WWF Raw is War/Warzone
December 1st, 1997
Roanoke Civic Center
Roanoke, Virginia
As usual, we open with a brief recap from last week, focusing on the main event where D-Generation X managed to steal a win over The Hart Foundation, before Michaels and Triple H humiliated Neidhart and Bulldog, tagging them with paint and sending them packing on their way to WCW. After the regular opening video, we head into the arena to hear from the raucous crowd for the first time tonight. We see the always impressive fireworks display, we take a tour of the signs in the crowd, before we are welcomed to the show by Jim Cornette, who very quickly hypes the card for the opening hour of the show, with Steve Blackman making his Raw in-ring debut against Savio Vega, Ken Shamrock teaming up with The Legion of Doom to take on The Nation of Domination, and Tazz is in the building and we’ll be hearing from him tonight! But Cornette lets us all know that Vince McMahon is ready and waiting in the ring, and that’s how we’re going to kick things off tonight.
And sure enough, McMahon is stood waiting, and he wastes little time in introducing his guest tonight… ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin! The glass shatters, the crowd raise the roof and the Intercontinental Champion strides down the ramp and into the ring. McMahon is visibly nervous as Austin brushes past him on his way to the corner, before Austin drops back down and calls for a beer to tossed his way. McMahon doesn’t hide his frustration at this, but he puts it aside to get the interview started, firstly asking Austin for his thoughts on his opponent this Sunday at In Your House, Jeff Jarrett. Austin smirks, before responding very directly with ”I think Jeff Jarrett is nothin’ but a chicken-shit lil’ bastard!”, which draws a massive pop from the crowd and an angry shake of the head from Vince. Austin references that it was Jarrett who challenged him for the Intercontinental Title, a challenge Austin accepted, only for Jarrett to then avoid him at every turn. Every time Austin tries to take the fight to Jarrett, he avoids it, especially last week when Jarrett ran out on his match with Goldust as Austin chased him to the back. ”But this Sunday, there ain’t nowhere for you to run son, and that means ol’ ‘Stone Cold’ is gonna whip your ass!”, another crowd pleasing statement from the champion.
Before he asks his next question, McMahon gives Austin a warning about his language, going ‘off script’ as he mutters ”…can you ease up with the profanity, please?”, before he discusses how since he returned to the WWF, Jarrett hasn’t exactly been all that impressive. However, Jarrett’s return in a lot of ways has mirrored Austin’s arrival in the WWF, both came to the WWF feeling disgruntled with how they were treated in WCW, both set their sights on quickly winning titles and proving themselves. ”Is this Sunday, in his match against you, Jeff Jarrett’s chance to prove he belongs here in the WWF… against a man with a very similar past?”, a question which irks Austin. ‘The Rattlesnake’ quickly states he and Jarrett are nothing alike, as Austin wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he worked his ass off to break into the business while Jarrett was handed his opportunity by his father. Austin also points out that he’s never been much of a country singer, although he does decide to treat us all to a few lines from the chorus of ‘The Gambler’, the crowd joining in as he belts out ”You gotta know when to fold ‘em… know when to hold ‘em…”. Austin also points out that while he never got the shot he deserved in WCW, he never came to the WWF and complained about it, he ”…walked through that door, started whippin’ ass, and that’s how I got here today…”, unlike Jarrett who has done nothing but whine and complain.
And one final difference between the two is that Austin has proven time and time again exactly what it takes to be Intercontinental Champion. He talks about his battles with Owen Hart, overcoming a broken neck to win the title, how he’s never needed to swing a guitar to win a match, all he’s ever needed is his fists and his boots, and he’ll use it all to ”…stomp a mudhole and walk it dry…” this Sunday, with Austin calling for another beer to be thrown his way. Austin then also states that he’s never needed a Vince McMahon to call for the bell early to win a title either, a clear reference to the infamous moment at Survivor Series, which draws a rueful gulp from McMahon. Austin says that he knows exactly what Vince did in Montreal, so do the boys in the back, but more importantly, so do all the WWF fans. They watched him screw Bret Hart out of the WWF Championship, and now everybody wants to know if it’ll ever happen again. ”But lemme tell ya’ somethin’ Vince. You ever try screw ‘Stone Cold’ outta this Intercontinental Title, I WILL stomp a mudhole in ya’ and walk it dry!” McMahon is visibly annoyed by that comment, but just as he goes to respond… here comes Jeff Jarrett! And unlike two weeks ago, it looks like this time Jarrett is headed to the ring to join Austin, a move which catches Cornette on commentary by surprise.
But sure enough, Jarrett stands across from ‘The Rattlesnake’, although Vince is between them holding the mic, and Jarrett makes it clear he’s pissed off at what Austin and others have been saying about him. Jarrett admits that when he came back to the WWF, he targeted Austin and the Intercontinental Championship because as a former three time Intercontinental Champion, he knows all about the history and prestige of the title. ”But the fact you come out here, swillin’ beer and cussin’… that shows we you ain’t worthy of bein’ the Intercontinental Champion!” Austin might be tough, he might be an ass kicker, but he’s got no class, he’s nothing but a brawler, while Jarrett is a real wrestler, the greatest wrestler in the world and a man worthy of wearing the Intercontinental Title. ”When you say me and you ain’t alike, I agree with ya’… except for one thing…”, with Jarrett admitting that just like Austin, he too was fed up with being held back in WCW by Eric Bischoff. But now he’s back in the WWF, ”…I won’t be held back by you Austin… and I won’t be held back by YOU McMahon!”, with Jarrett pointing a finger squarely at Vince, as it seems both men in this matchup have something they want to say to McMahon.
”The last time I worked here… you treated me like a joke!”, with Jarrett bemoaning the fact that Vince saddled him with a country western gimmick and made him sing songs. Vince took a world class athlete and tried to embarrass him, and it worked, as Jarrett looks back and is embarrassed at what he had to do in the ring. But that’ll never happen again, he’s here to prove exactly what kind of threat he is, and he’ll prove it this Sunday when he beats Austin. Vince moves to ask another question, but Austin isn’t interested as he snatches the mic from his hand. Austin starts pacing the ring, telling Jarrett that while he’s been throwing out challenges and talking about being held back since his return, Austin has been kicking ass like he always does. ”So if anybody wants to see ‘Stone Cold’ kick Jeff Jarrett’s ass this Sunday, gimme a hell yeah!”, which draws a boisterous response from the fans. As far as Austin is concerned, Jarrett thinks he’s a lot more special than he actually is, and Austin is going to prove that this Sunday. ”Ya’ got asked to sing songs, ya’ got asked to play a lil’ guitar, but if ya’ ask ol’ ‘Stone Cold’, you’re askin’ for an ass kickin’ this Sunday son!”, which again draws the ire of Vince over Austin’s choice of language.
