|
Post by DTP. on Aug 10, 2013 22:01:57 GMT -5
WWF Royal Rumble - January 21, 1996 Selland Arena - Fresno, CA
Segment | Description | Timeline | - | WWF Free 4-All - "The Bizarre One" Goldust and Bob Backlund (w/Marlena) vs Savio Vega and Duke "The Dumpster" Droese [+00:04 for entrances; +00:01 for aftermath] These two rivaling teams exchanged with one another last month at In Your House, where Goldust decided to get involved in helping Bob Backlund get one over on Savio Vega, dressing up as an evil Santa Claus, allowing the maniacal Backlund to attack Vega from behind. It was reminded during this match that Vega will take on Backlund next Saturday morning on Superstars, as Goldust meanwhile had problems with the "Dumpster" - having losing a match to Droese last week on Superstars. Goldust and Backlund teamed together cooperatively, as Vega struggled to get the tag from the man in peril, Duke Droese. Goldust and Backlund picked apart at the trash man, as the fans in Fresno tried to rally behind the "Dumpster", Goldust having opened up a target on Duke's ribs in the opening moments, and Backlund capitalized on following up with a relentless series of strikes for Droese. Eventually however, Backlund had Droese in the abdominal stretch as the fans in Fresno continued to root for Droese to get the tag to Savio Vega, and he finally escaped and got the tag! The Puerto-Rican hit the ring, taking out everyone in sight, catching the "Bizarre One" and the "Insane One" with a crossbody! Vega continued his path of destruction with a big Caribbean Kick to Backlund, as Vega then followed, in an attempt to go after Goldust - when Marlena got onto the apron and began to distract Vega, leading to Goldust striking Vega with Droese's trash can! Goldust covered Vega for the win! "The Bizarre One" Goldust and Bob Backlund def. Savio Vega and Duke "The Dumpster" Droese [09:32]
The crowd booed as Goldust had scored the victory for himself and Bob Backlund in this Free 4-All encounter tonight, just before the Royal Rumble match! Vince McMahon and Jim Ross talked about how these four men still have another match to go later on tonight, as they compete in the 30-man Royal Rumble match, but right now, the "Bizarre One" and Backlund had scored the victory, as Marlena joined Goldust's hand in victory in the ring - but meanwhile, Bob Backlund stood up, seemingly not happy with Goldust, as Bob talked about how he should have gotten the win over the man he has been unable to beat in previous weeks! Backlund continued to yell at Goldust, when suddenly the "Bizarre One" planted the trash can over Backlund's head! Goldust and Marlena left to boos, as Jim Ross, Vince McMahon and Jerry "The King" Lawler hyped up the Royal Rumble, in just a few moments!
| - | 1 | The opening signature aired, promoting the World Wrestling Federation. Following this came a vignette showing Sunny enjoying a glass of wine in a bathtub, advising viewer discretion for this upcoming WWF program. Up next, a video package aired, highlighting the rivalry between Bret "Hitman" Hart and The Undertaker, over respect and real life versus fantasy, and how it is the "Deadman"'s destiny to win the World Wrestling Federation Championship; also highlighted, the feud between former friends, Razor Ramon and Sean Waltman, Waltman controlled by jealousy, and greed of money of a provider, the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase. Tonight, they battle for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. But more importantly, the 30-man Royal Rumble match, the most exciting sixty minutes in the World Wrestling Federation, as only one man can win the Rumble, and go on to WrestleMania XII to challenge for the WWF Championship! Tonight, one man's dream will come true, as it highlighted stars such as Razor Ramon, Yokozuna, Shawn Michaels, Owen Hart, the British Bulldog, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, "Sycho" Sid and various other WWF superstars. Tonight, it's time to Rumble! We then cut to the Selland Arena in Fresno, California for the ninth annual Royal Rumble extravaganza! Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed us to the show, as they talked about how all four WWF Championships will be on the line tonight, as well, as the most exciting sixty minutes in the WWF, the Royal Rumble, all to come tonight! | 00:04 | 2 | WWF Tag Team Championships - The Smoking Gunns (c) vs "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and "Agent" Dean Douglas [+00:02 for entrances; +00:01 for aftermath] The Smoking Gunns were defeated by Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas three weeks ago on Monday Night RAW, as "Double J" and "Agent" Dean took home the RAW Bowl in the process. However, because of the country music artist and his agent's victory over the WWF Tag Team Champions, they were granted a title shot tonight, as "Double J" and Dean Douglas' ego has gone over the edge, seemingly confident about going into this match as they approached the ring for this match-up. Meanwhile, Billy and Bart Gunn were in a blaze, wanting to secure the victory once and for all against the so-called country music enthusiasts, Jarrett and Douglas. Meanwhile on commentary, Jerry Lawler hyped up Monday Night RAW tomorrow night, where Jeff Jarrett planned on singing his new song and releasing it, live, tomorrow on the USA Network at 9/8 CT. The Smoking Gunns started off with a head of steam, as Billy and Bart, the true Westerns went right at it with Jarrett and Douglas, as Bart and Douglas went over the top rope before continuing their brawl at ringside. Meanwhile, Billy fired into Jarrett with a tackle followed up with several lefts and rights, as the platinum blonde haired country singer managed to slip out of the ring, as Billy and Bart waited inside of the squared circle, Jarrett and Douglas busy recuperating out at ringside, where "Double J" began to strut! Pure egotism on the part of Jarrett, as Douglas decided to start off with Billy, the two locking up with Billy once again firing away and speeding up the pace against the agent, Dean Douglas. Billy caught Douglas on the chin with a big dropkick off of the ropes, before Billy and Bart decided to team up in working over the arm of Douglas, Billy wrenching the arm of the Dean before tagging Bart in for an axe handle off of the top rope! Bart continued to work away at Douglas, as Bart continued the momentum, a big back body drop for Dean Douglas! Jeff Jarrett was furious, stood on the apron, but that's when Bart picked Douglas up after a two count, and launched him right into Jarrett, as both of the challengers returned to the floor! Bart gained the Fresno crowd's approval as Jarrett and Douglas once again recuperated at ringside, this time without as much confidence on their faces! Douglas then hesitantly got back into the ring as Billy was in this time around, the two locking up with Douglas getting Billy in a side headlock, following up with a hammerlock, but Billy reversed it into one of his own, before Douglas managed to low blow Billy beneath the hammerlock - but the referee didn't see it as he was out of position! Douglas decided to follow up with a Northern lights suplex, before finally getting the tag to "Double J". The crowd booed, as Jarrett and Douglas started to pick apart Billy, going right after his left leg, as Jarrett seemed to be clearly motioning for the Figure-Four Leglock, as Jarrett teased it, instead dropping several elbows onto the leg of Billy, as Bart tried to get the tag - at which point, Jarrett taunted Bart, talking trash to the illegal man, and that provoked Bart to get into the ring, prompting referee Tim White to restrain the illegal Gunn. But meanwhile, this allowed Dean Douglas and Jeff Jarrett to double-team Billy even more, a double shinbreaker delivered to Billy! Jarrett then tagged in Douglas legally, as Douglas stomped away at the blonde Smoking Gunn's leg, once again trying to worsen the condition of Billy's left leg, Douglas and Jarrett from that point making continuous tags repetitively, as they paced out their team's stamina, whilst not allowing Billy to get the tag or regain any momentum. Jarrett finally decided that it was time for the finish, as he locked in the Figure-Four Leglock on Billy Gunn, and that's when "Agent" Dean Douglas went up for the equalizing diving knee drop from the top, and it connected! Douglas covered Billy as Jarrett retained the hold for more leverage, when Bart made the save, a dropkick for Douglas, and a dropkick for Jarrett! Bart then clotheslined Dean over the top rope, as Bart returned to the apron, rooting Billy to make a tag! The referee made a count to ten, but Jarrett got up at four, and went for the leg of Billy again, trying to kick at it, but Billy moved and Gunn connected with a clothesline! Billy found it hard to keep on his feet, as he finally gained some momentum with a big reverse neckbreaker to Jarrett! The fans erupted, as the referee started another count to ten, Billy and Jarrett crawling, as Billy FINALLY made the tag to Bart! Meanwhile, "Double J" got the tag to Douglas, as Douglas rushed in to be taken down with a crossbody, followed up by a second one, and a dropkick! Bart was on fire, as he then proceeded to take care of Jarrett with a running double knee to Jarrett in the corner, as Billy found the energy to get back into the ring as well, the WWF Tag Team Champions connecting with a big double dropkick to Jarrett, sending him down to the floor! Bart and Billy then proceeded to prepare the Gunslinger, as Bart got ready to give Douglas a backbreaker, and Billy got onto the second rope - but "Double J" reappeared on the apron, pulling down on the top rope and causing Billy to fall out to the floor, and Douglas managed to slip out of the backbreaker, connecting with a cradle on Bart, and we had new champions! "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and "Agent" Dean Douglas def. The Smoking Gunns to WIN the WWF Tag Team Championships [13:23] **1/2
The crowd hissed with boos in Fresno, California, as Dean Douglas rolled out of the ring, avoiding the shocked and appalled Bart Gunn! Douglas went over and hugged Jeff Jarrett, as Vince McMahon truly couldn't believe this! "Double J" and "Agent" Douglas were handed their WWF Tag Team Championships by referee Tim White, as Jarrett and Douglas celebrated at ringside, strutting up the aisleway! We had only had one match, but lightning struck twice tonight at the Royal Rumble, as we crowned new WWF Tag Team Champions! Meanwhile, the Smoking Gunns were left in shock in the ring, but they will surely live to fight another day. | 00:20 | 3 | On commentary, Jerry Lawler talked about how great Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas were in their showing tonight, the "Agent" and "Double J" becoming new WWF Tag Team Champions! Vince McMahon reminded us that the Smoking Gunns would surely be looking for a fight, but meanwhile tomorrow night on RAW, allegedly "Double J" will release a new song, as he will perform it live on RAW! Meanwhile, McMahon took us to the back, where Dok Hendrix was standing by with the Million Dollar Corporation. | 00:21 | 4 | We went to the locker room of the Million Dollar Corporation, as Sean Waltman, "Sycho" Sid and "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin were all stood around the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase, and the interview Dok Hendrix. Dok talked about how tonight is a big night for everyone in the World Wrestling Federation, as Dibiase talked about how tonight is all about the Corporation, because tonight we would see the faction walk out of Fresno tonight, a whole lot richer - because tonight, Sean Waltman will become the WWF Intercontinental Champion, and we will crown a Million Dollar Corporation member, the winner of the 1996 Royal Rumble! Sid spoke first, angrily talking about how in 1995, he came close to the World Wrestling Federation Championship, but that in the year 1996, we would finally see "Sycho" Sid reign supreme, and when that happens, nothing is going to stop the master of the entire universe! Steve Austin then spoke out, the "Ringmaster" talking about the Million Dollar Corporation and how they own the World Wrestling Federation and that nothing can stop Sid, Sean