The World Wrestling Federation: The Montreal Fallout

[iMac]

Hello. So this is a thread I started back on Wrestling Clique before it’s sad demise. It started in November 1997, the night after The Montreal Screwjob to be precise. I’d made it to just after the Fully Loaded pay per view in July 1998, with SummerSlam coming up on the horizon, so that's where this thread will start. If anybody really wants to go back and get the backstory on the thread so far (unlikely), they can catch up here. Fairly sure this thread will only run until SummerSlam, which is about about a month or so away in thread time. With that all said, let’s do it…

The World Wrestling Federation
Roster Accurate as of July 26th, 1998

Ahmed Johnson
Al Snow
Bart Gunn
Billy Gunn
Bull Buchanan
Dan Severn
Dennis Knight
Dick Togo
D’Lo Brown
Dustin Runnels
Faarooq
Hardcore Holly
Jeff Jarrett
Jesus Castillo Jr.
John Bradshaw
Jose Estrada Jr.
Kane
Ken Shamrock
Kurrgan
Lance Storm
Luc Poirier
Mabel
Mankind
Mark Canterbury
Mark Henry
'Marvellous' Marc Mero
Men's Teioh
Miguel Perez Jr.
Mosh
Owen Hart
Pierre Ouellet
Road Dogg
‘Road Warrior’ Animal
‘Road Warrior’ Hawk
Savio Vega
Scorpio
Skull
Shawn Michaels
Sho Funaki
Steve Blackman
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin
Taka Michinoku
Tajiri
Tazz
The Big Boss Man
The Godfather
The Rock
The Undertaker
Thrasher
Tiger Ali Singh
Tom Brandi
'Too Hot' Scott Taylor
'Too Sexy' Brian Christopher
Triple H
Vader
Val Venis
William Regal
X-Pac
8-Ball

Tag Teams and Stables

Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio
Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman
Bull Buchanan and Luc Poirier
D-Generation X; Shawn Michaels, The New Age Outlaws, Triple H and X-Pac
Kaientai; Dick Togo, Men's Teioh and Sho Funaki
Los Boricuas; Jesus Castillo Jr., Jose Estrada Jr. and Miguel Perez Jr.
Southern Justice; Dennis Knight and Mark Canterbury
Supply ‘n’ Demand; Mark Henry and The Godfather
Tajiri and Taka Michinoku
The Disciples of Apocalypse; Skull and 8-Ball
The Headbangers; Mosh and Thrasher
The Heritage; John Bradshaw and Lance Storm
The Legion of Doom; ‘Road Warrior’ Animal and ‘Road Warrior’ Hawk
The New Age Outlaws; Billy Gunn and Road Dogg
Too Much; 'Too Hot' Scott Taylor and 'Too Sexy' Brian Christopher

Personnel

Chyna; Currently Managing D-Generation X
Dok Hendrix; Backstage Interviewer
Gerald Brisco; Vince McMahon's Associate
Head; Currently Managing Al Snow
Howard Finkel; Ring Announcer
Ivory; Currently Managing ‘Marvellous’ Marc Mero
Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler; Colour Commentator
Jim Cornette; Currently Managing The Heritage
Jim Ross; Play-by-play Announcer
Linda McMahon; WWF Chief Executive Operator
Luna Vachon
Kevin Kelly; Backstage Interviewer
Mr. Yamaguchi; Currently Managing Kaientai
Michael Cole; Play-by-play Announcer
Pat Paterson; Vince McMahon's Associate
Paul Bearer
Paul Ellering; Currently Managing The Legion of Doom
Sable; Currently Managing Val Venis
Shane McMahon
Sgt. Slaughter; WWF Commissioner
Sunny; Currently Managing Jeff Jarrett
Tennessee Lee; Currently Managing Southern Justice
Terri Runnels; Currently Managing Dustin Runnels
The Jackyl; Currently Managing Dan Severn
Tony Chimel; Ring Announcer
Vince McMahon; WWF Chairman

Champions

WWF Champion; 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin
Intercontinental Champion; Jeff Jarrett
European Champion; Tiger Ali Singh
World Tag Team Champions; The New Age Outlaws

Championships Archive

WWF Championship:
Shawn Michaels; Sunday, November 9th 1997 (Survivor Series 1997) - Sunday, March 29th 1998 (WrestleMania XIV)
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin; Sunday, March 29th 1998 (WrestleMania XIV) - Present

Intercontinental Championship:
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin; Sunday, November 9th 1997 (Survivor Series 1997) - Monday, December 29th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone)
Jeff Jarrett; Monday, December 29th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone) - Present

European Championship:
Shawn Michaels; Saturday, September 20th 1997 (One Night Only) - Monday, November 24th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone)
Triple H; Monday, November 24th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone) - Monday, June 1st 1998
Tiger Ali Singh; Monday, June 1st 1998 (Raw is War) -Present

World Tag Team Championships:
The Legion of Doom; Monday, October 13th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone) - Monday, November 24th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone)
The New Age Outlaws; Monday, November 24th 1997 (Raw is War/Warzone) - Present (Raw is War)

Pay Per View Archive

In Your House: D-Generation X - Sunday, December 7th 1997
Royal Rumble 1998 - Sunday, January 18th 1998
No Way Out 1998 - Sunday, February 15th 1998
WrestleMania XIV - Sunday, March 29th 1998
Unforgiven 1998 - Sunday, April 26th 1998
Over The Edge 1998 - Sunday, May 30th 1998
King of the Ring 1998 - Sunday, June 28th 1998


​

 

[iMac]

WWF Fully Loaded 1998
July 26th, 1998
Selland Arena
Fresno, California

The video starts with footage from King of the Ring, the battle between ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock, which ultimately saw Austin survive multiple instances of interference to put Shamrock away with the Stunner…

Narrator: For one man, the stakes could not be higher.

More footage from King of the Ring, with Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter helping a broken and distraught Vince McMahon from the ring at the end of the night…

Narrator: For one man, his desperation shows no bounds.

The next night on Raw, where McMahon is joined by his associates and The Big Boss Man to make a ludicrous announcement…

Vince McMahon: …the WWF Championship Match between ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock last night has officially been stricken from the WWF record books.

Cut to later that night, where after Austin emerged victorious over Boss Man, Kane would shock everyone by returning to align himself with McMahon by planting Austin to the mat with a Chokeslam…

Narrator: For one man, there is no limit to the money he will throw at preserving his empire.

The following week on Raw, where we see a brief moment of ‘Stone Cold’ in the ring with Shane McMahon, before Vince barks down from the stage…

Vince McMahon: I have infinite resources, I will make life hell for anybody who gets in my way, especially you Austin!

We then see quickfire shots of the enemies who have stood against McMahon in recent weeks, namely ‘Stone Cold’, Triple H, Mankind and The Undertaker…

Narrator: But in his pursuit of revenge, will that one man drive himself to the very depths of his sanity?

More footage of McMahon, but this time the screen has cracks running across it, a symbol of the pressure McMahon has put himself under tonight…

Vince McMahon: People who stand in defiance before me… they tend to get hurt. And people who stand alongside ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin… they tend to get hurt worse.

The main event of Raw two weeks ago, where Austin stands alongside Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman across from Shamrock, only for Bart to double-cross Austin as he hammers ‘The Rattlesnake’ with a stiff left hand to the jaw…

Vince McMahon: For that brief, split second Austin, for the slightest of moments, you thought you had allies, you thought you had Ken Shamrock exactly where you wanted him!

The humiliating sight of the unconscious Austin placed in an Ankle Lock by Shamrock…

Narrator: And while he may think he has the champion where he wants him…

Shot of McMahon standing alongside Shamrock, Boss Man, Bart, Blackman and Kane…

Vince McMahon: …the team who will guarantee that there is no – chance – in hell that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin leaves Fully Loaded as the WWF Champion!

Shots from the main event of the final Raw before Fully Loaded, Austin throwing right hands at various members of McMahon’s team…

Narrator: If one man can bring down an army, it would be ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin!

Footage from Raw as it went off the air last Monday, Austin and Shamrock going toe-to-toe, trading wild right hands, neither man giving an inch …

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: …this Sunday at Fully Loaded, it ain’t gonna happen that way! Anybody who gets in ma’ way, I ain’t gonna miss ya’ an’ I’m leavin’ wit’ ma’ WWF Title!

And we end with a split screen shot, Austin on the left, McMahon on the right, the images giving the impression of the pair staring straight at each other, the cracks slowly spreading across both men’s face until the video fades to black…

Narrator: And now, Skittles presents WWF Fully Loaded!​

Let’s go! Into the arena for the always impressive pyro and ballyhoo, this is a snug arena in Fresno but it is packed and it is loud tonight! We take a tour of the fans and see some of the signs they’ve brought tonight, before we take a look at the stage setup, the circular entrance way with banners at either side of it. And at this point we’re welcomed to the show by our commentators tonight, Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler…

Jim Ross: Hello again everybody an’ welcome ta’ Fully Loaded! We are live in tha’ Selland Arena in Fresno, California, we’ve been sold out for weeks in anticipation of tha’ WWF Title Match between Ken Shamrock an’ ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin! I’m Jim Ross at ringside wit’ Jerry ‘Tha’ King’ Lawler, we are ready ta’ go here for what promises ta’ be a night full of controversy!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: You said it, ‘JR’! And remember, this is not a rematch between ‘Stone Cold’ and Ken Shamrock! Mr. McMahon said it himself, King of the Ring never happened, it’s Austin and Shamrock for the first time tonight!

Jim Ross: Well nobody in their right mind is buyin’ that for a second, ‘King’. But nonetheless, we’ve got eight matches scheduled t’night, four championships up for grabs, an’ we’re gonna find out who will go ta’ SummerSlam ta’ challenge tha’ WWF Champion, whomever that may be!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I’m tellin’ ya’ right now ‘JR’, your SummerSlam main event, it’s gonna be The Rock and Ken Shamrock for the WWF Title! The Rock is on the roll of his life right now, and there’s no way Austin is leavin’ here tonight as WWF Champion!

Jim Ross: Tha’ stakes could not be higher t’night, they are indeed Fully Loaded!

*OH YOU DIDN’T KNOW?*​

We’re kicking things off with The New Age Outlaws as Billy Gunn and Road Dogg step into the arena. The crowd gives them a great welcome as they head down the aisle, and of course Road Dogg already has a mic in his hand…

Road Dogg: Oh you didn’t know!? Yo’ ass betta CALL SOMEBODYYYYY! Y’see it’s me, it’s me, it’s that D – O – DOUBLE G! And I’m ridin’ once again with that B – A – DOUBLE D! And tonight, we’re rollin’ our caddy into Cali, lookin’ to drag the two good ol’ boys kickin’ and screamin’ into 1998!

In the ring, the champs head to the corners and throw out some crotch chops, before Road Dogg shouts out…

Road Dogg: Fresno, California… WELCOME TO THE DAWG HOUSE!

Cheap pop, with Dogg dropping down from the turnbuckle to stand in the centre of the ring…

Road Dogg: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. D-Generation X, proudly brings to you it’s WWF TAG – TEAM – CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLDDDDD… THE ROAD DOGG ‘JESSE JAMES’… ‘THE BADD ASS’ BILLY GUNN… THE – NEW – AGE – OUTLAWS!

More cheers, like we said, this crowd is amped tonight and they are joining in with every word Road Dogg has to say…

Road Dogg: Now it seems like ol’ ‘JC’ thinks he’s got this one all sewn up. His boys are gonna roll in here like it’s the 60s and they’re Patterson and Stevens and take these titles away from us. But boys, this ain’t no summer of love, it’s time to give you three clowns the ass kickin’ you’ve been waitin’ for, and we’re gonna do it DOG – GY – STYLE!

There was a brief history of California wrestling in that last comment too. But now Road Dogg is done being educational, he hands the mic over to Billy, who poses and flexes for a few seconds before he says…

Billy Gunn: An’ if you’re not down with The New Age Outlaws… WE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA’!

”SUCK IT!!”

*WE SALUTE*​

Here come The Heritage with Jim Cornette leading Lance Storm and John Bradshaw into the arena. The challengers look confident tonight, especially Cornette, who is heard yelling into the camera “We’re goin’ home with the gold tonight!”…

Jim Ross: Well Jim Cornette, he certainly seems confident that his team are gonna become World Tag Team Champions right here. But if I was ol’ James E., I wouldn’t be so sure. Tha’ Outlaws have held tha’ gold for over eight months now, it ain’t gonna be easy for Tha’ Heritage ta’ become champions right here.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but Cornette knows that right now, D-X are at their weakest. No Chyna, no X-Pac, Triple H has got Kane to deal with. Tonight is the perfect time for The Heritage to do it, and with Cornette in their corner, y’know it’s gonna happen ‘JR’!

Match One: World Tag Team Championships Match
World Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws vs. The Heritage w/ Jim Cornette

Road Dogg and Bradshaw get us going, from the first lockup Dogg twists the arm, wrenching it with a hammerlock, then into a headlock, but Bradshaw shoves Dogg into the ropes… Road Dogg hits a shoulderblock! Dogg looks to quicken the pace, he hits a pair of armdrags before he tags Bradshaw with right hands and looks to send him to the corner… Bradshaw reverses and follows in… boot to the face! And now Dogg lands one left jab, a second, then a third… big right hand! Bradshaw is down, Road Dogg comes off the ropes… but before he can drop the knee, Bradshaw rolls to the floor to regroup with Storm and Cornette. Road Dogg and Billy take a moment to climb to the corners, throwing up crotch chops to the fans, before Bradshaw slides back in, ready to get going again.

Dogg once again beats Bradshaw to the punch, he starts to wring the arm once more, this time tagging in Billy. Billy continues to work the arm, but when he sends Bradshaw off the ropes, he lowers his head… swinging neckbreaker! Bradshaw takes the chance to tag in Storm, he hits a snap legdrop and a pair of elbowdrops, before Storm shoots Billy to the corner… and follows in with an impressive handspring back elbow. Storm looks for an Irish whip off the ropes, but Billy reverses… Storm goes for a crossbody… but Gunn catches him… fallaway slam! That gets the first near fall of the match, before Billy brings Road Dogg back in.

Dogg peppers Storm with those jabs of his, he then hits a single-arm DDT for another two count, but when Road Dogg looks to come off the ropes… Cornette reaches in and grabs the foot! Road Dogg puts on the breaks, he aims a kick that misses Cornette… but the distraction means than when Dogg turns… Storm smacks him with a spinning heel kick! Road Dogg is down, Heritage now look to isolate him from Billy as Storm stomps Dogg under the bottom rope to the floor, before he turns and picks a fight with Billy… which just distracts the ref, allowing Bradshaw to drop down… and drive Dogg into the apron! He then grabs the hair… SMASHES DOGG’S FACE OFF THE ANNOUNCE DESK! And with Dogg down and hurt, even Cornette takes a chance to lay in with some cheap stomps, before Bradshaw gets Dogg back into the ring.

Road Dogg spends the next few minutes taking heavy punishment, Bradshaw hits a stiff backbreaker and several elbowdrops across the spine, while Storm connects with a snap suplex and a slingshot senton for near falls. Storm looks to wear Dogg down by locking him in an abdominal stretch, opening up the body, putting pressure on the back, every now and then Storm reaches out to grab the top rope to increase the leverage. Billy tries to rally Dogg back into the match, he looks to bring the crowd into it… and eventually Dogg is able to break free with a hiptoss! Dogg crawls for the corner… but Storm grabs the foot… Road Dogg hits an ENZUIGIRI! Both men are down, Road Dogg crawls for the corner… Cornette jumps onto the apron… Road Dogg tags Billy! Gunn hits the ring and starts hammering Storm with right hands, but the referee puts a stop to it… THE REF NEVER SAW THE TAG!

The referee orders Billy from the ring, he was busy with Cornette, he didn’t see the tag, and while Billy protests, Bradshaw rushes in so he and Storm can hammer Road Dogg with stomps, before they drag him to their corner. Storm tags in Bradshaw, he lands forearms and knees to the back, before he sends Road Dogg off the ropes… into a sleeper… but Dogg fights it… sitout jawbreaker! Both men are down once again, they crawl to their corners… tag to Storm… tag to Billy! Billy bursts into the ring, he runs through both opponents with clotheslines, before he sends Storm off the ropes… back body drop! He hammers Bradshaw with right hands, then shoots him to the corner… corner splash! That takes Bradshaw out of it, allowing Billy to take Storm up… gorilla press slam! Billy is rolling here, he comes off the ropes… but once again… Cornette reaches in and trips Billy!

Gunn smacks off the canvas, his momentum disappearing in an instant… but there’s soon a roar from the crowd… as CHYNA IS WALKING DOWN THE AISLE! We haven’t seen Chyna since she was subjected to a Chokeslam from Kane three weeks ago, but she’s here at Fully Loaded… and Cornette has no idea! Cornette has his back to the aisle, he turns to see what the commotion is… CHYNA SMACKS CORNETTE WITH A HARD RIGHT HAND! Chyna has just laid out Cornette, but in the ring, Storm has Billy lined up… SUPERKICK… NO! Gunn ducks underneath, he doubles Storm over with a boot… comes off the ropes… FAME-ASS-ER!! Billy gets all of it, he hooks the leg… 1… 2… Road Dogg tackles Bradshaw… 3!

Winner: And STILL World Tag Team Champions, The New Age Outlaws @ 10:22

The Outlaws have done it! They retain their titles, and Chyna is back to give them a huge assist! After Cornette got involved for the majority of the match, Chyna has evened the odds to help the champions hang onto their gold, with Billy and Road Dogg sharing a hug with Chyna in celebration. On the outside, Bradshaw quickly drags Storm from the ring, then the pair try to help Cornette back to his feet, but their manager is pretty out of it, he can barely stand such was the forces of that right hand he took from Chyna…

Jim Ross: Chyna! Chyna! Chyna is back! She came back ta’ even up tha’ odds! Chyna took care of Cornette, an’ Tha’ Outlaws retain tha’ titles!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: No! She can’t do that! She had no business puttin’ her hands on Jimmy like that!

Jim Ross: She had ev’ry damn right ta’ do it! Cornette got exactly what he deserved! Chyna is back, an’ what’s this gonna mean for Triple H t’night when he takes on Kane!?

We’ll need to wait to find that out, but for right now, we’ve got this pay per view kicked off on a happy note. Chyna has returned to assist The Outlaws, Cornette got his comeuppance, and now he’s being helped up the aisle like an alcoholic at the end of the night. Billy and Road Dogg are still in the ring, celebrating in the corners with crotch chops, before the camera takes a final look at Chyna, standing tall in the centre of the ring, hands on hips, smirk on her face as she watches Storm and Bradshaw help Cornette up the aisle.

We then go backstage to the parking lot, where we walk right into the middle of a commotion, as Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter are yelling at someone…

Pat Patterson: Yous can’t comes in heres, tonight! No ways!

Gerald Brisco: Mr. Mack-man says there’s not a chance you’re getting’ in here! Just head on home!

And the camera pans to reveal… it’s Al Snow! With his bag over one shoulder and Head tucked under his other arm, Al is clearly trying to gain access to the Selland Arena tonight, only for the stooges to block his path…

Al Snow: What d’ya mean head on home!? Is this some kinda joke!? I gotta be in there for Mick tonight!

Sgt. Slaughter: No way! Foley said you’d have his back on Raw last Monday, so you’re not getting’ in tonight! And that’s an order!

Al Snow: What!? That’s ridiculous! I need to be in there and-

But then through all the commotion… ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin enters the scene! Austin has also just arrived at the arena, his bag over his shoulder, he gives this scene at the entrance way a pretty disgusted look, with the stooges all stepping aside to let Austin in…

Gerald Brisco: You just watch it there, ‘Stone Cold’!

Pat Patterson: Just gets to you dressing rooms, Austin!

Austin doesn’t offer any words in response, just a smirk as he steps through… only for Al to grab him by the jacket…

Al Snow: Hey! Hey, Steve! Do me a favour, huh? These bozos won’t let me in!

The look on Austin’s face as he looks at Snow’s hand on his coat suggests he’s not at all happy with Al touching him, or being brought into this stupid situation…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: They ain’t gonna let ya’ in?

Al Snow: No!

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Why tha’ hell not?

Al Snow: Cos they know I wanna give Mankind Head and they won’t let me!

There’s an audible groan and laugh from inside the arena, while Austin just shakes his head in disbelief…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Say that again?

Al Snow: I need into the arena so I can give Mick Head! He needs Head for his match tonight!

This time Austin shakes his head in disgust…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: You need… to give Mankind… Head?

Al Snow: That’s right!

And after a third shake of the head, Austin just walks away from this situation, Patterson, Brisco and Slaughter on edge as he does so. With Austin now out of here, the stooges move back in and repeat their message to Snow…

Pat Patterson: Now gets outta heres, yous stupid bums!

Gerald Brisco: Ya’ ain’t gettin’ in, Snow! Just get lost!

And despite some last second desperate pleas from Al, the door to the parking lot of the Selland Arena is slammed shut in his face, leaving the stooges with broad smirks on their faces as we cut away.

Back into the arena for…

*HO TRAIN*​

The crowd are on their feet as Supply ‘n’ Demand shuffle their way into the arena, with The Godfather and Mark Henry full of smiles here. But the crowd don’t seem too happy, and it takes a minute for Godfather to realise why… here comes The Hos! Six of Fresno’s finest ladies smile and wave as they walk down the aisle, with Godfather doing a little dance as he follows them towards the ring…

Jim Ross: Well Al Snow might not be able ta’ get in tha’ buildin’ t’night, but tha’ WWF Champion is here! But right now, it’s tha’ European Title on tha’ line, Tha’ Godfather is tha’ challenger, and he an’ Mark Henry have spent tha’ past month humiliatin’ Tiger Ali Singh at just about every turn!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Never mind that right now ‘JR’, look at the hos! Wow! I mean, look at that blonde one over there! She’s gonna be my next ex-wife, I can tell it already!

In the ring, Godfather grabs the microphone…

The Godfather: It’s time, once again, for ev’rybody ta’ come aboard the…

”HOOOOO TRAIN!”

The Godfather: Man, that’s right! Now we in Fresno tonight, so I know I ain’t the only one. Is there any PIMPS – UP – IN – THIS – HOUSE!?

As always, that gets a good response…

The Godfather: An’ I want ya’ll ta’ know that The Godfather be pimpin’ hos, nationwide! And I want you ta’ roll a fatty for this pimp daddy, light that blunt up an’ say PIMPIN’ AIN’T EASY!!

”PIMPIN’ AIN’T EASY!”

*DESERT THREAT*​

Proudly waving the flag of India, Tiger Ali Singh enters the arena to a pretty decent amount of heat from the Fresno crowd. As he enters the ring, Singh motions with disgust for the hos to get away from him, before he hands over his title to the referee…

Jim Ross: Ya’ gotta think ‘King’ that Singh’s reign as European Champion is in real jeopardy here. He’s been outsmarted ba’ Godfather at ev’ry turn these past few weeks. I know you remember what happened tha’ night Tiger crashed Dustin Runnels’ bachelor party, Godfather wound up drivin’ him through a table!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah I remember, but I also remember Godfather and Henry taking cheap shots at Tiger from behind! It’s like Tiger said on Raw, he’s done his homework now, he’s ready for this title match. There’s no way he’s losin’ his title right here. I heard after this, Tiger’s gonna throw a big victory party down in LA tonight!

Jim Ross: Oh really?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah! He would’ve invited you, but I told him not to! Haha!

Match Two: European Championship Match
European Champion Tiger Ali Singh vs. The Godfather w/ Mark Henry and The Hos

We get an initial tie-up, the pair trading headlocks, before Tiger shoves Godfather into the ropes… running shoulderblock from Godfather! The challenger starts throwing right hands, but when he goes for an Irish whip to the corner, Tiger reverses… but Godfather bursts from the corner with a clothesline! Godfather follows with a few stomps, before he steps back and waits for Singh to rise… big boot to the head! And that causes Singh to hit the mat and roll under the bottom rope, looking for the safety of the floor. But Godfather follows out, Tiger tries to escape… but Henry blocks his path! Tiger stops in his tracks as Henry stands before him, then the champion turns… Godfather runs through him with a clothesline!

Tiger is down on the outside, Godfather yanks him up and smashes his face off the apron, before we go back into the ring. Godfather is all over Singh, he gets the first near fall of the match from a scoop slam followed with a big jumping elbow. Tiger is in all kinds of trouble, he’s sent off the ropes once again… but Godfather lowers his head… and Tiger hits a swinging neckbreaker! Finally a chance for the champion to go on the attack, he pauses to gather himself before Singh lays in with stomps, lands a pair of fistdrops to the head, before he shoves impressive strength to take Godfather up and down with a gutbuster for a two count.

Tiger is in control now, he starts to target Godfather’s neck, dropping knees across it, using the ropes to choke Godfather, before Tiger comes off the far away side… drives his weight across the back of the head! Godfather’s the one in trouble now, Tiger takes him up… drops him with a hangman across the top rope! 1… 2… Godfather gets a shoulder up. Tiger stays focused on the neck, he slaps Godfather into a seated chin lock, wrenching on the head and neck, but eventually, Godfather is able to work back to a vertical base, he tries to break the hold with elbows to the midsection, then he shoves Tiger off the ropes… but Singh ducks a clothesline… doubles Godfather over with a kick… DDT! 1… 2… Godfather gets a shoulder up!

Frustration is growing in the champion, he jaws at the referee, before he turns back to Godfather… but Godfather beats Tiger to the punch! Godfather lands a string of right hands, but Tiger swings back… Godfather ducks… standing hook kick! Tiger crawls to the corner, Godfather moves in, lands a pair of uppercuts before he shoots Tiger across… and here comes Godfather… HO TRAIN! Tiger staggers from the corner… running big boot… followed by a jumping legdrop! 1… 2… Tiger gets a shoulder up! Godfather is building momentum, he drives knees to the body against the ropes, before he shoots Tiger across with the Irish whip… swinging side slam! That’s gotta be it… 1… 2…. Tiger barely forces a shoulder off the canvas!

Godfather thought he had it won there, but now he looks to finish Tiger off… looking for the PIMP DROP… NO! Tiger drills elbows to the side of the head, dropping down, he shoves Godfather gut first into the corner… Godfather staggers backwards… DIRTY MONEY! Tiger strikes from out of nowhere, he hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: And STILL European Champion, Tiger Ali Singh @ 08:18

Out of nowhere, Tiger hits his big move and gets the win to retain his title! As soon as the bell rings Singh rolls from the ring and stumbles into the aisle, dropping to his knees to fire both fists into the air in victory. Henry and the girls are quickly into the ring to check on Godfather, he rubs the back of his head in pain, while on the outside, Tiger is handed his title from the referee and has his hand raised in the aisle…

Jim Ross: I can’t quite believe that! Tiger, he looked in real trouble there at one point, but somehow, he managed to grab tha’ victory there!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I told you, ‘JR’! This is gonna be great! I can’t wait to go party tonight!

Tiger has quickly made his way to the arena entrance, holding his title high in the air, while back in the ring, Godfather has his hands on his hips, frustrated at the defeat… but he has plenty of girls there to commiserate with him, the ladies start to hug and rub their hands across Godfather’s chest, and pretty soon he’s feeling ok again and the smiles return to he and Henry’s faces.

Cut to the interview set, where Michael Cole is standing by with Jeff Jarrett and Sunny…

Michael Cole: Jeff Jarrett, tonight you face Tazz with your Intercontinental Championship on the line. Now in recent weeks, we’ve seen you almost running scared from Tazz and-

Jeff Jarrett: Now wait just a damn minute there, Michael! I ain’t scared o’ Tazz! I ain’t never been scared of him! You say anythin’ like that ta’ me again, I’mma slap tha’ piss outta you!

That time you ran away from Tazz through the crowd would suggest otherwise Jarrett, but Cole is far too intimidated to say anything like that…

Jeff Jarrett: Now it’s real simple. Lemme ask ya’ somethin’ there, Sunny. Way back at Unforgiven when I faced Tazz for ma’ Intercontinental Title, who won that damn match!?

Although we all know the answer to that one, Sunny hams it up, tapping a finger off her chin as she thinks things over…

Sunny: Hmm… you did , ‘Double J’!

Jeff Jarrett: An’ then back at Over Tha’ Edge, when I faced both Tazz an’ Marc Mero for ma’ Intercontinental Title, who won that damn match!?

And again, Sunny plays dumb…

Sunny: Uh… oh! You did, ‘Double J’!

Jeff Jarrett: That’s right! I ain’t afraid of Tazz! The problem is, he don’t deserve another shot at me an’ ma’ title. He ain’t nothin’ but some jumped up midget who got lucky against me at King o’ tha’ Ring! Then he entered tha’ Battle Royal. illegally might I add, he had ta’ cheat an’ use a low blow ta’ win tha’ damn thing! It ain’t a case o’ me runnin’ scared, tha’ fact of tha’ matter is I beat his ass so many damn times already, I’m tired of it!

Sunny smirks as Jarrett says that, clearly she’s confident in her man tonight…

Jeff Jarrett: So tonight, this is it Tazz! I’mma beat your ass t’night, an’ that’s it! No more title shots, no more nothin’ outta you! Now I smashed ma’ guitar over y’er head last Monday, an’ after I beat y’er ass tonight, if you come anywhere near me for a title shot again, I’mma hit you wit’ somethin’ a whole lot harder than a damn guitar!

Jarrett now takes off his sunglasses and points straight down the camera…

Jeff Jarrett: This end t’night Tazz! Tha’ fat lady is ready ta’ sing! An’ tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time is ready ta’ prove it ta’ tha’ world all over again! Now don’t ever speak ta’ me like again, ya’ stupid slapnut!

With that, Jarrett very forcibly barges into Cole, almost knocking the announcer off his feet, Sunny having a little laugh at Cole’s expense before we head back into the arena.

And we go to the announce desk to see Ross and Lawler ready to do a piece to camera…

Jim Ross: Well I don’t think Jarrett is gonna be quite so confident once he’s in tha’ ring wit’ Tazz without that guitar in his hands. But right now, we’ve got tha’ ladies goin’ at it, for tha’ first time in nearly three years we’ve got two females goin’ at it in singles competition when Sable an’ Ivory get it on.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and the stakes couldn’t be higher for Sable! If she wins tonight, she’s finally free of Marc Mero. But if she loses tonight, she’s gotta go on Raw tomorrow night and publicly quit the WWF! And what is Sable thinkin’ taking on this match? She’s not a wrestler! Ivory is gonna wipe the floor with her!

Jim Ross: Well certainly Sable has been in tha’ ring more often this year so far, she was tha’ first ever women ta’ enter tha’ Royal Rumble back in January, she fought alongside Mero against Jeff Jarrett an’ Sunny at WrestleMania, and she pinned Sunny that night don’t forget, but this is a whole different story here tonight. This is Sable, one on one, with an experienced competitor in Ivory.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and that’s genius on the part of Mero! He knew he needed a woman to put Sable in his place, he went out and found one of the baddest women around!

*ROUGH ROCK*​

​

With a massive smirk on his face walks ’Marvellous’ Marc Mero with Ivory on his arm, the pair laughing it up as they point and exchange words with some ringside fans…

Jim Ross: She’s been competin’ in tha’ ring for over ten years now, but tha’ way Ivory has carried out Mero’s dirty work with regards ta’ Sable has been just hideous! That bit on Raw last Monday when she humiliated Sable, there was no need for that.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but Ivory said it a couple of weeks ago, she thinks Sable is an embarrassment to women around the world. I mean, I don’t think that for second, Sable’s got nothin; to be embarrassed about when she looks like that! But I can see Ivory’s point. I just hope if tonight is the last night we’re gonna see Sable in action, that Ivory takes it easy on her.

In the ring, Mero grabs the microphone…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: What a night this is gonna be! All you bozos out there are about to witness the end of Sable’s WWF career! She’s hogged my spotlight way too long, she’s embarrassed ‘The Marvellous One’ for the last time! I went out and I finally found a woman in Ivory who knows her place, and that’s watching my back! And tonight… she’s gonna finish Sable off once and for all!

The fans clearly aren’t happy with that thought, throwing heat at the ring…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: So Sable… get out here you stupid broad!

*WILDCAT*​

As you’d expect, Sable gets a great welcome from the crowd, especially from the key male demographic in the arena tonight. Ready to compete, Sable looks focused and intense as she strides down the aisle, no waving to the crowd or smiles, just a real stern look on her face as she steps through the ropes…

Jim Ross: Ya’ gotta wonder, with all that Sable’s been through with Mero an’ Ivory as of late, how much time has she had ta’ prepare for a match like this?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I don’t know, but would it really matter? I mean, how could Sable get anywhere near the experience Ivory has? I hate to say it, but I really think this is the end of Sable in the WWF.

Match Three:
Ivory w/ ‘Marvellous’ Marc Mero vs. Sable

The bell rings, both women are slow to get after each other, especially Sable, she takes her time, slowly circling, which leads to Ivory yelling for Sable to get the action going… and then Mero jumps onto the apron, which catches Sable’s eye… and Ivory smacks her with a kick to the midsection! Ivory continues to lay in with kicks against the turnbuckle, then forearms to the face, before she grabs a handful of hair… and swings Sable down to the canvas! Sable pushes herself onto all fours, but Ivory quickly moves back in, aiming kicks to the ribs before she drops down and mounts Sable, grabbing the hair again… and slamming Sable’s head off the canvas time after time!

Mero is revelling in seeing Ivory inflict such pain on Sable, with Ivory again sending Sable to the corner to lay in with kicks to the body. Ivory then looks for an Irish whip across, but when she follows in… Sable sidesteps… and Ivory smacks off the turnbuckle! A chance for Sable to attack, her turn to lay in with the kicks, then some forearms, before she takes Ivory down with a snapmare… and follows with a stiff kick to the spine! Sable now looks to come off the ropes… crossbody! 1… 2… Ivory kicks out, and she quickly rolls to the floor, she and Mero shocked at how proficient Sable looked during that last exchange.

Mero and Ivory regroup, Ivory sliding back in, the pair go for a lockup, but the more experienced Ivory drills a knee to the midsection, then clubs the back, before she takes Sable up and down with a backbreaker. Ivory then spends the next minute or so targeting the lower back, more stomps and knees connect, before Ivory starts choking Sable with the ropes. There’s more punishment in the corner, forearms and shoulder thrusts land, with Ivory starting to really enjoy toying with Sable like this. Scoop slam followed by a legdrop gets Ivory a two count, she wasn’t expecting Sable to kick out, before she goes for the Irish whip across… Sable hits the turnbuckle hard, Ivory comes off the ropes… running bulldog! Sable looks down and out, she’s been outclassed here by a far more experienced competitor, with Ivory looking like she could pin Sable easily… but then…

*HELLO LADIES*​

Well… it’s Val Venis! Perhaps it was somewhat surprising that Val wasn’t out here in Sable’s corner to begin with, but he’s stepped into the arena now, dressed in street clothes, microphone in his hand, standing underneath the screen that hangs above the entrance set…

Val Venis: Hello… ladies!

There’s a shrill from the females in the crowd, but Ivory and Mero are furious at this interruption, with Mero jumping up onto the apron to stare up the aisle at Val…

Val Venis: And pardon the interruption ladies, but I have something… big… I’m just dyin’ to share with you all.

Val has a little laugh to himself and licks his thumb…

Val Venis: But y’see ladies, I just couldn’t hold it in any longer. I just had to let you all see the premiere of my latest release.

Mero and Ivory just stare up the aisle in disbelief, not quite sure what on earth Val is up to here, while this is of course a perfect chance for Sable to catch her breath and recover…

Val Venis: So allow me to present to all of you, my latest flick… Poison Ivory.

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

The video opens to the sound of real cheesy saxophone music playing, with the noise of a shower running, the camera panning to show us the steamed up glass of a shower cubicle. A female hand slams onto the glass and then drags downwards, leaving a handprint streak behind. The hand departs and the cubicle door opens, with a soaking wet Val Venis stepping out…

Val Venis: Haha! Wow! Well, it’s safe to say that after that stunt you pulled when you played that little video on Raw last Monday Mero, I was a little… stung… after what Dan Severn did to me.

Val runs a hand through his wet hair, giving himself a little shake…

Val Venis: And given everything that’s been goin’ on around here lately between you and Sable, ‘The Big Valbowski’ had an… itch… I just had to scratch.

Venis pauses, taking a look down with a smirk on his face, before he speaks over his shoulder into someone inside the shower cubicle…

Val Venis: Oh baby… we sure scratched that itch tonight, didn’t we?

Val turns over his shoulder, the cubicle door creaks open wider… and IVORY STEPS OUT OF THE SHOWER! Ivory was in the shower with Val, and she’s somehow oblivious to the camera being in the room…

Ivory: Oh we sure did! But hey, listen… you won’t tell Marc about this, will ya’?

Val Venis: Haha, oh you can count on me. My lips… are sealed.

And with that, Ivory reaches for a nearby towel, wrapping it around her body before she exits the shower and heads off camera. Val then looks directly into the lens, has another quick laugh to himself and runs another hand through his hair before he says…

Val Venis: Let’s just say Mero that once Ivory got the itch, it took a special… cream… from ‘The Big Valbowski’ to soothe it. Haha!

The saxophone music now gets louder, Val gives the camera a final smirk, before the video comes to an end as the image fades to black.

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

​

And when we go back to the action, Mero is in shock! He can’t believe it! And Ivory has her head in her hands, a mixture of embarrassment and regret! Mero turns and yells at Ivory, she pleads her innocence… but her comes Sable from behind… she rushes Ivory to the ropes… crashing into Mero! Mero flies to the floor, Sable takes Ivory down… O’CONNOR ROLL! 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Sable @ 05:39

Unbelievable! Sable has done it, she’s saved her WWF career and broken free of Mero in the process, thanks to Val Venis! But while Sable quickly rolls from the ring and heads up the aisle to join Val, Mero can’t believe it, he’s on his hands and knees in the ring in complete disbelief, almost begging Ivory to say it isn’t true! Ivory looks stunned and embarrassed, not just from the video but also from the fact she’s just lost to Sable, she franticly screams up the aisle at Val who just gives her a friendly wave in response…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: ‘JR’, I… I… I’m speechless! I can’t believe it! Val Venis… and Ivory!

Jim Ross: Well it was a video on tha’ screen that distracted Val on Raw last Monday night, I guess turnabout is fair play?! Val made a lil’ production of his own wit’ Ivory, and he picked tha’ perfect time for tha’ premiere!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but… but… that was Ivory and Val! How’d he talk her into that!?

Jim Ross: I have no idea, all I know is that Sable has saved herself from havin’ ta’ quit tomorrow night, she can stay in tha’ WWF an’ now she’s free of Mero an’ Ivory!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but… but… that was Val… and Ivory! Val and Ivory! They were on video! And I… I…

Jim Ross: Ya’ need some water or somethin’ there, ‘King’?

At the entrance way, Sable and Val start to celebrate with a quick hug, but in the ring, Mero is having an absolute fit at Ivory, he’s furious, yelling at her as Ivory pleads her innocence and apologises. Mero can’t believe it, he throws his sunglasses away in anger, while Ivory goes back to yelling up the aisle. We take one last look at the smiling Val and Sable, with Val raising Sable’s hand in victory, before we cut away.

To another happy scene, this time it’s the D-Generation X dressing room, where Triple H, Chyna and The New Age Outlaws are mid-conversation, sharing a few laughs with each other, generally they’re delighted to see Chyna make her return tonight…

Triple H:…great to see ya’ back! I didn’t know you were gonna be here!

Chyna: Well I wanted to keep it a surprise. I didn’t want anybody finding out about it, especially not Jim Cornette!

The D-X members share a quick laugh…

Road Dogg: You showed him! Only thing better woulda been if ya’ stuck that tennis racquet of his straight up you know where!

Another laughs, but suddenly the door opens… and in steps Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter! The stooges are at it again, this time they’ve got six security guards with them, their presence drawing the D-X squad towards them for a tense showdown…

Triple H: What the hell d’you three want!?

Sgt. Slaughter: We’ve got a message for you from Mr. McMahon.

Helmsley comically wipes away some imaginary spittle from his face in response to Slaughter speaking to him…

Billy Gunn: A message? What kinda message!?

Gerald Brisco: Mr. Mack-man wants you three outta here! Chyna, Road Dogg, Billy, you three are banned from the arena for the rest of the night!

And as you’d expect, D-X are pretty incredulous at that announcement…

Triple H: What kinda B.S. is that!?

Road Dogg: You can’t kick us out!

Pat Patterson: After whats Chyna dids earlier to Cornette, Mr. McMahon isn’t takings any chances! Yous guys ares outta here!

At this point, Helmsley now steps forward to get right in Slaughter’s face…

Triple H: Y’think pulllin’ a stunt like this is gonna get to me? I’m about ten seconds away from walkin’ down that aisle and kickin’ Kane’s big, red ass! McMahon ain’t gonna get to me like this!

Sgt. Slaughter: All Mr. McMahon wants it a fair fight tonight. Now…

Slaughter motions towards the security guards…

Sgt. Slaughter: Gentlemen, if you’d like to escort these degenerates from the arena please?

Clearly not happy about it, Billy and Road Dogg grab their titles and give the stooges and security long, hard looks as they trudge past them. Chyna does the same, but she stops to get in Slaughter’s face…

Chyna: You won’t get away with this.

Sgt. Slaughter: That’s an order!

And with that, Chyna follows The Outlaws from the room, the six security guards quickly going after them to escort them from the arena…

Sgt. Slaughter: Good luck tonight, Mr. Helmsley. You’re gonna need it.

And with that, the three stooges make their exit as well, leaving Triple H along in his dressing room. Helmsley fumes and lets out a deep sigh, the camera staying focused on the scowl on his face before we cut away.

And we go back into the arena, where boos are already ringing out… as Vince McMahon is heading to the ring! Flanked by his latest acquisitions, Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman, McMahon smiles and nods at the jeering fans, before Blackman sits down on the second rope to hold it open so Vince can enter the ring…

Jim Ross: Well, speak o’ tha’ devil! Here comes Vince McMahon, we’ve just heard from Commissioner Slaughter, Chyna an’ Tha’ Outlaws are bein’ escorted from tha’ arena as we speak!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And that’s the right thing to do! After what we saw Chyna do to poor Jim Cornette earlier, we don’t need her stickin’ her nose in when Kane and Triple H go at it.

No in the ring, McMahon calls for the mic to be handed over by the ring announcer, waiting for the jeers to die down before he speaks…

Vince McMahon: I’m sure the majority of you in this arena tonight are just as fed up as I am with the amount of outside interference we’ve already seen during these matches tonight. Now as I said on Raw last Monday, my associates here, Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman, they will be positioned at ringside tonight, along with The Big Boss Man and Kane, to ensure there will be no interference in our main event tonight when Ken Shamrock beats ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin to become the WWF Champion.

And as you’d expect, the crowd don’t agree as they throw some heat at McMahon…

Vince McMahon: And after what I saw in our opening contest tonight, I took the executive decision to have Chyna and her D-Generation X colleagues, The New Age Outlaws, removed from the arena ahead of the upcoming match.

More heat…

Vince McMahon: I’m sure you all want to see who the better man is tonight, and with D-X out of the arena, I’m sure that can be accomplished now. And with that in mind, allow me to introduce to you… the man who will drive the dagger into the heart of D-Generation X here tonight… I give you ‘The Big – Red – Machine’! I give you… KANE!

*BURNED*​

Through the red glare walks Kane, perhaps the most ominous sight in the WWF today. As he slowly heads for the ring, we get a shot of McMahon, a rather pensive, stern look on his face as his monster approaches…

Jim Ross: He is an unbelievable sight! Last month after Hell in a Cell, Kane lost his mentor, his father figure in Paul Bearer. And now, he’s under tha’ command of Vince McMahon, and that somehow makes him more dangerous than ever!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What!? Are you crazy! Mr. McMahon has welcomed Kane into his home, he’s treated Kane like a son! If it wasn’t for Vince McMahon, Kane would be in a mental institution somewhere. Although if Kane isn’t careful, a mental institution is exactly where Mr. McMahon is gonna send him.

Having stepped over the top rope and set off his pyro display, Kane now stands before McMahon, Bart and Blackman, not giving much away behind that red mask of his…

Vince McMahon: Now Kane, I’m gonna make this very short and simple. Simple enough that even you should be able to understand it. Now we both know that if I hadn’t came and found you one month ago after King of the Ring and brought you into my family, you would indeed be locked up in a mental institution by now.

Kane turns his head to the side, not giving McMahon any kinda of response…

Vince McMahon: I’ve treated you like one of my own, as if you were my own flesh and blood. Even in the aftermath of what happened to my son Shane at the hands of your brother, The Undertaker.

The memory of Undertaker planting Shane with a Tombstone on Raw earlier in the week gets a big roar from the crowd, much to Vince’s annoyance…

Vince McMahon: But with that in mind Kane, allow me to lay things out for you here. Y’see, I warned your brother The Undertaker, that if he put his hands on a member of my family… then you would be taken straight to the nearest mental institution, I would check you in personally and I would leave you there to rot in hell! And what happened? Your brother… he assaulted my son. He sent him to the hospital last Monday night! And for that Kane… there will be consequences… for you.

There’s an ominous buzz from the crowd, with Kane cocking his head to the side in anticipation…

Vince McMahon: And those consequences are… that if you fail to win this match tonight… if you fail to beat Triple H, if you fail to land a fatal blow to D-Generation X… then you Kane are going straight to the local mental institution, I am gonna have you committed, and I’m gonna tell ‘em to throw away the key!

And that gets a boo, the crowd being somewhat sympathetic to Kane in his current predicament…

Vince McMahon: Do you understand me? Huh!? You lose this match tonight, you’re history pal! And while I’ve taken D-Generation X out of the building tonight… there will be no help from any of my associates either.

McMahon motions towards Bart and Blackman, both men shaking their heads…

Vince McMahon: And believe me when I say this, Kane. I don’t want to do this. But in my defence… your brother, The Undertaker? He’s left me no other alternative. Best of luck to ya’!

With that, Vince hands the mic back over, he, Bart and Blackman heading to the ropes and then up the aisle. But they don’t make it very far before…

”ARE YOU READY!?”

*BREAK IT DOWN*​

The crowd make a quick recovery from that stark McMahon promo as a seriously pissed off Triple H bursts into the arena, making a beeline for the ring… and of course he crosses paths with McMahon, Bart and Blackman! Helmsley wants to get straight in McMahon’s face, but Bart and Blackman step forward, putting themselves between Triple H and Vince, with Helmsley yelling and pointing past them at McMahon, desperate to get his hands on the boss…

Jim Ross: Yeah and look at McMahon! Hidin’, cowerin’ behind Bart Gunn an’ Steve Blackman! He don’t talk so loud when somebody’s in his face like that!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What is Triple H’s problem!? Mr. McMahon just laid it out for him, this is gonna be a fair fight! No D-X, nobody on behalf of Vince, it’s time to find out if Triple H can get it done without his D-X buddies in his corner!

The argument rages on between Helmsley and Vince, with McMahon continuing to position himself behind Bart and Blackman… but this serves as a distraction… and here comes Kane to take advantage of it! He steps over the top rope and drops down, clambering along the aisle… but at the last split second, Trips sees him coming… bursts past Bart and Blackman… and clobbers Kane! Triple H takes the fight to Kane, he didn’t want to wait, he hammers Kane with right hands… then SMASHES KANE’S FACE INTO THE GUARDRAIL! Triple H knows he has to stay on the attack, he throws more hard right hands, before he grabs a handful of hair… and rolls Kane into the ring! This one’s underway in a hurry…

Match Four:
Kane vs. Triple H

And Triple H looks to stay on the attack, he hammers Kane with right hands in the corner, before he climbs to the second rope… and starts raining down with rights, the crowd counting along… but Helmsley only makes it to five until Kane shoves him to the mat! Trips is right back up, throwing rights to the face and kicks to the body, but when Helmsley goes for an Irish whip off the ropes, Kane reverses… big boot to the face! Trips is down, Kane shakes away the cobwebs and goes on the attack, he lands some shots to the throat to drive Helmsley to the ropes, then he rears back and charges… but Triple H counters… back body drop over the top rope… but Kane lands on his feet! And he quickly reaches back in, grabs Triple H by the ankle and drags him to the floor! The fight is outside once again, Kane landing more of those stiff shots to the throat, then he goes for the Irish whip… Trips reverses… KANE CRASHES INTO THE RINGSTEPS!

Helmsley throws more hard rights to the head before he rolls Kane back into the ring, following in to continue to attack the head with stiff shots. Helmsley looks for an Irish whip, but Kane reverses… and uses Helmsley’s momentum to launch him over the top rope! Back outside again, this Kane is in control, he scoops Helmsley up… drops him throat first across the barricade! The referee pleads for the match to return to the ring, but Kane instead grabs Helmsley by the hair, walk him to the announce desk… he looks to smash Helmsley face off the desk… no! Triple H blocks it… Kane’s face is driven into the announce desk! Helmsley now quickly nips up onto the apron, he waits for Kane to turn… and flies… but Kane catches him… and DRIVES HELMSLEY SPINE FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!

Kane drops Trips to the floor with a thud, before he go back into the ring, Kane very methodical in his approach as he smacks shots to the throat, before he takes Trips up and down with a backbreaker for a near fall. Kane then drags Helmsley up, rears back… hard Irish whip to the corner sees Triple H crumple to the canvas! Kane is in complete control now, he throws more shots to the throat, then pummels Helmsley down in the corner, using his boot to choke Trips against the bottom turnbuckle, before he goes for a hard Irish whip across… Helmsley hits turnbuckle hard, staggers out… into a sidewalk slam! 1… 2… Helmsley kicks out!

The pace of the match has slowed way down, Kane gets another near fall from a big legdrop, then he shoots Helmsley to the corner and follows in… right into a boot to the face! Helmsley battles out, right after right, but when he comes off the ropes… Kane levels him with a clothesline! The brief rally ends quickly, with Kane getting another two count. Sensing he needs something else to put Helmsley away, Kane steps through the ropes and climbs to the top, perching himself… but out of desperation, Helmsley dives to the ropes… Kane crotches himself on the top turnbuckle! Helmsley takes a chance to catch is breath, then he climbs upstairs as well… SUPERPLEX!