At this point Austin pauses, telling Jarrett that he’s willing to wait for this Sunday, there’s no need for a fight between the two of them tonight. Infact, Austin wants to make good on a promise from a couple weeks ago, ”…I told ya’ two weeks’ ago I had a beer waitin’ for ya’, so let’s do it…”, with a pair of beers being tossed towards Austin. ‘The Rattlesnake’ pops both open and hands on to Jarrett, before he remembers Vince and asks for a third, as ”…I got one for your ass too, Vince!”, handing McMahon the third can. Austin proposes a toast to a great match this Sunday, but of course, Jarrett is wary, not buying it, refusing to entertain Austin. Austin insists though, saying that with Vince in the ring, he doesn’t want to piss off the boss any further, he’ll drink one final beer and then head backstage, but he wants to share it with Jarrett. Jarrett continues to stall, but Austin is persistent, demanding Jarrett share a toast with him… and slowly, Jarrett inches his can upwards towards Austin’s… and they toast… and Austin does nothing! The champion simply smiles and sips his beer, and Jarrett does the same! The crowd boo the hell out of this, baying for blood, but Vince is delighted to see the great sportsmanship between champion and challenger, and even he decides to join in, toasting both men and taking a sip from his can… but suddenly, Austin’s demeanour changes… and he FLIPS JARRETT THE DOUBLE BIRD… and he goes on the attack!
Austin lunges at Jarrett, tackling him down, hammering the challenger with wild rights and lefts, before Austin quickly gets back to his feet, waiting for Jarrett to stagger back up… he goes for the kick… but Jarrett grabs Vince by the jacket, throws him into Austin and then scrambles from the ring! The crowd jeer as once again, Jarrett manages to avoid Austin as he races up the ramp. In the ring, Austin is again left frustrated, but he simply smirks up at the man he’ll face this Sunday, motioning to Jarrett that there’ll be nowhere to run at In Your House. Meanwhile, McMahon manages to drag himself back to his feet, and he’s furious with Austin, yelling at him, screaming ”What the hell’s your problem!?” as he adjusts his tie and fixes his jacket. Austin is taken aback, almost shocked to hear Vince speak to him like that, but McMahon continues, screaming that Austin needs to stop acting this way. As the crowd hear this, they go wild in anticipation, especially when Austin moves to help Vince back to his feet… KICK… STUNNER!! AUSTIN DELIVERS THE STUNNER TO VINCE MCMAHON!! The crowd are going nuts, Cornette can’t believe it, but Austin has just laid out Vince McMahon! The music rings out, the fans are on their feet, and the Intercontinental Champion calls for more beers to be thrown his way as he heads to the corner to salute the fans! On the stage, ‘Double J’ shakes his head in disbelief and disappears backstage, but the camera zooms in on the down and out Vince, while Austin continues to celebrate and Cornette scrambles to tell us all we’re going to a commercial.
*Commercial*
We’re back, and things seemed to have calmed down a bit as Jim Ross has replaced McMahon on commentary, but both he and Cornette express their confusion and disbelief at what just happened, with Cornette speculating that Commissioner Slaughter should be laying some sort of fine on Austin for his actions. Ross reluctantly admits that could happen, and he wonders what this could all mean ahead of In Your House this Sunday. Suddenly, the camera switches backstage, where we see McMahon say on a steel chair, his head bowed, rubbing his neck in pain, looking drained and dishevelled after what happened. Veteran backstage workers Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco tend to Vince, offering him a bottle of water and to bring in medical help, but McMahon shakes it off. Instead, Vince states that he can’t believe Austin just assaulted him like that. But he soon snaps out of the shock and orders Patterson and Brisco to deliver a message for him. ”You tell the guys in the truck, I want the last segment. I’ve got something I need to get off my chest. I’ve got somethin’ I want to say to each and every WWF superstar!”, with both Patterson and Brisco quickly agreeing and scurrying away to carry out Vince’s orders, while our commentary team can only guess what the message will be as we cut away elsewhere.
And it’s to the interview set, where Michael Cole is standing by with Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman. With this being the first interview for either man since their partnership began, Cole wants to know what the relationship is between the two. It’s pretty simple according to Gunn, he was working out hard in a boxing gym, gearing up for a return to competition. When he returned to action, Blackman had just made his debut in the WWF. With Gunn being a boxer, and Blackman being a martial artist, the two joined up to have each other’s backs. And Blackman points out that it’s really paid off these last few weeks with their troubles against Los Boricuas. The two have been working hard to better themselves as a tag team to get ready for their match this Sunday, and they’re ready to knock out Los Boricuas. Cole then asks a final question of Gunn, wanting to know how long he’s had that devastating left hand in his arsenal. Gunn admits it’s taken a lot of time infront of a punching bag, but he feels like he could knock out anybody. Marc Mero may have pulled a fast one last week to steal the win, but in a fair fight one on one ”…I’ll put anybody flat on their back… lookin’ at the lights!”, a defiant statement that leads both men off camera.
And that’s because Blackman’s match is right now, as Los Boricuas are already heading for the ring, with Savio Vega leading the way while Miguel Perez Jr., Jose Estrada Jr. and Jesus Castillo Jr. sing along with their theme tune. And here come Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman, Gunn throwing a few shadow left hands while Blackman twirls a pair of nunchuks. Ross admits that these two have impressed him this last month, but he wonders if their inexperience as a tag team will cost them this Sunday at In Your House. Cornette wonders if it will cost Blackman tonight, as he points out that Vega is a crafty veteran competitor, and with the numbers at ringside in his favour, it’s going to be a big ask for Blackman to pull out a win here tonight.
Match One:
Savio Vega w/ Los Boricuas vs. Steve Blackman w/ Bart Gunn
Both these men have those ‘educated feet’ as J.R. likes to say, and it shows in the early moments as they trade kicks and chops back and forth until Blackman nails three kicks in a row to knock Vega down. Blackman quickens the pace, sending Vega flying with a hiptoss and a back body drop, before he gets the first near fall with a jumping heel kick. Vega rolls outside to break the momentum, but he turns right into Bart Gunn, who threatens Vega with that lethal left hand, causing Vega to back away and head for the safety of his Los Boricuas colleagues. Back in the ring, Vega now takes control, landing more chops to the chest, getting a near fall from a single leg dropkick, before he tries to wear Blackman down with a nerve hold to the neck. Blackman rallies, working back to his feet, breaking the hold with a series of elbows, before he again lands kicks to the midsection, fires Vega off the ropes... into a scissors kick! Blackman now looks to come off the ropes... only for Estrada to reach in and grab Blackman by the foot, tripping him up! This causes Bart to race around the ring, and Los Boricuas don’t see him coming... Gunn SMACKS ESTRADA WITH A BIG LEFT HAND! Gunn now sets his sights on Perez, who backs away... but the distraction allows Castillo to slide into the ring... and he nails Blackman with an INVERTED SUPLEX! Castillo scrambles from the ring, Vega drapes an arm across Blackman’s chest, and the ref conveniently turns to count the 1... 2... 3.
Winner: Savio Vega @ 04:48
Like the thugs that they are, Los Boricuas help their leader Vega get the win with some pretty underhand tactics. Quickly Vega rolls from the ring as Castillo and Perez help the fallen Estrada back to his feet, while Gunn slides into the ring to check on Blackman. Los Boricuas celebrate as they back up the ramp, but the anger is clear for all to see on Gunn and Blackman’s face, with the prediction of ”…there’s gonna be hell to pay for Los Boricuas this Sunday!” coming from J.R. as we head to another commercial.