Waltman, Ted Dibiase or himself, because tonight, rain or shine, Austin is going to kick some butts and take everybody out of that ring, because they simply aren't as good as "The Ringmaster"! Sean Waltman then talked about Razor Ramon and his past relationship with the "Bad Guy" - but how tonight, we would see a new, fresh WWF Intercontinental Champion - to replace Ramon's tired act! Waltman promised to put Ramon to pasture tonight at the Royal Rumble! | 00:23 | 5 | WWF Women's Championship - Alundra Blayze (c) vs Aja Kong (w/Harvey Wippleman) [+00:02 for entrances; +00:02 for aftermath] Alundra Blayze managed to overcome the challenge of big Bertha Faye this past October, where she won the WWF Women's Championship on Monday Night RAW, but following that, she has been being stalked and followed everywhere by the ever adamant Harvey Wippleman, who continues to lead a barrage of opponents into battle to try and relieve that WWF Women's Championship from around the waist of Alundra Blayze! Aja Kong, 225 solid pounds from All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling is the most recent threat to the much smaller Alundra, as Blayze went into this one full of steam, Blayze seemingly hesitant to get into the ring with Kong at first, but Blayze managed to muster some confidence to at least try and confront Kong, trying to chop her down using agility and quickness, a hit-and-run strategy applied by Blayze in the early moments of the match. Blayze attempted to dropkick Kong and chop block away at the larger challenger's legs, but Kong soon grew weary of Blayze's efforts and began to fully batter Blayze in knife-edged chops and using the strongstyle of Japanese wrestling, wearing down the WWF Women's Champion, as Harvey Wippleman stood at ringside applauding his client. Kong continued to brutalize the champion, nailing a big back drop on Blayze for a near fall, before seemingly setting up for the stunning spinning backfist, something that nobody has been able to escape or reverse. However, when it came down to it, Aja swung and rotated, but Blayze delivered a big enzuigiri to Kong, stunning the larger opponent! Blayze followed up with a big suplex, surprising the Fresno crowd, including Wippleman - and at that point, Blayze decided that it was time for the finish, going for the bridging German Suplex, but Aja managed to block it with several stiff elbows to the side of the head, before going for the spinning backfist, Blayze ducking, and Aja got Wippleman, who was on the apron! Kong went nuts and tried to apologize, when Blayze came from behind with an impressive 225-pound German suplex, bridging it for the victory! WWF Women's Champion Alundra Blayze def. Aja Kong [06:12] **1/4
The crowd cheered as Alundra Blayze celebrated her win to cheers, as the WWF Women's Championship was defended successfully tonight at the Royal Rumble, Blayze with another successful title defense against Harvey Wippleman's ever growing alliance. Kong soon got up as Blayze began to leave, and Kong did not look happy. Harvey Wippleman got into the ring and yelled at Aja, telling Kong that she was fired for attacking him and failing to get the WWF Women's Championship from Blayze, laying into her and telling her to go back to Japan! At that point, Kong turned her back to him before nailing him with a spinning backfist! The crowd gave Kong an applause, as Aja did not seem to be happy with Harvey's managerial assistance in the World Wrestling Federation. | 00:33 | 6 | Vince McMahon proceeded to feed us into the backstage area, where Todd Pettingill this time, was standing by with the manager of the "Phenom" Paul Bearer, as Pettingill talked about how rare it was to get some comments from the Undertaker, thanking Paul for his time on this big night. Bearer told Pettingill that he wanted to speak out to everybody in the World Wrestling Federation that is excited about this match tonight with the "Deadman" and the "Hitman". Bearer talked about how his Undertaker didn't want to tell Pettingill this, so he will instead - that Bret Hart's days as WWF Champion are numbered, and that it is his destiny to become the WWF Champion! Bearer told Todd that the "Phenom" was ready to become the rightful World Wrestling Federation Champion! Pettingill thanked Bearer again for his time. | 00:34 | 7 | Meanwhile, Dok Hendrix was standing by with the "Bad Guy" Razor Ramon, as Hendrix wanted to get some comments with the WWF Intercontinental Champion prior to this big-time match against his former best friend, Sean Waltman, formerly known as the 1-2-3 Kid. Razor talked about how their friendship spanned several years, how they had each others' back - but it's all for not, because of that stooge, Ted Dibiase. The "Million Dollar Man", so he's called. Ramon talked about how he started this three years ago when he underestimated this little Kamikaze Kid on RAW, and lost to him - and he's going to finish it tonight, finally getting retribution over this chump - he's not smiling anymore, he means business! | 00:35 | 8 | Vince McMahon and Jim Ross then discussed the Razor Ramon and Sean Waltman rivalry, talking about how it all comes to a head tonight at the Royal Rumble, before showing us a video package dedicated to their rivalry - it all started in early 1993, where Waltman managed to get a huge victory over the "Bad Guy" on Monday Night RAW, cementing his position with the World Wrestling Federation. Razor soon found respect for the Kid, and Ramon and the 1-2-3 Kid were the best of friends, both of them having each others backs against the likes of Jeff Jarrett and the Roadie, the Million Dollar Corporation, and many other foes - but last October, the Kid turned on Ramon, siding with the Million Dollar Corporation! Ramon was betrayed, and wants to get his hands on the sold out Sean Waltman. After roadblocks such as having to go through other members of the Million Dollar Corporation, the WWF Intercontinental Championship is on the line, as Razor and Waltman go toe-to-toe once and for all!
| 00:37 | 9 | WWF Intercontinental Championship - "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon (c) vs Sean Waltman (w/Ted Dibiase) [+00:02 for entrances; +00:03 for aftermath] This was the match that Razor Ramon had waited three long months for, as it was Sean Waltman who turned his back on his former friend and sold out on his fans and the World Wrestling Federation as a whole, last October, and decided to jump ships to the Million Dollar Corporation. Razor Ramon was not in a good mood tonight, as the "Bad Guy" made his way to the ring with a vengeance, going straight after the Kid, Ramon hitting the ring and going straight after Waltman, chasing him around the ringside area, as the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase was forced to hide from Razor as well, Waltman managing to run around the ring and slide back into the ring, whilst Razor was in hot pursuit - before seeing Ted Dibiase and trying to get his hands on the manipulative manager! At that point, Waltman nailed Ramon with a baseball slide, and Waltman proceeded to follow up by putting the boots to Ramon, and Dibiase joined in as well! And there was nothing that referee Jim Korderas could do about it, as the match had not officially started yet. Waltman and Dibiase continued to dish out the punishment on Razor, before Waltman picked up the WWF Intercontinental Championship and kissed it, before slamming it into the face of the champion! Sean Waltman wanted the title, as Ramon remained down at ringside, before Sean wanted to get Razor in the ring and get the win, as he dragged Ramon into the ring and the bell officially sounded, Waltman immediately covering, in what could have been the shortest title match in the history of the World Wrestling Federation - but Razor Ramon wasn't done yet! Waltman then decided to follow up and go after the head of the tough guy from Miami, Waltman planting his fists into the forehead of Ramon, not allowing the WWF Intercontinental Champion an opportunity to get any offense in. Waltman wanted to keep it going however, as Waltman picked Razor up and ran him off the ropes, leapfrogging Razor on the way back, but that's when Razor came back, a big slap catching Sean off guard and Waltman went down! Razor followed up with several stomps before Waltman bailed again, as the "Bad Guy" was just getting warmed up, so it seemed! Waltman was aided to by the "Million Dollar Man", as Razor tried going after Waltman again, but decided not to leave the ring first this time, as Waltman reluctantly got back into the ring, Razor then firing away at Waltman, cornering him and delivering several knife-edged chops to the chest of the challenger! The ungrateful challenger was being whipped in the corner at the hands of Razor, as Ramon continued by tossing Waltman across the ring by his hair! Ramon followed up with a clothesline, before continuing with a belly-to-back suplex! Ramon was on fire, as Waltman went down for two, the challenger wanting more of the WWF Intercontinental Champion! The Million Dollar Corporation member slowly got up, as Razor decided to follow up against Sean Waltman, connecting with a huge clothesline, managing to send Waltman over the top! Waltman for the third time in five minutes was left on the outside, as Ramon followed Waltman out this time, ramming him back first into the railings at ringside, before gorilla pressing Waltman up and dropping him over the guard rail! Ted Dibiase remained a distance away from the action, as Razor dragged Waltman back into the ring and went to follow up on his former friend, but out of nowhere Waltman nailed Razor with the 1-2-3 Kick! The Kid covered Razor, but that's when Razor kicked out at the count of two! Ramon wasn't done yet, as Waltman seemed to be in desperation, not wanting much more of his adversary. Waltman went after Ramon with a sleeper hold, as Razor tried to fight up, but Waltman applied his body weight and jumped onto the back of the "Bad Guy", Razor beginning to fade, as the challenger wanted to do all that he could to take the WWF Intercontinental Championship away from the waist of the "Bad Guy" Razor Ramon. Razor faded, and seemed almost gone, as Jimmy Korderas went to count Razor out, but Ramon managed to get back up at the count of two! Razor then picked Sean Waltman up, and the larger champion dropped Waltman with a big back drop! Ramon was slow to get to his feet, as Dibiase was gritting his teeth, really wanting Razor uncrowned, and for the WWF Intercontinental title to come home with the Million Dollar Corporation. Razor Ramon slowly readjusted to his feet, as he delivered several more shots to the challenger, but Waltman ducked a clothesline, and so Waltman sent Razor into the ropes, rebounding with a big leaping clothesline! Waltman slowly got back up and went over to a corner, strangely untying a turnbuckle cover, before picking Ramon up, bringing the champ into the exposed corner, and beginning to kick into the "Bad Guy"! The Kid followed up with a spinkick in the corner, Waltman then coming off of the ropes, and nailing Razor Ramon with a spinning wheel kick! Sean covered, but Ramon once again kicked out! Waltman wasn't happy with this, as he connected with a legdrop on Razor, the challenger getting increasingly desperate, as Sean then went for an armwrench on the canvas, Waltman beginning to target the left arm of Razor, but Ramon was much stronger than the challenger, and powered Waltman to the match, before raining down punches on Waltman's face! Waltman tried to kick himself free, but he found it difficult as Sean finally managed to crawl out over in the corner, before going for a superkick on Razor, Razor ducking and sending Waltman into the ropes for a crossbody - but Ramon caught the Kid, and nailed him with a fallaway slam! Razor set himself up for the Razor's Edge, he got Waltman between his legs, ready for the finish, and Razor got Waltman up, the Razor's Edge pending, but Waltman slipped off of Ramon's shoulders, the WWF Intercontinental Champion sent flying into the exposed steel turnbuckle! Ramon caught it right on the chin, and seemed groggy, when Ramon turned around to receive a big superkick, scoring the cover, and we had a new champion! Sean Waltman def. "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon to WIN the WWF Intercontinental Championship [19:22] **3/4