Both men are down, Helmsley too hurt from the damage he took earlier to take advantage, the ref starts to count, he gets to 7… 8… Triple H crawls to his knees… 9… and Kane sits up!
Kane bursts back to his feet, he lands a pair of right hands, before he goes for an Irish whip… but Kane lowers his head… facebreaker! But Kane is still on his feet, so Trips comes off the ropes… high knee! Now Triple H looks to build momentum, he comes off the ropes… swinging neckbreaker! 1… 2… Kane powers out! Helmsley stays on the attack, he throws right hands, then he looks for the Irish whip… Kane reverses… but Helmsley avoids the contact… nails a DDT! That could do it… 1… 2… Kane kicks out again!

The momentum is all with Helmsley now, he looks for a way to put Kane down, landing tired right hands, only for Kane to swing… and miss… KICK… PEDIGREE… NO! Kane counters with a back body drop! And now he’s wating for Triple H to rise… HAND AROUND THE THROAT… CHOKESLAM… NO! Helmsley desperately aims boots to the midsection, breaking the grip, then he looks to come off the ropes… big boot to the face! Kane wipes Helmsley out, that could spell the end, as soon he’s reaching down to pick Triple H up… TOMBSTONE… NO! Another counter, this time Helmsley drops down behind, shoves Kane to the near corner… SENDING KANE CRASHING INTO THE REFEREE! The referee is down, but Kane staggers backwards… clothesline sends both men over the top rope to the floor!

They land near the timekeeper’s desk, where Triple H starts shoving people aside… to GRAB A STEEL CHAIR! The personal nature of this rivalry comes to the fore, as with the referee down, there’s nobody to stop… TRIPLE H SMACKING THE CHAIR OFF KANE’S SKULL!! But Kane is somehow still on his feet, he just stumbles back a step or two, Helmsley rolling Kane back into the ring before he follows in… with the chair! Helmsley slams the chair on the canvas, then he drags Kane in… HE WANTS A PEDIGREE ON THE CHAIR!! Helmsley wants retribution for the Tombstone to X-Pac on the chair… but before he can do it…

*GONG*​

THE LIGHTS IN THE ARENA GO OUT!!

There’s confusion all round, the Selland Arena has been plunged into darkness… and when the lights finally return…

*GONG*​

There’s… nothing! Triple H has let go of Kane, he has the steel chair in his hands, ready for the appearance of who we can only assume is The Undertaker… but there’s no Undertaker! But as Triple H stares up the aisle with the chair, behind him… KANE SITS UP! Kane is on his feet, Triple H turns… KANE KICKS THE CHAIR INTO TRIPLE H’S FACE!! The chair smacks Helmsley’s skull then goes flying… and Kane scoops him up… TOMBSTONE!! Helmsley is planted to the mat, Kane goes for the cover… and the referee makes a miraculous recovery to slowly count the 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Kane @ 14:39

Kane has won it, but… was The Undertaker involved somehow!? Kane is quickly back on his feet, setting off the pyro from the corner, before he takes a moment or two to stand over Triple H, looking down on the fallen D-X superstar before he heads for the ropes and starts to trudge back up the ramp…

Jim Ross: Gawd, I can’t believe it! Kane has won, he’s saved himself from a trip ta’ tha’ nearest mental institution, but… that had ta’ be Tha’ Undertaker? Tha’ gong, tha’ lights goin’ out, that had ta’ be Kane’s brother, didn’t it!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I mean, I think so, yeah! But why? After all they’ve been through, why would The Undertaker help Kane!?

Jim Ross: Kane’s still his brother! He can’t just stand by and see ‘im sent ta’ a sanatorium like that!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well… I guess Kane staves off a trip to the loony bin for tonight at least. But what’s Mr. McMahon gonna think about all of this!?

Well… let’s find out, shall we?

Quick cut backstage to the office of Vince McMahon who is sat on a couch infront of a monitor, with Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter sat nearby. McMahon has a very mixed expression on his face, clearly happy that Triple H lost, but perhaps not happy in the manner at which Kane won…

Gerald Brisco: What d’ya think, Mr. Mack-man?

Vince McMahon: What do I think? I want to know what The Undertaker’s thinking? Huh!? What’s he think he’s doin’, gettin’ involved in my business like that!?

McMahon has a rueful smirk on his face as he shakes his head…

Vince McMahon: The Undertaker wants to play his mind games? Well I can play games too. You just wait ‘til Kane gets back here. Then we’re gonna play some games, Undertaker.

Another annoyed shake of the head from Vince, but this has been a pretty menacing warning from McMahon… especially with The Undertaker set to compete later tonight.

Back to the announce desk…

Jim Ross: I can’t believe how that last match ended, Tha’ Undertaker, he sent some kinda message ta’ Vince McMahon, he’s not gonna let Vince has his little brother committed to some insane asylum.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but he might not have much choice if McMahon gets his way. And spare me this whole caring brother routine. The Undertaker didn’t care much about Kane last month when he chokeslammed him off the top of the Hell in a Cell!

Jim Ross: Well be that as it may, I shudder ta’ think what McMahon has in store for Undertaker in retaliation. But right now, tha’ Intercontinental Title is on tha’ line, Jeff Jarrett an’ Tazz goin’ at it. Jarrett has said this is it for Tazz, no more second chances. Let’s take a look at how we got ta’ this point between these two…

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

We open way back to the March 30th episode of Raw, the night after WrestleMania, a WrestleMania where Jarrett and Sunny lost to the team of ‘Marvellous’ Marc Mero and Sable…

Jeff Jarrett: Lemme tell all o’ ya’, I ain’t messin’ around no more! I’m done wit’ Sable, I’m done wit’ Mero, it’s time I got back to showin’ exactly why I am the greatest Intercontinental Champion o’ all time! So ta’ all o’ ya’ back there, I’m lookin’ for a real challenge! Who back there’s got tha’ guts ta’-

Jarrett is then interrupted by the arrival of Tazz, fresh off a WrestleMania victory over Vader. As Tazz marches into the arena, Jarrett’s jaw is nearly on the floor, and when Tazz enters the ring, Jarrett makes a quick exit and hightails it up the ramp…

Jim Ross: Well, ‘Double J’ said he wanted some real competition… but I don’t think he was expectin’ Tazz! If he really wants a challenge, Tazz looks ready to give it to ‘im!

The following Raw, when after an argument between Jarrett and Mero regarding Mero wanting an Intercontinental Title shot, Tazz once again hits the ring, only for Jarrett to shove Mero in Tazz’s path… overhead belly-to-belly! But once again, Jarrett is able to escape Tazz’s grasp…

Michael Cole: …if Jarrett wants some serious competition, he’s got it in the ‘The Human Suplex Machine’! But Jarrett is runnin’ scared! He doesn’t want any part of Tazz!

Fast forward to Unforgiven, where Tazz and Jarrett would meet with the Intercontinental Title on the line. Near the end of the match, Tazz catches Jarrett with the deadly Tazzmission, but out of desperation, Jarrett grabs the referee to save himself… and that allows Mero to clamber onto the apron… he clocks Tazz with a Tire Iron! The ref didn’t see it, Tazz slumps to the mat, Jarrett drags him up… and hits The Stroke to get the win!

Jim Ross: Are you kiddin’ me!? Mero! What a jackass! What’s this guy’s problem!?

The following night on Raw, when Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler conducts an in-ring interview with Jarrett and Mero, with Jarrett bragging about retaining the title last night…

Jeff Jarrett: As far as I’m concerned, he’s had his shot an’ he ain’t gettin’ another one! I am tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, and ain’t nobody back there that’s gonna take this title away from me!

But Tazz storms the arena to interrupt, Jarrett and Mero manage to escape, only for Lawler to react angrily to Tazz’s interruption… and of course that leads to Lawler being the latest to fall victim to The Tazzmission!

Jim Ross: Tazz ain’t done yet wit’ tha’ Intercontinental Champion! Tazz is comin’ for Jarrett, an’ Lawler just became tha’ latest victim!

We go to Over The Edge, where Jarrett, Tazz and Mero met in a Triple Threat Match, Tazz once again having Jarrett locked into The Tazzmission… only for Mero to hit Tazz with a low blow! Looking to take advantage, Mero looks to take Jarrett up for the TKO… but Jarrett counters with an inside cradle to once again steal the victory and save the Intercontinental Title!

Jim Ross: You gotta be kiddin’ me! Jarrett’s done it again! How’s he keep gettin’ outta trouble like that!? How’s he keep gettin’ away wit’ this!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Cos he’s the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time!

But then we go to the following pay per view, King of the Ring, where Jarrett and Tazz would meet in the Semi Finals, Tazz once again catches Jarrett in The Tazzmission… and this time he makes it count! Tazz gets the win, and he’s able to advance to the Final…

Jim Ross: Tazz wins it! Tazz is in tha’ final o’ tha’ King o’ tha’ Ring!

The next night on Raw, where after Jarrett grabs a win over Faarooq, Tazz hits the ring… but once again, Jarrett is able to escape through the crowd, only this time… he leaves behind his Intercontinental Title! And Tazz scoops it up and grabs a microphone…

Tazz: One o’ these days, Jarrett! One o’ these days it’s gonna be me an’ you for this title, an’ I’m gonna choke your ass out!

And then Raw before Fully Loaded, where Jarrett finally retaliates, hitting the ring after Tazz picked up a win over ‘Too Sexy’ Brian Christopher… and Jarrett crushes his guitar over Tazz’s head! And then to add injury to insult, Jarrett reaches down… and locks Tazz into the figure four!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I knew it! I knew ‘Double J’ had something up his sleeve! He’s gonna snap Tazz’s leg in two! Tazz ain’t gonna make it to Fully Loaded!

And that’s how this video comes to an end, a seething Jarrett soaking in the boos from the crowd, while Tazz writhes on the mat in pain, the video slowly fading to black.

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

​

Straight back into the arena for…

*IF YOU DARE*​

The crowd rise to their feet as Tazz marches into the arena, towel pulled down low over his face as he heads for the ring. Noticeable though is the white bandage wrapped around Tazz’s left knee, as well as the slight limp he is walking with…

Jim Ross: I really feel like this is Tazz’s moment tonight, ‘King’. He’s had Jarrett on tha’ run for months now, but there ain’t nowhere left ta’ run now. I really believe we’re gonna have a new Intercontinental Champion right here.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah well I don’t think Tazz is gonna be runnin’ anywhere! Y’see that white strap around Tazz’s leg? That’s a red rag to a bull right there for Jarrett! He’s gonna be gunnin’ for that leg when he sees it!

*URBAN COWBOY*​

Into the arena comes Jeff Jarrett and Sunny, with the crowd giving Sunny a tremendous pop giving what little she is wearing tonight. With his guitar in one hand and his Intercontinental Title around his waist, Jarrett still looks rather trepidatious as he heads to the ring, despite what he had to say in his promo earlier tonight. But once Jarrett reaches the ring, he starts to smirk as he points at the knee he injured last Monday on Raw…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And I think Jarrett’s just realised that Tazz isn’t one hundred percent right here! He’s just spotted that bandage, he’s gonna tear that knee apart!

Jim Ross: I don’t know if ya’ can really count Tazz out, even with a bad knee. If he can keep a vertical base, if he can use those suplexes and submissions of his, Jarrett might not get a chance to damage tha’ knee.

Match Five: Intercontinental Championship Match
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett w/ Sunny vs. Tazz

This one starts similarly to their encounter at King of the Ring, Tazz wants to attack, but Jarrett keeps ducking between the ropes, the referee having to step in. Tazz then backs away and stands still, motioning Jarrett towards him… but when Tazz lunges, Jarrett again ducks between the ropes! The ref has to step in once more, Tazz looks frustrated… and Jarrett takes advantage with a thumb to the eye! Now Jarrett wants to engage, he smacks Tazz with hard right hands, then aims some kicks to the knee, looking to target it early on… but when Jarrett comes off the ropes, Tazz ducks a clothesline… sends Jarrett flying with an exploder suplex! Tazz goes on the attack, smacking uppercuts and headbutts, but when Tazz goes for the Irish whip… Jarrett grabs the top rope to stop himself… then he rolls to the floor!

Jarrett heads outside to break the momentum, but Tazz is after him, giving chase… Jarrett slides back into the ring… and stomps Tazz as he follows! Jarrett outsmarts Tazz there, stomping the back of the head, then he drops forearms to the neck, before he goes back to the leg, aiming some stomps to the knee before he places the leg on the bottom rope, pushes himself up… and crashes down on the leg! Jarrett continues his assault with a spinning toehold, trying to wear out Tazz’s knee, before he drags Tazz up… only for Tazz to start throwing right hands! Tazz strikes, backing Jarrett to the ropes, he goes for the Irish whip… Jarrett reverses… and catches Tazz with a textbook dropkick!

That got Jarrett a two count, the champion going back to the knee, driving his own knee into Tazz’s, then he again wrenches on the knee, this time with a kneebar, trying to hyperextend the knee. Tazz tries to fight it, but Jarrett has Tazz down, looking to do all kinds of damage here. Tazz tries to reach the ropes, but he’s stuck in the middle of the ring for a good while… until Tazz is able to use his free leg… to start kicking Jarrett in the face! Tazz drops the leg on Jarrett’s jaw time after time, until Jarrett finally releases the hold. Both men make it back to their feet, but Tazz is hobbled, he moves in slowly… release German suplex! Jarrett stumbles to his feet… inverted atomic drop… Tazz comes off the ropes… running boot to the face!

Tazz is building momentum, he shoots Jarrett off the ropes… overhead belly-to-belly! Tazz crawls for the cover… 1… 2… Jarrett kicks out! Tazz almost had it, but he looks to press home this advantage, he drills Jarrett with more headbutts… Jarrett swings and misses a right hand… dragon suplex! 1… 2… Jarrett kicks out again! The crowd are right behind Tazz, they can sense the end is near… Tazz stalks Jarrett from behind… TAZZMISSION… NO! Jarrett drops… drop toe hold… he grabs the leg, rolls Tazz over… steps, twists and drops… FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK!! Jarrett gets the Figure Four, he’s got Tazz in real trouble here! Jarrett wrenches on the hold, Tazz desperately tries to fight it… but he allows his shoulders to his the mat… 1… 2… Tazz rolls the shoulder!

But he’s still stuck in the centre of the ring, Jarrett sitting upright in order to apply the pressure… and that prompts Tazz to forces himself into a seated position… he slaps Jarrett across the jaw! And again… and again! Tazz repeatedly slaps Jarrett, then he’s able to drag Jarrett across the canvas… to grab the bottom rope! Tazz reaches the ropes, Jarrett has to break the hold! Jarrett storms back to his feet, he’s furious with the referee about Tazz slapping him across the face, but with Tazz down hurt, Jarrett looks to move in for the kill… he drags Tazz up… looking for THE STROKE… NO! Tazz grabs the wrist, twists behind Jarrett… TAZZMISSION!!

Tazz gets the Tazzmission locked in, Jarrett flails his arms wildly but he has nowhere to go… and now Tazz drops down and wraps his legs with the bodyscissors! Tazz has Jarrett trapped in the centre of the ring! The Intercontinental Champion is in huge jeopardy here, Tazz is seconds away from winning the title… but in a last-gasp act of desperation, Jarrett plants his feet on the canvas… and bridges his body upwards… forcing Tazz’s shoulder to the mat! The referee drops to count 1… JARRETT TAPS TAZZ’S ARM TO SUBMIT… 2… BUT THE REFEREE DOESN’T SEE IT… 3!

Winner: And STILL Intercontinental Champion, Jeff Jarrett @ 09:29

What!? What on earth just happened!? Tazz had Jarrett locked in The Tazzmission… but the referee is counting to three and he’s raised Jarrett’s hand in victory!

Jim Ross: What tha’ hell just happened here!? Tazz, he had Jarrett in tha’ Tazzmission, Jarrett was tappin’… but tha’ damn referee is raisin’ Jarrett’s hand! What tha’ hell is that about!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I think the referee counted Tazz’s shoulder down to the mat! Jeff was on top of Tazz and Tazz’s shoulder were down!

Jim Ross: Aw you gotta be kiddin’ me! No! That can’t be right!

With the bell having rung, Tazz initially pushes himself back to his knees and pumps a fist into the air, only for referee Jack Doan to raise Jarrett’s hand instead! Jarrett is practically out of it, he’s conscious as he rolls along the mat and flops down to the floor, Sunny racing round to grab his belt before she scrambles to try help Jarrett back up…

Jim Ross: I can’t believe this! What kinda officiatin’ is that!? Tazz had Jarrett in tha’ hold, he was tappin’ out, hell, Jarrett was about ta’ pass out!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Can we get a replay? Lemme see this again…

Right on cue, we see Tazz lock Jarrett into the Tazzmission, then he wraps his legs for the bodyscissors, taking Jarrett down, seemingly no way for Jarrett to escape…

Jim Ross: There ya’ go, clear as day! Tazz has Jarrett in tha’ Tazzmission!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Wait, wait! Look at that!

In slow motion and from a different camera angle we can see Jarrett, in a last gasp move… plant his feet flat on the canvas… and push upwards… forcing his torso on top of Tazz’s! And upon seeing this, the referee drops down… he starts to count… Jarrett’s hand slaps off Tazz’s arm to signal he’s tapping out… but the referee never saw that… and he counts the three!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: There! Look! ‘Double J’ got Tazz’s shoulders to the mat! Jarrett just pinned Tazz!

Jim Ross: What!? I can’t believe that!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: That goes to show how stupid Tazz is! He didn’t realise, he had no clue! He didn’t even release the hold! He just held onto the Tazzmission and didn’t know his shoulders were down!

Jim Ross: But he had Jarrett tappin’! Jarrett was tappin’ out, he was quitin’ in tha’ middle of tha’ ring! Why didn’t tha’ referee call that first!?

On the aisle, Jarrett can barely stand, Sunny has to help keep him vertical but the two of them look delighted at what Jarrett has achieved here tonight. But back in the ring, Tazz is now on his feet, berating the referee for what’s happened. Doan pleads his case, the fear on his face is palpable as he tries to explain Tazz’s shoulders were down… but Tazz has had enough, he grabs Doan by the collar…

TAZZMISSION! TAZZMISSION TO THE REFEREE!!

Tazz’s fury gets the better of him, he locks Doan into the Tazzmission, the ref flailing for a few seconds until he quickly passes out! Tazz then tosses the ref down on the mat, he limps slowly to the ropes and lets out a roar of frustration, he can’t believe how Jarrett and the Intercontinental Title have managed to escape his grasp once again!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: He can’t do that! He just put his hands on a referee! What a sore loser!

Jim Ross: I’m sure that’s gonna be a fine right there! But I can’t believe how that just happened! Tazz had tha’ Intercontinental Title won, but Jarrett somehow managed to escape once again!

We take final look at Jarrett and Sunny, his title raised high in the air by the entrance way, a victory very much snatched from the jaws of defeat tonight, before we cut back to Tazz, leaning against the ropes to sell the effects of his knee, but a furious look on his face as he just shakes his head slowly in disbelief at what’s just happened.

But the show must go on, and we head backstage to the boiler room where Kevin Kelly is standing by with Mankind…

Kevin Kelly: Mankind, tonight you face The Big Boss Man in a Hardcore Match. Last night on Shotgun Saturday Night, Boss Man said that Mr. McMahon has personally asked him to teach you a lesson after you assaulted Vince two months ago. We’ve seen you face Terry Funk back at WrestleMania, your recent battles with Vader, including the Boiler Room Brawl last month at King of the Ring, but can you survive another hellacious battle tonight against Boss Man, when his sole motivation is to gain revenge on behalf of Mr. McMahon?

Thinking things over, Mankind turns away from Kelly…

Mankind: Well Kevin, that’s a pretty complicated question there. Can I survive a Hardcore Match with The Big Boss Man? I certainly think I can. But just like in the 10th grade when my buddies dared me to jump off the roof of my parents’ house, I thought that was a good idea… but I can’t lie and say I was feeling all that confident about it.

Mankind now lowers his head, staring at the floor as he speaks…

Mankind: And just like back then, I’d be feeling a lot more happy right now if I had something to break my fall… but it seems like tonight, thanks to Vince McMahon and Larry, Curly and Moe, my good friends Al Snow and Mommy aren’t gonna be here tonight!

A change in tone from Mankind, clearly he’s very upset with that…

Mankind: Now I’m pretty sure Boss Man is gonna be out there tonight with that nightstick of his, I really wanted to be out there tonight with Mommy by my side, but I guess Vince had other plans didn’t he? But that’s fine, I’ll just need to find some other weapons to inflict pain and torture on Boss Man in this boiler room here. I mean… how about…

Mankind starts rummaging around, picking up random pipes and containers, throwing them on the ground, with Kelly trying to keep the microphone close enough to hear…

Mankind: How about this? No, not that. Or this? No, not that either. Or how about…? Well… how’d you get in here?

And sure enough, the camera pans… and sat on a large heating pipe… it’s Head! Head has somehow made it inside the arena! There’s no sign of Al Snow, but somehow Head has made it inside the boiler room…

Mankind: Oh, Kevin… look! It’s Mommy! She made it!

Mankind reaches up takes Head down from the pipe, giving her a tight hug hello before he turns back to Kelly with a beaming smile on his face and says…

Mankind: Kevin, this isn’t gonna be a nice day… this is gonna be a great day!

Mankind now takes a seat on the floor, pressing Head against his face, rocking back and forth, a real sense of happiness and content from Mankind right now. As such, Kelly is kinda creeped out by it all, but even he can see the childlike joy on Mankind’s face right now as he smiles and slowly backs away before we cut elsewhere.

Once again, we go back to the announce desk…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: How… how did that stupid mannequin head get in that boiler room!? I saw Al Snow earlier tonight, they wouldn’t let him in the building! What’s goin’ on back there!?

Jim Ross: I have no idea. But if ya’ ask me, that’s just another example of how Vince McMahon has completely lost control here tonight. I mean Al Snow and Head, supposed ta’ be banned from tha’ arena, and somehow Head is in tha’ boiler room. We’ve had Chyna an’ Tha’ New Age Outlaws kicked outta tha’ arena, we’ve had Tha’ Undertaker cost Triple H a win in his match wit’ Kane, we’ve had tha’ premier of a damn… porno tonight! We just saw some lousy refereein’, this whole night has been ridiculous! McMahon has let this whole thing get way outta hand!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: You can’t blame Mr. McMahon for that! He didn’t ask Val Venis to jump into the shower with Ivory and a camera! And he can’t control the genius of Jeff Jarrett!

Jim Ross: Is just getting’ ridiculous. An’ McMahon’s already made a threat towards Tha’ Undertaker for tonight! Who knows what that could involve!?

”DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’?”

*DO YOU SMELL?*​

A good outpouring of heat as The Rock makes his entrance, flaring his nostril and taking a few swings of the arm at the ringside crowd. As he enters the ring, Rock climbs to the second rope and takes a big deep breath of the air in the arena, looking as confident and arrogant as ever…

Jim Ross: Well now it’s time to find out who will go ta’ SummerSlam ta’ face tha’ WWF Champion. That man right there, Tha’ Rock, he’s gotta be tha’ favourite as far as I’m concerned. What a roll Rock’s been on since WrestleMania, he’s been crowned King of tha’ Ring, can he now earn tha’ right ta’ go ta’ SummerSlam ta’ challenge for tha’ richest prize in tha’ game today?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Plain and simple, it’s The Rock’s time ‘JR’! He’s headed straight to the top, he’s already beaten Owen Hart, all he has to do is deal with The Undertaker and he’s gonna check himself into the main event of SummerSlam!

*BLACK HART*​

And a pretty good welcome for Owen Hart, he heads down the aisle with a smile on his face as he waves hello and shakes a few ringside fans. Once he reaches the stairs and locks eyes with Rock, Owen’s demeanour changes slightly, a tad more serious, a tad less happy go lucky, focused on delivering a great performance tonight and a victory to match…

Jim Ross: Well Owen Hart admitted back on Raw that he wanted this ta’ be a one-on-one match wit’ Tha’ Rock, he weren’t too happy when Tha’ Undertaker was added inta’ tha’ equation. But I’m sure win or lose here t’night, Owen’s gonna do whatever it takes ta’ make sure these fans go home wit’ a smile on their faces.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And that’s my problem with Owen Hart right there. Who cares about these people!? All he should be caring about is gettin’ the win here. Instead he’s too worried about what the fans think? It’s pathetic! That’s why he’s never gonna be WWF Champion!

*DARKSIDE*​

The lights go out, the pyro explodes and through the smoke and fog comes The Undertaker striding down the aisle. As he reaches the corner, Undertaker raises his arms to bring light back into the arena, his eyes instantly fixated on The Rock before he steps through the ropes…

Jim Ross: He is tha’ conscience of tha’ WWF, he has saw this company through some of it’s gravest challenges. But now, Tha’ Undertaker wants his shot at tha’ WWF Championship an’ he wants it at SummerSlam!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but he’s not gonna get it, especially not after what he did to Shane McMahon on Raw last Monday! The Undertaker might have his creatures of the night, he might meddle in the dark arts, but Mr. McMahon knows how to play mind games too. Your days are numbered Undertaker! And there’s no way you’re goin’ to SummerSlam!

Match Six: WWF Championship Number One Contender’s Triple Threat Match
Owen Hart vs. The Rock vs. The Undertaker

As the bell rings, Owen of course steps forward and offers his hand firstly to Undertaker… who just stares a hole straight through him. He then offers his hand to The Rock… only for Rock to smack Owen across the jaw, which gets a surprising pop from the crowd! But the match is underway, Rock laying into Owen, before Undertaker then starts throwing shots at Rock. ‘Taker’ drives Rock to the corner, laying in with shots to the body, before he goes for the hard Irish whip across… Rock hits the turnbuckle hard and staggers out… big boot to the face! Rock bounces back to his feet… but a clothesline puts him over the top to the floor! Undertaker now goes after Owen, driving knees and elbows in the corner, before he goes for an Irish whip off the ropes… Owen reverses… avoids contact with a leapfrog… but he can’t avoid a jumping clothesline!

Owen is down, but Undertaker soon has him back up, looking to send him off the ropes… Owen reverses… and Rock low-bridges the rope! Undertaker tumbles to the floor, where Rock aggressively lays in with stomps, then he drags Undertaker up… sends him CRASHING INTO THE RING STEPS! Undertaker hits the floor hard, but there’s no time for Rock to celebrate… as Owen comes off the far away ropes… tope down onto Rock! Both men crash into the aisle, with Owen back on his feet, the crowd giving him a cheer for his high-flying move. Owen clobbers the back of Rock’s head with forearms, before he sends Rock back into the ring and follows in, laying in with stomps and uppercuts, before he takes Rock up and down with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall.

Owen looks to wear Rock down a bit, he connects with another belly-to-belly then a gutwrench suplex, but when he looks for an Irish whip, Rock holds on and reverses… into a DDT! That got Rock a two count, but now he lays in with stomps, taking the fight back outside. Rock grabs a handful of Owen’s hair… SMASHES OWEN’S FACE OFF THE RINGSTEPS! But as soon as Owen hits the floor… Undertaker runs through Rock with a clothesline! ‘Taker’ pummels Rock on the outside, then they head back into the ring, Undertaker landing hard shots in the corner, before he wrenches on the arm, climbs to the top rope… ropewalk… then down across the back of the head! Rock is in trouble as Undertaker shoots him off the ropes… sidewalk slam! 1… 2… Rock kicks out!

‘Taker’ continues to smack Rock with hard rights, but Owen has used the time to recover, he climbs to the top rope… Undertaker plants Rock with a scoop slam, but when he turns… missile dropkick from Owen! Owen’s turn to attack ‘Taker’, he lands a few rights before he looks to send Undertaker to the corner… ‘Taker’ reverses… but Owen uses the ropes to elevate himself, landing behind ‘Taker’… release German suplex! Owen now goes after Rock, sending him off the ropes… spinning wheel kick! Owen quickly drags Rock back up… northern lights suplex! 1… 2… Undertaker breaks it up! The action is frantic now, none of the three easing up, with Undertaker teeing off on Owen… then Rock… back to Owen… back to Rock, before he comes off the ropes… double clothesline!

Undertaker is rolling, he grabs Rock… launches him over the top rope! A chance for ‘Taker’ to isolate Owen, lands more hard rights, then a pair of headbutts, before he sends Owen off the ropes… big boot! Here comes Undertaker… jumping legdrop! 1… 2… Rock makes the save! And now it’s Rock who wants rid of Undertaker, stomping him until he’s rolling under the bottom rope to the outside. Rock goes back to Owen, smacking some hard right hands, then he sends Owen off the ropes… into a Samoan drop! Rock goes for the cover… 1… 2… Undertaker lunges to make the save! Undertaker is quickly back on his feet, he stomps both opponents, before he grabs Owen… and now it’s Owen’s turn to sail over the top rope! Undertaker goes after Rock, drilling uppercuts to the jaw, then he looks to send Rock off the ropes… but Rock reverses… but he lowers his head… running DDT! Undertaker plants Rock, drapes an arm across the chest… 1… 2… Owen flies in to break it up!

Nobody can keep the third man down long enough to seal the win, with Owen now going after Undertaker, landing right hands before he tries a kick… Undertaker catches the boot… ENZUIGIRI! Owen puts Undertaker down, but he now goes for Rock, sending Rock off the ropes… overhead belly-to-belly! Hart now heads outside and climbs to the top rope… FLYING ELBOW TO ROCK! Owen crawls into the cover… 1… 2… Rock gets a shoulder up! Owen quickens the pace, he has Rock back to his feet, leaps onto his shoulders… VICTORY ROLL… NO! Rock rolls all the way through and gets back to his feet, he swings a clothesline… Owen ducks… double-leg takedown… then Owen steps, twists and turns…SHARPSHOOTER!! Owen has the Sharpshooter locked in, Rock cries out in pain, he looks like he could be about to tap… but here comes Undertaker… BIG BOOT TO OWEN!

Undertaker saves the match, and now he looks to grab the win, he waits for Owen to stumble to his feet… HAND AROUND THE THROAT… CHOKESLAM!! Undertaker drills Owen to the mat, but before he can go for the pin, he turns towards Rock… ROCK BOTTOM!! Rock plants Undertaker, but he pauses… wondering which man to pin!? He looks at Owen… then Undertaker… and with a smirk on his face, he drops down… to cover Owen! 1… 2… OWEN KICKS OUT! ROCK TOOK TOO LONG!! So Rock now scrambles to hook Undertaker’s leg… 1… 2… UNDERTAKER GETS A SHOULDER UP! Rock can’t believe it, he’s furious that the match isn’t done yet! He drops some stomps onto Undertaker, looking to keep him down in the corner, before he goes back to Owen… Rock waits for Owen to rise… ROCK BOTTOM… NO!! Owen counters in mid-air… TORNADO DDT!

All three men are down, but it’s Undertaker who stirs first, he and Owen push themselves back up, Owen throws a tired right… but swings and misses a second… Undertaker scoops Owen up… TOMBSTONE… NO! Owen drops down the back, runs Undertaker to the ropes… O’CONNOR ROLL! 1… 2… Undertaker kicks out, propelling Owen towards Rock… ROCK BOTTOM!! Owen is down, but Rock knows he needs to deal with Undertaker, he charges… HAND AROUND THE THROAT… CHOKESLAM TO THE ROCK!! That’s gotta be it, but before Undertaker can go for the cover…

THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE ARENA!!

Just like earlier, nobody has a clue what’s going on, the Selland Arena is pitched into darkness once more, but then…

RED PYRO EXPLODES FROM THE TURNBUCKLES!!

And straight away, the speculation starts… that has to be a message from Kane! And now the lights return to the arena, and we see the confusion on Undertaker’s face, he’s not quite sure what has happened here, he stares up the aisle, looking for any sign of his brother… but there’s no sign of Kane! And when Undertaker turns back to the action… Rock is ready to strike… ROCK BOTTOM! ROCK BOTTOM TO THE UNDERTAKER!! Undertaker is down, Rock crawls back to his knees… but before he can cover, out of nowhere… Owen pounces… LA MAGISTRAL PIN! 1… 2… 3!!

Winner: Owen Hart @ 15:44

It’s Owen! The man who has claimed all along he wasn’t interested in a WWF Title shot at SummerSlam, has somehow won this match! The crowd are shocked, The Rock is stunned, Undertaker is still down… but Owen has won it! Owen quickly scrambles from the ring, he looks like he can’t quite believe what he’s done either, the fact he’s won not quite sinking in yet. Rock quickly storms back to his feet, he peers from the ring down at Owen, furious at what’s just happened, while in the background… The Undertaker sits up!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What!? No! That can’t be! The Rock had it won!

Jim Ross: Tha’ Undertaker had it won too, but it’s Owen Hart who’s done it! Owen Hart is goin’ ta’ SummerSlam ta’ challenge for tha’ WWF Title!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: How has this happened ‘JR’! It shoulda been The Rock!

In a daze, Owen staggers along the aisle, where Michael Cole has stepped out from the back with a microphone for a post-match interview…

Michael Cole: Owen! Owen, congratulations! You did it! You’re going to SummerSlam to face the WWF Championship! How do you feel!?

While Cole is full of smiles, Hart doesn’t seem anywhere near enthusiastic…

Owen Hart: Uh… wow. I mean, what a match that was! It was a great match, The Undertaker and The Rock, they’re two of the very best we’ve got in the WWF, two great competitors, it was a real tough match. It wasn’t the match I really wanted… but I’m glad I won it.

Owen wants to keep it short and sweet, but Cole presses him on SummerSlam…

Michael Cole: Owen, what about SummerSlam? You’re going to SummerSlam to face the WWF Champion! Who do you wanna face at SummerSlam? Is it gonna be ‘Stone Cold’ or Ken Shamrock?

Owen pauses with his hands on his hips, catching his breath before he answers…

Owen Hart: Listen, I don’t really know who it’s gonna be. If it’s ‘Stone Cold’, that’ll be an incredible match. If it’s Ken Shamrock, that’ll be incredible too. I don’t know who it’s gonna be, and to be honest… I’m not sure if it’s gonna be me they’re gonna face. But good luck to both of ‘em tonight! Thanks, Michael!

And with a quick shake of the hand, Owen leaves Cole behind in the aisle, heading straight for the entrance. But back in the ring, The Rock continues to stand near the ropes, staring up the aisle, watching Owen go… which means he doesn’t realise Undertaker is back on his feet, standing behind Rock! Rock has no idea, but the crowd are starting to buzz in anticipation… Rock slowly turns… UNDERTAKER SLAPS A HAND AROUND ROCK’S THROAT…

CHOKESLAM! CHOKESLAM TO THE ROCK!!

The Undertaker has just planted The Rock! An act of sheer frustration and annoyance, Undertaker has taken his anger out on The Rock, leaving him down and out in the centre of the ring!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What’d he do that for!? The Undertaker had no business doin’ that to The Rock!

Jim Ross: The Undertaker is furious! He thought he had it, then tha’ damn corners exploded, an’ it’s Owen Hart who’s took advantage of it!

We take a final look at The Rock, down and out on the canvas, before we cut back to Undertaker, walking up the aisle, a furious scowl on his face, before we fade into a video.

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

The darkness of the screen is broken by appearance of a ramshackle building, wooden and metal structures exposed behind broken walls. ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin slowly starts to stride across the frame, before he stops and leans against a girder…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I know what y’er thinkin’…

Cut to The Undertaker, standing in the stairwell of an abandoned building, the setting sun casting a shadow on him…

The Undertaker: I’m not a real athlete.

A brief shot of Ken Shamrock starring up to the heavens, before we see flashes of footage of Shamrock delivering a powerslam, Shawn Michaels cries out in pain before Undertaker lands a chokeslam…

Ken Shamrock: I’m just a wrestler.

The camera now pans up Undertaker as he speaks…

The Undertaker: I’m six foot ten, three hundred and twenty eight pounds.

A shot of ’Marvellous’ Marc Mero, his back to the camera as he walks away from the shot…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: I won boxing’s golden gloves three years in a row.

The Rock leans against the metal frame of the building…

The Rock: I was a national champion at The University of Miami.

Close up shots of Faarooq...

Faarooq: My jersey was retired at Florida State.

Back to Shamrock, bouncing on the spot and shadow boxing…

Ken Shamrock: I was the Ultimate Fighting Champion.

The Undertaker stares menacingly into the camera…

The Undertaker: When you step through those ropes, bad things do happen.

The iconic image from WrestleMania 13 of Austin trapped in the sharpshooter, blood streaming down his face…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I’ve had over two hundred stiches…

Shawn Michaels: I’ve suffered a dozen concussions…

Michaels flies through the air to deliver an elbow drop…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I’ve broken bones…

Shawn Michaels: I’ve separated shoulders…

The tragic sight of Austin taking the Sit-out Tombstone from Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I broke ma’ neck…

Shawn Michaels: I’ve blown out knees…

Again from SummerSlam ’97, referees helping Austin to his feet despite suffering a career threatening broken neck…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: But I still got up!

We then get close ups of the competitors as they deliver their lines…

The Undertaker: This is who I am.

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: This is what I do.

Ken Shamrock: I’m not really an athelete?

Shawn Michaels: This isn’t real?

And one final shot of Austin as we hear…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Try lacin’ ma’ boots!

The video quickly cuts to the WWF Attitude logo, we linger there for a few seconds before the screen slowly fades to black.

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

​

From the video we go to the interview set, where Kevin Kelly is ready for another interview, this time… with ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin! Dressed to compete, Austin has his WWF Title slung over his shoulder, a stern look on his face as he listens to Kelly’s question…

Kevin Kelly: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, it’s almost time for you to defend your WWF Championship against Ken Shamrock. Now last month at King of the Ring, we saw you and Shamrock go at it, but this time round, it feels like Mr. McMahon is more desperate than ever to see Shamrock take the title away from you. And after what we’ve seen on Raw in recent weeks with the recruitment of Kane, Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman into McMahon’s ranks… the odds stacked against you seem far greater than they’ve ever been before.

Austin almost sneers at the question before he speaks…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Well I don’t really give a crap about who Vince McMahon has paid off ta’ be wit’ Shamrock t’night, it don’t make a damn bit o’ difference. I’m fixin’ ta’ walk down that aisle, step inta’ that ring, stomp a mudhole in Ken Shamrock’s ass an’ walk it dry!

Easy for Austin to get a pop from inside the arena…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Now at King o’ tha’ Ring, I don’t give a rat’s ass ‘bout McMahon sayin’ tha’ match was stricken from tha’ record, I whupped Ken Shamrock’s ass that night, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do t’night! Kane, Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman, Boss Man, those three ol’ bastards, it really don’t make a difference, I’ll open up a whole case o’ whup ass on ev’ry damn one o’ them!

And another pop…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Ya’ sit there an’ talk about how Bart an’ Blackman are gonna be out there ta’ keep other people outta tha’ damn match Vince, but that’s a bunch o’ B.S. an’ ev’rybody knows it! But either those two stupid bastards stick their noses in that match, I’ll beat tha’ piss outta ‘em before I get ta’ Shamrock.

Austin now turns and points a finger into the camera…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Now Shamrock, ya’ put me in tha’ damn Ankle Lock, but ya’ had ta’ get y’er boy Bart ta’ knock me out wit’ tha’ damn left hand first. But I promise ya’ t’night, it ain’t gonna happen that way! Bart Gunn comes anywhere near tha’ match t’night, I’ll take that damn left hand o’ his an’ stick it straight up ‘is ass! But when it’s all said an’ done, I don’t care how many o’ McMahon’s puppets are down in tha’ ring, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is walkin’ outta Fresno t’night wit’ tha’ WWF Title!

And of course, Austin ends things with…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: An’ that’s tha’ bottom line, cos ‘Stone Cold’ said so!

Pretty brief from the champion, but it gets a loud cheer from the fans before we head back inside the arena.

Where we hear…

*CELL BLOCK*​

And that brings The Big Boss Man out, twirling his nightstick in his hand. Boss Man takes some time to jaw at some of the ringside fans, even pointing the nightstick at them in a threatening manner, before he slides into the ring…

Jim Ross: He is tha’ head of Vince McMahon’s personal security, an’ he’s been given tha’ task of givin’ Mankind one helluva beatin’ here tonight. He spent a lotta nights fightin’ for his life in tha’ Cobb County Correction Facility, he’s tougher than a two dollar steak an’ he’s as mean an’ nasty as they come!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And he’s gonna bash Mankind’s brains in tonight! Boss Man has been given a mission personally by Mr. McMahon, he’s out to make Mankind suffer, he’s here to make Mankind squeal, and I can’t wait to see it!

*SCHIZOPHRENIC*​

And now the deranged Mankind makes his entrance… and he’s got Head with him! As Mankind walks down the aisle, we see him whispering into Head’s ear, nodding as if he’s getting a response, a truly bizarre sight to see…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: How did that mannequin head get in here tonight?! There’s no way they let Al Snow in here, so where did it come from?

Jim Ross: I’ve honestly got no- wait! Here comes Boss Man!

Indeed Boss Man has dived through the ropes, he races up the aisle… but Mankind sees him coming… catches Boss Man with a right hand! The referee decides to call for the bell, we’re getting this one going in a hurry…

Match Seven: Hardcore Match
Mankind w/ Head vs. The Big Boss Man

And Mankind throws more rights, Boss Man fires back, but Mankind gains the upperhand as he pummels Boss Man against the barricade. Mankind drags Boss Man into the middle of the aisle, double him over with a boot… then hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER ON THE CONCRETE! A painful landing for both men, but Mankind soon lumbers back to his feet, aiming a pair of kicks to the head then a few right hands, before he drags Boss Man towards the ring… SMASHES BOSS MAN’S FACE OFF THE RINGSTEPS! Boss Man is down, Mankind climbs up onto the apron the flies… CACTUS ELBOW! Again Foley sacrifices his own body to crash down on Boss Man, pushing himself back to his feet to then roll Boss Man into the ring.

More right hands land from Mankind, he hammers Boss Man against the bottom turnbuckle, before Mankind steps backs and charges… running knee! Mankind has taken control early on, he stays on the attack with more rights and stomps against the ropes, before he steps back and charges… Cactus Clothesline! Both men go over the top rope back outside, and with Boss Man down, Mankind takes a minute to walk over towards Head, almost taking guidance from the mannequin before he goes back to work, dragging Boss Man up… only for Boss Man to smack a hard right to the face! Boss Man follows with rights to the body, then a stiff knee, before Boss Man starts to rip the top half of the ring steps away from the bottom, holding them high… then DRIVES THE STEPS INTO MANKIND’S FACE! Mankind goes down, Boss Man slides the steps into the ring, before he muscles Mankind back under the bottom rope.

Boss Man now looks to do damage with the ring steps, he picks them up once more… AGAIN DRIVES THEM INTO THE HEAD! He then positions them in the middle of the ring, drags Mankind up… SCOOP SLAM ONTO THE STEPS! A real painful landing for Mankind, with Boss Man rolling Mankind off of the steps, before he picks them up… and DROPS THE STEPS ACROSS MANKIND’S SPINE! Having done plenty of damage, Boss Man tosses the steps aside, he then yanks Mankind up and sends him tumbling through the ropes, Mankind hitting the floor near the aisle with a thump. Boss Man throws uppercuts against the ring post, then he rears back… swings a clothesline… but Mankind ducks… Boss Man clotheslines the steel! Boss Man instantly grabs his arm in pain, allowing Mankind to drill Boss Man with right hands, before he doubles Boss Man over… PILEDRIVER ON THE FLOOR… NO! Boss Man counters… BACK BODY DROP ONTO THE CONCRETE!

Mankind is down and hurt, that gives Boss Man a chance to go rummaging under the ring, he brings out a steel chair… CRUSHES IT ACROSS MANKIND’S SKULL! But Mankind is still on his feet… SECOND CHAIR SHOT PUTS HIM DOWN! Boss Man is starting to enjoy this, he grabs a handful of hair and drags Mankind to his knees, aiming stiff right hands to the face, before he grabs the chair again… CHAIR SHOT ACROSS THE SPINE! With a smirk on his face, Boss Man aims a few kicks to the ribs, then he starts to drag Mankind back to the ring, muscling him under the bottom rope. Boss Man again starts looking under the ring, this time he launches a trash can over the top rope, before he slides back in… and grabs the nightstick!

Boss Man gives his nightstick a twirl, Foley using the ropes to yank himself up… NIGHTSTICK SHOT TO THE MIDSECTION! Boss Man continues to attack the lower back and ribs, he aims another two nightstick shots to the body, before Boss Man picks up the steel chair from earlier, placing it down in the centre of the ring. Boss Man drags Mankind up, then shoots him off the ropes… looking for the BOSS MAN SLAM ON THE CHAIR… NO! Mankind counters… DOUBLE-ARM DDT!! Boss Man didn’t hit the chair, but Mankind planted him to the mat, giving him a chance to recover as both men are down for a bit. Once Mankind makes it back to his feet, he grabs the trash can, waits for Boss Man to rise… TRASH CAN SHOT TO THE HEAD! Boss Man staggers, with Mankind now placing the trash can over Boss Man’s head… and Mankind comes off the ropes… BULLDOG WITH THE TRASH CAN!!

Boss Man emerges from the mangled trash can, with Mankind now going to the corner… to grab Head! Mankind rears back… BOSS MAN GETS HEAD!! But the impact causes Boss Man to hit the mat and roll from the ring, Mankind is in too much pain to follow quickly, but when he eventually makes it out and drops down… 1… 2… BOSS MAN GETS A SHOULDER UP! The match is back outside now, Mankind pummelling Boss Man against the guardrail, but Boss Man drills a shot to the throat, buying him some space. Both men start to stagger up the aisle towards the entrance way, Boss Man rears back… IRISH WHIP SENDS MANKIND INTO THE BARRICADE! And when Mankind stumbles forward… BOSS MAN SLAM ON THE CONCRETE!! That’s got to be it… 1… 2… MANKIND GETS A SHOULDER UP!

Boss Man can’t believe he, he starts jawing with the referee, but it was only two! Seeking a way to end things, Boss Man grabs Mankind by the hair… SMASHES HIS FACE OFF THE ENTRANCE SET! The stanchion sways as Mankind smacks into it, with Boss Man now dragging Mankind to the nearby sound booth, Boss Man drilling Mankind next to the electrical controls. Boss Man starts to toy with Mankind, aiming some cheap stomps to the face, before he looks to hook Mankind up… MANDIBLE CLAW!! Out of nowhere, Mankind gets the Mandible Claw locked in, he drives his fingers into Boss Man’s mouth, forcing Boss Man down so that he is laying across a table at the sound booth. Boss Man looks like he could be out of it there… but Mankind releases the hold!

It could have been over right there, but with Boss Man laying on the table, Mankind has other ideas… he starts to the climb the nearby concrete stairs of the bleachers!? The crowd start to buzz with anticipation as Mankind clambers up, clinging to a handrail as he positions himself… then he flies… CACTUS ELBOW FROM THE STANDS THROUGH THE SOUND BOOTH!!! Mankind flies from over ten feet in the air, he crashes down on Boss Man, sparks fly as the electrical equipment crashes down around them both… but in amongst the wreckage, Mankind is able to drape an arm across Boss Man’s chest… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Mankind @ 12:37

Wow, what a match! A seriously hard-hitting affair, but it feels like no matter how hard he tries, no matter what Vince McMahon throws at Mankind, he just can’t get the better of him! Both men are still down after that hellacious fall from Mankind, the referee checking on them before he starts waving towards the entrance way, looking for help to enter the arena…

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd, what a match! That was one of tha’ most hellacious matches I’ve ever seen! Boss Man beat Mankind from pillar ta’ post, but damn it, Mankind will never quit! He hung in there, he fought ta’ tha’ very end and he’s survived once again!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: How does he keep doin’ this, ‘JR’!? Mr. McMahon isn’t gonna like this!

Jim Ross: Ta’ hell wit’ McMahon! Mankind, Mick Foley, call what ya’ will, that’s one tough sunnova bitch right there!

But right now he’s down and out, he and Boss Man in a heap on the floor, with EMTs now wheeling two stretchers into the arena to help the two combatants. They slowly roll Mankind away from Boss Man, picking through the debris left behind from the table exploding, checking on both men, but getting very little response right now…

Jim Ross: Is this what McMahon wanted? He wanted Mankind hurt, he wanted ‘im punished, but at what cost? Both men are down, both men are hurt, there’s no winner comin’ outta this one, I promise ya’ that!

The EMTs now slip a neck brace onto both men, before the get Boss Man onto his stretcher first with the help of some referees. Boss Man is wheeled out of the arena, and then it’s Mankind’s turn, he seems more responsive, he’s able to say a few words in response to questions being thrown at him, before his stretcher is raised from the floor. The crowd give Mankind a great round of applause, with Mankind giving them a thumbs up in response as they start to wheel him away, but the camera is close enough to hear Mankind say…

Mankind: Where’s Mommy!? Don’t forget about Mommy!

And at that, one of the referees places Head into Mankind’s grasp, he holds her tightly to his chest as his stretcher goes up the entrance way and then disappears down the other side, the crowd still applauding Mankind’s herculean effort here tonight.

And then we cut back to the announce desk…

Jim Ross: I just can’t believe that. When is this gonna end between Mankind an’ Vince McMahon? Somebody’s gonna get seriously injured unless this stops. I just don’t know how much more punishment Mick Foley can take.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Y’know, I think all of this would stop once ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin loses the WWF Title. I think after that, you’d see a much more relaxed, happier Vince McMahon.

Jim Ross: Well that could be about ta’ happen next! It’s now time for ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin an’ Ken Shamrock ta’ get it on for tha’ richest prize this industry’s ever seen, tha’ WWF Title! Let’s take a look at how this has all transpired…

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

We go back to King of the Ring, the main event of the evening, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock for the WWF Championship. Shamrock charges at Austin, only for Austin to duck a clothesline… kick… STUNNER! Austin hits the Stunner, he gets on top of Shamrock and secures the 1… 2… 3!

Jim Ross: Aw’ hell yeah! Austin! Austin! Austin did it! Austin’s still tha’ champion!

As Austin celebrates his victory, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter help Shamrock and Vince McMahon from the ring, Austin sinking beers as he toasts the crowd…

Jim Ross: McMahon has been foiled again! ‘Stone Cold’ is still tha’ WWF Champion! And there ain’t a damn thing McMahon can do about it!