*Commercial*
When we return, it’s time for another in-ring interview, this time with Cornette handling the duties. Cornette doesn’t exactly look happy about it, and he admits as much on the mic, saying he’s ready to interview a man who is making his WWF debut tonight, with the crowd giving a loud cheer as they know exactly who he’s referring to. ”This is a man who has broken necks. This is a man who is impervious to pain. This… is… Tazz.” says Cornette, with very little in the way of enthusiasm. But sure enough, as the entrance video plays, the beat gets louder and louder, the crowd build into a frenzy… until the finally erupt as Tazz steps into the arena! Wearing an all-black tracksuit and with a towel over his head, Ross can only marvel at how menacing the newcomer looks, letting us all know about the impressive reputation Tazz has built up and his moniker as ‘The Human Suplex Machine’. As he enters the ring, Tazz whips off the towel and stares intently into the hard camera, the crowd again popping loudly. Cornette decides it’s time to get down to business, offering Tazz a lukewarm welcome to the WWF, before he asks why has Tazz come to the WWF given the reputation he’s built over at ECW.
With a steely look on his face, Tazz very simply states that he’s here because he’s heard so much about how the toughest wrestlers in the world fight here in the WWF each and every week. He’s heard about ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, he’s heard about Ken Shamrock, he’s heard about Mick Foley ”…and to be honest wit’ ya’… I’ve heard enough. ‘Cause as far as I’m concerned… you’re lookin’ at the toughest S.O.B. in the world o’ wrestlin’ right here!” Tazz has fought around the world, he’s beaten some of the biggest and baddest fighters, but when people talk about the real toughmen in professional wrestling, the casual fan doesn’t mention him. He may have been a star at ECW, but he hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves yet, so he’s here in the WWF to prove to the world ”…I don’t care how big you are, or how bad you think you are… I’ll choke out anybody!” Tazz feels like he’s paid his dues, he’s fought in bingo halls and high school gyms, but now he’s here to fight in the biggest arenas infront of the biggest crowds, and he’s here to fight for the richest prize in the game, the WWF Championship! ”And lemme say somethin’ to the two pretty boys in D-X. You play your games, you run your mouths, but you two ever try anythin’ like that wit’ me… and I’ll make you squeal like the little bitches that you are!”, a very direct threat to the WWF and European Champion.
Cornette has a quick laugh at that statement, saying that not many men just walk into the WWF and challenge the champion right off the bat. Tazz admits that he knows he’ll need to prove himself all over again, but the WWF Champion can wait… for now. But there is one man Tazz wants to waste no time in meeting. ”I’ve been hearin’ there’s a schmuck round here who’s been sayin’ a lotta stuff about me. And I hear ‘is name… is Marc Mero. Mero clearly has a problem with Tazz, but he’s not sure what is… and he doesn’t really care either. Tazz has heard Mero run his mouth, he’s talked about how tough a fighter he is. Well now Tazz is here in the WWF, he’s giving Mero a chance to come out and prove just how tough a fighter he really is. ”Mero… I’m callin’ you out punk! Get yo’ ass out here!”, and sure enough, that’s enough to draw ’Marvellous’ Marc Mero and Sable out into the arena. Mero is dressed in street clothes, not ready to compete tonight, but J.R. can’t help but point out the fact that Sable is dressed in a baggy jumper and sweatpants, no doubt on the orders of her husband who’s jealousy has reached insane levels in recent weeks.
In the ring, Mero smirks at Tazz, wanting to make sure he heard him right when he says he’s a real fighter. There’s only one real fighter, the true toughest man in the WWF, and that’s ‘Marvellous’ Marc, not ”…some midget who was wrestlin’ infront of 20 people last week!” Mero admits though that he does indeed have a problem with Tazz, as he’s sick and tired of hearing about the newcomer. Mero’s heard what an impressive fighter Tazz is, he knows the reputation, he’s heard about how he makes people tap out, but none of that impresses Mero. He’s a real fighter, pound for pound the very best in the WWF, and ”…that’s why I’m real pissed off hearin’ about you!” When he looks at Tazz, Mero says there’s nothing impressive about him, there’s nothing to fear. Tazz is too small, so small that Mero wonders if he can reach high enough to choke Mero out. As far as Mero is concerned, Tazz has built his reputation by choking out nobodies, but now he’s came to the WWF, he’s not going to have it so easy. ”Lemme tell ya’ somethin’ punk… you don’t get a girl like my property Sable by beatin’ up nobodies in bingo halls…”, although as soon Mero catches Cornette glancing at Sable upon the mention of her name, and he quickly reprimands Cornette and tells him not to look at her.
”Bottom line little man… there’s nothin’ about you that scares me…” states Mero, before he lets Tazz know that the videos and words to hype his arrival have all been a waste of time. Tazz is a nothing, a nobody, and he’s never going to have as great a WWF career as ‘Marvellous’ Marc… and he’ll never get a girl like Sable either, with a smug Mero laughing right in Tazz’s face while Sable looks very uneasy about it all. ”First of all… you can keep the sluts like her…” answers back Tazz, which draws a massive pop from the crowd and a stunned look from Mero. Tazz isn’t here for the money or for girls, he’s here to kick ass simply because… he enjoys it. And Tazz lets us all know that now he’s arrived in the WWF, he doesn’t want to waste any time in making a name for himself, and he’s looking to make his WWF debut in a hurry. ”So how ‘bout this Sunday, In Your House, I make my WWF debut… against you…”, with Tazz pointing a finger squarely in Mero’s chest as he asks the question. Mero arrogantly laughs at the notion, and at first he’s hesitant, telling Tazz he’s too much of a big shot to lower himself to Tazz’s level. At this point Cornette interjects, pointing out that right now, Mero isn’t scheduled to compete this Sunday, whilst also stating ”I’m sure all the WWF fans wanna see you two ‘real’ fighters go at it…”, a comment laced in sarcasm but one that still draws a cheer from the crowd.
Mero ponders, thinking it over, but he ultimately decides to accept, telling Tazz he’ll see him this Sunday for his first WWF match… and his first WWF defeat. ”I’ll accept your lil’ challenge, but I’m warnin’ ya’… I’m gonna knock you out!”, before Mero patronizes Tazz by giving him a playful rub on the top of the head… but suddenly, Tazz grabs the hand, twists, wraps an arm around Mero’s throat… TAZZMISSION! Tazz tries to lock in the Tazzmission, but in desperation, Mero flails and claws… and he PULLS SABLE TOWARDS HIM… CAUSING TAZZ TO BREAK THE HOLD!! The crowd boo loudly as the impact causes Tazz to release his grip, and Mero quickly drops and rolls from the ring, scrambling to the bottom of the ramp. He quickly screams at Sable, telling her to get over by him, and naturally Sable is stunned and shocked that Mero would put her in harm’s way like that. ”What kind of man would do that to his own wife?” asks J.R., but Mero isn’t interested in talking things over, as instead he grabs Sable by the hand and walks her up the ramp. The argument between the two continues to the stage, while in the ring, Tazz heads to the corner to pose for the crowd, with J.R. hyping this Sunday’s just announced match while putting over how dangerous Tazz can be as we head to commercial.