The crowd stormed in thunder, almost, as the Fresno crowd were not impressed by the result of this match, as the bell sounded, and Jimmy Korderas handed Sean Waltman his well-earned WWF Intercontinental Championship gold! Waltman's hand was raised in victory, as this was the second championship to change hands tonight, the "Million Dollar Man" climbing into the ring and raising Waltman's hand in victory, as Razor Ramon remained down! Waltman and Dibiase began to leave, as one-half of the Million Dollar Corporation's duties were done tonight, as Waltman had defeated Razor Ramon and brought gold to the Corporation, but now, one task remained, for the Corporation to win the Royal Rumble! Jim Ross reminded us that Razor Ramon and Sean Waltman would both be in the Royal Rumble match later on tonight as well! Meanwhile, Razor Ramon began to leave to an applause for his effort in this match, the "Bad Guy" then being approached by some sort of stage hand, who handed him another letter! Ramon shook his head and tore the note up before throwing it on the floor, Razor storming off! | 01:02 | 10 | In the backstage area, Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas were partying hard with champagne, as "Double J" and the "Agent" had done it! They sat at a table with the WWF Tag Team Championships on their shoulders, Jarrett talking about their success recently, calling Douglas a great partner - Douglas responding by calling Jarrett a great musician, to which Jarrett asked "ain't I great?". Douglas told Jarrett that he couldn't wait to introduce Jarrett to the stage to perform tomorrow night on RAW, as Jarrett said how excited he was to release his beautiful new single to the pee-ons of the World Wrestling Federation audience! | 01:03 | 11 | Vince McMahon then began to talk about the upcoming Royal Rumble match, as he discussed the 30-man Royal Rumble match and the stakes going into this upcoming match, where the winner will go on to WrestleMania XII, the biggest event in this sport to challenge for the World Wrestling Federation Championship! McMahon then fed us into some pre-taped comments from various participants of the Royal Rumble. First off, we had the "King of Harts" Owen Hart, as he talked about how he's waited long and hard, the turmoil he's gone through to finally get where he deserves - and overcome his so-called brother, Bret "Hitman" Hart. Owen talked about how he's superior than everybody in this match, including Shawn Michaels - and that he will pick up the win tonight. Up next, comments from "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, as he vowed to win tonight to get where he deserves, and that's back up to the top of the WWF mountain - Diesel states that he doesn't deserve to not be WWF Champion, and that he will be the man again, and if he doesn't, he's bringing everybody else in this match down with him! Following this, King Mabel spoke out about his well needed sabbatical, before mentioning that it was time for the King to go back on top of his crown, by winning the Rumble. Ahmed Johnson then had some comments, talking about how he's undefeated, he's unbeatable, and that nobody will take him out! Ahmed confidently said that he was going to WrestleMania. James E. Cornette then talked about how Vader was ready to go, his debut in the World Wrestling Federation, and how it was going to go down as a memorable one! It's Vader time! Shawn Michaels then appeared, talking about how he's gone through a heck of a lot in the past couple of months, before stating that the "Heartbreak Kid" was back, and that HBK would go two-for-two in consequtive Royal Rumble wins, because he did it last year, and if anybody thinks he can't do it a second time, then they'd just have to wait until after tonight, because Michaels was ready to fulfill his boyhood dream! McMahon then took us to Howard Finkel, who told us the rules for the 1996 Royal Rumble match: two men start, and every two minutes, a new man shall enter. This will continue until thirty men have entered - and that elimination can occur by going over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. Finkel said that only one man can be the winner, and that man would go to WrestleMania XII to challenge for the WWF Championship! | 01:07 | 12 | The 1996 Royal Rumble match - #1: Hunter Hearst Helmsley - #2: Savio Vega [+00:02 for entrances; +00:02 for aftermath] Hunter Hearst Helmsley didn't seem too happy with his drawing, as he drew the shortest straw in the barrel, coming out at number one tonight. Meanwhile, the Puerto Rican Savio Vega wasn't lucky either, but he was still out to avenge his loss earlier tonight on the Free 4-All, where he teamed up with Duke "The Dumpster" Droese to lose to Goldust and Bob Backlund in tag team action. Vega managed to get off to a head of steam, including connecting with his Caribbean Kick, but he couldn't put Hunter Hearst Helmsley over the top that way, as Helmsley soon managed to make a comeback, delivering lefts and rights, as the crowd counted down for the next entrant.
#3: Bob Backlund - [Helmsley & Vega in the ring] Bob Backlund made his way down to the ring, as Hunter Hearst Helmsley saw Backlund coming and smiled, as Backlund, with the similar blue-blood personality that Helmsley possesses, then decided to go to work on Savio Vega, Backlund having a recent vendetta against the Puerto-Rican superstar. Vega was locked in the Chickenwing Crossface whilst Helmsley clubbed away at him, as Vega was in a bad way, but for whatever reason, the Puerto-Rican still possessed much more fight in him, as Vega attempted to make a comeback against the two blue bloods, as Jerry Lawler talked about how he wanted in on this match next, so he could help out Helmsley and Backlund, and get rid of that scum Vega, because he's simply not on "their" level! Meanwhile, the crowd counted down for the next entrant.
#4: Hakushi [Helmsley, Vega & Backlund in the ring] The Japanese sensation was out next, as the man from Japan ran down to the ring and appeared to make the save for Savio Vega, striking Hunter Hearst Helmsley with two kicks before connecting with a hurricanrana on Bob Backlund, but the numbers game managed to catch up on the smaller Hakushi, as Helmsley almost beheaded Hakushi with a big clothesline! Helmsley then tried to eliminate Hakushi as Savio Vega started stirring, finally getting back into the fight against Backlund and Helmsley, even managed to nearly eliminate Backlund, just for the former candidate for United States President to cling onto the ropes. Meanwhile...
#5: "Sycho" Sid (w/Ted Dibiase) [Helmsley, Vega, Backlund & Hakushi in the ring] Up next came the first and largest member of the Million Dollar Corporation, as big 6-foot-9 "Sycho" Sid walked to the ring, as accompanied as always by the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase - the Corporation having had a good night already, with Sean Waltman bringing home the WWF Intercontinental Championship earlier tonight. Sid got into the ring, and immediately made a splash, as Sid carelessly picked Hunter Hearst Helmsley up, and dropped him with a big chokeslam! Sid followed up, hammering Vega in the side of the head with an elbow before sending Vega out to the floor! Savio Vega eliminated. Sid continued his reign of dominance, as Ted Dibiase watched on confidently, cackling as Sid then targeted Hakushi - who decided to put up more of a fight against the big man, delivering several shin kicks, just for Helmsley to come along with a big forearm to the back of Hakushi's head! Helmsley planted Hakushi with a Pedigree before Sid picked Hakushi's carcass up, and tossed the Japanese sensation out of the ring! Hakushi eliminated. Helmsley, Backlund and Sid remained, as the crowd counted down.
#6: Jake "The Snake" Roberts [Helmsley, Backlund & Sid in the ring] The first surprise entrant of the night hit the ring to a big ovation, as for the first time in four years, Jake "The Snake" Roberts graced our television screens, Roberts making his way down to the ring with his pet snake, as "Sycho" Sid, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Bob Backlund braced themselves for Jake's entrance into the ring, but when Roberts hit the ring, he wasn't alone, as he rolled into the ring and released the big Anaconda from his burlap sack! The snake was massive and spanned most of the ring, as Helmsley and Sid bailed from the ring! Backlund remained, as Roberts exchanged blows with the fellow veteran, as Roberts and the officials at ringside moved the snake out of the ring. Backlund then attempted to go for the Chickenwing Crossface, but Roberts reversed it into the DDT! Roberts then went at it with Helmsley, as Sid re-entered the ring as well, but the crowd started counting down for the next entrant.
#7: Henry O. Godwinn [Helmsley, Backlund, Sid & Roberts in the ring] The hog farmer was next, as Henry O. Godwinn had some business to settle with Hunter Hearst Helmsley, after Helmsley defeated Henry at In Your House last month - but Henry also had beef with "Sycho" Sid" and Ted Dibiase, after ejecting Henry O. Godwinn last summer from the Million Dollar Corporation! Henry appeared to get along with Jake "The Snake" Roberts, as Godwinn made an attack against Bob Backlund and Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Henry even coming close to eliminating Bob Backlund. Meanwhile, "Sycho" Sid caught up to Jake Roberts, going for the Powerbomb on him, but Godwinn made the save, a chop block delivered to Sid! Henry and Roberts then tried to go for the elimination of Sid, as the crowd began counting down!
#8: "The Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson [Helmsley, Backlund, Sid, Roberts & Godwinn] The undefeated "Pearl River Powerhouse" came in next at #8, as Ahmed Johnson caught the attention of Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Johnson hitting the ring and taking out both Helmsley and Backlund with a big double clothesline! Johnson followed up with a big body slam on "Sycho" Sid before following up by picking Backlund up and tossing him out of the ring! Bob Backlund eliminated. Ahmed continued his streak of destruction by helping Henry O. Godwinn out with trying to get rid of Hunter Hearst Helmsley, but "Sycho" Sid made the save, going after Johnson again and connecting with a big chokeslam to Johnson! Sid continued as Helmsley helped Sid stomp away at Jake Roberts in the corner - before Hunter tried to send Sid over the top rope, Sid barely managing to stick it out and get back into the ring! Helmsley then came face to face with an angry 6-foot-9 "Sycho" Sid as the crowd cheered, when Helmsley tried to go after Sid with a right hand, Sid picking Helmsley up and dropping him with a big Powerbomb! Meanwhile, the clock started ticking down.
#9: WWF Intercontinental Champion Sean Waltman [Helmsley, Sid, Roberts, Godwinn & Johnson] Up next came the new WWF Intercontinental Champion, Sean Waltman, as Waltman made his way down to the ring, but Razor Ramon followed him! The fans erupted as the "Bad Guy" tried to get his hands on the new champion as he hit the ring, the "Bad Guy" meanwhile rushing after Waltman, down to ringside and around it, as Ted Dibiase tried to hide from the former champion as well! Finally, officials managed to restrain Ramon, who isn't even supposed to be out here just yet! Waltman finally got the opportunity to get into the ring, as he came across Jake Roberts, the "Snake" getting into Waltman's face as both men went at it; meanwhile, Sid continued to try and eliminate Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Henry O. Godwinn had broken off his relationship with Ahmed Johnson, as both men went at it, exchanging blows. Waltman soon caught Jake off guard with his educated feet, as the new WWF Intercontinental Champion tried to kick away at the "Snake", when "Sycho" Sid decided to try and help out with getting rid of the snake man, Sid beginning to attempt to get rid of Roberts, as Henry O. Godwinn got himself involved, Godwinn with a bionic-like elbow over the head of Sid! Godwinn then butted Waltman's head into Sid's, as Roberts followed up with some jabs of his own. Meanwhile, the clock started counting down once more.