Oh, but there was. The following night on Raw, a scowling McMahon addresses the match the previous night…

Vince McMahon: …the WWF Championship Match between ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock last night has officially been stricken from the WWF record books.

Over McMahon’s shoulder his associates give that announcement a hearty round of applause, before McMahon finishes with…

Vince McMahon: And as a result of that, I am declaring that Ken Shamrock is still the Number One Contender for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. And he will get his opportunity to face ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin for the title at the upcoming WWF pay-per-view, Fully Loaded on July 26th from Fresno, California.

But Austin isn’t buying that, he heads straight down to the ring to give McMahon an immediate response…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Ya’ thought ya’ had ol’ ‘Stone Cold’ last night, but this right here proves without a shadow of a doubt that you ain’t nothin’ but a sunnova bitch!

The crowd loved that, but of course, McMahon is furious, but Austin wasn’t done yet…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Ya’ thought cos I got this bad ankle that ya’ had me where ya’ wanted me last night, but just like I keep tellin’ ya’, ya’ ain’t gonna take this WWF Title away from me. Ya’ want tha’ belt, y’er gonna have ta’ pry from ma’ cold, dead hands, son!

Cut to that night’s main event, Austin and The Big Boss Man, with Austin getting the win via disqualification after Shamrock hit the ring. Austin battles back, he gets a Stunner to Boss Man, then a Stunner to Shamrock… only for the lights to go out in the arena… and Kane is in the ring! He grabs Austin by the throat… and drills him with an almighty Chokeslam!

Jim Ross: Aw’ Gawd, don’t tell me! Don’t tell me Kane is workin’ for Vince McMahon! DON’T TELL ME THAT MONSTER IS IN MCMAHON’S POCKET!!

The following episode of Raw, where from the stage, McMahon barks down at Austin in the ring…

Vince McMahon: I have infinite resources, I will make life hell for anybody who gets in my way, especially you Austin! And at Fully Loaded, Ken Shamrock is gonna tear you apart… and rip that WWF Championship away from you.

We go to next week’s Raw, where we see footage from the main event, Austin, Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman taking on Shamrock, Kane and The Rock. Rapid fire images of The Undertaker chasing Rock from the match, then D-X battling with Kane, leaving Shamrock in a three-on-one predicament… only for Bart to crack Austin with the knockout left hand!

Jim Ross: What tha’ hell is tha’ meanin’ of this!? Why!? Why dammit, why!? Why have Bart Gunn an’ Steve Blackman done this!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I dunno why, but I love it! They fooled ‘Stone Cold’! They made him think they were out here to be his partners, but they were really out here to stab ‘im in the back!

And then the Raw before Fully Loaded, where Bart and Blackman are suited and booted as they join Vince, Shamrock, Boss Man, Kane and the stooges in the ring…

Vince McMahon: …my masterplan comes into full effect. And now with Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman joining Kane, The Big Boss Man and of course, ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ Ken Shamrock… there is not a prayer that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin will leave Fully Loaded as the WWF Champion.

And we finish with the chaos from later that night, Austin and Shamrock trading right hands, referees trying to separate them, but neither man will give an inch as they beat the hell out of each other, leading to ‘JR’ making the call…

Jim Ross: AUSTIN AN’ SHAMROCK!! ALL HELL HAS BROKEN LOOSE!!WHO’S GONNA SURVIVE FULLY LOADED!? WHO’S GONNA LEAVE FULLY LOADED AS THA’ WWF CHAMPION!!?

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

​

And we go back into the arena to hear…

*THE ULTIMATE*​

It’s the music of Ken Shamrock, but as you’d expect, Shamrock is not alone, as accompanying him down the aisle is Vince McMahon, Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman and Kane. As they approach the ring, McMahon is seen pointing at Kane, ordering him to stand guard at the end of the aisle and watch the entrance way for anybody approaching the ring…

Jim Ross: It’s time for our main event folks! There ya’ see Ken Shamrock, ‘Tha’ World’s Most Dangerous Man’, but ya’ knew Shamrock wouldn’t be alone. Kane, McMahon, Bart, Blackman, I’m sure Boss Man would be out here too if he wasn’t headed ta’ tha’ nearest hospital. How high can ya’ stack tha’ deck? How desperate is McMahon ta’ see Shamrock crowned as tha’ WWF Champion here!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: There’s nothin’ desperate about this, ‘JR’! This is all from the brilliant mind of Vince McMahon! He’s planned it, he’s brought this army together, and tonight, they’re takin’ the WWF Title away from ‘Stone Cold’ and bringin’ it back to where it belongs!

McMahon now starts to position Shamrock and Bart around ringside, wanting them to keep an eye out for any attacks from the crowd. But then…

*GLASS SHATTERS!*

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

What – a – pop! ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin marches into the arena, full of piss and vinegar as he heads down the aisle, the Fresno crowd coming unglued at the sight of the WWF Champion. As Austin heads to the ring, naturally he crosses paths with Kane in the aisle… and AUSTIN GIVES KANE THE FINGER! Austin doesn’t bother waiting for a response from Kane, instead he rolls straight into the ring and heads to the corner, saluting the crowd…

Jim Ross: Aw’ hell yeah! Tha’ roof is about ta’ come off tha’ Selland Arena! Ya’ ain’t gonna hear a sound like that anywhere else in tha’ world! There ain’t no washed up basketball players in tha’ main event here, this is ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin an’ he’s tha’ WWF Champion!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but for how much longer!? I hope he’s ready to kiss that WWF Title goodbye right here, cos there’s no chance in hell Austin’s leavin’ Fully Loaded as champion!

When Austin drops down from the turnbuckle, he and Shamrock cross paths… and they exchange words… and the right hands start to fly! Austin hasn’t even taken off his waistcoat yet, but the fight is already on!

Main Event: WWF Championship Match
WWF Champion ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Ken Shamrock w/ Vince McMahon, Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman and Kane

And we start with a slugfest, both men trading right hands, until Austin rattles off three straight, then he pummels Shamrock to the corner, down to the canvas where Austin stomps the mudhole… and flips Shamrock the double bird! The champion finally takes the waistcoat off before he shoots Shamrock off the ropes… back elbow! Austin off the ropes now… drives the elbow! Shamrock scrambles to the corner, but Austin stays on him, more right hands, more stomps, then he starts to smash Shamrock’s face off the turnbuckle, the challenger reeling early on. Austin looks for an Irish whip, but Shamrock reverses… Austin ducks a clothesline and keeps on running THESZ PRESS!

Austin takes Shamrock down and hammers him with right hands, then he comes off the ropes… drives the elbow again! That prompts Shamrock to roll to the outside, he lands near Gunn and Blackman, who both step back as Austin approaches as Shamrock tries to drag himself up… AUSTIN SMASHES SHAMROCK INTO THE GUARDRAIL… THEN HE FLIPS BART AND BLACKMAN THE DOUBLE BIRD!! Austin continues to lay in with stomps and right hands, the referee being very lenient with the count as Austin drags Shamrock towards the announce desks… and HURLS SHAMROCK ACROSS THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE DESK!! Shamrock wipes out Hugo Savinovich, with Austin now lunging across the desk to lay in with more right hands, the camera showing a shot of McMahon, who looks angry at how the match is going so far.

The pair work free from the announce desk, Austin taking Shamrock for a walk again, McMahon making sure to keep away from the pair as Austin looks to SMASH SHAMROCK INTO THE RINGSTEPS… NO! Shamrock blocks it with his foot… AUSTIN’S FACE HITS THE STEEL! Finally a chance for Shamrock to gather himself and attack, he strikes Austin with kicks to the chest, then some uppercuts, but when Shamrock goes for a suplex on the floor… Austin blocks it… and counters with a suplex of his own! Both men hit the padded floor with a thud, they take their time making it back up, Austin looking to take the brawl up the aisle… but that prompts Kane to turn! Kane stands tall in Austin’s way, Austin jawing at him to no response… so AUSTIN GIVES KANE THE FINGER! But that distraction allows Shamrock to come from behind… he clobbers Austin down to the floor!

The referee is pleading with the pair to get back in the ring, but McMahon gives him strict orders, there will be no countout here, with Ross complaining at McMahon once again making the rules up as we go. Kane now steps aside, allowing Shamrock to take Austin up the aisle… Irish whip into the guardrail! Shamrock strikes again with kicks to the chest, then a pair of uppercuts, before he takes Austin back towards ringside… HURLS AUSTIN ACROSS THE RINGSTEPS! Austin’s knees hit the steel then he lands hard on the other side, with Shamrock now dragging Austin up and rolling him back into the ring.

Shamrock now mounts Austin, laying in with precise right hands to the forehead, before he shoots Austin off the ropes… but Austin ducks a roundhouse kick, puts on the breaks… hammer Shamrock with a clothesline! Austin then aims stomps to the body, before he grabs Shamrock’s legs, hold’s them open… Austin looks to the crowd, who urge him on… STOMP TO THE GROIN! The referee berates Austin for the attack, with Austin smirking and laughing it off, before he pummels Shamrock until he is draped across the middle rope. Austin comes off the far away side… but at the last split second, Bart shoves Shamrock to safety… and Austin crashes into the middle rope!

And now a chance for Shamrock to take control, as you’d expect he starts to target the leg, aiming stomps to the hamstrings before he hurls Austin to the corner and starts aiming kicks to the knee. The pace of the match slows right down as Shamrock starts to target the leg, more kicks connect, then a chop block as Austin stumbles from the corner, before he grabs the ankle and drags Austin to the corner. Shamrock heads outside, he grabs the leg… SMASHES AUSTIN’S KNEE OFF THE RINGPOST! Shamrock rears back… SMASHES THE KNEE A SECOND TIME… AND A THIRD… AND A FOURTH!! Austin crawls to the centre of the ring, but Shamrock is well in control now, but McMahon continues to look tense, he wants Shamrock to finish Austin off soon.

”Austin’s in trouble here! At King o’ tha’ Ring it was a brawl around tha’ arena, but if this becomes ground ‘n’ pound in tha’ centre of tha’ ring, it can only favour tha’ challenger!”

Shamrock now spends time working on Austin’s leg, more stomps, more kicks, Shamrock looking to wear Austin down and set him up for the Ankle Lock. Shamrock looks to send Austin off the ropes… but he lowers his head… Austin snaps him up with a kick! Austin battles back, landing a trio of right hands… but Shamrock drills a knee to the midsection… then hits a swinging neckbreaker! And Shamrock goes for a cover… 1… 2… Austin kicks out! Shamrock mounts Austin again, throwing more of those stiff right hands, before he looks to shoot Austin to the ropes… but Austin reverses… hits a spinebuster! Austin lands a few stomps to the chest, before he heads to the corner and pushes himself to the second rope… pointed elbow… no! Shamrock rolls… Austin crashes to the canvas!

Shamrock takes control again, he shoves Austin to the corner and lays in with kicks to the leg, then stomps to the midsection which cause Austin to drop to a seated position, allowing Shamrock to choke Austin with his boot. Shamrock pushes the ref’s five count to the limit, finally backing away, but as the ref berates Shamrock… Bart reaches in to choke Austin, while Blackman lays in with right hands from the floor! The numbers now start to pay dividends, Bart and Blackman backing away just in time as the referee turns but sees nothing, Shamrock moving in to go for an Irish whip off the ropes… jumping calf kick! Shamrock goes for the cover again… 1… 2… Austin gets a shoulder up!

Frustration is starting to grow with McMahon, he jaws at the referee for a supposed slow count, but Shamrock is well in control here, more kicks to the knee, before Shamrock sends Austin to the floor and distracts the referee… allowing Bart and Blackman to hammer Austin with stomps on the floor! Once again the ref doesn’t see it, Austin is being mugged at ringside, with Bart and Blackman doing the damage then stepping away without the referee catching them. Shamrock heads outside, he yanks Austin up against the barricade, smacks kicks to the chest, then the leg, before he rolls Austin back into the ring. Shamrock is all over Austin, he’s looking to put Austin away… BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX!! Shamrock plants Austin, hooks a leg… 1… 2… AUSTIN GETS A SHOULDER UP!

The frustration is really growing with McMahon now, he angrily yells at the referee, before he starts barking out the orders… ordering Shamrock to finish it with the Ankle Lock right now! Shamrock nods, following orders, he stalks Austin from behind, waiting for him to make it back to his feet… Shamrock makes his mover, grabs the ankle… ANKLE LOCK… NO! Austin rolls through, sending Shamrock to the ropes! Shamrock turns and charges… Austin ducks a clothesline… KICK… STUNNER!! Out of nowhere, Austin catches Shamrock with the Stunner, he hooks the leg… 1… 2… MCMAHON DRAGS THE REFEREE FROM THE RING!! McMahon breaks the count, that should be a disqualification! The referee yells McMahon, wondering what he’s doing… but before he call for the bell… MCMAHON SMACKS THE REFEREE WITH A RIGHT HAND!!

”What tha’ hell was that!? MCMAHON JUST STRUCK THA’ DAMN REFEREE! WHAT THA’ HELL IS GOIN’ ON HERE!? THIS MATCH OUGHTA BE OVER ALREADY!!”

Austin wonders why the three wasn’t counted, he turns to look over his shoulder… and sees McMahon hit the ref! But before Austin can do anything about it… Bart and Blackman hit the ring! They lay into Austin with a beating, viciously stomping down on him, McMahon calling the shots from ringside, he tells them to drag Austin up… Bart shoots Austin towards Blackman… BICYCLE KICK! Blackman smacks Austin with his boot, Austin is down again, but on the outside, McMahon storms around the ring… and orders Kane into the ring! Kane had been standing guard at the aisle as he was told the whole time, but with the referee out of action, McMahon wants Kane in the ring to help finish Austin off!

Kane follows orders, he lumbers up the steps and into the ring, with Bart and Blackman holding Austin in place for Kane to enter the ring… Kane slaps a hand around Austin’s throat… CHOKESLAM! CHOKESLAM TO AUSTIN!! Austin is planted to the mat, there’s no referee to do anything about this… but suddenly, a massive roar breaks out from the crowd… THE UNDERTAKER IS HEADING FOR THE RING!! Seeking revenge for earlier tonight, Undertaker is walking down the aisle, Bart and Blackman not sure whether to protect Vince or attack, while Kane just stands tall and watches on… as Undertaker steps into the ring… Bart charges… right hand to Bart! Blackman races in… big boot to Blackman! Here comes Shamrock… UNDERTAKER CHOKESLAMS SHAMROCK!! Bart staggers to his feet… CHOKESLAM TO BART! And now Blackman is back up… CHOKESLAM TO BLACKMAN! And now Undertaker… locks eyes with Kane!

McMahon can’t believe it, and he can’t believe Kane is doing nothing about it! He orders Kane to attack… KANE AND UNDERTAKER START GOING AT IT! The brothers start trading right hands, until Undertaker backs Kane to the ropes… big boot sends Kane over the top rope… but he lands on his feet! Kane reaches in and drags Undertaker from the ring… the pair start trading bombs again! Undertaker and Kane battle at ringside, neither brother giving an inch, the pair brawling all the way up the aisle… and then they disappear backstage!

Back to ringside, Bart and Blackman are both down on the floor, Austin and Shamrock are down, the referee is down… the only man left standing is Vince McMahon! Vince pleads with Shamrock, or anybody for that matter to get back up, but the damage has been done, bodies are strewn all over the arena and nobody is moving! Sensing he has to do something, Vince heads outside… shoves the timekeeper aside… and grabs a steel chair! McMahon slides back into the ring, he starts putting the boots to Austin, while giving Shamrock a shake, trying to bring him back around. Shamrock makes it back to his feet, he drags Austin up… and holds Austin in place! McMahon is going to nail Austin with the chair!

Austin is helpless here, and McMahon is going to deliver the killer blow! McMahon rears back… STEEL CHAIR SHOT TO AUSTIN… NO! Austin ducks… MCMAHON NAILS SHAMROCK!! Vince McMahon has just nailed Shamrock with the chair! McMahon can’t believe, but there’s no time for him to wallow, as Austin spins McMahon around… KICK… STUNNER! STUNNER TO MCMAHON!! Austin crawls to drape an arm across Shamrock… but there’s still no referee! But wait… a second referee is sprinting down the aisle! The ref slides into the ring… 1… 2… SHAMROCK GETS A SHOULDER UP! It took to long to get a referee, Shamrock survives!

But with everybody taking out of things, we’re left with just Austin and Shamrock, and Austin looks to finish things off, he drags Shamrock up, lands a pair of tired right hands, before Austin looks for the Irish whip… Shamrock reverses… THESZ PRESS… NO! Shamrock catches Austin, counters it… BELLY-TO-BELLY! And Shamrock moves quickly… ANKLE LOCK!! Shamrock gets Austin into the Ankle Lock, this has got to do it! Shamrock wrenches on the ankle, he roars to the crowd, while Austin groans in agony, scratching and clawing for the ropes… Shamrock increases the pressure once more… Austin grits his teeth, his arms flailing, desperately trying to handle the pain… until somehow, Austin is able to roll over onto his back… HE KICKS SHAMROCK AWAY TO BREAK THE HOLD! Shamrock hits the ropes and drops to a knee, but he’s quickly racing back in… KICK… STUNNER! STUNNER!! STUNNER TO SHAMROCK!!! And Austin hooks both legs tight… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: And STILL WWF Champion, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin @ 22:31

Austin has done it! One more time, Austin overcomes the odds that McMahon has put against him to beat Shamrock with the Stunner! The ringside area is carnage, bodies are strewn all over the place, Kane is nowhere to be seen, while McMahon has fallen to his knees on the aisle, he lets out an enraged groan, almost in tears at the fact that Austin has foiled his plan once again…

Jim Ross: Austin! AUSTIN! AUSTIN! ‘Tha’ Rattlesnake’ has done it again! Aw’ hell yeah!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: No! No, it can’t be! How does he keep doin’ this!?

Jim Ross: McMahon had it all laid out, he thought he had it in tha’ bag! But Tha’ Undertaker was out for revenge! And ‘Stone Cold’ would not be denied! Austin is still tha’ WWF Champion!

And now the celebration begins, Austin calling for the beers to fly in, chugging them down as he heads to the corners to celebrate and salute the crowd. McMahon is still on his knees, cursing his luck, looking like he wants the ground to open up and swallow him whole, a completely crushed and dejected man…

Jim Ross: An’ look at McMahon! He can’t believe it! His world is fallin’ apart right now!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And does this mean it’s gonna be Austin and Owen Hart for the WWF Title at SummerSlam!?

Jim Ross: Aw hell yeah it does! Bah Gawd what a night it’s been! ‘Stone Cold’ is still tha’ WWF Champion! Tha’ masterplan fell apart! McMahon is a broken man… and I couldn’t be happier ta’ see it! Folks we’re outta time, we’ll see ya’ tomorrow night on Raw! Aw hell yeah!

We take a final look at Austin in one of the corners closest to the aisle, standing high above McMahon, the shot looking over McMahon’s shoulder at the triumphant WWF Champion, ‘The Rattlesnake’ smirking and laughing as he takes two beer cans, slams them together then chugs them down as our pay per view fades… to… black.

*End Show*​

​

 

[iMac]

WWF Raw is War
July 27th, 1998
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California​

We kick things off with some still images from Fully Loaded last night, starting with the match between Kane and Triple H, where near the end of the match, Helmsley was set to gain revenge for Kane dropping X-Pac with a Tombstone on a steel chair by nailing Kane with a Pedigree on a chair… only for the lights to go out… and a gong to ring! Expecting an appearance from The Undertaker, Triple H picked up the chair and stood ready… but there would be no Undertaker appearance here, as it proved to be a distraction… allowing Kane to strike and get the win! We then move to the Triple Threat Match between Undertaker, The Rock and Owen Hart, the winner to challenge for the WWF Championship at SummerSlam. After a back and forth battle where several pinfalls were broken up, Undertaker seemed to have the match won… only for the lights to go out again… and the red pyro to explode from the corners! Rock would take advantage of this distraction by planting Undertaker with the Rock Bottom, only for Owen to surprise everyone by rolling up Rock to snatch the win! In the post-match, Undertaker would take out his frustrations by planting Rock with a Chokeslam, suggesting their ongoing rivalry is far from finished.

And then the main event, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock for the WWF Championship. Shamrock would look to target Austin’s leg throughout the match, a stark contrast to the arena wide brawl they had back at King of the Ring. But Austin would prevail, hitting Shamrock with a Stunner and hooking the leg… only for Vince McMahon to drag the referee from the ring… and nail him with a right hand! That would allow Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman and Kane to hit the ring to attack Austin… but The Undertaker would look for payback after the distraction from Kane earlier in the night! Undertaker would take out Bart and Blackman, but Kane would hesitate to attack… until an order for McMahon for Kane to strike his brother! Kane and Undertaker would then battle to the back, leaving Shamrock in prime position to put Austin away with the Ankle Lock… but Austin would counter… Stunner! Austin would hit a second Stunner on Shamrock, allowing him to get the win and celebrate with a beer bash as the images come to an end.

We then get the usual Raw opening video before head into the arena for the pyro and ballyhoo and the obligatory scanning of the crowd. We’re in a bigger venue for Raw than the pay per view last night for some reason, so the crowd in the Arrowhead Pond is loud and pumped up as we’re welcomed to the show by Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler…

Jim Ross: What a night it was last night as Fully Loaded sold out tha’ Selland Arena! But tonight, we are live from tha’ beautiful Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California, tha’ site of WrestleMania XII, for Raw is War! Hello everyone, I’m good ol’ ‘JR’, Jim Ross, alongside Jerry ‘Tha’ King’ Lawler, Fully Loaded was an unbelievable show when once again, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin overcame tha’ odds ta’ foil Vince McMahon’s masterplan.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well Austin might have escaped last night, but we can’t have a SummerSlam main event of Austin and Owen Hart! Nobody wants to see that! Mr. McMahon’s gonna have something up his sleeve to make sure that never happens, you can count on it!

*GLASS SHATTER!*

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

We’ve got a lot to get through tonight so let’s get straight into it with ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, the WWF Champion marching into the arena to a tremendous pop from the Anaheim crowd. Austin launches the WWF Title over the top rope before he rolls into the ring, heading to all four corners to salute the crowd…

Jim Ross: Well McMahon might have somethin’ in store, but it feels like no matter what he throws at ‘Tha’ Rattlesnake’, Austin finds a way ta’ overcome it! We had McMahon, Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman, Kane an’ Shamrock all try an’ put Austin away last night, but Austin hung in there until Tha’ Undertaker evened tha’ odds!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and there’s gonna be hell to pay for The Undertaker tonight! Mr. McMahon warned him what would happen to Kane if Undertaker didn’t fall in line, and after what he did to Shane McMahon last week, as well as what happened last night, I don’t think things are gonna turn out all that good for Kane!

Having saluted the crowd, Austin calls for a microphone…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: If ya’ bought Fully Loaded last night an’ saw ol’ ‘Stone Cold’ beat tha’ livin’ hell outta Ken Shamrock, then gimme a hell yeah!

”HELL YEAH!”

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Aw hell yeah! Last night, I walked inta’ Fresno an’ I took ev’rythin’ Vince McMahon could throw at me! He had Shamrock, Kane, them two stupid bastards Bart Gunn an’ Steve Blackman, hell, Vince hit tha’ damn referee, but it didn’t make a damn bit o’ difference, I still got tha’ job done an’ I’m still tha’ WWF Champion!

And the crowd all love the sound of that…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: But lemme just say, ta’ Tha’ Undertaker, I don’t know what tha’ hell’s goin’ on between you an’ Kane an’ McMahon right now, but hell, I appreciate tha’ fact ya’ had ma’ back last night. If I had one in ma’ hand, I’d raise a damn beer ta’ ya’ right now. Infact… I think I’mma get me a damn beer!

Austin then motions towards the timekeeper’s desk, where a cold can is launched through the air, Austin catching it and snapping it open, his beer can in one hand and the microphone in the other, with the WWF Championship over his shoulder…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I’mma drink this damn beer here an’ say Undertaker, I owe ya’ one brother. But right now, I wanna say ta’ Vince McMahon that I beat each an’ ev’ry one of tha’ rat bastards ya’ threw at me cos it’s like I said, ya’ ain’t takin’ this title away from me Vince! I beat Kane, I beat y’er boy Shamrock, I’ve beat Boss Man, hell if ya’ really want me to, I’ll take on Bart an’ Blackman an’ beat tha’ piss outta both of ‘em at tha’ same time!

”Don’t go givin’ McMahon idea there, Steve!” quips Ross…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Tha’ bottom line is that ya’ ain’t got nothin’ left, Vince. Ya’ ain’t got nobody left ta’ put infront o’ me, that’s three damn pay per views in a row now I beat whoever ya’ put up against me, an’ now I’m fixin’ ta’ head ta’ Madison Square Garden for SummerSlam ta’ face Owen Hart for ma’ WWF Tiitle!

That gets a solid enough response from the crowd…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: As far as I’m concerned Vince, it’s over between tha’ two of us. Ya’ ain’t got nobody left, hell, all that’s left is for ya’ ta’ drag y’er ol’ withered ass inta’ tha’ ring y’erself an’ I’ll beat tha’ piss outta you too!

But the thought of Austin and McMahon potentially going at it gets an even bigger cheer…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: But since I know ya’ ain’t got tha’ balls ta’ get y’er hands dirty, then it’s finished between me an’ you, McMahon. Ya’ made tha’ stipulation, now Owen Hart is tha’ number one contender, if he wants ta’ be, an’ I’m ready ta’ stomp a mudhole in ‘is ass an’ walk it dry!

It seems like Austin has already finished that beer can as he waves to the timekeeper’s desk and right on cue, another flies into his hands…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Now Owen, I ain’t got nothin’ against ya’ son, even if about a year ago ya’ broke ma’ damn neck. Y’er walkin’ around lately sayin’ all ya’ wanna do is wrestle, ya’ ain’t interested in tha’ title. Well I might not be able ta’ give ya’ an ol’ fashioned wrestlin’ match, but if ya’ step inta’ tha’ ring wit’ me at SummerSlam, I’ll sure as hell give ya’ an’ ol’ fashioned ass whuppin’!

The crowd responds with a pop, but that quickly turns to jeers… as Vince McMahon steps out onto the stage! Joined by Ken Shamrock, Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman, Kane, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter, it’s quite the collection of talent and hangers on that gather on the stage, with McMahon already having a microphone in his hand…

Vince McMahon: Excuse me a second there, Austin. I couldn’t help but overhear you when you said… it’s over between the two of us?

McMahon turns to the stooges with a smirk on his face, they all laugh and shake their heads…

Vince McMahon: You think this is over, Austin!? Not a chance! This will never be over between the two of us Austin, not until that WWF Title is no longer sat upon your shoulder!

Now it’s Austin’s turn to smirk as he shakes his head…

Vince McMahon: You think you’ve faced everything I have to offer? Think again! Your reign as WWF Champion should have ended at Over The Edge, it should have ended at King of the Ring, it should’ve ended last night at Fully Loaded, but it’s damn sure gonna end tonight!

The crowd really don’t like that…

Vince McMahon: You always managed to sneak away, don’t you Steve? You’ve always got somebody back there who wants to make a name for themselves, or prove some kinda point, by sticking their nose in my business. Well it’s not gonna happen that way anymore. It all stops… tonight.

”Now what tha’ hell’s he mean ba’ that!?” asks ‘JR’…

Vince McMahon: You think you’ve faced all that I have to offer? Well how about you try this on for size? Tonight, in that very ring, it’s gonna be ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin defending the World Wrestling Federation Championship… in a… Handicap Match… against the team of Kane and Ken Shamrock!

Wow. Those are some pretty big odds for Austin to overcome, and the crowd know it as they hammer Vince with heat for that announcement…

Vince McMahon: And in that match, when either Ken Shamrock or Kane pin your shoulders to the mat, then Ken Shamrock will indeed become the new WWF Champion!

”Haha! This is great! This is genius from Mr. McMahon!” yells out Lawler in delight…

Vince McMahon: Now last night Austin, you’re WWF Championship was in jeopardy, perhaps more jeopardy than ever before. And if it wasn’t for the presence of The Undertaker… then you wouldn’t be standing in that ring as the WWF Champion right now. And with regards to the presence of The Undertaker in that match… I’m holding you personally responsible for that, Kane!

McMahon turns and points a finger at Kane, who slowly turns his head to the side in confusion…

Vince McMahon: Just what in the hell was goin’ on last night, huh? First of all, your brother decides to interfere in your match with Triple H, a match I wanted to see you win all by yourself. I warned you that if you didn’t win that match, I was having you committed to the nearest sanatorium, and quite frankly… things weren’t lookin’ all that good for you, were they? Triple H was about ready to plant your skull into a steel chair with the Pedigree, and who knows if you would’ve been able to survive that?

Obviously there’s no response from Kane, but Pat Patterson turns to him and gives Kane a disappointed shake of the head, drawing a glare from ‘The Big Red Machine’…

Vince McMahon: Now granted, I will admit that I was the one who ordered you to use whatever kinda supernatural powers it is that you have to set those turnbuckles on fire to distract The Undertaker later in the evening, but quite frankly, that should’ve been the end of it. I used you to cost The Undertaker his match, but after what he did to my son Shane last week, he’s lucky that’s all I did!

The camera cuts to Austin, leaning against the ropes, looking pretty pissed off that he’s standing in the ring having to listen to Vince berate Kane like this…

Vince McMahon: But then he shows up during the main event, and what did you do Kane? Huh? What did you do about it? You just stood there and watched like the big, red imbecile you really are! Didn’t you!?

Kane didn’t like that, he takes a step forward in annoyance, with Bart and Blackman both placing a hand on Kane’s chest to keep him in check…

Vince McMahon: Don’t you step to me like that! Ya’ hear me!? Don’t you dare! You’d be wondering the streets or locked up in a padded cell by now if it wasn’t for me! And y’know what? That’s exactly what’s gonna happen if Austin leaves here tonight as the WWF Champion! Last night, you stood and watched as your brother delivered chokeslam after chokeslam, I had to order you to attack him, but by then it was already too late! Well let me promise you this, Kane. If you just stand there and watch tonight in that Handicap Match… if your brother gets involved in that match in anyway… and if you don’t help Ken Shamrock become WWF Champion… then it’s straight to the nut house for you, pal!

And perhaps for the first time, Kane seems to garner some real sympathy from the crowd as they heavily boo McMahon for these announcements…

Vince McMahon: So Austin, I hope you enjoy your last night as WWF Champion, as-

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Aw shut tha’ hell up ya’ stupid, rat bastard!

Big time pop for Austin bringing McMahon’s diatribe to an end…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I don’t give a rat’s ass what ya’ gotta say ta’ me, an’ neither does nobody in this damn arena! Ya’ made y’er lil’ match, ‘Stone Cold’ against those two sons of bitches up there, that’s fine. But I promise ya’, just like ev’ry other time ya’ put me in one o’ these matches, it ain’t gonna go down tha’ way ya’ want it to!

The look on McMahon’s face suggests the anger inside of him is really starting to grow…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Ya’ might as well start measurin’ up Kane for a damn straightjacket, cos I ain’t losin’ this title tonight, Vince! Not a damn chance! Ya’ talk about Tha’ Undertaker, hell, I don’t give a rat’s ass if he wants ta’ get involved tonight or not. All that matters is that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is gonna go backstage, drink a few more beers, then I’mma come out here, open up a whole case o’ whupass an’ leave Anaheim still tha’ WWF Champion!

And the Anaheim faithful love that call from the champion…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: An’ that’s tha’ bottom line, cos ‘Stone Cold’ said so!

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

The Arrowhead Pond erupts as once again, Austin has verbally stuck it to McMahon. But for all his bravado, we’ve now got a huge main event set for tonight… but is it one where Austin can overcome the odds one more time? Austin calls for more beers to fly into the ring before he heads to the corners, with McMahon fuming on the stage, he turns and glares at Kane and orders him backstage, the rest of his company soon following before we cut to the announce desk…

Jim Ross: Well, I know he’s ‘Tha’ Rattlesnake’, he’s overcome tha’ odds so many times as of late, but I don’t quite share Austin’s confidence right now. Austin against Kane an’ Shamrock, that’s just too much if ya’ ask me!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Of course it is! He can say what he wants, there’s no way Austin’s gonna be able to overcome both Shamrock and Kane. He might as well just kiss that WWF Title goodbye right now, cos it’s over for him tonight!

Jim Ross: An’ what about McMahon? That was hideous what he just said to Kane. Imagine sending Kane to a mental institute if Austin leaves here tonight with the WWF Championship! That’s just a heinous thing to do!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well Mr. McMahon warned The Undertaker right from the get go, if Kane didn’t live up to his end of the deal, he was goin’ straight to the nut house! And after what The Undertaker did to Shane last week and then last night, Kane’s lucky he’s not already met Nurse Ratched!

Little One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest reference for us there from Lawler. But as Austin starts to head up the ramp with two beer cans in his hands, music starts to play…

*STEAM BILLOWS!*

“HE’S A MANNNNN… SUCH A MA – ANNNNN!”

*REAL MAN’S MAN*​

Austin comes face to face with William Regal! ‘The Rattlesnake’ and ‘The Real Man’s Man’ cross each other’s paths on the ramp, the crowd giving this strange interaction a pop. As the pair approach each other, they both put on the breaks… and Regal tips his hat and gives Austin a manly nod… while Austin gives Regal a toast of his beer can! There’s nothing in this really, but Austin seems to have a slight degree of respect for Regal as the pair pass each other without any incident, with Austin heading backstage while Regal heads for the ring…

Jim Ross: What a start ta’ tha’ night it’s been! Austin is gonna defend tha’ WWF Title in a Handicap Match against Ken Shamrock an’ Kane! But up next, ‘Tha’ Real Man’s Man’ is in action! It’s William Regal in tha’ ring when we return ta’ Raw is War!

*Commercial*​

And we return straight into the arena for…

”IT’S TIME! IT’S TIME! IT’S VADER TIME!”

*MASTODON*​

That’s right, Regal’s opponent tonight is Vader, with the big guy from the Rocky Mountains sauntering down the ramp, making that v-sign of his to the crowd as he heads for the ring…

Jim Ross: What a way ta’ kick off tha’ action here tonight, this promises ta’ be a real physical matchup between William Regal an’ ‘Tha Man They Call’ Vader! This one could be a real slobberknocker, folks!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well I know he’s ‘The Real Man’s Man’ and he’s looked pretty tough since he came to the WWF, but Vader is a whole different level. This is gonna be a big step up for Regal, let’s see if he’s got what it takes to make here in the WWF…

Match One:
Vader vs. William Regal

We get things started with a tie-up, but Vader quickly shows his power… by shoving Regal to the mat! Regal nods in response, the pair tie-up again, this time Vader backs Regal to the corner. The referee calls for the break, Vader steps back… then lands a cheap slap to Regal’s face! And that angers Regal, he bursts from the corner with uppercuts and forearms… only for Vader to start throwing bombs of his own! It didn’t take long for the slugfest to break out, and Regal is able to get the upperhand, he lands three uppercuts in a row to back Vader to the ropes, then looks for the Irish whip… Vader reverses, but lowers his head… Regal flies with a sunset flip… no! Vader looks for the sitout… Regal rolls… Vader crashes to the mat! A chance for Regal to attack, he aims kicks to the chest, then stiff knees to the face, before Regal comes off the ropes… running knee!

Vader rolls from the ring, looking to shake off the cobwebs, but here comes Regal… double axe-handle from the apron! Regal then lands uppercuts against the barricade, but Vader fights back… he drives Regal spine first into the apron! Back in the ring, Regal again throws forearms, but Vader reverses an Irish whip attempt… bowls Regal over with a bodyblock! Vader now takes control, he drops a pair of elbows, before he comes off the ropes… running splash gets Vader a two count. Vader now looks to target the spine, he hits a backbreaker, followed by more elbows to the small of the back, before he shoots Regal to the corner and follows in… corner splash! Regal is in trouble here, he slumps to the mat, Regal climbs to the second rope… diving splash… no! Regal rolls… Vader crashes to the canvas!

A reprieve for Regal, he throws those uppercuts once more, but he goes for an Irish whip… Vader lowers his head… Regal hits a knee… then a Russian legsweep! 1… 2… Vader kicks out, but Regal is in control now, he smacks forearms to the head, but Vader swings… Regal ducks… release German suplex! Amazing strength from Regal, now he’s building momentum… plants Vader with a scoop slam! Regal waits for Vader to make it back up… hits a bulldog! 1… 2… Vader rolls a shoulder! Regal senses he can put Vader away here, he drags the big guy up and looks to send him to the corner… but Vader reverses and follows in… boot to the face! Vader stumbles up, Regal grabs the wrist and twists… REGAL CUTTER… NO! Vader spins out of it… nails Regal with a stiff clothesline! Regal is down, Vader has him in the perfect spot, he climbs to the second rope… VADERBOMB… REGAL GETS HIS KNEES UP!! Vader grabs at his midsection as he stumbles away, Regal looks to strike… REGAL CUTTER!! This time Regal hits it, he hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: William Regal @ 05:29

It was as stiff as advertised, but Regal picks up the biggest win of his WWF career so far by putting Vader away. Regal definitely felt the full effects of the match though as he pushes himself back to his feet, his hand raised by the referee before he gives a manly nod of the head and then makes for the ropes…

Jim Ross: Well William Regal right there, he proved he’s tougher than a two dollar steak if ya’ ask me. Some of tha’ shots he an’ Vader were tradin’ with each other woulda saw any normal man put in a hospital, but it’s Regal who prevails.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And if he had anybody doubting he belonged here in the WWF, they’re not thinkin’ that anymore! I only wish he’d slapped the beer clean outta Austin’s hand when they ran into each other earlier!

But there’s no fuss from Regal, he just heads up the ramp and from the stage, he looks back and gives the fans a quick nod of the head before he disappears through the curtain.

But when then take a quick cut to the parking lot where a shabby, beaten down van pulls up into the arena… and Kaientai jump out! Mr. Yamaguchi shuts off the engine and exits the drivers seat, he and Sho Funaki from the passenger seat heading to the back doors which burst open, Dick Togo and Men’s Teioh stepping out… and pulling the hooded Taka Michinoku with them! Just like last week, Taka has the hood over his head, his hands are tied behind his back, and Yamaguchi has that creepy look on his face as Togo hands him the samurai sword before they all head for the entrance…

Jim Ross: Well tonight’s tha’ night we’re gonna find out, is Tajiri gonna give up his WWF career ta’ save his friend, Taka Michinoku? What decision is Tajiri gonna make tonight!?

*Commercial*​

From the commercial we’re backstage with Dan Severn and The Jackyl, the pair heading towards the gorilla position for the next match. Jackyl is going over some last minute instructions, while Severn just stares straight ahead with a stern look on his face…

The Jackyl: …you take him, you put him in the Dragon Sleeper, he becomes another non-believer who suffers at the hands of ‘The Beast’!

Jackyl allows himself a quick evil cackle, but suddenly Severn comes to a stop, his gaze stolen by something behind the camera…

The Jackyl: Dan? What? What is it?

The camera then swivels a full 180 to show us what Severn is staring at… William Regal is standing far across the opposite side of the room! In the distance we can see Regal is staring back at Severn as intently as Severn is staring at him, the two locking eyes from across the room at each other…

The Jackyl: Dan! What’s goin’…?

But just like that, we see Severn walking off screen, the camera then turning quickly again to see Regal heading for the dressing rooms, before the camera switches back to a confused looking Jackyl, who let’s out a frustrated sigh before this brief little incident comes to an end.

And we go to the interview set, where Kevin Kelly is standing by, ready to speak with Dustin Runnels and Terri Runnels…

Kevin Kelly: Dustin, Terri, last week on Raw we all witnessed the beautiful ceremony where the two of renewed your wedding vows turn to heartbreak as some kind of red liquid fell from the ceiling, many people saying it was a quite literal bloodbath that ruined the occasion. We saw tears from you Terri, obviously a lot of anger from you Dustin… do either of you have any ideas what could be the reason behind such a despicable act on what was supposed to be such a joyous night for the two of you?

Terri looks up towards Dustin, who places a hand on his wife’s shoulder in a show of support…

Terri Runnels: Uh, well Kevin, the honest answer is… no. No we don’t know who did that last week or why they decided to do it. Obviously it was supposed to be a happy night for us… and it just got ruined. And I…

Terri stops and puts a hand over her mouth, clearly reminiscing about the events of last week are bringing her close to tears once again…

Dustin Runnels: I think what Terri’s tryin’ to say is that for some unknown reason, somebody decided to ruin last week for us. But right now Kevin, I want answers. I wanna know who it was, I wanna why they did it, and I wanna know where that person is so I can kick the crap outta them!

And clearly this has had an effect on Dustin too given the fire he speaks with…

Dustin Runnels: That was supposed to be one of the happiest nights of our lives, and what happened? We got left covered in blood! But forget the fact that I took a bloodbath, whoever did that last week… they made my wife cry. And as a husband and as a man… I can’t let that stand.

Terri has managed to compose herself and again looks up at Dustin, but Dustin’s eyes are firmly fixated on the camera…

Dustin Runnels: So whoever ya’ are… don’t go droppin’ blood on me. Don’t go ruinin’ our special night. Just walk down that ramp… an’ face me like a man.

And that gets a bit of a pop from inside the arena…

Dustin Runnels: I’m gonna be out there tonight, Terri’s gonna be by ma’ side. No games, no blood, none o’ that! Just you an’ me, whoever you are you sick sunnova bitch!

Kelly looks shocked to hear the normally straight laced Runnels speak like that, but having made his point, Dustin looks down at Terri and says…

Dustin Runnels: C’mon Terri…

And with that, the pair make their exit, leaving Kelly to watch them go, still taken aback by the stern words from Dustin as we cut back into the arena.

And we hear…

*BANGERS*​

A very rare appearance for The Headbangers here on Raw, with Mosh and Thrasher not getting that much of a reaction from the crowd. They jump up and bang into each other, Mosh then spits some water in the air, the pair acting like their usual goofy selves as they reach the ring…

Jim Ross: Mosh an’ Thrasher of Tha’ Headbangers comin’ out here, but there’s somethin’ goin’ on there between William Regal and Dan Severn. Since Regal’s first night in tha’ WWF, he an’ Severn have ran into each other a few times now. There ain’t been nothin’ physical yet, but there’s somethin’ goin’ on between ‘em.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And if you thought Regal and Vader was hard hittin’, wait until Regal and Severn ever get in the ring together. Those two could wind up beatin’ the hell outta each other!

*FIGHTER*​

And here comes Dan Severn and The Jackyl, Severn with his eyes locked in on the ring while Jackyl appears to be trying to attract Severn’s attention as he follows. Jackyl looks like he wants to discuss what happened back there between Severn and Regal, but Severn is robotic like in his focus on his opponent…

Jim Ross: Well there ya’ see ‘Tha’ Beast’ Dan Severn, still undefeated here in tha’ WWF. Tha’ Jackyl brought Severn ta’ tha’ WWF promising pain and torture, and I think that’s been tha’ case for anybody caught in that Dragon Sleeper of his.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and I think pain and torture is what’s gonna happen to these Headbangers tonight. And I don’t even mean Dan Severn. I’m talkin’ about anybody who has to listen to that awful music they’re into.

Match Two:
Dan Severn w/ The Jackyl vs. Mosh w/ Thrasher

We start with a tie-up, but that doesn’t last long, he starts throwing uppercuts and drilling knees to the body, before he hooks Mosh up… double underhook suplex! Severn now mounts Mosh, raining down with forearms to the jaw, Mosh trying to cover up as Severn batters him. The referee steps in to call for a break which Severn provides, but as soon as Mosh is back up, Severn moves in again… belly-to-back suplex, which allows Severn to lock on a reverse chinlock. Severn wrenches on the neck, Thrasher trying to get the crowd behind Mosh… and eventually Mosh is able to twist his way free, he storms back to his feet… and drills Severn with a kick to the chest! Mosh comes off the ropes… jumps and smacks his backside of Severn’s face!

Mosh tries to build some momentum, he lands right hands… but then he swings and misses… Severn hits a release German suplex! Mosh near enough landed on his head, Severn moves back in, drags Mosh up, drills knees to the head, then he takes Mosh up and down… northern lights suplex! 1… 2… Mosh barely kicks out! Severn is well in control now though, he drags Mosh up, lands a pair of uppercuts, then a trio of headbutts, before he doubles Mosh over… takes him up… TURNBUCKLE POWERBOMB! Mosh hits the corner hard, staggers and drops to his knees… and Severn makes his move… DRAGON SLEEPER! Severn locks it on, takes Mosh down and grapevines… and there’s nothing Mosh can do but tap out!

Winner: Via Submission, Dan Severn @ 03:19

Another straightforward victory for Severn, he quickly pushes himself back to his feet to have his hand raised, only for Jackyl to join Severn and push the referee away, choosing to raise Severn’s hand himself. All business, Severn heads for the ropes, the smile now returning to Jackyl’s face as he makes peace signs to the unimpressed fans…

Jim Ross: That’s nine straight wins, no defeats for Severn now. Of course he’d be up at 50 – 0 or somethin’ by now if we were makin’ up the numbers like some other organisations, but be that as it may, ‘Tha’ Beast’ made quick work of poor Mosh there.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well the way things are goin’ right now, it’s gonna take somethin’ really special to put a stop to Severn and his winnin’ streak any time soon.

The camera follows Severn as he trudges up the ramp, but with the job done, Severn just carries on behind the curtain, leaving Jackyl to smirk and blow a kiss into the camera before we cut away.

Back to the parking lot… where The Rock has just arrived! With his bag over his shoulder, Rock cuts a seriously pissed off figure right now, but the King of the Ring is in the building after his defeat last night, so what could he have in store for us all?

*Commercial*​

We return to the office of Vince McMahon, joining he and Jim Cornette mid-conversation, with Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter all standing nearby, exasperated looks on the faces of Vince and his cronies…

Jim Cornette: …I mean you saw that last night! Chyna, she came outta nowhere and put her hands on me! Me, of all people! Now Mr. McMahon, I’m known you a long time, I’ve always respected you, you’ve always been a very fair and honest gentlemen as far as I’m concerned, so I’m beggin’ ya’, I’m pleadin’ with ya’ right now, please, please, please… give us another shot. Won’t ya’?

Vince rubs a hand across his forehead in annoyance…

Vince McMahon: You want The Heritage to have another shot at The New Age Outlaws and the World Tag Team Championships?

Jim Cornette: That’s right, Mr. McMahon!

Vince McMahon: And why should I do that?

With Cornette expecting his snivelling to get McMahon to agree no problems, he’s taken aback slightly at having to explain his request…

Jim Cornette: Uh, well… uh, Chyna! She weren’t supposed ta’ be there last night, she came outta nowhere and she assaulted me! Infact, I don’t know if your fancy cameras caught it, but she pulled a switchblade on me last night! I oughta have her arrested for assault an’ battery with a deadly weapon! And another thing, she-

Vince McMahon: Aw just, enough! Alright? Just stop it!

Firmly in his place, Cornette backs down and holds his hands out to calm the situation…

Vince McMahon: As far as I’m concerned, you and Chyna? You’re both as bad as each other! The two of ya’, always gettin’ involved in matches, and there’s been way too much of that goin’ on around here as of late, especially last night!

McMahon pauses, glaring at Cornette, before he lets out an annoyed sigh…

Vince McMahon: But I tell ya’ what I’m gonna do for you, Jim. Y’see I don’t really care very much for D-Generation X right now. They’ve proven to be quite the distraction for me as of late. And I’m sure you can appreciate that right now, I’m just far too busy to be dealing with your request tonight. But here’s what I’m gonna do. Next week. Next week, it’ll be The Heritage and The New Age Outlaws going at it for the World Tag Team Championships.

That’s an announcement which draws heat from inside the arena, but a huge smile of relief from Cornette as he forcibly grabs Vince by the hand to shake it…

Jim Cornette: Oh my god… thank you! Mr. McMahon, thank you so much! I really-

Vince McMahon: However… I don’t wanna see you or Chyna stickin’ your noses in that match next week. So here’s what we’re gonna do. Next week, my associate Mr. Boss Man oughta be outta the hospital and back here on Raw. So what I’m gonna have Boss Man do… is I’m gonna have him handcuff you and Chyna together on the stage to make sure neither of you can get involved next week!

And by the look on his face, that’s Cornette’s worst nightmare right now…

Jim Cornette: What!? No! Mr. McMahon! I can’t-

Vince McMahon: You want the match don’t you?

Jim Cornette: Well yes, but-

Vince McMahon: Good! Then it’s settled! You and Chyna handcuffed together, and we’ll find out which team is better without their respective managers getting involved.

And that seems to be the end of the matter as far as Vince is concerned, but of course Cornette tries one final, mumbling protest…

Jim Cornette: Yeah but… Mr. McMahon, I mean… we… I can’t… it’s just…

Vince McMahon: I suggest you leave Jim… before I change my mind.

With fear gripping his face, Cornette continues to mumble and shake his head, before he dejectedly trudges towards the door, leaving Vince and his associates to shake their heads as they watch him go.

Quick cut to the interview set, where Michael Cole is standing by with Owen Hart…

Michael Cole: Owen Hart, last night you survived the Triple Threat Match with The Rock and The Undertaker to become the number one contender for the WWF Championship at SummerSlam. But Owen last night when I spoke to you immediately after the match… you didn’t seem all that enthused about the chance to go to SummerSlam to potentially become WWF Champion. Was it just the heat of the moment? What are your thoughts on SummerSlam now that you’ve had twenty-four hours to think about it?

Hart pauses, thinking it over, not sure of what to say…

Owen Hart: Well Michael, to be honest with you… I really don’t know right now. I’ve said it all along, the WWF Title… that doesn’t really interest me anymore. I mean last night, that was a great match between Rock, Undertaker and myself. It wasn’t the one on one match with Rock that I wanted, but I know that the fans who saw that match last night would have really enjoyed it and they’d have went home happy, and I played my part in that.

Cole nods in agreement with that…

Owen Hart: And while I was happy to pick up the win last night in a really hard fought matchup… right now, I just don’t know if I really wanna go to SummerSlam to face the WWF Champion, whoever that might be.

Owen screws up his face and gives a slight shrug of the shoulders…

Owen Hart: I don’t wanna disappoint anybody, I especially don’t wanna disappoint the great WWF fans, I’m sure me against ‘Stone Cold’ or me against Ken Shamrock, either of those are gonna be great matches worthy of main eventing a show like SummerSlam. But right now… I just don’t know, Michael.