*Commercial*
The interview set sees Kevin Kelly standing by, looking rather intimidated given that his guest is The Undertaker. It’s a quick interview, as usual ‘Taker doesn’t have to much to say to Kelly’s request for his thoughts on this Sunday’s WWF Championship Match against Shawn Michaels. Undertaker states that he’s seen enough of D-X’s antics, the humiliations and tagging all come to an end this Sunday when we will all bear witness to the demise of D-Generation. The WWF lost its soul back in Montreal when Michaels was handed the WWF Title, but there’s one man who can breathe life back into the soul of the WWF, and The Undertaker will do that this Sunday. And of course ”…Shawn Michaels will rest… in… peace!”, to which the challenger rolls his eyes to the back of his head, signalling an end to the interview… although Kelly isn’t done yet, he wants to ask a follow up questions. Kelly asks Undertaker about what Kane and Paul Bearer had to say last week… but as soon as Kelly mentions their names, ‘Taker takes a step forward, towering over a now cowering Kelly, making it very clear he has nothing to say about his brother as he simply walks away in silence, a menacing snarl on his face, brining things to a decisive end.
Back into the arena, and here comes Sunny, who once again is on announcing duties. Out first, she welcomes The Nation of Domination, with Faarooq leading out D’Lo Brown, Kama Mustafa and The Rock onto the stage, where in their latest show of unity, all four men raise their fists. Of course the commentary team take a chance to remind us of the tension that these four have shown in recent weeks, especially between Faarooq and The Rock given both men’s desires to face Shamrock this Sunday. Speaking of Ken Shamrock, he’s out next, just like last week showing no fear as he steps into the ring with all four men, although Cornette wonders who in their right mind would be crazy enough to volunteer to team up with a guy like Shamrock in this situation. Of course the answer is The Legion of Doom, with both ’Road Warrior’ Hawk and ’Road Warrior’ Animal looking like they’re in foul moods after losing the World Tag Titles last week, although J.R. assures us that despite the fact it’s The New Blackjacks who will face The New Age Outlaws this Sunday, the war between ‘The Road Warriors’ and The Outlaws is far from over.
Match Two: Six Man Tag Team Match
The Nation of Domination w/ Faarooq vs. Ken Shamrock and The Legion of Doom
Shamrock and D’Lo kick this one off, with Shamrock looking so impressive early on, nailing D’Lo with a string of high impact moves, before he wrings on the arm and makes an early tag to Animal. Animal continues to work on the left arm, aiming shots to the shoulder, but D’Lo uses a thumb to the eye to escape and tag Rock. Rocky lands big right hands, but he gets cocky, allowing Animal to hurl him into the corner and then land ten shots to the face. A powerslam gets Animal a two count, and that brings in Hawk, who nails a pair of shoulderblocks and then a dropkick for another near fall. Rocky catches a break when Hawk ducks, allowing him to nail a snap DDT and tag in Kama. The Nation now isolate Hawk, punishing him, coming close to victory on several occasions, especially after a Samoan drop from Rocky and a big splash in the corner from Kama. D’Lo is in, and he plants Hawk with a scoop slam then heads to the rope... looking for the LO DOWN... NO! Hawk rolls to safety, Brown crashes to the mat... both men crawl to their corners... here comes Kama... and here comes Shamrock! Shamrock explodes into the ring, bowling Kama over with clothesline after clothesline, before he sends him off the ropes... into a hurricanrana! Rocky storms the ring, but he gets tackled outside by Animal, the pair landing at the feet of Faarooq. Hawk and D’Lo brawl near the entrance, which means Kama is alone in the ring with Shamrock, and he looks to go for th DEATH VALLEY DRIVER... NO! Shamrock rolls through, grabs the ankle, takes Kama down... ANKLE LOCK!! Shamrock puts on the ankle lock, and on the outside... Rocky, having planted Animal, isn’t focusing on the match, he’s acting smug with Faarooq... and neither of them realise in time to make the save... and Kama has to tap out!
Winners: Via Submission, Ken Shamrock and The Legion of Doom @ 06:16
Shamrock does it again, he’s made another member of The Nation tap out, this time getting the win for his team. As Hawk and Animal join the celebrations with Shamrock in the ring, on the outside, Faarooq is furious with his team, berating them for their performance. Of course he has strong words for The Rock, telling him ”…that ain’t good enough boy!”, while Rock fires back, pinning the blame on Kama and D’Lo. As they walk up the ramp, The Nation are disjointed, at each other’s throats, which J.R. points out can’t be good news ahead of this Sunday’s match at In Your House. But just before we leave hour one, there’s a reminder to join us all in the Warzone for Dude Love and Jeff Jarrett, Triple H against The Undertaker and what on earth could Vince McMahon have in store for us all? You’ll have to wait to find out...
*Commercial*
Hour two starts with another opening video and burst of pyro, with Cornette being replaced at the announce desk by Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. Ross welcomes us back, again hyping the second half of the show, and he immediately wants to know what Lawler thinks Vince McMahon could have to say to everyone. Lawler admits he’s not sure, but he wants us all to know how disgusted he was at seeing Austin nail Vince with the stunner earlier. ”I hope Vince comes out here and tells us he’s throwin’ ‘Stone Cold’ in jail!” is Lawler’s prediction for what is to come.
Out to silence is our commissioner Sgt. Slaughter, who stops on the stage with a microphone in hand. Slaughter isn’t here to take up a lot of time, knowing there’s a lot of show to get through tonight, be he does a few quick announcements with regards to this Sunday’s pay per view. First of all, he confirms the match we heard about earlier, and that Tazz will make indeed make his debut this Sunday against Marc Mero, which draws a nice pop from the crowd. Second of all, he has an announcement that concerns Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and the WWF Championship. Slaughter may have been the WWF Commissioner back at Survivor Series, so that does indeed mean that the screwjob took place under his watch. ”But… under my watch, that kind of thing will never happen again…”, with Slaughter promising us all that there will be no screwjob and no controversy of any kind this Sunday. And with that in mind, he has a message for D-Generation X. Slaughter looks dead into the camera as he informs us all that Triple H and Chyna are both banned from ringside during the WWF Title Match. ”Infact… any WWF superstar who enters the arena during the Buried Alive Match… will be suspended indefinitely without pay. And that’s an order!”
Slaughter is determined to see The Undertaker right the wrongs of Montreal, he wants to see ‘Taker restore the pride into the WWF and its title, and he’ll let nothing get in the way of that happening. ”And that includes Paul Bearer… and Kane!”, which draws an ominous, almost shocked pop from the crowd. He’s heard the things Bearer has been saying to him these last few weeks, he’s heard the threats Bearer has made, but Slaughter refuses to be intimidated, he refuses to back down. Threatening WWF officials is not the way to get what you want under his command, so he makes it perfectly clear to Bearer and Kane, there will be no match against The Undertaker, and both of them are also banned from ringside this Sunday. ”And Bearer… you maggot… you’ll learn the hard way that I don’t give in to demands. If you you’re your match with The Undertaker-“, and speak of the devil, the lights go out, the arena is bathed in a red haze, and the fire explodes on the stage as here comes Kane and Paul Bearer onto the stage. Bearer as always has that smug look on his face as he approaches Slaughter, while the commissioner simply raises his chin and stands defiantly.
