that his knee is coming along, and he plans to see Dr. Anders in Birmingham to see what's going on, and hopefully he will be in a WWF ring again in a couple of months whether anyone likes it or not. He says his time off has done wonders for him, and when he comes back, he'll be busting a move like he used to and the clothes are coming off. He also has a bone to pick with Vince, as he didn't invite him to WrestleMania 13. Since he can now walk, he'll have to invite himself to WrestleMania 13 and guest on commentary so Vince calls the WWF Championship match down the middle. He also says Vince didn't invite him to the Slammy Awards, as he is up for a couple of them. He has a new home in San Antonio, and he needs some more room for the Slammy Awards that he's going to be winning. He says WrestleMania 13 isn't complete without him, and he is on his way.

The Undertaker tries to destroy the steel cage backstage...

The British Bulldog beats Vader by disqualification after Mankind grabs Vader's foot to stop The Bulldog's running power slam and Owen Hart stops him. After the match, Bulldog manages to knock Paul Bearer off the apron, grab his urn and use it as a weapon against Mankind and Vader.

Ken Shamrock guests on commentary for the next match.

Billy Gunn beats Aaron Ferguson with an arm bar, then confronts Ken Shamrock after the match, saying he doesn't look that tough to him and they he doesn't live up to his hype. He then gets in the ring and dares him to get in with him. Ken Shamrock gets in the ring and makes Billy Gunn eat his words, the first time with an arm bar and the second time with an ankle lock. Shamrock threatens to break one of his bones if he tries again, and Billy pretends to leave only to rush back in with a steel chair. The referee stops Billy Gunn from getting back in, and Shamrock stands tall in the ring as Billy Gunn tells him this isn't over.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin says he isn't impressed with what just happened, and says Ken Shamrock doesn't belong in the WWF as it is his place. Austin claims that all Ken Shamrock has done is get in a couple of street fights with some guy capturing it on video so he could become a big star. He says that Shamrock is overrated and a piece of trash, and that he and Shamrock will square off and he'll beat the hell out of him. He tells Shamrock to call his match with Bret "The Hit Man" Hart like he sees it or he'll punch him in the face. Austin says he is the King of the Ring, and nobody can say he can't be here. He's happy Bret Hart has a title shot, and when WrestleMania 13 is over he will be the WWF Championship. Austin goes on to say Hart won the Royal Rumble, and the only reason Hart won at Final Four is because he was "crippled and sick." He says that Bret Hart on his best day could not even lace his boots, and he will prove that to the world when he beats the hell out of him.

Sycho Sid says he is always ready. He tells "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to stay out of his business as he knows why he is here. He plans to powerbomb Bret "The Hit Man" Hart right to the floor and become WWF Champion.

Sycho Sid retains the WWF Championship against Bret "The Hit Man" in a steel cage match. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin watches the match from backstage, then shows up later to make sure Sycho Sid doesn't get out, first by locking the steel cage door on Sid and then fighting Sid when he tries to climb out of the cage. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart takes advantage by attacking Sid along with Austin at the top of the cage to try to become a five-time WWF Champion, but The Undertaker shows up and fights all three men. Austin goes down, Hart is able to land a superplex on Sid from the top of the cage. Austin fights 'Taker at ringside and hits him with a steel chair, then leaves. The Undertaker is able to get back up and slam the steel cage door shut on Hart as he tries to get out while Sid climbs out of the cage at the same time, and thanks to The Undertaker, Sid is able to escape first.

After the commercial break, Bret "The Hit Man" is finally fed up, and he stays in the ring as the steel cage is deconstructed. Vince McMahon tries to interview Hart, saying that Hart must be frustrated, but Hart finally snaps, shoves Vince to the mat and says "Frustrated isn't a goddamn word for it!" and "This is bullshit!" He says that everyone screws him, and that nobody does a thing about it. He says that he should be WWF Championship, but everyone turns a blind eye to what happens to him. He then tells the fans "If you don't like it, tough shit!" "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up on the TitanTron, saying that Bret is crying like a baby once again before telling Bret that he tried to help him, but he threw it all away because he's a loser. He says it could have been the two of them for the WWF Championship, but he threw it all away. Bret argues with Austin, and says he doesn't have the guts to come in the ring with him. Sycho Sid comes back, and Bret lowers the straps on his singlet ready to fight. The Undertaker returns, but Hart notices him and goes after him instead. Austin jumps in and attacks Bret as Bret attacks The Undertaker, and The Undertaker immediately focuses on Sycho Sid in the ring. Austin and Bret fight outside the ring while 'Taker and Sid fight insid ethe ring, and officials have their hands full breaking these two brawls up. Hart punches out Pat Patterson as he escorts Bret back up the entrance ramp, and goes back at it with Austin while 'Taker and Sid try to choke slam each other simultaneously only to wear each other out trying. Suddenly , "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up, slowly walks down the entrance ramp and instead of going after Hart, approaches the ring as Sid and 'Taker make their way out and grabs a steel chair, and slowly approaches Bret with it from a distance as the show ends.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for March 10, 1997

Sycho Sid shows up to start tonight's show in an interview conducted by Jim Ross. Sid is reluctant to join forces with The Undertaker, as he thinks that something suspicious is going on and that there is a trap involving The Undertaker, Paul Bearer, Mankind and Vader. He tells 'Taker he will become yet another victory as WWF Champion, and tells him to stay in the cemetery as that where he will put him "once and for good" at WrestleMania 13. The Undertaker shows up and tells Sid that if he's scared, he should say he's scared. He tells Sid his logic doesn't make any sense, because if anything happens to him tonight, he doesn't get to bring the belt back home to the creatures. If something happens to him, that leaves Sid the WWF Champion. He then declines to be Sid's partner tonight, and elects to handle Mankind and Vader himself. He tells Sid to enjoy his last few days as WWF Champion and relax, because he doesn't need a plot to beat Sid and that Sid will rest in peace after WrestleMania 13. All of a sudden, Paul Bearer appears with Mankind and Vader, and says that both Sid and 'Taker have felt the wrath of Mankind and Vader and that they are both cowards. Mankind and Vader fight both Sid and 'Taker, and Sid and 'Taker then stare each other down after a misunderstanding when 'Taker thinks Sid has hit him during the brouhaha.

Before Rocky Maivia faces Tony Roy, The Sultan shows up with The Iron Sheik and Bob Backlund, who are holding an announcer hostage. The Iron Sheik and Bob Backlund tell Rocky Maivia that The Sultan will take the Intercontinental title from him at WrestleMania 13. Backlund continues to yell into the microphone throughout the match.

Rocky Maivia beats Tony Roy. After the match, The Sultan rushes into the ring and brawls with Maivia, and Maivia comes out on top. Bob Backlund gets knocked off the apron, then Maivia gets out of the ring. Suddenly, Rocky Maivia sees Tony Atlas, his father's former tag team partner, and they shake hands before they both head to the back.

Heavy Metal, Pentagon and Pierroth beat Octagon, Latin Lover and Hector Garza. During the match, the "Bionic Woman" who challenged Bret "The Hit Man" Hart last week is seen being escorted out of the arena by security, with the crowd chanting "Let her stay!" as she is carried out of the stands. Also, Brian Pillman, who has not been seen on WWF programming in months, says he's ready for action and that he'll be ready on this weekend's Shotgun Saturday Night to do and say whatever he wants. It is also announced that Hunter Hearst Helmsley, who is scheduled for an interview, has left the building.

Ahmed Johnson beats Roy Raymond. It is not long after the match begins, however, that The Nation of Domination show up and make their presence known in an attempt to distract Ahmed. It doesn't work, and Ahmed hits the Pearl River Plunge on Raymond to send a message to Faarooq. After the match, Faarooq tells Ahmed he still does not know what the streets are like, and that his people will let him down once again at WrestleMania 13 and that he will show up alone. Ahmed says he's not scared, as none of his people have ever scared him. Ahmed tells Faarooq he has a gift for him: the two baddest, meanest men he could find - The Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk), who head to the ring from the crowd after Ahmed says he will bring the whole city of Chicago with him. Hawk says they're ready, and tells The Nation of Domination that when they get down with them, they will look like a sweaty, fly-covered pile of raw sweatsocks. Animal tells the Nation to take heed of the power of the WWF fans, and that they will beat them in a six-man war at WrestleMania 13. Ahmed says that everyone in The Nation - including "the black boys" - are turning white because they're scared as they know they're going down.