Cole gives a reluctant smile, but Owen is quick to try bring some positivity back to this interview…

Owen Hart: But what I do know is that later tonight, when ‘Stone Cold’ defends the WWF Title against Ken Shamrock and Kane… I’m gonna be front row at the announce desk to see it happen.

And that gets a bit of a pop from inside the arena, nothing too big though…

Owen Hart: And I hope that by being up close and personal with the WWF Title Match tonight, that that’ll help me make up my mind with regards to SummerSlam. Thanks Michael. Have a good night!

And with that Owen shakes Cole’s hand and then walks off, Cole watching him go before we head back into the arena.

Where Dustin Runnels and Terri Runnels are already walking down the ramp. As has been the case for the last several months, Dustin has no entrance music and is dressed all in black for his upcoming matchup. The crowd are giving the couple a warm welcome, with Dustin looking very vary as they reach the ring, looking over his shoulder, his eyes darting around the arena on the lookout for a sight of whoever was responsible for that bloodbath last week…

Jim Ross: Well I don’t really know about Owen Hart havin’ doubts about bein’ tha’ number one contenders for tha’ richest prize in this sport, it’ll be interesting to hear what Owen’s got ta’ say for himself later tonight. But right now, Dustin Runnels is set ta’ go up against Tiger Ali Singh, and we heard from Dustin now too long ago, he ain’t in a good mood right now.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And I can’t really blame him. I mean, if my marriage renewal ended with me and my bride covered in blood, I’d be wanting answers too. I’ve never seen anything like that before, ‘JR’! Who d’ya think it was? Where’d it come from?

*DESERT THREAT*​

And here comes Tiger Ali Singh, the European Champion proudly flying the flag of India much to the annoyance of the crowd. Singh saunters down the ramp and then enters the ring, he points and laughs at Dustin in a very ignorant display…

Jim Ross: Well Tiger Ali Singh got a win over Tha’ Godfather last night, he caught Godfather with tha’ Dirty Money outta nowhere ta’ retain tha’ European Title. But it was two weeks ago at Dustin Runnels’ bachelor party that these two got into it again when Tiger insulted Terri and Godfather drove ‘im through a table for his troubles.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and look where that got Godfather last night! Y’know me and Tiger, he had a huge party last night in Hollywood to celebrate his win. And it wasn’t Godfather’s Hos he was celebrating with, it was Playboy bunnies! Nothin’ but the best for the European Champion!

Match Three: Non-Title Match
European Champion Tiger Ali Singh vs. Dustin Runnels w/ Terri Runnels

The pair lockup, trading in and out of headlocks and hammerlocks, until Dustin uses a headlock takedown and then holds on down on the canvas. Tiger works back up, he shoots Dustin off the ropes… but he lowers his head… Dustin drops… drills the right hand! Runnels goes on the attack, hard right hands in the corner, then he sends Tiger across… follows in with a corner clothesline! Tiger stumbles out, Dustin climbs to the second rope… bulldog connects for the first near fall of the match! Tiger takes a chance to roll outside to gather himself, Dustin follows, he tags Singh with a trio of rights then rears back… smashes Tiger’s face off the apron! Tiger is sent back in, but when Dustin follows and looks for an Irish whip, this time he lowers his head… and Tiger hits a swinging neckbreaker!

A chance for Singh to attack now, he looks to work the neck, he drives knees to the back of the head, then he shows impressive strength to take Dustin up and down with a shoulderbreaker for a near fall. Tiger wrenches on the neck with a seated chinlock, then he drapes Dustin across the middle ropes, comes off the far side… and drives down across the neck! Tiger plants Dustin with a scoop slam, then he climbs to the second rope… flying fist drop gets him another two count! At this point Tiger looks for the staple of all middle eastern wrestlers, locking Dustin in a camel clutch as he continues to work the leg. Dustin looks to be in trouble, but with Terri cheering him on, he’s eventually able to work back to his knees… then onto his feet… with Tiger still on his back! Dustin falls backwards… crushes Singh against the turnbuckle! Dustin turns and hits a pair of rights, then he sends Tiger off the ropes… right hand… inverted atomic drop… stiff clothesline!

Runnels is rolling here, he goes for the Irish whip to the corner… Singh reverses… but Dustin jumps to the second rope… twisting crossbody! 1… 2… Singh kicks out, but Runnels has the momentum, he shoots Tiger off the ropes… spinning spinebuster! Dustin is full of fire, he’s ready to put Tiger away, dragging him up… hooking Singh up for the CURTAIN CALL… WAIT! Out of nowhere… THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE ARENA! And we hear…

*BLOOD*​

It’s the same music as last week! Through the red glare we just about see Dustin let go of Tiger and slide under the bottom rope, looking to protect Terri from an attack… but then suddenly, the music stops… and the lights come back on… TERRI AND DUSTIN ARE COVERED IN BLOOD AGAIN!! It’s a second blood bath for Terri and Dustin, they are covered from head to toe in that red liquid, Terri screaming in horror just like last week! But back in the ring, the referee is counting… 7… 8… but Dustin is more concerned with comforting his wife… 9… he doesn’t care about the match… 10!

Winner: Via Countout, Tiger Ali Singh @ 04:49

Well Tiger gets the win, but it’s safe to say that Dustin doesn’t really care about the match right now, Terri is once again in tears as the pair as once again covered in blood! Just like last week, Dustin does his best to console Terri, the pair covered in crimson as Dustin looks around the arena angrily, trying to figure out where these bloodbaths are coming from…

Jim Ross: It happened again! That damn bloodbath! What tha’ hell is goin’ on around here!? Who’s doin’ this!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I don’t know, I mean… I can’t see anybody in the arena that mighta caused it, can you!?

Jim Ross: No I didn’t see a damn thing! The lights went out and when they came back on, Dustin an’ Terri were covered in that red liquid!

Tiger is handed his title in the ring and celebrates the cheapest of victories, but on the outside, Dustin continues to try and console Terri, she’s in tears once again but Dustin is furious, he continues to scan the crowd for an answer… but there’s none forthcoming tonight anyway.

We take a quick cut backstage to see D-Generation X are walking the backstage corridors… and they’re on their way out here it seems!

Jim Ross: Well after tha’ break, we’re gonna hear from D-Generation X! An’ I know that backstage today, Triple H has been in a foul mood after what happened at Fully Loaded last night! Don’t go over, D-X are up when we return ta’ Raw is War!

*Commercial*​

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

The video starts with a pyro display from the stage of a Raw episode, before we see a shot of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin marching down the ramp…

Narrator: The most popular show on cable television today is bringing the Superstars of the WWF to take over a new night of the week!

Quick-fire shots of Austin saluting the crowd from the corner, then D-Generation X setting off pyro with crotch chops, before we see The Undertaker raise his hands to bring light back into an arena…

Narrator: The hard hitting action of Raw is War is coming to Sunday nights!

In ring action, where The Rock plants someone with a Rock Bottom, Kane hits an almighty chokeslam before Ken Shamrock lets out a roar as he has someone trapped in his Ankle Lock…

Narrator: They’ve conquered the competition on Monday nights, and now the WWF is taking over your weekend!

Dressed in a revealing outfit, Sable blows a kiss and gives a wave to the camera, Sunny poses and gives us a wink, while Terri Runnels bends over and gives us a seductive ruffle of her hair…

Narrator: Same action, same drama, same attitude, new night of the week!

More quick fire shots of in-ring action, Mankind goes crashing through Vader in the Boiler Room Brawl, ‘Stone Cold’ drops Ken Shamrock with a Stone Cold Stunner before we see the incredible shot from below of Undertaker chokeslamming Kane through the Hell in a Cell roof…

Narrator: It’s WWF television that’s too hot for Monday nights to handle! And now on Sunday nights…

A final rapid run through of in-ring poses from Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Rock and ‘Stone Cold’…

Narrator: The heat… is on!

”WWF SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT – COMING TO THE USA NETWORK – THIS SUNDAY!”

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

But before we get D-X, we’re backstage with Jeff Jarrett and Sunny, the Intercontinental Champion looking full of himself after his victory last night. Sunny has a pad of paper and a pen in her hands, seemingly making a list of Jarrett’s demands…

Jeff Jarrett: Ho, ho! I told ya’ Sunny! I told ‘em all! I said I was gonna beat that punk Tazz’s ass an’ I did! Haha! Oh Sunny, we’re gonna party tonight! I wanna have a big celebration! Ya’ ready wit’ that pen?

Sunny: I’m ready.

Jeff Jarrett: I want balloons, I want confetti, I want it all Sunny! I want girls! Hey… how ‘bout that Godfather fella? He here tonight?

Sunny finishes scribbling things down before she bites her pen…

Sunny: Uh… yeah. I think he’s here.

Jeff Jarrett: Great! You go get ‘im, tell ‘im tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time wants ta’ hire his girls tonight. All of ‘em! Oh ho, I’m tellin’ ya’, this is gonna be tha’ biggest celebration this stinkin’ town’s ever seen!

Some cheap heat from Jarrett…

Sunny: Hey, uh… what if that stupid moron Tazz tries to show up?

Jeff Jarrett: He can do whatever tha’ hell he wants! I beat his ass fair an’ square last night, no questions asked! He ain’t never gettin’ another shot at ma’ Intercontinental Title! Not a chance!

Jarrett has another little chuckle to himself… but then he paused and thinks things over…

Jeff Jarrett: On second thoughts… you go get Tennessee Lee, tell ‘im I want Southern Justice ta’ be out there wit’ me for security. That lil’ runt comes anywhere near ma’ party, I want ‘im sent straight ta’ tha’ hospital!

Sunny once again scribbles in her pad…

Sunny: No problem… champ.

And with that Sunny turns and leaves, no doubt off to get the party sorted, leaving Jarrett to smirk and chuckle away to himself…

Jeff Jarrett: Haha… champ. You damn right I’m tha’ champ!

And after that brief moment of talking to himself, the camera lingers on Jarrett as he stares into the distance, before we cut away.

Back into the arena to hear…

”ARE YOU READY!?”

*BREAK IT DOWN*​

The Anaheim crowd are on their feet once more as D-Generation X hit the arena. Triple H leads them down the ramp, he’s got Chyna back by his side, while Road Dogg and Billy Gunn bring up the rear…

Jim Ross: Well it was a mixed bag last night for D-X. We saw Tha’ New Age Outlaws defend their World Tag Team Championships against Tha’ Heritage, but Triple H lost ta’ Kane later in tha’ night thanks ta’ some kinda distraction from Tha’ Undertaker.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and Triple H has been hot about that all day backstage! He was tellin’ anybody who’d listen that after what happened last night, he wants a piece of The Undertaker! Is he crazy!? Has he got some kinda death wish or somethin’?

As they reach the ring, D-X throw out plenty of crotch chops as they head to the corner, before they all drop back down and Triple H goes to grab a microphone…

Triple H: Anaheim, California… are you ready?

But as we know, that first pop is never the first pop Helmsley is looking for…

Triple H: I said ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA… ARE – YOU – READYYYYY!?

There we go…

Triple H: Then for the thousands in attendance and for the millions watchin’ at home… LLLLLETS GET READY TO SUCK ITTTTT!

Helmsley and The Outlaws fire out all kinds of crotch chops, before Helmsley drops down to hand the mic over to Road Dogg…

Road Dogg: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. D-Generation X, proudly brings to you it’s still WWF TAG – TEAM – CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLDDDDD… THE ROAD DOGG ‘JESSE JAMES’… ‘THE BADD ASS’ BILLY GUNN… THE NEW – AGE – OUTLAWS!

The crowd always lap up this kinda of speil…

Road Dogg: And of course we are joined tonight by the biggest arms in the west, Chyna! And that Triple Hizzle, Hun’er Hearst Helmsley!

Helmsley then steps behind Chyna and fires off a crotch chop around her nether regions as Dogg hand the mic to Billy…

Billy Gunn: And if you’re not down with D-Generation X… WE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA’!

”SUCK IT!”

So now the introductions are out of the way, we get down to the real purpose of this segment…

Triple H: So last night, I stepped into the ring with that big, red freak Kane and I had that sunnova bitch right where I wanted him! He stuck Chyna with a chokeslam, he dropped X-Pac with the Tombstone on the chair, and at Fully Loaded, I was ready to take it outta his ass!

Helmsley paces the ring as he talks, clearly he’s pretty annoyed about how things went last night…

Triple H: I was gonna Pedigree his ass into that chair, I was gonna get payback for D-X… until The Undertaker decided to do his little trick with the lights.

A mixed response from the crowd given that it’s too fan favourites who are involved in the discussion here…

Triple H: Well listen ‘Deadman’, I ain’t afraid of the dark! You wanna play your mind games with me, you go right ahead! I don’t give a damn what McMahon’s got goin’ on, and I don’t give a damn if Kane’s your brother, that big, red bastard made an enemy of D-X these last few weeks, and we ain’t gonna let that drop!

Some real fire in Helmsley’s voice as he speaks…

Triple H: So Undertaker… you wanna get involved in our business? Then if you got the time, I got the balls, you drag your dead ass out here and I’ll take it outta you instead!

Whoa! Triple H is calling out The Undertaker! And the crowd are buzzing in anticipation, waiting for an answer from ‘The Phenom’… and although we have to wait a few seconds… eventually we get…

*DARKSIDE*​

Anaheim are on their feet as The Undertaker marches down the ramp! D-X are standing tall in the ring, no signs of intimidation from them as Undertaker brings the lights back into the arena and then steps through the ropes…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Has Triple H got a death wish or somethin’!? He just called out The Undertaker!

Jim Ross: Well D-X have always played ba’ their own rules, but I don’t know about this one. This might be puttin’ y’er pride ahead of y’er safety there, Triple H!

As he steps through the ropes, Undertaker walks straight up to Triple H, the two engaging in a tense staredown, the crowd going wild, before Undertaker reaches down to take the microphone from Triple H’s hand…

The Undertaker: Listen boy… this is one fight you don’t want to start. Last night, it was nothing personal between you and me. McMahon has this hold over my brother right now, and he’s trying to use it to make me fall into line. I did what I did not to get to you… but to save my brother.

Not the slightest change in emotion from Helmsley for that explanation…

The Undertaker: For all the battles we’ve had this last year, he’s still my flesh and blood. And if you think I’m going to let McMahon have him committed to an insane asylum… then you’ve got it all wrong.

That’s a pretty chilling statement from ‘Taker’, it gets a mixed response from the fans, they’re not sure how to take all this…

The Undertaker: I did what I did to buy my brother a stay of execution, I kept the wolves from breaking down the door and causing my family even more turmoil. And what I did last night? I’d do it time… and time again.

Undertaker makes sure to stare very intently at Helmsley as he says that…

The Undertaker: Now you might not like that, but if you want to open the gates of hell right now and challenge me to a fight… then I’ll gladly drag you to the very depths with me.

But the prospect of a match between these two gets a big pop…

The Undertaker: But you better realise that by coming out here right now… you’re giving Vince McMahon exactly what he wants. He wants to see his enemies turn against each other, he wants to distract you from your issues with him… to start an issue with me. Now I wasn’t responsible for what happened to Chyna… and I had nothing to do with what happened to X-Pac. Your problem isn’t with me… and it isn’t with my brother either. Your problem… is with McMahon.

And for the first time, Helmsley turns away slightly from Undertaker, perhaps deep down he knows that to be true but his pride is getting in the way right now…

The Undertaker: But if you want to come out here and run your mouth about me and my family… then I’ll give you the problem you’re looking for.

Another big pop, the Anaheim faithful clearly want to see these two going at it tonight…

Triple H: Listen ‘Deadman’, I don’t buy into all this crap! And I don’t give a damn about Kane and Vince McMahon! You screwed with me and D-X last night, now you’re gonna pay for it!

Realising his chance to reason with Helmsley is gone, Undertaker very slowly shakes his head…

Triple H: I want a match! You and me, right now! Let’s do it!

Again the crowd are fully onboard, and Undertaker seems to have given up trying to avoid this…

The Undertaker: Last night, I did what I had to do. But if you want to start throwing out challenges… then I’ll do what I have to do to shut you up!

That draws a smirk from Helmsley, the tension building between the two as Undertaker says…

The Undertaker: You want to dance with the devil? You got it!

That gets a massive cheer, with Helmsley ripping off his t-shirt, he’s ready to go right now!

Jim Ross: What!? Wait a minute! Triple H and The Undertaker… are we gonna have this match right now!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: No way! They can’t allow this to happen, can they!?

Jim Ross: I don’t know! Folks, we’re gonna try get a word from somebody backstage, don’t go anywhere! We might have Triple H an’ Tha’ Undertaker when we return! Stay with us!

*Commercial*

*Hour Two*​

And we return to see that Sgt. Slaughter and referee Mike Chioda are walking down the ramp, Slaughter giving some final instructions to the referee in his role as Commissioner, it seems like this one is indeed a goer!

Jim Ross: Welcome back ta’ Raw folks! There’s Commissioner Slaughter, he’s agreed ta’ this match! No doubt on tha’ say so of Vince McMahon, but this is gonna happen! Undertaker an’ Triple H!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well be careful what you wish for Triple H, cos The Undertaker’s gonna give it to ya’ right here…

Match Four:
The Undertaker vs. Triple H w/ The New Age Outlaws and Chyna

And as soon as the bell rings, Helmsley goes on the attack, he starts landing right hands to back ‘Taker’ to the corner… only for Undertaker to explode with a clothesline! Now it’s Undertaker’s turn to lay in with the right hands in the corner, before he knocks Trips down to the canvas then dives outside… to drop an elbow against the apron! Undertaker then drags Helmsley outside… looking for an Irish whip… but Triple H reverses… Undertaker crashes knee first into the ringsteps! Helmsley’s turn to attack, he hammers the rights against the barricade, then he grabs a handful of hair and walks ‘Taker’ towards the announce desk… Undertaker blocks it… Helmsley eats the announce desk! The early moments of the match have been a back and forth brawl, but we now go back into the ring where Undertaker drills more rights in the corner, then he looks for the Irish whip across… but Trips reverses and follows in… corner clothesline! Helmsley hits stomps and rights, then he goes for the Irish whip across… Undertaker reverses… runs into a back elbow! Trips bursts from the corner… into a big boot!

And at this point we cut backstage to see Vince McMahon is watching this one on a sofa, Ken Shamrock, Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman sat besides him, while Kane lurks in the background, McMahon with a smirk on his face while Shamrock is busy tapping up his hands. Neither man can gain control of this matchup so far, but perhaps Undertaker can as he plants Trips with a scoop slam and comes off the ropes… but he misses with a big elbow! Undertaker staggers to his feet, Helmsley backs him to the ropes with rights then rears back… clothesline over the top rope… but ‘The Deadman’ lands on his feet… right next to Road Dogg and Billy! The Outlaws are never ones to back down from a fight, and Undertaker stares them down… then he smacks Billy with a right hand… and one for Road Dogg! But then Undertaker turns… right into Chyna! Chyna isn’t scared of anyone, she waves Undertaker forward to take a swing… but here comes Helmsley off the apron… diving double axe-handle… sends Undertaker into the steps! Undertaker eats the steel for the second time, with Helmsley rolling ‘The Phenom’ back into the ring.

A chance for Trips to take control, he shoves Undertaker to the corner and climbs to the second rope… rains down with right hands! The crowd count along… 7… 8… 9… crotch chop… 10! Trips drops down, he sends Undertaker off the ropes… jumping knee! Helmsley goes for the cover… 1… 2… Undertaker kicks out! Helmsley looks to build momentum, he throws more rights, but Undertaker throws a shot… Helmsley ducks… kick… DDT! That could do it, 1… 2… Undertaker kicks out again! Triple H is rolling here, he again lands rights to the head, before he goes for the Irish whip… but Undertaker ducks a clothesline and keeps on running… leaping clothesline! Undertaker fires back, he scoops Helmsley up… snake eyes in the corner! ‘Taker’ comes off the ropes… running boot!

Undertaker has the upperhand now, he hits the running legdrop for a two count before he goes for the Irish whip… Helmsley reverses, but he lowers his head… RUNNING DDT! Undertaker hooks a leg… 1… 2… Helmsley rolls a shoulder! Undertaker looks to do more damage, he looks to shoot Helmsley to the corner… but Trips reverses, shoots ‘Taker’ towards the original corner… UNDERTAKER CRASHES INTO THE REFEREE! The referee is down, but neither man is stopping, Trips drills a boot to the midsection… then the facebreaker! Undertaker is in trouble, Helmsley hits a boot to the midsection… PEDIGREE… NO! Undertaker counters… double-leg takedown… then he catapults Helmsley into the corner! Trips staggers out… and Undertaker scoops him up… TOMBSTONE… CRACK!! UNDERTAKER IS SMACKED BY A STEEL CHAIR… BY THE ROCK!! Undertaker took Helmsley up and staggered to the ropes, and The Rock came out of nowhere and nailed Undertaker with a chair shot to the spine! ‘Taker’ drops Helmsley, he stumbles forward in pain… and Triple H makes his move… PEDIGREE!! This time Helmsley nails it, D-X look on in confusion at Rock as Trips hooks the leg… and the referee crawls to make the slow 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Triple H @ 07:11

Triple H picks up the win and gains a measure of revenge on The Undertaker after last night, but The Rock had a huge part to play in it! With the match over, Helmsley quickly pushes himself back to his feet to have his hand raised, with the rest of D-X joining him in the ring to celebrate. Undertaker hasn’t moved yet, he’s still lying motionless on the mat, Triple H glaring down on him… and then Helmsley and The Rock lock eyes! D-X makes their exit from the ring, but Trips makes sure to trade words with Rock before he goes…

Jim Ross: What a matchup that was! Triple H got tha’ win there, but it was Tha’ Rock with tha’ damn steel chair who did tha’ damage! Rocky weren’t happy last week when Undertaker inserted ‘imself into tha’ match wit’ Rock an’ Owen, an’ I guess that chair shot was payback for tha’ chokeslam Undertaker gave Rock after tha’ match.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well Undertaker talked about Mr. McMahon turning his enemies against each other, I don’t think The Rock needed any encouragement after what happened last night!

With D-X now departing the scene having got what they came for tonight, Rock now slides into the ring… with the steel chair still in his hand! Rock arrogantly stands over Undertaker, pointing down at him and mocking ‘The Deadman’… until UNDERTAKER SITS UP! ‘Taker’ sits bolt upright… but Rock quickly reacts… SMASHES THE CHAIR OFF UNDERTAKER’S FACE!!

Rock absolutely crushes the chair off Undertaker’s face, sending ‘Taker’ back down to the canvas! The crowd boo heavily as Rock once again gloats over his actions standing over Undertaker with a fist raised in the air, before Rock heads to the ropes and makes his exit, trash talking with the crowd as he goes up the ramp…

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd what a chair shot! Tha’ Rock damn near took Undertaker’s head off right there!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well the new edition of Time Magazine had Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. on the cover of this morning, but The Rock just became the new home run king for me with that shot right there!

Seriously, go look it up. July 27th, 1998 Time Magazine. I do my research folks. Anyway, having laid out Undertaker, Rock has now made it to the top of the ramp, he pauses to take one final look back at the ring… and UNDERTAKER SITS UP AGAIN!

The crowd roar once more as Undertaker sits up and snaps his head to look up at the stage, his eyes locked in on The Rock! There’s an initial moment of fear from Rock as he sees Undertaker rolling from the ring to chase after him, but soon the usual arrogant Rock is back as he waves Undertaker towards him, goading ‘The Deadman’ to come and get him… just before Rock disappears backstage! With Undertaker stalking after him, Rock makes his exit, but ‘The Phenom’ seems determined to get his hands on Rock after the pair of chair shot…

Jim Ross: Things are about ready ta’ explode between these two! Tha’ Undertaker wants Tha’ Rock! What’s gonna happen if these two ever come face ta’ face!?

That’s a question for another day, as we take one last look at the furious scowl on Undertaker’s face before we make a quick cut away.

Back to the office of Vince McMahon, who now has a smirk on his face, as does Ken Shamrock who has finished tapping his wrists and Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman. Vince looks over Shamrock’s shoulder towards Kane standing in the corner and points a finger at him…

Vince McMahon: Don’t even think about it, Kane! Don’t even think about gettin’ involved in that! You’ve got more important things to worry about tonight! You just focus on tryin’ to stay outta the nut house, ya’ got it!?

Kane slowly nods his head, which is enough to satisfy McMahon for now as he turns back towards the TV… but then the camera zooms in on Kane, who cocks his head to the side, he can sense something again… but on that image we need to head to a commercial.

*Commercial*​

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

Once again the video starts with fast cuts in a very 1990s MTV style of footage. Through the jumpy images we see our man Darren Drozdov with a group of his friends in a field somewhere, drinking beers and generally having a laugh with each other…

Darren Drozdov: Hey. My name’s Darren Drozdov. And sometime I just like to come out here with my buddies and shoot it up a little bit!

We now see ‘Droz’ and his friends have a series of hunting riffles with them in the back of a pickup truck, with Drozdov taking on of the guns and looking through the scope on it…

Darren Drozdov: Sometimes you just gotta let off a few rounds, blow off some steam!

More fast footage, Drozdov taking aim at empty beer cans that have been placed on a nearby wall…

Darren Drozdov: It’s like I said, I’m a freak!

More quick shots of ‘Droz’ and his friends taking shots, giving each other high fives every time they hit their target…

Darren Drozdov: And y’know I might not bring a gun with me to the ring, but if ya’ get close enough, I’m just as deadly!

’Droz’ now chugs a can of beer, his friends firing a few rounds of amo into the air in celebration…

Darren Drozdov: And when I get to the World Wrestling Federation, I ain’t gonna need guns and bullets. Cos I’m locked and loaded on the competition baby! Yeah!

Drozdov has a little chuckle to himself, before the screen fades to black and the following graphic appears…

”DARREN DROZDOV – COMING SOON TO THE WWF!”

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

This guy ‘Droz’ has midcard written all over him. Anyway, we’re now at the interview set with Michael Cole who is standing alongside Al Snow! But conspicuous by her absence is Head, who is nowhere to be seen…

Michael Cole: Al Snow, last night you were refused entry to the arena for Fully Loaded by order of Mr. McMahon, he didn’t want you involving yourself in anyway in Mankind’s Hardcore Match with Big Boss Man. Now Mankind was pretty upset about that, he wanted you and Head in his corner for that match, and while you weren’t able to gain access to the Selland Arena last night… Head somehow did. What was going on? How did Mankind get Head in Fresno last night?

And Snow looks disgusted at Cole for wording his question that way…

Al Snow: Don’t say it like that Michael! Jeez!

Michael Cole: Oh, uh… sorry.

Al Snow: And what kinda stupid question is that anyway? How d’you think Head got inside the arena? What, you think she levitated or somethin’? Or she just magically appeared? Or maybe teleportation? Y’think that was it?! Huh!?

The crazed look in Snow’s eyes cause Cole to step back and retreat within himself slightly…

Michael Cole: Uh, well… no.

Al Snow: No! Of course not! It’s really simple… Mick came out to the parking lot and got her.

And Cole looks surprised at that…

Michael Cole: Oh! So Mankind left the boiler room last night? He just left the arena and went outside to get Head?

Al Snow: No, no! It wasn’t Mankind… it was Mick Foley who came out to get Head.

Cole comes close to laughing, but Al is deadly serious…

Michael Cole: I, uh… I don’t understand.

Al Snow: Mick Foley heard I wasn’t allowed in the arena, he came into the parking lot to come and speak to me and he got Head. Why is that so hard to understand?

And now Cole is shaking his head and screwing up his face in confusion…

Michael Cole: But… Mankind, he didn’t know Head was in the boiler room. If Mick Foley came and got Head from you… then why did Mankind not know about it?

Al Snow: Beats me, Michael. But hey, speaking of Head… have you seen her? I mean I gave her to Mick last night, he told me to wait in the parking lot he’d give Head back to me, next thing I know she’s leaving in an ambulance with Mankind! I mean that was just a loaner last night, I need Head back again!

Al stares intently at Cole, looking for an answer, but all Cole can do is shake his head apologetically…

Michael Cole: Oh, uh… I’m sorry Al. I have no idea. All I know is that Mankind, or Mick Foley, or whoever, is still in a medical facility in Fresno.

Al Snow: Hmm… alright. I just hope she’s ok. God… I miss Head. Anyway, thank you for your time Michael!

And with that, Snow motions for Cole to leave the interview set, this time he takes on the role of watching Cole leave, although Cole is very confused by this whole situation and the look on his face suggests he’s a little weirded out by Al’s antics.

Back into the arena for…

*YAMATO SUITE*​

Tajiri makes his way into the arena, looking pretty dejected ahead of what could potentially be his last night here in the WWF. As Tajiri hits the ring, there’s very little interaction between he and the crowd, clearly this decision is weighing heavily on his mind right now…

Jim Ross: Well there’s a lotta things I don’t quite understand about Al Snow and Head, but I understand this situation right here wit’ Tajiri an’ it breaks ma’ heart quite frankly. This kid Tajiri, he came ta’ America, he chased tha’ dream of makin’ it here in tha’ WWF, and now it looks like it’s all gonna be taken away from him by Yamaguchi and Kaientai.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: God, ‘JR’… do I gotta do this? I mean, the last two weeks, that little Chinese punk has sprayed that green mist right in my face! Why do I always have to do these interviews with him!? He can’t even speak English!

Jim Ross: Well I don’t give out tha’ assignments here, ‘King’. Somebody in tha’ truck must think you an’ Tajiri have got some kinda chemistry together or somethin’.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What!? Are you kiddin’ me!?

And with Lawler protesting at the announce desk, we get a few awkward moments where Tajiri is left standing in the ring looking confused, until finally Lawler grabs a microphone and steps into the ring…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Alright. Now listen up you little Jackie Chan wannabe, don’t you even think about givin’ me that Green Mist tonight! Two weeks in a row you’ve spat that stuff in my face, and it better not happen again! You hear me?

But of course, Tajiri just looks back at Lawler with a blank expression on his face…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Oh, of course. This kid only speaks Chinese! I mean, I suppose he’d understand me better if I called him on the phone and asked for a delivery! Haha!

Nice bit of casual racism there ‘King’…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Anyway, let’s get down to business here. Tajiri, tonight’s the night you gotta make a decision with regards to your little buddy, Taka Michi-no-clue. Now two weeks ago, Kaientai and Mr. Yamaguchi kidnapped little Taka, and then last week they issued you with an ultimatum. You either agree to their terms and you say sayonara to the World Wrestling Federation… or they’re gonna choppy choppy Taka’s head off his shoulders!

Still very little response from Tajiri, clearly he’s struggling to understand Lawler…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: You really don’t have a clue what I’m sayin’, do you? I mean, I could be sayin’ anything right now, you wouldn’t have any idea, would ya’? I could say you don’t have a brain in that head of yours, all you’ve got is a box of noodles, and you wouldn’t even realise it would ya!? Haha!

And certainly it doesn’t seem like Tajiri does realise, as he just stares at Lawler and then turns to look at the crowd, almost looking for someone to explain what’s going on here…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Alright, alright! Here we go! Tajiri… what’s it gonna be? We know Mr. Yamaguchi is back there, and he wants an answer here tonight! Are you gonna agree to leave the WWF and take the next flight back to Beijing, or Taiwan, or wherever you’re from!? Or are you gonna be a moron and let ‘em make sushi outta your little buddy Taka? What’s it gonna be!?

But again, Tajiri really has no idea what Lawler is saying, so when Lawler points the mic at him, he rhymes off something in Japanese…

Tajiri: Tomodachi no Taka o tebanashite hoshī. Watashi wa WWF o sarimasu.

But Lawler just shakes his head in annoyance at that…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What? I don’t speak Chinese!

Tajiri: Yamaguchi ni hoshīmono o agemasu. Watashi wa WWF kara hanaremasu!

Again, all Lawler can do is shake his head…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Oh, boy. This… I don’t know how this is gonna work. I mean-

???: Hey! Tajiri!

All eyes turn towards the titan-tron, where we see Kaientai huddled around Taka Michinoku, who is once again tied to a chair. Sho Funaki, Dick Togo and Men’s Teioh stand to the side and behind the chair, while Mr. Yamaguchi is towards the camera, samurai sword in his face…

Mr. Yamaguchi: Tajiri! We got a choice for you! You leave WWF… or we chop Taka head off! Huh!?

Yamaguchi takes the samurai and places it close to Taka’s neck…

Mr. Yamaguchi: Anata wa WWF o saru ka, Taka no atama o kiriotosu tsumoridesu!

And then with a final glare into the camera, Yamaguchi yells…

Mr. Yamaguchi: Tajiri! You leave WWF now! Or say goodbye to Taka! Haha!

We got back to the ring, where the concerned Tajiri pulls the mic towards him…

Tajiri: Yamaguchi ni kachimasu! Watashi wa anata ga hoshī mono o anata ni agemasu! WWF ni wakare o tsugemasu! Taka o kizutsukenaide kudasai!

It’s clear to anyone with a brain that Tajiri is agreeing to Yamaguchi’s terms, but Lawler wants to stick the knife in further by demanding Tajiri give an answer he can understand…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What!? C’mon, in English!

Annoyed, there’s nothing left for Tajiri to do but just nod his head franticly to signal he’s saying yes…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Is that it? You’re sayin’ yes!? You’re leavin’!?

Tajiri continues to laugh, which brings a massive smirk to Lawler’s face…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Haha! You really are a moron! I can’t believe you’re givin’ up your career in the WWF for that little peon Taka! Haha! Hey, Yamaguchi! He did it! He said yes! He’s outta here!

Back to the room where Taka is being held hostage, with Yamaguchi allowing himself a brief moment to smile at the outcome of all of this…

Mr. Yamaguchi: Tajiri! You want Taka? Huh!? You come get him!

And then just like that, the camera feed on the tron cuts out! We get static on the screen, and a look of fear crosses Tajiri’s face, he’s not sure what’s happening here… and Lawler is laughing in his face again!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: You hear that? You gotta go back there and get your little buddy! Go on! Get outta you little runt! And don’t come-

GREEN MIST TO LAWLER!

Tajiri has clearly heard enough out of Lawler, he’s hit him with that Green Mist for the third week in a row! But as Lawler flails and tries to wipe the mist from his eyes, Tajiri slides under the bottom rope… and he starts sprinting backstage! Tajiri legs it up the ramp, he’s going to save Taka… but what’s he going to find when he gets there!?

Jim Ross: Lawler got it again! Tajiri hit Lawler wit’ tha’ Green Mist again! Tajiri’s agreed ta’ leave tha’ WWF, but what about Taka!? What’s gonna happen here!?

*Commercial*​

But when we return we’re still with Tajiri as he races along a backstage corridor, looking inside a few rooms, until some random backstage worker points him towards a room near the end of the corridor, but when Tajiri bursts through the door… the chair in which Taka sat… is empty! Tajiri has a quick scout around the room and notices that instead of Taka in the chair… there is now a clipboard with what looks like a contract on it!?

Jim Ross: We’re back live folks! Tajiri is lookin’ for his buddy Taka Michinoku, Yamaguchi told ‘im ta’ come an’ get Taka, but Taka an’ Kaientai are nowhere ta’ be found!

Tajiri picks up the contract, he takes a look at it for a few seconds, but then out of nowhere… a loud tire screech is heard! Tajiri instantly turns and races back through the door, the camera struggling to keep up with Tajiri as he races towards the parking lot… where we see Mr. Yamaguchi sticking his head out of the rear door of the broken down van from earlier! You have to assume that Kaientai and Taka are inside the van, they’re ready to make an escape here but not before Yamaguchi yells…

Mr. Yamaguchi: Tajiri! Haha! You think it that easy!? Huh!? You sign contract, you get Taka back next week!

And with that Yamaguchi slams the door shut, the tires screech again and Kaientai quickly disappear from the Arrowhead Pond parking lot, with the worried and concerned looking Tajiri only able to watch them go. Tajiri takes another look at the clipboard he’s holding, he's already agreed to give up his career… but Yamaguchi isn’t taking any chances here! He wants it official, he wants it writing before he gives Taka back, much to Tajiri’s frustrations as we cut away.

Back into the arena, where Savio Vega is already in the ring, and we hear…

*ROUGH ROCK*​

Time to get back to the in-ring action with ’Marvellous’ Marc Mero, who shadow boxes his way down the ramp. Mero is entering the arena alone, perhaps not a surprise after what we saw between Ivory and Val Venis last night…

Jim Ross: Well ‘Tha’ Marvellous One’ Marc Mero is ready for action here, but I don’t see Ivory anywhere. I guess tha’ workin’ relationship between Mero an’ Ivory kinda broke down after that, uh… video that we saw Ivory an’ Val Venis in last night. But uh, ‘King’… ya’ alright? That’s tha’ hattrick for Tajiri when it comes ta’ hittin’ you with that Green Mist!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Why don’t you shut up ‘JR’!? And can ya’ blame Mero right now!? He brought Ivory to the WWF to have his back and to care of Sable, and somehow she winds up naked in a shower with Val! I’d be kinda ticked off if that happened to me too!

But as Mero reaches the ringside area, from the stage… Ivory is chasing after him! She catches up with Mero and grabs him by his boxing robe, pleading with Mero to listen to her about something, but Mero isn’t interested, he shakes Ivory off of him before he climbs into the ring…

Jim Ross: Well I think Ivory is tryin’ ta’ apologise ta’ Mero here, but Mero ain’t interested! He doesn’t want anythin’ to do with her right now!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well I can understand Mero bein’ upset, but c’mon Marc, have a heart! Ivory looks really cut up about all this!

So we’re ready to go, but Mero is still arguing with Ivory, she continues to plead with him to hear her out, but Mero really isn’t interested… but all this proves to be a distraction… as Savio clubs Mero from behind! This one’s underway in a hurry…

Match Five:
’Marvellous’ Marc Mero vs. Savio Vega

And Savio peppers Mero with right hands, shoots Mero off the ropes… into a standing roundhouse! Mero is reeling here, Savio strikes with chops to the chest, he shoots Mero to the corner… follows in with a corner roundhouse! Mero stumbles to the corner, Savio comes from behind… running bulldog! But Mero instantly rolls from the ring to the floor to break the momentum, Savio quickly following out… only for Ivory to get in Savio’s face! Ivory and Savio start trading words… and Mero uses the distraction to attack… he sends Savio crashing into the barricade! Despite not wanting Ivory in his corner, she’s helped Mero gain the upperhand here as the match returns to the ring. Mero is in control now, he lays comes back into the ring with a slingshot elbow for a two count, then he lays in with stomps before he lands left hands in the corner. Mero looks to target Savio’s neck with a falling neckbreaker and then a pair of elbowdrops, before Mero shoots Savio off the ropes… into a sleeper hold!

Mero tries to make Savio pass out, he has stuck in the centre of the ring… but eventually the crowd gets behind Savio, they will him back to his feet… Vega throws elbows to the body to break free, then he comes off the ropes… into a knee to the midsection! Mero takes control again, he looks to Savio up… TKO… NO! Vega drops down the back, runs to the ropes… O’Connor roll! 1… 2… Mero kicks out, but Savio rebounds… low-angle dropkick! Savio crawls into a cover… 1… 2… Mero gets a shoulder up! Looking to end things, Savio comes off the ropes again… BUT IVORY GRABS SAVIO BY THE FOOT! Vega puts on the breaks and yells at Ivory… but this distraction allows Mero a chance to sneak up… boot… takes Savio up… TKO! Mero doesn’t miss this time, he hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: ‘Marvellous’ Marc Mero @ 03:28

So a win for Mero, he puts Savio away, thanks to a bit of an assist from Ivory! And after the pinfall, Mero pushes himself back to his feet and stares down at Ivory, mixed feelings on his face, thankful she helped him to the win there but still angry with her for last night…

Jim Ross: Well I guess that was Ivory’s way of tryin’ ta’ make it up ta’ Mero? She just helped him ta’ tha’ win there, but is that gonna be enough ta’ repair tha’ relationship here?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: It’s a start I suppose. But I think we’re gonna need to hear from Ivory, she’s gonna need to explain herself before Mero could even come close to forgiving her.

And sure enough, Ivory slides into the ring to plead her case once more with Mero, prompting Mero to go to the corner to grab a microphone…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: Listen Ivory! I don’t what the hell you think you’re doin’ out here, but after that stunt you pulled with that schmuck Venis last night, you and me are history!

Ivory shakes her head and pleads for the chance to explain…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: What is there to explain!? Huh!? You… well, y’know… you were in the shower with that punk Val last night! What the hell were you thinkin’!?

Mero throws up his hands in exasperation, a look of sheer disgust and shame on his face, but Ivory is determined to fix this, grabbing the mic from his hand…

Ivory: Marc, please. You’re right. Last night, I had a moment of weakness and I let you down. Val Venis, he… he seduced me last night! He knew exactly what he was doin’, he was trying to get in my pants to put me off my game!

That gets a pop from the perverts in the crowd…

Ivory: And it worked. And I’m really sorry, Marc. I let it happen and I shouldn’t have. And I promise, it’ll never happen again! But now… now I wanna make it up to you. I want you and me to embarrass Sable and Val! I want the two of us to humiliate them! I want-

*WILDCAT*​

What a reaction for Sable and Val Venis, although we all know the big pop is for the arrival of Sable onto the scene. Sable and Val, now officially manager and client after last night head straight for the ring, looking to give an instant response to what Ivory has to say to Mero. As they enter the ring Ivory starts jawing at Val, while Sable heads to the corner to grab a mic…

Sable: Hey Ivory! You wanna talk about embarrassing me? You wanna talk about humiliating me? Well let’s just say the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in the last twenty-four hours was you stepping outta the shower infront of the world on pay per view!

As you’d expect, the crowd give that a big pop, while Ivory fumes at them…

Sable: Infact the only thing more embarrassing than that is you standing here, trying to grovel to Marc to get him to forgive you!

You can tell from Ivory’s face that Sable is really getting under her skin here…

Ivory: Listen bimbo, last night was a joke and you know it! There’s no way you can step into a ring with me and beat me fair and square! You needed your pornstar here to seduce me to beat me!

And after that comment, Ivory points her finger at Val…

Ivory: And you! I didn’t know anything about a camera being there! You didn’t say anything about that being filmed, that was a total invasion of privacy! You oughta be in jail after what you did to me! You violated me!

Val has a very over the top look of shock on his face as he asks Sable to hand him the mic…

Val Venis: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let’s get one thing straight here, Ivory. Last night before Fully Loaded went on the air, ‘The Big Valbowski’ was just lookin’ to take a shower. The fact that you decided to join me, well… let’s just say I made you an offer you couldn’t refuse.

Ivory looks like she’s ready to throw a fit as she points and yells at Val…

Val Venis: And the fact that there was a camera there, well… I don’t ever miss a chance to shine on the big screen.

Val lets out that creepy little laugh of his and gives his thumb a lick…

Val Venis: But Ivory, you say you wanna humiliate me and Sable? So tell us… what exactly did you have in mind?

Ivory: I’ll tell you what I’ve got in mind! I want a rematch at SummerSlam! Only this time, it’s not gonna be me kicking Sable’s butt all over the ring. It’s gonna be me and Marc beating Sable… and you too, Val!

Val and Sable turn to look at each other, eyebrows raised in anticipation…

Ivory: I want a tag team match! The two of you and the two of us! We’re gonna settle this once and for all! And I’m gonna wipe the floor with your pretty little blonde face, Sable!

Strong words from Ivory, and Val hands the mic over to let Sable respond…

Sable: You two want a match with me and Val? You’re on!

That gets a bit of a pop, it’s another chance to see Sable in action after all…

Sable: But listen Ivory, it’s not gonna go down like it did at Fully Loaded. I’ll admit, you kicked my ass last night! But that’s cos I’m not a trained wrestler with years of experience like you are. But you give me one month until SummerSlam… and I’ll be ready to drop the bomb on you!

Ivory scoffs at that notion and shakes her head, while Sable now points at Mero…

Sable: And Marc, honey… this is gonna be the last time you and me are ever together in a WWF ring! And by the time we get to SummerSlam, I’m gonna be ready for anything Ivory can throw at me… and I’m gonna be ready for you too!

Felling like she’s said all she wants to say, Sable turns to leave, only for Mero to take the mic from Ivory and call her back…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: Hey, wait a minute! I dunno if I’m hearin’ you right there Sable, but… are you sayin’ you want a piece of me in the ring at SummerSlam? You’re sayin’ you don’t want a Mixed Tag Team Match like that one I singlehandedly won for us back at WrestleMania? You’re sayin’… you want an Intergender Tag Team Match? You want to try get your hands on ‘The Marvellous One’ at SummerSlam!?

With a fierce look of determination, Sable nods her head, which causes Mero to burst out with a ridiculous laugh…

’Marvellous’ Marc Mero: Aw, Sable! You’ve done it! You’ve finally went crazy! You think you can hang in the ring with me!? Not a chance, babe! So here’s what gonna happen at SummerSlam. I’m gonna beat his ass like I did back at King of the Ring. And then after that? I’m gonna really… really enjoy pinnin’ your shoulders to the mat, toots!

The smug Mero and Ivory now seem back on the same page as they share a quick high five, but as always, we need to give Sable the last word…

Sable: Well y’know what Marc? That’s fine, you can think whatever you want. But we’re gonna see come SummerSlam who winds up layin’ on their back. And y’know it’s funny, I think if the cameras had kept rollin’ for a few more minutes… I think we might’ve seen Ivory layin’ on her back after that shower!

Whoa! That really struck a nerve… and Ivory lunges at Sable… CATFIGHT! Ivory and Sable start clawing at each other, tearing at hair before they fall and start to roll around the mat! Initially it’s Val who moves in to separate them, but that causes Mero to grab Val from behind… Venis takes Mero down! Now the men are brawling too! Sable and Ivory, Val and Mero, the four of them are trading shots at each other, neither couple giving an inch as referees flood the ring to try and separate them! Val and Mero are hammering each other with punches, Sable and Ivory are tearing away and slamming each other’s heads off the canvas, referees are desperately trying to split them up, it takes forever but eventually they manage to separate the four and Ivory and Mero roll from the ring! Sable and Val are quickly back to their feet, they call out for more, but Ivory and Mero have had enough for one night, they start to back their way up the ramp, the four of them all throwing insults and yelling at each other as they go…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Ivory and Sable! It’s a catfight! Let ‘em go! Let ‘em tear each other apart!

Jim Ross: Tha’ challenge has been accepted! Sable an’ Val Venis against Ivory an’ Marc Mero at SummerSlam! We’re gonna settle this once and for all! And what’s gonna happen if Mero and Sable finally go at it!?

That remains to be seen, as for now we get Sable and Val in the ring, watching on intently as Mero and Ivory back their way up the ramp, trash talking being thrown between all four of them as we cut away.

To see Sunny with Supply ‘n’ Demand!? That’s right, Sunny is talking to Mark Henry and The Godfather and although we can’t hear what is being said, it’s pretty clear that Sunny is following through on Jeff Jarrett’s demands from earlier for Godfather’s girls to be present at his victory celebration later tonight… and that becomes even more apparent as Sunny hands over a wad of cash to Godfather!

Jim Ross: I guess Sunny’s just met Godfather’s price for his ladies! Jeff Jarrett’s big victory celebration is comin’ up next!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Wait a minute. First we had Sable and Ivory… and now we’re gettin’ The Hos too! Wait a night this is!

As the commentators speak, Godfather has a quick flick through the rolled up bills, a smile crossing his face as he nods, clearly he’s happy for the girls to be out there as we fade into the commercial.

*Commercial*​

But we’re in the parking lot when we return with Kevin Kelly chasing after The Rock, who it seems is leaving Raw early tonight…

Kevin Kelly: Rock! Rock, you’re leavin’ Raw!? You’re leavin’ the Arrowhead Pond already!?

The Rock: You bet your monkey ass The Rock is leavin’!

Kevin Kelly: But Rock what about earlier tonight!? What about what happened between you and The Undertaker!?

And the mention of ‘The Phenom’ is enough for Rock to put on the breaks and turn to snap an answer back at Kelly…

The Rock: The Undertaker? Let The Rock tell you about The Undertaker! Last night, Fully Loaded, The Rock is all set to beat Owen Hart’s candy ass to become the number one contender and go to SummerSlam, but then last week, that piece of graveyard trash Undertaker, he decides to drop Shane McMahon on his head, puts himself in The Rock’s match!

Kelly is taken aback by how animated Rock is getting here…

The Rock: So The Rock goes to Fully Loaded, he’s all set to lay the smackdown on Owen Hart and The Undertaker’s candy asses, he’s giving out a Rock Bottom here, a Rock Bottom there, but what happens? Time after time The Undertaker’s big dead ass stops The Rock from winnin’ the damn match!

Rock pauses to smirk, raising a finger in the air…

The Rock: And then one more time, The Rock plants Undertaker’s candy ass to the mat, he’s all set to get the one, two, three… and then piece of monkey crap Owen Hart steals The Rock’s victory! Well Owen Hart, The Rock ain’t done with you yet, and he sure as damn hell ain’t done with you Undertaker! You hit The Rock after the match with the damn Chokeslam, but there’s no way… and The Rock means no way he’s gonna let you walk into Anaheim tonight without makin’ your candy ass pay for that!

From behind his sunglasses, Rock stares into the camera as he lays down that last line…

The Rock: The bottom line is that if it wasn’t for The Undertaker, The Rock is goin’ to SummerSlam right now to become the new WWF Champion! So Undertaker, you take whatever family feud you’ve got goin’ on right now, but when you’re done playin’ Waltons with your Blue brother Kane, The Rock is gonna be waitin’ for ya’!

And then with a flare of his nostrils, Rock ends things with…

The Rock: If ya’ smell… what The Rock is cookin’.

And having said what he wanted to say, Rock turns and continues on out of the parking lot, clearly this issue between he and Undertaker is set to rumble on for a while yet.