Bearer can’t help but shake his head as he starts to speak, calling Slaughter a stubborn old fool, a man who lets his pride get him in trouble. They’ve been fair with him Bearer tells Slaughter, they’ve given him chance after chance to do the right thing and give them what they want, but for some reason, Slaughter has time and time again refused them. ”But Commissioner Slaughter… we are willin’ to give you one… last… chance…” to cancel the WWF Championship Match and sign the match pitting Kane against The Undertaker. If Slaughter is so determined to have a Buried Alive Match, then put Kane in that spot, he’ll gladly bury his brother and send him straight to hell. ”We have been patient, Commissioner Slaughter, but our patience… has ran out…” warns Bearer, saying that if Slaughter doesn’t give in to their request, he won’t be responsible for Kane’s actions, with Kane slowly stepping forward, towering over Slaughter. Again Slaughter points out his chin, before he gives Bearer an answer. He doesn’t know what it’s going to take to make Bearer understand, but this Sunday, The Undertaker already has a match, a match which is so important to the future of the entire WWF, a match that is bigger than Kane’s rivalry with The Undertaker. ”So let me make this clear Bearer. The answer is no! This Sunday, The Undertaker will face Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship… and that’s an order!”
An emphatic roar from the crowd as Slaughter is defiant, but once again, Bearer simply shakes his head. ”Well Commissioner… I apologise. I apologise… because we REALLY didn’t want to do this…”, and right on cue… KANE DRILLS SLAUGHTER WITH A STIFF RIGHT HAND! The commentary team are stunned as Kane knocks Slaughter clean off his feet with a massive right hand, and with Bearer’s encouragement, Kane mounts the commissioner and starts hammering him with right after right! ”Dammit, get somebody out here to stop this!” bellows J.R., but it would take a brave man to get in Kane’s way as he hammers Slaughter. Bearer starts shouting out orders, wanting Kane to get Slaughter up, but as Kane drags the commissioner to his feet… Slaughter fires back! Slaughter catches Kane with a right, and a second… but just like that, a shot to the throat ends the momentum. Slaughter doubles over, coughing and spluttering, and that’s when Kane makes his move… scooping Slaughter up… ”Good god almighty! No!”… KANE TOMBSTONES SGT. SLAUGHTER ON THE STAGE!! A sickening thud as Slaughter’s skull is driven into the cold metal of the stage, the commissioner of the WWF down and out, barely moving, the crowd stunned into silence in disbelief at what they’ve just witnessed. Bearer stands over Slaughter, laughing, screeching in his face, ”This is all your fault!”, claiming Slaughter did this to himself, before he finally, mercifully get a group of officials and backstage agents rushing onto the stage.
Naturally everyone is intimidated by Kane, the monster scaring them away, but happy at what they’ve done tonight, Bearer is content to lead Bearer away, taking him backstage, while medical personnel now rush onto the stage with a stretcher. The camera peers in on Slaughter, who groans in pain while we hear him mumble ”I can’t feel my arm. I can’t feel my legs…”, which of course raises the level of concern for our commentary team. To put over the seriousness of the situation, Lawler drops the heel gimmick, solemnly hoping Slaughter is alright while condemning Kane and Bearer for their actions. We stay focused on the medical team, who carefully place a neck brace on Slaughter, while we see replays of the heinous act, with again the commentators putting over the damage that could have been done. Carefully the EMTs work Slaughter onto a back board and then onto the stretcher, which they slowly start to wheel backstage. ”He’s an American hero, he’s a true legend of this business… and he may have suffered permanent injuries at the hands of that sick monster Kane!” gravely states J.R., with the camera now cutting backstage as Slaughter is wheeled through the arena. They finally reach the ambulance, where Slaughter is loading into the back of it, the doors slammed shut, and we don’t hear a word from anyone as the sirens blare, the ambulance starts to leave, and we head to a commercial.
*Commercial*
When we return from the commercial, we’re focused on the announce desk, where a sombre looking J.R. and ‘King’ still look stunned at what we just saw. They talk us through yet another replay of Kane driving Slaughter into the stage with the tombstone, with Ross angrily commenting that ”…things have gotten outta hand around here!” given what we’ve seen tonight. Ross then throws things over to Michael Cole backstage for an update, with Cole informing us that Slaughter has been taken to a local medical facility, but according to the WWF officials he spoke to, Slaughter had no feeling or movement in his arms or legs. Cole will be backstage trying to get an update during the rest of the show on Slaughter’s condition, but just as he’s about to through it back to ringside… D-Generation X enter the scene. Both Shawn Michaels and Triple H are crying dramatic faux tears, while Chyna is carrying a box of Kleenex, throwing the tissues around while trying to dab away the tears from her eyes. Cole is disgusted by it all, but Michaels wants to speak, making Cole hold the mic for him as he screams ”Oh my God! Oh the humanity! What a tragedy!, before he ridiculously loudly blows his nose into the shoulder of Cole’s shirt.
Choking back the tears, Michaels tells Cole exactly how disappointed he is in what happened to Slaughter, how he hopes and prays that the commissioner makes a full recovery. ”But, y’know… I tried to tell ‘im…”, with the champion reminding us that he warned Slaughter not to make Kane an enemy last week, but Slaughter just wouldn’t listen. ”And now… now he’s in an ambulance, he’s on ‘is way to the hospital… there’s not a chance he’s gonna make it to work this Sunday…” which of course is Triple H’s que to point out that if Slaughter can’t be there this Sunday at In Your House… then that means anybody who wants to can be at ringside during Michaels’ match with The Undertaker. And of course, with that pointed out, D-X cut the fake tears and get serious, with Michaels smugly letting us know that with ”…Sgt. Slobber in a hospital bed…”, he’ll and Chyna will be in Triple H’s corner tonight for his match with The Undertaker… and they’ll both be in his corner this Sunday, and there’s not a damn thing anybody can do about it. And it’s time for everybody in the WWF, but especially The Undertaker, to learn that one way or another, by hook or by crook, D-Generation X always come out on top… and that they’ll bury anyone to make sure they stay there. And with that, D-X toss a bunch of used Kleenexes in Cole’s face, disgusting the interviewer again, before they make their exit and we head back into the arena.
Ready for the next match, and here comes The New Blackjacks, with ’Blackjack’ Bradshaw and ’Blackjack’ Windham striding to the ring with a purpose, although the commentary team are both focusing on the comments of D-X, with J.R. pointing out the total lack of class from Michaels, while Lawler claims that with Triple H and Chyna at ringside, Michaels is guaranteed victory. Here come the champions The New Age Outlaws, who enter to their new entrance music, but of course Road Dogg has a mic in his hand, while Billy Gunn prances around with a ridiculous novelty black moustache stuck to his face. ”The good ol’ boys are back… and that means there’s some sheep somewhere dyin’ for some lovin’… is one of the many insults Road Dogg throws at them, but Bradshaw doesn’t look the slightest bit impressed… so he gets the match underway in a hurry, rocking Dogg with a right hand, knocking the mic out of his hand and the match is underway!
Match Three:
World Tag Team Champion Road Dogg w/ Billy Gunn vs. ’Blackjack’ Bradshaw w/ ‘Blackjack’ Windham
As he has been doing in recent weeks, Road Dogg does his best to avoid his opponent early on, frustrating Bradshaw by dipping through the ropes, calling for breaks and timeouts, just generally doing all he can to slow the match down. In his frustration, Bradshaw turns his back and complains to the ref, allowing Dogg to sneak up from behind... but Bradshaw sees him coming, rocking him with a hiptoss. Bradshaw goes on the attack, rocking Dogg with clotheslines and a big boot to the face, before a sidewalk slam earns him the first near fall of the match. Bradshaw continues to attack in the corner, pummelling Dogg down to the ground, but when he goes for an Irish whip across and races in, Road Dogg gets a boot up to the face. Dogg looks to take advantage, teeing off with shake, rattle and roll, smacking Bradshaw with a dropkick, before he gets a near fall from a DDT. Road Dogg lands more right hands, distracts the ref to allow a cheap shot from Gunn, before he again comes close to victory with a swinging neckbreaker. An Irish whip sees Bradshaw run into a sleeper hold, with Road Dogg trying to put the big man down… but Bradshaw rallies… and breaks it with a side suplex. Bradshaw now tries to regain control, landing clubbing shots to the side of the head, another boot to the face before he gets a long two count from a running powerslam. Bradshaw is motoring, and he has Road Dogg lined up, looking for the BIG CLOTHESLINE… NO! As Bradshaw sends Road Dogg off the ropes, Billy reaches in, grabs his partner by the foot and drags him from the ring… and the tag champions have had enough, they’re out of here! The Outlaws race up the ramp, waving off the match… and the referee has no choice but to count to ten. This one is over!