#10: Waylon Mercy [Helmsley, Sid, Roberts, Godwinn, Johnson & Waltman] The time had arrived, as the maniacal Waylon Mercy made his return to the World Wrestling Federation, Mercy wandering down to the ring, where he immediately decided to take his anger out on Ahmed Johnson, the man he's stalked in recent weeks, Mercy dragging the "Pearl River Powerhouse" under the bottom rope and pounding away at him at ringside, Mercy screaming that there'd be no mercy for Ahmed! Meanwhile, Henry O. Godwinn continued his fistfight with "Sycho" Sid, as Jake "The Snake" Roberts had moved on to exchange blows with Hunter Hearst Helmsley, as Helmsley had previously attempted to eliminate Sean Waltman, the new WWF Intercontinental Champion. Mercy finally decided to enter the ring, then attempting to eliminate the "Pearl River Powerhouse", but Johnson wouldn't have any of it, instead firing back at Mercy, as the buzzer went off.
#11: "Make A Difference" Fatu [Helmsley, Sid, Roberts, Godwinn, Johnson, Waltman & Mercy] The big man from Samoa was out next, as "Make A Difference" Fatu hit the ring, immediately targeting "Sycho" Sid, as Fatu exchanged blows with Sid, as Henry O. Godwinn joined in as well, but Helmsley managed to get involved, delivering a low blow to Fatu! Hunter Hearst Helmsley began to stomp away at Fatu in the corner, as the blue blood who entered at #1 was still in there, a third of the way into the match. Waylon Mercy decided that he wanted a piece of "Make A Difference" as well, Mercy and Hunter pounding away at Fatu in the corner, as they attempted to get all 300 pounds of Fatu over the top rope, just for Henry O. Godwinn to get involved, making several strikes at his country counterpart, Waylon. Meanwhile, Sid had gone back to Ahmed Johnson, as the two struggle to gain leverage over the other and eliminate the other, as Ted Dibiase was biting his fingernails for Waltman, who was almost sent over the top rope by Jake Roberts! Fatu meanwhile broke out of the corner with headbutts, as Fatu went after "Sycho" Sid, the two exchanging lefts and rights before Waltman made the save for his big partner in the Million Dollar Corporation, delivering several kicks to Fatu, as the crowd began counting down once again.
#12: "The Native American" Tatanka [Helmsley, Sid, Roberts, Godwinn, Johnson, Waltman, Mercy & Fatu] After a several month hiatus, the "Native American" was back, as Tatanka came out to a good reaction, Tatanka hitting the ring and visibly going straight after "Sycho" Sid, his former teammate in the Million Dollar Corporation! Tatanka and Sid went at it with lefts and rights swinging everywhere, as Fatu then got into the WWF Intercontinental Champion Sean Waltman's face, trying to leave Sid and Tatanka to settle their own business! Tatanka managed to almost eliminate Sid, but he somehow landed on the apron, as Tatanka was on fire, going after Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Jake Roberts as well, as they brawled in the corner. Soon, Ahmed Johnson and Waylon Mercy were once again going at it, as the "Pearl River Powerhouse" nailed Mercy with the Pearl River Plunge, just for the Kid to take Ahmed's head off with the 1-2-3 Kick! Waltman then tried to lift Johnson, but he seemed to be unconscious...which led to Fatu making a difference, connecting with a super kick to Waltman, knocking him down and out! "Sycho" Sid then went to give Fatu a sidewalk slam, but Roberts intercepted, going for the DDT, but Hunter Hearst Helmsley intercepted that, a DDT of his own on Jake "The Snake" Roberts! An exchange of devastating moves potentially connected in a sequence, as the clock counted down again.
#13: "Spark Plugg" Bob Holly [Helmsley, Sid, Roberts, Godwinn, Johnson, Waltman, Mercy, Fatu & Tatanka] The NASCAR driver made a return to the World Wrestling Federation, after being last seen at the Survivor Series, Bob Holly hitting the ring and going after anybody he could, "Spark Plugg" almost helping Hunter Hearst Helmsley eliminate Jake Roberts suddenly, before switching over to Tatanka, delivering several chops to the "Native American" in the corner, as "Spark Plugg" faded into the crowding ring, now filled by nine other superstars! "Sycho" Sid meanwhile went after Ahmed Johnson once again, as the Million Dollar Corporation members united to take down the "Pearl River Powerhouse" - Waylon Mercy even helping Sid and Sean Waltman out, but Ahmed managed to cling onto the bottom rope. In the scenary, Henry O. Godwinn and Fatu exchanged blows with Hunter Hearst Helmsley, before going at it for themselves, but suddenly Helmsley decided to low blow Henry, and take the hog farmer over the top! Henry O. Godwinn eliminated. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, "Sycho" Sid eliminated Bob Holly with ease, manhandling him over the top! "Spark Plugg" Bob Holly eliminated. The crowd then began to count once again for #14.
#14: The Man They Call Vader (w/James E. Cornette) [Helmsley, Sid, Roberts, Johnson, Waltman, Mercy, Fatu & Tatanka] This was it, as all 450 pounds of the big man they call Vader made his anticipated debut to the World Wrestling Federation, James E. Cornette leading out his first member of Camp Cornette, as Vader screamed on the way to the ring that his time was now, that Vader time was here! Vader then hit the ring, immediately going after everybody, as nobody was safe in there! Vader struck "Make A Difference" Fatu several times with lefts and rights, the big bear paw-like fists of Vader nailed everyone that came close, delivering a big Samoan drop to the "Native American" Tatanka, then going after Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the corner - as this mastodon pounded away at both men, circling the ring and splashing them both into the corner! Vader followed up on this, delivering a stiff clothesline to Sid, taking the much taller 6-foot-9 member of the Million Dollar Corporation over the top and to the floor! "Sycho" Sid eliminated. The match continued as Sid was outraged at ringside, Sean Waltman stupidly trying to avenge his partner's elimination, just to get shoved down by the big man! James E. Cornette yelled at ringside that Vader had this won, as meanwhile Vader ran into Ahmed Johnson, Johnson being the resilient superstar, trying to get in as many shots as he could on the man they call Vader, just for the 450-pounder to catch one of his blows and deliver a big belly-to-back suplex out of nowhere! Vader continued his dominance with a big clothesline almost sending Jake Roberts out of the match, just for Roberts to cling onto the apron.
#15: Jerry "The King" Lawler [Helmsley, Roberts, Johnson, Waltman, Mercy, Fatu, Tatanka & Vader] The crowd booed, as the theme of Jerry Lawler hit, but the "King" was hesitant to move from his position on commentary, as the man they call Vader glared him out from the ring, before suddenly Tatanka and Fatu jumped Vader from behind, trying to get in as many strikes on Vader as possible, just for Vader to eat them up with a big double clothesline! Vader followed up, picking Jake Roberts up and trying to dump him over the top rope, but "Ahmed Johnson tried to tip Vader out of as well, and so Vader aborted the plan, instead dropping Roberts with a scoop slam, and coming at Johnson with a big shoulder tackle! The "Pearl River Powerhouse" went down, as Sean Waltman attempted to get rid of Tatanka, and finally, Jerry Lawler began to slyly place himself into the ring, the "King" still petrified of the man they call Vader, but instead going for Jake Roberts in the corner! Jim Ross and Vince McMahon ridiculed Lawler on commentary, calling him a coward and laughing at him, before Jerry got thrown over the top by Fatu! Lawler went down to the floor, not a minute after he had started there! Jerry "The King" Lawler eliminated. Lawler soon returned to commentary, as the ticker came counting down.
#16: "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon [Helmsley, Roberts, Johnson, Waltman, Mercy, Fatu, Tatanka & Vader] The "Bad Guy" was up next, one of the favourites to win the 1996 Royal Rumble, as the man that lost his WWF Intercontinental Championship earlier on tonight hit the ring, going right into Sean Waltman, and Ted Dibiase was freaking out at ringside! The "Million Dollar Man" told Waltman to get out of there, as Razor and the Kid were going at it for the second time within the space of an hour, Ramon delivering an inverted atomic drop on Waltman and taking him down with a big right hand! The former WWF Intercontinental Champion was vexed, as meanwhile, Vader was cornered by Fatu, Tatanka and Ahmed Johnson, who were all trying to dump the biggest man in this match over the top; as Waylon Mercy and Hunter Hearst Helmsley meanwhile targeted the veteran, the oldest man in this match, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Razor went for the Razor's Edge on Sean Waltman, but much like earlier, Waltman slipped off of Razor's shoulders, and caught Razor with a big 1-2-3 Kick, almost sending Razor right over the top rope! Waltman tried to follow it up, but Ramon held the ropes down and dodged it, Waltman going over! Sean Waltman eliminated. Ramon was proud with what he did, as Jerry Lawler returned to commentary, yelling at Fatu for eliminating him! McMahon and Ross couldn't hold in their chuckles, as time ran out again.
#17: Yokozuna [Helmsley, Roberts, Johnson, Mercy, Fatu, Tatanka, Vader & Ramon] Vader was stood in the centre of the ring, as Camp Cornette member Yokozuna's music hit, and the crowd in Fresno realised that two of the heaviest men were about to be involved in this match, as the 600-plus pound Yokozuna took a walk down the aisleway, as Vader - despite being in James E. Cornette's faction of clients as well, could not take his eyes off of the much larger Yokozuna! The sumo got into the ring, as Vader simply took a side seat and watched on, as Yokozuna immediately went after Waylon Mercy, Fatu and Ahmed Johnson, the big man giving "Make A Difference" a big headbutt, sending Fatu over the top rope! "Make A Difference" Fatu eliminated. Vader seemed impressed, as the man they call Vader went for the "Native American" Tatanka, but Tatanka made a comeback, as Jake "The Snake" Roberts decided to help Tatanka out, but Hunter Hearst Helmsley prevented that happening, tossing Roberts suddenly over the top rope to loud boos! Jake "The Snake" Roberts eliminated. Yokozuna and Vader soon realised Razor Ramon, as the "Bad Guy" valiantly fought both men, Yokozuna and Vader, the two biggest mammoths in this match targeting the "Bad Guy"! Ramon fought them off, as Tatanka then got himself involved, aiding Razor Ramon out, as Tatanka ducked a right hand from Vader and sent his right hand into Yokozuna's face! Yokozuna noticed this as he had Razor on his knees by the hair, and Yokozuna decided to push Razor down! Yokozuna got in Vader's face as James E. Cornette shouted for Yokozuna to stop, as he didn't want both of his clients going at it tonight! Suddenly, the clock counted down, as this brought out the next WWF superstar...