But now we go back into the arena for…

*URBAN COWBOY*​

Here comes Jeff Jarrett and Sunny, the Intercontinental Champion revelling in his victory last night as he strides down the ramp, his business partner following close behind. Jarrett is all smiles tonight after overcoming Tazz last night, he heads to the corners and flashes a double peace sign to the crowd, with Sunny applauding him from the mat below…

Jim Ross: That was some pretty strong words from Tha’ Rock towards Tha’ Undertaker there. But right now, it’s time for this victory party that ‘Double J’ is throwin’ himself after his win, his highly contentious win I might add, over Tazz last night.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Contentious!? There was nothin’ contentious about it! We all saw it, Jarrett pinned Tazz’s shoulders to the mat, he got the three count! There’s nothing else to say about it!

Jim Ross: Aw Jarrett tapped out ta’ tha’ Tazzmission before tha’ three and you know it!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: All I know is that Jarrett pinned Tazz and he’s still the Intercontinental Champion. That’s all that matters, ‘JR’!

As Sunny goes to collect a microphone, we cut to the ringside area, where Southern Justice have stepped out, with Mark Canterbury, Dennis Knight and Tennessee Lee positioning themselves at the foot of the ramp, keeping an eye out for any unwanted partygoers…

Jeff Jarrett: Aw, man… ain’t I great!? I did it! I told all of ya’ all along I was gonna beat that stupid little midget Tazz, and I did it! I did exactly that! I beat ‘im in tha’ middle of tha’ ring! I pinned his shoulder ta’ tha’ mat, one, two, three! No questions asked! But more importantly than all of that, I proved once again why I am tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time!

Sunny again starts to applaud, while the crowd shower Jarrett in heat…

Jeff Jarrett: And y’know what was tha’ best thing about my victory over Tazz last night? I beat ‘im at ‘is own game!

Jarrett is so smug right now, it seems like nothing could wipe the smile from his face…

Jeff Jarrett: Ever since he came ta’ tha’ WWF, he’s been walkin’ around like some kinda big shot wit’ ‘is illegal chokehold, thinkin’ he can make anybody tap out ta’ that Tazzmission of his. Well last night, not only did I survive tha’ famous Tazzmission… hell, I used it ta’ beat ‘im!

”Haha! That’s right! He did! Ain’t he great!?” says Lawler…

Jeff Jarrett: An’ that’s why not only is t’night gonna be a celebration of ma’ defence of ma’ Intercontinental Title, t’night I’ve got a very special announcement ta’ make. Cos from now on, not only am I ‘Double J’ Jeff Jarrett, tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion there ever was… now I’m also ‘Double J’, Jeff Jarrett… ‘Tha’ King of Submissions’!

”Aw c’mon now! You gotta be kiddin’ me!” chips in ‘JR’…

Jeff Jarrett: I’m ‘Tha’ King of Submissions’! Cos not only can I beat y’er ass wit’ ma’ patented figure four leglock… hell, I can even pin anybody’s shoulders to tha’ mat when they’ve got me in their submission holds! I can beat ya’ wit’ ‘em an’ I can pin ya’ wit’ ‘em! I’m ‘Tha’ King of Submissions’!

Sunny cheers and applauds once more, while the crowd see right through this crap and boo once again…

Jeff Jarrett: And lemme make somethin’ real clear ta’ you, Tazz. I know y’er back there, ya’ been cryin’ like a baby ever since last night cos you know as well as I do, that’s it for you pal! Last night at Fully Loaded, that was y’er last shot at me and what happened? I pinned y’er shoulders ta’ tha’ mat! I got tha’ three count an’ there ain’t nothin’ you can say about it! Tha' referee’s hand hit tha’ mat one, two, three! And it was over right there an’ then!

More heat...

Jeff Jarrett: Now obviously as tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, I know Mr. McMahon back there is gonna have somethin’ really big for me ta’ do come SummerSlam. I know he’ll finally find me some competition, tha’ kinda competition I’ve been lookin’ for ever since WrestleMania. But there’s gonna be plenty o’ time ta’ worry about that over tha’ next couple o’ weeks. T’night is all about me, ‘Double J’! Tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time! ‘Tha’ King of Submissions’! An’ this is ma’ party! So c’mon, let’s get it started! Bring tha’ girls out!

*HO TRAIN*​

So we play The Godfather’s music, but we don’t get he or Mark Henry. What we do get however is about seven of his finest Hos walking down the ramp, the males in the crowd obviously loving the sight of them. As the girls reach the ringside area, ever the gentlemen Tennessee Lee helps them up the ringsteps as Southern Justice step aside for them. We then start to get balloons falling from the ceiling into the ring, Jarrett loving every second of this as he holds his arms out wide, the Hos moving in to dance and celebrate with him…

Jeff Jarrett: Haha! Ain’t I great!? Ain’t it great ta’ be ‘Double J’! Haha!

The ladies are all over Jarrett, the balloons have filled the ring, the crowd is booing heavily for this blatant display of arrogance from Jarrett… and then…

*IF YOU DARE*​

It was always going to happen, but through the smoke and orange glare comes Tazz into the arena! Usually we’d see Tazz race straight down to the ring looking for a fight, but this is perhaps a more diplomatic Tazz as he stops on the stage with a microphone in his hand…

Tazz: Hey Jarrett! Sorry to crash your party and all, but I ain’t gonna sit backstage and listen to anymore of this crap outta you!

Jarrett pushes through the throng of ladies to lean against the ropes closest to the ramp, a big smirk on his face…

Tazz: You’re gonna stand out here and say you beat me last night? You’re gonna stand out here and call yourself ‘The King of Submissions’!? Well I ain’t gonna let that go, Jarrett! Cos last night, we both know, if it weren’t for some idiot referee, your ass was tappin’ out and I was gonna be the new Intercontinental Champion!

The roar from the crowd suggests they agree, although Jarrett arrogantly shakes his head…

Tazz: Infact here… I got it for ya’ on tape! Roll the footage guys!

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

LAST NIGHT AT FULLY LOADED

…Jarrett looks to move in for the kill… he drags Tazz up… looking for THE STROKE… NO! Tazz grabs the wrist, twists behind Jarrett… TAZZMISSION!!

Tazz gets the Tazzmission locked in, Jarrett flails his arms wildly but he has nowhere to go… and now Tazz drops down and wraps his legs with the bodyscissors! Tazz has Jarrett trapped in the centre of the ring! The Intercontinental Champion is in huge jeopardy here, Tazz is seconds away from winning the title… but in a last-gasp act of desperation, Jarrett plants his feet on the canvas… and bridges his body upwards… forcing Tazz’s shoulder to the mat! The referee drops to count 1… JARRETT TAPS TAZZ’S ARM TO SUBMIT… 2… BUT THE REFEREE DOESN’T SEE IT… 3!

Winner: And STILL Intercontinental Champion, Jeff Jarrett @ 09:29

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

But when we go back to the arena, Jarrett just nonchalantly shakes his head…

Jeff Jarrett: Y’know somethin’ Tazz? All I saw right there was me pinnin’ your shoulders ta’ tha’ mat ta’ keep ma’ Intercontinental Title!

Tazz smirks and has a little laugh to himself…

Tazz: Oh yeah? Well y’know what I saw, Jarrett? I saw me makin’ your bitch ass tap out!

That gets a big pop, but Jarrett is incredulous…

Tazz: I saw you tappin’ put so hard cos you knew I had you beat and you were about two seconds away from passin’ out! If it weren’t for that referee, I’d have won that damn match and I’d be the one havin’ a party right now!

Jarrett wades through the balloons to point a finger up at Tazz…

Jeff Jarrett: Well I hate ta’ break it to ya’ pal, I don’t know what kinda rules you used back in tha’ bingo halls in y’er Extremely Crappy Wrestlin’, but here in tha’ World Wrestlin’ Federation, we don’t use no instant replay rule! Tha’ referee’s decision is final an’ last night, his decision was that I won tha’ match an’ I’m still tha’ Intercontinental Champion!

In the background Sunny nods her head and yells “That’s right!” in defiance of Tazz…

Jeff Jarrett: And now y’er out here, y’er interruptin’ ma’ victory celebration, y’er startin’ ta’ piss me off! So how ‘bout you tuck y’er tail between y’er legs and get tha’ hell outta here, before I send Southern Justice up there ta’ beat tha’ piss outta you!

The camera cuts to the Southern Justice boys, with Canterbury cracking his knuckles as Knight rubs his hands in anticipation…

Tazz: Yeah, I thought you might say that. That’s alright. This ain’t my first rodeo, Jarrett! I figured when I heard ya’ say earlier that you’d have Southern Justice out here that maybe I oughta get some backup of my own. So I talked to some people backstage, found a pair of guys just dyin’ to make it back onto Raw. And I figured I might as well bring ‘em out here wit’ me! I uh… I think you two rednecks down there know ‘em already pretty well…

”OHHHHH… WHAT A RUSH!”

*WHAT A RUSH*​

It’s The Legion of Doom! They haven’t been seen on Raw in nearly two months, but now ’Road Warrior’ Hawk and ’Road Warrior’ Animal are standing on the stage beside Tazz! With Paul Ellering also in attendance, Tazz gives Hawk and Animal a nod of the head… before the three of them race down the ramp… and THE FIGHT IS ON! Hawk and Animal take it to Canterbury and Knight, while Tazz races for the ring… Jarrett scrambles to shove The Hos out of the way as he tries to escape… but he winds up tripping over the balloons in the ring… and TAZZ STARTS THROWING RIGHT HANDS AT JARRETT! Jarrett tries to swing back… but Tazz traps him… OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY! Jarrett hits the mat hard, he rolls from the ring… but he stumbles right into the brawl between Legion of Doom and Southern Justice!

Jarrett tries to stagger through the chaos on the ramp, but here comes Tazz again… TAZZMISSION! TAZZMISSION TO JARRETT!! Tazz has Jarrett locked in the Tazzmission on the steel ramp, and Jarrett’s hired security Southern Justice are too busy brawling around the ringside area with The Legion of Doom! Even Tennessee Lee and Pau Ellering are going at it, Ellering knocking Lee down with a hard right hand! It’s chaos all over the arena right now, but right at the heart of it, for the second time in less than twenty four hours, Tazz has Jarrett tapping out to the Tazzmission!

Jim Ross: Jarrett’s tappin’! He’s tappin’ again! Tazz crashed tha’ party an’ he’s makin’ Jarrett tap out!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Get some security out here or somethin’! Somebody do somethin’!

Referees race down the ramp, but there’s eight men going at it in some form or another right now, it’s way too much for the refs to deal with, which means there’s nobody to help Jarrett… and HE PASSES OUT! JARRETT HAS PASSED OUT TO THE TAZZMISSION!!

Jim Ross: I think Jarrett’s passed out! I think Jarrett is unconscious!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Let ‘im go! Can we get somebody out here to stop this!?

But there’s no help for ‘Double J’ as the camera zooms in on Tazz and Jarrett, Tazz’s hands locked tight while we cut away.

Because ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is walking the backstage corridors, and that can only mean one thing! Our main event is up next!

Jim Ross: ‘Tha’ Rattlensnake’ is walkin’ wit’ a purpose! Tha’ WWF Title is on tha’ line next! Austin against Shamrock and Kane in Handicap Match! Don’t go anywhere folks!

*Commercial*​

We’re back and we hear…

*BLACK HART*​

Out first comes the number one contender Owen Hart, who promised us earlier he’d be out here at the announce desk to see this one unfold. Owen shakes as many hands as he can as he heads around the ringside area, before he hits the announce desk and shakes hands with Ross and a reluctant Lawler…

Jim Ross: Welcome back ta’ Raw folks. Owen Hart is gonna join us here for some commentary, he knows he’s goin’ ta’ SummerSlam ta’ face either ‘Stone Cold’ or Ken Shamrock, that is if he chooses to of course! Hey Owen, good ta’ see ya’!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Alright Owen, cut the handshakes! Let’s get down to business here! What’s the big idea with you not wantin’ to go to SummerSlam to challenge for the WWF Title!? Who in their right mind wouldn’t want a shot to main event the biggest night of the summer!?

Owen Hart: Well ‘King’, it’s like I said earlier. When I came back after I took some time off, I really wasn’t all that interested in challenging for the WWF Championship. I don’t mean anybody any disrespect, I know the WWF Title is the greatest title in the world of professional wrestling, there’s no higher honour in our industry. But right now, I’m just not sure it’s what I really want anymore at this stage in my career.

Jim Ross: So why are ya’ out here Owen? Are ya’ lookin’ ta’ maybe see somethin’ that’ll help ya’ make up y’er mind?

Owen Hart: That’s a great way of lookin’ at it, Jim. I’m out here to watch this match, it’s gonna be an unbelievable match between three incredible competitors, I couldn’t even begin to guess who’s gonna win it. But hopefully when this match is over with, I’ll know if I wanna take up my opportunity to challenge for the title or not.

*THE ULTIMATE*​

And entering as a united front comes Ken Shamrock and Kane, Shamrock leading the way as he strides down the ramp, while Kane is more deliberate as he paces for the ring. Once they’re in the ring, Shamrock starts barking orders at Kane, pointing at him aggressively, with Kane just nodding his head slowly in agreement…

Jim Ross: Well I bet y’er happy that it would only be Shamrock you’d have ta’ face at SummerSlam, Owen! I can’t imagine how anybody could overcome tha’ combined forces of Shamrock and Kane!

Owen Hart: Well if anybody can do it Jim, it’s ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. He’s proven time and time again that he overcome some pretty big odds, let’s see if he can do it again here tonight.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Not a chance! Austin got lucky at King of the Ring, he got lucky last night at Fully Loaded, but there’s no way he can get lucky for a third time right here. We’re gonna have a new champion when this is all said and done!

*GLASS SHATTERS!*

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

Oh my, what a pop! ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin marches into the arena… but Austin isn’t wasting anytime! He drops the title on the ramp, he yanks off his waistcoat… and Austin rolls into the ring… and takes the fight to Shamrock! Our main event is getting off to a wild start!

Main Event: WWF Championship Handicap Match
WWF Champion ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Ken Shamrock and Kane

Austin takes Shamrock down, mounting him to rain down with rights and lefts, Kane again slow to react until he finally moves in to drill Austin with a boot to the head. Kane goes to work as Shamrock recovers, he drills Austin with shots to the throat against the ropes, but when he rears back for a big right… Austin ducks… and Austin throws right after right, before he steps back and charges… clotheslines Kane over the top rope… but Kane lands on his feet! He reaches in… and drags Austin to the outside! The match quickly heads outside neat the rampway, Kane smacking shots to the throat, but he swings a clothesline… Austin ducks… Kane clotheslines the ringpost! Kane grabs his arm in pain, Austin goes on the attack… but here comes Shamrock, he grabs Austin from behind… belly-to-back suplex on the floor!

Austin thuds onto the protective flooring, Shamrock laying in stomps and kicks to the body, before he starts yelling orders at Kane, telling him to scoop Austin up… to drop Austin face first on the guardrail! The referee pleads with the competitors to take the match back into the ring, but he doesn’t dare call for a DQ or countout, knowing what McMahon would say about that. Shamrock lays in with more kicks, then he again gives Kane orders, this time Kane yanks Austin up… looking for a SUPLEX ON THE STEEL… NO! Austin counters… SUPLEX TO KANE ON THE RAMPWAY! Austin tries to rally… but Shamrock is straight back on him, drilling kicks to the body and then forearms to the head, before the match finally goes back to the ring.

Things settle down a bit here, Shamrock and Kane start making tags as they work Austin over, Shamrock hits a jumping calf kick and Kane hits a sidewalk slam, both moves gaining near falls. Austin is in trouble, Kane starts to really exert himself on the match as he chokes Austin in the corner, then he drops Austin with a backbreaker for another two count. Kane shoots Austin to the corner and follows in with a clothesline, before he brings Shamrock back into the match to hit a roundhouse kick for a two count. Kane comes back in, he lands more of those stiff shots to the throat, but when he sends Austin off the ropes… Austin ducks a clothesline and keeps on running… LOU THESZ PRESS! Austin hammers down on Kane with right hands, he storms to his feet and comes off the ropes… but Shamrock low-bridges… and Austin tumbles to the floor!

The match goes back outside again, Kane and Shamrock hammering Austin, but at this point the jeers ring out… as Vince McMahon has stepped onto the stage! He’s joined by Bart Gunn, Steve Blackman, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter, McMahon looking delighted at the beating Austin is taking right now. The punishment continues back in the ring, Austin has to kick out of a side suplex from Shamrock and a tilt-a-whirl powerslam from Kane, before Kane again uses a blatant choke to Austin on the canvas. Kane releases his grip and drags Austin to the corner to tag Shamrock, who drives his knee into the face a couple of times before he sends Austin hard to the corner… but Austin explodes out with a clothesline! Both men are down, but Shamrock crawls to his corner and tags in Kane, who storms into the ring… THESZ PRESS!

Austin takes Kane down and throws those rights, before he comes off the ropes… drops the pointed elbow! Shamrock is up, but Austin sees him coming, beats him to the punch then sends Shamrock off the ropes… Austin uses the momentum to launch Shamrock over the top rope! Austin goes back to Kane, he grabs the leg… STOMP TO THE GROIN! Austin is rallying here, he takes the fight to Kane with right hands, goes for the Irish whip… Kane reverses… but Austin ducks a clothesline… KICK… STUNNER! Austin hits the Stunner to Kane, he hooks a leg… 1… 2… SHAMROCK MAKES THE SAVE! And immediately, Shamrock and Austin roll outside, they trade right hands on the floor, but Shamrock rears back… he smashes Austin’s face off the announce desk! Austin is down across the announce desk, when suddenly, there’s an unbelievable roar from the crowd…

SHAWN MICHAELS HAS LEAPT OVER THE GUARDRAIL!!

Shawn Michaels is here in Anaheim, he waits for Shamrock to turn SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO SHAMROCK!!! Shawn Michaels has shocked the world, he’s back! He’s returned to the WWF and he’s just nailed Ken Shamrock with the Sweet Chin Music! On the stage McMahon can’t believe it, he orders Bart and Blackman to go after Michaels, with ‘HBK’ escaping through the crowd, Bart and Blackman leaping the guardrail to give chase! Michaels has hit and run, McMahon’s cronies are giving chase, but in the ring… Kane sits up! Austin is stumbling to the ring as Kane heads for the ropes, he reaches down… Austin drives Kane throat first across the top rope! The champion slides back in, he waits for Kane to turn… STUNNER! STUNNER!! A SECOND STUNNER TO KANE!!! Austin hooks the leg… 1… 2… SHAMROCK IS STILL DOWN ON THE FLOOR… 3!!

Winner: And STILL WWF Champion, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin @ 12:22

AUSTIN! AUSTIN!! AUSTIN!!! HE DID IT! Austin pinned Kane, he retains the title, thanks to a massive assist from the returning Shawn Michaels! The Arrowhead Pond is going bananas as Austin rolls from the pinfall, dragging himself back to his feet to have his hand raised in victory!

Jim Ross: He did it! He did it! Austin keeps tha’ title! Oh hell yeah! ‘Stone Cold’ is still tha’ WWF Champion!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Where the hell did Shawn Michaels come from!?

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels is back! He won ‘is first WWF Title here in tha’ Arrowhead Pond, and now he’s back for Ken Shamrock!

Owen Hart: Wow! What a great match! I can’t believe it, Shawn Michaels came outta nowhere!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Oh shut up you! This is terrible! Mr. McMahon! Are ya’ alright!?

Indeed the stooges are bending down, trying to help McMahon back to his feet, Vince still feeling pretty groggy as they prop him up… but then he hears the music, he hears the celebrating crowd… and Vince’s face drops! He realises what’s just happened! Austin has foiled him again!

Jim Ross: I don’t think McMahon can believe it! Shawn Michaels is back! ‘Stone Cold’ is still tha’ champion! Aw what a night!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Oh no! This is awful! How does this keep happenin’!?

Jim Ross: And Owen, what d’ya think!? Is it gonna be you an’ Austin at SummerSlam!?

Owen Hart: Uh, well…

But before Owen can answer, he spots that Austin has climbed to the middle rope of one of the corners nearest to the announce desk… and he’s pointing down at Owen Hart! Austin is motioning to Owen that it’s he and Owen at SummerSlam, which prompts Hart to rise from his seat and throw down his headset, and Owen… STARTS APPLAUDING AUSTIN!? Owen Hart is clapping for ‘Stone Cold’! Austin is kinda taken aback by that, but Owen shows the champion a great deal of respect by applauding his efforts, and then he gives Austin a double thumbs up to show what a great job Austin did here tonight…

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd what a night! Shawn Michaels, he’s back! He’s back in tha’ WWF an’ he’s here for Ken Shamrock! ‘Stone Cold’ is still tha’ champion!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but what about Kane!? He lost the match! Shamrock isn’t the champion! Kane’s headed for the nut house!

Jim Ross: I don’t think McMahon’s thinkin’ about that right now! He’s tryin’ ta’ deal wit’ tha’ fact that once again, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin found a way ta’ leave as tha’ WWF Champion! Folks, we’re outta time! Thank you for joinin’ us! We’ll see ya’ next week for more Raw is War! Goodnight!

And we take a final look at Owen, still clapping, Austin still in the corner wondering what Owen is playing at, before we see Patterson, Brisco and Slaughter helping a disconsolate and uncoordinated Vince McMahon back up the ramp as this episode of Raw comes to an end.

*End Show*

Current Card for WWF SummerSlam 1998:
Date: August 30th, 1998
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

WWF Championship Match:
WWF Champion ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart

​

​

 

[iMac]

Shotgun Saturday Night
August 1st, 1998
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California

It’s Saturday night and somehow while flicking through the channels, you’ve stumbled across the latest episode of Shotgun Saturday Night! Michael Cole and Dok Hendrix welcome us to the show, and of course the major talking point was the shocking return of Shawn Michaels on Raw last Monday. Michaels would return to the WWF after a two-month absence to extract a measure of revenge on Ken Shamrock in what was seemingly Shamrock’s last chance to become WWF Champion. We’ll no doubt hear from Michaels this Monday on Raw… or maybe even tomorrow night on the debut episode of Sunday Night Heat!? But as for tonight, we’ve got four matches lined up, with our main event scheduled to be Val Venis taking on ‘Too Hot’ Scott Taylor, so let’s get to it!

But we kick things off with Skull from The Disciples of Apocalypse taking on… The Godfather! Skull has 8-Ball out with him, while of course Godfather has Mark Henry by his side… and even The Hos make an appearance on Shotgun! As for the match, Skull took part in the stiff Street Fight last week against The Legion of Doom, but he continues to dish out the punishment to Godfather in the early moments. But Godfather rallies late on, and with Henry keeping a watchful eye on 8-Ball, Godfather is able to hit the Pimp Drop to get the three count after 04:28. Post-match, Godfather and Henry celebrate with a dance with the ladies, with Shotgun getting off to a pretty positive start for the fans in Anaheim tonight.

After the commercial, we get the Raw Rewind, which of course features the WWF Championship Handicap Match featuring ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin taking on Ken Shamrock and Kane. Austin battles hard to stay in the match, then he’s able to catch Kane with a Stunner… only for Shamrock to drag Austin from the ring! But while Shamrock and Austin brawl near the announce desk… Shawn Michaels comes through the crowd, leaps the guardrail… and nails Shamrock with some Sweet Chin Music! With Shamrock out of the match, Austin is able to deliver a second Stunner to Kane to save his title, just the latest in a long line of Vince McMahon master plans to fall apart at the hands on ‘The Rattlesnake’.

We then get some brief pre-recorded comments from Faarooq, who is sporting a heavily bandaged shoulder. Faarooq admits that two weeks ago when Vader attacked him at the interview set, Vader got him good, doing some pretty heavy damage to Faarooq’s shoulder. But while the doctors might have told Faarooq to take more time off to heal, Faarooq isn’t interested in waiting any longer. ”I’m back and I’mma ready to take yo’ ass out Vader! But I don’t wanna wait for Raw or for Shotgun next week, I want yo’ ass tomorrow night on Sunday Night Heat!” That’s right, Faarooq is throwing out a challenge to Vader for a match tomorrow night, one which no doubt will be as stiff as their effort a few weeks ago on Shotgun which resulted in a No Contest. So tomorrow night, will they meet once again and settle things? Join us tomorrow night on the USA Network to find out!

Our second match tonight pits Luc Poirier against the monstrous Mabel. Mabel is probably the last person Poirier wants to face given how little he’s featured as of late, and this one doesn’t do anything to help build confidence for Poirier. He puts up a gutsy fight, but Mabel makes quick work of things, landing first a massive belly-to-belly suplex, then a big legdrop to grab the win after 02:41.

After the commercial, we see the video promoting the newest addition to the WWF’s television programming, Sunday Night Heat! And come this Sunday, August 2nd, tomorrow night, the heat… is on!

At the interview set Kevin Kelly speaks with Jim Cornette to discuss this Monday on Raw when The Heritage and The New Age Outlaws will meet in a rematch from Fully Loaded for the World Tag Team Championships. At Fully Loaded Cornette claims Storm and Bradshaw were caught off-guard by the surprise appearance of Chyna, who attacked Cornette during the match after repeated interference on Cornette’s part. ”I mean there I am, mindin’ my own business, and that she-devil comes outta nowhere and assaults me! Now I was raised right, Momma Cornette taught me never hit a woman, but if she ever puts her hands on me again, I’m gonna smack her upside the head with ma’ tennis racquet!” We then move on to discuss the match this coming Monday on Raw, where the stipulation for the match will see Cornette and Chyna handcuffed together on the stage in order to determine which is the better team with the managers taken out of things. But while Cornette hates the thought of being shackled to Chyna for the duration of the match, he’s pleased that finally in his eyes, his team will get a fair shot at the titles. ”There’s gonna be no Chyna involved, and Outlaws, that’s bad news for you two! Cos now there ain’t nobody to save you, nobody to help you, nobody to stop The Heritage from takin’ those titles! This Monday night, The Heritage will singlehandedly drag tag team wrestlin’ here in the WWF back to the levels of yesteryear! I’ve managed champions all over the world, and I’m gonna do it again this Monday night on Raw!”

Our third match of the evening sees D’Lo Brown take on Jose Estrada Jr. from Los Boricuas. Let’s face it, anytime a member of Los Boricuas is on TV at the minute, they’re doing the job. And that doesn’t change here. Estrada gets in very little offence, and Brown is able to easily put him away after he first hits the Sky High and then finishes Estrada off with the Lo Down after just 02:44.

Back to Kevin Kelly, this time in the WWF studio where he gives us an update on our next pay per view offering, SummerSlam. So right now we know that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin will defend the WWF Championship against Owen Hart… that is assuming the one, Vince McMahon doesn’t go making any more title defences for Austin over the next few weeks, and two, Owen actually wants to take up the championship opportunity he earned back at Fully Loaded! But Kelly can also confirm that per Commissioner Slaughter, the Intergender Tag Team Match where Sable and Val Venis will take on ‘Marvellous’ Marc Mero and Ivory has been confirmed, those four will get it on in Madison Square Garden! That’s all the matches we can confirm for now, but with SummerSlam still one month away, there’s plenty of time for more matches to be announced… and plenty of time for you to contact your local pay per view provider! SummerSlam comes to you live on Sunday, August 30th from the hallowed ground of Madison Square Garden in New York City. It promises to be the hottest night of the summer, and you’ll only see it by ordering on pay per view!

Cut to the ring where Michael Cole is waiting to speak with The Legion of Doom! ’Road Warrior’ Hawk and ’Road Warrior’ Animal are joined by Paul Ellering to discuss how the last couple of months have been for them. It’s been two months since we saw Hawk and Animal appear on Raw, where they lost to The Heritage in a Chicago Street Fight, an outcome many considered to be a major upset. Hawk and Animal admit that they lost their way since that night, they found themselves being counted out as a force in tag team wrestling, with many feeling they were too old and were finished as a competitive outfit here in the WWF. ”But y’know, me and Hawk, we sat down with ‘Precious’ Paul, we knew we had to start again. Now we’ve been on Shotgun these last couple of months taking it to The Disciples of Apocalypse, but when we beat ‘em in that Street Fight last week, we shoved we’ve still got what it takes!” And after that, they went to Raw last Monday determined to make an impact… and that’s when Tazz came to them. Once Tazz learned Jarrett was going to have Southern Justice out there for his victory celebration, Tazz needed a little help to crash the party. And Hawk and Animal were only too happy to join him. ”So we know that Southern Justice, they liked to go where the money is. Well the L.o.D, we like to go where the fightin’ is! And if you two hillbillies are lookin’ to make a pretty penny, then we’ll start writin’ cheques your butts can’t cash!” That doesn’t make a whole heap of sense, but you get the jist of what Hawk is trying to say. The Legion of Doom are back, they’re looking for a fight, and they’re looking for it from Southern Justice!

After the final commercial of the night we get one more shill for tomorrow night and the debut episode of Sunday Night Heat. It promises to be a huge night, and all the big stars will be there. Triple H will be in action, The Rock will be in action, Faarooq and Vader are set to go at it, and The Undertaker and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin will both be in attendance! It promises to be a huge show, and you can catch it tomorrow night on the USA Network!

And then in our main event, Val Venis, accompanied by Sable, goes up against ’Too Hot’ Scott Taylor, who has ’Too Sexy’ Brian Christopher in his corner. The match is reasonably back and forth, Taylor might be a goof but he’s a real solid in-ring worker. As the match progresses, Christopher’s influence starts to grow, he involves himself more and more and lays in with cheap shots to Val… and that draws the ire of Sable! She goes to confront him, but the arrogant Christopher thinks she’s got the hots for him and puckers up for a kiss… only for Sable to smack him with a hard forearm to the jaw! That nonsense at ringside gives Val a burst of energy, he quickly runs through Taylor and then puts him away with the Money Shot after 05:11. As Too Much head for the back, Val and Sable celebrate in the ring, bringing this episode of Shotgun to a happy ending.

Newswire

WCW’s Bash at the Beach Outdraws WWF’s Fully Loaded

While the WWF continues to lead in the television ratings war, the pay per view buyrate battle saw a heavy victory for WCW. The WWF’s offering for the month of July was Fully Loaded, an event which garnered over 300,000 pay per view buys, a big step up from their July 1997 show In Your House: Canadian Stampede, which drew the company 165,000 buys. But WCW rode the wave of publicity garnered from the huge main event for their Bash at the Beach show, which saw ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman team to face Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone. While the WWF have taken shots at WCW through mouthpiece Jim Ross on commentary lately, nobody from the WWF side could deny the commercial success of involving Rodman and Malone as their presence saw WCW draw a massive 580,000 buys. With Fully Loaded very much being considered a setup show for August’s SummerSlam event, the WWF is confident of gaining a victory this month as the ratings battle between the two brands rages on.​

 

[AON]

OH CRAP. MY FAV BIB BEFORE THE CLOSURE SURVIVED HERE?! SWEET!

JUST NEED TO GET KEEFMOON TO BRING OVER HIS STARWARS FILM REWRITES AND I'LL BE IN HEAVEN

 

[iMac]

WWF Sunday Night Heat
August 2nd, 1998
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California​

So here we go! Straight into the opening video, it’s catchy, it’s edgy, and for some reason in the graphics that welcome us to the show, the first vowel in everyone’s name is lower case while the rest is upper. CoOL! We’re welcomed to the show by Michael Cole and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, and in a difference from Raw, the pyro display for Heat takes place in the ring rather than on the stage in an attempt to make this show visually stand out…

Michael Cole: Hello everyone and welcome to the debut episode of Sunday Night Heat! I’m Michael Cole alongside Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, it’s great to be here for the very first edition of Heat!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: No doubt about it Michael, things are gonna start to heat up here on Sunday nights on the USA Network!

Michael Cole: And what a week it’s been here in the WWF. Last Monday on Raw, Shawn Michaels returned to the WWF after two months out from an ankle injury suffered at the hands on Ken Shamrock. And he did it in typical ‘HBK’ fashion, Michaels hit Shamrock with the Sweet Chin Music to cost Shamrock his shot at the WWF Championship!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and I gotta believe Mr. McMahon is gonna have somethin’ in store for Shawn Michaels and D-X tomorrow night on Raw!

Michael Cole: Well as for tonight, we’ve got four matches lined up, the challengers for the World Tag Team Championships tomorrow night, The Heritage, they’re in action against Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio. Faarooq issued the challenge last night on Shotgun, he and Vader will get it on this evening! And in our main event, The Rock is gonna take on Al Snow, who still doesn’t have Head with him!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Good! I hope that stupid mannequin head got lost when they took Mankind to the hospital at Fully Loaded! And everybody knows that The Rock is gonna lay the smackdown on that moron Snow!

”ARE YOU READY?”

*BREAK IT DOWN*​

But we’re kicking things off tonight with Triple H and Chyna heading to the ring! The crowd are jacked for the appearance of the D-X members, with Helmsley climbing to the corners to throw out some crotch chops…

Michael Cole: But what better way to get things going on the first episode of Heat than Triple H of D-Generation X? Last Sunday night at Fully Loaded, Helmsley suffered defeat at the hands of Kane, but he extracted a measure of revenge on Raw last Monday when he beat The Undertaker!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but after what Shawn Michaels did on Raw, I don’t think Triple H is gonna be enjoyin’ any victories any time soon. Mr. McMahon is gunnin’ for D-X right now, as well as Ken Shamrock!

In the ring Trips grabs a microphone, ready to give us an opening promo…

Triple H: Anaheim, California… are you ready?

And now a burst to the corner to yell…

Triple H: SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT… ARE – YOU – READYYYYY!?

That never fails to get a pop out of the crowd right now…

Triple H: Then for the thousands in attendance and for the millions watchin’ at home… LLLLLETS GET READY TO SUCK ITTTTT!

More crotch chops, the crowd are lapping this up…

Triple H: And there ain’t no better way to kick off the newest WWF TV show than with D-Generation X! And now that ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels is back, D-X is stronger than it’s ever been. Now ‘HBK’ ain’t here tonight, but he’s gonna be on Raw tomorrow night… and that means he’s comin’ after two people. One is Vince McMahon… and the other is Ken Shamrock.

Helmsley points a finger straight at the hard camera as he says that…

Triple H: Now this is Sunday Night Heat, and D-Generation X is the hottest act in this business right now! And we’re ready to turn up the heat on the competition. So McMahon, Shamrock, D-X are gonna burn your asses to the ground, startin’ tomorrow night!

And the thought of that gets a pop from the crowd…

Triple H: And if you’re not down with that… we got two words for ya’…

”SUCK IT!”

*ROUGH ROCK*​

Helmsley’s opponent tonight is ’Marvellous’ Marc Mero, who is joined by Ivory. The pair seem to have patched up their differences after the fallout from Ivory’s transgression at Fully Loaded, looking like a solid pair again…

Michael Cole: So it’s been made official, Marc Mero and Ivory are gonna face Val Venis and Sable at SummerSlam in an Intergender Tag Team Match, a match in which men and women can go at it! Sable seemed pretty determined that she was gonna get her hands on Mero come SummerSlam.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well I’d never encourage a man to hit a woman, but if it’s legal and it’s part of the match, then I could see Mero takin’ out all those months of frustration on Sable. She keeps runnin’ her mouth the way she does, Mero might close it permanently!

Match One:
‘Marvellous’ Marc Mero w/ Ivory vs. Triple H w/ Chyna

For the first few tie-ups, Helmsley overpowers Mero, shoving him to the mat or driving him to the corner, with Mero complaining to the referee. We get another tie-up, this time Mero works the headlock, but Helmsley shoves Mero into the ropes… and knocks him over with a shoulderblock. Helmsley quickens the pace, bowling Mero over with clotheslines, then he sends Mero off the ropes… into a back body drop! Mero stumbles to the corner, Helmsley follows in and climbs to the second rope… and starts raining down with right hands! The crowd counts along, all the way to nine… where Helmsley throws a crotch chop… and lands number ten! Mero is reeling, he staggers to the ropes… clothesline puts him over the top rope to the floor! Helmsley follows outside, he smashes Mero’s face off the apron and rolls Mero back inside… only for Ivory to then get in Helmsley’s face! Ivory jaws at him… but here comes Chyna! Ivory quickly backs away from Chyna, but when Helmsley nips onto the apron… Mero takes advantage and drills a knee… sending Trips flying into the guardrail!

Mero quickly heads outside and gets Helmsley back into the ring, looking to gain the upperhand as he starts to target Helmsley’s neck. He hits a swinging neckbreaker, then drops a pair of elbows, before Mero shoots Helmsley off the ropes… into a sleeper hold! Mero slaps on the sleeper, he looks to take Helmsley down… he forces Trips down to a knee, but that’s as far as it goes, as Chyna gets the crowd behind Helmsley, he works back to his feet… drives a pair of elbows to the body… then a side suplex breaks the hold! Both men back to their feet, Mero throws a punch… Trips blocks it… smacks a right hand! And another! And a third, then he goes for the Irish whip… Mero reverses… but lowers his head… facebreaker! Helmsley looks to come off the ropes… but Ivory grabs the foot! Helmsley puts on the breaks, he yells at Ivory… and here comes Chyna again! Ivory doesn’t see her coming, Chyna grabs Ivory by the shoulder… spins her… RIGHT HAND TO IVORY! Chyna smashes Ivory, but here comes Mero… he looks for the TKO… NO! Helmsley drops down behind, spins Mero around… kick… PEDIRGREE!! Helmsley plants Mero, hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Triple H @ 04:01

Triple H gets the win in the first ever match on Sunday Night Heat, he takes advantage of the skirmish at ringside between Chyna and Ivory to put Mero away. Helmsley is quickly back on his feet and is joined by Chyna, the two of them sharing a hug in celebration as Mero rolls from the ring to join Ivory on the floor. Ivory holds her jaw in pain as she tries to prop Mero up, while Trips just fires crotch chops at them as they slink away…

Michael Cole: A great win for Triple H, he’s starting to roll right now after the victory on Raw last Monday over The Undertaker. D-X is back, they’re starting to really build some momentum here, and that’s bad news for Mr. McMahon!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but just you wait for tomorrow night. D-X aren’t gonna have things all their own way, Mr. McMahon is gonna have somethin’ planned to put these guy back in their places!

In the ring, Helmsley stands behind Chyna and fires crotch chops around her waits, before he heads to the corner to continue to celebrate with the crowd.

But we take a quick cut backstage, to see The Undertaker lurking in the shadows, a brooding look on his face…

Michael Cole: A big win for Triple H tonight, but up next, it’s the man Triple H beat last Monday on Raw! The Undertaker has something to say about the situation regarding his brother Kane, we’ll hear from ‘The Deadman’ next!

*Commercial*​

When we return, Michael Cole is already standing by in the ring…

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is without doubt, ‘The Conscience of the World Wrestling Federation’. He has fought countless foes over the years, including his most recent battles with his own brother, Kane. But now The Undertaker faces the prospect of his brother being sent to a sanatorium… and it could happen as soon as tomorrow night on Raw. Please welcome ‘The Phenom’… The Undertaker!

*DARKSIDE*​

The arena is plunged into darkness before a burst of pyro brings The Undertaker out onto the stage. ‘The Deadman’ wastes little time in marching through the fog and down to the ring, bringing light back into the arena before he steps through the ropes. Naturally Cole looks intimidated at being in Undertaker’s presence, but the announcer composes himself long enough to start asking some questions…

Michael Cole: Undertaker, this last month or so, we’ve saw you battle on two fronts. First you’ve had your problems with Vince McMahon in regards to his manipulation of your brother Kane. And secondly, this rivalry has started to develop between yourself… and The Rock.

With a stern look on his face, Undertaker stares off into the distance as Cole speaks…

Michael Cole: So Undertaker, I suppose the first issue… the most pertinent issue for you right now… is tomorrow night and what could potentially happen with your brother, Kane. McMahon promised last week that if Ken Shamrock didn’t leave Raw as the WWF Champion after he and Kane took on ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in a Handicap Match, he would hold Kane personally responsible and would send him to a mental institution. What’ll happen if Mr. McMahon tries to follow through on that threat tomorrow night?

But as Cole points the mic at him, Undertaker’s gaze firmly fixes on the announcer…

The Undertaker: Let’s make one thing clear here. Ever since King of the Ring when I rid the world of the evil of Paul Bearer, I hoped to start to mend the damage he had caused between myself and Kane. For too long, Paul had told his lies and poisoned Kane’s mind against me. I hoped that once he had been banished to the depths of hell… that Kane’s mind would be clear… and he would see the light in the darkness.

Undertaker lowers his head, almost a look of regret on his face…

The Undertaker: Bet before I got the chance to mend our relationship, McMahon decided to take advantage of Kane and make him his latest weapon of destruction. Now I’ve tried to reason with McMahon. I gave him the chance to release Kane from these threats he’s been holding over him. And when McMahon refused? I had to send a message. I had to seek revenge. I had to take it out… on his son, Shane.

And the reminder for ‘Taker’ planting Shane McMahon with a Tombstone on the Raw before SummerSlam gets a pop from the crowd…

The Undertaker: Now when I dropped Shane McMahon on his head, it was nothing personal between him and me. I don’t know Shane McMahon, he’s never crossed me. That was a message sent directly to his old man. And believe me Vince, if I ever get my hands on you… I’ll deliver that message personally next time.

There’s another pop for that threat to Vince…

The Undertaker: At Fully Loaded, when I helped Kane beat Triple H, I was buying Kane time. I was buying him a stay of execution. But after what happened last week on Raw, McMahon has now said that he plans on having Kane committed to a mental institution. We might have fought at WrestleMania… he might have put me in a casket and set in on fire at Unforgiven… and we might have walked into hell at King of the Ring… but Kane is still my flesh and blood. He is still my family. And on my parents’ graves… I will not see them suffer from beyond any longer. I will not see my brother sent to any sanatorium.

And now Undertaker stares very intently into the camera…

The Undertaker: So McMahon, whatever sinister scheme you have in store for tomorrow night… you’d be wise to forget all about it and release Kane from this hold you have over him. I won’t hear anymore threats made against my brother. You set him free, McMahon. Otherwise… I will come for you. And I will find a special spot in hell for you next to Paul Bearer.

That’s a pretty chilling warning aimed at Vince, it gets a pop from the crowd, with Undertaker taking a step back from the mic, hands on his hips, allowing Cole to ask another question…

Michael Cole: Undertaker, what about The Rock? This last month, both you and Rock have laid claim to wanting to be the number one contender to ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and the WWF Championship. You forced your way into the match at Fully Loaded between Rock and Owen Hart, but it was Owen who caught everyone by surprise and took the victory. Owen, we think, is going to SummerSlam to face ‘Stone Cold’ for the title. But last Monday on Raw, The Rock attacked you during your match with Triple H, he blamed you for his defeat in the Triple Threat at Fully Loaded. How do you respond to The Rock’s actions on Raw?

Again Undertaker glares down at Cole…

The Undertaker: It’s very simple. The Rock can blame me for the loss at Fully Loaded, but the real reason lies within. Rock has had a lot of success this year, he’s earned a lot of accolades. But his defeat at Fully Loaded came from his own undoing. His arrogance is what cost him that night. And it’s his arrogance that will cost him… once I get my hands on him.

And now Undertaker turns to look up at the stage…

The Undertaker: And Rock, I know you’re back there, so you listen up boy. That’s two times now these last few weeks you’ve hit me with a steel chair. Once? That might have been a mistake. But the second time? That was no mistake. And there will be no mistake when I gain my vengeance on you.

Another pop…

The Undertaker: When I said I wanted my opportunity at the WWF Title, I remined everybody that for too long now, I have been the one to keep the hounds at bay in this company. Many pretenders have came and went, and it seems like Rock is the latest to claim he’s entitled to a shot at the title. Some might say his win at King of the Ring means he deserves it. But until he goes out an earns it… then he’ll have to wait his turn.

And once more, ‘Taker’ stares hard into the camera…

The Undertaker: And Rock, if you want to earn a shot at the World Wrestling Federation Title… then you’ll have to go through me to get it.

Undertaker seems onboard with a match against Rock in the near future, and the crowd do as well…

The Undertaker: And once I deal with Vince McMahon and I free my brother from his shackles… then I’ll make you earn it when I unleash hell on you, Rock.

And that’s perhaps the biggest pop of the promo so far…

The Undertaker: You call me ‘The Conscience of the WWF’. But don’t forget that I am ‘The Lord of Darkness’… and I am ‘The Reaper of Wayward Souls’. And the more people like Vince McMahon and The Rock stand against me… the stronger my desire to open the gates… and watch as my enemies beg for forgiveness.

With a devilish snarl on his face, Undertaker brings the promo to an end with…

The Undertaker: The day of reckoning is coming. First for Vince McMahon… and then for you Rock. And when it does, both of you… will rest – in – peace!

*DARKSIDE*​

A pretty emphatic statement of intent from The Undertaker there, he has both Vince McMahon and The Rock in his sights, and he’s looking to deal with one of those problems tomorrow night on Raw. As ‘The Deadman’ heads for the ropes, Cole backs away slowly, showing plenty of respect for ‘The Conscience of the WWF’ as we quickly cut away.

To see ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin sat backstage in his dressing room, cooler of beer on the floor next to his chair as he sips on a cold one…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Still to come tonight, The Heritage takes on Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio, Faarooq and Vader are gonna get it on, then we’ve got The Rock and that moron Al Snow! Plus at some point tonight, we’re gonna hear from the WWF Champion, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin! Don’t go anywhere folks!

*Commercial*​

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

Once again the video starts with fast cuts in a very 1990s MTV style of footage. Through the jumpy images we see our man Darren Drozdov stood outside a tattoo parlour, eyeing up some designs in the window…

Darren Drozdov: Hey. My name’s Darren Drozdov. And you mighta noticed by now, I’ve got a lot of ink. And I’ve also got a lotta piercings. Some in some pretty interesting places.

Inside the tattoo parlour, ‘Droz’ takes a seat in a chair, while a tattooist starts to work on the tattoo that already adorns his back…

Darren Drozdov: I get a real kick outta the pain of all this! Haha!

More fast footage, Drozdov sticking out his tongue and smiling as the tattooist does his thing…

Darren Drozdov: It’s like I said, I’m a freak!

More quick shots of ‘Droz’ getting work done, before we see him show off some of the safe for TV piercings he has…

Darren Drozdov: Y’know tattoos and piercings, they hurt like hell at the time, but I really enjoy it!

’Droz’ shows off the work he’s had done today, before he turns and again sticks a tongue out at the camera…

Darren Drozdov: And lemme tell ya’, when I get to the World Wrestling Federation, I’m gonna enjoy the pain I give out to anybody who gets in my way!

Drozdov has a little chuckle to himself, before the screen fades to black and the following graphic appears…

”DARREN DROZDOV – COMING SOON TO THE WWF!”

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

Straight back into the arena for…

*PEARL RIVER RIP*​

The tag team of Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio hit the arena to a decent pop, Scorpio doing most of the hand slapping while Ahmed lumbers down the ramp…

Michael Cole: Well Darren Drozdov is on his way to the WWF, but right now Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio are headed to the ring for tag team action against The Heritage.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What’s the deal with this guy ‘Droz’ anyway? He’s a freak and it seems like he’s happy with it? I don’t get that. He needs to take it easy with the tattoos and get himself a real haircut someday!

*WE SALUTE*​

And now The Heritage make their entrance, with Jim Cornette leading John Bradshaw and Lance Storm down the ramp. As usual Storm and Bradshaw are all business, while Cornette does his share of jawing with the crowd as he threatens them with his tennis racquet…

Michael Cole: Tonight it’s Ahmed and Scorpio for The Heritage, but tomorrow night it’s a rematch for the World Tag Team Championships against The New Age Outlaws, a match in which both Jim Cornette and Chyna are gonna be handcuffed together on the stage to make sure neither manager gets involved in the match.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I’m more worried about might happen when Jimmy and Chyna are that close to each other. We all saw it at Fully Loaded, Chyna assaulted Cornette! It might be time for Jim to get some payback now that she’ll be within range of his backswing!

Match Two: Tag Team Match
Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio vs. The Heritage w/ Jim Cornette

Ahmed and Storm get us going, with Ahmed easily overpowering Storm, sending him flying around the ring, prompting a tag to Bradshaw. Bradshaw and Ahmed trade some stiff shots, Bradshaw landing a trio of clubs to the back of the head before he goes for an Irish whip… Ahmed ducks a clothesline and keeps on running… to his a flying shoulderblock! Ahmed brings Scorpio into the match, he lands kicks to the leg, but when he comes off the ropes with a running crossbody, Bradshaw catches him… and send Scorpio flying with a fallaway slam! Scorpio is isolated, Bradshaw hammering him with more forearms and a stiff backbreaker, while Storm gets a near fall from a textbook dropkick. Storm then climbs to the second rope, he flies… but Scorpio gets a boot up… and Storm smacks into it!

Both men crawl to their corners… tag to Bradshaw… tag to Ahmed! Johnson slings into the ring, he bowls Bradshaw over with a clothesline, then Storm, before he sends Bradshaw off the ropes… standing spinebuster! Here comes Storm… he goes up in the air… gorilla press slam! Ahmed goes back to Bradshaw, he sends him off the ropes… big powerslam! 1… 2… Storm makes the save, but here comes Scorpio… clothesline takes both he and Storm over the top rope! That leaves Ahmed and Bradshaw, Ahmed clubs the back of Bradshaw’s head, then looks for the Irish whip to the corner… Ahmed follows in… but sidesteps… and Ahmed smacks into the turnbuckle! Johnson stumbles from the corner, Bradshaw is already coming off the ropes… OLD FASHIONED CLOTHESLINE!! Bradshaw nearly takes Ahmed’s head off, he drops down for the cover… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: The Heritage @ 02:53

The Heritage pick up the win, setting them up nicely for their tag title opportunity tomorrow night. Ahmed and Scorpio are left frustrated in the ring, but the camera stays focused on Storm and Bradshaw as they celebrate on the outside with Cornette…

Michael Cole: A win for Storm and Bradshaw there, that’s put them in a really good spot ahead of their match with The Outlaws tomorrow night. If that happens tomorrow on Raw, we’re gonna have new World Tag Team Champions!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And that’s exactly what I think is gonna happen tomorrow night. We all saw it at Fully Loaded, The Heritage were gonna become champions until Chyna stuck her nose in it. If she’s outta the picture tomorrow night, we’re gonna have new champions!

As The Heritage back up the ramp, Cornette raises Storm and Bradshaw’s hands in victory… a sight we could perhaps be seeing tomorrow night with titles in their hands?