Winner: Via Countout, ‘Blackjack’ Bradshaw @ 04:17
The tag champs take the easy way out as they sprint from the arena, leaving a fuming Bradshaw to stew in the ring. He and Windham celebrate for the crowd, but J.R. is enraged, calling the champions cowards and again putting over how good Bradshaw looked in there. Lawler thinks the tactic is brilliant, reminding us all that the titles can’t change hands on a countout, so if The Outlaws decide to pull the trick again this Sunday, there’s nothing that can be done about it.
*Commercial*
We return to see Jim Cornette stood infront of a plain background, which means it must be time for another ‘Cornette Commentary’. As usual, there’s something Jim isn’t happy about, and it’s the amount of WWF superstars who are claiming to be real fighters. Real fighters, what exactly does that mean? To Cornette, it means guys who legitimately go out into arenas looking to hurt their opponents, to injure them, to put them in a hospital, to make themselves look like tough guys at their opponents expense. ”But that’s not what bein’ a real wrestler is about. That’s never been what real wrestlin’ stood for...”, with Cornette pointing out that at its purest form, wrestling is two guys trying to beat the hell out of each other, but at the same time, making sure both men can make back to their cars after the show and drive to the next town. Cornette rattles off names like Ken Shamrock, Marc Mero, Bart Gunn and the newcomer Tazz, saying these men are making a name for themselves as MMA fighters, boxers or straight up shooters. But at the end of the day, they all work for the biggest wrestling company in the world, so ”…that means each and ev’ry one of ya’ who step through the ropes into a WWF is exactly that, a wrestler!” Cornette is proud to work in the wrestling industry, he’s proud to be a wrestling fan, but he’s heard enough of people trying to make out their in-ring style is somehow more legitimate than others.
But Cornette also bemoans the lack of wrestling on broadcasts of Raw right now. He discusses D-X, about how embarrassed he is by the latest actions of ”…a pair of so called adult men actin’ like pre-pubescent punks…”, while admitting that he hopes a real wrestler, like The Undertaker, can finally put a stop to all this nonsense this Sunday. And that’s what Cornette wants to see the most, he wants a return to the days of real wrestling, not sports entertainment, but good old fashioned wrestling. Cornette discusses Ric Flair, a hero of his, the greatest wrestler he ever saw, and how he would tour the country, entertaining millions of fans and making more money for more wrestling promoters than ever before. He talks about Dusty Rhodes, another favourite of his, a man so talented he reached into the very soul of millions of people around the United States by promising to lead them through hard times to better days. ”And y’know what made Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes so great? They didn’t need to pretend to be a tough guy. They didn’t need break bones and bust people open. They went out and they put on a show, they entertained the audience, they sacrificed their bodies and that’s why they’re two o’ the best wrestlers in history!”
And that is ultimately what Cornette wants, a return to the days of real, classic wrestling. So that’s what he going to give us all. Having spent much of 1997 sat behind the announce desk, Cornette wants to get back to doing what he does best, managing. ”So I’m puttin’ down the headset, I’m getting’ the ol’ tennis racquet outta storage, and I’m gonna start a one man crusade to bring ol’ fashioned wrestlin’ back to this company…”, with Cornette telling us all he’s already signed up a new client, a man who will be debuting on Raw next Monday night. Who that man is will have to wait, but Cornette promises us that this mean won’t be making penis jokes, he won’t be parading midgets out into the arena, he won’t be acting like a tough guy. He’s a guy who’ll enter the ring and simply out wrestle you, he’ll stretch you until you can’t take anymore, ”…he’ll tie you up tighter than a flea’s ass over a rain barrel…” and he’ll do it all with the dignity and class that’s seriously lacking in the WWF right now. ”He ain’t gonna kiss ass, he ain’t gonna suck up to the boss… and he ain’t gonna be no Goddam ‘sports entertainer’. He’s gonna be a wrestler, plain and simple. I’m Jim Cornette… and that’s my opinion., which is the emphatic statement that brings another rant to a close.
Back into the arena and here comes Dude Love, the spirit of ’69 right behind him as he heads for the ring looking as happy and full of peace and love as he usually does. Lawler can’t understand why Love is so happy given what Terry Funk had to say about him last week, with J.R. admitting he doesn’t get it either, that it’s almost like Love refuses to believe he’s not bringing harmony to the world, like he’s caught up in some kind of fantasy, but if he doesn’t snap out of it this Sunday, he could be in a world of hurt. And out next comes Jeff Jarrett, with his trusty guitar in his hand. Ross points out that since coming back to the WWF with his new look, Jarrett hasn’t exactly impressed everyone with his running from ‘Stone Cold’ and that if he really wants to be Intercontinental Champion, he can’t afford to run this Sunday. Lawler has a different take on things though, he thinks Jarrett is just lulling Austin into a false sense of security, and that In Your House will be a different story. And just as we’re getting ready to start the match… the glass shatters, and to Jarrett’s disbelief, here comes ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin into the arena, holding a folding chair and a cooler, presumably full of beer. ”He’s got no business bein’ out here!” screams Lawler, but Austin does what he wants, when he wants, and it looks like he wants to sit on the stage, drink a few beers and watch this matchup…
Match Four:
Dude Love vs. Jeff Jarrett
As the bell rings, Jarrett is more interested in Austin, screaming up at him in anger, although Austin simply just toasts a beer to him… and from behind, Love attacks Jarrett to get the match underway. Foley rocks Jarrett with rights and lefts, juking and jiving in-between, before he sends Jarrett hard to the corner… and Jarrett rebounds into a big back body drop! Dude looks to target Jarrett’s arm, wringing it, driving his shoulder and elbow into it, before he takes Jarrett up and down with a shoulderbreaker for a near fall. Jarrett uses the ropes to get back to his feet… and Foley hits a Cactus Clothesline, taking both men outside! From the foot of the ramp, Dude points up at Austin, who cracks open a second can of beer and toasts Foley, but just as he does that, jeers start to break out… as sauntering into the arena comes Terry Funk, which of course draws the eye of Foley… and the distraction is just enough for Jarrett to land a baseball slide, allowing him to take control. On the outside, Jarrett sends Love crashing into the steel steps, before he hits a dropkick for a two count. Jarrett gets further near falls from a Russian legsweep and a suplex, but then he sends Foley crashing to the outside, distracting the referee and almost hoping that Funk attacks Love… but instead, Funk just laughs and shakes his head, almost in pity, which annoys and confuses Jarrett, who heads outside, rolls Foley back into the ring and glares at Funk. Jarrett then heads to the top rope and goes for a flying crossbody… but Love rolls through… and gets a close two count. Both men spring back to their feet, but Foley beats Jarrett to the punch, goes for a clothesline to the corner… but then Foley shoots Jarrett back to the original corner… and Jarrett CRASHES INTO THE REFEREE! The ref is down, but Jarrett staggers towards Foley… who slaps on THE MANDIBLE CLAW!! Dude Love has the deadly submission hold locked in… but Terry Funk has slid into the ring… and he CRUSHES JARRETT’S GUITAR OVER FOLEY’S HEAD!! Foley is down and out… but the crowd erupts… as here comes Austin! Austin races from his deck chair and slides into the ring… and he tackles Terry Funk! Austin is on top of Funk, hammering him with rights and lefts, both men brawling and rolling on the mat until they spill out onto the floor… and now somehow, Jarrett is able to drape an arm across Foley’s chest… and the ref crawls over and slowly counts 1… 2… 3!