#18: "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels [Helmsley, Johnson, Mercy, Tatanka, Vader, Ramon & Yokozuna] The comeback kid was here in Fresno, California, as the theme of the "Heartbreak Kid" sent the crowd of Fresno into a frenzy, everybody on their feet as Shawn Michaels rushed down to the ring, after enduring a two month absence due to severe concussions, Michaels was still not 100% tonight, but his injuries were in his own hands, sacrificing it all and wanting to, just to fulfill his boyhood dream of winning the Royal Rumble and winning the World Wrestling Federation Championship at WrestleMania XII! Michaels hit the ring and struck Hunter Hearst Helmsley with a big right hand, before moving on to chop away at Waylon Mercy, who was trying to attack Ahmed Johnson! Michaels continued with a big flying forearm to Tatanka, before running right into Yokozuna and Vader! Yokozuna delivered a big headbutt killing Michaels' momentum, as the crowd in Fresno roared with boos, Vader seemingly contesting with Yokozuna, picking Michaels up and delivering a headbutt of his own! Yokozuna headbutted Michaels again, followed by a big right hand laying Michaels out, from the mammoth Vader! Yokozuna and Vader glared each other down again, as James E. Cornette shouted for them not to fight, when Ahmed Johnson suddenly tried to attack Vader from behind, the "Pearl River Powerhouse" proceeding to try and slam him, but Vader managed to toss Ahmed out of the ring! "The Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson eliminated. Ahmed was livid, as he couldn't believe that he had been eliminated from this thing, Johnson technically suffering his first defeat to this Royal Rumble match! Meanwhile, Yokozuna seemed challenged, as the sumo decided to toss the "Native American" out, as the clock started counting down. "The Native American" Tatanka eliminated.
#19: Bodydonna Zip (w/Sunny) [Helmsley, Mercy, Vader, Ramon, Yokozuna & Michaels] One half of the Bodydonnas were here, as the newest member of the Bodydonnas had arrived, Zip having debuted only a couple of weeks ago on WWF television, and yet he was here, running into a dangerous battlefield, as Zip awkwardly started over with Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Waylon Mercy, in an attempt to beat down the "Bad Guy", the former WWF Intercontinental Champion, Razor Ramon. Helmsley at this point had been in this match for 34 minutes, the Greenwich blue blood visibly exasperated. Meanwhile, Yokozuna and Vader decided to settle on a truce, going after Shawn Michaels in the corner. Soon, the two groups of superstars aligned, as Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon were left groggy in the centre of the ring, surrounded by Zip, Waylon Mercy, the man they call Vader, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and 600 pounds of Yokozuna! Helmsley soon decided to set Michaels up, grabbing his arms, when suddenly Yokozuna went for a big splash on the "Heartbreak Kid", but Michaels broke free, and Yokozuna went right into Helmsley, almost eliminating the blue blood! Waylon Mercy then tried to capitalize, backstabbing Helmsley nearly, and trying to eliminate him! Razor Ramon then got in a shot on Yokozuna, the "Bad Guy" regaining momentum and wanting to avenge his loss from earlier, by catapulting himself into the main event of WrestleMania! Meanwhile, the clock began a ticking...
#20: "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel [Helmsley, Mercy, Vader, Ramon, Yokozuna, Michaels & Zip] The crowd gave "Big Daddy Cool" a big mixed reaction in this one, as Diesel made his gallop down to the ring, Diesel motivated to put himself back on top of the World Wrestling Federation mountain, wanting to go up against the World Wrestling Federation Champion and regain his title - this time for himself! But in an interesting twist, both Diesel and Shawn Michaels were in the ring now, the former Dudes With Attitude, former WWF Tag Team Champions in there! Diesel came across Yokozuna and Vader going after Razor and Michaels, targeting Yokozuna and delivering big elbow after big elbow on the big man! Diesel, Michaels and Razor, the fan favourites in jeopardy, all had to stick in there against the heatseekers, as James E. Cornette and Sunny preached their men on from ringside. Meanwhile, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Waylon Mercy had started an exchange of blows, spawning from Mercy trying to eliminate Helmsley after so much teamwork, moments ago. Diesel meanwhile had helped Michaels and Ramon out of the corner, as Vader was in the corner now, the victim of chops from the comeback "Heartbreak Kid"! Diesel soon decided to switch gears and head into the other corner, eliminating Hunter Hearst Helmsley after 37 minutes, in Helmsley's effort to do what Shawn Michaels did last year, and go length-to-length! Hunter Hearst Helmsley eliminated. The clocks then started to count down...
#21: The British Bulldog [Mercy, Vader, Ramon, Yokozuna, Michaels, Zip & Diesel] We were two thirds into the match, as the runner up in the 1995 Royal Rumble match dashed down to the ring, the man that could have won the WWF Championship last month at In Your House, the British Bulldog hit the ring, immediately targeting Razor Ramon, a man that defeated him several weeks ago on RAW; as Bulldog then decided to focus on Shawn Michaels, the same Shawn Michaels that eliminated him last in last year's Royal Rumble match, allowing Michaels to win the match and go on to WrestleMania XI. Meanwhile, "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel brutalized his past foe, Waylon Mercy in the corner, as well as Bodydonna Zip; and Yokozuna and Vader continued to brutalize Razor Ramon as well; three members of Camp Cornette now in there, two of them alone weighing a combined weight of 1,100 pounds! The Bulldog continued his pursuit of dominance by picking Zip up and connecting with the Running Powerslam! Bulldog then came into a face off with Shawn Michaels, the two final members of the 1995 Royal Rumble meeting eye-to-eye, as the clock began to tick away.
#22: Marty Jannetty [Mercy, Vader, Ramon, Yokozuna, Michaels, Zip, Diesel & Bulldog] The former Rockers member soon cut off the staredown between Shawn Michaels and the British Bulldog, as Marty Jannetty hit the ring and immediately patted Shawn Michaels on the shoulder and went after the British Bulldog, causing Shawn Michaels to appear confused to Jannetty's antics, then spinning Jannetty around and delivering Sweet Chin Music to his former partner! The crowd in Fresno applauded Michaels, when suddenly Vader grabbed Michaels by the hair, recklessly throwing the "Heartbreak Kid" out...but Michaels skinned the cat! Vader applauded himself, as he didn't see Michaels skin the cat back in, and that's when HBK dropkicked big Vader into Yokozuna, and Yokozuna had had enough of Vader getting in his way! The crowd cheered, as Vader looked angry, clubbing blows with Yokozuna, as the fans in Fresno cheered Yoko on! Cornette screamed for Yokozuna to stop, but nothing could stop the sumo from Japan, Yokozuna with a shoulder block on Vader! Meanwhile, "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel choked Zip out in the corner, just for the British Bulldog to jump him, Bulldog delivering several shots to the man he turned on, back in September. The clock soon began to tick down once again...
#23: "The Bizarre One" Goldust (w/Marlena) [Mercy, Vader, Ramon, Yokozuna, Michaels, Zip, Diesel, Bulldog & Jannetty] The "Bizarre One" was on his way to the ring next, as the extremely bizarre newcomer, Goldust hit the ring just as "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel managed to get rid of Waylon Mercy with a big boot! Goldust hit the ring and strangely went straight for the "Bad Guy", Razor Ramon! Waylon Mercy eliminated. On the other side of the ring, titans still collided, as Yokozuna and Vader continued to go at it, when James E. Cornette ordered the British Bulldog to come over and stop Yokozuna! Bulldog got in Yoko's face, as Vader soon became distracted by a fist fight with the "Heartbreak Kid", before Yokozuna and Shawn all so suddenly eliminated the man they call Vader! The fans erupted, as Vader was ticked off! The Man They Call Vader eliminated. Vader was not a happy man, as Yokozuna and the British Bulldog began to brawl, when suddenly Vader got back into the ring after shoving past James E. Cornette, Vader tossing Marty Jannetty, Zip, Michaels, Ramon and Goldust out of the ring! Vader followed up with a big, impressive body slam on Yokozuna, as the crowd booed! Diesel and Bulldog remained down in the ring, recipients of past brawls in there, as Vader began to then tear through referees! Vader had more aggression in him that Diesel, so Vince McMahon claimed! The fire had been set off, as James E. Cornette got into the ring, trying to stop his wild bear! At that point, WWF President Gorilla Monsoon came out, trying to get Vader out of the area, as Vader was irate! Cornette tried to restrain the big man but Vader refused to budge, coming nose to nose with Gorilla! Monsoon tried to raise a finger to the big man, as Cornette told Vader to calm down - before Vader struck Monsoon! Vader struck the President of the World Wrestling Federation, delivering a big clothesline to Monsoon before following up with a big splash from the second rope in the corner! The crowd booed, as Vader was ordered to leave by many officials and Cornette himself, Cornette then trying to kiss up to Gorilla Monsoon, aiding to him, officials and security escorting the ever-dangerous Vader out of the ring and away from the Selland Arena! Meanwhile, action started up again in the ring, as Shawn Michaels went at it with the British Bulldog once again.
#24: "The King of Hart" Owen Hart [Ramon, Yokozuna, Michaels, Zip, Diesel, Bulldog, Jannetty & Goldust] The final member of Camp Cornette made their way out to the ring, as the "King of Harts" came out to loud boos, Owen hitting the ring, as Shawn Michaels instantly targeted Owen Hart! Michaels tackled the "King of Harts", as HBK wanted to get his hands on the man personally responsible for what could have been his career-ending injury, that concussion caused by the enzuigiri back on Monday Night RAW two weeks ago! Owen and Michaels rolled around the ring and under the ropes, as officials tried to get the "Heartbreak Kid" and the "King of Harts" back into the ring, an intense brawl fueling their rivalry and vendetta towards one another! Meanwhile, officials took Gorilla Monsoon away on a stretcher, as it seemed quite dull for the WWF President, after that attack from the man they call Vader - and we could only imagine that Vader will be fired for this, in only one appearance in the World Wrestling Federation! Back inside the ring, Yokozuna and the "Bizarre One" went at it, as Goldust tried to hit Yokozuna low, but the sumo wrestler from Japan easily got the better of Goldust, scoop slamming him and going for that big Banzai Drop on Goldust - but Bodydonna Zip managed to help Goldust out of the way, Zip then attacking Yokozuna from behind...but Yokozuna fired back easily, tossing Skip out of the ring quite simply! Bodydonna Zip eliminated. Yokozuna then met with the "Bad Guy", as Razor Ramon started to become more enthusiastic about participating in this one now, Razor soon moving on to target "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, who was over trading fists with the British Bulldog again. But also, Shawn Michaels and Owen Hart were still yet to conclude their exchange, as the two continued to brawl at ringside, Owen managing to send Michaels flying, the back of HBK's head hitting the steel steps out of nowhere! Owen taunted as the "King of Harts" wanted to re-injure the "Heartbreak Kid", who he injured two months ago anyway!