We then take another quick cut backstage to see Owen Hart is standing watching a monitor in some random backstage location. A backstage worker walks towards Owen, with Hart glancing over his shoulder and smiling… and then he shakes the workers hand before the worker departs the scene…

Michael Cole: Still to come tonight, Vader and Faarooq will lock up before The Rock and Al Snow go at it. But Owen Hart is here tonight, he’s got a lot on his mind right now, what will Owen’s decision be? Will he face ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin at SummerSlam for the WWF Championship? Maybe we’ll find out tomorrow night on Raw? Or maybe even tonight!?

*Commercial*​

We return and head to the announce desk…

Michael Cole: Welcome back to the first ever episode of Sunday Night Heat, folks! Now last Monday night we saw the return of ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, he’s back after missing two months of action and he returned with some Sweet Chin Music for Ken Shamrock!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but I promise ya’, once Ken Shamrock gets his hands on Shawn Michaels, he’s gonna wish he’d stayed at home and retired!

Michael Cole: Well let’s take you back to two months to Over The Edge, the Lion’s Den Match, a match where Mr. McMahon allowed Ken Shamrock to choose the stipulation. And Shamrock chose to take Shawn Michaels into his world, and it didn’t end well for Michaels.

For the next few moments, the commentators speak over footage from that Lion’s Den Match from Over The Edge, where we see Shawn Michaels going for the Sweet Chin Music, only for Shamrock to grab the foot… and then lock Michaels into the Ankle Lock! Shamrock torques and twists on the ankle, but Michaels hangs in there… so Shamrock grapevines to up the pressure…

Michael Cole: It was a incredibly gutsy, courageous effort from ‘HBK’, he was very much out of his element inside that cage, but he kept fighting until Shamrock trapped him in the Ankle Lock.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and once Shamrock got Michaels in that Ankle Lock, it was goodnight ‘Heartbreak Kid’!

Michaels tries his best to withstand the pain and hang in there, but with no ropes to reach for to cause a break, Shamrock has one final wrench of the ankle… and Michaels has no choice, he has to tap out!

Michael Cole: And despite all that effort from Michaels, he had no choice, he had to tap out. Shamrock was going to break the ankle if Michaels didn’t submit.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well certainly Michaels had to give it up, there was no way for him to escape, it was just too pain for ‘HBK’ to deal with.

Shamrock gets the win, and Michaels is down and hurt on the canvas, writhing in pain. The referee opens the door of the Lion’s Den to allow medical personnel to attend to Michaels, over for Shamrock to grab the referee… and DELIVER A BELLY-TO-BELLY! Shamrock plants the referee, the he rummages through the ref’s pockets to take out his keys… and SHAMROCK PADLOCKS THE CAGE FROM THE INSIDE! A second referee drops down from the raised platform above the cage… he’s DRIVEN INTO THE CAGE WALL BY SHAMROCK!

Michael Cole: But after the match, Shamrock lost it! He flipped! Shamrock went crazy, he started throwing referees around and he padlocked the cage door shut from the inside, trapping the injured Shawn Michaels inside the Lion’s Den!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: All those months of pent up frustration for Shamrock towards D-Generation X, it all came out after he won the match. Shamrock didn’t just want to beat Shawn Michaels, he wanted to hurt him!

Shamrock then reaches down… and places MICHAELS IN THE ANKLE LOCK AGAIN! D-X race into the arena, they desperately try and get into the Lion’s Den, but with the door shut tight, nobody can help Michaels as Shamrock wrenches on the ankle… and BREAKS SHAWN MICHAELS’ ANKLE!!

Michael Cole: And that was the moment right there, that final wrench of the ankle from Shamrock, that did the damage, and it was after that moment that we didn’t see Shawn Michaels for two months as he made his recovery.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and after those two months of rehab, what a way for Shawn Michaels to return last Monday night on Raw!

We then see the footage from six nights ago, Ken Shamrock and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin brawling across the announce desk, only for Michaels to shock the world by leaping the guardrail… and SMACKING SHAMROCK WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC!

Michael Cole: It was a huge moment when Michaels returned last Monday on Raw, he gave an unlikely assist to ‘Stone Cold’ as he took Shamrock out of the match, allowing Austin to hit Kane with a second Stunner to retain the WWF Championship!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well I’m sure that the fans and D-X were delighted to see Shawn Michaels return, but I gotta think that Mr. McMahon and Ken Shamrock are gonna have something in store for ‘HBK’ this week on Raw.

Michael Cole: I’m sure you’re right ‘King’, and we might find out what that is tomorrow night! Shawn Michaels will be on Raw tomorrow night to talk about his return from injury and what he has lined up for Ken Shamrock, and no doubt we’ll hear from Vince McMahon on his plans for ‘The Heartbreak Kid’. Don’t miss it tomorrow night on Raw is War folks!

And now we’re ready for…

”IT’S TIME! IT’S TIME! IT’S VADER TIME!”

*MASTODON*​

Time for more in-ring action as Vader saunters his way into the arena. As he heads down the ramp, Vader flashes that v-sign of his to the crowd, even threatening to take a swing at some of the ringside fans before he hits the ring…

Michael Cole: It’s time to see Vader in action as he takes on Faarooq. This match comes from a challenge made by Faarooq last night on Shotgun Saturday Night, and Vader was only too happy to accept, especially after the sneak attack Vader hit Faarooq with two weeks ago.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well when you’re a guy the size of Vader, I don’t think you sneak anywhere Cole! Vader might have jumped Faarooq from behind, but he made sure Faarooq knew exactly who it was who left him laying on the floor!

*TRAUMATIZED*​

A pretty decent pop for Faarooq as he enters the arena, but just like we saw last night on Shotgun, that left shoulder of his is still heavily wrapped in tape. But Faarooq looks determined to not let that him affect him as he points up and jaws at Vader…

Michael Cole: Well it was Faarooq who issued the challenge last night, but that shoulder has gotta be an issue in this matchup. That shoulder is heavily bandaged and I’d expect Vader to target that and take advantage of the damage he did two weeks ago.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Listen, I know Faarooq is as tough as they come, but he’s clearly not got a lot goin’ on upstairs to go challenging Vader when he’s not 100%! If he thought his shoulder was bad before, it’s gonna be a whole lot worse when this is all over!

Match Three:
Faarooq vs. Vader

From the first tie up, it’s clear Faarooq is going to struggle, Vader is easily able to drive him to the corner a couple of times, throwing a cheap slap to the face after the second time… and that leads to Faarooq bursting from the corner with right hands! Faarooq hammers Vader, then he sends Vader off the ropes… clothesline staggers Vader… but a second puts him down! Vader scrambles to the ropes, here comes Faarooq… running crossbody! Both men tumble to the floor, Faarooq able to stay on the attack as he grabs Vader… smashes his face into the ringsteps! Faarooq continues to wail on Vader, but when he goes for an Irish whip, Vader reverses… and Faarooq smacks shoulder first into the ringpost! Faarooq writhes on the floor in pain, Vader looking to get him quickly back in the ring to continue the punishment. Vader starts by dropping a pair of elbows, then a short-arm clothesline, before he shoots Faarooq to the corner and follows in… corner splash! Faarooq slumps to the mat, Vader comes off the ropes… running splash! Vader hooks a leg… but Faarooq gets a shoulder up at two.

Vader has Faarooq hurt, he drops more elbows and then gets another two count from a Samoan drop, before Vader shoots Faarooq off the ropes… into a bearhug! Vader looks to make Faarooq pass out with pain… but with the crowd rallying behind him, Faarooq eventually manages to fight free… when he rings Vader’s bell! Heavily favouring the arm, Faarooq throws weak right hands, before he ducks a clothesline… and guts it out to plant Vader with a scoop slam! Faarooq looks to build momentum, he hits a pair of uppercuts before he sends Vader off the ropes… spinebuster! But the pain is too much, Faarooq grabs the shoulder in agony… and it takes forever for him to make a cover… 1… 2… Vader kicks out! Looking for one last burst of energy, Faarooq drags Vader up… he’s going to try THE DOMINATOR… NO! Faarooq can’t do it, he can’t get Vader up… and Vader smashes him with a clothesline! Vader quickly comes off the ropes… running splash! And that allows Vader to drag Faarooq to the corner, climb to the second rope… VADERBOMB!! Vader crushes Faarooq, he stays on top for the 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Vader @ 04:21

A great effort from Faarooq, he fought through a ton of pain but that bad shoulder costs him as Vader gets the win. Following the pinfall, Vader is back on his feet while Faarooq stays down, grabbing his arm in pain while Vader stands over him, a broad smirk on his face…

Michael Cole: What an effort from Faarooq, he gave it everything he had but that shoulder injury really came back to hurt him. Vader was just too big, too strong against a weakened Faarooq.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and maybe Faarooq’ll think twice before he starts throwin’ out these stupid challenges. You don’t step up to fight somebody like Vader with a bad shoulder unless you’ve got rocks for brains!

Vader heads back up the ramp, that smirk still etched on his face, while the camera focuses on Faarooq, struggling to make it back to his feet in the ring as he winces in pain.

But we now take a quick cut to the interview set, where The Rock is pacing back and forth…

Michael Cole: Well our main event is up next, Al Snow, still without Head, taking on The Rock. And we can hear from Rock right now. Rock, you’re here on Sunday Night Heat, you’re moments away from your match with Al Snow, what are your thoughts right now?

Rock stops pacing and scoffs at the question…

The Rock: Well first of all The Rock thinks he’s gonna come out there and slap the yellow off your teeth for askin’ such a ridiculous question! But right now, this is Sunday Night Heat, this is The Rock’s show, this is the people’s show and The Rock is here to lay the smackdown on Al Snow’s candy ass!

That draws a pretty loud, but pretty mixed response from inside the arena…

The Rock: And Al Snow, The Rock hears that you ain’t got Head in a while, well The Rock ain’t never had that problem, there’s always a line of fine ass ladies outside The Rock’s dressing room, just waitin’ to get a taste of the people’s strudel.

A real arrogant smirk crosses Rock’s face…

The Rock: So Al Snow, you walk your monkey ass down to that ring tonight, The Rock’ll make you famous. If ya’ smell… what The Rock… is cookin’.

Rock raises that eyebrow right into the camera as we fade into a commercial.

*Commercial*​

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

This video is pre-recorded comments from Jeff Jarrett and Sunny, the pair standing alone at the interview set, the Intercontinental Championship slung over Jarrett’s shoulder…

Jeff Jarrett: Haha! That’s right! It’s ‘Double J’, Jeff Jarrett! The greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time! And now, not only am I the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, but I am now officially known as ‘The King of Submissions’ as well!

Jarrett rubs his hands in glee before he points a finger at the camera…

Jeff Jarrett: I told all of ya’ that I was gonna beat that lil’ midget Tazz at Fully Loaded, and I did just that! I took his stupid, and illegal ba’ the way, Tazzmission hold and I used it against ‘im! He got me in that choke, but I used it ta’ pin his shoulders to the mat, one – two – three!

Sunny smirks and rubs a hand across the title on Jarrett’s shoulder…

Jeff Jarrett: But y’know somethin’ Sunny? That idiot Tazz interruptin’ ma’ victory celebration on Raw, sayin’ I was gonna tap out at Fully Loaded, that’s startin’ ta’ piss me off! So tomorrow night on Raw, I’m gonna do somethin’ about it. I’m gonna prove once an’ for all that I am ‘The King of Submissions’!

A very fake, over the top look of surprise crosses Sunny’s face…

Jeff Jarrett: Tomorrow night on Raw, I’m bringin’ back a former WWF Superstar, somebody with a win-loss record that nobody can match! A guy known around the world as a submission specialist! I’m bringin’ ‘im back and I’m gonna make ‘im tap out to ma’ Figure Four right in tha’ centre of tha’ ring!

And to maybe hammer home the seriousness of his point, Jarrett snaps the sunglasses away from his face and looks intently into the camera…

Jeff Jarrett: And when I make his ass tap out, there ain’t gonna be no doubt about it. I am ‘The King of Submissions’! I am the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time! And I am done wit’ that loser Tazz! So I’m officially on the lookout for a new challenger for SummerSlam. But after ya’ see what I do to this guy tomorrow night… haha! I don’t think anybody is gonna want ta’ step into tha’ ring wit’ me anytime soon!

Jarrett has another little chuckle to himself while Sunny flashes that devilish smirk once again, as this video fades to black.…

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

Back into the arena to hear…

”WHAT DOES EVERYBODY WANT!?”

*SCHIZOPHRENIC*​

Al Snow gets a great welcome from the crowd, his reception into arenas starting to gain some volume in recent weeks as his gimmick starts to get over. Snow looks a little lost without Head, taking a seat in the corner of the ring as he rocks back and forth, not too dissimilar to the way in which Mankind composes himself before a match…

Michael Cole: It’s time for our main event, Al Snow is set to take on The Rock, but what a welcome to the arena for Al! He and Head are really starting to make a name for themselves here in the WWF, they’re really gettin’ the fans behind them!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: God, what a bunch of morons these people are! How can they cheer for this idiot!? At least he doesn’t have that damn mannequin head with him tonight. I hope that thing got lost somewhere in Fresno, maybe it got tossed out the window of a moving ambulance or somethin’!

”DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’!?”

*DO YOU SMELL?*​

Oozing arrogance, The Rock steps out onto the stage, stopping to raise his eyebrow and flail his nostrils as he takes a sniff of the air. Rock then strides down the ramp before he enters the ring, heading to the corner across from where Al sits to raise his arm in the air…

Michael Cole: He’s the King of the Ring, and he’s in the main event of the first ever Sunday Night Heat! The Rock has been on quite the roll so far this year, but he hit a roadblock at Fully Loaded in the form of Owen Hart and The Undertaker. And earlier tonight, we heard the warning from ‘The Phenom’, he’s not done with Rock yet!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well I think it’s the other way around. I think The Undertaker’s got enough problems with Mr. McMahon right now, he doesn’t want to make an enemy of The Rock too! If Undertaker thinks he can save his brother while picking a fight with Rock, he’s gonna be sorely mistaken!

So we seem ready to get the match started, but then…

We cut to the rafters of the building… where once again The Undertaker is lurking in the shadows! From up high ‘Taker’ looks down on Rock, with Rocky seemingly oblivious to the presence of ‘The Deadman’ in the arena right now…

Michael Cole: ‘King’, look! It’s The Undertaker! The Undertaker is in the rafters of the building! He’s here to watch The Rock! He’s here to keep an eye on this matchup!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And I don’t think Rock knows he’s up there yet! But maybe after this match, Undertaker will think twice before he starts talking about a guy like The Rock!

Main Event:
Al Snow vs. The Rock

The opening moments of the match sees Rock really frustrated with the goofiness of Snow, Rock unable to get a hold of Al as he avoids Rock’s offence and puts him down with back elbows and clotheslines. Al traps Rock’s arms and starts landing a string of headbutts, before he gets the first near fall of the match with a snap suplex. Al then looks for an Irish whip off the ropes, but Rock reverses, shoots Al back in… doubles him over with a boot… floats into the DDT! Full of disrespect, Rock lays in with stomps to the body, before he grabs a handful of hair… and launches Al over the top rope! Rock quickly heads outside, he plants Snow with a hard scoop slam on the floor, before he grabs the hair and looks to smash Al off the announce desk… but Al blocks it… Rock eats the announce desk! Rock is down on the floor, Snow nips up onto the apron… and goes for a moonsault… but Rock rolls… Al hits the floor hard!

Back in the ring and Rock is in control now, he hammers Al with right hands and clotheslines, before he shoots Al off the ropes… into a snap overhead belly-to-belly! That gets Rock a two count, he continues to apply the pressure, aiming stomps to the body before he connects with a swinging neckbreaker for another near fall. More stomps land, then a snap suplex, before Rock sends Al to the corner and follows in… into a boot to the face! A chance for Snow to attack, he throws rights before he comes off the ropes… into a spinebuster! Rock hooks a leg… 1… 2… but Al kicks out! Rock looks to finish Al off, he sends Snow off the ropes… ROCK BOTTOM… NO! Al blocks it, he throws elbows to the back of the head to break free, comes off the ropes… Al ducks a clothesline, drills a boot… sitout suplex slam!

Al can’t take advantage, both men stay down, the referee starts to count, he makes all the way to 7… 8… both men start to stir and make it back to their feet, where Rock throws a right… Snow blocks it… lands a right of his own! Rock swings again, Al ducks… side suplex! Snow now climbs to the second rope… diving legdrop! 1… 2… Rock kicks out! Al looks to build momentum, he looks for the Irish whip to the corner… Rock reverses… but Al leaps to the middle rope… springboard crossbody! 1… 2… Rocks kicks out again! Al senses he could pull off the upset here, he drags Rock up, lands a pair of uppercuts then hooks him up… SNOW PLOW… NO!! Rock frantically throws elbows and rights to break free, he goes for the Irish whip… Al reverses… but Rock ducks a clothesline, puts on the breaks… ROCK BOTTOM!! Rock strikes out of nowhere, hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: The Rock @ 06:45

Rock gets the win, but Snow pushed him all the way, a great display from Al but ultimately he comes up short. Rock gets back to winning ways after his slip up at Fully Loaded, quickly back to his feet to have his hand raised by the ref before Rock quickly snaps it away…

Michael Cole: Rock gets the win, but what an effort from Al Snow! He might be weird, he might be a little eccentric, but he showed he’s a great competitor right there.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but it’s The Rock who’s goin’ home a winner tonight! That loser Al Snow doesn’t even have his mannequin head to cry about it to!

And it’s only now as Rock heads to the ropes that he looks up towards the rafters… and spots The Undertaker! Rock looks furious at the idea of ‘The Deadman’ watching his match, jawing up at the rafters, while Undertaker remains unfazed, he just stares back down at Rock with very little emotion…

Michael Cole: I think Rock’s just noticed The Undertaker high above the arena! I don’t think Rock knew Undertaker was there until just now! And he doesn’t look happy to see ‘The Deadman’!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Can you blame him!? Rock’s not interested in these mind games! He’s not gonna stand for this from The Undertaker!

The jawing from the ring continues, with Rock pointing up and throwing some trash talk at ‘The Phenom’, and that seems like a logical place for the show to come to an end.

But instead we take a quick cut backstage to the locker room… to ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin! Austin hasn’t moved since we saw him earlier, he’s still sat on his chair, although there are a lot more empty beer cans by his side now. And Kevin Kelly is approaching Austin to grab a final word with him…

Kevin Kelly: ‘Stone Cold’, the first ever episode of Sunday Night Heat is in the books! But tomorrow night on Raw, what are you hoping to hear from Owen Hart with regards to your potential World Wrestling Federation Championship Match at SummerSlam?

Kelly points the mic downwards at Austin…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Well I ain’t really hopin’ for nothin’, son. But what I want is I want some damn answers! Tomorrow night on Raw, I ain’t got a damn clue what Vince McMahon is gonna throw at me, but I damn sure know that Owen Hart needs ta’ make up ‘is damn mind if he’s goin’ ta’ SummerSlam or not ta’ face me for ma’ WWF Title!

Austin takes a swig of beer before he continues…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Tha’ bottom line is Owen, I want some damn answers! I know right now I’m gon’ be defendin’ ma’ title at SummerSlam, now I wanna know who tha’ hell it’s gonna be against!

Having finished a can, Austin crushes it up and throws it down on the floor, rising to his feet from the chair…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Who the hell’s it gonna be? Is it gonna be you, Owen? Or is it gonna be someone else? Well tomorrow night on Raw… I ain’t leavin’ without an answer. And that’s tha’ bottom line, cos ‘Stone Cold’ said so!

And with that hook for tomorrow night, some credits pop up at the bottom of the screen and the first episode of Sunday Night Heat fades out on the sight of the WWF Champion.

*End Show*

Current Card for WWF SummerSlam 1998:
Date: August 30th, 1998
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

WWF Championship Match:
WWF Champion ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart

Intergender Tag Team Match:
’Marvellous’ Marc Mero and Ivory vs. Val Venis and Sable

​

​

 

[Stojy]

So happy to have this back somewhere I can read it. Obviously hoping Summerslam isn’t the end of this, but if it is, I’m planning to enjoy the ride. Triple H promo to open Sunday Night Heat was solid enough, relatively short and sweet focusing on the biggest thing around DX which is the Shawn Michaels return. I’m curious as to how you’ll have Shawn and Trips in DX together at this point, with H having probably grown accustomed to being the leader recently.

Anyway, Triple H is just a bigger name than Mero so he’s always getting a win here. The drama between Chyna and Ivory on the outside is plenty of attitude era fun as well.

Undertaker promo was well written as always and touched on the two major things going on with him at the moment. The threats to McMahon were nice, and did a good job of hyping just what will go down with Kane at Raw. Glad you didn’t forget about The Rock, and had Taker focus on him as well. Considering Taker kind of referred to focusing on The Rock after he saves Kane, I’m intrigued to see how this all comes together because there’s no way McMahon just gives up. Anyway, good stuff here.

Meh, don’t really care for Droz tbh.

I’ve always liked the team you’ve set up here of Ahmed and Scorpio, but The Heritage (another team you formed yourself) have to look strong ahead of their title shot on Raw. No issues here.

Again, big tick on the extra focus on the Michaels return, making it feel like the huge deal it should. Michaels/Shamrock will be terrific for sure.

Vader eventually left WWF and had one hell of a final run in Japan. He’s still got something to give here so happy he went over Faarooq.

The Rock’s promo was solid enough, filled with Rockisms and somewhat hyped the main event accordingly.

King of Submissions gimmick for Jarrett should be a lot of fun, even if it will most likely only last to Summerslam. Looking forward to a fun few weeks at least, and can’t wait to see who he brings in. This Jarrett/Tazz program in general has been really enjoyable.

Similar to the opener, The Rock is just a bigger name so he’s always beating Snow here. Solid main event, but the most important thing here is probably the words between Rock and ‘Taker afterwards.

Smart booking to make viewers wait the entire show before hearing from Austin. Keep them on that hook. Austin’s promo was well written and basically just served as a hype job to Raw and what Owen’s decision will be regarding the WWF Title match at Summerslam. Good stuff.

A very solid first edition of the B show. No complaints at all, few big name appearances and the show did a good job of getting me more excited for the next episode of Raw. And again, I’ll reiterate it’s so good to have you booking again. <3

 

[DTP]

WWF RAW is WAR - July 27, 1998:

Oh, I have memories of my own 1998 diary just reading the date and setting of this. I think on this same show I wrote in 2011 I had Steven Regal beat Steve Austin and align with Vince McMahon on his first night in the company. Nostalgia! Anyway, I'm very interested to see what you have - I don't really recall picking this up over on the old forum.

My immediate takeaway is the detail, straight down to all "tha'" spellings. The southern twang really brings out the charm of writing in 1990s Internet write-up style. Stone Cold Steve Austin's promo was a typical sign of the times after beating Ken Shamrock at King of the Ring. That would have made a heck of a main event, too, if their match later in the year on RAW was anything to go by. Obvious stacking the odds in advance of the main event surely will lead to Austin retaining, if I could hazard a guess. How we get there, and how we see it turn out is the bigger pieces of the puzzle, here.

William Regal going over Vader made a lot of sense, and I suspect that we could be seeing the big guy on his way out a la real life. It's a shame, but in 1998 Vader's stock had truly fallen substantially from previous years. His weight gain only hindered him, I feel. Regal's star is on the rise, but I have to wonder with the clean win how far you'll plan to take him. Hopefully he keeps his act clean as the year progresses.

I always felt like Kai En Tai existed in its' own little world away from the rest of the roster in 1998. I do like the drama surrounding Tajiri and TAKA Michinoku, though. Some high stakes make for an interesting angle that could actually maintain interest in the light heavyweight picture.

The Jackyl as the mouthpiece for Dan Severn is different, I'll give you that. Dan never got a fair shake, and it's unquestionably in part due to his mic work, or lack thereof. I do wonder how we will see Dustin and Terri Runnels proceed, considering how things were for the two of them at this point in time. I hope Val Venis stays away.

It always baffled me how The Headbangers were handled, considering just how unique and topical a tandem they were in this pop culture-ripe age. Mosh taking the job was expected to sacrifice him for Dan Severn. I like that you are establishing the win-streak for him, a la Bill Goldberg, and akin to his UFC career.

There isn't much that screams Jim Cornette booking than the idea of him and Chyna being handcuffed together during a match pitting their teams against each other. If I recall, we saw Chyna and Commissioner Slaughter cuffed together for Triple H and Owen Hart's match at Unforgiven: In Your House.

I was indifferent to Owen Hart's promo, if I'm honest. Him coming out on top over The Undertaker and The Rock was a surprise, but I feel like Owen needs a lot of work done to truly appear as fair competition to Steve Austin ahead of SummerSlam. Still a long way to go on that front, though.

Tiger Ali Singh as WWF European Champion is certainly a choice. I couldn't tell you anything about him as a worker from memory. Alas, the match with Dustin Runnels read strange, as he was the backdrop for Gangrel's bloodbath. I love that Gangrel hasn't even debuted yet, by the sounds of it. That's really creative.

Jeff Jarrett as WWF Intercontinental Champion just sounds right for this period. I'm surprised Sunny's still around, but that's probably a good thing. I'd go all in on her and Sable as a program, personally. I never felt like there was a better time than at the apex of the Attitude Era's raciness.

D-Generation X calling out The Undertaker is a solid take, and I would presume that this could lead us to SummerSlam. It's totally different to Triple H going after The Rock and the Nation, and that's a great thing, honestly. I think what I like most about this dynamic here in 1998 is that it comes months after Undertaker went to war with Shawn Michaels in Hell in a Cell. I do have to say HHH did need a landmark with to establish himself as DX's frontman.

I'm stunned by how much you filled the first hour with, but such was the booking of the time.

I was surprised to see this happen right here and now, and as expected it served its purpose as a television angle. Triple H picking up the win was explanatory, but The Rock's involvement perhaps implies he'll be instead working The Undertaker at SummerSlam. Either way or a Triple Threat match, that could be interesting - even if we just saw that with Owen Hart the night prior.

Adored the pop culture reference of Time Magazine here. Inject me with more of that stuff to make me feel like I'm in 1998.

I think my lone complaint about The Rock walloping The Undertaker with a steel chair is how identical it felt to what kickstarted Shawn Michaels and Undertaker's dispute the previous year. The headshots with the chair is what drove us towards Badd Blood, if I recall.

How Kane fits into the Handicap match equation should be interesting in tonight's main event.

A somewhat different direction for Darren Drozdov. It's one I could see being a fun take, and it allows him to Puke all he wants! Sick.

Al Snow losing Head is a very fun idea for an angle.

Oh God, we went full castration angle but with TAKA Michinoku's head. It's fascinating to see you put the focus on Tajiri's next steps with TAKA as the babyface in peril. I loved everything about this segment for the authenticity of it all. Jerry Lawler eating the mist going into the break was radical. The kidnapping continuing only adds how despicable Kai En Tai can be as a group. Racial overtones associated with the times aside, it negated the usual comedy that this faction used to associate itself with.

Savio Vega still being around is one great mystery, for sure. Marc Mero getting the win was fine for what it was. I suppose Ivory makes a better substitute for Mero's sidekick over Jacqueline, which in itself is curious. I'm not surprised to see Val Venis involved with this one. I wonder where Jackie is. Alas, this mixed tag team match follows loosely on from the real picture, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I don't know about it being announced with so much time to kill before SummerSlam, though. Felt like it happened too early.

The Rock's formative months leading to his megastar ascension continue. Good write-up on this promo.

Seeing Tazz a part of WWF in 1998 feels kind of dirty, considering how hot a talent he was still becoming before eventually joining up with the company in 2000. Nonetheless, the WWF Intercontinental Championship picture is a decent fit for him. I can't imagine it'll be long before we see Sunny take a Tazzmission. The Legion of Doom coming out to even the odds against Southern Justice was logical. I wonder where Supply and Demand went - as a side, I do wonder what the Nation are up to these days, especially D'Lo Brown. D'Lo was setting the world on fire in the midcard standings.

Great main event with Shawn Michaels gunning for Ken Shamrock. It's a little soon after WrestleMania XIV for him to be coming back, but I'll accept it since the idea was he would eventually be back before his retirement was quietly announced. I don't know about him helping Steve Austin though, unless there's something I missed with Shawn being booted from D-Generation X, perhaps? Owen Hart standing afar from Austin was another interesting choice. I feel like there is still a lot of work to be done to make Owen feel on Austin's level. How Kane fits into the build for SummerSlam is a burning question, no pun intended.

WWF Shotgun Saturday Night - August 1, 1998:

I like the abbreviated show rundown, even if it is a little hard to decipher where the finishes take place. A segment per paragraph is so handy, though.

It felt like the standard fare with unused talents and undercarders being utilized for the majority. The Godfather getting the win over Skull was just logical. I can't imagine we'll be seeing the DOA around too much longer.

Faarooq was in such a bizarre position following the Nation. How he navigates onto another interesting card position will be interesting. A match with Vader on the first edition of Sunday Night HeAT sounds...stiff to say the very least.

Mabel with a squash match was the obvious thing to do. I would like to know what his long-term future looks like, as I feel like he could be - if not already has been - a great henchman for Vince McMahon.

Jim Cornette's promo was really funny. I got a kick out of it, and I expect either a total heat segment or Chyna kicking his ass on Monday.

D'Lo Brown! I hope he gets rocketstrapped in the next couple of months. Fair win over Jose Estrada Jr. was fine. It's essentially a matter of time until Los Boricuas find themselves on the way out, I reckon.

The Legion of Doom's promo sounded fine for what it was. I feel like putting them on Shotgun for this was a bit of a waste, considering how poorly viewed this show was at this point in time. Alas, it allows us to see what's next for Hawk and Animal - unfortunately a rehash of their feud with the Godwinns from yesteryear. Hopefully we see some interesting spin put on it.

Scott Taylor taking the L to Val Venis made for a fun main event. Too Much were fun to have around, even if they were goofballs with nothing happenin' until Too Cool the next year.

WWF Sunday Night HeAT - August 2, 1998:

There was so much that could have been done with a one-hour show capable of featuring the top stars. I really liked what HeAT brought to the table before SmackDown! came along.

D-Generation X kicking off the premiere just made sense, as one of the hottest acts in the company at this time. Mind you, a lot of guys were at this point in time. Marc Mero being fed to Triple H just made sense and didn't need to be much more than this. I do have to wonder what the idea is for DX shifting gears to SummerSlam. It's telling X-Pac and the New Age Outlaws have been absent this week.

It's truly interesting seeing how you are handling The Undertaker and Kane union, and the rational detailed in Undertaker's promo here was really well explained. I am hopeful you stray from the idea of The Ministry of Darkness, but this alluded to a future beef with Vince McMahon in particular. How Kane falls in line with this is a curious question.

I'm still unsure how to feel about John Bradshaw and Lance Storm as a tandem. They did need this win to set them up for the WWF Tag Team Championship rematch on RAW is WAR tomorrow night, though. Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio is actually a cool team to have, even if they aren't going anywhere, by the looks of things.

Vader going over Faarooq does illustrate a purpose for the big man going forward. That's reassuring to see, but I do wonder where Faarooq moves from this. It's clear neither have too much going for them, so having them factored into this same story makes sense.

Jeff Jarrett is getting a lot of talk time, and honestly that's probably the best use of him here. It gets his relationshp with Sunny over more, and I like that Jarrett is adopting an Owen Hart-like attitude to Tazz's Ken Shamrock with this storyline. Maybe tomorrow on RAW we can expect to see Max Mini dressed up as Tazz lose to the Figure-Four?

I was wondering where Mankind had been hiding, so this is cool. The Rock going over Al Snow was fine for what it was. I liked this for a main event, even if I expected something more of a hot angle to close the show.

We would get that with Steve Austin's interview. It worded well, but the Owen Hart storyline continues to be a question mark to me. I'm sure it'll be answered tomorrow.

Overall, for a first episode of HeAT, this show provided what to expect moving forward. A blend of high-profile names, undercard wins, and progressive angles to set up RAW is WAR the day after. Not a bad thing per se, I just feel like we could have used some bigger angles infused that could have got people talking even more about this show.

This was a fine week of television coming away from Fully Loaded.

 

[iMac]

WWF Raw is War
August 3rd, 1998
San Diego Sports Arena
San Diego, California​

No highlights package this week, instead we are straight to the parking lot to see an irate Ken Shamrock screaming at some poor attendant… with a tire iron in his hand!

Ken Shamrock: Where is he!? WHERE IS HE!? WHERE’S SHAWN MICHAELS!? WHERE’S D-X!!?

But the terrified parking lot attendant cowers in fear, prompting Shamrock to grab him by the collar…

Ken Shamrock: Where is that son of a bitch!? Is he here yet!?

Parking Attendant: I-I-I don’t know! I haven’t seen D-X all night! I swear!

Realising he’s not going to get the answer he’s looking for, Shamrock shoves this poor nobody to the ground, before he let’s out a roar of frustration and we cut away.

Now we get the usual Raw opening video, before we head into the arena for the pyro and ballyhoo. As we take a tour of the crowd and their signs, we’re welcomed to the show by Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler…

Jim Ross: Tha’ San Diego Sports Arena is tha’ site for Monday Night Raw! An’ what a night this is gonna be, t’night we’re gonna get some answers we hope. Is Owen Hart gonna face ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin at SummerSlam for tha’ WWF Championship!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well forget about that for a minute, did you Ken Shamrock back there!? That lunatic’s runnin’ about the parking lot with a tire iron in his hands! If he gets his hands on Shawn Michaels and D-X, Michaels is gonna wish he never came back to the WWF!

Jim Ross: It was last week that ‘HBK’ returned to tha’ WWF after two months on tha’ shelf injured, he was lookin’ for revenge an’ he found it when he smacked Shamrock as Shamrock challenged unsuccessfully for tha’ WWF Title. Shawn Michaels and D-X are set ta’ be here t’night, wit’ Tha’ New Age Outlaws set ta’ defend tha’ World Tag Team Championships against Tha’ Heritage.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but that’s not all. Vince McMahon is here tonight, and I know he’s gotta have somethin’ in store for Kane after he not only let Shawn Michaels interfere last week, but he let ‘Stone Cold’ escape once again with the WWF Title!

Jim Ross: Tha’ Undertaker made his feelings clear last night on Sunday Night Heat, he wants and end ta’ this whole situation between McMahon and his brother Kane. But I can’t imagine Vince McMahon ever backin’ down ta’ anybody, even ‘Tha’ Phenom’!

*GLASS SHATTERS!*

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

A massive cheer as ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin marches into the arena, dragging the WWF Title along with him. San Diego gives Austin a great welcome, even more so as the champion heads to all four corners to give the crowd a middle fingered salute…

Jim Ross: Well not only did we hear from Tha’ Undertaker last night on Heat, we also heard from tha’ WWF Champion. Austin said he was comin’ ta’ San Diego t’night wit’ one thing on his mind, he wants answers from Owen Hart. Is it gonna be Austin an’ Hart at SummerSlam for tha’ richest prize in tha’ game?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And it looks like he’s not gonna waste any time here, Ross! Austin wants answers, and he wants them right now!

Indeed once Austin has dropped down from the final corner, he heads to grab a microphone…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Last night on Sunday Night Heat, I told Owen Hart that I was comin’ inta’ San Diego t’night, an’ I wanted some damn answers. Last week I beat that stupid sunnova bitch Ken Shamrock an’ that big red bastard Kane ta’ keep ma’ WWF Title. An’ tha’ night before that at Fully Loaded, Owen Hart beat Tha’ Undertaker and Tha’ Rock ta’ earn a shot at ma’ title at SummerSlam. But then we get ta’ Raw last week, an’ ol’ Owen, he ain’t so sure if he’s gonna take tha’ shot or not!

Austin paces back and forth, a stern look on his face…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Well as far as ‘Stone Cold’ sees it, there ain’t no debate ta’ have. Owen, ya’ earned a shot at tha’ WWF Title fair an’ square, so I don’t really see what ya’ gotta make up y’er damn mind about. Ya’ come out ta’ this ring week after week an’ say ya’ just wanna put on a show for these people, but hell son, it’s tha’ damn WWF Title we’re talkin’ ‘bout here! There oughta be not a shadow of a doubt in y’er damn mind about it!

Austin now stops pacing, staring up at the entrance way…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Tha’ bottom line is Owen, if ya’ wanna put on a show for tha’ fans, if ya’ wanna send ‘em home happy, then there ain’t no better chance ta’ do it than ta’ step inta’ tha’ ring wit’ me at SummerSlam for tha’ WWF Title!

And the crowd seem to agree as they give Austin a cheer…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Now I ain’t gonna ask ya’, I sure as hell ain’t gonna beg ya’, but I’m tellin’ ya’ this, Owen, I ain’t leavin’ San Diego t’night without a damn answer!

And another pop, clearly Austin means business here tonight…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: So what I want right now is for Owen Hart, walk y’er mealy mouthed ass down ta’ this ring, an’ gimme a damn answer! Are ya’ in for SummerSlam… or are ya’ out?

And the crowd cheer again, clearly they’re excited about this confrontation taking place right now. But Owen makes us wait… and wait some more, Austin becoming impatient… but then…

*BLACK HART*​

A warm smile on his face as Owen Hart heads down the ramp, waving to the crowd and shaking a few ringside hands. Owen pauses at the ringside steps, he takes in a deep breath and puffs out his cheeks before he climbs the steps and enters the ring…

Jim Ross: Well ‘Tha’ Rattlesnake’ called it right, Owen earned tha’ shot at tha’ WWF Title at Fully Loaded. But Owen has been consistent ever since he returned to tha’ WWF after he took some time off, he ain’t interested in tha’ title.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but ‘JR’, it’s the main event of SummerSlam! It’s the WWF Championship! Can you tell me that Owen Hart, given how many times he’s challenged for that title and blew it, he’s gonna walk away from one final shot at it? Don’t get me wrong, Austin and Owen for the title is my idea of a living nightmare! But if Owen is any kinda man, any kinda competitor, there’s no way he’s walkin’ away from a chance like this.

As always, Owen offers Austin a handshake… but of course, ‘The Rattlesnake’ just stares hard at the hand, then he locks eyes with Owen, clearly not interested…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I didn’t call y’er ass out here ta’ shake y’er damn hand, I called ya’ out here ta’ get a damn answer, son. SummerSlam is less than a month away, it’s Madison Square Garden, an’ you got a shot ta’ face me in tha’ main event for tha’ WWF Title. Only problem is… you ain’t sure if ya’ want it or not.

And in a sign of agreement, Owen shakes his head…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Now this whole comin’ out here night after night, workin’ y’er damn ass off ta’ put on a show for tha’ fans, that’s all well an’ good, I ain’t got a problem wit’ that. But when ya’ stand here an’ say that ya’ ain’t interested in bein’ WWF Champion, that ya’ ain’t interested in bein’ in tha’ main event, I ain’t buyin’ that for a second. If ya’ ask me, that ain’t nothin’ but a bunch o’ B.S.!

The crowd pop for that, but Owen again shakes his head…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: I don’t care what anybody says, there ain’t nobody who gets in this business ta’ put on a show for tha’ fans. ‘Stone Cold’ didn’t get in this business ta’ entertain these people, I got in this business for one reason, an’ that was ta’ become tha’ WWF Champion. If I raise a lil’ hell, drink a lil’ beer and stomp a mudhole in some sons o’ bitches on tha’ way, then so be it. But tha’ bottom line is, I been workin’ for this title since I took ma’ first step in a damn ring, an’ I know that no matter what ya’ might say, it’s tha’ damn same thing for you!

That seems to hit a nerve with Owen, he screws up his face and bites his lip as Austin continues…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: But as much as I know that deep down inside, y’er dyin’ ta’ take one last shot at tha’ WWF Title, clearly ya’ got some doubts right now. But ta’ be honest wit’ ya’, I don’t give a rat’s ass about y’er doubts or about how y’er feelin’ about it. I want an answer, I wanna know where y’er heads at. And I wanna know… are ya’ gonna face me at SummerSlam for tha’ WWF Title or not?

So Austin has put the question to Owen pretty bluntly, Owen motioning for Austin to hand him the microphone to give him an answer. But again Owen pauses, thinking deeply, making us wait before he brings the mic to his mouth…

Owen Hart: Y’know something, Steve? You’re right. You’re absolutely right. You need an answer tonight. Infact, I’d even go one better than that. You deserve an answer tonight.

Austin is unmoved, he just stares a hole through Owen…

Owen Hart: But at the same time Steve, when it comes to what you said about my feelings on the WWF Championship… you couldn’t be more wrong.

But that causes Austin to smirk and shake his head…

Owen Hart: I can honestly say Steve, with my hand on my heart, that when I came back after Over The Edge, it wasn’t about the WWF Championship any more. I tried to be a tough guy, I tried to be somebody I’m not, I chased the WWF Title at the Royal Rumble, I did it again at No Way Out, and I tried for a third time at WrestleMania. And what did it get me? It just made me angry and frustrated. It made me become a person I really didn’t like. So when I came back and I said I was done chasing the WWF Title… I really meant that.

And the crowd seem pretty disappointed with that as they jeer in response…

Owen Hart: I came back and I figured my chance to ever become WWF Championship was behind me, so I was gonna make sure that every time I stepped in this ring, I gave it everything I had to make sure these fans went home happy. And I’d like to think that since I came back, I’ve done that night after night. Right?

Owen points the mic towards the crowd to ask them, but he gets a very mixed response, some fans clearly appreciating his efforts while others just want him to give us a straight answer here…

Owen Hart: But y’know, there was something else that you were right about. I always want to put on a show, I always want to entertain these fans… and when you said that there’d be no better way than to put on a show for these fans than to face you in the main event of SummerSlam for that WWF Championship… you’ve actually got a point there, Steve.

But that little bit of hope gets a warmer response from the crowd…

Owen Hart: When I really think about it, there might be no better way to put on a show for these people, there might be no better way to entertain the fans, then ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Owen Hart goin’ at it in the main event of SummerSlam 1998!

And the crowd seems to agree as they pop again…

Owen Hart: I mean it would be a match where there’d be no interference, no nonsense, just two guys going at it, doing everything they can to get the victory and prove who the better man is. I know that’s the kinda match I want, I’m sure after all these months you’ve had to put up with Vince McMahon and his handpicked challengers, it’s exactly the kinda match you’d want too, Steve.

Austin nods in agreement…

Owen Hart: So I know you want an answer, I know these great fans want an answer… and while I’m sure it would be an unbelievable matchup… right now? I just don’t know, Steve. I just don’t know.

But that gets jeers, Austin smirking and shaking his head as he turns and walks away…

Owen Hart: I know that’s not the answer you came here for, but I’m sorry Steve. Right now? I just don’t know.

The crowd boos again, with Austin now turning back to Owen, motioning for Hart to hand him the microphone…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Ya’ don’t know, huh? Ya’ don’t know if if ya’ want it? Well how ‘bout these damn people out here? If ya’ wanna see ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin an’ Owen Hart in tha’ main event of SummerSlam for tha’ WWF Title, gimme a hell yeah!

”HELL YEAH!”

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Aw hell yeah! They want it, ‘Stone Cold’ wants it, I know deep down inside, y’er ass wants it too. So how ‘bout ya’ drop all tha’ B.S., give these people tha’ answer they want?

And with that, Austin very forcibly shoves the mic back into Owen’s chest. Owen grabs the mic and stares out into the crowd, a much more serious look crossing his face as he looks like he’s made up his mind here…

Owen Hart: Alright. Alright Steve. You want an answer? I’ll give you an answer.

And Austin raises his eyebrows, he’s all ears, the crowd buzzes in anticipation again…

Owen Hart: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Owen Hart. SummerSlam. For the WWF Title? You-

”DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’?”

*DO YOU SMELL?*​

Wait just a second there, Owen. The Rock steps out onto the stage, microphone already in hand, looking as cool as he ever did. From behind sunglasses, Rock stares down at the ring, flaring his nostrils, taking a big sniff before he starts to speak…

The Rock: Now hold on a damn minute there. The Rock is sittin’ there backstage, he hears you two jabronis talkin’ about SummerSlam and the WWF Championship. But what you two morons forgot is that it’s The Rock who deserves to be in the main event of SummerSlam against ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

”How’d ya’ figure that one out, Rock?” asks ‘JR’…

The Rock: It was The Rock who beat Owen Hart, one, two , three in the middle of the ring at Over The Edge. It was The Rock who beat fifteen other jabronis, became the 1998 King of the Ring. And if it wasn’t for that big walkin’ corpse The Undertaker, it was The Rock who was beatin’ your monkey ass back at Fully Loaded to become the number one contender for the WWF Title!

Owen and Austin both stare up at Rock, Owen leaning against the ropes and shaking his head…

The Rock: And now The Rock hears you comin’ out here, runnin’ your mouth about how you’re not sure if you want to go to SummerSlam to face that piece of trailer park trash for the title!? Well Owen Hart, if you can’t make up your damn mind, The Rock is more than happy to step in and beat the hell outta you ‘Stone Cold’ and become the WWF Champion!

And that’s got Austin hot, he starts jawing up at Rock…

The Rock: You talk all the trash you want Austin, but The Rock knows damn well that the only reason you’re in this ring right now, beggin’ and pleadin’ with Owen Hart to step up and say yes is cos you know that when you go one on one with ‘The People’s Champ’, that WWF Title is comin’ home with The Rock! So Owen Hart, how ‘bout you step aside, you give The Rock what’s rightfully his, that shot at the WWF Championship, SummerSlam 1998!?

In the ring, Owen still has the microphone in his hand, Austin looking at him waiting for answer…

Owen Hart: Well Rock, I’ve said it to you before, I think you’re an incredible wrestler, I’m sure one day you’re gonna be a great WWF Champion. But I got a real problem with your attitude and the way you speak to people. You come out here, you interrupt me and ‘Stone Cold’, you start being rude and insulting the two of us, I don’t think that’s the kinda way you oughta be talking to someone who you want to hand over a title shot to you.

”This is pathetic! It’s not being back in high school!” quips Lawler…

Owen Hart: And to be honest with you Rock, I don’t know if these people really want to see someone like you in the main event of SummerSlam?

A mixed response from the crowd, while Rock flairs his nostrils at the fans…

The Rock: Well thankfully The Rock doesn’t give a damn what these inbred pieces of monkey crap want! The Rock wants what is rightfully his, The Rock wants his shot at the WWF Title! And The Rock is gonna get his shot at the WWF Title, even if he needs to beat it straight outta your candy ass!

But that actually gets a positive reaction, and Austin jumps on that, he grabs the mic from Owen…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Well hell, that sounds like a challenge ta’ me right there, Rock. There’s a helluva lotta talkin’ goin’ on right now, but how ‘bout you two stop flappin’ your gums for a damn minute and settle this in tha’ damn ring!?

The crowd are behind that, but a look of concern crosses Owen’s face…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: You don’t know if ya’ want it, that sunnova bitch up there sure as hell wants it, so how ‘bout t’night, Owen Hart an’ Tha’ Rock, one on one, the winner goes ta’ SummerSlam ta’ face me for ma’ WWF Title!?

Austin tosses the mic to Owen looking for answer, Rock looks down from the stage, all eyes turn to Hart, but Owen is clearly reluctant to sign up for a situation like this…

Owen Hart: Now wait a minute, Steve. I don’t know if I’m-

The Rock: How ‘bout you know your role and shut your mouth, jabroni!? The Rock says your monkey ass has got the match. The Rock, Owen Hart, tonight, the winner goes to SummerSlam for the WWF Championship!

In the ring, Owen stares up at Rock and gives a slight shake of the head, with Austin burning a hole through Owen, the champion almost starting to get angry at how noncommittal Owen is being right now…

The Rock: But after The Rock kicks your candy ass tonight Owen Hart, he’s goin’ to SummerSlam and he’s sendin’ you back to the trailer park empty handed, Austin! And that’s cos The Rock is ‘The People’s Champ’… The Rock is ‘The People’s Choice’… and The Rock is gonna be the best damn WWF Champ there ever was! If ya’ smell… what The Rock is cookin’!

And with that, Rock slams his mic down on the stage and disappears backstage, leaving Austin to again stare at Hart, looking for an answer…

Owen Hart: Now wait, I didn’t come here tonight expecting this. I didn’t-

And now Austin snatches the microphone clean out of Owen’s hand…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Shut tha’ hell up! That sunnova bitch walked out here, he said he’d beat tha’ piss outta ya’ ta’ get a shot at ma’ WWF Title, and y’er just gonna walk away from that!? Talk about puttin’ on a show for these fans, hell, they ain’t gonna get a bigger show t’night than you and Tha’ Rock.

The crowd are up for it from the pop they give, although Owen still has reservations from the conflicted look on his face…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: If ya’ wanna see Owen Hart and Tha’ Rock go at t’night, gimme a hell yeah!

”HELL YEAH!”

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: So if ya’ care so much about these people, then ya’ll walk y’er sorry ass down ta’ this ring, face Tha’ Rock t’night, and then I’ll have ma’ damn answer. Either way, it’s either you or that stupid rat bastard at SummerSlam! But I promise ya’ this, no matter who I face, I ain’t walkin’ outta Madison Square Garden without this WWF Title! And that’s tha’ bottom line, cos ‘Stone Cold’ said so!

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

So the crowd is on board, Austin is board, The Rock definitely is on board, the only man with any doubts is still Owen Hart! As the music hits, Austin tosses the mic aside, but he still has plenty to say to Owen, jawing at him and pointing fingers before Austin heads for the ropes and then marches up the ramp. As he goes, Owen stands with his hands on his hips, watching the champion go, clearly a lot on his mind right now as he weighs up what his decision is going to be.

But the camera takes a quick cut to the announce desk…

Jim Ross: Well it’s plain and simple as far as ‘Tha’ Rattlesnake’ is concerned! He came here lookin’ for an answer tonight, and it looks like he might get it. Owen Hart an’ Tha’ Rock, tha’ winner is gonna go ta’ SummerSlam ta’ challenge for tha’ WWF Title!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Good! I think that’s the fairest way to settle things. If Owen doesn’t want the chance to become WWF Champion, then let The Rock beat ‘im and he’ll go to SummerSlam to face Austin!

Jim Ross: Yeah but I’m not sure if Owen is really on board with that. It didn’t look like it ta’ me! But be that as it may folks, still ta’ come t’night, tha’ World Tag Team Championships are on tha’ line, we’ll hear from Shawn Michaels and D-Generation X, Jeff Jarrett is gonna bring out a submission specialist ta’ face ‘im, Tha’ Undertaker is gonna be here and-

But we quickly cut backstage to the parking lot, to see that Ken Shamrock is still pacing back and forth, tire iron in his hands, awaiting the arrival of Shawn Michaels and D-X… but instead, an ambulance pulls up. Shamrock stands guard, raising the tire iron, thinking this could potentially be some kind of D-X trick… but from behind, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter approach Shamrock…

Sgt. Slaughter: Shamrock! Stand down, Shamrock!

Shamrock turns, looking incredulous…

Ken Shamrock: What!?

Pat Patterson: Mr. McMahons, he says don’t do this right nows.

Ken Shamrock: What are you talkin’ about!?

Gerald Brisco: Mr. Mack-man says he wants to see you in his office. Right now.

And with the sternness of Brisco’s words, Shamrock lowers the tire iron, he thinks things over, before he slowly nods his head and then follows the stooges inside the arena, while we fade to a commercial.

*Commercial*​

And sure enough we’re in the office of Vince McMahon, with Ken Shamrock stood across from him. Over Vince’s shoulder stands Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter and The Big Boss Man after he missed last week’s show. Behind Shamrock stands Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman, while in the corner of the room, Kane lurks with his arms folded across his chest…

Vince McMahon: I know you’re pissed off, alright? I get it. You wanna get back at Shawn Michaels after what he did last week. You wanna tear him limb from limb! I get it! But right now, we’ve got something more important to deal with.

But for Shamrock right now, there’s nothing more important than Michaels…

Ken Shamrock: What the hell are you talkin’ about!?

Vince McMahon: What am I talkin’ about? I’m talkin’ about The Undertaker and that moron we’ve got standin’ in the corner over there!

Kane certainly heard that as he takes a step forward, but Boss Man also steps forward, his hand hovering above his nightstick, the movement of Kane causing Vince to shudder ever so slightly…

Vince McMahon: You want Shawn Michaels and D-Generation X? That’s fine, I’ll give ‘em to ya’. I’ll give you Shawn Michaels, I’ll give you every member of D-X on a silver platter. But I’ll give it to ya’ eventually. Just not tonight. And not at SummerSlam either. You’ll get your hands on Shawn Michaels one day, and don’t you worry Ken, I know you’re gonna be satisfied.

That reassuring statement from Vince seems to calm Shamrock down somewhat…

Vince McMahon: And don’t for one second think I’ve forgotten about ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and the WWF Championship. Now I’ll let Owen Hart and The Rock have their little match tonight, but if they think it’s gonna be that easy for one of them to go into SummerSlam and face Austin, they’ve got another thing coming. That’s your spot Ken, that’s your WWF Championship that ‘Stone Cold’ is wearing around his waist right now.

Vince is playing this pretty close to the chest, he gives Shamrock a knowing look, to which Shamrock nods his head…

Vince McMahon: But after what that son of a bitch Undertaker did to my son Shane two weeks ago, I’m gonna settle things with him tonight first. I’m gonna make him suffer, just like my family’s suffered these last two weeks! And that’s where you come into things, Kane.

All eyes turn to the corner of the room, a much more confident Vince takes a step towards Kane with a smirk on his face…

Vince McMahon: Y’see Kane, I warned your brother that if he didn’t play ball with me, I was gonna have you committed to a mental asylum. And I also warned you last week that if Ken here didn’t leave Raw as the WWF Champion… it was straight to the nut house for you. Well a few moments ago, an ambulance pulled up outside the arena here. And that’s not a local EMT crew or anything like that. That’s an ambulance… full of health officials from the local sanatorium. And they’re here for you, Kane.

There’s a gasp from inside the arena, while the smug McMahon peers into Kane’s eyes, looking for a response…

Vince McMahon: So here’s what’s gonna happen. Tonight, before Raw goes off the air… your brother is gonna humble himself before me. He’s gonna beg me for mercy. He’s gonna apologise for he did to my son Shane, and he’s gonna grovel at my feet for forgiveness. And if he doesn’t? Well… let’s just say you’re gonna be waking up tomorrow morning in a padded cell. Do you understand me?

Obviously there’s no response from Kane, just heavy breathing as his eyes fixate on McMahon…

Vince McMahon: And if you try anything tonight… then the focus of my associates here won’t be on The Undertaker… it’ll be on you.

There’s a faint sound of boos heard inside the arena, the crowd not appreciating Vince’s attempts to extort Kane in order to gain revenge on The Undertaker…

Vince McMahon: Now I know The Undertaker is somewhere in this arena tonight. And I don’t care what kinda voodoo it is that exists between the two of you. But if you get a sense of him, if you get some kind of presence of your brother, you let him know. He’s got ‘til the end of this broadcast to show himself and to beg me to forgive him. And if he doesn’t? Then I’m gonna have you committed.

And with another broad smirk on his face, Vince finishes things with…

Vince McMahon: And given some of the things we’ve seen you do since you arrived here in the WWF… I don’t think they’ll ever let you out again.

McMahon now turns his back and walks away from Kane, the camera showing us that everybody else in the room is standing ready, anticipating some kind of move from Kane, but he just continues to stand there until he slowly cocks his head to one side. Is this The Undertaker that Kane can sense? We’ll need to wait to find out.

As we’re back into the arena for…

*HELLO LADIES*​

It’s time to kick off the in-ring action as Val Venis and Sable enter the arena, and of course the sight of Sable gets a massive reaction from the males in the crowd. As the pair enter the ring, Sable retrieves a microphone and hands it to Val to cut his customary pre-match promo…

Val Venis: Hello… ladies!

Cue the high pitched squeal from the female fans…

Val Venis: So ladies, ‘The Big Valbowski’ has heard that your San Diego Chargers has drafted a quarterback who is gonna be the next big thing?

Does anyone remember the Payton Manning and Ryan Leaf debate? This is that summer, believe it or not…

Val Venis: Well ladies, let ‘The Big Valbowski’ promise you one thing. The next big thing is here in San Diego alright. And if you show a little bit of hustle later tonight… you’ll get to play with it all – night – long!

*TOO MUCH*​

The Too Much duo of ’Too Hot’ Scott Taylor and ’Too Sexy’ Brian Christopher make their entrance, prancing their way down the ramp. As they enter the ring, Taylor and Christopher make a beeline for Sable, seductively rubbing their chests and blowing kisses her way, much to Sable’s disgust…

Jim Ross: Looks like y’er boy Brian there ain’t gettin’ much change outta Sable. And speakin’ of Sable, last week tha’ match was set, Sable and Val Venis ta’ take on Marc Mero and Ivory at SummerSlam. And as I understand it, Sable has spent all week workin’ with Val in tha’ ring, she’s determined to show up to SummerSlam ready to match Ivory in the squared circle.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah, good luck with that! And y’know Sable could do a lot worse than a guy like Brian Christopher. Infact, I’d go as far as to say that he’s too sexy for her! She oughta be grateful Brian even looked twice at her!

Jim Ross: The ol’ Lawler family ego took a bit of a hit right there, didn’t it ‘King’?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What d’ya mean by that!?

Match One:
‘Too Sexy’ Brian Christopher w/ ‘Too Hot’ Scott Taylor vs. Val Venis w/ Sable

Collar-and-elbow tie-up get us started, the larger Val driving Christopher to the ropes before he goes for an Irish whip… into a big back body drop! Val unloads with clotheslines and hiptosses, before he goes for another Irish whip… back elbow… then an elbow drop! Christopher scrambles to the ropes where Val lays in with a trio of knees, then he hooks Christopher up… Russian legsweep for an early near fall. At this point we take a cut quick backstage to see ’Marvellous’ Marc Mero and Ivory stood infront of a monitor, clearly keeping an eye on their upcoming SummerSlam opponents. After this, Val tries to come off the ropes… but Taylor reaches in… and grabs the foot! Val slams on the breaks as Taylor laughs and points, then dips his head through the ropes… smacks Taylor with a stiff right hand! But the distraction allows Christopher to come from behind… dropkick that sends Val over the top rope to the floor!

Christopher then distracts the referee, allowing Taylor to lay in with some stomps, before he rolls Val back into the ring. Christopher comes off the ropes as Val tries to get back to his feet… running bulldog! That gets Brian a two count, before he keeps Venis down with stomps and elbows, then comes off the ropes with a snap legdrop for another two count. Christopher then heads to the middle rope, steadies himself and flies… but Val rolls… and Christopher crashes to the canvas! Val is back up, he goes on the attack with forearms, then knees… then a double-underhook suplex! That got Val another near fall, but he stays on the attack, more knees to the body, then an Irish whip… spinning spinebuster! Christopher is down, Val starts to climb to the top rope… only for Taylor to climb up onto the apron! Val pauses, trying to kick Taylor away… only for Sable to reach up… and yank Taylor down to the floor… then smack him with a kick to the chest! Val readies himself once more… and flies… MONEY SHOT! Val gets all of it, hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Val Venis @ 03:28

A win for Val Venis, and Sable played her part too with that boot across to Scotty’s midsection near the end of the match! Christopher rolls to the floor, he and Taylor cuddling each other as they try to recover, but in the ring Sable raises Val’s hand in victory to the delight of the crowd…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Who does Sable think she is!? She can’t assault Scott Taylor like that! He’s too much of a gentlemen to do anything back to her!

Jim Ross: But at SummerSlam it’s all gonna be legal! Sable’s gonna mix it up wit’ Mero, she might kick his head off in Madison Square Garden!

Val and Sable head up the ramp, Val giving his thumb a quick flick with his tongue as he eyes up the ringside females, before we make a quick cut away.

Unbelievably, we’re back in the damn car park. The camera is pointed at the ambulance, two of the orderlies from the mental hospital standing guard at the rear doors dressed all in white, one of them holding a straitjacket in hand…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Look ‘JR’! They’re ready and waitin’ to take Kane away! You heard Mr. McMahon, Undertaker’s gonna humble himself tonight, or Kane’s goin’ to the nuthouse!

Jim Ross: It’s a horrible situation for The Undertaker to be in. Does he- hey, wait. Wait a second…

This time a limousine pulls up and comes to a stop near the ambulance. The driver steps out, heads to the rear passenger door and opens it… and out steps D-Generation X! The returning Shawn Michaels gets a great pop as he leads Billy Gunn, Road Dogg Road Dogg, Chyna and Triple H out of the limo, the D-X crew full of laughs and jokes as they head for the arena…

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels is back, and I’d say D-X is stronger than ever! What’s gonna happen is Michaels and Ken Shamrock cross paths t’night? You don’t wanna miss that confrontation folks!

*Commercial*​

*VIDEO PACKAGE*

As usual the video starts with fast cuts in a very 1990s MTV style of footage. Through the jumpy images we see our man Darren Drozdov lifting weights in a gym, working through a heavy bench press set before he sits up on the bench and talks into the camera…

Darren Drozdov: Hey. My name’s Darren Drozdov. By now you know I’m a real freak. But I’m not just a freak in the real world, I’m a freak in the gym too!

More lifting of weights, this time some very impressive arm curls…

Darren Drozdov: I might like tattoos and exotic animals, but I ain’t afraid of hard work. You don’t get to the NFL without knowing how to crack a few skulls.

More fast footage, Drozdov now using a huge sledgehammer to smash down on a massive tire…

Darren Drozdov: It’s like I said, I’m a freak!

Now we see ‘Droz’ in a dimly lit warehouse, going through his paces in a wrestling ring against an unknown opponent, taking him down with headlocks and armdrags…

Darren Drozdov: And now I’m ready to come to the WWF and start cracking the skulls of the WWF superstars!

More shots of in-ring action, Drozdov firing his opponent off the ropes and dropping him with a well-placed dropkick…

Darren Drozdov: Next week, I’m gonna make my first appearance in the World Wrestling Federation! And when I get there… nobody’s gonna know what him ‘em! Yeah!

Drozdov has a little chuckle to himself, before the screen fades to black and the following graphic appears…

”DARREN DROZDOV – DEBUTS NEXT WEEK ON RAW!”

*END VIDEO PACKAGE*​

Straight back into the arena to see Dustin Runnels step out, his wife Terri Runnels by his side. As has become the norm for Dustin lately, there’s no entrance music and he’s dressed all in black. While he and Terri walk hand in hand down the ramp, Dustin keeps checking over his shoulder, clearly wary of another bloodbath attack from their mystery assailant...

Jim Ross: Dustin Runnels ready for action here, it’s great ta’ see Dustin an’ Terri back t’gether an’ lookin’ ta’ move on wit’ their lives. But ‘King’, they’ve been tha’ victim of these bloodbaths in recent weeks an’ we’ve no idea who or what is behind ‘em.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: They ruined the wedding renewal a couple of weeks ago, they got ‘em again last week, it’s just a weird, creepy situation. Who could it be? It’s gotta be somebody they’ve made mad lately. But who is it?!

*FIGHTER*​

We’ll need to worry about that later, as right now Dan Severn and The Jackyl are heading down to ringside. As always, not a hint of emotion from Severn, his eyes firmly fixated on the ring, while Jackyl flashes the peace sign at potential followers of his in the crowd…

Jim Ross: Talk about weird an’ creepy, here comes Tha’ Jackyl wit’ his weapon of destruction, Dan ‘Tha’ Beast’ Severn. As it stands, Severn is still undefeated since he arrived here in tha’ WWF, an’ it’s gonna take a herculean effort from Dustin ta’ end that particular winnin’ streak here t’night.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but given everything that’s gone on as of late, is Dustin even in the right frame of mind for a match right here? I know the last person I’d wanna face if I was lookin’ over my shoulder for some nutjob who’s into blood, is Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn!

Match Two:
Dan Severn w/ The Jackyl vs. Dustin Runnels w/ Terri Runnels

From the bell, both men inch towards each other, Severn dropping down for a takedown, working into a grounded headlock. Severn transitions into a grounded armbar, trying to soften up the shoulder, but Runnels fights back to his feet, throwing a back elbow to cause some separation. Runnels drives Severn to the corner with hard right hands, then throws some uppercuts, but Severn goes a waistlock… and takes Runnels up and down! Back to the headlock, but this time when both make it back to their feet, Severn drives his knee repeatedly into Dustin’s face before he rears back… and clothesline Dustin to the floor! Severn follows outside, driving Runnels spine first into the barricade, before he goes for an Irish whip… Dustin reverses… and Severn crashes into the steel steps! Severn feels the brunt of that, with Dustin rolling back into the ring, allowing the referee to count… but he only reaches six before Severn rolls back into the ring, with Dustin pouncing to drop forearms to the back. Runnels then looks for an Irish whip, but Severn reverses… and catches Dustin with an overhead belly-to-belly!

Severn quickly moves in for the ground and pound, more stiff forearms across the jaw, before Severn shows impressive strength to take Dustin up and down with a stiff backbreaker for a two count. Severn drags Dustin up, lays in with a pair of headbutts, before he shoots Dustin to the corner and follows in… but Dustin gets a boot up, comes off the ropes… running bulldog! Runnels takes Severn down, but before he can take advantage…

*BLOOD*​

The arena is bathed in red light, there’s confusion all around, through the darkness we can see that Dustin has slide to the outside to protect Terri… there’s a loud, high-pitched scream… and when the lights come back on… DUSTIN AND TERRI ARE COVERED IN BLOOD AGAIN!! The bloodbath strikes again, the Runnels are covered in the horrible red liquid on the floor… but from behind, here comes Severn… he hurls Dustin into the ringpost! Severn then barges past Terri to grab Dustin, roll him into the ring, before Severn follows in… cinches the groggy Runnels from behind… DRAGON SLEEPER!! Severn gets Dustin in his dangerous submission hold… he chokes Dustin down… Dustin tries to fight it… but eventually Dustin passes out! The referee calls for the bell!

Winner: Via Submission, Dan Severn @ 03:29

Another bloodbath! And it costs Dustin dearly as Severn takes advantage to slap him in the deadly submission hold to claim another victory. Severn quickly bounces back to his feet and sneers as he stands over Runnels, Jackyl quickly into the ring to give his man a pat on the back before they leave the ring. On the outside, Terri is in tears as she sits on the floor, drenched in the red liquid, but once Severn and Jackyl leaves, she slides into the ring and crawls to console her husband…

Jim Ross: Well this Dan Severn, he’s an animal! But what is tha’ deal wit’ these bloodbaths!? Who’s behind ‘em!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I haven’t got a clue. But that’s two weeks in a row they’ve cost Dustin a match. We need some answers here.

Jim Ross: And look at poor Terri there, she’s distraught! She’s covered in blood, her husband’s just been choked out, what more can these two kids go through right now?

Terri is on her hands and knees trying to bring Dustin back around, but just as Dustin is able to prop himself back onto his knees, a familiar voice is heard from the stage…

???: DUSSS – TTIINNNNN! OH DUSSSSS – TTIINNNNN!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: ‘JR’ look!

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd! That’s Luna Vachon!

All eyes turn to the stage where Luna Vachon, not seen since Dustin shoved her on her backside way back at WrestleMania, has stepped into the arena! There’s confusion all around, and Terri looks worried, she’s shrieks and pleads with Dustin to get back to his feet…

Luna Vachon: DUSTIN! Did you think… I was gonna let you forget about me? Did you think… I was gonna let you forget what you did to me at WrestleMania!? YOU HUMILIATED ME! And I am not gonna let you get away with that!

Still feeling the effects of the match with Severn, Dustin staggers to his feet, Terri helping keep him upright, both of them looking bewildered up at Luna…

Luna Vachon: I gave you everything, Dustin! You could have had it all! But instead? You went crawlin’ back to your lil’ barbie doll down there!

Luna pauses and lets out a sick laugh, causing Terri to cower behind her husband…

Luna Vachon: And then… when my invite to your wedding renewal got lost in the mail… I WANTED MY REVENGE! You wanna know who’s responsible for these bloodbaths? IT WAS ME!

And now Dustin looks furious, if he wasn’t so out of it he’d probably race up the ramp to confront Luna right now…

Luna Vachon: Well… not just me. Y’see when you humiliated me at WrestleMania, I went away and I found a new man. A better man. A man… who’ll live forever. Infact… you can meet him right now…

There’s a gasp from the fans as through the crowd… a BLONDE HAIRED MAN DRESSED IN A FLOWING WHITE SHIRT has hit the ring… and he clobbers Dustin from behind! This mystery man of Luna’s starts stomping down on Dustin, Terri screams and crawls to the corner as her husband takes a beating in the centre of the ring, before our mystery man drags Dustin to his feet… hooks him up… and NAILS A LIFTING DDT!!

Dustin is planted to the canvas, with our newcomer flashing a fanged smirk over the fallen Rhodes. In the corner, Terri continues to scream and cry, gripped with fear, while Luna has now headed down to ringside… carrying a strange goblet of sorts. As she slides into the ring, Luna has a sick smile on her face as she shrieks and laughs at Terri, handing the goblet to our mystery man before she grabs Terri by the hair…

”You thought you were gonna get your fairy tale didn’t you Princess!? Well now you’re gonna get… YOU’RE NIGHTMARE!”

Luna now grabs Terri by the hair and drags her to her feet, holding her in place… as this freaky guy holds the goblet high in the air… then he takes a sip… and SPITS BLOOD IN TERRI’S FACE! Luna then aggressively throws Terri down to the canvas, landing beside Dustin, more tears of despair from Terri as Luna and this man she’s brought to the WWF stand over the fallen couple, looking delighted with the message they’ve sent here tonight…

Jim Ross: What’s tha’ meanin’ of all this!? Who is this man!? Luna Vachon is back, but who is this… I don’t know what the hell he is, some kinda vampire!? Who is he!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I don’t know who he is, but I guess now we know who’s responsible for all these bloodbaths. It was Luna and this freak with the fangs she’s brought with her! It was all revenge for Dustin dumpin’ her back at WrestleMania!

Jim Ross: And what was that wit’ tha’ blood an’ spittin’ it in poor Terri’s face!? That was hideous!

So in the ring, Dustin is still down and out, his wife is in tears, blood pouring down her face and staining the canvas, while Luna and her new man pause on the stage and share a sick smirk with each other as they look at the carnage they’ve caused… before the pair share a pretty disgusting, way over the top kiss! There’s a lot of tongue, blood is smeared over both of their faces, before they have another smile and we head to a commercial.

*Commercial*​

And when we return, Dustin Runnels and Terri Runnels are both backstage, Dustin consoling the disconsolate Terri as the pair head into a communal area near the entrance way backstage…

Dustin Runnels: It’s ok, it’s ok. I’m gonna find ‘em. Hey!

Dustin’s shout catches the eye of Dan Severn and The Jackyl, who are loitering nearby, Severn sipping from a bottle of water after his victory while Jackyl converses with some no-name backstage employee…

Dustin Runnels: You two have somethin’ to do with that? Huh!?

The Jackyl: If you mean all that blood that fell from the ceiling then no, that was nothing to do with us. But don’t use that as some kind of excuse. You were never gonna survive a match with ‘The Beast’.

But Dustin doesn’t really care about the loss he suffered moments ago, his concern is more with his wife and the hunt for Luna…

Dustin Runnels: Yeah, whatever. This ain’t over, Severn.

Dustin and Terri head off to presumably continue to look for Luna, leaving Jackyl to smirk as he watches them go. Severn stays unfussed, sipping more water, before the pair turn to head off… only for Severn to stop in his tracks… as William Regal is heading towards them! There’s a pop from inside the arena as Regal, competing in the next matchup, heads for the gorilla position, he and Severn coming face to face, neither man giving an inch as they stare each other down…

The Jackyl: Listen Regal. I know you’re new around here, I know you’re trying to make a name for yourself. But believe me when I say it, the last person you wanna try make a name for yourself with is Dan – ‘The Beast’ – Severn. You understand me?

Regal now turns and stares menacingly at Jackyl, giving him a stare up and down, before Regal very simply… nods at Jackyl. He then moves to continue his journey towards ringside, but not before… he barges shoulders with Severn! That draws an angry glare from Severn as he watches Regal go, before Severn nods his head slowly and then walks off. Jackyl is left standing, his head constantly switching directions as he looks at both men off camera, before he throws his arms up in annoyance…

The Jackyl: I think it’s time we did something about this.

And that’s all Jackyl says before he follows after Severn, the camera focusing on the empty backstage area left behind before we quickly cut elsewhere.

To the interview set, where Kevin Kelly is standing by with Al Snow, Head… and Mankind! Much like Boss Man earlier tonight, this is a return for Mankind after he took last week off, but with Mankind returning, that means Al and Head are reunited, with Snow cuddling Head dearly to his face as he mutters away about much he missed her…

Kevin Kelly: Mankind, Al Snow, last week there seemed to be some confusion as to what happened-

Al Snow: Ahem! Excuse me!

Caught off-guard by the interruption, Kelly stammers as he wonders what’s going on…

Kevin Kelly: Uh… uh, what? What is it?

Al Snow: Aren’t you forgetting someone?

Snow holds Head towards Kelly, with Mankind pointing and nodding in agreement that Kelly has disrespected Head by not giving her an introduction…

Kevin Kelly: Oh… uh, sorry. Uh… Mankind, Al Snow… and Head?

Al Snow: That’s more like it!

Kevin Kelly: Uh… there seemed to be some confusion last week as to what took place back at Fully Loaded. Al, you said it was Mick Foley who got Head at the back of the Selland Arena that night, not Mankind. But then later on, we saw Mankind with Head inside the boiler room. So Mick… or Mankind… what’s the deal? What’s going on with this split personality you’ve had going on these last couple of months?

Al turns to look at Mankind as Kelly points the mic at him, with Mankind looking down at the ground as he speaks…

Mankind: Well Kevin, I don’t really know what you’re talkin’ about when it comes to split personalities. Mick’s the brains of this whole operation, you’d have to ask him about that.

Kelly looks confused, while Snow just smiles and nods in agreement…

Mankind: As for Fully Loaded, I was just as surprised as anyone else to see Mommy in the boiler room. But I was sure glad to see her, she had a word or two to say to me to spur me on to victory over The Big Boss Man. Now I know you missed Head last night in your match with The Rock on Sunday Night Heat, but I promise I took good care of here while I took some time off last week, I got her back to you in one piece and just like at Fully Loaded, getting Head is gonna be the key to victory here tonight!

Beaming with pride, Al holds Head in the air and gives her a thumbs up…

Mankind: But speaking of inspiring someone to victory, that’s what I hope to be able to do for my good friend Al here later tonight in his match with Tiger Ali Singh. Now I know that Tiger is the European Champion right now, I know he’s a very handsome man, I know he’s got a lot of money, but there’s one thing you’ve got Al that he doesn’t. D’ya know what that is?

Snow gives a casual shake of his head…

Mankind: Testicular fortitude!

That gets a laugh from inside the arena, while Kelly looks somewhat grossed out by that remark…

Mankind: Y’see while money might buy Tiger the finest woman in the world, money can’t buy him nuts. And even more importantly than that… money can’t buy him Head!

Kelly looks like he’s given up as he rolls his eyes and shakes his head at the latest pun…

Mankind: So tonight, you remember that you’ve got nuts… you’ve got Head… and you’ve got me and Mommy in your corner ready to give you the clap whenever you need it! And with all these people behind you tonight in San Diego tonight, I know you’re gonna have a nice day!

And now Snow and Mankind trade thumbs up with each other before they exit the scene, leaving Kelly behind to watch them go with a wry smile on his face, still no answers as to what’s going on with Mick Foley right now, before we cut elsewhere.

Back into the arena where Hardcore Holly is already in the ring, while we hear…

*STEAM BILLOWS!*

“HE’S A MANNNNN… SUCH A MA – ANNNNN!”

*REAL MAN’S MAN*​

We saw him heading for the ring before that interview, and now William Regal is entering the arena ready for action. Dressed in his sleeveless lumberjacks shirt, jean shorts and yellow hard hat, Regal has that stern look on his face as he steps into the ring and locks eyes with Holly…

Jim Ross: Well, I dunno how many innuendos ya’ can fit into one interview, but Mankind is gonna be in Al Snow’s corner later t’night when he takes on tha’ European Champion, Tiger Ali Singh. But right now we’ve got William Regal an’ Hardcore Holly, this one’s gonna be a real barn burner.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah and Holly, he might be hardcore, but he’s not ‘The Real Man’s Man’! And what’s the deal between Regal and Dan Severn? Seems like every week those two bump into each other backstage, give each other a dirty look but don’t ever say a word. It’s kinda like me every time I run into my first wife!

Jim Ross: Is that Brian’s Mom?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What d’ya mean by that?

Jim Ross: Never mind…

Match Three:
Hardcore Holly vs. William Regal

We start with a tie-up, but it very quickly turns into a series of headlocks and hammerlocks, Regal in control until he catches a stiff elbow to the jaw that sends him to the corner. Holly follows in and unloads with chops to the chest, then goes for the Irish whip across… but Holly runs into a boot! Regal lands forearms to the jaw, then shoots Holly off the ropes… stiff knee to the midsection! Regal mounts Holly and drills rights to the face, before he takes Holly up and down with a backbreaker for the first near fall. Back on their feet, Regal lands more knees to the body, then forearms to the back of the head, before he gets another two count from a double-underhook suplex. Regal then looks for an Irish whip off the ropes, but Holly reverses… and smacks Regal with a dropkick! A chance for Holly to mount some offence, he stomps Regal then drags him to the ropes, where Holly presses Regal’s throat against the middle rope, choking him as Holly takes every second of the five count.

Holly continues to attack, stiff kicks to the body, more chops to the chest, then Holy gets a near fall from a spinning heel kick. Holly then plants Regal with a suplex and heads to the second rope, flying with a fist drop… but Regal gets a boot up… and Holly smacks into it! Now Regal moves quickly to attack, chops to the chest, forearms to the jaw, then an Irish whip off the ropes… into a back body drop! Regal goes for another Irish whip, but Holly reverses… Regal ducks a clothesline… falling neckbreaker! 1… 2… Holly kicks out! But Regal is rolling here, he lands more forearms then hooks Holly up… exploder suplex… no! Holly fights out of it with elbows to the head to cause separation, then he looks to send Regal to the corner… but Regal hands onto the wrist, twists… REGAL CUTTER! Regal plants Holly, hooks a leg… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: William Regal @ 04:19

A solid performance from Holly, he had his share of moments in the match, but Regal puts him away to pick up yet another victory. Regal is quickly back on his feet, he sells the offence his neck and head took during the match before he has his hand raised in victory. Regal winces as he gives Holly a manly nod of the head, before he heads to the ropes to make his exit…

Jim Ross: Well that was certainly a hard hittin’ matchup, it wasn’t a catch as catch can classic, but it was a fight between a pair o’ guys who are tougher than a two dollar steak.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but at the end of the day, William Regal proved once again, he’s ‘The Real Man’s Man’!

But suddenly, the shot snaps again to the parking lot, where a van screeches to a halt infront of the entrance way. The two front doors snap open… and out steps members of Kaientai! Mr. Yamaguchi emerges from the driver’s seat, while Dick Togo and Sho Funaki step out from the front passenger door. The trio head to the back doors which snap open, Men’s Teioh carefully helping the hooded Taka Michinoku step down onto the ground…

Jim Ross: Well Kaientai are here, an’ what’s tha’ decision gonna be from Tajiri? Is he gonna sign away his career ta’ set his buddy Taka Michinoku free? We’re gonna find out later t’night!

*Commercial*​

We return to a dimly lit room backstage, where sat around a table are Mark Henry, The Godfather and Faarooq. The three are found drinking beers, with Faarooq and Godfather smoking cigars, engaged in what looks like a game of poker. We join the three mid-hand, throwing some friendly trash talk at each other, with Godfather tossing some chips into the pile…

The Godfather: You bluffin’ man! You ain’t got nothin’!

Faarooq: I got plenty right here man. It’ll cost ya’ ta’ see it!

Mark Henry: Man that’s too rich for me, I’m out!

Henry tosses his hand of cards down on the table, prompting Godfather to smirk at Faarooq and take another puff of his cigar…

The Godfather: What ya’ gonna do?

Faarooq now draws from his cigar before he places it down in an ashtray, looking at his cards, pondering his next move…

Faarooq: A’ight. I see ya’.

Faarooq tosses chips into the pile before he places his hand on the table…

Faarooq: Two pair, queens and eights. What ya’ got?

The Godfather: Three Kings brother! Haha!

Delighted with the win, Godfather smirks and laughs as he reaches across, dragging the pile of chips towards him…

The Godfather: You might not be bluffin’, but ya’ still ain’t beat me man! Hell, you ain’t won a hand all night!

Faarooq: There’s still plenty o’ time.

Mark Henry: Yeah. And it ain’t like we doin’ anythin’ else tonight.

The three men reluctantly nod their heads, while Faarooq takes another puff of his cigar…

The Godfather: Yeah and what’s goin’ on wit’ you right now, brother?

Faarooq: What you talkin’ ‘bout?

The Godfahter: Man, you can’t even buy a win right now. And I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout cards!

Faarooq screws up his face and shakes his head…

Faarooq: Ain’t nothin’ but a bad run right now, that’s all. Happens ta’ all of us.

As Faarooq and Godfather chat, Henry deals the next hand…

The Godfather: I don’t know man. You been stinkin’ up the joint real bad lately.

Faarooq: ‘Ey! When that clown Tiger beat you back at Fully Loaded, ya’ didn’t hear me say nothin’ ‘bout it, did ya’?

The Godfahter: Nah, you didn’t.

Faarooq: That’s right. So how ‘bout ya’ shut yo’ damn mouth an’ play some damn cards here.

With the cards dealt, Godfather holds up his hands as if to say he’s giving up on this conversation, giving his cards a look over…

Mark Henry: Hey Godfather? Where the girls at man?

The Godfather: Oh don’t you worry ‘bout it. The girls are on their way. But uh… I don’ know if ol’ Faarooq here is gonna have any cash left by the time they get here.

Clearly having heard enough, Faarooq shoots Godfather a stern look…

Faarooq: Play the damn cards man.

The Godfather: A’ight, you got it.

And that’s how we leave this brief backstage moment, Faarooq continuing to stare hard at Godfather in annoyance as he and Henry study their hands and we cut away.

Back into the arena to hear…

”ARE YOU READY!?”

*BREAK IT DOWN*​

San Diego comes unglued as D-Generation X hit the arena! Perhaps the loudness of the pop can be attributed to the return of Shawn Michaels, but in his absence Triple H, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg and Chyna have massively gained in popularity too. The group heads for the ring, jumping to the corners to throw up crotch chops and xs before they set off some green pyro…

Jim Ross: It’s great ta’ see Shawn Michaels back after two months on tha’ shelf thanks ta’ Ken Shamrock. Last time we saw Michaels was when Shamrock was snappin’ his ankle in half inside tha’ Lion’s Den back at Over Tha’ Edge.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but if Shawn Michaels had any sense, he’d have stayed away and never came back! He cost Ken Shamrock the WWF Title last week, Shamrock’s bayin’ for blood here tonight!

Jim Ross: It feels like another showdown between Michaels an’ Shamrock is inevitable, it could happen right here tonight in San Diego!

But of course, we’ve got the standard D-X intro to run through, and Helmsley retrieves the microphone…

Triple H: Are you ready?

Always a pop, but we can do better…

Triple H: I said SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA… ARE – YOU – READYYYYY!?

A bigger pop, with Helmsley climbing to the corner…

Triple H: Then for the thousands in attendance and for the millions watchin’ at home… LLLLLETS GET READY TO SUCK ITTTTT!

Crotch chops are thrown from across the ring, with Helmsley tossing the microphone to Road Dogg…

Road Dogg: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. D-Generation X, proudly brings to you it’s WWF TAG – TEAM – CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLDDDDD… THE ROAD DOGG ‘JESSE JAMES’… ‘THE BADD ASS’ BILLY GUNN… THE NEW – AGE – OUTLAWS!

And the San Diego faithful are joining in in unison…

Road Dogg: And tonight, we’re rollin’ with that big, bad mama jama, Chyna! And that Triple Hizzle, Hun’er Hearst Helmsley!

And now eyes to the returning Michaels, who stands with a smirk on his face…

Road Dogg: And tonight, D-Generation X is stronger than ever, give it up for ol’ H – B – Kizzle, ‘The Heartbreak Kid’, Shawn Michaels!

A massive pop as Michaels heads to the corner to throw an x up above his head, before Dogg gives the mic to Billy…

Billy Gunn: And if you’re not down with D-Generation X… WE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA’!

”SUCK IT!”

And with that, Michaels jumps down from the corner and is tossed the mic by Gunn, pausing to let the cheers of the crowd die down before he speaks…

Shawn Michaels: You fellas really got this schtick down while I was away, didn’t ya’? Just when ya’ thought I was down and out for good, ol’ ‘HBK’ is back in tha’ saddle again! But y’know, I gotta be honest wit’ ya’… there were times that ‘The Showstoppah’, ‘The Icon’, ‘The Main Event’… even he had his doubts about whether or not I’d ever be back in this ring infront of you people.

And that gets a respectful cheer of appreciation from the crowd…

Shawn Michaels: Ken Shamrock… I’ll give it to ya’, back at Over The Edge in that Lion’s Den… you really did a number on me, Kenny. You took my ankle, you snapped it in half, and I didn’t know if I’d ever make it back here to the World Wrestlin’ Federation.

A small shrug of the shoulders from Michaels, with Helmsley and Gunn both nodding and smirking in response…

Shawn Michaels: But here I am tonight, standin’ right here in this ring in San Diego…

Cheep pop…

Shawn Michaels: And I ain’t goin’ nowhere, Ken doll! You and McMahon tried to drive a dagger straight into tha’ heart of ‘The Heartbreak Kid’, but more importantly than that… you tried to kill off D-Generation X once and for all. Well Ken boy, I got news for ya’… D-Generation X is alive an’ kickin’ kid! And we ain’t goin’ nowhere!

And that gets an even bigger pop from the fans…

Shawn Michaels: And we definitely ain’t goin’ nowhere… ‘til I kick each an’ ev’ry one of y’er teeth straight down y’er throat!

Michaels looks hard into the camera as he says that, dropping the jovial nature of your standard D-X promo for a brief moment…

Shawn Michaels: So Shamrock, I’m back, an’ I’m back to make D-X stronger than it’s ever been. And I dunno what y’er deal is with McMahon, I dunno what y’er deal is with Boss Man, Blackman, Bart, I don’t get any of it. But what I do get… is that you mighta tried to put a stop to D-X… but it didn’t happen tha’ way ya’ wanted it to. And now? Now it’s time for D-Generation X to make our move.

Confident nods all round from D-X…

Shawn Michaels: So McMahon, I know y’er back there, I know ya’ got a million problems to deal with right now between Austin, ‘Taker’, Mick Foley, whatever tha’ hell else ya’ got goin’ on… but D-Generation X is one problem that just ain’t goin’ away.

The camera cuts to Chyna, arms folded, a stern look on her face…

Shawn Michaels: Ya’ got ta’ me, ya’ got ta’ Chyna, ya’ got ta’ X-Pac… but the big mistake ya’ made Vin-man is that you didn’t kill us off when ya’ had tha’ chance!

Another pop…

Shawn Michaels: ‘The Heartbreak Kid’… is back! Chyna… is back! Next week, X-Pac… is back! D-Generation X… is back! An’ we’re comin’ from each an’ ev’ry one of y’er corporate asses!

Helmsley smirks into the camera and fires off a quick crotch chop…

Shawn Michaels: And now it’s our ta’ throw out tha’ challenges. So Shamrock… don’t you got makin’ any plans for SummerSlam. You an’ me got a whole lotta unfinished business ta’ settle, an’ we’re gonna do it in Madison – Square – Garden!

A huge pop and a buzz of anticipation from the San Diego crowd…

Shawn Michaels: And we’ve already stepped inta’ your world in that Lion’s Den. So how ‘bout this time… you step into mine?

Rather sarcastically, Road Dogg taps a finger against his chin in a very quizzical fashion…

Shawn Michaels: Now I know I can out wrestle anybody here in the World Wrestlin’ Federation. And I know that with that pea sized brain y’er sportin’, I can run rings round you in this ring, any night o’ tha’ week. So I don’t want any cages… hell, I don’t even want this damn ring. What I want Shamrock… is you an’ me, one on one… in a ol’ fashioned Street Fight!

Another huge pop from the crowd, but the commentary team don’t seem quite as confident as Michaels does…

”What!? Is he crazy!? He wants Ken Shamrock… in a Street Fight!?”

“Uh… I dunno about that, Shawn. I dunno if ya’ want any part of ‘Tha’ World’s Most Dangerous Man’ in that kinda environment!”

Shawn Michaels: Now I know y’er a helluva fighter, I’ve heard all tha’ hype from y’er UFC days. But lemme tell ya’ somethin’ Kenny… no cage, no rules, just you an’ me, anythin’ goes in New York City? Then ol’ ‘HBK’ is gonna rise ta’ tha’ occasion one more time an’ beat tha’ hell outta you!

The crowd are loving the prospect of Michaels and Shamrock in a Street Fight, so now Michaels heads to the ropes to make it official…

Shawn Michaels: So what d’ya say, Vin-man? Do you have tha’ stones ta’ put y’er boy Shamrock out here one on one with ‘Tha’ Showstopper’, ‘Tha’ Icon’, ‘Tha’ Main Event’ at SummerSlam!?

All eyes now look up at the stage, the crowd and Michaels awaiting the arrival of McMahon and Shamrock… but instead, there’s jeers of disappointment… asSgt. Slaughter, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and The Big Boss Man step out. Michaels has a wry smile as he shakes his head in annoyance, with his D-X colleagues joining him by the ropes to point up and yell at the Commissioner and his associates…

Jim Ross: Well, Shawn Michaels wanted an answer from Vince McMahon, but it’s Commissioner Slaughter who’s out here wit’ Patterson, Brisco an’ Boss Man! I’m pretty sure Michaels wanted an answer direct from tha’ boss instead of tha’ messenger.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah or maybe we’ve heard enough outta this idiot Michaels and it’s time to get on with the show. We’ve got a Tag Team Title match to get to, remember!?

Slaughter and company stand on the stage, the Commissioner already with a mic in his hand…

Sgt. Slaughter: Shawn Michaels! You piece of human scum! You come out here after what you did last week and you dare challenge Ken Shamrock to a Street Fight at SummerSlam!?

A very sarcastic nod of the head from Michaels in response…

Sgt. Slaughter: Well Michaels, as much as both Mr. McMahon and myself would love to see Ken Shamrock break your ankle once again and finish your career for good… Mr. McMahon has other plans in store for Mr. Shamrock at SummerSlam.

And that of course draws boos from the fans…

Sgt. Slaughter So I’m afraid Michaels, your request… is denied. There will be no Street Fight between you and Ken Shamrock at SummerSlam, and that’s an order!

More heat, with Michaels and D-X shaking their heads…

Sgt. Slaughter: And as for tonight, Mr. McMahon is a very busy man, he has a lot on his mind tonight, and we do have a show to shoot. So Shawn Michaels, you maggot, and you Helmsley, you slime, get out of that ring and out of this arena!

Clearly Slaughter isn’t wasting anytime in bringing this promo to an end…

Sgt. Slaughter And Chyna… you get up here and you get in these handcuffs!

*WE SALUTE*​

Here comes The Heritage, with Lance Storm and John Bradshaw being lead into the arena by a very tentative looking Jim Cornette. Michaels and Triple H give The Outlaws a few high fives and last minute words of encouragement before they head for the ropes and start to clamber up the ramp, but it seems like Cornette is very wary about this whole situation as he hides behind Boss Man as Chyna approaches…

Jim Ross: Well it’s time for tha’ Tag Team Title rematch, Tha’ Heritage challengin’ Tha’ New Age Outlaws, an’ Jim Cornette an’ Chyna are gonna be handcuffed t’gether! We’re gonna this all straightened out, but when we come back, tha’ tag gold is gonna be on tha’ line! Don’t go anywhere, folks!

*Commercial*

*Hour Two*​

And we return to a quick look at the stage, Chyna and Cornette handcuffed together, Boss Man standing close by twirling his nightstick while Slaughter, Patterson and Brisco all keep an eye on things, before we cut to the ring and the bell rings to get us underway…

Match Four: World Tag Team Championships Match
World Tag Team Champions The New Age Outlaws vs. The Heritage

And we start with Billy and Bradshaw, Bradshaw working into a standing headlock, but Billy shoves him into the ropes… Bradshaw bowls Billy over with a shoulderblock! But Gunn bounces back to his feet… and fires a crotch chop at Bradshaw! That infuriates Bradshaw, who charges… Billy ducks a clothesline… then smacks Bradshaw with a dropkick! Both men back up, Billy hits a pair of armdrags, before he sends Bradshaw off the ropes… big hiptoss! Storm races into the ring… right into a dropkick! And now Road Dogg is in, double Irish whip to Storm… into a double back body drop! Storm rolls from the ring, with Billy now tagging Dogg, who enters with a boot to Bradshaw before hard rights in the corner land. Dogg goes for an Irish whip across… but Bradshaw reverses… and Dogg hits the turnbuckle hard and crashes to the mat! At this point we cut back to the stage, where Cornette briefly taunts Chyna, but quickly steps back once she raises a fist towards him, Boss Man pointing his nightstick in response.

Bradshaw aims stomps to the head then hurls Dogg to the corner, stiff rights to the body before he sends Dogg across and follows in… into a boot to the face! Dogg brings Billy back in, he tags right hands, but when he goes for an Irish whip, Bradshaw reverses… Storm drills a knee to the spine! And Billy staggers forward… into a running big boot! Storm gets a tag, and he starts to target Billy’s knee, aiming stomps and kneedrops, before he twists into a spinning toe-hold. Storm continues to wrench on the knee and apply pressure, then he drags Billy to the ropes, launches himself… and crashes down on the knee! The challengers isolate Billy and work over the leg, Bradshaw dropping elbows across it, Storm hitting snap legdrops before Bradshaw gets a near fall from a fallaway slam. Storm is back in, he takes Billy down with a dragon screw and then gets a near fall from an inverted sitout suplex, but when he comes off the ropes from a headscissors, Billy hangs on… and counters with a sitout powerbomb! Both men are down, crawling for their corners… tag to Bradshaw… tag to Road Dogg!

Road Dogg bursts into the ring, tagging Bradshaw with right hands, before he sends Bradshaw off the ropes… but lowers his head… DDT! Bradshaw plants Road Dogg, hooks the leg… 1… 2… Dogg gets a shoulder up! Quick cut to the stage, Cornette is furious, he can’t believe it, the jawing between he and Chyna intensifying, but back to the action, Bradshaw goes for the Irish whip… but this time he lowers his head… kick snaps him up, then one, two, three left jabs… SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL! Bradshaw is down, here comes Road Dogg off the ropes to drop the knee… but Storm flies across the ring… spinning heel kick! Dogg is down, but the limping Billy launches himself… clothesline takes and Storm to the floor! Another cut back to the stage, where Boss Man again has to step inbetween Cornette and Chyna… but this time, Chyna takes exception to Boss Man threatening her… CHYNA CRACKS BOSS MAN WITH A FOREARM! Cornette can’t believe it, and now Chyna grabs Cornette by the jacket… but before she can do anything… BOSSMAN DRILLS CHYNA IN THE GUT WITH THE NIGHTSTICK!!

Chyna crumples to the stage, Cornette looking relieved to have survived, but now Boss Man takes out a set of keys… and he RELEASES CORNETTE FROM THE HANDCUFFS… AND CUFFS CHYNA’S HANDS BEHIND HER BACK!! Boss Man has incapacitated Chyna, but he’s set Cornette free… and he scrambles down the ramp to ringside! With the referee busy trying to separate the brawling Storm and Billy on the outside, he doesn’t see Cornette slide into the ring… just as Road Dogg has Bradshaw in position for the PUMPHANDLE SLAM… SMACK! CORNETTE DRILLS ROAD DOGG ACROSS THE BACK WITH THE TENNIS RACQUET!! Dogg lets go of Bradshaw, Cornette exits the ring… and Bradshaw comes off the ropes… OLD FASHIONED CLOTHESLINE!! Bradshaw nearly takes Dogg’s head off, drops into the cover… Cornette gets the referee’s attention… 1… 2… 3!

Winners: And NEW World Tag Team Champions, The Heritage @ 07:22

Unbelievable, The Heritage are the new tag champs, and Boss Man screwed Chyna and D-X! The crowd are furious, they shower the ring with heat as Bradshaw rolls from the ring to join Cornette and the dishevelled Storm on the outside, but up on the ramp, Chyna is still down from the nightstick shot from Boss Man, coughing as she lays in the foetal position, hands still behind her back. In the ring, Billy crawls to the aid of Road Dogg, the former champions hurting, while the referee hands the gold over to Storm and Bradshaw, Cornette jumping up and down, celebrating like a madman at becoming a champion manager once again…

Jim Ross: I can’t believe that! Boss Man, he drilled Chyna wit’ that damn nightstick! He let Cornette outta tha’ handcuffs! We’ve got new tag champions!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Ha ha! I can’t believe it! Jimmy Cornette has done it again! He’s led The Heritage to the gold!

Jim Ross: But what about Chyna? She’s got her hands handcuffed behind her back, she’s defenceless right now! What has Boss Man got goin’ on in that sick mind o’ his right now!?

Indeed we cut away from the ringside area to see Boss Man stalking Chyna, twirling his nightstick, a vile smirk on his face. Still unable to use her hands, Chyna forces herself onto her knees, but she’s helpless as she continues to cough and splutter with Boss Man standing over her…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I don’t know what he’s got in mind, but I know one thing, Chyna ain’t gonna like it!

Jim Ross: Don’t you dare, Boss Man! Don’t you do this!

With his nightstick in hand, Boss Man leers over Chyna, taunting her, daring her to find a way back to her feet to take a swing at him, knowing full well Chyna’s hands are stuck behind her back. Chyna tries to push herself up from her knees, but Boss Man places the nightstick against her chest, holding her down, before he barks at Patterson and Brisco to hold Chyna down. Grabbing a shoulder each, the stooges hold Chyna in place, which allows Boss Man to raise the nightstick high in the air… ready to strike… Slaughter gives him a thumbs up… but out of nowhere…

TRIPLE H TACKLES BOSS MAN!!

AND SHAWN MICHAELS NAILS SLAUGHTER WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!

Michaels and Helmsley have seen enough, they’ve burst onto the stage to save Chyna! Helmsley and Boss Man start to brawl on the stage, both men rolling on top of the other to throw wild right and left hands, while Michaels goes after Patterson and Brisco, hammering the two veterans to keep them away from Chyna…

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd! Michaels an’ Helmsley! They weren’t gonna stand for it anymore! They weren’t gonna let Boss Man do whatever tha’ hell he had in mind!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but ‘JR’, look!

From through the curtain… Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman sprint into the arena… and they clobber Michaels from behind! Gunn and Blackman return the favour, they’ve just saved Patterson and Brisco, and Helmsley is still tied up with Boss Man, he doesn’t realise yet…

Jim Ross: Dammit! Gunn an’ Blackman! What are they doin’ out here!?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: They’re here for D-X! I bet Mr. McMahon sent ‘em out here to teach Shawn Michaels a lesson!

But before Gunn and Blackman can really lay into Michaels… THE NEW AGE OUTLAWS HIT THE SCENE! Billy and Road Dogg try to put the disappointment of losing their titles behind them to come to the aid of their D-X colleagues, Billy launching himself at Blackman while Dogg tackles Bart to the steel…

Jim Ross: All hell has broken loose! D-X, McMahon’s cronies, they’re beatin’ tha’ hell outta each other!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: We need some help out here! Mr. McMahon! Get Kane out here! Send Shamrock out!

We don’t get Shamrock or Kane, instead it’s left to the eleven men and women already on the stage to brawl in a wild fashion, fists are flying, boots are dropping, it’s chaos on the ramp! And the picture only gets more crowded as we finally get the referees out to try and break it all up, but it’s on this mayhem that we head to another commercial.

And of course, amongst all this havoc… we’ve got new tag champs!

*Commercial*​

And when we return, we see footage from the ending of the tag match, Boss Man clubbing Chyna with the nightstick before he released Cornette from the handcuffs, then flash forward to Cornette nailing Road Dogg with the tennis racquet before Bradshaw nails the big clothesline for the win…

Jim Ross: Well folks we were shocked before tha’ commercial break, Tha’ Heritage beat Tha’ New Age Outlaws ta’ become tha’ new World Tag Team Champions, thanks ta’ a huge assist from Tha’ Big Boss Man! Boss Man freed Cornette from tha’ handcuffs an’ Cornette blindsided Road Dogg ta’ help Bradshaw an’ Storm steal tha’ gold!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but it was all Chyna’s fault! She took a shot at Cornette, then she took a swing at Boss Man! No wonder he nailed her with the nightstick and let Cornette go. He couldn’t keep Jimmy trapped next to that thug Chyna any longer!

Jim Ross: Aw’ that’s a damn joke an’ you know it!

We then get footage of Boss Man threatening the helpless Chyna, until Shawn Michaels and Helmsley hit the scene for the save, which then brings Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman into the brawl…

Jim Ross: An’ thank Gawd for Michaels an’ Triple H, who knows what kinda depraved thoughts Boss Man in store for Chyna!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: They’re just sore losers if ya’ ask me!

We now cut to live footage backstage, where D-Generation X are furious, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn letting out their frustrations on furniture while Triple H and Shawn Michaels check on Chyna…

Jim Ross: An’ there ya’ see, understandably an emotional, a very frustrated D-Generation X. I dunno, D-X can ya’ hear me?

Road Dogg stops launching steel chairs long enough to turn to the camera and respond…

Road Dogg: Yeah we can hear ya’, ‘JR’!

Jim Ross: Well I know it’s gotta be disappointin’ ta’ lose tha’ titles like that, but-

Road Dogg: Disappointin’!? Disappointin’ ain’t the damn word for it! It’s B.S. it what it is!

Dogg runs a hand through his dreadlocks in annoyance…

Jim Ross: Uh, well… we apologise for that, folks. And-

Billy Gunn: No, no! Don’t apologise for us! We’re sick an’ tired o’ this crap! McMahon thinks he can screw wit’ us!? Well we ain’t gonna let ‘im get away wit’ it any longer!

Jim Ross: Well, what d’ya mean by that?

At this point Helmsley and Michaels both burst towards the camera…

Triple H: We mean that it’s time to go to war with McMahon! Those assholes think they can screw The Outlaws outta the tag belts, they can put Chyna and X-Pac in the hospital? It ain’t gonna happen again!

Shawn Michaels: I dunno what McMahon’s got goin’ on wit’ The Undertaker right now, but I promise ya’, before we go off the air t’night, D-X is gonna hand McMahon’s goons their asses!

And the tense stares into the camera from Michaels and Helmsley make it pretty clear that this brief promo spot is over…

Jim Ross: Uh, well, thank you for y’er time there fellas.

And now we cut to the announce desk to the concerned Ross and the delighted Lawler…

Jim Ross: Well Tha’ Heritage have stolen tha’ tag team titles here t’night, but what about what D-X had ta’ say about Vince McMahon right there? I mean Austin, Undertaker, D-X, Mankind… tha’ number of enemies lookin’ ta’ get their hands on tha’ boss is gettin’ bigger by tha’ minute t’night!

Jerry Lawler: And what? You think Mr. McMahon is scared a few threats? He took on the United States Government and won! He’s lost count of the number of times people threatened him! D-X are just bitter cos they got what was comin’ to ‘em tonight!

Jim Ross: I dunno ‘bout that, ‘King’. Tha’ vultures are startin’ ta’ circle McMahon, he might not make it outta San Diego t’night in one piece!

*DESERT STAR*​

But we need to keep rolling here, so up next is Tiger Ali Singh, the European Champion proudly flying the flag of India, much to the annoyance of the San Diego crowd. As always, Singh wears his turban and sunglasses, and once he hits the ring, he order the referee to hold his flag while he grabs a microphone…

Tiger Ali Singh: Well, well, well… San Diego! What a dump this place is!

The cheapest of all cheap heat…

Tiger Ali Singh: Y’know, I took a walk around this city of your earlier today. And y’know what I saw? A sewer of poverty and depravity. If I had to sum San Diego up in one word, it would be the toilet of California!

As you’d expect, this isn’t going down well…

Tiger Ali Singh: Last week, Raw was live from Anaheim in Orange County. A part of California far more befitting of a man of my stature. I partied with the rich and successful in million dollar beachfront properties, I mingled with some of the greatest business minds this country has to offer. But this week? I saw nothing today but a city full of illegal immigrants looking for a handout!

More jeers, but Singh just smirks and shakes his head…

Tiger Ali Singh: You morons should follow my lead! I came to America and made a success of myself! I’m rich beyond any of your wildest dreams, I blow my nose with hundred dollar bills and when I throw them away, you people crawl on your hands and knees to scoop them up! You’re nothing but a bunch of peasants, and as soon as this match is over and I pick up my latest victory, I am on the first flight outta here so I don’t have to spend anymore time looking at your pathetic, miserable faces!

”WHAT DOES EVERYBODY WANT!?”

*SCURRY*​

Finally we get an interruption, with Al Snow heading into the arena, carrying Head, while his good friend Mankind is along for the ride tonight. Al shakes Head furiously to fire up the crowd, before he and Mankind head down the ramp…

Jim Ross: Well tha’ European Champion had some none too pleasant words there for tha’ San Diego crowd. He’s a real class act that Tiger Ali Singh, ain’t he?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I don’t think he said anythin’ you could argue with. And anyway, can ya’ blame him when these idiots are cheerin’ for Al Snow and Mankind? I mean, when you look at who’s comin’ down the ramp right now, it’s the damn mannequin head who’s got the most brain cells between ‘em!

And once Snow and Mankind hit the ring, Tiger has a few words for them as well…

Tiger Ali Singh: Now this… this is exactly what I’m talkin’ about. Listen to these San Diego morons, they love you two! But look at you! Your dishevelled hair, the rags you wear for clothes, this mannequin head you take guidance from… it’s embarrassing that I have to share the same ring as you two idiots!

Mankind and Snow both look at each other confused, pointing at each other and at Head to indicate neither is sure which two of the three of them Singh is talking about…

Tiger Ali Singh: The fact you work in the same company as me is a true indictment of what is wrong with this country today. That two freaks like you are revered by these people, while I, a foreigner to your land, is vilified, is an embarrassment and a disgrace!

Al holds Head up to his ear, nodding along as if he’s getting advice…

Tiger Ali Singh: And if you think either of you deserves to be in the ring with a champion like me, then you’re both more stupid than you look! And if you think for one second that-

SNOW SMACKS SINGH WITH A HARD RIGHT HAND!

Al has heard enough, he drills Singh hard across the jaw, sending the European Champion sprawling to the canvas! Snow quickly tosses Head to Mankind for safekeeping, before he starts to lay into Tiger with stomps to the chest, and the referee calls for the bell to get this one started!

Match Four: Non-Title Match
European Champion Tiger Ali Singh vs. Al Snow w/ Head and Mankind

Al then drops down to lay in with right hands, but Tiger rolls the pair over to land rights of his own, then the pair roll again, under the ropes to the floor. Tiger beats Al to the punch, drilling a pair of rights then a boot, before he goes for an Irish whip… but Snow reverses… Singh smacks the ring post! Back in the ring, Al traps the arms and lands headbutts, before he sends Tiger to the corner and follows in… but Singh sidesteps… and Snow goes shoulder first into the ringpost! Al staggers back, grabbing his arm, and Tiger quickly nips up onto the second rope… diving bulldog! That gets Singh a two count, before he starts to target the arm, aiming stomps and knees, before he drags Al up… single-arm DDT! More damage to the arm, but Tiger doesn’t take advantage straight away, instead he spends some time talking trash at Mankind, who responds with a few words of his own.

Back to the action, Tiger has Al locked in a standing armbar, trying to wear Snow down, but eventually Al manages to struggle back to his feet… he swings and misses with his free arm… and Tiger connects with a neckbreaker! Singh hooks the leg… 1.. 2… Al gets a shoulder up! Mankind tries to rally the crowd behind Snow, but Singh looks to quieten them down with an Irish whip to the corner… but when he follows in, Snow gets a boot up… and bursts from the corner with a clothesline! Snow goes on the attack, swinging right hands, then more headbutts, before he sends Tiger off the ropes… spinning heel kick! Al now climbs to the top rope, steadies himself… MOONSAULT… NO! Singh rolls… Snow crashes to the mat! Al is down and hurt, and now Singh decides to go to the corner… SINGH WANTS HEAD! Tiger goes to grab Head, but Mankind is right there, he jaws at Singh to back away… but the pause serves as a distraction… as Snow approaches from behind, he spins Tiger around… hard right hand! Head hits the mat, but Snow quickly picks it up… SNOW NAILS SINGH WITH HEAD! TIGER GETS HEAD!!

Winner: Via Disqualification, Tiger Ali Singh @ 04:19

A blatant disqualification, but Tiger put his hands on Head and he paid the price for it! The crowd don’t seem to bothered by the finish of the match, they just love the fact that Singh has gotten Head! Singh is down and out, but now Mankind is back on his feet, joining his friend Al in the ring, the pair sharing a weird stare at each other in an awkward celebration of sorts. They then have a weird looking hug, with Head very much in the middle of the scene as the three heads are pressed against each other in a strange embrace…

Jim Ross: I don’t really understand tha’ relationship between Mankind an’ Al Snow, but they’ve certainly got each other’s backs right now. And don’t ya’ dare go near Head or all heck is gonna break loose!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: This is just ridiculous! Tiger was right, it’s embarrassing to see these two peons actin’ like this. This is no way to treat the European Champion!

But the European Champion is down and out, the two whackjobs and their mannequin head are standing tall, a truly bizarre sight but one on which we cut backstage…

To see ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin sat backstage on a chair infront of a monitor! Don’t you dare forget about the WWF Champion, he’s taking it easy in the locker room with a few beers, but you just know he’s going to be out in the arena later tonight to find out who his opponent at SummerSlam will be…

Jim Ross: Well it’s been a good night thus far for Mankind an’ Al Snow, but what kinda night is it gonna turn out for tha’ WWF Champion? Later tonight, Tha’ Rock an’ Owen Hart are gonna go at it, an’ tha’ winner is gonna face ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin at SummerSlam! Who’s Austin gonna face? You don’t wanna miss that one, folks!

*Commercial*​

Straight out of the commercial, we’re back with Vince McMahon, sat on the couch alongside Ken Shamrock. On an adjacent couch, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter all sit and rub their jaws and necks, nursing their bruises from earlier. Steve Blackman, Bart Gunn and The Big Boss Man stand guard by the door, while in the background, Kane continues to stand tall, arms folded across his chest. We join this scene with McMahon, smirk on his face, trying to reason with the fuming looking Shamrock…

Vince McMahon: I get it, alright? You want D-X. You wanna tear Shawn Michaels limb from limb tonight. I get it! But you need to trust me, alright? You’ll get your hands on Shawn Michaels, but it won’t be tonight, it won’t be at SummerSlam either. I promise you Ken, you’ll get your chance for revenge with Michaels, but you just gotta show a little bit of patience right now.

Clearly not happy, Shamrock lets out a frustrated sigh as he shakes his head…

Vince McMahon: Just trust me, alright? Tonight, we need to focus on The Undertaker. That son of a bitch is gonna pay for what he did to my son, Shane! He’s gonna humble himself before me tonight! He’s gonna be beggin’ me to spare his brother Kane from a permanent trip to the nut house!

And as much as that please McMahon, Shamrock clearly isn’t interested in Kane…

Vince McMahon: We got to D-X earlier tonight, we cost those damn Outlaws the Tag Team Championships. Let Owen Hart and Rock have their little match tonight, we’ll deal with them next week. I promise you Ken, it’s gonna be you and Austin for the WWF Title real soon. But tonight, we deal with The Undertaker. And you’ll get your reward.

That seems to have convinced Shamrock, like earlier on this evening he reluctantly nods in agreement, which prompts Vince to smile and then turn to Kane…

Vince McMahon: I know he’s here somewhere, Kane. I know The Undertaker’s here. The clock is startin’ to tick though. He better humble himself before me, or you’re goin’ away for a long, long time, pal!

The camera then zooms in on Kane, who slowly cocks his head to one side… then snaps it to the other! Once again, it looks like Kane can sense something, surely his brother, but while we can all assume the presence of ‘The Deadman’, there’s still no sign of The Undertaker as we cut away.

We go back to the poker game from earlier, Faarooq, The Godfather and Mark Henry sat around the cards table, only this time… THERE’S FIVE HOS IN THE ROOM! The crowd give a huge cheer at the sight of the scantily clad ladies, and Henry doesn’t seem to be all that interested in playing cards as he has one ho in his lap and another close to his side…

Faarooq: ‘Ey! Mark! You in man?

Mark Henry: Uh… nah. Nah man, I’m all out.

Godfather just laughs and shakes his head…

The Godfather: Man I’m tellin’ ya’, pimpin’ ain’t easy! Forget him man, let’s play some cards. I’mma raise you brother!

Godfather tosses more chips onto the pile, with Faarooq thinking things over as he takes a puff of his cigar…

Faarooq: ‘Ey, what yo’ ass say earlier? I ain’t winnin’ nothin’ right now?

The Godfather: Yeah, you heard me.

Faarooq: Well damn, I’m winnin’ this one. I see ya’ an’ I raise ya’ again.

This time it’s Godfather who pauses and puffs on his cigar…

The Godfather: Well I tell ya’ what. You win this hand… and I’mma give you one of my finest hos for tha’ night!

The three hos who aren’t bust with Henry right now smile seductively and wave at Faarooq…

The Godfather: But… if I win… I’m takin’ ev’ry last cent you got!

Once again, Faarooq eyes up the hos, this time one of them blows his a quick kiss…

Faarooq: A’ight. You got it. I’m all in!

Faarooq slides all his chips into the pile, much to Godfather’s delight…

The Godfather: Alright! What ya’ got, brother!?

Faarooq: I got a full house!

Faarooq emphatically slams his cards down on the table, convinced he’s won…

The Godfather: A full house!? Aw’ damn! All I got is two pairs…

Faarooq: You damn right!

The Godfather: Two pair o’ eights! Ha ha!

Faarooq thought he had it, but Godfather has trumped him with a four of a kind! Godfather laughs and rubs his hands with glee, delighted at how much money he’s just won, while Faarooq just tosses his cigar to the floor, furious at his defeat…

The Godfather: ‘Ey brother, it ain’t nothin’ personal, just business man. But you in a real funk man, you gotta snap outta this, real quick.

Godfather starts to count up the chips he’s just collected, while the camera focuses on Faarooq, rubbing a hand across his hair in frustration, he’s struggling to win wrestling matches as of late and now he’s lost a lot of cash at poker as well!

But we must carry on, so we go back into the arena, where Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler is already in the ring, with a small Asian gentlemen in a suit standing nearby…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Alright, why don’t you San Diego morons shut up for a second! Now the last few weeks, I’ve came out here and I’ve interviewed that little Chinese peon Tajiri. And I haven’t understood a single word that little creep’s been sayin’ to me!

Lawler now approaches the Asian man in the ring…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: But this week, I got it all taken care of. I got this interpreter here, Mr. Wang is it? Wang?

Upon hearing his name, the interpreter now known as Mr. Wang nods…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah, my man Wang here is gonna interpret for Tajiri tonight. Because unlike all those other interviews I’ve done with that little weirdo, tonight… I’m gonna enjoy this one! Because tonight, Tajiri has got a choice to make. Either he signs on the dotted line and kisses goodbye to his WWF career, or… well, God knows what Mr. Yamaguchi has in store for Taka Michi-no-clue if he doesn’t! Ha ha!

Lawler laughs it up, giving Wang a pat on the shoulder as he laughs, but Wang remains pretty unmoved by it all…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Anyway, let’s get ‘im out here. Tajiri! Drag you’re little Chinese behind out here and let’s say sayonara to your WWF career!

*YAMATO SUITE*​

It’s a very sombre, very subdued Tajiri who steps into the arena, dressed in his blue wrestling tights and a blue sports jacket. Normally Tajiri would be playing up to the crowd and sticking his tongue out, but not tonight, the fact that he’s about to sign away his WWF career clearly playing on his mind…

Jim Ross: I really feel for this kid, Tajiri. He’s been a real breath o’ fresh air since he arrived in tha’ WWF six months ago at tha’ Royal Rumble. He an’ Taka, they formed quite tha’ team, but these Kaientai thugs have been determined ta’ bring it ta’ an end ever they hit tha’ scene. This is a real shame ta’ see this kid have ta’ give up his dream of workin’ here in tha’ WWF.

As Tajiri enters the ring, he and Wang give each other a look of bewilderment, but Lawler quickly grabs Tajiri’s attention by waving the clipboard with the legal document from last week that Yamaguchi wants Tajiri to sign…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Alright. Now Tajiri, I brought this translator here to make sure you understand exactly what’s goin’ on here tonight. This document right here that I got earlier from Mr. Yamaguchi, this is a legally binding document that once you sign it, it terminates your career here in the WWF. Once you sign this document, you are history! You’re on the next flight outta here back to Beijing and we are never seein’ you here in the WWF ever again!

Lawler is taking great delight in all of this…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: But of course, on the plus side… well, for you anyway… Mr. Yamaguchi and Kaientai have promised to release your little buddy Taka Michi-no-clue from their custody and spare him… well, whatever it is they’ve got planned with that samurai sword back there. Wang, explain all that to this clown!

Off-mic, Wang converses with Tajiri… but there’s clearly something not right here. Wang and Tajiri seem to be struggling to understand each other. It seems like something is being lost in translation here, leaving Lawler rather confused…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What? What is it? What’s the problem?

Mr. Wang: Uh… he no speak Chinese. He Japanese.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What!?

Mr. Wang: I am Chinese interpreter. This man speak Japanese!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but, I mean… Chinese, Japanese, same difference ain’t it?

No Jerry, it definitely is not. Wang shakes his head, which prompts an incredulous Lawler to look Tajiri up and down…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Are you tellin’ me… that I brought you here to translate for this little idiot… and you and him can’t even understand each other!?

Wand nods in agreement, which leaves Lawler to laugh and shake his head…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well, uh… I dunno. I really wanted to rub right in your stupid, little face Tajiri! But whether you can understand me or not, the bottom line is, either you or your little friend Taka are history tonight! Infact, have we got Yamaguchi back there? Let’s get ‘im on the screen and see what we’ve got…

Initially on the tron, but then quickly on the TV feed appear the Kaientai members and Taka Michinoku! Just like last week, Taka is sat strapped to a chair, hood over his face, with Dick Togo, Men’s Teioh and Sho Funaki surrounding him, while Mr. Yamaguchi stands slightly forward, samurai sword perched on his shoulder…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: There he is! Hey Yamaguchi, can you hear me?

Mr. Yamaguchi: Hai! Yamaguchi hear you Jerry King!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Who? Anyway, I’ve got this contract you want Tajiri here to sign. But before he does… I think we need to hear a little guarantee outta you. You guarantee that if Tajiri signs this, you guys are gonna leave Taka as he is, you’re gonna step aside, but the important thing is that Tajiri… is outta the WWF forever! Right?!

Mr. Yamaguchi: That’s right, Jerry King! Tajiri! Ha! You gonna sign that contract and you leave WWF! Or else… we chop Taka head off!

The camera quickly cuts back to Lawler, who laughs again…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Aw, this is great! And I know all about those Yakuza guys from Tokyo, when they say they’re gonna cut somebody’s head off, they mean it! So what’s it gonna be ya’ little runt? Are we sayin’ goodbye to you… or goodbye to your boy Taka up there?

Lawler thrusts the clipboard and pen into Tajiri’s chest, which is the universal language for indicating that it’s decision time. Tajiri holds the clipboard and takes the pen, a sad, conflicted look on his face… but then he slowly turns and takes a look up at the screen. Knowing it’s the right, honourable thing to do, Tajiri takes the pen… and pauses for dramatic effect… before he signs his name on the line! Tajiri is officially done here in the WWF! And the crowd let out a sad gasp, but Lawler jumps up pumps his fist…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Haha! Yes! I knew it! I knew you were a complete moron! I can’t believe it! You worked your whole career to make it here in the WWF, and you just gave it all away for that bozo Taka Michi-no-clue! Haha! This is great!

And while he might not understand what Lawler is saying to him, Tajiri can tell he’s being insulted, and the look of rage starts to build on his face…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Three weeks in a row you’ve spat that damn green mist in my face, and now we’re never gonna see it again! You are outta here! You’re history! You’re like that Hiroshima place after we dropped the atomic bomb on it, you’re toast! You’re outta here, pal! And I can’t-

Tajiri rears back…

GREEN MIST… TO MR. WANG!!

At the last split second, Lawler saw it coming and managed to duck… and the translator takes the mist into his face! Tajiri can’t believe it, he missed Lawler, with the interpreter flailing his hands as he falls to the canvas and clutches his face!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Haha! You think I’m stupid or somethin’! No way! I told you, last week was the last time you were ever gettin’ me with that-

GREEN MIST TO LAWLER!!

Somehow, Tajiri managed to reload, and this time he does get Lawler! Lawler does a similar, but somehow more comical act than Wang, he grabs at his face and rubs his eyes before he drops to the mat, the crowd loving to see Tajiri gain a small measure of revenge here tonight…

Mr. Yamaguchi: Hey! Tajiri! You want Taka? Huh!? You can have him… when we done with him!

And on that, Yamaguchi takes the samurai… lifts it high in the air… but just before he swings… THE FEED TURNS TO STATIC!

What happened!? Has Yamaguchi chopped Taka’s head off!? How much more ridiculous can this situation get!? Well Tajiri doesn’t wait to find out, he dives from the ring… and starts to sprint up the ramp!

Jim Ross: Gawd, I… I can’t believe that! Tajiri, he signed tha’ damn contract, he’s outta tha’ WWF… but Gawd knows what Yamaguchi an’ that damn Kaientai are doin’ back there! We gotta call tha’ cops or somethin’! Get some help back there!

So Tajiri makes it to the stage then disappears behind the curtain, and we’ve conveniently got a camera back there to follow him as he starts to scramble through the corridors of the San Diego Arena. Tajiri ducks his head into a few doors, coming up empty, passing by random backstage workers, shouting some Japanese at them but of course getting no response. Tajiri continues to search rooms, until finally… he finds the room Taka was being held in! There’s the chair, there’s the camera on the tripod… but apart from that, the room is empty!

Jim Ross: What’s goin’ on here!? Where’s Taka!? Where’s Kaientai!? Where’s Yamaguchi!?

The room is definitely empty, but Tajiri steps towards the chair, reaches down… and picks up the hood that was on Taka’s head earlier! Tajiri stares the hood in his hands, but before he can process what this could mean…

KAIENTAI JUMP TAJIRI FROM BEHIND!!

Togo, Teioh and Funaki clobber Tajiri and knock him to the ground, hammering him with boots and stomps, and while the beatdown is on, the camera pans… to see Yamaguchi standing side by side… with Taka!?

TAKA IS STANDING WITH YAMAGUCHI WATCHING KAIENTAI ASSAULT TAJIRI!!

What is going on here!? Taka, not a scratch on him, is standing alongside Yamaguchi, watching Tajiri take a beating… and he’s doing it with a smile on his face!?

Mr. Yamaguchi: Haha! Tajiri! You think you and Taka are team!? You think you friends!? Huh!? No! Taka – is – Kaientai! Haha!

Unbelievable! Taka Michinoku has joined forces with Yamaguchi and Kaientai… and he’s betrayed Tajiri in the process!

Mr. Yamaguchi: Hold him! Hold Tajiri!

And now Togo, Teioh and Funaki hold Tajiri in place…

YAMAGUCHI RAISES THE SAMURAI!

”No! NO! FOR THA’ LOVE O’ GAWD, NO!”

YAMAGUCHI IS READY TO SWING THE SAMURAI ON TAJIRI!!

But at the last split second…

THE LIGHTS IN THE ROOM GO OUT!

The screen fades to black… and…

*Commercial*​

I mean come on, we were never gonna cut a guys head off on TV, were we?

Back from the commercial, we’re at the announce desk to hear from a shocked looking Ross and a rather green-faced looking Lawler…

Jim Ross: Great ta’ have ya’ back wit’ us on Raw, folks. I uh… I can’t believe what we just witnessed before tha’ commercial break. Kaientai had Taka Michinoku held hostage backstage, or so we thought anyway, an’ Tajiri agreed to sign a termination of his WWF contract ta’ save his friend. But it was a setup, ‘King’! It was a setup all along! Tajiri got back ta’ where they were holdin’ Taka hostage, an’ Taka was wit’ Kaientai! He an’ Yamaguchi were in cahoots!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Well, good! It’s no more than Tajiri deserved! He spit that damn green mist in my face again, he deserved the beatin’ of a lifetime from Kaientai! Infact, we lost the lights in that room before the break, did Yamaguchi chop Tajiri into a thousand pieces back there!?

Jim Ross: Thankfully not, we got security an’ WWF officials back there just in time, they hit the lights an’ saved Tajiri from Gawd knows what. But he’s outta here! Tajiri signed that paperwork, his contract has been terminated, an’ Taka is now part of Kaientai!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: And that’s exactly what he deserves! Four weeks in a row I’ve had that damn green stuff spat in my face! But it’ll never happen again!

Jim Ross: I can’t believe you! Tajiri, he’s had his career ruined! His partner has just turned his back on ‘im! An’ all you care about is that dye job on y’er face!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Damn right I do! I wish they had[ got Tajiri with that samurai! I’d have went back there and helped clean up the mess afterwards! I hope I never see that little jerk ever again!

*URBAN COWBOY*​

But we’ve got to leave the Taka and Tajiri chat as Jeff Jarrett and Sunny are heading for the ring. The Intercontinental Champion of course has his trusty guitar with him, and he’s dressed to compete, but all eyes are on Sunny, who looks incredible as always in one of those low-cut business suits she wears. In the ring, Jarrett sets his guitar down while Sunny retrieves a microphone for him…

Jeff Jarrett: Alright, listen up! Just like I said last night on tha’ debut episode of Sunday Night Heat, I’m hear in San Diego t’night ta’ prove once again why I am tha’ greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time… an’ why I am tha’ undisputed ‘King of Submissions’!

Sunny nods along with Jarrett’s proclamation…

Jeff Jarrett: An’ I promised tha’ world that ta’ prove ma’ point, I was gonna bring back a former WWF Superstar an’ make ‘im tap out in tha’ centre of this ring!

And there’s a bit of a buzz in speculation as who it could be…

Jeff Jarrett: An’ all day long, people have been askin’ me, who is it? Who is it that ya’ brought back, ‘Double J’? Well, I told ya’ last night, this is a guy who has a win-loss record in tha’ WWF that nobody can come close to! Back in tha’ day, he was a submission specialist ‘imself! But he ain’t gonna be able ta’ measure up ta’ ol’ ‘Double J’ here, not a by a long shot!

”Who is it, ‘JR’! Who could it be!?”

“I’ve got no idea, ‘King’! It could be anybody!”

Jeff Jarrett: But this WWF legend has accepted ma’ challenge for a submission match right here t’night, so get up off y’er fat asses an’ give this guy tha’ welcome he deserves! Ma’ opponent t’night… DUANE – GILL!

*GIVE IT UP*​

Who the…? So out steps a small, pasty, ridiculous looking man, the aforementioned Duane Gill. Although this guy is such a nobody, the on-screen graphic that welcomes his to the TV audience spells his name as ‘DWAYNE GILL’ in error. But anyway, this loser strides down the ramp, looking pretty overawed to be here tonight, before he slides into the ring…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: ‘JR’, d’ya know who that is!?

Jim Ross: Uh… not really, no.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: That’s Duane Gill!

Jim Ross: Who?

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Duane Gill! He used to be a regular in the WWF in the early nineties. Don’t you remember!?

Jim Ross: I can’t say I do, no.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Some Head of Talent Relations you are! Alright! Duane Gill! What a coup from ‘Double J’ to get him back to the WWF to accept this challenge tonight!

So the crowd are understandably underwhelmed with this guy, but Jarrett does his best to give us some dramatic, sarcastic show of fear in a feeble attempt to put Gill over. But Gill just looks happy for a paycheck as he steps towards Jarrett…

Jeff Jarrett: Whoa, hey! Easy there, fella. Duane Gill, welcome back ta’ tha’ WWF! I see in y’er years away, clearly ya’ been hittin’ the gym, keepin’ in shape, ya’ look ready ta’ announce y’erself back ta’ tha’ world right here!

Gill nods his head in agreement, while Sunny tries her best to stifle a laugh…

Jeff Jarrett: Now before we get this thing goin’, let’s just clear one thing up. This match is a Submission Match… but it is not for ma’ prestigious Intercontinental Title, ain’t that right?

Again, Gill nods in agreement, while Jarrett breathes a sigh of relief…

Jeff Jarrett: Alright, good. I’m glad we got that settled. So let’s get this match started! I’ll just take off ma’ Intercontinental Title an’-

But as soon as the referee takes the belt from Jarrett… Jarrett lunges… and SMACKS GILL WITH A CHEAP SHOT!

Match Six: Non-Title Submission Match
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett w/ Sunny vs. Duane Gill

And straight away Jarrett is in control, clubbing the back of Gill’s head before he takes him up and down with a snap suplex. Jarrett lets out a big laugh as he lays in with stomps to the body, then he starts to target the leg, aims kicks to the hamstring before he drags Gill to the ropes, places his foot on the bottom rope… launches himself up… and crashes down across the knee! Jarrett hurls Gill to the corner and unloads with kicks and right hands, then he stomps Gill all the way down to the canvas. More stomps are aimed to the leg, before Jarrett drags Gill to his feet and sends him off the ropes… into a textbook dropkick! Gill is down, he’s barely moving, and that means Jarrett is free to grab the leg, step, twist and drop… FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! Jarrett slaps on the submission hold, the poor Gill flails his arms wildly, but he’s no hope of reaching the ropes… so he has no choice but to tap out!

Winner: Via Submission, Jeff Jarrett @ 01:48

Well, that was a farce. Jarrett barely broke sweat, he puts Gill away in under two minutes with the Figure Four in what was nothing more than a joke match. Jarrett gets back to his feet, faking that the match somehow took a strain on him as he leans against the ropes, grimacing in pain as he raises his title in the air…

Jim Ross: That was just ridiculous! What a classless display from Jeff Jarrett! He brought this Duane Gill, a guy nobody’s heard of, ta’ San Diego t’night, purely so he could humiliate this poor guy.

Jeff Jarrett: What!? That was a hard-fought victory for ‘Double J’! He had to pull out all the stops to prove once again, why he is ‘The King of Submissions’!

Jim Ross: Are you outta y’er mind!? An’ now, what is this!? What’s Jarrett doin’ now?

It seems like Jarrett is helping Gill back to his feet as he reaches down and offers him a hand… but once Gill is back on his feet… Jarrett levels him with a stiff clothesline! Gill is down again, and now Jarrett is hooking him up again… ANOTHER FIGURE FOUR!

Jarrett has Gill in the Figure Four once again… gut out of nowhere, there’s a roar from the crowd… Tazz is racing down the ramp! Tazz has seen enough of this pathetic display from Jarrett, he wants a piece of the Intercontinental Champion… but Sunny alerts Jarrett to the incoming Tazz, Jarrett releases the hold, rolls from the ring… grabs his title… and just as Tazz slides into the ring… Jarrett and Sunny make it over the barricade and escape through the crowd! It seems like no matter how hard he tries, Jarrett just can’t shake Tazz off, Tazz isn’t done with Jarrett yet! Annoyed, Tazz paces the ring, then leans against the ropes to point and yell into the crowd at Jarrett, who taunts his rival by holding the Intercontinental Championship high in the air…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: What is wrong with this moron!? Doesn’t he realise, he had his chance and he blew it!? Jeff beat Tazz back at Fully Loaded, he doesn’t get another shot at the Intercontinental Title!

Jim Ross: Regardless of that, Tazz wasn’t gonna stand by an’ let Jarrett humiliate this poor guy any longer!

Indeed, with Jarrett getting out of there, Tazz reaches down and helps Gill back to his feet, giving him a pat on the shoulder… before shockingly, he cinches Gill in… TAZZPLEX! Tazz ragdolls Gill and drops him on his head, much to the delight of the crowd! Tazz then bursts back to his feet, points a finger out at Jarrett… before he drags Gill off the canvas… TAZZMISSION!! Tazz traps the hapless Gill in the Tazzmission, grapevining him down to the mat, a clear message being sent to ‘Double J’ who watches on from the safety of the crowd…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: This guy’s lost it! He’s a lunatic! Get some help out here!

Jim Ross: If ya’ ask me, there’s tha’ real ‘King of Submissions’ right there! Tazz ain’t done wit’ Jarrett, not ba’ a long shot! Tazz wanted Jarrett, but he’s gonna settle for Duane Gill t’night!

Having choked Gill out with his signature move, Tazz gets back to his feet and once again points out at Jarrett, making it clear that while it was Gill who suffered the choke tonight, it was Jarrett who was the intended target. From so far away, Jarrett refuses to be intimidated, he just hoists his title high in the air again, but it’s clear that this rivalry seems destined to have another few twists and turns in it yet as we cut away.

Backstage to see firstly a shot of Owen Hart walking through the backstage corridors, ready for our main event…

Jim Ross: Well it’s that time, folks. Owen Hart set ta’ take on Tha’ Rock, tha’ winner is gonna go ta’ SummerSlam ta’ face tha’ WWF Champion!

And speaking of the WWF Champion, a quick cut to see ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin walking the corridors as well…

Jim Ross: An’ there he is! Tha’ WWF Champion, ‘Stone Cold’, he’s gonna be out here ta’ see it all happen! Who’s Austin gonna face at-

But then a final cut back to the parking lot, where Vince McMahon is barking orders at Ken Shamrock, The Big Boss Man, Bart Gunn and Steve Blackman, who have are all standing guard with Kane and the orderlies from the mental institution near the ambulance we saw earlier…

Vince McMahon: You all keep an eye on him. I’m goin’ into that arena, The Undertaker is gonna humble himself before me, tonight! But if he doesn’t, when I give the signal… well, you all know what to do.

Smirks and nodding heads all around from McMahon’s associates, but one more time… Kane’s head snaps to the side and he looks off into the distance!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Wait a minute! Mr. McMahon is comin’ out here! He wants this showdown with The Undertaker durin’ our main event!?

Can you tell this main event is going to be chaos? Don’t you dare miss it!

*Commercial*​

We go straight back into the arena to hear…

*GLASS SHATTERS!*

*HELL FROZEN OVER*​

So the loudest pop of the night so far welcomes ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin back into the arena, the WWF Champion with his title slung over his shoulder and a six pack of beer in one hand…

Jim Ross: What an ovation for tha’ WWF Champion! ‘Stone Cold’ is walkin’ tall straight inta’ SummerSlam at Madison Square Garden, an’ we’re about ta’ find out who he’s gonna face when he gets there!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but does he have to come sit here by us to find out!?

But as soon as Austin reaches the announce desk and places his beer down to put on his headset, Lawler’s attitude to things quickly changes…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Hey Steve! Great to see ya’!

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: Why don’t you shut tha’ hell up ‘fore I stick that damn crown o’ yours straight up y’er ass!

”DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’?”​

*DO YOU SMELL?*​

He may be a heel, but he’s very over and popular, and that’s why The Rock gets such a loud response when he makes his entrance. Rock saunters down the ramp, jawing with some of the ringside fans, before he slides into the ring and heads to the ropes closest to the announce desk, throwing some trash talk down at Austin…

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: He keeps runnin’ ‘is mouth like that, I’m fixin’ ta’ get in that ring an’ beat tha’ piss right outta ‘im! He ain’t gonna have ta’ worry ‘bout Owen Hart, his ass ain’t goin’ anywhere close ta’ SummerSlam he says another damn word ta’ me!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Now that’s the match I wanna see! Forget Owen, you and The Rock for the WWF Title. There’s no way you’d be leavin’ SummerSlam as the champion if that happens!

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: There ain’t gonna be no way y’er leavin’ this arena t’night without ma’ foot up y’er ass if ya’ speak ta’ me like that again!

*BLACK HART*​

Not as loud as either Austin or Rock, but still a very respectable welcome into the arena for Owen Hart. As Hart heads down the ramp, he gives a few respectful nods and waves to the ringside crowd, before he slides into the ring and raises a fist in the air…

Jim Ross: Well Owen Hart won tha’ right ta’ face you ‘Stone Cold’ by defeatin’ Tha’ Rock an’ Tha’ Undertaker back at Fully Loaded, but truth be told, he’s not convinced it’s a title shot he really wants.

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: An’ that right there is my big problem wit’ Owen Hart. It’s a chance ta’ main event SummerSlam, Madison Square Garden, tha’ whole world watchin’ an’ he don’t know if he wants it or not? That’s a bunch o’ B.S. if ya’ ask me!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: That’s exactly what I was sayin’! Nobody wants to see Owen Hart in the main event for the WWF Title, he’s a loser! He’s a nobody! I mean, can you imagine Owen Hart as WWF Champion?

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: That weren’t ever gonna happen, I know for damn sure I’d stomp a mudhole in ‘is ass an’ walk it dry! But ta’ stand in that ring earlier t’night an’ tell tha’ world ya’ don’t want a shot at tha’ WWF Champion, that ain’t right. Sooner or later that son’ bitch gotta realise he ain’t gonna get a chance like this ever again, an’ he better realise it right here!

So we’re ready to go… but a loud chorus of boos breaks out… as Vince McMahon steps out onto the stage! Flanked by Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter, the very smug McMahon already has a mic in his hand, ready to address his presence in the arena here…

Vince McMahon: Pardon the interruption here, I’m sure you’re all looking forward to this main event contest between The Rock and Owen Hart. Owen, Rock… I’ll let you have your little match here, but rest assured… the winner of this contest will categorically not be going to SummerSlam to face ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin for the WWF Championship.

As you’d imagine, the crowd aren’t exactly thrilled with that announcement, while Austin simply asks…

“What tha’ hell’s this jackass talkin’ ‘bout?”

Vince McMahon: But I’ll deal with you two and the WWF Championship situation next week. As for tonight, Undertaker… I know you’re in this building somewhere, I know you can hear me right now. You have until the end of this match to come into this arena… and public humble yourself before me. Or else… I will have your brother Kane committed to a mental institution and I’ll lock him away for the rest of his life!

McMahon remains very stoic despite the heat being thrown at him for that last comment…

Vince McMahon: Now I have my associates standing by, ready to hand Kane over to the proper authorities. But for the duration of this match, I’ll be standing right here on this stage… and if you know what’s good for you Undertaker… and perhaps more importantly, if you know what’s good for your brother, Kane… you’ll not waste any time in coming out here and apologising for what you did to my son Shane… and begging me for forgiveness!

The stooges all nod with approval in the background, but Austin pipes in with…

”If that stupid sunnova bitch knows what’s good for ‘im, he oughta shut tha’ hell up ‘fore I put ma’ boot up ‘is ass!”

Vince McMahon: And just to ensure there’s no funny business, to make sure nobody tries to take a cheap shot at me… gentlemen, if you wouldn’t mind…

McMahon motions towards the entrance… and out steps Southern Justice! Tennessee Lee leads Mark Canterbury and Dennis Knight onto the stage, both men carrying baseball bats with them, McMahon clearly hiring them for a little extra security tonight…

Vince McMahon: Gentlemen… you may begin.

Jim Ross: Gawd, McMahon has stacked tha’ deck against Kane an’ Tha’ Undertaker here! But who’s gonna win this one between Owen Hart an’ Tha’ Rock?

Main Event:
Owen Hart vs. The Rock

We start the same way every Owen match starts, with Hart offering a handshake… but Rock isn’t interested, throwing some trash talk in response. We then get a tie-up, Rock backing Owen to the corner, initially stepping back to give the clean break… but then Rock swings a right… Owen ducks… and clocks Rock with a right hand! Owen goes on the attack, rights to the face, then an Irish whip off the ropes… Owen avoids contact with a leapfrog… then flattens Rock with a crossbody! Rock quickly rolls from the ring to compose himself, but of course he’s near the announce desk, he and Austin getting into it again with each other. Owen backs away to let Rock into the ring, looking to restart things… only for Rock to drill a boot to the midsection. He then shoots Owen off the ropes, but Owen reverses… and lowers his head… swinging neckbreaker! Owen hits the mat, but he makes it to his feet at the ropes… here comes Rock… but Owen elevates him… back body drop to the floor! Rock lands near the stage, with Owen following him out, clubbing a few uppercuts and forearms, before Owen turns and points up at McMahon on the stage, a few words exchanged, before Owen rears back… and sends Rock crashing into the barricade!

Owen takes things back into the ring, he plants Rock with a scoop slam for a near fall, before he looks to send Rock off the ropes… but this time it’s Rock who avoids contact… then levels Owen with a clothesline! After a pinfall attempt, Rock looks to take control, laying in with stomps, then he gets another two count from a Samoan drop. In the corner, Rock hammers Owen with hard right hands, does more damage with stomps to the body, before getting another near fall by cutting off an Owen comeback with a snap DDT. Rock then looks to slow the pace of the match down a grounded headlock, but eventually the crowd get behind Owen, urging him back to his feet… Owen drills elbows and chops to break free, but when he comes off the ropes… Rock counters with a snap belly-to-belly overhead! 1… 2… Hart gets a shoulder up! More jawing from Rock, first at the referee, then at Austin, before he lands more rights and kicks, then goes for an Irish whip… Owen ducks a clothesline and keeps on running… spinning wheel kick!

Both men are down, which means we take a quick look up at the stage, McMahon checking his watch, time clearly running out for Undertaker to appear and humble himself to save Kane from being committed to the insane asylum. The match continues, Owen throwing right hands, but when he tries a boot, Rock catches the foot… ENZUIGIRI! Owen connects, he crawls to the cover… 1… 2… Rock gets a shoulder up! Owen looks to stay on the attack, boots and right hands, then he goes for the Irish whip… Rock reverses… into a snap powerslam! 1… 2… Owen just kicks out! The match swings back and forth again, we take another quick look at McMahon, his cronies and Southern Justice, then we cut backstage to see Kane at the ambulance, surrounded by McMahon’s cronies… but suddenly, out of nowhere, there’s a screech of tires…

A LIMOUSINE CRASHSES INTO THE AMBULANCE!!

There’s confusion all round, the orderlies scramble to safety, Boss Man, Shamrock, Bart and Blackman wonder what the hell is going on… and we soon get the answer… D-GENERATION X BURST OUT OF THE LIMO!! It was the D-X limo from earlier, and now Shawn Michaels, Triple H and The New Age Outlaws are brawling with McMahon’s associates! Michaels launches himself at Shamrock, Triple H goes after Boss Man, Billy and Road Dogg go for Bart and Blackman, a pier six brawl has broken out in the parking lot! And that means nobody is looking at Kane… so he starts hammering the orderlies! D-X have provided a distraction, Kane is taking advantage to fight his way free! The shot goes back to McMahon, he seen all of that on the titan-tron from the stage, he immediately looks panicked and starts ordering his stooges and Southern Justice to stand ready by the entrance way! But back in the ring, the match is still raging on, Rock tags Owen with a few right hands… but then he swings and misses… reverse DDT! Owen puts Rock, then he outside and climbs to the top rope… but Rock shoves the referee into the ropes… Owen loses his balance and crashes to the canvas! A painful landing for Owen, and Rock now moves quickly to take advantage, he drags Owen up… cinches him in… ROCK BOTTOM… WAIT!

*GONG*​

THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE ARENA!!!

There’s a huge buzz of anticipation, is The Undertaker here!? The commentary team, including Austin, are all awaiting the arrival of ‘The Deadman’… and then…

*GONG*​

The lights come back on… and KANE IS ON THE STAGE!! Kane has made it to the stage, but more importantly than that… BRISCO, PATTERSON, SLAUGHTER, CANTERBURY, KNIGHT, EVEN TENNESSEE LEE… THEY’RE ALL DOWN AND OUT ON THE STAGE! And that means all that is left… is Vince McMahon! Kane throws his head back ominously and snaps his gaze in McMahon’s direction, the boss’ face gripped in fear! Slowly Kane starts to step towards him… but McMahon hightails it out of the arena! McMahon sprints and disappears backstage… but Kane is in pursuit! Back in the ring, The Rock is looking around, anticipating the arrival of The Undertaker… but here comes Owen from behind with a rollup… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Owen Hart @ 09:13

Owen does it! He scores another huge win over The Rock, but he got a huge assist from, we assume, The Undertaker! Rock kicked out, but it was just too late, Owen has stolen the victory from him here… and Rock is furious, he bursts back to his feet… and clobbers Owen from behind! Owen is down, Rock lays into him with a series of stiff boots, before he drags Owen up… ROCK BOTTOM!! Rock plants Owen, but it doesn’t look like he’s done there, as Rock heads to the outside…

Jim Ross: What a huge win for Owen Hart! But we still don’t know, is he goin’ ta’ SummerSlam ta’ face ‘Stone Cold’ or not!?

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: As far as I’m concerned, that sunnova bitch right there Owen Hart, he’s tha’ number one contender without a shadow of a doubt!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Yeah but, who turned off the lights? And what about Mr. McMahon!? Kane was chasin’ him!

Jim Ross: McMahon was runnin’ like a scalded dawg! He weren’t so tough wit’ all his backup laid out by Kane!

’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin: What’s this stupid bastard Rocky doin’ here?

Having tasted defeat again, Rock has rolled from the ring near the announce desk and heads to the timekeeper’s table… to shove the timekeeper aside… and GRAB A STEEL CHAIR! Owen is still down, he’s barely moved since the Rock Bottom, but Rock now slides back in… he’s looking to SMACK OWEN WITH THE CHAIR… WAIT! Austin rips off his headset and throws it down on the announce desk… before he slides into the ring behind Rock… and SNATCHES THE CHAIR FROM ROCK’S HAND! Austin quickly rears back… SMACKS THE CHAIR OFF ROCK’S SKULL!!

Austin clobbers Rocky, sending him down to the canvas, with Owen using the ropes to drag himself to his feet, coming face to face with ‘The Rattlesnake’, challenger staring at champion, or at least we think that’s the case! But for now, Austin and Owen stand across from each other, a tense staredown between the two, until Owen drops to the canvas and rolls from the ring… and he starts to head up the ramp! Owen looks pretty pissed off about something, shaking his head in frustration as he walks away… leaving Austin standing in the ring, confused, jawing up at Owen who offers no response…

Jim Ross: What was that all about? Austin, he saved Owen from a steel chair shot from Tha’ Rock, but Owen didn’t exactly look thankful for it.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: He looked pretty mad about the whole thing? You don’t think he’s mad cos he won the match do ya’? D’ya think he’s still upset cos he might need to go to SummerSlam to face Austin in the main event!?

You could be right there, ‘King’. But for this week, we’re not going to find out, as we take one final look at the scowl on Owen’s face and the confused look on Austin’s before we cut away…

Back to the parking lot (again!?) where the brawl between D-X and McMahon’s cronies rages on, Michaels still brawling with Shamrock, Triple H going at it with Boss Man, Billy and Road Dogg tangling with Bart and Blackman, these two groups beating the hell out of each other… when McMahon stumbles into the scene! Fearful of Kane being in pursuit, McMahon pauses for a brief moment as he sees his associates in battle… but he quickly scurries away, trying to find a path to safety for himself. The camera stays on McMahon as he runs through the parking lot, with Vince randomly trying the door handles of cars, looking for an open one he can perhaps escape in… but no dice, the cars are all locked tight…

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Somebody’s gotta do somethin’! We got get some help back there for Mr. McMahon, Kane’s gonna kill him!

Jim Ross: There’s nobody left ta’ help McMahon! Nobody left ta’-

Wait! Through the dimly lit parking lot, a pair of headlights come to life, the bright lights drawing the attention of McMahon, who starts to scramble towards them… but the lights are blinding, Vince using his hands to shield his eyes as he gets closer… and then off-camera, we hear the door of this vehicle open… and then close. Vince continues to squint to see who has just exited the car… and then Vince’s face is gripped by fear! And the camera slowly pans to reveal… this isn’t any ordinary car… THIS IS A HEARSE…

THE UNDERTAKER IS HERE! AND HE’S MERE FEET AWAY FROM VINCE MCMAHON!!

McMahon thought he was running to safety, but instead he’s ran straight into the path of ‘The Phenom’!

”No! NO! NO, WAIT! WAIT! I DIDN’T MEAN IT! I DIDN’T MEANT ANY OF IT!”

But The Undertaker isn’t interested in excuses any more, he steps forward… fear has rendered McMahon’s legs useless, he just whimpers and begs off… UNDERTAKER GRABS MCMAHON BY HIS SUIT JACKET… DRAGS HIM AROUND THE HEARSE… AND LAUNCHES MCMAHON THROUGH THE BACK DOOR! MCMAHON IS TRAPPED INSIDE THE HEARSE!!

Vince wanted Kane taken away in an ambulance tonight, but instead it’s Vince who is being taken away in a hearse! Undertaker now moves to get back into the driver’s seat, but just before he goes to sit… ‘Taker’ looks off into the distance… AND LOCKS EYES WITH KANE!!

Undertaker and Kane are staring at each other, the brothers have united to face a common enemy here tonight, but now Kane… simply turns… and heads for the exit to the parking lot! Kane disappears into the streets of San Diego!

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd! Kane is on tha’ loose!

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Forget Kane, what’s The Undertaker doin’ with Mr. McMahon!? Where’s he takin’ Vince!?

The camera switches back from the distant shot of Kane to an up close look at Undertaker, who rolls his eyes to the back of his head… then slams the driver’s door shut! And then with a screech of tires… the hearse drives away!

Jim Ross: Gawd, I don’t believe this! Tha’ Undertaker, he’s drivin’ that hearse away… an’ he’s got Vince McMahon in tha’ back! Where is Tha’ Undertaker takin’ Vince McMahon!? Join us this Sunday for Sunday Night Heat ta’ find out!

But the answer to that question will need to wait for another day, as the last image we see is that of the hearse speeding away out of the arena parking lot and onto the streets of San Diego, before the show fades… to… black.

*End Show*

Current Card for WWF SummerSlam 1998:
Date: August 30th, 1998
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

WWF Championship Match:
WWF Champion ’Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart

Intergender Tag Team Match:
’Marvellous’ Marc Mero and Ivory vs. Val Venis and Sable

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