Winner: Jeff Jarrett @ 06.42
In amongst the mayhem at ringside, Jarrett has stole the win, but the end of the match barely registers as Austin and Funk continue their brawl, but Austin rocks Funk with a right hand, picks up a chair… and CRUSHES THE STEEL CHAIR OFF FUNK’S SKULL!! Funk goes down, and it’s only now that Austin realises the match is over and Jarrett has won, but just as Austin slides into the ring, Jarrett dives through the ropes, quickly heading for the ramp. Jarrett staggers up the ramp, selling the full effects of the match, but he feels like he’s gotten away with one here… but he doesn’t see Austin chasing him up the ramp… and KNOCKING JARRETT OVER FROM BEHIND! Austin finally gets his hands on Jarrett, he’s beating the hell out of him on the ramp! Jarrett tries to battle back, but Austin stomps and stomps, dropping down to land a flurry of rights and lefts… and down in the ring, Dude Love has somehow made it back to his feet… and so has Terry Funk… so DUDE LOVE TACKLES FUNK OVER THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE CROWD!! ”Things have gone crazy out here!” screams Ross, and the crowd are loving it as Funk and Love battle their way through the crowd, while officials and agents scramble to try and separate Austin and Jarrett on the ramp, neither fight showing any signs of dying. The camera switches back and forth, with Austin and Jarrett rolling along the stage, while Dude Love sends Funk onto the concrete with a back body drop, but we have to escape the mayhem as we head to a commercial.
*Commercial*
We return to a brief video hyping the upcoming WWF pay per view, In Your House: D-Generation X, with the voiceover encouraging everyone to but the event live this Sunday!
In the backstage area, we see Goldust being wheeled around in that wheelchair that he clearly showed last week he doesn’t need by the mysterious ’Nurse’, who once again has her face hidden by a surgical mask. She wheels Goldust past the interview set, but the pair are soon approached by Marlena, who hasn’t been seen on WWF TV for over a month now. Indeed, the last time we saw Marlena was when her husband, Goldust, told her their relationship was over and he was leaving her. It’s a concerned looking Marlena who tries to speak with her husband, asking him a flurry of questions such as why is he in the wheelchair, who’s the nurse and why hasn’t he returned any of her phone calls… but Goldust is in an almost comatose state, barely acknowledging the presence of his wife. Again Marlena asks the questions, even going as far as to say ”Dustin… why are you doin’ this?”, but nothing registers. Marlena now turns with tears starting in her eyes towards the ‘Nurse’, aggressively wanting to know who she is and why she’s wheeling Goldust around like this, but she just ignores the question, looking to move on, only for Marlena to grab her… and just like that, Goldust hits out with another one of his famous movie quotes, saying ”What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.”, which just stuns Marlena as she chokes back the anger and tears to mouth ”What?...”, and with that, Goldust is wheeled away, the camera staying focused on the sad and angry face of Marlena, a woman who desperately wants her husband back… if her husband even exists anymore.
In the arena, the lights go out, and here comes The Undertaker, the man who will challenge for the WWF Championship this Sunday. Both commentators put over how intimidating an image this man cuts as he slowly heads down the ramp, and Lawler takes a chance to complain about how unfair it is for Michaels to have to defend the title in a Buried Alive Match against a man like ‘The Deadman’. Out next comes D-Generation X as even though it’s only Triple H who is competing tonight, both Shawn Michaels and Chyna are here tonight, with Chyna having Triple H’s European Championship strapped over her shoulder. In recent weeks we’ve seen D-X play the numbers game to their advantage, but Ross wonders if those tactics will work against a man like The Undertaker, with even Lawler admitting that D-X won’t intimidate ‘The Deadman’ and that The Undertaker could be the one man even Chyna is scared of.
Main Event: Non-Title Match
European Champion Triple H w/ Shawn Michaels and Chyna vs. The Undertaker
As usual with an Undertaker match, he dominates the early proceedings at a slow methodical pace, rocking Trips with a flurry of rights and lefts to the midsection, walking the top rope to land a shot to the back of the head, before he nails Trips with a big boot to the face. Triple H is being hammered all over the ring, eating more boots to the face, a big legdrop before ‘Taker drops Trips face first onto the top turnbuckle. Helmsley begs away in the corner, but Undertaker charges for another boot to the face… Trips avoids it… and ‘Taker gets his leg hung up on the top rope! Limping away, ‘Taker’s knee is hurt, and that’s exactly the chance Trips needs, attacking the leg with a series of stomps and knee drops, before he drags Undertaker to the corner… and wraps the leg around the ringpost! In the ring, Triple H turns the ref’s back on the corner, allowing Michaels to shove Undertaker to the floor, where he lays in with a series of stomps to the body and knee, before he rolls ‘Taker back into the ring. Triple H now dominates the match, targeting the knee, applying a series of stretches and holds to it, whilst also coming close to victory with a jumping knee drop, a falling neckbreaker and the facebreaker knee smash. Trips continues to sends ‘Taker to the outside to allow Michaels to lay in with the cheap shots, before he takes ‘Taker down with a DDT for a long two count. Looking to again go for the knee, Trips slaps on a leglock, stretching the leg, trying to make ‘Taker submit… but ‘The Deadman’ fights out of it, punching and kicking his way free, but Trips is able to nail a clothesline to regain control. Sensing a chance to end it, Triple H tries to go for the PEDIGREE… but ‘Taker fights free, comes off the ropes… flying clothesline! Limping on his bad knee, ‘Taker goes on the attack, landing more shots and boots, before he goes for an Irish whip… reversal… running DDT for a near fall! Undertaker is rolling here, and he signals he’s ready for the chokeslam… but Chyna jumps up onto the apron, distracting the ref… and that allows Michaels to slide the European Championship into the ring, jump onto the apron to attract ‘Taker’s attention… Michaels eats a big right hand… but Triple H swings the title… Undertaker ducks… and slaps a hand around Triple H’s throat… CHOKESLAM! Undertaker nails the chokeslam, drops down for the pin… 1… 2… 3!