#25: Bodydonna Skip [Ramon, Yokozuna, Michaels, Diesel, Bulldog, Jannetty, Goldust & Owen] The second half of the Bodydonnas came out, as Skip, the more WWF-experienced member of the Bodydonnas headed to the ring, meeting his previously eliminated partner Zip and his girlfriend Sunny on the aisleway! Skip and Zip exchanged words, before all three members of the Bodydonnas headed to ringside! Both Bodydonnas got into the ring, as they wanted to go at it for themselves, Zip trying to fight one more time, Skip and Zip going after Yokozuna and Diesel, regrettably - as the two biggest men in this match noticed them, and easily tossed them both out! The Bodydonnas were out - Zip a second time, and Skip a first time! Bodydonna Skip eliminated. The match went on, as the "Bizarre One" Goldust found an interest in Razor Ramon again, the "Bad Guy" and the filmmaker from Hollywood exchanging blows - meanwhile, Diesel went at it with Yokozuna, as it was every man for himself in this one; the British Bulldog rolling out of the ring for a breather. Owen Hart soon returned to the ring, swiftly connecting with a big enzuigiri to Michaels' former partner Marty Jannetty, and it looked like another enzuigiri to knock out a WWF superstar! Jannetty was not moving, as Yokozuna then targeted his fellow former WWF Tag Team Champion, Owen! Yokozuna was in it for himself, and you could imagine that James E. Cornette was ticked off! Cornette's game plan all along was for Camp Cornette to dominate, but instead, Yokozuna was dominating everyone! Yokozuna picked Owen up and tossed him near enough half way across the ring, before going for the Banzai Drop on the "King of Harts"! But suddenly, Vader returned to ringside, having shoved a lot of security and officials away, as Vader suddenly tugged on Yokozuna's hands from the second turnbuckle, and British Bulldog came from behind - Yokozuna coming tumbling out! Vader then laid into Yokozuna with numerous lefts and rights, as the brawl continued at ringside, many officials trying to separate these two - and Vader may not even be a member of the WWF roster anymore! Yokozuna eliminated.
#26: "Rowdy" Roddy Piper [Ramon, Michaels, Diesel, Bulldog, Jannetty, Goldust & Owen] The crowd in Fresno went nuts, as the man they hadn't seen compete in the World Wrestling Federation since King of the Ring 1994, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper hit the ring! Piper went right at it with the British Bulldog in there, as it was a battle of the United Kingdom between the two, so it seemed! Roddy Piper then continued, eyeing up Owen Hart, and going after the second Camp Cornette member, the "King of Harts" attempting to fight Piper off, but Piper soon locked in the Sleeper Hold on Owen Hart! Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels re-entered the match, the "Heartbreak Kid" noticing Owen Hart in the Sleeper Hold, and that's when Piper saw Michaels and smiled, releasing the hold and allowing Owen to collapse to the canvas, Piper letting HBK have his way with his rival, and the two embraced in a handshake...before Goldust delivered a low blow to Piper! Michaels meanwhile tried to eliminate Owen Hart, as "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel had fun with Razor Ramon, choking him with his lanky legs in the corner. The "Bad Guy" was in a bad way, being the longest remaining man in this match-up, and Marty Jannetty meanwhile was still out cold on the apron! The British Bulldog soon noticed Michaels attacking Owen, his brother-in-law, and went after the 1995 Royal Rumble winner, Bulldog trying to get Michaels up for the Running Powerslam, but when he ran with Michaels, HBK slipped off of his shoulder, and the charging in his direction Owen Hart rushed at Michaels, who delivered Sweet Chin Music - and some more for Davey Boy Smith! Michaels fell to his hands and knees, as the countdown commenced.
#27: "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin (w/Ted Dibiase) [Ramon, Michaels, Diesel, Bulldog, Jannetty, Goldust, Owen & Piper] The "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase returned with his third client now, as the final hope for the Million Dollar Corporation hit the ring, the newcomer hitting the ring and swiftly going right after the man that lost the WWF Intercontinental Championship - and then eliminated the new WWF Intercontinental Champion earlier tonight, fellow Corporation member, Sean Waltman - as Austin dug right into the fatigued Razor Ramon, the "Bad Guy" not taking Austin's punches and heading straight back at Austin with lefts and rights! Ramon clotheslined Austin over the top, but he managed to stick inside of the ring, as Shawn Michaels meanwhile brawled with Goldust in the corner, a battle of flamboyence versus bizarreness, so to speak. Meanwhile, over in another corner, the British Bulldog wasn't being allowed to recover as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper stomped away at him, as "Big Daddy Cool" meanwhile attempted to eliminate the "King of Harts" Owen. Marty Jannetty was still unconscious. Austin soon took Ramon out with a stun gun over the top rope, but didn't manage to eliminate him - but that didn't care to Steve anyway, as the "Ringmaster" proceeded to dump the groggy Marty Jannetty over the top rope as he struggled to even stay on his feet! Marty Jannetty eliminated.
#28: King Mabel [Ramon, Michaels, Diesel, Bulldog, Goldust, Owen, Piper & Austin] The new largest man in this match, the 1995 King of the Ring winner Mabel began to walk out to the ring next, as we hadn't seen King Mabel since he was locked inside of a casket last month at In Your House, by none other than the number one contender to the WWF Championship tonight, the Undertaker! Mabel didn't look happy, as he hit the ring and immediately went straight after "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, the man he fought for the WWF Championship at SummerSlam - as Diesel traded blows with the big man, Mabel not wanting anything more than to demolish everyone in this ring and win the 1996 Royal Rumble match! The "Bad Guy" meanwhile went after the British Bulldog, connecting with a fallaway slam, but only managing to send the Bulldog out through the ropes and not over! "Rowdy" Roddy Piper meanwhile had found a new interest, going at it with the "Ringmaster" Steve Austin, as Jim Ross noted that Austin had a lot of spark that Piper once showed back in his hey day, and apparently still possesses, accordingly to this match. Mabel grew tiresome of Diesel and went after Shawn Michaels, who was trading chops in the corner with Owen Hart as the match continued.
#29: Duke "The Dumpster" Droese [Ramon, Michaels, Diesel, Bulldog, Goldust, Owen, Piper, Austin & Mabel] Duke Droese, the "Dumpster" came up short earlier on tonight in the tag team match on Free 4-All, as Droese teamed with the man who drew #2, Savio Vega in a losing effort against the "Bizarre One" Goldust and Bob Backlund. In this encounter, Droese saw Goldust and went straight for him, just for Goldust to exchange blows with Droese, Droese then suddenly being taken out by another sharp enzuigiri by the "King of Harts" Owen Hart! Hart raised his fists in the air to boos, before Shawn Michaels chased Owen out of the ring, Owen escaping through the ropes! Hart taunted Michaels, before Michaels nailed Hart with a plancha through the ropes, effectively with nobody eliminating each other! The referees scattered to try and get the Michaels and Hart feud back into the ring once again, as meanwhile Steve Austin was being given a beating by Razor Ramon in the corner, before Sean Waltman came through the crowd, the WWF Intercontinental Champion shoving Razor out of the ring! The crowd booed as Waltman scattered up the aisleway - but no referee saw Waltman's involvement, they only saw Ramon on the floor! Razor argued with officials, as they ruled Ramon officially out of the Rumble! The crowd booed loudly, as Razor, who had been in this match for almost half an hour was now gone! Ramon was fuming, as he headed for the back, in pursuit of Waltman! "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon eliminated. During this, Duke Droese and Goldust continued their brawl, as did the British Bulldog with "Big Daddy Cool". On the other side of the ring, Roddy Piper was hanging on for dear life against King Mabel. When suddenly, the clock counted down, preparing our final participant in the Royal Rumble...
#30: Mr Perfect [Michaels, Diesel, Bulldog, Goldust, Owen, Piper, Austin, Mabel & Droese] Mr Perfect was here! The crowd in Fresno exploded, as Perfect ran to the ring, the final participant being a former multi-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, Perfect having not been seen in a WWF ring competing since the 1993 King of the Ring, but he was here tonight to take on the 1996 Royal Rumble match! Perfect went straight into it with the "Bizarre One" Goldust, before connecting with a dropkick on Owen Hart, as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels and Duke "The Dumpster" Droese somehow managed to get King Mabel out over the top rope! King Mabel eliminated. Following this, Duke Droese got caught in the hijinks, and Michaels and Piper effectively eliminated Droese! Duke "The Dumpster" Droese eliminated. Meanwhile, the British Bulldog clotheslined Diesel over the top rope, and "Big Daddy Cool" almost fell out, but Shawn Michaels got back into the ring, fighting off Bulldog and brawling with him back in the ring. Back on the other side of the ring, the "Ringmaster" Steve Austin managed to toss Roddy Piper out to loud boos, as Austin then started talking trash to everybody in attendance tonight in Fresno! "Rowdy" Roddy Piper eliminated. Austin spent too long trash talking though, perhaps, as Michaels then swept Austin out, and out went the final member of the Million Dollar Corporation! "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin eliminated. The "Bizarre One" brawled with Mr Perfect, as Goldust went for the Curtain Call on Perfect, just for Perfect to slip out and land on his feet, connecting with the Perfect Plex! Perfect then nailed the Perfect Plex on Owen Hart, but when he went for it on the British Bulldog, Bulldog overpowered Perfect, and out went Perfect! Mr Perfect eliminated. We were now down to five, as Shawn Michaels sluggishly went at it with the groggy Owen Hart, trying to eliminate his nemesis following Mr Perfect's Perfect Plex rampage moments ago. On the other side of the ring, Diesel was being overpowered by Goldust and Bulldog, as James E. Cornette had returned to ringside - and Diesel soon regained momentum, delivering a big boot to Bulldog, and then picking Goldust up and manhandling him over the top! "The Bizarre One" Goldust eliminated.
The Final Four - "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels vs The British Bulldog vs "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel vs "The King of Hart" Owen Hart We were down to four in the 1996 Royal Rumble match, two of them being the final two participants in the 1995 Royal Rumble match - the British Bulldog, the man that almost dethroned Bret Hart of the WWF Championship last month, and the man that came in so close to winning last year's Rumble match. The "King of Harts" Owen Hart, the second member of Camp Cornette remaining in this Rumble alongside the Bulldog, the man that took Shawn Michaels out of action with a potentially career threatening concussion two months ago, out to upstage his brother, the WWF Champion Bret "Hitman" Hart. "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, a man of fury, the last WWF Champion, a man who reigned as champion for 366 days before losing the title to Bret Hart. Since then, Diesel has been on a killer rage, wanting to destroy everyone in his path to get back the World Wrestling Federation Championship. And Shawn Michaels, the "Heartbreak Kid", a man whose passion for the World Wrestling Federation is so big, he wants to be WWF Champion, the boyhood dream - making a comeback tonight, Michaels vowed to shoot down the naysayers and chase his dreams, fighting through a potentially career ending injury as suffered by nine Mariners outside of a nightclub in Syracuse, New York - and aggravated by fellow final four superstar, Owen Hart. This was it, as Shawn Michaels and Diesel re-enacted the Dudes With Attitude tag team to battle with the British Bulldog and Owen Hart, the "King of Harts" and the British Bulldog cornering Michaels and Diesel in their respective corners, as Diesel soon fired up once again, Diesel delivering several elbows to Bulldog, Diesel soon choking Bulldog out with his foot in the corner - meanwhile, in the other corner, Michaels had Owen laying on the top rope, HBK trying to shove Owen out, but Owen wasn't moving, wrapping his legs around Michaels in a hurricanrana motion, but Michaels was saved, skinning the cat a second time! Michaels then gave Owen an enzuigiri out of nowhere, giving Owen some of his own medicine, as Owen fell over the top rope, Owen somehow managing to hang in there, even skinning the cat himself! Owen and Michaels exchanged blows further, as Bulldog made a comeback on Diesel, kicking "Big Daddy Cool" low, nailing Diesel with a drop toe hold launching him into the middle turnbuckle. Bulldog then struggled trying to get Diesel up and out, as Diesel fired back. Owen then caught Michaels off guard with an inverted atomic drop, Owen following up with the Sharpshooter! Michaels was locked in it, even though you can't be eliminated by submission! The fans chanted for Michaels, as Diesel suddenly noticed and made the save, shoving Owen into the ring post in the corner - before British Bulldog charged at Diesel, Diesel getting clotheslined over the top rope! "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel eliminated. Diesel was not happy at all, as he picked up a steel chair from beside commentary and yelled "bullsh*t" at Vince McMahon - and Diesel could get fired for this, given the proposal from WWF President Gorilla Monsoon two weeks ago on RAW! Diesel stepped up the ring steps, before shaking his head, then turning around and leaving, and receiving boos! Shawn Michaels was in a bad way, crawling as Owen Hart and British Bulldog were about to have their way with Michaels, James E. Cornette laughing from ringside, as Camp Cornette's plan was going completely right! Bulldog went to clothesline Michaels out, but HBK skinned the cat a third time! Shawn Michaels was almost out, as Owen tried to baseball slide Michaels in the spine, Michaels then capturing Bulldog with a headscissors, and bringing Bulldog out! The British Bulldog eliminated. Michaels returned to the ring by rolling under the ropes, before Owen Hart followed, climbing back into the ring and going at it with Michaels, blow for blow! These two rivals were fighting over a shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania, as Shawn Michaels went for the Sweet Chin Music on Owen, but Owen clipped Michaels with an enzuigiri, and Michaels fell through the ropes, barely hanging onto the ring apron! Owen went after Michaels, as Michaels tried to suplex Owen out of the ring - the "Heartbreak Kid" and the "King of Harts" ending up on the ring apron, as suddenly Owen connected with the enzuigiri, Michaels collapsing off of the apron! The "King of Harts" had done it! "The King of Harts" Owen Hart wins the 1996 Royal Rumble match to WIN a shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania XII [66:23] ***1/4
The crowd booed, as Shawn Michaels couldn't believe it, that the "Heartbreak Kid" came so close, but so far away, as Owen Hart had done it, and become the winner of the 1996 Royal Rumble! The "King of Harts" taunted Michaels from the ring, as Owen stood with his fists held high, the spotlights hanging over Owen's head, and James E. Cornette raising Owen's hand high as well, as pyrotechnics went off in the Selland Arena! Shawn Michaels was near the point of tears, as Owen yelled at Michaels from the ring, "THE BOYHOOD DREAM IS OVER, KID!". Owen Hart was the 1996 Royal Rumble winner, and Michaels could not believe it, Owen going on to face the winner of the Undertaker and Bret Hart later tonight! | 02:17 | 13 | Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler talked about the Royal Rumble, as Lawler spoke out on how he was ticked off that he didn't get far, but that he was so proud of Owen Hart, saying that the better Hart was going to win the WWF Championship at WrestleMania XII! McMahon then suddenly took us to the backstage area, where we got footage of Vader tearing up his own locker room! The man they call Vader may be out of a job, but we'd only be able to find out tomorrow night on Monday Night RAW, as well as an update on WWF President, Gorilla Monsoon, who was attacked by Vader during the Royal Rumble match! | 02:18 | 14 | Vince McMahon then began talking about the main event, where in a dream match, the "Phenom" the Undertaker will challenge the "Hitman, Bret Hart for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. This fed into a video package showcasing the backgrounds of both men, as voiced by Todd Pettingill. The "Deadman", a man that has taken on all forces in the World Wrestling Federation, superstars such as Kamala, Giant Gonzalez, Yokozuna, the Imposter Undertaker, and King Mabel. The Undertaker has proven himself to be the big man on campus, the man to represent the WWF as the most fearsome menace in the business - but he has never been faced by a wrestling challenge like Bret Hart before - born in a wrestling family, trained in a Dungeon, Bret Hart has proven to be a bonafide superstar, taking on and defeating superstars like Ric Flair, Mr Perfect, Bob Backlund, and even Yokozuna! Bret has taken on some of the best the WWF have seen in the past twelve years of his tenure, and therefore he is worthy of being WWF Champion. However tonight, he has his biggest meeting to date, a match with someone he's never fought before, the Undertaker! Bret called 'Taker a man he has respect for, but stated that the "Phenom" lives in a fantasy world, whereas Bret does not, he lives in real life! Tonight, both men challenge one another for the World Wrestling Federation title! | 02:21 | 15 | WWF Championship - Bret "Hitman" Hart (c) vs The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) [+00:04 for entrances; +00:02 for aftermath] Our main event, it was time for the first encounter ever between two extremely opposite and diverse characters, the contrasting personalities of the "Hitman" and the "Phenom", all for the biggest prize in our industry, the World Wrestling Federation. The Undertaker was extremely slow and took his time arriving to the ring in the dark, whilst the WWF Champion as per usual arrived in the ring quickly, Hart embracing the love from the fans, all whilst the "Deadman" soaked the intensity into the fans in Fresno! Both men met in opposite corners of the ring, as the bell sounded finally, and the "Hitman" and the "Phenom" came head to head, for only the second time - the first meeting being last Monday night on RAW. Jerry Lawler compared the moment to a big fight feel, as the "Hitman" and the "Phenom" once again, have not fought in the past. "The King", given his previous problems with Bret Hart as World Wrestling Federation Champion, sided with the Undertaker as having the advantage in this one, using his size, his power and his surreal and supernatural powers against the veteran's old-school style, and realistic offense in picking a body part and going to work on it - in which case, where on the Undertaker is weaker than the rest of the body? The WWF Champion still seemed determined to put the "Deadman" away however, starting off strong and going straight for the face, specifically the mask covering the Undertaker's broken orbital bone, previously broken by King Mabel, last October. The Undertaker wasn't taking Bret lightly however, as he fired back with several lefts and rights, Bret backed into a corner and given the Old School early on, but Bret wouldn't take 'Taker's arm-focused offense, as the "Hitman" soon came back at the "Deadman" with a big back drop out of nowhere, as everybody in Fresno seemed quite impressed that Bret Hart, or someone of Bret's size could actually lift a 300-plus pound Undertaker over their heads. Bret continued with his vintage abilities, as Bret seemed to find a weakness in the spine of the "Deadman", and immediately capitalized on it, as Paul Bearer looked on in concern from the ringside area. However, even the WWF Champion managed to make a mistake, as suddenly the offense started turning to the "Deadman", the Undertaker managing to reverse a backbreaker from the "Hitman" into a big sidewalk slam, as the fans in the Selland Arena suddenly became split in whom they wanted to pick up the win in this big match-up, the winner possibly being able to go on and main event WrestleMania XII on March 31st as WWF Champion, and face Owen Hart, the "King of Harts. The Undertaker began to brutalize the "Hitman", continuing to pound away at the WWF Champion and work away at the left arm of the so-called best technical wrestler in the industry today; of course, by taking away the arm of Bret Hart, it would take away the champ's ability to use some of his trademark moves, including the fatality of the Sharpshooter. The Undertaker continued to try and put the "Hitman" away, nailing Bret with a second Old School, before going for the Chokeslam, but Bret managed to turn it into a victory roll for a near fall, the "Deadman" continuing to remain on top, however. Bret meanwhile tried to keep strong against the Undertaker, not allowing to give him a breather, as the match continued to go back and forth, the fans split in Fresno, California. The Undertaker then took Bret down with a big boot as Bret was coming off of the ropes, as Paul Bearer applauded his Undertaker, the "Phenom" wanting to make himself a two-time WWF Champion tonight. 'Taker nailing Bret with a flying clothesline afterwards, before beginning to signal for the Chokeslam one more time, and the champion was stirring, but as the "Deadman" got Bret by the throat, Bret managed to get out again, managing to connect with the Russian legsweep on the challenger, giving the WWF Champion an opening! Bret started to battle back at the Undertaker, nailing him with some big lefts and rights, as well as headbutts. Bret tried to target the nose of the Undertaker again, but 'Taker managed to shove Hart away - however Bret would not let 'Taker get any offense in this time around. Bret connected 'Taker with a bulldog from the second rope, before following up with a DDT - however no matter what, the "Deadman" would not stay down, as the Undertaker continued to rise to his feet once again! Bret soon went for a flying clothesline, but that's when the Undertaker caught Hart with the Chokeslam, and this could have been it, 'Taker covering - but for a two count! The Undertaker was shocked, as he decided to resume his own onslaught, "Deadman" connecting with a hectic heart punch for another two count - 'Taker resuming by setting up for the Tombstone Piledriver, but Bret managed to slip off of 'Taker's shoulder, and Bret suddenly caught the challenger with a big flying clothesline, somehow managing to break a part of 'Taker's mask off! Bret was stirring, as both men soon got up to their feet at the same time, 'Taker with a big uppercut to the gut, but Bret responded with a European uppercut of his own. Both men traded strikes, but the Undertaker then nailed Hart with a kick to the gut, 'Taker wrenching the arm of the WWF Champion, then impressively using his unreal strength to lift Hart above his head! Hart managed to land himself on the shoulders of Undertaker however, then catching him with a crucifix roll-up, 'Taker almost unable to kick out, but he managed it! The Undertaker then picked Bret up and slammed him with a sidewalk slam, and so the "Deadman" decided to try for the Tombstone one more time! 