Jim Ross congratulates The British Bulldog and Owen Hart for putting up a great fight for the new European title. Owen Hart is more focused on The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw), and tells Jim Ross to stop stirring up trouble when he asks Owen if he is jealous of The Bulldog. When the Blackjacks show up, they mock Owen and Bulldog, and says that they would be tag champs if the titles were on the line. When Bradshaw implies that Owen is kissing up to The Bulldog, Owen goes after him, starting their match.

The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw) beat Owen Hart and The British Bulldog by disqualification when The British Bulldog refuses to leave the ring as Owen Hart has the Sharpshooter cinched in. During the match, Vader says that at WrestleMania 13, Owen Hart and The British Bulldog aren't good enough, strong enough or bad enough to retain the tag titles against him. He feels no pain, and Mankind loves receiving pain and much as he loves giving it. He says Owen and Bulldog will be playing the pain game when it becomes Vader Time at WrestleMania 13. Also, a Sable sighting you will not believing as well as some recruiting news as well as the usual Ross Report on Option 6 will be on the WWF Superstar Line. Tazz tells Vince McMahon that if he wants to hire a joke-teller to sit next to him and make wisecracks, that's his business. Paul E. Dangerously, on the other hand, hires extreme athletes like himself, and warns Jerry "The King" Lawler that if he makes one more wisecrack about him, he'll give him the opportunity to say it to his face.

Tazz and Bill Alfonso show up, with Tazz wanting a piece of Jerry "The King" Lalwer. Lawler goes at it with Tazz, and Sabu shows up to hit Lawler with a tope con suicide off a steel chair only to crash right into the table with the ring bell on it. Tazz has to be held back by some ECW wrestlers as others from the ECW fold - including Paul E. Dangerously - check on Sabu. Leif Cassidy shows up for his match as the ECW guys carry Sabu to the back.

Miguel Perez beats Leif Cassidy with a victory roll in his Raw debut. During the match, Paul E. Dangerously says he'll constrain his guys while Vince McMahon constrians "his comedian" Jerry "The King" Lawler. He says that the time for inter-promotional cooperation is over, and Dangerously tells Lawler to bring his friends while he brings his, because if Lawler gets out of line just once during their debate, his friends will show him up close how extreme they can be.

Sycho Sid says he doesn't react, he reacts reaction. This week, he has the tag team match against Mankind and Vader, and next week he gets Bret "The Hit Man" Hart in a steel cage match. After that, he faces The Undertaker and keeps right on going.

Ken Shamrock is in the back...

The intro replays, signifying the start of the second hour.

Jim Ross welcomes Ken Shamrock to the WWF. It has been confirmed that Shamrock will be the special guest referee for Bret "The Hit Man" Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in a submission match at WrestleMania 13. JR asks what kind of official Shamrock will be. Shamrock thanks the fans and says that it is an honor to be a part of WrestleMania 13 and be the special guest referee for this match. He says that he will be a fair referee regardless of whether the competitors like it or not, and that he will not be intimidated. Suddenly, Austin is seen on the brand-new TitanTron, telling him to shut up and consider it an honor that he doesn't stomp his guts in right now. He says it's a load of B.S. that Bret Hart gets all the title shots out of nowhere and that he has received another title shot before WrestleMania. Austin hopes Hart wins the WWF Championship so the WWF Championship will be on the line in their match, and says that even Shamrock knows that the WWF Championship should be around his waist. He tells Hart he can come in the ring with the Sharpshooter, but he's never given up on anything in his life and that he won't start at WrestleMania, as his time has come. He says he would rather knock Shamrock's lights out after he makes Bret Hart quit. Shamrock says he's not here to fight, but if Austin wants to go at it with him, he's not going anywhere. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart shows up, interrupting Austin's appearance on the TitanTron, and steps into the ring. Hart says it was a great feeling to win the WWF title for a fourth time, but he had it ripped off the following night, and it seems to him that nobody in the WWF is doing too much about it. He doesn't care if anyone is saying that he's "crying again," but he has had it with the lack of justice. He has announced that WWF President Gorilla Monsoon has given him a little credit, and has given him a steel cage match against Sycho Sid for the WWF Championship next Monday night, and says that people can believe what they want to believe, but says Sycho Sid isn't as good and was never good as him and that he will win the WWF Championship for a fifth time next week. He also says he feels sorry for The Undertaker as he's got his hopes up, but says Austin will get his title shot at WrestleMania. He then says there is nobody in the WWF that knows submission wrestling better than he does, and tells Austin to bring everything he's got because nobody wants that fight more than him and that he will give him a title shot. He tells Austin he will be sorry he ever crossed his path. Hart then says everyone from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels to Sycho Sid to Austin to the referees to Gorilla Monsoon to Vince McMahon have all screwed him over. As for Shamrock, he likes him and he is cool with him, as he knows his reputation, but makes it clear that he's been screwed by everybody and if Shamrock does the same, it will be a big mistake. Shamrock tells Hart there's only one thing to know about him: he's not a marriage counselor and that he's not here to hear about his problem. He is a referee, and that's what he came here to do. Austin finally shows up on the entrance ramp, flipping Hart the bird on both hands before leaving.

The Honky Tonk Man shows up before the next match, and says it's been a while since he played Worcester, Massachusetts, and that he didn't get the reception he needed the last time he was here, and is therefore not singing and dancing for them. Honky then guests on commentary for the next match as well as the rest of the show.

Billy Gunn, now back from injury, beats "The Portuguese Man-O-War" Aldo Montoya. It is announced that Hunter Hearst Helmsley has returned to the arena, and is now available for an interview once again. Also, Sunny is in the back, announcing her new segment on Shotgun Saturday Night called "Undercover With Sunny," which covers the hottest gossip going in the WWF.

Mankind tells Paul Bearer he has a much better grasp of reality than people think, and realizes he doesn't need urns and he doesn't need his mother. He says that the World Wrestling Federation wants people to believe he crawled out of a boiler room, and that he has prepared for his entire life for this moment and that he has the scars to prove it. As the WWF makes a big deal out of Sycho Sid and The Undertaker, he and Vader are a team. He tells The Undertaker he knows him well, and tells Sycho Sid that he will know him well soon. The show cuts to a commercial break before Mankind is finished speaking.

Goldust beats Tim McNeany. Hunter Hearst Helmsley is spotted early in the match watching the match from the entrance ramp, and the "Bionic Woman" is back and standing at Hunter's side. Hunter leaves, and the "Bionic Woman" continues to watch the rest of the match from a distance. After the match, she disrobes, and we find out just how muscular she is. Goldust brings Marlena to the ring as this woman approaches, and it proves to be a set-up as Hunter Hearst Helmsley attacks Goldust from behind from the top rope. Hunter and the mystery woman attack Goldust, and Marlena leaps on top of the "Bionic Woman" and tries to choke her out. Both women have to be separated by officials, and the "Bionic Woman" overpowers officials to get back at Marlena. Marlena punches her in the face, and the two women try to go at it once again. The "Bionic Woman" throws an official (who happens to be Harvey Wippleman, of all people) into two others, showcasing her formidable strength, before leaving the ring with Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

It is time for "The Great Debate" between Jerry "The King" Lawler and Paul E. Dangerously. When asked if Extreme Championship Wrestling should even exist, Lawler (who won the coin toss to dictate who speaks first) says the real question is whether or not ECW does exist, as ECW is getting more exposure now than he has ever been seen by in his entire life, as his promotion is "a bunch of misfits, thugs and has-beens that couldn't catch on with any legitimate organization." The Eliminators (John Kronus and Perry Saturn) show up as if on stand-by to beat up Lawler. Lawler says they all migrated to Philadelphia and decided to beat each other with extreme weapons so people could see them. Lawler makes fun of the show that takes place in a bingo hall once a month, and when the WWF goes to Pittsburgh, they put 22,000 people in seats as opposed to ECW's 1,100 people. Paul E. tells Lawler to shut up as Lawler keeps talking, and tells Lawler that the 22,000 people that WWF puts in seats are not a testament to anything that Lawler has done in his life, and the fact that they've earned the respect of their 1,100 by putting their bodies on the lines to give them their money's worth. The Sandman, "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Beulah McGillicutty show up as Paul Heyman says that this has allowed them their first national pay-per-view in Barely Legal on April 13th. The Sandman wants to cane Lawler, but Paul E. tells him not to do it just yet. Lawler tells Paul E. he should be thanking his lucky stars that WWF is allowing him to even plug his pay-per-view event, even though he will never know why Vince McMahon is allowing him to. At this point, Lawler says he is "shooting" with Paul E. when Paul E. asks if he is "shooting" with him, and Paul E. tells Lawler that his own son don't call themselves "Lawler" as they are "ashamed of his ass," while saying that Extreme Championship Wrestling has earned everything that it has gotten and that they have given the people their money's worth. Lawler calls Paul E. "a 35-year-old loser who still lives in his mother's basement," and that if it weren't for his "mom and dad who finance this bunch of crap," he wouldn't be anything. He says Paul E. is not an athlete, and if he wants to "shoot" with him, then why is he hanging around the guys in ECW. He hangs around them because they want to give people their money's worth, be on pay-per-view and be extreme. Paul E. calls ECW "the Howard Stern of wrestling," and that they're hardcore and proud of it. Dreamer tells Lawler that if he wants to start a war, then he should get every one of his guys and he can show him how to start a war right now. The podium falls apart as Dreamer leans into it. Sandman chugs beer and pusts the can on his forehead and Paul E. has to hold Dreamer back. Lawler brings out "his friends" as Sandman lies in wait. Heyman gives Lawler two free punches on whoever he wants, but when Lawler's "friends" don't show up, Paul E. tells Lawler "Get your ass out of the ring, or we'll get it out for you." Heyman and Lawler continue to argue as the show cuts to a commercial break.

Mankind and Vader beat Sycho Sid and The Undertaker after Sid and 'Taker refuse to get along for the match. After the match, Sycho Sid stops Vader's Vader Bomb on 'Taker cold, and 'Taker knocks Vader out of the ring before going after Sycho Sid in the back.

Bret "The Hit Man" Hart says next week, he and Sid will decide who the real king of the WWF is.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for March 3, 1997

Before the opening match, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart says he has no choice but to stay focused in his match against Hunter Hearst Helmsley, and he says that Helmsley will be sorry he was in the ring with him tonight, as he hopes that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is watching from home as he will do to him what he will do to Helmsley tonight. Also, a Bret Hart teddy beat is thrown into the ring, and Helmsley kicks it into the audience. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is seen walking into the WWF Studios in Stamford, Connecticut.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats Bret "The Hit Man" Hart by disqualification when Hart aggressively pushes the referee as he repeatedly kicks Helmsley in the tree of woe position. After the bell rings, the woman that attacked Marlena twice gets in the ring and challenges Bret Hart, but once again she is held by by officials. As officials take her to the back, Helmsley pushes one of the officials, telling him to get off of her.

We see footage from the European Championship Tournament in Chemnitz, Germany, where Vader eliminated Rocky Maivia for the tournament by reversing a top rope cross body.
,Br /> Rocky Maivia beats Vader by disqualification after Mankind shows up and attacks Rocky with Paul Bearer's urn. Rocky Maivia retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship, but it's not over for Vader as he attacks Rocky after the match until officials break it up.

Next week: Raw is War!

The Sultan beats Flash Funk with the Camel Clutch. During the match, Vince McMahon interviews Jerry "The King" Lawler via telephone, and Lawler calls the invasion from Extreme Championship Wrestling last week's the lowest point of Raw's history. He is upset, and says that the WWF locker room is upset about this, too. Lawler then invites Paul E. Dangerously to Raw next week, and if he does show up, it will be war. Also, Paul E. Dangerously is interviewed via telephone. He thanks Vince for letting him showcase his talent before he scoffs at Lawler's opinion, saying that it is amazing that he would speak for all the wrestlers when his employer won't buy him a ticket to Berlin, Germany. He says that the next time Lawler challenges them, it may not be just at Raw, but it may also be at Madison Square Garden or in Philadephia, Pennsylvania.

Sycho Sid tells Mankind that he may have brushed up on German, but he should have brushed up on the game he players where two men enter and one man survives. Sid plans to make him a symbol of one of his main victories to WrestleMania.

Ahmed Johnson shows up and tells Faarooq that if he wants a piece of him at WrestleMania 13 in a street fight, he's got it...and he won't be alone this time. He says he will take Faarooq down for the fans.

Mankind has a message for Sycho Sid in German.

Sycho Sid retainst the WWF Championship against Mankind. During the match, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is interviewed by Vince McMahon live via satellite from WWF Studios. Austin says seeing Bret "The Hit Man" Hart whine on TV makes him violently ill, and says that if he's not whining quitting, and if he's not quitting, he's doing something else. Meanwhile, Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Line has big news on Ken Shamrock and Sable.

Vince McMahon interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin via satellite. Austin says the only remorse he has is that he didn't hit Bret "The Hit Man" Hart harder, and says that he should be the WWF Champion as he has no quit in him. He promises that he will not submit at WrestleMania 13 as he says that nobody can make him quit.

The British Bulldo gbeats Owen Hart by reversing a victory roll to become the inaugural WWF European Champion! Both men shake hands after the match.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for February 17, 1997

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin goes after Bret "The Hit Man" Hart during the opening bout of Hart vs. Sycho Sid for the WWF Championship. Sid fights Austin, but Austin hits Sycho Sid with a chop block to the knee and Hart has to fight Austin off. Despite being in pain, Sid still wants to wrestle Hart, but the match is over before it can begin.

Kevin Kelly interviews Sycho Sid in the locker room. Sid says that sleet, snow, rain, high water or even "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will stop him from reaching his destiny and becoming WWF Champion, as he is the master and ruler of the world. It is announced that Sid will get his title shot against Bret "The Hit Man" Hart later tonight.

"Wildman" Marc Mero vs. Savio Vega ends when Sable has to hide behind Mero from the rest of The Nation of Domination. Ahmed Johnson quickly rushes to the ring to attack The Nation.

Bret "The Hit Man" Hart says that all he can do is focus on every battle and not worry about "Stone Cold" Steve Austin dogging his every move. He plans to retain the WWF Championship against Sycho Sid and then go on to the next challenge. He says that if you stop looking after #1, you start "stepping on #2." He says to bring on The Undertaker after he retains against Sid, and tells Jerry "The King" Lawler to shut up when Lawler asks him if he's happy that Sid's knee is injured.

Sunny is special guest timekeeper for the next match.

Rocky Maivia retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Leif Cassidy. During the match, we hear from Hunter Hearst Helmsley, who says that Rocky Maivia is the luckies punk in the world and that Rocky couldn't beat him in a million years, and that Rocky has his Intercontinental Championship, which he plans to take back. Rocky only had the better of him because of Goldust, and says this isn't over between him and Goldust. He knows that Goldust is in the building tonight, and if he finds him, he's all his. It is also announced that Raw will air in two weeks from Berlin, Germany, where the finals of the tournament for the WWF European Championship will take place. After the match, Jerry "The King" Lawler grabs an "ECW rules" sign from a fan and badmouths Extreme Championship Wrestling, calling it a promotion full of "thugs, misfits and has-beens" and saying that he is sick and tired of people bringing ECW signs to shows. He then issues a challenge to ECW to come to Raw next week and prove that they've got what it takes.

Kevin Kelly interviews Goldust and Marlena in the ring. Goldust says everyone knows he is from the Hollywood Hills, but this is reality. He tells Hunter Hearst Helmsley that this is now personal due to the indecent proposal he has made towards Marlena, and he has crossed a line. He says all the money in the world cannot buy Marlena, and the only way to her is over his dead body. Marlena says there has been speculation about Goldust's masculinity and manhood, and while they play a lot of games, Goldust is all man, and more of a man than Helmsley will ever be. Helmsley shows up and confronts Goldust and Marlena at ringside, and throws water into Goldust's face before attacking him. After a Pedigree, Marlena turns Helmsley around and slaps him, but the muscular woman who appeared at In Your House: Final Four and attacked Marlena shows up and attacks her again, grabbing her from behind and shaking her back and forth in a bear hug like a rag doll. Once again, she is escorted out of the arena from officials and arena security. After the carnage, Goldust carries Marlena to the back once again.

The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) beat The Hardy Boys (Jeff and Matt Hardy). During the match, Faarooq says he finishes everything he starts, and calls Ahmed Johnson "a big front" who lives the high life and has no idea what the streets are like. He says that Ahmed has an advantage over everyone else and that Ahmed doesn't have to die to go to Hell, for Ahmed is in it, Faarooq is the devil, and Faarooq has all his demons with him. Faarooq proposes a Chicago Street Fight between him and Ahmed at WrestleMania 13 to show Ahmed what the streets are really like. It is also announced that the WWF Championship between Sycho Sid and Bret "The Hit Man" Hart from earlier tonight will happen as intended tonight.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin attacks Bret "The Hit Man" Hart again, this time backstage before his match with Sid. Sycho Sid comes back to the back to break it up, and Vince McMahon is also backstage to separate both men.

Kevin Kelly interviews WWF President Gorilla Monsoon, who admits that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has a personal vendetta against Bret "The Hit Man' Hart and states that WWF will indeed deliver Sycho Sid vs. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart for the WWF Championship tonight as intended.

Owen Hart beats Flash Funk after The British Bulldog hits Funk in the back with Owen Hart's Slammy Award and holds down one of Flash Funk's legs during the pinfall. It is announced before the match that Marlena is coughing up blood due to the attack on her from earlier tonight and is being taken to hospital. During the match, Jim Ross tells Jerry "The King" Lawler that he has a phone call from a representative of Extreme Championship Wrestling, who turns out to be none other than Paul E. Dangerously, also known as Paul Heyman, who accepts Lawler's challenge for next week. After Heyman hangs up, The British Bulldog confronts Clarence Mason and forces him to get out of ringside, saying that he will cost Owen Hart the match. After the commercial break, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin says he's already gone over the edge and very close to whipping WWF President Gorilla Monsoon's ass as he says he would be WWF Championship if it weren't for WWF holding him back. He plans to open a whole keg of whupass all over the World Wrestling Federation.

WrestleMania 13 is coming live to pay-per-view on March 23!

The Honky Tonk Man guests on commentary for the next match. Also, Hunter Hearst Helmsley says that he has no idea who the woman who has attacked Marlena twice in 24 hours is, and also doesn't care. The Superstar Line has updates on both "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and negotiations involving top WWF Superstars on Option 6.

Bart Gunn beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley by count-out after Goldust rushes into the ring and chases Hunter through the stands and out of the arena.

We hear from Dr. James Andrews from HealthSouth Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He states that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels' injury dates back from five years ago when he tore a ligament, and that his recent surgery has to do with that torn ligament. Shawn has a degenerated area on the inner side of his knee that is sore, and the twist from a week or two ago may have set his injury off. It has been recommended that Shawn not have surgery at this point, and that he will be rehabbed at his home in San Antonio, Texas. In four to six weeks, he will be re-assessed, and that he may get better without the need for surgery.

After "Stone Cold" Steve Austin rushes out through the crowd to attack Bret "The Hit Man" Hart yet again - which he succeeds at doing by landing a successful chair shot from the apron as the referee is unable to see it during the Sharpshooter - Sycho Sid beats Bret "The Hit Man" Hart to win the WWF Championship for a second time, ending Hart's fourth reign after only a day. After the match, the arena lights blink before going dark, and The Undertaker makes his presence known. The show ends with both men staring each other down.

Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for January 25, 1997

Tonight's show takes place in Webster Hall in New York City. Sunny is seen dancing on the stage as "The King of Harts" Owen Hart guests on commentary for the next match. Mankind tries to get a very close look at two more dancers to the point that he scares them into a corner. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart shows up and punches Mankind, and this automatically starts a match.

Bret "The Hit Man" Hart beats Mankind by disqualification after Owen Hart attacks Bret as he has Mankind in the Sharpshooter. During the match, Todd Pettengill interviews a fan - whom he calls "Princess Leia" - about her dress. After the match, Bret and Owen go at it, first in the ring, then at ringside and into the back. Paul Bearer says he knew Mankind would be off his game tonight tonight due to the liquor and the women, and has to pual Mankind away from the dancers.

Before the next match, Todd Pettengill interviews Savio Vega. Vega says his temper got the better of him at Madison Square Garden, and says he will win against Rocky Maivia tonight.

Savio Vega beats Rocky Maivia by count-out after The Rock hurts himself while being sent over the top rope. During the match, Faarooq and Crush show up and watch the match from ringside, and give the raised fist salute towards both Savio Vega and Rocky Maivia. Vega punches Rocky and stomps him, then gives the raised fist salute right back to them. Later, Todd Pettengill tries to interview Faarooq, but is told to talk to Crush, who tells Todd to get out of his face. After the match, Savio Vega uncharacteristically kicks The Rock in the back of the right leg after the match and continues to work on it, then Savio Vega calls Crush and Faarooq into the ring so that Faarooq can whip Rocky, officially turning heel in the process. Referees run in to restore order, and after Vega tosses Rocky out of the ring, Vega raises his fist along with Faarooq and Crush, officially making him a member of The Nation of Domination.

Todd Pettengill interviews Jake "The Snake" Roberts, who says he is back with his snake Revelations and that they will do what exactly what they want to do.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley guests on commentary for the next match.

Next week on Superstars: the Supserstars Bowl - a four-way tag team match between the team of Owen Hart and The British Bulldog, The Nation of Domination (Faarooq and Crush), The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) and the team of Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon. Also, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart talks about what is on his mind!

Jake "The Snake" Roberts beats Salvatore Sincere, then lays his snake on top of Salvatore after the match. Faarooq, Crush and Savio Vega are seen up in the second level afterwards.

We see footage from during the break where Hunter Hearst Helmsley hits Salvatore Sincere with a Pedigree.

Next week: Shotgun takes place at Mirage Nightlcub on 56th Street in New York City!

Crush beats Sycho Sid by disqualification. After Sid hits Crush with the choke slam followed by the powerbomb, Sid slides out of the ring, grabs a steel chair from underneath it and swings at both Savio Vega and Faarooq, who have been at ringside since the middle of the commercial break. Sid then hits Crush in the back with the chair, then keeps The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, Crush, Vega) at bay to end the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for December 9, 1996

It is announced that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will guest on commentary for Bret "The Hit Man" Sycho Sid vs. Sycho Sid for the WWF Championship at In Your House: It's Time.

Sycho Sid beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley by count-out after Helmsley crawls away in retreat.

During the next match, Billy Gunn calls brother Bart Gunn "pathetic" and says that he carried him his entire career while holding the tag team titles three times.

Goldust beats Bart Gunn after Bart Gunn hurts his knee on a top rope cross body. Billy Gunn shows up and says that Bart is nothing without him and that "this is what happens when Billy Gunn's not around." Bart Gunn punches Billy Gunn in the face, sending Billy running to the back.

Uncle Zebekiah tells Jesse James that he's going to go to war when he is up against him and Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw, and Bradshaw tells James that he'll be squealing like a branded cow instead of singing after the match.

Jesse James beats Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw and Uncle Zebekiah in a handicap match when Zebekiah accidentally hits Bradshaw with the branding iron after James ducks. After the match, Bradshaw knocks Zebekiah down and brands him with the branding iron.

Jim Ross interviews Bret "The Hit Man" Hart in the ring. Hart says that the one thing he has learned is that things get crazier and crazier in the World Wrestling Federation, and that his match with Sycho Sid on Sunday will be a war. Hart says he has been repeatedly focused on the WWF Championship, and that he will finally obtain it when he excellently executes Sid.

We see footage of Mankind sitting barefoot in the sands of Dubai during the recent WWF tour of the Middle East, crying out for Paul Bearer and wanting desperately to go home.

We see the continuing adventures of George and Adam, this time in the arena locker room.

The Undertaker beats Mankind in a No Holds Barred Match. After the match, The Executioner puts The Undertaker in an Asiatic Spike as the show ends.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for November 11, 1996

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin says all Vince McMahon does is apologize...something he won't do as he turns the heat higher and higher. He knows Bret "The Hit Man" Hart is in the building, after he's through with Bob "Spark Plug" Holly, he'll put Bret in the Sharpshooter as they don't have to wait six days until their match at Madison Square Garden.

Owen Hart and The British Bulldog retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels after Shawn accidentally hits Sid with Sweet Chin Music. Shawn is knocked out cold next to Sid by Owen and Bulldog after the match.

On the Ross Report on Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Line: Who is the mystery partner at Survivor Series?

Kevin Kelly announces that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and Sycho Sid fought each other in the back. Both men are in separate locker rooms, but Kevin Kelly is staying backstage to get interviews from both men.

Confirmed for Survivor Series is a Traditional 4-on-4 Survivor Series match: the team of Faarooq, Vader, "Diesel," "Razor Ramon) vs. the team of Savio Vega, Yokozuna, the debuting Flash Funk and a mystery partner, who is rumored to be a big-time superstar. There is also another 4-on-4 match in that vein: The team of The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn), Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon vs the team of Owen Hart, The British Bulldog and The New Rockers (Marty Jannetty and Leif Cassidy).

Kevin Kelly says that Sycho Sid is very intense, but he told him he has a lot of things to say.

Mankind beats Freddie Joe Floyd with the Mandible Claw. The Undertaker's theme plays as the cage with the upside-down effigy of Paul Bearer descends from the ceiling. The Undertaker decrees that a new era of darkness begins Sunday, and all that there to expect is the unexpected. He tells Paul Bearer this is only the beginning of his torture and torment, and that he, Mankind and The Executioner will never rest in peace.

Killer Kowalski and The Valiant Brothers ("Handsome" Jimmy and "Luscious" Johnny Valiant) are official inductees into the 1996 WWE Hall of Fame Class.

We get our first look at the soon-to-debut Rocky Maivia, the WWF's first-ever third-generation Superstar. We also see him induct his father Rocky Johnson into the Cauliflower Alley Club. The Rock says he wants to make his own name in the WWF by getting by on his wrestling style and ability, not his family name. Five years from now, we wants to tell himself he gave 110% effort at everything he did and became the best at it.

Kevin Kelly says that Sycho Sid is out of his locker room...and he's not happy...

The WWF Big Bang Boom tour heads to New York City, New York; New Haven, Connecticut; Springfield, Massachusetts; White Plains, New York; Hull, Quebec, Canada and Montreal, Quebec, Canada!

Kevin Kelly interviews Sycho Sid backstage. Sid doesn't care if "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels made a mistake in the tag team title match tonight. He says there will be no mistake at Survivor Series, as that will be the end of the reign of Shawn Michaels. He says Shawn will step off the mountain while he will step above, and no man will cast a stone to knock him down for he is the master and the ruler of the world.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin tells Vince McMahon that all he does is run his mouth. He tells Bob "Spark Plug" Holly he's going to get a wrestling lesson, and it won't last long. He tells Bret "The Hit Man" Hart that he'd better be watching and that he'd better be prepared for Survivior Series, because it is the most important match of his life. He tells Hart that pleasing so many people will get him in trouble. He tells Bret he'd better keep watching, as he'll eventually find him and that they won't have to wait until Survivior Series.

Sable beats Dok Hendrix in the Karate Fights Holiday Tournament to go on to to the next round.

Kevin Kelly interviews "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. He says he and Sycho Sid have always had conflicting personalities, and this is truer than ever. Everyone wants to knock him down off his perch, but he's kicked them in their teeth so far. He says tonight was a mistake, but he still knocked him out colder than a block of ice. He asks Sid what he's going to do at Survivor Series when he hits Sweet Chin Music for real from anywhere. He doesn't care if anybody likes him or not now. He wants Sid's respect, and if he has to beat it out of him, he'll do it.

Jim Ross guests on commentary for the next match.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin beats Bob "Spark Plug" Holly. During the match, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart is observed watching the match from backstage. It is also announced that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will take on Vader next week. Also, Bret Hart will be live and in person at C&M Variety in Brooklyn, New York from 6 to 9 PM this Thursday night. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin then approaches Bret Hart's locker room only to say that he's not going to beat Hart up for free, before saying that someone is stealing his lines and that this is indeed the match of the decade (a shot at WCW for calling "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper" the match of the decade). He tells Hart it wil be the end of his legend in one week.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for October 21, 1996

On Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Line: Jim Ross explains why Sycho Sid will become the next WWF Champion.

Sycho Sid beats Owen Hart by disqualification after The British Bulldog interferes. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels rushes into the ring and helps Sid clean house. Sid shakes Shawn's hand, and Shawn tells him he would do the same thing for him.

We see a recap of the Buried Alive match between Mankind and The Undertaker from last night. The man in black that attacked The Undertaker from last night is identified as "The Executioner."

Jim Ross joins in on commentary for the next match.

The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) beat The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn).

Pat Patterson, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka and Vincent J. McMahon are announced as inductees of the 1996 Class of the WWF Hall of Fame.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley attacks Mr. Perfect backstage by wheeling an equipment crate into the back of Perfect's leg.

The WWF's Big Bang Boom Tour is heading to Cincinnati, Ohio; Evansville, Indiana; Springfield, Illinois; Chicago, Illinois; St Louis, Missouri; Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Richmond, Virginia!

Jim Ross interviews Bret "The Hit Man" Hart in Hart's first appearance on WWF programming in six months. He says that for the past couple of weeks or more, he's had to deal with a lot of things such as a rival wrestling organization making him a great offer to jump ship. Hart says he's not greedy for money, he's greedy for respect, and after a lot of soul searching, he owes everything he's done and everything he ever will do to the WWF fans. WWF Superstars (one of whom is Rocky Maivia, interestingly enough, who isn't debuting for another five weeks) watch from the back as Hart says that he will be with the WWF forever. As for why he left in the first place, he says that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels beat him for the WWF Championship and he has no excuses, and he considers Shawn his opponent, not his enemy. He does say that there is something about Shawn that bugs him, and says that while Shawn may be a little younger, a little more popular and maybe even cuter than he is and that he has done a great job as WWF Champion, he says Shawn will never be as tough and as smart as him. He accepts the challenge of the best wrestler in the WWF today, and at Survivor Series, he will face "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. (This causes Brian Pillman to visibly celebrate, which causes "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to look back and give Pillman the thousand-yard stare as if Pillman is acting a fool.) Bret says he may be a little rusty, but maybe he isn't, but he says that Madison Square Garden isn't a church, but it's holy ground, and they'll see who kicks whose ass that night. Since he's been off, he's thought about a lot of things, and knows he has some of the best fans in the world and it is something he takes quite seriously as a role model. He says the one thing missing from the WWF the last five or six months is him, and that he's coming back because it wouldn't be fun not to take advantage of the opportunity not to. Bret talks about how he went to the bedside of a very sick child and how he came out of his illness when he told him that he would come out of retirement if he could turn the corner. The child got better, but unfortunately he passed away not long after. That child was his nephew. From that day on, he decided to come back and give people someone to look up to, and while he can't dance or pose very well for "girly mags," he's the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

Jerry "The King" Lawler and Todd Pettengill host the first annual Karate Fighters Holiday Tournament. Lawler is disqualified from the tournament after the "taped foot" incident from last year. The first round consists of Bob Backlund vs. Sunny; Dok Hendrix vs. Sable; Sycho Sid vs. Marlena and Mr. Perfect vs. Henry O. Godwinn. Pettengill and Lawler have a Karate Fighters match, which Lawler wins clean.

Mr. Perfect comes to the ring for his match against Hunter Hearst Helmsley with "Wildman" Marc Mero, Sable and WWF President Gorilla Monsoon. Perfect calls out Hunter Hearst Helmsley for injuring him to the point that he can't wrestle tonight. Helmsley calls Perfect a chicken, and Perfect says that Mero is a stand-up guy and has offered to wrestle Helmsley in his place. Helmsley says he is not under contract and not obligated to face Mero, and says the only way he'll face him is if the WWF Intercontinental Championship is on the line. After Mero agrees to defend the belt to return the favor to Perfect for helping him and Helmsley agrees to the match, Gorilla says that the match is on. Mr. Perfect guests on commentary for the next match.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats "Wildman" Marc Mero after Hunter Hearst Helmsley grabs a chair after pushing the referee into Marc Mero and knocking the referee down. Sable grabs the chair, but Mr. Perfect grabs the chair from Helmsley. Just when it is believed that Perfect will hit Helmsley with the chair while the ref is down, he hits Mero with it as he gets back up. After the match, it is revealed that it was all a hoax and that Perfect was in cahoots with Helmsley, and that he did all this to help Helmsley get the Intercontinental title. During the match, it is announced that Ahmed Johnson has been temporarily suspended from the World Wrestling Federation, and that more info will be available this weekend on Livewire.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for October 7, 1996

Kevin Kelly announces that Jim Ross is supposed to be on commentary this week, but is nowhere to be seen. We soon find out where Jim Ross really is: accompanying "Diesel" to the ring for the first match of the night against "Wildman" Marc Mero. Jim Ross joins commentary says he had some official business to take care of with "Diesel." During the match, "Razor Ramon" says he's doing fine and says he's going to take a closer look at the in-ring action, and eventually does.

"Wildman" Marc Mero beats "Diesel" by disqualification after "Razor Ramon" interferes. "Diesel" hits the Jackknife Power Bomb on Mero after the match.

The Undertaker tells Mankind his work in the graveyard is nearly at its end, as is Mankind's existence on this earth, and that all that is left to do is to fill the grave he has made with Mankind's rotting, maggot-infested carcass. 'Taker tells Mankind he will not have a nice day and that he will not rest in peace.

Sycho Sid tells Goldust that he dances with the devil, and that he is the master of the game they will play.

"The Heartbreak Kid," The Undertaker and Bret "The Hit Man" Hart denim shirts are available for $49 each plus $7 shipping and handling.

We see a video package of Mr. Perfect, who will return to the ring in two weeks to face Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

Earlier today, The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn) stated that they looked forward to getting the WWF Tag Team Championships back at In Your House: Buried Alive, and Billy proclaims that Sunny will be by their side again.

The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn) beat The New Rockers (Marty Jannetty and Leif Cassidy). During the match, the commentary team interviews Sunny via telephone. Sunny says that if The Smoking Gunns can regain the tag team titles, she'll take them back. She is irritated with the fact that Ahmed Johnson will be live in the studio with her next week on Livewire and states that she will extra security in the studio that weekend. Nevertheless, Sunny says he loves when men beg for his attention, and that she'll be answering their questions for Livewire via fax and e-mail all week long so that they won't have to wait all week to beg.

We see Jim Johnston play acoustic guitar as "The Real Double J" Jesse James sings With My Baby Tonight. It is then revealed that Jesse James is the real singer behind the song. He says he doesn't hate "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, stating that Jarrett took him further than he had been but that he had taken Jarrett further than he'll ever be. He says that Jarrett can't sing or dance or even be entertaining. After the performance, Jesse James states that Jarrett felt great and that it was supposed to be a perfect night, but miscommunication between Jeff Jarrett and Jesse James cost Jarrett the WWF Intercontinental Championship. He says Jarrett can come back if he is willing to drive his Lincoln Town Car. It is then announced that he will be on America On-Line tomorrow night at 8 PM Eastern.

Goldust tells Sycho Sid that he's at the wrong place at the wrong time, and that while Sid might rule the world, he will rule Sid and hopes that Sid has prepared himself.

We see footage from last week's Livewire.

Jim Ross interviews Vader and Jim Cornette in the ring. It is announced that Vader will face Sycho Sid at In Your House: Buried Alive and that the winner of that match will face "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship at Survivor Series. Cornette is not happy with this, as he feels Vader should have the title match already due to beating Shawn multiple times, but never for the title as he accuses WWE of "protecting their merchandising cash cow" and that he and Vader "would destroy all that merchandising" and that the WWF has created the #1 contendership match to keep Vader further away from the WWF Championship. He tells Sycho Sid will be in his own private hell when he faces Vader in two weeks, and that Vader will take him out with his own power bomb to continue on to Survivor Series where he will take the WWF Championship at last.

The WWF Superstars take over New York on November 16 for the WWF Hall of Fame Ceremony. The following night, WWF Survivor Series will take place in Madison Square Garden.

Bob Backlund guests on commentary for the next match. The ever-bizarre Backlund says he is now wearing sunglasses - which he does after the match begins - because the WWF does not want him "scrutinizing the plebians" even though he can lift the lenses up and scrutinize them all he wants.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin faces "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels next week on Raw!

The Sultan beats "The Portuguese Man-O-War" Aldo Montoya with the Camel Clutch.

Mankind says he doesn't want to be buried alive, but Paul Bearer says that won't happen. Nevertheless, Mankind jumps into the grave and goes crazy.

"Razor Ramon" watches the main event from backstage.

Sycho Sid beats Goldust. During the match, the commentary team interviews "The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels via telephone, and Shawn says that he'll have to be more than resilient to survive Survivor Series. He says that there are no friends when the WWF Championship is involved, and that he was born in a world of trouble and that's where he's staying. As for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, he plans to take an ass whipping like he takes everyone else. Jim Cornette then guests on commentary in the middle of the match. After the match, Vader attacks Sycho Sid before hitting him with a splash from the second rope, but the splash only wakes Sid up as it has no effect. Sid gets a few shots in before hitting Vader with the choke slam as Jim Cornette runs to the back.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for September 16, 1996

Jake Roberts chases Jerry "The King" Lawler to the back before the first match of the night. However, Lawler comes back with Bob Backlund, The Iron Sheik and...The Sultan, who is making his debut on Raw. (It is revealed when the match begins that The Sultan was captured in the Middle East and had his tongue cut out for refusing to talk while being interrogated by the enemy. In reality, this is Fatu in a mask.)

The Sultan beats Jake "The Snake" Roberts with the Camel Clutch after Jerry "The King" Lawler tosses a vial of alcohol into the ring, distracting Roberts.

Owen Hart and Brian Pillman hype up the interview with Bret "The Hit Man" Hart at In Your House: Mind Games. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up and says he's going to get his answers as to when Hart is coming back.

Sunny unleashes a large poster of herself to give the gentlemen in the audience something "a little larger than life."

The new fall season is as follows: Blast Off is on Saturdays at 9 AM Eastern on WGN Channel 9. WWF Livewire is on Saturdays at 10 AM Eastern/9 AM Central on USA Network. Check your local listings for WWF Challenge, airing on weekends. Superstars is on USA Network on Sundays at 11 AM Eastern, 10 AM Central. Raw airs at 8:57 PM Eastern, 7:57 Central as usual on Monday nights on USA Network.

Bob "Spark Plug" Holly and Alex "The Pug" Porteau gets an upset win on The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn) after the distraction from Camp Cornette (Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Jim Cornette), as Owen celebrates early on the apron with a bottle of wine, allowing Porteau to roll up Billy Gunn with a schoolboy. During the match, Jim Ross reveals that Diesel and Razor Ramon are returning live on Raw next week. Also, Camp Cornette showed up to watch the match from up close and also ruin the match for the Gunns.

WWF President Gorilla Monsoon says his attention concerning the return of Diesel and Razor Ramon piqued. He says that Kevin Nash and Scott Hall will not be returning as they are currently under contract with another organization (making this the first time that Diesel and Razor Ramon's real names are uttered on WWF programming). He apologizes to everyone who feel they have been hoodwinked or misled by Jim Ross' statements, and says that he will remain in the studio for the rest of the program to make sure no other misleading statements made, and that he will invoke his presidential privilege to come down swiftly on the perpetrator if they are. (A metallic clang is heard as Monsoon is speaking, and it is revealed that Jim Ross has left the commentary table in disgust.) After Jim Ross leaves, we see that Jerry "The King" Lawler is interviewing Jim Cornette and Vader. Cornette says he has a lot on his plate, and finds it preposterous that the WWF put him in the ring with Jose Lothario. He says that Vader has taught him wrestling and how to unleash the beast in him so he can be ready for Lothario at In Your House: Mind Games. We then see a young competitor named Tony Williams, who will be Cornette's "partner" in his "public workout." He says that this will be the first time the crowd will see a real man like him in competition. We see Cornette do an arm bar and a headlock, but Tony Williams is able to keep up with him and reverse his moves, much to Lawler's chagrin. Tony Williams manages to make some headway with Cornette, however, and Cornette ties him up on the ropes before slapping and berating him.

Jim Ross is back on commentary for the next match, insisting he had no intention of hoodwinking or misleading anybody. Also, Pat Patterson guests on commentary for the next match as it is announced that Patterson will be special guest referee for the finals of the Intercontinental Championship tournament that take place next week. WWF President Gorilla Monsoon also interjects himself into commentary during the match, saying that nothing has come across his desk concerning the return of Kevin Nash and Scott Hall as Jim Ross insists that Diesel and Razor Ramon will return next week and continues to stand by his story and his sources.

"Wildman" Marc Mero beats Owen Hart with his own cast behind the referee's back to continue to the finals of the Intercontinental Championship next week.

We see footage of the South African tour, as well as what could be Bret "The Hit Man" Hart's final performance in the WWF. We see footage of Hart calling Brian Pillman a liar, saying he made no commitment to have an interview with him at In Your House, and calls his brother Owen Hart as bad a liar as Owen, and tells Owen not to speak to him anymore. He says the fans are wondering how he's doing, and says he doesn't know exactly what it is he wants to do quite yet. It is then announced that Brian Pillman will be on Livewire to answer a lot of questions this Saturday on Livewire, which is premiering this weekend.

To call in to LiveWire - the most fan-friendly show in the history of the WWF - when it airs, call 1-888-LIVE-WWF. To fax in questions, call 1-888-WWF-FAX1. To e-mail questions, send them in to WWFLivWire@aol.com.

Faarooq Asaad beats Sycho Sid by disqualification when Faarooq Asaad attacks Sid with a chair as Sunny runs interference only for Sid to kick out, and Sid counters by grabbing the chair and smacking Faarooq Asaad with it in full view of the referee. Faarooq Asaad continues to the finals of the Intercontinental Championship tournament next week. We see a message from Ahmed Johnson, where he tells Faarooq that he lit a forest fire after injuring him and that he will burn him up.

The Undertaker says he will never forget Goldust's name, as his name will be but the first of many to be destroyed on the way to Mankind and Paul Bearer. He tells Goldust this will be his final curtain and the premiere of the new Undertaker.

Paul Bearer tells "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels says he might be seeing him sweat from being in the boiler room, but Shawn will be sweating against Mankind at In Your House: Mind Games. Mankind ponders if taking the WWF Championship will make him a sexy boy, make the girls kiss him and whisper in his ear or if the women will run away in fear as he chokes himself with a rope.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for September 6, 1996 - Championship Friday Edition

Hunter Hearst Helmsley's escort tonight is a young woman simply named Kimberly.

Sycho Sid beats Hunter Hearst Helmsley to continue to the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Championship Tournament. After the match, Kimberly walks to the back with Mr. Perfect as Helmsley is knocked out cold.

Ahmed Johnson says that he's a little better, but he's not as good as he was before. There is still a chance that he can come back 100%.

Brian Pillman guests on commentary for the next match. Pillman says he has a big announcement concerning Bret "The Hitman" Hart's return, and that he will interview him at In Your House: Mind Games. He also says that Bret Hart and his brother Owen Hart have allegedly reconciled.

"Wildman" Marc Mero beats "Stone Cold" Steve Austin by disqualification after Austin strikes the referee. Mero goes on to the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Championship Tournament, but not before both men brawl.

It's time for The King's Court. Jerry "The King" Lawler's guest tonight is "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry. Lawler makes fun of Jake "The Snake" Roberts, saying he "got bombed" just like the recent Atlanta Olympics. It is announced that Mark Henry has signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation, and that he has made a lot of people made despite not having had his debut match yet. He says Lawler made Lawler mad as well as Jake Roberts, as Roberts wasn't finished with the Jim Beam Lawler was forcing down his throat. He then mentions Henry getting in Vader's face, and asks if Henry is crazy. Mark Henry says he's not crazy at all, and tells Lawler he doesn't like him or Vader very much, and that there are people in the WWF he doesn't particularly care for. Lawler challenges Henry to a match, and Henry is game. Henry says he hasn't gotten the proper work put in, and he knows when to lift and he knows when to wrestle, and that there will be a day. Lawler tells Henry he should have won a gold medal in cowardice, and Henry grabs Lawler by the collar and tells him he's got a match, and when he's done, Lawler will get a gold medal butt kicking.

Mankind beats Alex "The Pug" Porteau with the Mandible Claw. During the match, it is announced by Jim Ross that Diesel and Razor Ramor are on their way to the World Wrestling Federation and that "he has very reliable sources."

We see footage of the WWF Superstars at the Canadian National Exposition "Ex"perience in Toronto. Sycho Sid, with the help of some Special Olympics teammates, wins a tug-of-war match against Angus the elephant. The Superstars also had a meet and greet to sign autographs. A live WWF event also took place, which also featured a surprise appearance by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who was not even scheduled to be in Toronto.

Bob Backlund is in the ring. He says he is bringing back the man who will win the WWF Championship in the near future. He then introduces someone who will be that man's mentor and trainer, as well as a man he has "a lot of abomination" for: The Iron Sheik. Sheik tells Backlund it is a pleasure to be back, and talks about his championship reign and Olympic success.

The new fall season of Raw premieres September 21st and 22nd!

The Undertaker tells Goldust his time is up, and that nobody can save him now. The end is at hand, and Goldust will rest in peace.

It is announced that Shawn Michael has posed for Playgirl, and he will be on the issue that goes on sale this Monday. The move has supposedly not pleased a lot of WWF officials.

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels retains the WWF Championship against Goldust after reversing the Curtain Call and beating Goldust with the moonsault from the top rope like he did against Vader at SummerSlam. During the match, Mankind watches Shawn defend the title against Goldust from a distance, saying he has a surprise for Shawn. After the match, Mankind rushes into the ring from the crowd and tries to double-team Shawn along with Goldust, but Shawn Michaels quickly flees as Paul Bearer joins Mankind.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for July 29, 1996

It is announced at the top of the show that Ahmed Johnson has been sidelined with a ruptured kidney as a result of the attack from the mystery man from last night's main event.

Sycho Sid beats Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw by disqualification after Bradshaw hits Sid with his cowbell. Uncle Zebekiah joins in on the post-match beatdown, but they both fall victim to a double clothesline and two massive powerbombs.

We find out that the mystery man from last week is Faarooq Asaad, "a modern day gladiator." Sunny said she had a surprise for Ahmed Johnson, and it came in the form of Faarooq. She plans to get Ahmed where it counts and when it counts at SummerSlam for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and make Faarooq "a champion of the '90s." Faarooq says that Ahmed has "a newfound appreciation for women" and that the next time he addresses Sunny, it will be with a Ms. or Mrs. in front of it. He says there are no guidelines or rules on the street, and he plans to remind Ahmed of that at SummerSlam, where he will become fifteen pounds heavier, all of it in gold.

Jim Cornette guests on commentary for the next match.

Vader beats "Wildman" Marc Mero after reversing an attack from the top rope into a powerslam.

We see more footage of Clarence Mason's hearing with WWF President Gorilla Monsoon from last week, and this time, Monsoon is the one asking the questions. After the match, Jim Cornette wants Jose Lothario in the ring so he can speak to him face to face.

Vince McMahon is in the ring with Jim Cornette and Jose Lothario. Cornette tells Lothario he hasn't forgotten what happened at the Free For All eight nights ago, and wants to know how Jose Lothario suddenly popped up in the WWF. He learned that Lothario was a great wrestler in his day, that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels came to Lothario to ask him to train him to be a wrestler, and that Lothario ended up being a father figure to him. While Shawn went all over the world, Lothario stayed in San Antonio "sitting on a back porch with a scrapbook full of memories with nobody caring if he lived or stinkin' died." Cornette knows that Shawn called him up to lead him again, this time to the WWF Championship in WrestleMania 12. Cornette tells Lothario he plans to get even with him by having Vader take the WWF Championship away from Michaels, and Lothario will go back to San Antonio a nobody. He calls Lothario trash, and if HBK learned everything he knows, then HBK is trash too. Lothario grabs Cornette tells him that he will kick his butt like nobody before if he insults his family or Shawn again. He pushes him away, and as he is about to leave, Cornette goes after him with the tennis racket only to get punched in the face again. Cornette then rolls out of the ring. The camera then suddenly cuts to Mankind attacking Shawn Michaels, who has been watching all this from the back, with the Mandible Claw.

We find out that Mankind assaulted "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels as Jose Lothario was going at it with Jim Cornette.

Before the next match, Jerry "The King" Lawler challenges "The Portuguese Man O' War" Aldo Montoya to a rematch on Raw next week after an upset win on Lawler last week on Superstars. We then hear from Aldo Montoya, who accepts Lawler's challenge without hesitation, and says Jake "The Snake" Roberts taught him two things: to believe in himself, and the DDT, which Roberts taught him. Owen Hart then guests on commentary for the next match, and Hillbilly Jim threatens to throw the bucket of slop at him if he gets involved in the next match. It is then announced via news ticker on the bottom of the screen that Sunny will be live in the WWF AOL Auditorium tomorrow night at 8 PM Eastern, celebrating her status as the most downloaded celebrity on AOL.

The British Bulldog beats Henry O. Godwinn when Owen Hart distracts Godwinn and Hillbilly Jim by dumping the bucket of slop as Henry O. Godwinn is about to hit the Slop Drop on Bulldog. During the match, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart is mentioned on commentary again, when Owen Hart is asked when Bret is coming back.

Mark Henry, who put Jerry "The King" Lawler in a gorilla press slam back in March, is seen setting a record with a 903-pound dead lift in footage from a powerlifting meet from last weekend.

In footage recorded after In Your House: International Incident, we see Mankind say that The Undertaker is a very bad man, and that while he can tolerate what he did to him, but not what he did to maternal love. He says that "Mommy" - a blond wig he is holding in his hands - doesn't want Undertaker to hurt her anymore, and what Mommy wants, he shall provide. He says he was supposed to uses his powers to create and not to destroy, but he has no control of his mind anymore. He says The Undertaker will find out that destruction can be beautiful at SummerSlam. All the while, Goldust and Marlena are nearby, and Goldust tries to comfort Mankind while lying on top of some lockers.

Mankind is seen in the boiler room before the next match.

Mankind is seen leaving the boiler room...

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin beats The Undertaker by count-out after The Undertaker fights Mankind outside of the ring (even though Mankind threw the first punch in the brawl). After the match, The Undertaker returns tot he ring and hits Stone Cold with the Tombstone Piledriver. Vince McMahon then interviews Paul Bearer and The Undertaker in the ring, and The Undertaker tells Mankind it's time the reaper enters the serpent's lair, and at the Boiler Room Brawl at SummerSlam, Mankind will finally rest in peace.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 1, 1996

Before the first match, Goldust's usher tries to give Razor Ramon some flowers, but Razor Ramon beats him up before that can happen. Goldust sees this transpire from a distance. Also, Brother Love can be seen backstage in the locker room talking about...something.

The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn) beat the team of Razor Ramon and Savio Vega, the team of Owen Hart and Yokozuna and the team of Sycho Sid and The 1-2-3 Kid in the Raw Bowl match with the help fo Razor Ramon pushing The 1-2-3 Kid off the top rope. Raw Bowl Queen Ashley Allen makes a few appearances on commentary during the match.

It is announced that Shawn Michaels will be holding a press conference next week.

Dok Hendrix hosts the Raw Bowl Halftime Show. Jim Ross says that Diesel has announced that he will "kick the King's can" tonight. Also, it is announced that Ahmed Johnson and Jeff Jarrett will be squaring off at Royal Rumble.

The Arkansas Hog Pen Match between Henry O. Godwinn and Hunter Hearst Helmsley from In Your House is replayed.

Diesel beats King Mabel with a big boot in just eight seconds, then puts Sir Mo in a Jackknife Power Bomb. Jerry "The King" Lawler tries to interview Diesel after the match, but he walks away with Raw Bowl Queen Ashley Allen instead.

The Brooklyn Brawler gives The Smoking Gunns the "Lombardi Trophy," but it's really a trophy with his head on it. He gets beat up and soaked in Lipton Brisk tea for his effort.

Diesel, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Dory Funk, Jur. Savio Vega, King Mabel, Bam Bam Bigelow, Barry Horowitz, Yokozuna, and Tatanka are all announced for the Royal Rumble match...and so is Vader.

Next week: "Double J" Jeff Jarrett vs. Hakushi!

The infamous "Billionaire Ted's 'Wrasslin' War Room'" vignette is aired making fun of World Championship Wrestling, Ted Turner, Hulk Hogan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage to close the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap from December 4, 1995

Sycho Sid tells Jannetty that he will have to get through him after attempting getting through The 1-2-3 Kid, and that Jannetty will answer to him. Marty Jannetty may not be the biggest or the baddest, but he plans to light Sid up tonight. Also, there may be bad news concerning "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels' recovery...

The British Bulldog beats Bob "Spark Plug" Holly. After the match, Jerry "The King" Lawler calls out Bob Backlund from out of the crowd and interviews him. When Backlund finds out his match next week against Bret "The Hit Man" Hart is not for the WWF Championship, Backlund goes insane, saying he wants to be God again and that he wants to "rule over the plebians and put them in the right frame of mind." The microphone has to be silenced as Backlund insists he keeps speaking as the show has to go to commercial break.

During the break, Bob Backlund finds out the microphone was cut off as he was speaking, and goes through the crowd to get to the sound engineer.

Fatu beats The Brooklyn Brawler. It is announced that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will be interviewed next week. After the match, Bob Backlund finds the sound engineer and puts him in the Cross Face Chicken Wing. After this, it is announced that Diesel will face Owen Hart at In Your House.

Razor Ramon retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Dean Douglas.

Next week on Raw: "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels speaks out for the first time since collapsing in the ring!

It's time for The Brother Love Show. Tonight's guest is King Mabel, who wears the chains made from The Undertaker's urn around his neck. Brother Love asks where Sir Mo is, and King Mabel says that's none of his business. Mabel gloats about being the first man to pin The Undertaker and also being the first to put him out of action, then says he will be the first man to stuff him in his own casket when he takes him on in a Casket Match at In Your House. Brother Love then tells King Mabel he has a surprise for him, and Mabel says he doesn't like surprises. The surprise is none other than a druid pushing a casket draped in black towards the ring. The druid then walks onto the apron, and the druid is none other than...Sir Mo. King Mabel thinks Sir Mo has been turned against him, until the black draping is removed from the casket to reveal that it is The Undertaker's casket. The casket has been vandalized with pro-King Mabel graffiti. King Mable loves this surprise, and tells The Undertaker there will be no love, only 568 pounds of pure hate.

Razor Ramon talks with Marty Jannetty backstage. Jannett asks Razor to watch for The Kid.

The WWF World Tour de Force continues in Oshawa, Canada; Niagara, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Chicago and Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The WWF Raw Bowl comes to USA Network on January 1st!

Barry Didinsky interviews life-size cardboard stand-ups of Diesel and The Undertaker! Both are $25 each plus $3.95 shipping and handling.

Marty Janetty vs. Sycho Sid ends after The 1-2-3 Kid shows up and attacks Jannetty from behind. Razor Ramon chases after The Kid, then runs in to Sycho Sid and beats him up. The 1-2-3 Kid runs into the crowd, and Razor runs after him. Sid then hits Jannetty with a massive power bomb before "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase shoves a $100 bill into Jannetty's mouth.

We see a interview with Dr. Jeffrey R. Unger, the personal physician of "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. He says that Michaels' test results are abnormal, and that he doesn't know when Michaels will return to the WWF. He says that Michaels' post-concussion syndrome symptoms are due to brain damage, which isn't as resilient as the rest of Michaels. He then says that Michaels is not progressing very well neurologically, and that it may not be safe to go back to wrestling at all.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for November 13, 1995

This morning, WWF Interim President Gorilla Monsoon declares Razor Ramon vs. Sycho Sid with special guest referee The 1-2-3 Kid to be a non-title match after some unfortunate confrontations between Razor and The Kid led him to question the impartiality of THe Kid as special guest referee.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Henry Godwinn - the later now known as Henry O. Godwinn - ends in a rather ingenious way: Godwinn dumps the bucket of slop all over himself, causing Helmsley to retreat due to the smell, only to slip and fall twice on the puddle of slop outside of the ring. The referee almost slips and falls once before Godwinn chases Helmsley to the back.

We see a video package of "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels.

Ahmed Johnson beats Jake Steel in his Raw debut.
During the match, we see a message from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels where he says he can trust Ahmed Johnson and knows that the two of them together will be able to survive. Also, it is announced that Michaels will take on Owen Hart next week.

After the break, Vince McMahon interviews Ahmed Johnson outside of the ring. Ahmed tells Sycho Sid and The British Bulldog not to come to the ring half-steppin', or else he'll break 'em off something proper.

Barry Didinsky advertises the 1996 WWF Calendar. Tonight for $21 plus $3.95 shipping, you can not only get the calendar, you can also get Diesel gloves and Diesel sunglasses absolutely free.

Vince McMahon conducts a special interview with both Diesel and Bret "The Hit Man" Hart via satellite. Diesel has respect for Hart, but he's confident of his abilities and knows he has to defend the WWF Championship. Hart, on the other hand, still can't sit well with how he lost the WWF Championship last time, as well as the fact that neither of them have beaten each other yet and the fact that he never got a rematch for the title. Hart says he also has the utmost respect for Diesel and thinks he's a great wrestler, especially given the fact that he has held the WWF Championship for over a year, buy says that faster guys with technical wrestling skills give Diesel more of a run for his money compared to other big men his size, and thinks that he's picking bigger guys on purpose so guys like him can't get title shot. Diesel says Hart was the first person he challenged, and says that if he wanted to duck a technical guy, Hart would be the last he would duck. Diesel says he'll survive Survivor Series by playing to his strengths and knocking Hart out. Hart is concerned with what a bigger man can do to him, but Hart is still up for the challenge even though Diesel has him well scouted, and plans to outlast Diesel for the title. Diesel says that he's bigger, better and smarter than he was in January. Hart says that dreams still push him to drive for the WWF Championship.

Vince McMahon and The King advertise Karate Fighters.

Before the next match, we hear pre-recorded comments from The Undertaker, who says that vengeance will be his at Survivor Series. Once again, 'Taker's face is obscured from view.

King Mabel beats Roy Raymond. Jim Ross talks about some of the injuries to some of the Superstars participating in Survivor Series on Option 6 of the WWF Superstar Hotline.

"Bill Clinton" asks everyone to join him this Sunday for Survivor Series.

Sycho Sid beats Razor Ramon after interference by Dean Douglas and after special guest referee The 1-2-3 Kid pulls Sycho Sid out of the Razor's Edge and allows him to hit the power bomb for a fast count and the win. After the match, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase stuffs a Canadian $5 bill in Razor's mouth and The Kid pulls it out and puts it in his pocket.

The World Tour de Force heads to Richmond, Virginia; Salisbury, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York City and Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Jim Ross interviews Dean Douglas, Jim Cornette, Yokozuna, Mr. Fuji and Owen Hart backstage when Razor Ramon attacks Dean Douglas for interfering in the main event.