Winner: The Undertaker @ 07:19
Despite D-X’s best efforts, The Undertaker puts Triple H away with a devastating chokeslam, which has to be a real concern for Michaels ahead of this Sunday… but Michaels doesn’t care right now as straight after the bell, he storms the ring… and takes ‘Taker down with a chop block! Michaels attacks Undertaker’s knee, taking the challenger down, keeping him grounded, laying in with stomps, while across the ring, Chyna helps Triple H back to his feet. Trips now joins Michaels in the beatdown, both of them laying in with stomps to the body and right hands to the face, before Michaels starts directing traffic, telling Chyna to head outside to get a chair. ”This is nothin’ but a muggin’!” cries J.R., and indeed it does look like ‘Taker is in a real dire situation… but suddenly, there’s a roar from the crowd… as here comes Vader! Moving as fast as he can, the big man shuffles down the ramp and rolls into the ring, where he clobbers Triple H with stiff forearms to the side of the head, hammering the man he’ll face this Sunday. Lawler is furious at Vader making the save for The Undertaker, but Vader is relentless, nailing Trips with shot after shot until he knocks Triple H over the top rope to the floor! Vader heads outside and continues the fight, battering Triple H, the European Champions scrambling up the ramp in a desperate act to reach safety… and of course that means he’s left Michaels and Chyna with The Undertaker. Michaels is distracted, looking up at the battle on the ramp as it disappears backstage… and that means he doesn’t see The Undertaker sit up!
Michaels calls out for Triple H to get back down to the ring and help him, but Michaels doesn’t know that behind him, The undertaker is on his feet… and when Michaels turns… ‘Taker slaps a hand around the champions throat… CHOKESLAM… NO! Chyna slides back into the ring… SHE SMACKS THE STEEL CHAIR OFF UNDERTAKER’S BACK!! But ‘The Deadman’ barely flinches, turning to glare at Chyna, who instantly backs away, begging for mercy… and this means ‘Taker has relinquished his grip on Michaels, who wisely takes the chance to scurry from the ring, with Chyna managing to do the same. As Michaels and Chyna huddle and head for safety up the ramp, ‘The Deadman’ stares through their very souls, an evil look in his eyes, and although D-X have managed to escape tonight, ”There’ll be no escape this Sunday! Michaels, The Undertaker, the WWF Championship… somebody is gonna be BURIED ALIVE!!”, and on the back of an awesome shill job from J.R., we head for the final commercial of the broadcast.
*Commercial*
We cut straight back into the arena, where we see our announce team, who recap the goings on from the main event, discussing how the numbers had came to D-X’s advantage as they looked to do a number on The Undertaker, only for Vader to make the save for ‘The Deadman’. The camera then cuts to the ramp, and with no entrance music, out walks an angry looking Vince McMahon, who already has a microphone in his hands. As Vince heads down the ramp to the ring, the speculation is rampant, with Lawler wondering what could be in store for us all, while J.R. admits he hopes McMahon doesn’t say something he’ll regret here. In the ring, McMahon tells us all that he has something he wants to say to ”…each and every WWF superstar… and each and every WWF fan…”, something that he wants everyone to listen to very carefully. Tonight has been, quite simply, mayhem. It’s a night that has seen the WWF Commissioner suffer a tombstone onto the stage, requiring him to be rushed to a local medical facility for treatment. It’s a night where brawls have broken out and spiralled out of control and spilled into the crowd. And it’s a night ”…when the WWF Intercontinental Champion has uttered profanities, drank beer in this very ring… and then had the nerve to assault me…”, which draws a massive cheer from the crowd.
But the assaults on non-wrestlers has to stop, the attacks on he and Slaughter aren’t acceptable, they’re dangerous and people are starting to get seriously hurt. ”I, as the owner of this company, I can’t stand back and let this happen anymore. I can’t stand by and watch guys like ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin drag my company into the gutter. I can’t stand by and watch people like Sgt. Slaughter get hurt…”, and that’s why Vince has this announcement to make. Deep down, Vince is a business man, and a fair business man at that. But when he’s pressed into taking action, then that’s what he’ll do, and he’ll always do what’s best for the WWF and it’s fans. ”That’s what I did back at Montreal, I made a decision, I took action, I did what was best for the WWF… and for all of you, the WWF fans.”, although the crowd jeer and see right through that comment. So if these attacks continue, if the lack of respect for WWF officials carries on, Vince will be forced to take action, and if that means he needs to start firing people… then that’s exactly what he’s going to start doing, which serves as an ominous warning for every member of the roster listening in the back.
And now Vince wants to address the crowd, in particular their treatment of him these last couple of weeks. Ever since Vince made his return to announce duties, the fans have done their best to interrupt his interviews with Terry Funk and ‘Stone Cold’ with their jeers and personal insults towards him. They try to drown him out when he speaks, they encourage the threats people have made towards him, ”…quite frankly, you people are starting to ruin Monday Night Raw.”, which of course draws a loud chorus of boos in response. Vince knows the crowd don’t particularly like him right given what happened at Montreal, but like he said, he did what he what to do for the benefit of the WWF. He repeats the already infamous line, ‘Bret screwed Bret’, trying his best to get the crowd to see things from his point of view, that what happened at Survivor Series was Bret’s fault due to the way he acted in the run up to the event. There’s no reason for the fans to show any sympathy towards Bret given the fat contract he signed at WCW, therefore there’s no real reason for their feelings towards him. ”You people need to accept the fact that Bret Hart is gone… and he’s never coming back. and that the fans need to move on.
”Now that we’ve got that settled, I hope we can put any personal feelings towards me aside, I’m sure you’ll all enjoy In Your House: D-Generation X this Sunday-“… suddenly, there’s a roar from the crowd, as out of nowhere… someone has came through the crowd… slid into the ring… and TACKLED MCMAHON FROM BEHIND…
IT’S OWEN HART!! OWEN HART IS IN THE RING… AND HE’S HAMMERING VINCE MCMAHON!!!
Roanoke has gone absolutely insane as Owen Hart is back on Monday Night Raw, and he’s beating the holy hell out of the man who screwed his brother at Survivor Series! Lawler and J.R. can’t believe what they’re seeing, Owen Hart is on top of Vince, raining down with rights and lefts, throwing everything he has at Vince, an unrelenting assault on the owner of the WWF! Throughout the mayhem, on the ramp, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco are scrambling down to the ring, waving a group of local police officers down with them, but Owen sees them coming, quickly diving from the ring, hoping the barricade and racing off into the crowd. The crowd are absolutely on fire, an electric atmosphere griping the arena, with the camera desperately searching for Owen amongst the frenzied masses as Patterson and Brisco try to help McMahon back to their feet. McMahon is a dazed wreck, barely able to make it back to his knees, while the camera finally picks up Owen, stood in one of the entrance ways to the stands, a look of fury in his eyes which are firmly locked on McMahon, and that’s the last sight we see as J.R. gives us one final shill with ”Good Gawd almighty! Owen Hart! Owen Hart is back, and he’s just assaulted Vince McMahon! I can’t believe it! What the hell’s gonna happen this Sunday, live on pay per view!? Join us for In Your House: D-Generation X!”
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Current card for WWF In Your House: D-Generation X:
WWF Championship Buried Alive Match:
WWF Champion Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
Intercontinental Championship Match:
Intercontinental Champion ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Jeff Jarrett
European Championship Match:
European Champion Triple H vs. Vader
World Tag Team Championships Match:
World Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws vs. The New Blackjacks
Hardcore Match:
Dude Love vs. Terry Funk
Ken Shamrock vs. Faarooq
Marc Mero vs. Tazz
Los Boricuas vs. Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman