Final Impact - Impact Wrestling recap for June 24, 2015

Ethan Carter III tells Jeremy Borash that Kurt Angle's opponent tonight is a "TNA institution."

Kurt Angle enters the ring. He tells Ethan Carter III his run for the World title is coming to an end. He tells EC3 to bring out his mystery opponent right now, but only EC3 and Tyrus show up. After saying he will take the title from him in seven days, Angle tells him to shut up so he can get the match over with, but EC3 continue to talk about how he's beaten everyone TNA has put in front of him, but it only convinces Angle that EC3 is in love with himself, and Angle promises to end his undefeated streak next week and make him tap. Ethan Carter III is in the mood to fight after that, but it's all a tease as he brings out the opponent he's picked for Angle tonight...Matt Hardy.

Tigre Uno beats Low Ki and Grado to win the TNA X Division Championship! Tigre Uno tells Christy Hemme that this is the greatest night of his life.

Bram interrupts Jeremy Borash to say he's calling out another TNA legend tonight. After Bram leaves, a finger gloved hand touches JB's shoulder. JB looks at the man, who is not seen, and tells him "It's time."

Taryn Terrell yells at Jade and Marti Bell for their failure last week, then declares that at Slammiversary, it will be the three of them versus Brooke and Awesome Kong in a 3-on-2 match.

Velvet Sky beats Angelina Love and earns the right to return to TNA full-time.

The Dirty Heels (Austin Aries and Bobby Roode) aren't happy with the Full Metal Mayhem stipulation, but they're still certain they can use the lack of rules to stay in the series and break The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) in half.

Who will bring balance in a world on the razor's edge? Play time is over...

MVP is back. The Beat Down Clan (MVP, Low Ki, Kenny King, Homicide) may have lost to The Rising (Drew Galloway, Eli Drake, Micah), but they're back up and they're not done yet.

The Dirty Heels (Austin Aries and Bobby Roode) beat The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) in a Full Metal Mayhem match to tie the Best of Five Series up at two wins each.

Jeremy Borash interviews Matt Hardy when Ethan Carter III shows up. It does not take long for Matt Hardy to shut EC3 up.

Jeff Jarrett and his wife Karen Jarrett suddenly show up, much to the surprise of Josh Mathews and D'Angelo Dinero. Jeff is wearing a Global Force Wrestling T-shirt. A week ago, he was promoting a GFW show when TNA contacted him with a proposal. That proposal is a match, and not just any match. It's a King of the Mountain Match, and it's at Slammiversary this Sunday. Jarrett rattles off the names of wrestlers who became TNA legends, then hands the mike to Karen so she can air her reaction. She was against this at first, but she supported Jeff, who she says didn't leave TNA the way he wanted to go out. Jarrett says he's in the match Sunday, and says he's going to come out on top in TNA one last time.

Bram's opponent is none other than Vader.

Vader beats Bram by disqualification when Bram hits him with the steel turnbuckle. Bram continues to attack him when he is attacked by none other than "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan, who hasn't been seen in TNA in almost two years.

Eric Young beats Chris Melendez.

The Rising (Drew Galloway, Eli Drake, Micah) and The Beat Down Clan (MVP, Kenny King, Low Ki) are brawling in the ring as soon as we come back from commercials, and the BDC bring out a new secret weapon: Hernandez, who also hasn't been in TNA for a while.

Kurt Angle beats Matt Hardy with the Ankle Lock Submission. After the match, Ethan Carter III and Tyrus show up, and Matt Hardy fights them both off long enough so that Angle can fight back and put EC3 in the Ankle Lock Submission to end the show.

After the show, it is revealed that the contract signing segment involving "The Cowboy" James Storm and Magnus was not shown on television because their match is that personal. Their match is non-sanctioned, which means anything goes, the referee is only there to call the bell, and that nobody can be held liable for what happens.

Feel The Heat - Sunday Night Heat recap for October 11, 1998

Jacqueline retains the WWF Women's Championship against Starla Saxton. After the match, Jacqueline conitiues to attack Starla Saxton until Sable gets in the ring and beats up Jacqueline, forcing her to retreat.

Kaientai (Taka Michinoku, Sho Funaki, Men's Teioh, Dick Togo) beat The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and Too Much ("Too Sexy" Brian Christopher and Scott "Too Hot" Taylor) after Funaki puts Teioh on top of Taylor following a top rope elbow drop as the referee is pre-occupied. After the match, Too Much and The Hardy Boyz point fingers at each other over who cost them the match, and this starts a brawl between the two teams that is quickly broken up by referees.

Vader beats Edge. (This ends up being Vader's last match in WWF for several years, as he is released from his contract shortly after this match.)

Al Snow beats "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock by disqualification when Al Snow grabs the bottom rope and Shamrock refuses to let go of the ankle lock. After the match, 2 Cold Scorpio gets in the ring, but Shamorck easily takes him down and goes back to putting the ankle lock on Al Snow. Mankind then gets in the ring with a steel chair, but Shamrock sees him coming and gets away.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews "Road Dogg" Jesse James, who says that he can give him "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn's personal information if he wants to know where he is that badly. As for "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, he has a little payback in the form of a braid-headed freak who is 250 lbs. of braid-headed badness, and tonight, he is kicking his ass.

We see a vignette for Steven Regal - a real man's man - who cuts his own oranges with a knife and squeezes the juice out.

Jeff Jarrett beats "Road Dogg" Jesse James by disqualification after Road Dogg hits Jarrett in the head with his guitar. After the match, Road Dogg shows no remorse over his actions and even does his best Chuck Berry impression in a brief, post-match celebration.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin beats D'Lo Brown, then hits "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry with a Stone Cold Stunner when he runs into the ring after the match.

Feel The Heat - Sunday Night Heat recap for September 13, 1998

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock beats Vader with the ankle lock after catching Vader out of the air with an arm bar before floating into the ankle lock. After the match, Shamrock says it is about that time for the WWF to let him speak his mind, as he has been in the company for a year and a half and he has had only one title shot. He says that he has defeated everybody that the WWF has put in front of him except for one man: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Shamrock challenges Austin to a match for the WWF Championship anywhere, any time, any place. Meanwhile, Austin is seen watching the show from the locker room backstage.

We see behind-the-scenes footage of Sable on the set of Pacific Blue. Sable tells Jacqueline that she is flattered that she is obsessed with her, but now it is starting to get old. She thought that after SummerSlam, Jacqueline and "Marvelous" Marc Mero would get the message, but they did not. She also says she could not help but notice how stunning Jacqueline looked in her evening gown, and she has a proposition for her: an Evening Gown Match where she strips Jacqueline of pride, dignity and anything else that will come off.

Before the next match, Val Venis says you can say all you want about Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa, but you can believe him when he says he has the most dangerous bat in the business.

Val Venis beats "Marvelous" Marc Mero by disqualification when Jacqueline jumps on top of him to put him in a sleeper hold only to be tossed off. During the very short match, Dustin Runnels is seen in the crowd carrying a sign saying "He's Coming Back." After the match, Michael Cole interviews Jacqueline and Mero. Jacqueline accepts Sable's challenge to an Evening Gown Match, and Mero guarantees Jacqueline will rip every piece of Sable's clothing off. After this, Dustin Runnels comes out of the crowd, strikes Venis from behind with his sign, and continues to attack him with a leather belt until referees stop him.

Gangrel beats Taka Michinoku.

We hear from "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, who tells X-Pac that he screwed with his boots and with hair, and tonight, he screws with X-Pac. He tells X-Pac to bring the rest of D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) with him while he brings Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight), and while the saying goes "Don't piss me off," X-Pac is already there.

D'Lo Brown vs. Kane ends in an no-contest. During the match, The Undertaker throws "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry into D'Lo Brown while The Rock hits Kane with a steel chair to the back behind referee Tim White's back. After The Undertaker goes after The Rock, Kane gets up and nearly choke slams D'Lo Brown for the win. Henry gets back in the ring and attacks Kane from behind, but The Undertaker comes back and brawls with Henry. Mark Henry and D'Lo Brown both get choke slammed, with Henry getting choke slammed by both men, before D'Lo Brown falls victim to an assisted spike Tombstone Piledriver.

"Double J" Jeff Jarrett beats X-Pac in a Lumberjack Match. During the match, Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight) try to hit X-Pac with a guitar, but The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) stop them, and Dennis Knight gets the guitar smashed on his head. X-Pac hits Jarrett with the X-Factor as the lumberjacks brawl, but Mark Canterbury gets in the ring as referee Mike Chioda is dealing with the ringside brawling to hit X-Pac with a pump handle powerslam. Jarrett then rolls X-Pac up in a jackknife pin to get the win.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up. Austin says that at SummerSlam, he beat The Undertaker fair and square in the center of the ring, and he gives The Undertaker credit for not lying to him when he said he wanted to face him one-on-one. After he talked about how tough he thought The Undertaker was and how he respected his ability, WWF owner Vince McMahon shows up and made it look like he was kissing The Undertaker's ass, which was the last thing he was doing. Austin says that The Undertaker and Kane will not get "Mr. Nice Guy" from him anymore, as he will not give Vince the satisfaction of seeing somebody in the back taking the WWF Championship from him. As far as "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock's challenge goes, he respects Shamrock's ability, but this is the WWF and not the UFC, and if he wants a title shot, all he has to do is come to the ring so he can beat his ass in front of the world. Shamrock shows up, but referees show up before both men can go at it. As Austin demands the bell be rung, Vince shows up with Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter, and Austin tells Vince to ring the bell so they can have the match despite the show coming to an end.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for September 5, 1998

Note: This episode aired on Saturday due to the U.S. Open.

RAW

WWF owner Vince McMahon heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He announces that on September 27th, a brilliant, Machiavellian plan will be unfolded, as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will suffer a physical and emotional breakdown that will cause him to no longer be the WWF Champion once the plan is executed, and guarantees that this will happen and that he should not even be WWF Champion right now. Vince says The Undertaker dominated Austin and even had an insurance policy in the form of Kane, but he sent him back to the locker room. Vince calls The Undertaker "a damned fool." He then talks about Austin's appearance on Regis and Kathie Lee, where he said SummerSlam was a hard-fought battle and that he has respect for The Undertaker. Vince knows The Undertaker is somewhere in the building and can hear him, and that his "retarded" brother Kane can hear him, too. He tells them they should be striking terror in the heart of every WWF Superstar, and that they should be dominating and terrorizing the World Wrestling Federation, but instead, the Superstars are starting to snicker at their mere sight and are not terrorized any longer to the point that they could not terrorize a kindergartner. The crowd starts calling Vince an asshole, and Vince responds "That's class all the way," then days The Undertaker and Kane have been reduced to "two putrid pussies." Kane and The Undertaker show up, and Vince McMahon leaves through the crowd immediately, with The Undertaker and Kane following.

The Disciples of Apocalypse (Skull and 8-Ball) vs. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman comes to an end when The Undertaker and Kane show up and attack Blackman, with a choke slam by Kane and a leg bar by The Undertaker. The D.O.A. and Paul Ellering start running as soon as Kane and The Undertaker come their way, and Shamrock is angry when he sees Blackman is injured.

Val Venis is spotted making out with a woman in a bathroom stall backstage.

Before the next match, Val Venis says "The Big Valbowski is like your family dog: he's loyal, he's obedient and he comes when he's called."

Val Venis vs. Vader ends in a no-contest. During the match, Dustin Runnels is seen in the crowd holding up a sign with the message "He's coming back." Later in the match, Bradshaw shows up and confronts Vader, but when The Undertaker and Kane show up, he gets out of the ring before The Undertaker and Kane demolish both Venis and Vader.

Michael Cole interviews "The Rock" Rocky Maivia and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry. The Rock tells says The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) are like everyone else he has laid the smackdown on. As for "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmesley, he will always be the people's champ, even if Triple H left him laying in a pool of his own blood at SummerSlam.

Michael Cole interviews The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). Billy Gunn says the boys are back, and that they did what they said they would do. Road Dog says they aren't just going to get a piece of "The Rock" Rocky Maivia, they're getting his whole ass, and if "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry wants a shot, they'll knock him off too, as it's their first title defense and the only good offense is "a damn good defense."

The Nation ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) beat The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) by disqualification after Chyna rushes into the ring and goes after Mark Henry. The New Age Outlaws, who retain the WWF Tag Team Championships, have to hold her back.

Tiger Ali Singh and Babu show up. Singh says he has proven that American men have no class or courage, and that they will do anything for money. He says they have continually embarassed themselves by eating worms and licking Babu's feet. He has also proven that American women have no morals and no self-respect, and that they have degraded themselves continuously by taking their clothes off and eating dog food. He has now concluded there is no limit to how low Americans will go. As he speaks, Babu is eating sardines, and Singh notices this, saying the stench has gotten on his nerves and that he hasn't even brushed his teeth in four days. This gives Singh an idea: offer $500 to any American woman who will get in the ring and French kiss Babu. Babu picks a younger American woman, and since she is beautiful, Singh bumps the reward up to $600. All she has to do is kiss Babu for five seconds - which he will count - to get the money, but if she stops at any point, she does not get paid. She plays tonsil hockey for more than five seconds, thanks to Singh telling the crowd to shut up, and gets the $600. After this, The Undertaker and Kane show up as the young lady leaves, and they both choke slam Singh and Babu, and Babu is choke slammed out of his shoes.

Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight) beat The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh).

The Undertaker and Kane find the door to WWF owner Vince McMahon's office. kane tries to reak the door with a sledgehammer, and manages to do just that. Mr. McMahon is not in the room, however.

WAR ZONE

We see unseen SummerSlam footage where X-Pac, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), Howard Finkel, The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) and Darren "Puke" Drozdov continue to cut "Double J" Jeff Jarrett's hair in the locker room.

X-Pac beats D'Lo Brown by disqualification after "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, now with a shorter haircut and brand new ring gear, shows up and attacks X-Pac. As X-Pac and Jarrett fight in the crowd, The Undertaker and Kane show up yet again and attack D'Lo Brown. "The Rock" Rocky Maivia runs in and confronts The Undertaker and Kane, but he gets a beatdown while D'Lo Brown escapes through the crowd. D'Lo Brown retains the WWF European Championship, and The Rock gets choke slammed.

"Marvelous" Marc Mero vs. Edge ends in a no-contest when Gangrel rushes out and brawls with Edge. Mero and Jacqueline have almost made it to the back when The Undertaker and Kane show up yet again and attack Mero.

Jim Ross interviews Al Snow and Head. We see footage of Snow in Extreme Championship Wrestling, and Snow says that ECW is a completely alternate experience, and there, he was able to show that he was capable of carrying the ball when it was giving it to him, taking his chance and running with it. He was a star in ECW, and he can be a star in WWF, and if he isn't given the opportunity, he'll take it, even if he is talking to a mannequin head. Snow says he is a normal human being with a regular life, a wife and kids. Snow says the voices he hears from Head are numerous but regular people. Snow says he has had numerous challenges in his life, but he will overcome them. It is also acknowledges that Snow has competed as both Avatar and Leif Cassidy. Snow apologizes for his outburt towards Jim Ross back then where he screamed that he could not take it anymore, but says he did not have a breakdown or was pushed over the edge, but rather had an awakening. If he had clearance to see WWF owner Vince McMahon, he would not even entertain the act of talking to him. Snow also says it is him running the show, not Head.

The Undertaker and Kane are seen backstage again.

Before the next match, Road Warrior Hawk is seen wearing street clothes and his L.O.D. 2000 helmet, dancing with The Oddities (Luna Vachon, Golga, Kurrgan, Giant Silva). After being Road Warrior Hawk then tries to dance with Insane Clown Posse (Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope), but when they refuse, Hawk attacks them. Despite his extremely compromised state, he is still part of the match, which does not bode well for Road Warrior Animal or Darren "Puke" Drozdov. As everyone else fights outside of the ring, Giant Silva chokes slams Hawk in the middle of the ring. The Oddities (Golga, Kurrgan, Giant Silva) beat L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) and Darren "Puke" Drozdov. (The Oddities' entrance as well as the post-match proceedings are edited out of the WWE Network.)

The Undertaker and Kane attack a random backstage worker and trash the backstage interview area.

Too Much ("Too Sexy" Brian Christopher and "Too Hot" Scott Taylor) beats Los Boricuas (Jesus Castillo and Miguel Perez) when Jesus has referee Jimmy Korderas distracted following a double-team on Taylor, allowing Christopher to hit Miguel with a top rope leg drop during a pinfall attempt before laying Taylor on top of Miguel for the win.

Before the next match, "Double J" Jeff Jarrett tells 2 Cold Scorpio not to look him in the eye, because that enough to piss him off.

"Double J" Jeff Jarrett beats 2 Cold Scorpio by disqualification after he is attacked by X-Pac. During the match, it is announced that "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman has been taken out of the arena earlier with a knee injury, and may be out for a while. Updates on his injury will be provided tomorrow night on Sunday Night Heat. It is also announced that tomorrow night on Sunday Night Heat, The Undertaker and Kane will fight together in a tag team match for the very first time against Road Warrior Animal and Darren "Puke" Drozdov. After the match, X-Pac and Jarrett take their brawl to the crowd, then The Undertaker and Kane show up yet again and attack 2 Cold Scorpio before he can leave the ring, and WWF owner Vince McMahon shows up and watches from the stage as The Undertaker choke slams Scorpio before he and Kane hit Scorpio with a spike Tombstone Piledriver to end the show. It is not long before The Undertaker and Kane notice Vince and chase him to the back to end the show.

Feel The Heat - Sunday Night Heat recap for August 30, 1998

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up and guests on commentary for this week's show. It is notable that instead of the usual Sunday Night Heat set, the set for this year's SummerSlam is used. Also, instead of being taped, the show is recorded live, and Howard Finkel is the ring announcer. (This will be a regular thing during the show's early years.)

Road Warrior Hawk shows up before the next match, wearing his helmet and getting in the way at the beginning of the match, apparently less than perfectly sober. Hawk ends up being Road Warrior Animal's partner when Darren "Puke" Drozdov storms out, irritated with Hawk. Edge is also seen watching the match from above the SummerSlam logo

Too Much ("Too Sexy" Brian Christopher and Scott "Too Hot" Taylor) beat L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) when Christopher gets Taylor off Animal's shoulders and Hawk - who never removes his helmet - stumbles off the top rope and knocks Animal down.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is seen backstage pacing back and forth with a sledgehammer in his hand waiting for Kane and The Undertaker to show up.

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels interviews Sable in the ring. Sable says the Sable Bomb will be dropped on Jacqueline tonight, and when asked who her mystery tag team partner is, Sable says that if she revealed who it was, it would not be a mystery anymore; however, she does say that even though they are very dear to her heart and make her laugh, it is not one of The Oddities, as "their dance card was full tonight." Sable then asks HBK to dance, and she dances along with him.

Gangrel beats Dustin Runnels, who has the words "He Is Coming Back" on the back of his shirt during the match.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley as D-Generation X (Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) arrive to the arena. Triple H says that DX lives for today, and after the final bell rings, things in the WWF are never going to be the same.

Michael Cole is seen waiting with WWF owner Vince McMahon in McMahon's own dressing room for an interview later in the show.

We see footage courtesy of WWF.com where Val Venis says Mario Lopez should have showed respect to him, and admits that he thinks Mario Lopez is a good actor. He gives Lopez credit for the double-leg takedown he got him with weeks ago, saying Lopez has guts, but his attention was right back on Lopez' fellow Pacific Blue co-star Amy Hunter.

Michael Cole interviews WWF owner Vince McMahon, who says that he has to do something about "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, as he is afraid Austin will hurt someone else or himself, and that he has to protect his main event. He says that if he has to go backstage and personally take the sledgehammer away from Austin's hands, then that is exactly what he is going to do. Vince says he will not let Austin ruin things for him or for the fans.

Jeff Jarrett and Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight) attack ring announcer Howard Finkel. Southern Justice hold Finkel down while Jarrett cuts Finkel's hair with an electric razor. Jarrett then says he has a few advice for everyone in the back, including X-Pac: don't piss him off.

Backstage, Sgt. Slaughter, Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson try to take the sledgehammer away from "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, but Austin is having none of it as he refuses to let Kane attack him from behind.

Backstage, Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson and Sgt. Slaughter tell WWF owner Vince McMahon what has just transpired with Austin. Vince says Austin is just one man, and when asked to do it, he says he will do just that, and the others offer to go with him. Vince says again he will show them that Austin is only one man.

The Disciples of Apocalypse (Skull and 8-Ball) beat Bradshaw and Vader. Tony Chimel replaces Howard Finkel as ring announcer for the rest of the night. During the match, Bradshaw and Vader fail to get along, and even argue over who will start the match as soon as the bell rings. The match ends after Vader is whipped into Bradshaw, who is distracted by Paul Ellering, and Bradshaw responds by punching Vader in the face and allowing D.O.A. to win on a schoolboy pin. After the match, Vader and Bradshaw brawl on the outside, and referees and officials have to separate both men. Bradshaw has the upper hand at first, but Vader gets back in the ring and clotheslines Bradshaw out of it. It is then announced for viewers to stay tuned to the Home Shopping Network after SummerSlam at 10:55 PM Eastern/9:55 PM Central, as Michael Cole and Brian Collard will be selling WWF merchandise live. Viewers can dial 1-800-284-3100 now to buy some WWF merchandise without having to wait for the post-show events on HSN.

The nine-foot cage for the Lion's Den Match between Owen Hart and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock is seen.

Backstage, WWF owner Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson and Sgt. Slaughter try to get "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to put his sledgehammer down. Austin refuses, as he feels Vince only cares about the SummerSlam pay-per-view and its main event, and he refuses to let Kane attack him from behind. Vince and company leave almost immediately.

We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to the Ladder Match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship match between "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley and The Rock.

The Nation (The Rock, Owen Hart D'Lo Brown, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) shows up. Suddenly, D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) rush in and fight The Nation, and The Rock strikes the back of Triple H's knee with the WWF Intercontinental Championship before fleeing, injuring it.

A hearse pulls up in the arena, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin lies in wait. Austin pulls the driver out of the hearse and smashes the hearse with his sledgehammer before getting on a forklift and puts it through the rear windshield to lift it up as the show ends.

Feel The Heat - Sunday Night Heat recap for August 16, 1998

Kane and Mankind retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Darren "Puke" Drozdov).

"Marvelous" Marc Mero and Jacqueline show up. Jacqueline tells Sable to get "her Madison Avenue butt down here" as she has something to say to her, and tells her to put down "those ring things" and the cheap wine. Sable shows up and says she likes her wine fine and her men even finer, and that the only cheap thing around here is Jacqueline's perfume as well as Jacqueline's "day rate." Jacqueline demands her bikini contest trophy back, and says Sable does not want any part of her in the ring. She then says they can wrestle for it, and dares Sable to put "that toothpick arm" into play. Sable tells Jacqueline she will beat her at whatever game she has, whether it be a bikini contest, a wrestling match or an arm-wrestling contest, and that she is always ready to drop the bomb on her.

Edge beats "Too Sexy" Brian Christopher. During the match, Dustin Runnels is seen walking around in the crowd carrying a sign saying "The Choice Is Yours" on one side and "He's Coming Back" on the other. Scott "Too Hot" Taylor runs in after the match, but Edge lays him out with a clothesline.

The Godfather guests on commentary for the next match.

Bart Gunn beats Vader by disqualification after he is attacked on the outside by The Godfather. After the match, Vader and The Godfather both attack Bart Gunn.

Tomorrow night on Raw: Dan "The Beast" Severn vs. Owen Hart vs. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock!

The debuting Gangrel beats Scott "Too Hot" Taylor.

Tiger Ali Singh shows up in the ring with a manservant named Abu (who is portrayed by former Light Heavyweight Division wrestler Pablo Marquez and later named Babu). Singh says he believes that Americans have no class, no morals and no ethics, and that they are not prideful like the people of his country of India. He then says American will lower themselves to any depths for the almighty dollar and that he has proven this week after week, and that they have no more backbone than the "common, ordinary nightcrawler." After the camera cuts to Abu holding a worm, Singh claims he will pay any American $500 to come in the ring and eat the worm. A man in a D-Generation X shirt is picked out of the front row, and the man eats the worm with almost no hesitation and receives the $500, much to the delight of the crowd.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley and X-Pac) beat Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight) by disqualification after "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, now with shorter hair, kicks X-Pac in the groin from behind and tries to cut his hair with an electric razor. The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) run in and chase Jarrett out of the ring.

The Undertaker shows up. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who has been seen watching the show from a backstage monitor the entire night, is seen watching what is going on in the ring on the monitor. The Undertaker then tells Austin he came to the ring and challenged him like a man, and when he became the #1 contender for the WWF Championship, he vowed to him that he would be the safest S.O.B. in the World Wrestling Federation. He says that he has done everything he said he was going to do, and did everything he could to protect his investment in the WWF Championship, but the one person he could not protect him from was himself, as Austin has pissed him off. Austin is seen leaving the room and heading to the ring as The Undertaker says he came after him like a man just like he will at SummerSlam, and while he will be in his face, Austin has one foot in the grave. He tells Austin that if he is hell-bent on self-destruction, then he will meet him at the intersection to the Highway to Hell and he will take the WWF Championship from him. Austin shows up, but as he comes halfway down the aisle, Kane shows up to end the show as Austin is caught between Kane and The Undertaker.

Feel The Heat - Sunday Night Heat recap for August 9, 1998

Paul Bearer, Kane and Mankind show up to start tonight's show. Mankind says that on the day before King of the Ring, knowing full well his life would never be the same, he went out and took his two little children to Santa's Village, and as he sat on the roller coaster, his four-year-old daughter reached up and kissed him on the cheek, and when he asked why, she said "Because, Daddy, you're a good man." He says it was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard, and the very next day, The Undertaker tried to take all of that away from him. He tells the crowd they are scum that don't deserve to be in the same arena as him, and then talks about how The Undertaker pushed him off the top of the cell into the announce table before choke slamming him through the cell ceiling, all the while unable to keep him down. With his arm hanging by a thread, his tongue poking through a hole below his lip and one of his teeth stuck in his nose, he finished the match because he could, and Jim Ross sat there and said that if ever a man deserved a standing ovation, it would have to be him. He then says that out of a crowd of 20,000 people, 200 people cheered as the rest saw the WWF's "toughest son-of-a-bitch" and were too stupid to know. Mankind says two things became very clear: he cannot and will wrestle ever again except for the acceptance of the fans, and his career will never end in a blaze of glory and he will slowly lose all of his bodily functions while nobody gives a damn. He then tells The Undertaker to somewhere and somehow find the courage to face him man-to-man, as he will not give the satisfaction of putting the final nail in the coffin of Mankind. He then says that if he does, then he will tear him apart.

Vader beats "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry by disqualification after Mark Henry hits Vader with repeated body splashes after Vader busts his mouth open.

Backstage, Michael Cole reports that he has been able to speak with The Undertaker and confirms The Undertaker has heard what Mankind had to say at the top of the show. He also reports that The Undertaker was in no mood to conduct an interview with him, but The Undertaker did say that he has a statement later tonight and that he will be waiting by The Undertaker's locker room.

The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) vs. Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight) ends in a double disqualification after "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and Darren "Puke" Drozdov get involved and the match gets out of control.

X-Pac beats Taka Michinoku. During the match, a joint press conference between Val Venis and John Wayne Bobbitt is announced for tomorrow night on Raw. After the match, the rest of Kaientai (Sho Funaki, Dick Togo, Men's Teioh) run in and attack X-Pac, then the rest of D-Generation X (Triple H, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) run into fight Kaientai. As Yamaguchi-San backs away into the ring, he accidentally backs into Chyna, who hits him with a forearm that causes him to roll down the ramp and into Taka.

Backstage, Michael Cole reports that he was invited into The Undertaker's locker room concerning his statement towards Mankind; however, when The Undertaker noticed the cameraman following him, the cameraman was pushed away.

Bradshaw beats Dustin Runnels. During the match, it is announced that Triple H will be guesting on Pacific Blue, coming up after Sunday Night Heat. It is then announced that Darren "Puke" Drozdov has recently challenged "Double J" Jeff Jarrett to a match, and that the challenge has been accepted on Jarrett's behalf by Tennessee Lee and will take place later tonight.

We see another edition of Droz's World where Darren "Puke" Drozdov talks about other people's reactions to his tattoos.

Darren "Puke" Drozdov beats "Double J" Jeff Jarrett. During the match, Southern Justice (Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight) show up, briefly distracting Drozdov. They are later met by The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh), who distract the referee as Tennessee Lee tosses one of his cowboy boots to Jarrett. Droz grabs the boot instead, and hits Jarrett with the boot to get the win. After the match, Jarrett argues with Tennessee Lee, and the argument gets physical as Jarrett pushes Tennessee Lee only for Lee to push back. Tennessee Lee tells Jarrett that he is the problem, but when he sics Southern Justice on Jarrett, Southern Justice turn on Tennessee Lee, beating him up along with Jarrett. Jarrett then tells the crowd that if they don't like him and Southern Justice, they can kiss his ass.

Paul Bearer, Kane and Mankind show up again. Mankind is seen carrying an ice scraper to the ring, and says that tonight, he will tear The Undertaker apart. All of a sudden, Kane grabs Mankind by the throat and tosses him off the apron and into a commentary table before punching Paul Bearer out. After hitting Mankind with the steel steps and stomping Paul Bearer, he hits Mankind with the Tombstone Piledriver before removing his mask and revealing himself to be The Undertaker in disguise the whole time to end the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for July 27, 1998

RAW

The Undertaker shows up to start tonight's show. Last night, he Tombstoned his brother Kane into Hell, and he and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin are the WWF Tag Team Champions. They may be champions, but they will never be partners unless Austin shows up right now and apologizes to him. After The Undertaker demands an apology from Austin, WWF owner Vince McMahon shows up with WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco. Vince says he cannot believe his ears, and says the only reason The Undertaker demands an apology is because it proves that he and Kane were not conspiring. This does not fly with Vince McMahon, as what he did was the same thing Vince would have done and that he's not gullible enough to buy it, and neither is Austin. Vince says it took three Tombstone Piledrivers to take Kane down, and knows that both Kane and The Undertaker are near-impervious to pain, and goes on to say that if anybody deserves an apology, it is him, as The Undertaker put his hands on him last week. The Undertaker says he might do it again. Vince says he sustained a neck injury after what happened last week, and he does not appreciate it. Vince demands his apology, but not before he lets The Undertaker and Austin know that they will be defending the tag team titles against The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). Vince then says he is not leaving until The Undertaker apologizes to him. Right after that, Austin shows up with a custom-made version of the WWF Championship, complete with the current WWF logo, a white snakeskin pattern on the rear side and a smoking skull in the center. Vince and company leave the ring, then Austin grabs the microphone and tells Vince to go up the ramp as he has nothing to say to him. Austin then says The Undertaker hit the nail on the head when he said they were champions but not partners, says he will defend the tag team titles with him, and says he has an apology for him in the form of a middle finger.

Before the next match, D'Lo Brown announces that he has gotten off the phone with the people over at Euro Disney, who say that they have two new rides for him: the Sky High and the Lo Down. He then tells Vader to "get [his] fat ass out here so [he] can choose which one [he wants]."

Vader beats D'Lo Brown by count-out after ripping off D'Lo's chest protector and hitting him with a splash. During the match, it is announced that D'Lo Brown's European title is not on the line due to his legal representation believing that it would not be a prudent move.

We see a skit entitled Droz's World. We see Droz with some snakes, shooting some guns in a swamp and also throwing up in a wastebasket. Next time on Droz's World, Droz tells a story about "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry.

Bart Gunn beats "Dr. Death" Steve Williams by knockout in the closing seconds of the third round to continue to the semi-finals of the Brawl For All Tournament with a devastating left after Williams tears his hamstring.

Owen Hart shows up before Bart Gunn. After the commercial break, we see footage of "Dr. Death" Steve Williams being helped to the back. Last night, he proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is truly the most dangerous man in the World Wrestling Federation and that he is not a nugget. Owen says he is the baddest in the WWF, and if anyone has the guts to want to challenge him, he dares them to come on down and get a piece of him. Owen Hart's music plays again, and out comes Jason Sensation dressed as Owen. Jason says if Owen thinks he can slap him around, then it's time for them to stand nose-to-nose, meaning they will be miles apart. He says Owen is nothing more than a little nugget, and that it's time that people start flushing him down the toilet before starting a "nugget' chant. Owen leaves the ring and heads up the ramp, but Dan "The Beast" Severn shows up in a suit and tie before Owen can get to Jason Sensation.

Dan "The Beast" Severn vs. Owen Hart ends when "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock comes out of the crowd and attacks Owen. Severn pulls Shamrock off of Owen and gets him in a choke hold, and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman shows up to keep both men apart along with referees and WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter. As this point, Shamrock snaps and has to be held down in a corner of the ring.

This Sunday on USA at 7 PM Eastern/6 PM Central: Sunday Night Heat!

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock goes off on Michael Cole backstage.

Bradshaw guests on commentary for the next match, saying that nobody crosses him and that Terry Funk should have told him he was leaving sooner before last night's match. If Funk comes back in six months, he'll gladly beat him down in a match.

Faarooq and 2 Cold Scorpio vs. The Disciples of Apocalypse (Skull and 8-Ball) ends with Bradshaw fighting everybody until referees, officials and WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter restore order. During the match, Bradshaw grabs Jerry "The King" Lawler by the collar and tells him to call the match.

"The Rock" Rocky Maivia says the entire world saw him lay the smack down on "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley for 30 minutes. If Triple H and X-Pac want to go 2-on-1 with The Rock, then they can scratch that itch, as he will make them famous.

WAR ZONE

"Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. X-Pac vs. "The Rock" Rocky Maivia for the WWF Intercontinental Championship ends with The Rock getting himself counted out to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship while Triple H and X-Pac slug it out.

Michael Cole interviews The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) in the locker room. They are concerned about the tag team titles, but the mission remains the same, as they will take the tag team titles back.

Brakkus beats Jesus Castillo.

We see Val Venis in a locker room shower with Yamaguchi-san's wife.

Before the next match, Val Venis says if you want to spend all day at Disneyland, that's okay, but if you want the ride of your lifehop aboard The Big Valbowski. Yamaguchi-san then shows up with Kaientai (Dick Togo, Men's Teioh, Sho Funaki), and is seen carrying a katana while Kaientai carries long salamis and a small wooden table with "Yamaguchi family" written in Japanese on the side of it is on the stage.

Val Venis beats "Too Sexy" Brian Christopher. After the match, Christopher and "Too Hot" Scott Taylor attacks Venis, but Taka Michinoku runs into the ring and teams up with Venis to take them out. Yamaguchi-san then gets Venis' attention, challenging Venis to a match next week against Kaientai (Dick Togo, Men's Teioh, Sho Funaki), and if they win, he will give him a big surprise. Funaki places a large cylinder of sausage on the table, and Yamaguchi-san cuts it in half with the sword before telling Venis he will "choppy choppy your pee-pee." (It is revealed years later that this is the first-ever promo written by Shane McMahon.)

Michael Cole interviews L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). Tonight, they say it will be proven if "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry really is the world's strongest man, while telling "The Godftahter' Kama Mustafa to bring anyone they want.

Before the next match, "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa is surrounded by a bevy of laides. Also, Road Warrior Hawk trips on his way to the ring and forgets his trademark shoulder pads.

The Nation ("The Godfather" Kama Mustafa and "The World's Strongest Man" Marh Henry) beat L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk). During the match, it is noted by Jim Ross on commentary that Hawk is "not quite himself" after receiving devastating news of a very personal nature, and it shows when Hawk falls off the top rope during the Doomsday Device.

It is time for the announcement of last night's bikini contest winner, hosted by Jerry "The King" Lawler. Jacqueline shows up with "Marvelous" Marc Mero first, followed by Sable in another Sable Bomb shirt. It is announced before the trophy presentation that the encore of Fully Loaded: In Your House is tomorrow night on pay-per-view. There is a trophy for the winner, followed by a much smaller consolation for the runner-up. Lawler is suddenly handed a note from the desk of WWF owner Vince McMahon, which states that since body paint does not constitute a bikini, Sable is disqualified and Jacqueline is declared the winner. Mero and Jacqueline celebrate with the winner's trophy and leave the ring, and Sable is given the consolation prize as Lawler says that Sable must be disappointed. Sable says she doesn't need a trophy to prove she won this contest, and that the fans spoke for themselves. She is not surprised at all that this happened, and in fact, expected it, and wishes Vince was man enough to tell her to her face. WWF owner Vince McMahon immediately shows up and questions that statement, and says he's met with a lot of ingrate that he's made Superstars, and never thought Sable would be one of them. Vince then confirms that he was the "knight in shining armor" who hired her back. A fan throws something at Vince, which Vince says is all right because next time, they will hit her. He admits that he hired her back due to her massive popularity with the WWF fans, but says that people like her are a dime a dozen, and he could snap his fingers and have her replaced by "any number of bimbos and airheads." Vince tells Sable she owes him, and when people like her owe him, he generally collects. However, your knight in shining armor will allow her to continue to be gainfully employed by the WWF for a little while longer as long as she does not become "an ungrateful bitch." Vince turns around, and Sable flips him off before removing her shirt to show off a revealing bikini underneath.

When the next match begins, a beach ball falls into the ring. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin takes the ball and kicks it back into the stands.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Undertaker retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). After the match, Austin gets a few beers, drinks one and tosses one to The Undertaker. The Undertaker opens the drink, stares down, and drinks. Austin is then suddenly attacked by Kane and Manind, and The Undertaker fights off Mankind as the show ends.

After the cameras go off the air, Kane and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin continue to fight in the ring. Austin hits Kane with a Stone Cold Stunner and celebrates as The Undertaker watches from the entrance ramp before leaving.

Vince's Got A Shotgun - Shotgun Saturday Night recap for July 4, 1998

X-Pac beats Jesus Castillo.

Faarooq beats Lou Marconi.

We hear from The Rock, who says that he was not happy with King of the Ring. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock may have beaten him, but The Rock says there is nobody who could ever put him out for good. As for what is next for him, he is still the WWF Intercontinental Champion and he will continue to lay the smack down in a major way.

Kaientai (Men's Teioh and Sho Funaki) beat Sean Casey and Papi Chulo.

SummerSlam is coming in eight weeks!

Vader beats Frank Stalletto.

We hear from "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock, who claimed that he would climb the mountain and become King of the Ring. Now that he has fulfilled that, he sees bigger and better mountains to climb, and he will climb them.

Dustin Runnels and Terry Funk beat The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) by disqualification after Chyna hits Terry Funk with a low blow. After the match, Dustin Runnels says something to Chyna and puts his hands on her face, and receives a low blow and an elbow in response.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 15, 1998

RAW

Despite being forced out of the WWF at Over The Edge, Sable returns to start the show. She says it feels good to be back, and introduces the person responsible for her return to the World Wrestling Federation: WWF owner Vince McMahon, who comes to the ring, still inundated by boos and chants for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Vince says that in an effort to clear everything up, Vince gives Sable a written statement for her to read to the crowd. It reads, "I, Vince McMahon, the humanitarian of the year, resent any and all accusations that I, last week, in my finest hour, would stoop so low as to use legitimate charitable organization to further my personal agenda against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. I hereby publicly disavow any reference or knowledge of the willful and heinous attack perpetrated on the WWF Champion one week ago. I remain steadfast in my resolve to be a caring, generous and even jovial WWF owner and to furthermore bring the parties responsible for last week's attack on "Stone Cold" to justice. Thank you for your kindness and understanding, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the show." Vince kisses Sable on the cheek, then takes the written statement back and says he hopes that clears everything up before trying to place it back in his pocket. After Vince tries to leave without any explanation of how or why he brought Sable back, Austin shows up, helps Sable to the back, takes the microphone and flips Vince off. Austin says that while he threw up about six times backstage while Sable read his statement, and since Austin is tried of "all [his] chickenshit things that [he's] been doing to [him]," he's putting his foot in Vince's ass and there's nothing he can do about it. Vince runs away as Austin tears up the statement, and Vince asks Austin to listen to reason and not react in a physical, violent way, but Austin asks the crowd to give him a "hell yeah" if they want him to do it anyway. Austin chases Vince around the ring as Vince continuously asks Austin to listen to reason for once, and says it was The Undertaker who planned the attack on him last week, not him. He says this sounds preposterous, but asks Austin to hear him out, as it was The Undertaker who challenged Austin for the WWF Championship two weeks ago, and that last week, The Undertaker knew what he was doing and knew Vince was going to call the cops on him as he wreaked havoc throughout the show. Vince says he, Austin and the fans all fell for it and that The Undertaker surrounded himself with police so that he couldn't make the save. He then tells Austin that The Undertaker is from the dark side, and that he might as well be the Devil himself. The Undertaker heads down to the ring and stares down with Austin, then takes a microphone and tells him he came out here and challenged him for the WWF Championship, but he did it like a man and did it in front of the whole world with respect for Austin and where he has brought himself. He still respects what the WWF Championship stands for, and now matter how entertaining or plausible Vince's conspiracy theory is, it is "a damn lie." The Undertaker tells Vince he makes a living out of manipulating the minds of those weaker than him, and lets him know one thing before he removes his head from the rest of his body: he will never, ever be able to manipulate the mind of The Undertaker. Suddenly, the arena goes dark, and Kane, Mankind (now in a torn white dress shirt and tie) and Paul Bearer appear. Bearer congratulates The Undertaker for "the Academy Award performance [he] put on last Monday night." For a few minutes, he believed Austin believed The Undertaker when he pointed his finger at Vince, but Paul tells The Undertaker they both know that Vince had nothing to do with the plan last week, and that as far-fetched as it may sound, he and The Undertaker had set the whole thing up and it worked well. Bearer says The Undertaker wants more than the gold on Austin's waist, and wants to take Austin's very soul by entrapping him in the cell above the ring. Bearer then says he has gone as far as he can go with The Undertaker, and says there will be entrapment tonight. However, it will be the both of them, as Bearer challenges Austin and The Undertaker to a tag team Hell in a Cell match against Kane and Mankind tonight. He then Austin and The Undertaker that they are standing ont he entrance ramp to the highway to Hell.

Before the next match, WWF Commissione Sgt. Slaughter and a few referees eject Owen Hart, D'Lo Brown, "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry before they can walk down the ramp with "The Rock" Rocky Maivia.

"The Rock" Rocky Maivia beats Vader to qualify for the King of the Ring tournament after "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry attacks Vader outside of the ring while the referee keeps The Rock in the ring.

We see a segment called "DX Droppin' Knowledge" where D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) go over Triple H and X-Pac's match to qualify for the King of the Ring tournament and make fun of the size of Triple H's nose.

We see another vignette for Edge.

Darren "Puke" Drozdov beats "Double J" Jeff Jarrett. During the match, "Marvelous" Marc Mero and Jacqueline show up during the match and guest on commentary, and Mero wants to know why Sable is back in the WWF. Tennessee Lee tries to get in Jacqueline's face, but Jacqueline slaps him in the face. "Double J" Jeff Jarrett gets involved, but Mero hits Jarrett with a low blow before Droz sends Jarrett back into the ring.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) talk about why Triple H vs. X-Pac will be match of the year, and Billy Gunn asks where Chyna will be in all of this.

Before the next match, Val Venis says everything is bigger in Texas, but that statement was never entirely true until Val Venis came.

Val Venis beats Chainz.

Kevin Kelly interviews The Undertaker, who says he can't trust anybody who lives by the theory that you can't trust anybody, even though "Stone Cold" Steve Austin can trust him as he called him out for the WWF Championship like a man.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) witness Triple H and X-Pac trash-talk each other in front of the rest of the group. Triple H says this match is for the King of the Ring tournament and that he can't lay down for him this time. X-Pac says it's been nine months since his injury, and that he's all healed up and ready to knock Triple H down.

Dustin Runnels beats "Marvelous" Marc Mero. "Double J" Jeff Jarrett, Tennessee Lee and Southern Justice (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) show up at the beginning of the match. Jarrett guests on commentary to guarantee against Mero in the King of the Ring tournament next week after what happened earlier tonight. Later on in the match, Jarrett confronts Mero from the apron, and as the ref is preoccupied with telling Jarrett to get down, Sable walks down the ramp, Sable shows up, distracting Mero and allowing Runnels the win.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) continue to trash-talk each other, then Chyna tells both of them to get in the ring and wrestle like men.

Kevin Kelly interviews Dustin Runnels, who says tonight's win is a long time coming. He thanks his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

WAR ZONE

"Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley beats X-Pac by count-out to qualify for the King of the Ring Tournament. During the match, "The Rock" Rocky Maivia shows up in the stands and tells Triple H that he laid down for him when he beat him two weeks as Owen Hart crotches X-Pac on the guardrail, and tells Triple H it was all part of a master plan to lay the smackdown on Triple H. He then alerts Triple H to X-Pac, who has been attacked. Triple H tries to help X-Pac back into the ring, but X-Pac tells him to get back in the ring and get the win. After the match, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) show up, and all of D-Generation X (Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, Road Dog, Billy Gunn) check on X-Pac.

Al Snow and Head show up as his previous WWF gimmick Avatar. Head is also wearing an Avatar Match. After the commercial break, Jerry "The King "Lawler tells Snow that he's not fooling anyone. Snow takes off his mask and tells Lawler that he's beginning to realize what kind of marketing genius he is working for under WWF owner Vince McMahon, and that people were supposed to figure out it was him behind the mask when he was Avatar. Lawler tells Snow that he will not get any meeting with Vince with the stunts he's pulling, but Snow says he's not getting anything with Lawler and is about to make two citizen's arrests tonight - one for attempted murder for Vince McMahon after he tried to kill his career during his earlier stint in WWF, and the other for lewd public conduct for "slipping [him] the sausage" for not scoring him a meeting with Vince. Lawler tells Snow his problem is with Head, and the only way to get a meeting is to get rid of Head. Lawler tries to do it for him, but Snow hammers Lawler before hitting the ref with the Snow Plow. Lawler tries to fight back, but Snow hits Lawler in the crotch with Head before fighting off two security guards and leaving through the crowd.

X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn spray Michael Cole and a production worker with the Super Soaker CPS 2500.

Michael Cole interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who says he doesn't trust anybody and that The Undertaker can't trust him as he wants the WWF Championship.

Before the next match, WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter ejects "The Rock" Rocky Maivia and "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa to the back.

The Nation of Domination (Owen Hart and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) vs. Ken Shamrock and Dan "The Beast" Severn ends after D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) attacks Owen Hart and Mark Henry. Vader shows up and attacks Mark Henry, and "The Rock" Rocky Maivia and "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa. DX then starts fighting The Nation (The Rock, Owen Hart, Kama Mustafa, Mark Henry) as referees and officials try to restore order.

Kane and Mankind win a tag team Royal Rumble match to become the #1 contenders for the WWF Tag Team Championships.

After the break, Paul Bearer asks if "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Undertaker accept his challenge. Mankind says in poem that at King of the Ring, it will not be a nice day for The Undertaker, then Bearer says his plan will unfold to the world before implying that Austin and The Undertaker are cowards. Suddenly, Austin shows up, but The Undertaker does not, and the Hell in a Cell match ends up turning into a 2-on-1 handicap Hell in a Cell match. As Kane and Mankind attack Austin, Paul Bearer locks himself in the cell. As Bearer watches what is happening, The Undertaker comes out from the underside of the behind Bearer and attacks him. Kane climbs to the top and tries to find a way into the cell, but to no avail. The Undertaker strikes Paul Bearer with steel steps, then Austin goes after Kane at the top of the cell after beating up Making with a steel chair.

After the show went off the air, Kane and Mankind fight inside the cell, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin counters Mankind's Mandible Claw with a Stone Cold Stunner. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Undertaker beat Kane and Mankind in a tag team Hell in a Cell match.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for June 8, 1998

RAW

WWF pays tribute to "The Junkyard Dog" Sylvester Ritter, who passed away in a car accident last Tuesday.

WWF owner Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson show up in black tie and tuxedo. Vince thanks the fans for making Raw the most-watched sports entertainment program in history, and says he comes before the fans as a humble man with generosity, caring and sharing in his heart. He tells the fans they only know the side of him they see on television, and tonight, they will meet "the true Vince McMahon." Tonight, as a result of his many years of contributions that he has had the privilege to make to many charitable organizations, he will be honored by two of the most respected charitable organizations in the country and named Humanitarian of the Year. At this black tie event, which takes place later on tonight, the fans - both in the arena and worldwide - are invited, and Vince extends the olive branch to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who he hopes will take part in the event. Vince then thanks the fans from the bottom of his heart.

Before the next match, Owen Hart, D'Lo Brown and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry are ejected from ringside.

"The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock beats Kama Mustafa - now nicknamed "The Godfather of the Nation of Domination," or simply "The Godfather - with the ankle lock to qualify for the King of the Ring Tournament. D'Lo Brown attacks Shamrock after the match, but Dan "The Beast" Severn gets into the ring and takes him down. Severn is eyeing Shamrock as Shamrock limps around the ring, then Severn leaves.

Friday night's show at Madison Square Garden had a sell-out crowd of 19,506. It was announced that night that SummerSlam will take place at Madison Square Garden this year.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) spread the word that SummerSlam is coming to Madison Square Garden in a segment known as "DX in New York City."

Faarooq and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman beat "Marvelous" Marc Mero and "Double J" Jeff Jarrett after Faarooq knocks Jarrett into Mero, who can't keep his eyes off Jacqueline. Jarrett and Tennessee Lee chew Mero out after the match. During the match, it is mentioned that The Undertaker is on his way to the arena.

We see the awards that Halas-Payton Foundation and Minority Athletes Networking will honor Vince McMahon with later tonight.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) joke around in New York City some more.

After the commercial break, we see D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) have even more fun in New York City.

Before the next match, "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa, D'Lo Brown and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry are ejected from ringside.

Owen hart beats 2 Cold Scorpio with the Sharpshooter to qualify for the King of the Ring Tournament.

The Undertaker is seen entering the arena. During the break, The Undertaker is seen looking for WWF owner Vince McMahon.

Chainz beats Darren "Puke" Drozdov, then The Undertaker shows up, choke slams both men and tosses them out. The Undertaker then makes it known he wants WWF owner Vince McMahon. After the commercial break, The Undertaker sees Vince chatting with Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and charity dignitaries George Martin and Darnell Autry backstage on the TitanTron. THe Undertaker makes his way backstage.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) show up. Triple H says that DX has unfinished business with The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia, Owen Hart, "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa, D'Lo Brown and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry), but before he can say more, L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal, Road Warrior Hawk, Sunny) show up and tells DX they have bigger problems to worry about than The Nation, and demand a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships. Triple H tells Hawk not to have aneurysm, and that they have their title shot. Suddenly, Skull and 8-Ball show up and says they beat Road Dogg and Billy Gunn before L.O.D. 2000 did, and says they should be the ones with the title shot. DX have a brief huddle, and tells both teams to suck it since they can't fight all four of them at once. Suddenly, WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaugher shows up in black tie and tuxedo, and decides both L.O.D. 2000 and The Disciples of Apocalypse are both #1 contenders. He puts all three teams in a Triple Threat Match tonight, with the winner becoming the WWF Tag Team Champions.

The Undertaker is seen throwing around chairs and tables backstage.

We see another vignette for Edge.

WAR ZONE

Vader vs. "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry ends in a no-contest after The Undertaker shows up, choke slams both men, demands WWF owner Vince McMahon and heads backstage once again.

Dan "The Beast" Severn beats D'Lo Brown by submission to qualify for the King of the Ring Tournament. After the match, Owen Hart attacks Severn from behind, but "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock limps into the ring and chases Owen Hart through the crowd.

We see a video tribute to Sable.

We see some footage from earlier today of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shaking hands with Minority Athlete George Martin and Darnell Autry.

Before the next match, Val Venis says he and Dennis Rodman have a lot in common. They're both called "The Worm," but the only difference is that Rodman dominates the boards while he dominates the broads. (Interestingly, Dennis Rodman made a surprise appearance with the nWo during this week's WCW Monday Nitro.)

Val Venis vs. Dustin Runnels ends when The Undertaker gets in the ring and choke slams both men involved in the match yet again.

Dok Hendrix gets blasted by X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn with the Super Soaker CPS 1500 before a cameraman meets the same fate.

Before the next match, "Road Dogg" Jesse James says The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) and Chyna are the real triple threat, and if The Disciples of Apocalypse (Skull and 8-Ball) and L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) think they are going to win the tag team titles, they've got another thing coming. We then see The Undertaker attack WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter backstage as he demands to know where WWF owner Vince McMahon is.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against The Disciples of Apocalypse (Skull and 8-Ball) and L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) when both men are made the legal participants and Billy Gunn pins Road Dog. During the match, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley and X-Pac are seen sitting on steel chairs and watching the match from the stage, showing signs such as "Where's Rocco?" (a reference to L.O.D. 2000's wooden dummy from years ago) and "I'd rather be in Chyna."

Police are seen backstage.

Al Snow and Head are seen at ringside, but they are arrested by police.

WWF owner Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson head to the ring as the police are still backstage. The Undertaker is surrounded by police as McMahon, Brisco and Patterson shake hands with Kevin Kelly, former New York Giant and Minority Athletes Networking co-founder George Martin and former Chicago Bears and Halas-Payton Foundation representative Darnell Autry. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin makes his way to the ring, the only major change to his usual wardrobe being a black tie around his neck. Vince McMahon confronts Austin for his attire, but thanks him for showing up. When George Martin thanks Vince McMahon for his "dubious" contribution, he mentions that it is significantly less than originally promised and that the check cleared after after two attempts. He also mentions that the children understand his busy schedule and his inability to spend time with the organization, before telling him that Austin is his favorite WWF Superstar. When Autry presents Vince with the Halas-Payton Foundation Humanitarian Award, he says he doesn't remember Vince sending them a check, and mentions that his favorite Superstar is also Austin. Vince says their humor is exceeded only by his generosity, and thanks not only Autry and Martin but also the fans. He believes that he humbly, yet deservedly accepts these awards tonight, and hopes that his awards will be placed in a futre WWE hall of fame along with the rest of them. Suddenly, Austin picks Vince pocket, finds $1200 in $50 bills, calls Vince "the tightest son-of-a-bitch," donates the money to both foundations in Vince's name, and asks the crowd to give him a "hell yeah" if they think Vince should be named "Jackass of the Year." At the end of the show, The Undertaker's music hits and druids show up with a casket, and Mankind comes out from underneath the ring as the casket is place d in front of the ring. Kane comes out of the casket, and Mankind and Kane attack Austin, proving this to be a set-up by Vince McMahon ater Austin is tossed into the casket.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 25, 1998

RAW

WWF owner Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson and three police officers show up. Vince McMahon says last Monday night was a glorious night, as not only did Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson come out of retirement to beat up "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (which he congratulates them for), but WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter also tamed him. Vince says that he himself "drained the venom from that rattlesnake's poisonous head," and brags about disguising himself so he could nail Austin from behind with a steel chair. He says he assaulted "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and got away with it. He then says that last Monday night will pale in comparison to Over The Edge, when Dude Love takes the WWF Championship from Steve Austin, and dawn a new era in the World Wrestling Federation. Suddenly, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up, and asks Vince if he's proud of himself as he proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is the world's dumbest son-of-a-bitch for outright telling the world that he assaulted him. Since he was assaulted, he tells Vince's security detail to arrest Vince. Vince says it's a figure of speech, but the officers aren't buying it and Vince is immediately cuffed. Patterson and Brisco get handcuffed for pushing the cops after Austin asks if their actions could be considered obstruction of justice, and Austin says he's pressing charges before telling the cops he wants them all in the back of the squad car. He then kicks Vince in the gut and pours beer on him.

Before the next match, L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) introduce their tag team partner: former Maryland Terrapin and Denver Bronco player Darren "Puke" Drozdov, who nearly pukes on one of the bikes of The Disciples of Apocalypse (Chainz, Skull, 8-Ball).

L.O.D. 2000 (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) and Darren "Puke" Drozdov beat The Disciples of Apocalypse (Chainz, Skull, 8-Ball). Officials have to separate the D.O.A. from L.O.D. 2000 after the match.

As WWF owner Vince McMahon argues with the cops, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin leads the cops to the cop car as he berates Mr. McMahon, Pat Patterson and .

Al Snow is seen in the stands with Head, both of them wearing red bandannas and black cowboy hats.

We see footage from two weeks ago of "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock signing autographs for the fans in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, leg cast and all. It is announced that Shamrock's leg has been broken in two places.

Dan "The Beast" Severn beats Owen Hart by disqualification after the interference of the rest of The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocy Maivia, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry), who try to decimate Severn after the match. Owen Hart puts Severn's ankle in a steel chair, but referees and officials stop him from destroying that ankle from the top rope.

WWF owner Vince McMahon, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco are seen arguing in the back of the squad car.

We see another vignette for Edge.

Before the next match, The Jackyl shows up with Hank The Angry Drunken Dwarf and Crackhead Bob from The Howard Stern Show. He tells the audience to restrain their cat calls and laughter, because the two people with him had enough. He says he has rescued them from The Howard Stern Show. After The Jackyl mentions that Hank was mockingly voted "Most Beautiful Human Beings," an angry Hank says that people are talking about him online and that they have screwed up the lives of two of his best friends. Crackhead Bob says he is mad as hell and that he will not take it anymore at the behest of The Jackyl. The Jackyl then introduces more "human oddities": "Princess" Luna Vachon, a masked man named Golga and a seven-foot-tall whose name is not mentioned. Everyone in the ring then hugs The Jackyl. Crackhead Bob and The Jackyl guest on commentary for the next match.

Golga beats Thrasher. Mosh attacks Golga after the match, but the seven-foot-tall man gets in the ring, headbutts Mosh, then headbutts referee Tim White. Al Snow and Head in their black cowboy hats and red bandannas are finally noticed by commentary.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin talks with a police officer while giving WWF owner Vince McMahon a very hard time from outside of the squad car.

"Double J" Jeff Jarrett beats Vader by disqualification after Kane runs in with Paul Bearer and attacks Vader. Referees show up and Paul Bearer gets control of Kane. During the match, it is announced that there are rumors that WWF owner Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson can be freed from jail if they comply with stipulations laid out by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

WWF owner Vince McMahon is let out of the squad car, with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco already standing next to the car. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin forces Vince McMahon to apologize him, and after some reluctance, he does. Vince is freed from his handcuffs, but he is still livid.

WAR ZONE

The introduction to War Zone plays to signal the start of the second hour.

WWF owner Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson show up. Vince says he hopes "Stone Cold" Steve Austin had fun and is proud of himself after tonight, and shows his anger for Austin having him arrested like a common criminal before pouring beer down his neck and placing conditions on his release in the form of an apology he did not mean as well as having someone voluntee to stand guard while he officiates the WWF Championship match between Dude Love and Austin to ensure he calls it down the middle. He has no problem with the latter condition, as he says there is not one Superstar on the roster who can intimidate him or stop him from what he is going to do in that match. Vince then tells Austin his fun will come to an end, not at Over The Edge, but tonight, as he is ordering him to compete one-on-one tonight against The Undertaker.

In footage from earlier today, D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) continues Operation DX. Only one man can do the next mission: Triple H, and he has to fly to do it.

Al Snow and Head climb the guardrail. Snow puts his hands on Jerry "The King" Lawler, demanding he see WWF owner Vince McMahon right now. Security has to pull Snow off of Lawler and escort him out of the arena.

Taka Michinoku beats Dick Togo. Yamaguchi-san tries to attack Taka from behind, but Taka sees it coming. Sho Funaki and Men's Teioh show up, and the numbers game of the three members of Kaientai quickly catches up. The threesome and Yamaguchi-san then leave through the crowd.

We see more footage of D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) from earlier today. As Triple H takes off, the rest of DX realizes they have to do something.

Sable forcefully disrobes "Marvelous" Marc Mero before the next match.

Faarooq beats "Marvelous" Marc Mero after Sable argues with Mero from the apron again. After the match, Mero tells Sable to find a WWF Superstar who can beat him without her help this Sunday, and he'll tear up their contract and free her. However, if and when he wins, Sable has to leave the World Wrestling Federation forever. Sable accepts the challenge

We see a video package of Pat Patterson, narrated by WWF owner Vince McMahon and painting Patterson as a model employee.

We see "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley flying over the Roberts Municipal Stadium in Evansville, Indiana - the site of tonight's WCW Monday Nitro - to send a few messages to WCW before "dropping a bomb on WCW."

Before the next match, "The Rock" Rocky Maivia expresses his opinions on Viagra. Since he has no need for Viagra, he has no comment on it. What he can and will comment on is Faarooq, telling him he will enter and leave this Sunday as the WWF Intercontinental Champion. As for "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, he is tired of D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) entertaining "all these pieces of trailer park trash" and their "fetish with their anatomy." The Rock says he has something hard for Triple H in the form of the Rock Bottom, and tells him to bring it.

"The Rock" Rocky Maivia and "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley wrestle to a double count-out. After the match, Triple H sits in a steel chair in the center of the ring and dares The Rock to get some more, and as The Rock leaves with his back towards the backstage entrance, he is suddenly attacked from behind and piledriven into the stage by Faarooq.

WWF owner Vince McMahon is announced as the special guest referee for the next match. When The Undertaker takes his jacket off, however, he slowly approaches Vince McMahon before choke slamming him. The Undertaker is about to choke slam him when Kane and Paul Bearer show up. Kane and The Undertaker have a brawl both in and out of the ring, and that brawl eventually makes it ways into the crowd. Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco check on Vince McMahon, but "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up to give Stone Cold Stunners to Brisco and Patterson before tying Vince up in the ropes. He is about to hit Vince with a steel chair, but Dude Love shows up from behind with a steel chair of his own. Austin sees him coming, and smacks his chair into Dude Love's, sending Dude Love's chair into Dude Love's forehead and knocking him out. Brisco and Patterson free Vince from the ring ropes, then Austin leaves to end the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 11, 1998

RAW

WWF owner Vince McMahon shows up to start the show. He says that when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin comes through that locker room door, he will have to take part in tag team action tonight. He then takes the opportunity to introduce someone who has proven he is willing to make sacrifices to the extent that he has become #1 contender to the WWF Championship: Dude Love. Instead of the usual tie-dye, he is wearing a suit, carrying a copy of The Wall Street Journal, has a shaved beard and has artificial front teeth in his mouth. Dude says that last week, he was confused as to what his true identity was, but knows who he is now: a well-educated man, a speaker of four different languages, a reader of Greek tragedy, a student of American history, a lover of women, a leader of man, a surprisingly good dancer for a big man, the king of hardcore wrestling, and - as Austin will find out at Over The Edge - the world's toughest S.O.B. He is the future WWF Champion, and he is Dude Love. Dude Love and Vince shake hands, and Dude Love says that for quite some time, Dude Love had lost his smile and is happy to report that with the support of Vince McMahon and the WWF, he has found that smile and it certainly feels good. He says that this time, a handshake won't do it, and he and Vince both hug. Vince says he is proud of Dude Love, and has a surprise for him: the special guest timekeeper for his and Austin's match at Over The Edge will be none other than Gerald Brisco. Brisco shows up and shakes hands with both Dude Love and Vince, and Vince says he has another surprise: Pat Patterson is special guest ring announcer for the match will be Pat Patterson, who also shows up and shakes hands with everyone in the ring. Vince then gives us one more surprise: a special guest referee in the form of...someone who doesn't show up. Vince McMahon heads to the back to see what's going on, as does Gerald Briscoe. Pat Patterson then introduces the special guest referee, and after teasing it will be Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, he announces it will be Vince McMahon, who comes back in black slacks and a sleeveless referee's shirt. Vince then mocks Austin's ring entrance before all four men raise their arms in triumph.

Kevin Kelly is backstage as Sable shows up. Sable has no time to talk as enters in preparation of her public confrontation with "Marvelous" Marc Mero.

We see footage of D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) on their way to the CNN Tower in Atlanta, Georgia, where they where they make their way to World Championship Wrestling. They have no way of getting in, however, after being stopped by security, but they still have their fans in the area.

Kevin Kelly opens a garage door backstage when it is banged on. Instead of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, it's Al Snow from Extreme Championship Wrestling, who has Head with him as well as tickets to the show. He admits that he is a little lost, and Kevin Kelly gives him directions to his seats. Kevin Kelly is bemused by the fact that Al Snow is talking to a mannequin head.

Vader, back in action from injury after three months. beats Barry Windham. During the match, it is announced that Vader will face Kane at Over The Edge, and the loser will be forced to unmask. After the match, The New Midnight Express ("Bombastic" Bob Holly and "Bodacious" Bart Gunn) fail to take out Vader, and Vader leaves the ring as soon as it becomes apparent that it will be a 3-on-1 brawl. It is also announced that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will debut on MTV Celebrity Deathmatch this Thursday on MTV.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin has arrived.

During the commercial break, Kevin Kelly interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin says Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson and WWF owner Vince McMahon don't qualify to be "The Three Stooges" and that they're so pathetic that they're "The Three Jackasses." He says that whatever Vince does, he won't take the WWF Championship from him. As for tonight, he's not a tag team wrestler, and upon being told that nothing about the match has been revealed, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin takes the microphone and heads further into the building.

Skull beats Road Warrior Hawk with a roll-up. Actually, 8-Ball does after he and Skull pull the old switcheroo on Hawk.

We see more footage of D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

We see another vignette of Edge, in which he mostly walks around.

We see footage from earlier today of Bradshaw teaching Taka Michinoku how to drive in America while the two of them smoke cigars. When they make it back, they are suddenly jumped by Club Kamikaze, who is accompanied by an older man in a business suit.

Faarooq beats "Double J" Jeff Jarrett after Kama Mustafa and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry attack Faarooq and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman." Jarrrett takes advantage of the situation by striking Blackman in the back with his own nunchaku before choking him with them.

Tony Siragusa of the Batlimore Ravens is seen in the crowd.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up. He says that WWF owner Vince McMahon may have stacked the deck against him at Over The Edge, but he doesn't care as it doesn't bother him one bit. He knows Vince can't stand him, and he feels the same way about Vince. He says that if Vince won't tell him anything about the tag team match he is part of tonight, then the least he can do is show up and give him some information if he is any kind of man. Vince shows up on the TitanTron with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco, saying they're having a board meeting. As for Over The Edge, he says his title reign is going "over the edge." As for the tag team match, Patterson and Brisco say they know nothing, before imitating the "Speak No Evil, See No Evil, Hear No Evil" monkeys. Austin tells the threesome they can cover up their eyes, ears and mouths but they can't cover up their asses, and when it's all said and done, it where he'll stick the WWF Championship.

We see a splicing of Val Venis vignettes before the end of Raw.

WAR ZONE

Sable gets in the ring and calls out "Marvelous" Marc Mero. When Mero shows up, Sable says she never thought he'd take it this far, but if has to come to this, she'll give him her best. Mero tells Sable not to weasel out of this match as it's a little too late, then immediately attempts a TKO only to put her down and says he could have finished her off quickly, only to let her go because he's a gentleman. He gives Sable a chance to apologize for ruining his WWF career, but Sable kicks him in the groin before putting him in the Sable Bomb.

The Undertaker suddenly shows up, throws the chair that Jerry "The King" Lawler was sitting in, and punches Lawler in the face for his locker room remarks in his inadvertently-recorded conversation with Paul Bearer from last week. Lawler gets choke slammed, but Kane and Paul Bearer make their presence known before 'Taker can put Lawler in the Tombstone Piledriver. Bearer tells The Undertaker that either the truth hurts him badly instead or he doesn't believe him at all, but then reminds him that he told him Kane was alive and that he didn't believe it, either. Next week, he will prove once and for all that he is Kane's father. After Kane and Paul Bearer leave, The Undertaker stops Lawler from leaving and continues where he left off, hitting him with the Tombstone Piledriver.

Al Snow shows up, this time at ringside, and he and Head almost guest on commentary only to be escorted out by security and Pat Patterson. Snow insists he needs to see WWF owner Vince McMahon, then runs into the ring and into the crowd.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) is still at the CNN Center. He says the Atlanta, Georgia version of "Operation DX" is complete, then we see a computer-generated rocket "hit" the CNN Center and create a computer-generated explosion.

D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) show up. X-Pac says they have gotten back from Atlanta, Georgia where World Championship Wrestling nearly had them arrested, and tells Eric Bischoff that he doesn't know what he's smoking and that he never asked him for anything, much less an apology, except for him to be a man. As for kissing ass, he never kissed Vince McMahon's ass and he never kissed Bischoff's, and tells Bischoff to "suck on it." The New Age Outlaws (James, Gunn) introduce themselves, then Gunn tells the Baltimore, Maryland crowd that they're either with them or their ass better call somebody. Triple H then tells the Baltimore, Maryland crowd that DX loves them and that he has a surprise for their state bird. Before he can show that surprise, Owen Hart shows up and says he's heard enough before telling Triple H they have unfinished business. Triple H says if they have unfinished business, he's right here waiting, and Owen tells him he's coming down to the ring to kick his ass before bringing out the rest of The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry).

Jim Cornette guests on commentary for the next match.

Triple H vs. Owen Hart ends with a nasty confrontation between the rest of D-Generation X (Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) and the rest of The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) after Owen Hart bites Triple H's ear and Chyna crotches Owen Hart on the top rope.

It is announced that there will be a Six-Man Tag Match between D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) and The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia, Owen Hart, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) at Over The Edge.

The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust shows up as Dustin Runnels, carrying his Goldust outfit, wig and a steel can wit a gas can in it. He takes the suit and wig, places them in the can, pours gas on it, then lights a entire box of matches and throws it in the steel can, setting them ablaze. Runnels tells WWF owner Vince McMahon he has worked "too damn hard" for him for three years, and that the Rhodes name goes way back and has a lot of pride, history and dignity in it. He does not have that dignity because of Vince taking it away from him due to his imagination. He blames Vince for losing his father "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and causing him so much heartache his wife Terri and daughter Dakota over the Goldust persona. He says Vince punished him for not beating "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for the WWE Championship by putting him in the ring with Kane, and says he will be punished no more. He then says that Goldust dies tonight, and tells him that he will never forget the name of Dustin.

We finally learn the identities of "Club Kamikaze:" Yamaguchi-san is the older gentleman in the business suit, while the three members are Dick Togo, Men's Taioh and Sho Funaki. (Men's Teioh is better known as Terry Boy from his appearance at ECW's Barely Legal pay-per-view.) Together, they are known as Kaientai. Yamaguchi-san calls the crowd "scumbag Americans," and introduces "the new generation with the new Japanese attitude." He then introduces Kaientai, and says we will never know where or when they will strike. Kaientai then attack Terry Funk and 2 Cold Scorpio from behind.

Kaientai (Dick Togo, Men's Taioh, Sho Funaki) beat Terry Funk and 2 Cold Scorpio by disqualification after Taka Michinoku and Bradshaw clear the ring out, causing Kaientai to flee through the crowd.

WWF owner Vince McMahon is seen talking to somebody backstage, and this person is implied to be "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's tag team partner

Al Snow tries unsuccessfully to enter the building again.

The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia, Owen Hart, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) show up. The Rock says the fire between himself and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin finally reignites, and tells Austin that unless his partner is Godzilla, he's ready to lay the smack down on the WWF Championship. Before the commercial break, WWF owner Vince McMahon, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco pride themselves on what they believe to be a job well done.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin's tag team partner is revealed to be WWF owner Vince McMahon.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Vince McMahon vs. The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia) ends when Vince McMahon clotheslines Austin in response to being flipped off. Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Dude Love all attack Austin, and D-Generation X ("Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dog" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) get in the ring to brawl with The Nation of Domination (The Rock, Owen Hart, D'Lo, Kama Mustafa, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry) to end the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 12, 1998

D-Generation X ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna) are looking forward to getting to Penn State University for the college girls. Shawn tells Owen Hart that if he sticks his nose in their business, it will be foor the last time. Triple H tells The Undertaker they're coming, and that Shawn has an announcement concerning 'Taker's family and the fact that he can't beat him. Shawn then pulls his pants down, get onto the roof of their limousine and moons everyone outside.

Before the next match, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) mock the Penn State University crowd by wearing Florida Gators shirts and calling the crowd "losers."

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) beat The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn), The Truth Commission (Recon and Sniper) and The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) in a Four Corners Tag Team Match after Gunn pulls a foreign object out and punches out Phineas I. Godwinn with it behind the ref's back.

We see a video package of recent events concerning The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk) before their return this Sunday at Royal Rumble.

A camera is trained towards the outside of the arena when a pick-up truck barrels in. It's the Austin 3:16 pick-up truck, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is here. During the commercial break, Austin hits both of The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phineas I. Godwinn) with Stone Cold Stunners. He then drives the pick-up truck towards the stage, gets out, and makes his way to the ring where Michael Cole interviews him. Austin says he won the Royal Rumble match year only for the carpet to be yanked out from under him. He says Vince McMahon may have bought the ring, but if anyone gets in it, he'll throw them out. On the subject of being made a marked man by the other participants of the Royal Rumble match, Austin borrows a pen, rips his tanktop in half, draws a target on his chest with the pen, and dares all the Superstars to get in the ring with him. He won't take anything from Gorilla Monsoon or anyone else in the WWF offices, and says he does what he wants when he wants because Stone Cold says so.

D-Generation X's ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna) limousine has arrived, and Shawn gets cross when an 18-wheeler is in their way.

The Jackyl guests on commentary for the next match.

Kurrgan the Interrogator beats Jimmy Cicero and Lance Diamond in a 2-on-1 handicap match. After the match, Kurrgan destroys a Penn State Nifty Lions football helmet with his bare hands.

D-Generation X ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna) fight Owen Hart in the limo after Owen makes his way into it and beats up Triple H as Shawn tries to get the 18-wheeler out of the way. The limo leaves with both DX and Owen in it.

Before the next match, "Marvelous" Marc Mero says he's had a change of heart about Sable, despite his microphone not working. Suddenly, Sable's music hits, but instead of Sable coming out, it's The Artist Formely Known As Goldust dressed in lingerie much like Sable and even wearing a wig. Goldust disrobes Mero, and Mero says he'll

Vader beats "Marvelous" Marc Mero by disqualification after Goldust hits Vader in the back of the head with a coconut he pulls out of his bra. During the match, the real Sable shows up and kicks Goldust in the kidneys before Mero sends her back to the locker room.

D-Generation X's ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna) limousine returns. DX comes out, but Owen does not, causing concern among the commentators.

We look back at Bam Bam Bigelow's confrontation with Lawrence "L.T." Taylor at Royal Rumble 1995.

Cameras come to the back as it is revealed that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has attacked Vader backstage.

Before the next match, "The Rock" Rocky Maivia says Pittsburgh Steeleers quarterback Cornell Stewart called him for advice on how to become a Super Bowl champion. Before he called Cornell back, Cornell got advice from Joe Paterno, and now neither one of them are champions like a chant. He then tells "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry he crossed a line for wearing a "Rocky Sucks" T-shirt and that he will rip that shirt off of him before telling Shamrock that if he's a real man, he'd stay in the ring and get a piece of him.

"The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock vs. The Nation of Domination ("The Rock" Rocky Maivia and D'Lo Brown) ends with Mark Henry turning on Shamrock to join The Nation of Domination. After The Nation assaults Shamrock, The Rock rips off the "Rocky Sucks" T-Shirt like he said he would to reveal a Nation of Domination shirt underneath. Faarooq shows up, and the rest of The Nation introduces Faarooq to Mark Henry.

"The Rock" Rocky Maivia tells Faarooq he recruited "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry into The Nation of Domination (Faarooq, D'Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, The Rock, Mark Henry) for him.

The intro to War Zone plays to signal the start of the second hour.

D-Generation X ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna) show up. Triple H says that Owen Hart is the last remnant of something in the bottom of the toilet that kept coming back up flush after flush. He then announces that a half-hour ago in their limo, Owen got the big flush and is in the sewer headed to God knows where. He calls Owen Hart nothing but a lowly pledge to D-Generation X, and says he failed his final. Triple H then tells all the sorority sisters that if they need help, they can call him and he can give them help that lasts all night long as he has the tips to give them passing grade, but he won't just give them the tip; he'll give the whole thing and that he'll give the head if they've got the class. Shawn then addresses Mike Tyson, and says Mike Tyson is not the baddest man on the planet in his universe as he's never had to shimmy to the sounds of Sweet Chin Music. He says Tyson may not be the best boxer in the world, but if Tyson sticks his nose in his business at Royal Rumble, he'll dance all over his face. Before Shawn can talk about Kane, Owen Hart shows up on the TitanTron and tells them he'll make their lives hell. Triple H dares Owen to get in the ring so they can finish what they started, and Owen does just that. Owen threatens to break Triple H's other leg, and referees and officials have to keep Owen away from DX.

Before the next match, Jim Cornette talks about how NWA has a legacy in tag team wrestling with The Midnight Express and The Rock 'n Roll Express. He then introduces The Rock 'n Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) to the WWF. Jim Cornette then guests on commentary for the next match. (It is mentioned that Jeff Jarrett was originally scheduled to be on commentary, but could not make it to due to an illness in the family.)

The Disciples of Apocalypse (Skull and 8-Ball) beat The Rock 'n Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) by disqualification when Jim Cornette gets caught trying to interfere. After the match, Ricky Morton hits one of the Disciples with Cornette's tennis racket, and Chainz shows up from the crowd to chase Cornette and The Rock 'n Roll Express out of the ring.

Rumors of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan entering the Royal Rumble match are rumbling on Option 3 of the WWF Superstar Line.

In footage from earlier today, Mick Foley - as Cactus Jack - stands on the football field of Penn State University, where he talks about his wars with Terry Funk and how he got closer to this man than anyone else. When Foley found himself in a 2-on-1 situation, he called on Terry Funk, who wore a pair of pantyhose over his head and called himself Chainsaw Charlie. He feels the idea of the Chainsaw Charlie is a bit ridiculous, but to each his own. He then tells The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dog" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) that they are in a situation that they are not prepared for, and they will make their lives a living hell. He just wants them not to consider it punishment for sins they've committed, but as a chance to get to know each other. He then calls their incoming war "The Brutal Bowl."

Before the next match, The Artist Formely Known As Goldust shows up dressed like Dude Love, with Luna Vachon dressed appropriately. Mankind gets the Mandible Claw on Dude Love after just a few moments, but it doesn't take long for "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to come out of the crowd, give both men in the ring a Stone Cold Stunner, and says it's "no more mister nice guy" until he wins the Royal Rumble match.

Vince McMahon announces that Mike Tyson is an invited guest at Royal Rumble, and hopes to conclude negotiations with Mike Tyson there. He also guarantees that Tyson will be on next week's Raw for a huge announcement.

Sunny - dressed in a Penn State University cheerleader uniform - is guest ring announcer for the next match.

Los Boricuas (Savio Vega and Jesus Castillo, Jr.) beat Taka Michinoku and Scott Taylor. Los Boricuas continue to beat up Taka and Taylor after the match, then Owen Hart shows up from out of nowhere and smacks all four members of Los Boricuas with a wooden crutch.

We look back at "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels' Royal Rumble win from 1995 as part of the WWF Rewind.

Michael Cole interviews "The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels in the ring. Shawn talks about how Paul Bearer and Kane have split and about how Kane has stepped out on his own. Shawn says that D-Generation X (Shawn, "Triple H" Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Chyna) has opened their arms and have taken Kane into their family. He introduces Kane, but The Undertaker's music hits instead and The Undertaker shows up instead. The Undertaker tells Michael to leave his family alone, especially his little brother Kane. He says that if he were Shawn, he would be worried about the Royal Rumble match and The Undertaker punching a six-inch hole in his forehead. He then prepares to choke slam Shawn, but lets go and nearly choke slams Chyna instead. Triple H hits 'Taker in the back with the wooden crutch, which as no effect. The Undertaker then backs Triple H into a corner, then turns around and gets hit by Shawn with Sweet Chin Music. Shawn then hits 'Taker with the wooden crutch and continues to attack him, and Triple H joins in. The arena then goes dark again, and Kane makes his presence known. Kane grabs Shawn by the back of the head, and almost choke slams him when Triple H hits him with the wooden crutch, which has no effect on Kane. DX retreat, with Kane slowly following them to the back. Kane then stops at the stage, turns around and extends his hand to The Undertaker. The Undertaker kneels down in the center of the ring to return the favor.

WWF Superstars fill the ring for the Royal Rumble match drawing when "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock shows up and attacks "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry for turning on him earlier in the day. The Honky Tonk Man shows up as referees and officials try to restore order, confirming his entry into the Royal Rumble match. Cactus Jack shows up, and is followed by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who comes out through the crowd and hits Phineas I. Godwinn with the tumbler before hitting him with the Stone Cold Stunner. Austin leaves the ring as all hell breaks loose in the ring and everyone else in the ring starts brawling, but is attacked by Savio Vega, D'Lo Brown and "The Rock" Rocky Maivia. After a while, Austin comes back, but The Rock, Savio Vega and D'Lo Brown are still beating Austin up as the show ends.