'Taker peeled the breaking mask off of his face, revealing his exposed face for the first time in months, as 'Taker got Bret up, but once again Bret managed to reverse it, going for a floatover DDT, but 'Taker instead whipped Bret Hart into the corner - but he caught referee Earl Hebner! Hart just flattened Hebner, as Earl seemed hurt on the canvas - 'Taker then bouncing off of the ropes, and nailing Bret with the running DDT! 'Taker covered, but that's when he realized that Earl Hebner was down, there was no referee to count! The Undertaker went over to revive Hebner, as Bret began to move, Hart with a big chopblock to the "Deadman"! Bret continued, desperately regaining momentum, as Hart connected with the backbreaker to 'Taker! Bret covered, but that's when the "Hitman" this time realised that the referee was down. Bret made it his priority to revive the official, as the Undertaker sat up unbeknownst to Hart, as he then charged at Bret, both flying over the top rope after 'Taker delivered a thunderous clothesline to the WWF Champion! The match continued, as 'Taker managed to get the best of the fall, then connecting with a big elbow across the face of the "Hitman"! Hart went down, as the challenger seemed desperate to win the WWF Championship, Vince McMahon questioning how badly the "Deadman" wanted the WWF Championship! 'Taker proceeded to find a steel chair by the announce table, and the "Deadman" was wisely doing anything possible to take the WWF Championship from the "Hitman", as 'Taker swung for the "Hitman" just for Bret to dodge it, the steel chair flying into the steel steps! Bret went after 'Taker, going after the leg of the challenger again, a big chopblock hitting the challenger hard! The Undertaker collapsed to the mat as Paul Bearer looked on in concern, as perhaps Bret had found the "Deadman"s weakness! Hart then dragged the Undertaker and sent him into the steel steps, as 'Taker went leg-first right into the steps, causing the challenger to flip over them! The World Wrestling Federation Champion was proving exactly why he was the "Excellence of Execution", as Bret brought 'Taker back into the ring and targeted the legs, as Earl Hebner had finally regained consciousness. Bret continued to go after the legs, as this time around, the "Deadman" couldn't quite revive himself to get to his feet, as Paul Bearer looked at his urn in upset, usually Bearer being able to use the urn to revive the Undertaker. Bret finally went for the Sharpshooter, but that's when 'Taker managed to kick Bret away, powerfully sending the "Hitman" into the corner, where he almost caught Earl Hebner! The Undertaker then splashed at Bret, going for a clothesline in the corner, but he also caught Hebner, and the referee went down a second time, this was not Hebner's night! Meanwhile, 'Taker went for the Tombstone Piledriver, it connecting! The crowd erupted, when suddenly "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel appeared on the aisleway, Diesel making his way down to the ringside area, as the "Deadman" glared Diesel down! Diesel yelled at 'Taker, shouting that he should be in this match, as Vince McMahon reminded us that if Diesel got involved physically, he'd be fired! The Undertaker went to revive the official, Diesel meanwhile picking up the previously touched steel chair from ringside! Diesel proceeded to get into the ring, when instead of striking the Undertaker, "Big Daddy Cool" struck Bret several times with the steel chair! The crowd booed, as the Undertaker noticing Diesel's attempts to get him disqualified, and that's when the "Phenom" went for the Chokeslam on Diesel, but suddenly a man jumped the Undertaker! This man, dressed in black, sporting straggly brown hair and a black leather mask laid into the Undertaker, the "Deadman" trying to fight this man off as Diesel left the scene of the crime - this man connecting with a big DDT on the Undertaker! The man in the mask stomped away at 'Taker before picking up the steel chair and wrapping it around the throat of the "Phenom"! The man then went to the second rope and came off with a big elbow drop onto the chair, injuring that throat of the Undertaker! The masked man rolled out of the ring and struck Paul Bearer, as this man appeared deranged, as McMahon could not believe what had transpired, chaos prevailing in this big WWF Championship match! Bret Hart meanwhile began to stir, the Undertaker visibly bleeding from the mouth, as the WWF Champion slowly covered the "Phenom", Earl Hebner slowly moving, and he counted the three! WWF Champion Bret "Hitman" Hart def. The Undertaker [24:14] ***
The crowd cheered loudly, as the theme of Bret Hart hit, and pyrotechnics went off in the rafters of the Selland Arena! Vince McMahon pronounced Bret Hart as World Wrestling Federation Champion, as a dazed Earl Hebner handed the barely conscious "Hitman" with his World Wrestling Federation Championship belt! Bret's fist was raised high, as was his WWF Championship gold, as Hart had done the unthinkable and defeated the "Phenom", the Undertaker! Jerry Lawler noted how it wasn't without controversy, stating that Bret Hart's reign as WWF Champion is one big fluke, and that he didn't deserve to be WWF Champion! Meanwhile, Vince McMahon talked about the outrageous final few moments of that match, with Diesel assaulting Bret Hart with the steel chair, and then a masked man coming in and incapacitating the Undertaker with an elbow drop onto an open steel chair around the throat of the Undertaker - before this crazed lunatic nailed Paul Bearer, 'Taker's manager, and made a getaway through the crowd! Nonetheless, Bret Hart was still the WWF Champion, as McMahon stated that he hoped to have answers for us all, tomorrow night on Monday Night RAW! The Royal Rumble went off the air. | 02:49 |
| THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION PRESENTS IN YOUR HOUSE, LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 1996! |
|
Entry No. | Entrant | Eliminated No. | Eliminated By | 1 | Hunter Hearst Helmsley | 13 | Shawn Michaels | 2 | Savio Vega | 1 | Sid | 3 | Bob Backlund | 3 | Ahmed Johnson | 4 | Hakushi | 2 | Sid | 5 | "Sycho" Sid | 6 | Vader | 6 | Jake "The Snake" Roberts | 10 | Hunter Hearst Helmsley | 7 | Henry O. Godwinn | 4 | Hunter Hearst Helmsley | 8 | "The Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson | 11 | Vader | 9 | Sean Waltman | 8 | Razor Ramon | 10 | Waylon Mercy | 14 | Diesel | 11 | "Make A Difference" Fatu | 9 | Yokozuna | 12 | "The Native American" Tatanka | 12 | Vader | 13 | "Sparky Plugg" Bob Holly | 5 | Sid | 14 | "The Man They Call" Vader | 15 | Shawn Michaels, Yokozuna | 15 | Jerry "The King" Lawler | 7 | Fatu | 16 | "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon | 20 | Sean Waltman | 17 | Yokozuna | 18 | British Bulldog | 18 | "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels | 29 | Owen Hart | 19 | "Bodydonna" Zip | 16 | Yokozuna | 20 | "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel | 27 | British Bulldog | 21 | The British Bulldog | 28 | Shawn Michaels | 22 | Marty Jannetty | 19 | Steve Austin | 23 | "The Bizarre One" Goldust | 26 | Diesel | 24 | "The King of Hart" Owen Hart | N/A | WINNER | 25 | "Bodydonna" Skip | 17 | Diesel | 26 | "Rowdy" Roddy Piper | 23 | Steve Austin | 27 | "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin | 24 | Shawn Michaels | 28 | King Mabel | 21 | Duke Droese, Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels | 29 | Duke "The Dumpster" Droese | 22 | Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels | 30 | Mr Perfect | 25 | British Bulldog |
|
|
|
Post by DTP. on Aug 14, 2013 18:59:54 GMT -5
[Graphics by Spear Guy]
WWF Monday Night RAW - January 22, 1996 Stockton Civic Auditorium - Stockton, CA
Segment | Description | Timeline | 1 | We kick off Monday Night RAW tonight with a vignette of Sunny playing pool, as she flirtaciously talked about the WWF: "I like it RAW". To start, stills shown of the 1996 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event aired, as Vince McMahon spoke in voice-over about some of the results, such as Bret "Hitman" Hart managing to make another successful WWF Championship defense against the Undertaker - but only with assistance from a mysterious masked man! Plus, the boyhood dream of the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels was shattered, as Michaels fell to the feet of the "King of Harts", Owen Hart winning the 1996 Royal Rumble! In the Rumble though, the debuting man they call Vader created a big problem for himself, the gigantic newcomer injuring the President of the World Wrestling Federation, Gorilla Monsoon, putting Vader's future in jeopardy! Not only that, but two titles changed hands last night as well, as Sean Waltman uncrowned the WWF Intercontinental Champion, Razor Ramon to win the title; and "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and "Agent" Dean Douglas won the WWF Tag Team Championships from the Smoking Gunns! McMahon then closed the sequence, stating that anything could happen tonight! The opening video package for Monday Night RAW aired, as we cut to the Stockton Civic Auditorium for a special live broadcast of RAW on the USA Network! Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed us to the show, as they discussed everything that went down in the Royal Rumble, hyping up tonight, scheduled to feature new WWF Tag Team Champions, Dean Douglas and Jeff Jarrett, as "Double J" will perform his brand new single "Hearts of Gold"!; Plus, Jim Ross will catch up with the former WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon, Ahmed Johnson will be in action against Bob Backlund; and in our main event, Shawn Michaels makes his return to in-ring competition on RAW, as he takes on "Sycho" Sid of the Million Dollar Corporation! | 00:03 | 2 | The crowd booed, as the live Stockton crowd heard the theme of the 1996 Royal Rumble winner, and out came the "King of Harts" himself, Owen Hart accompanied to the ring by James E. Cornette, as Owen was not dressed for competition tonight on this live edition of RAW. Owen came out to the ring, as he had a microphone in hand, Hart immediately shouting about how everybody underestimated him, but he did it, and that everybody didn't think that he would do it! Owen talked about how everybody thought that Shawn Michaels had it won, that the "Heartbreak Kid" would make his return to the World Wrestling Federation, and win the 1996 Royal Rumble for his "boyhood dreams"! Hart continued, mentioning how they thought "Big Daddy Cool" would get the win, because Diesel is so bent on regaining the WWF Championship that he doesn't even deserve; and people even said that that shmuck, Razor Ramon had a chance at being the dark horse and winning the Royal Rumble! Owen said that it was him himself that was the dark horse, because everybody overlooked him! Owen stated that Michaels, Diesel and Ramon won't be going on to WrestleMania XII, but he will! Owen thanked James E. Cornette for all of he support that he gave him on this rollercoaster ride to the top, as well as his parents, Stu and Helen Hart - before coming to his next point...Bret Hart. Owen talked about how his brother Bret and him have had problems for years, and it's all because of the "Hitman"s audacity to call himself the best member of the Hart Family. Owen talked about how he's always been in the "Hitman"'s shadow, but with Owen being a former King of the Ring winner, and now a Royal Rumble winner - Owen believes that after March 31st, he will genuinely complete his mission, and leave Anaheim as the World Wrestling Federation Champion - the real "King of Harts"! Owen raised his fists in the air to boos, as Cornette then took the microphone and asked Shawn Michaels - who he knew was listening and watching him speak backstage somewhere - how it felt to lose! Cornette called HBK a loser, stating that that's all that Michaels will ever be! Cornette finalized Owen's comments, telling everybody that come March 31st, the "King of Harts" will become the WWF Championship - and defeat his inferior brother, Bret Hart! Owen and Cornette then left to loud boos. | 00:08 | 3 | Vince McMahon and Jim Ross talked about how they already knew that the "King of Harts" would be going to WrestleMania XII, stating that they didn't need a reminder that Owen Hart had won the Royal Rumble match. Jerry Lawler though, talked about how great Owen was, stating that he hoped Owen could uncrown the "Hitman", before stating that tonight, he had found the note given to Razor Ramon after he lost the WWF Intercontinental Championship last night, the note that Razor ripped up - and how he planned to read it out later on tonight on RAW! | 00:09 | - | Commercial Break | 00:13 | 4 | "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin (w/Ted Dibiase) def. Marty Jannetty [05:14] [+00:02 for entrances] The "Ringmaster" showed a lot of fire during last night's big Royal Rumble match, as Steve Austin drew #27 in the 1996 Royal Rumble match, and eliminated several WWF superstars - amongst them Marty Jannetty - as Austin was five men short of potentially winning the Rumble, after only a month of being in the World Wrestling Federation. Marty Jannetty was motivated in this one, trying to get one over on Austin after Austin eliminated the former Rocker last night, as Jannetty took Austin down with several flying clotheslines and a crossbody, before the interference from the "Million Dollar Man" led to Steve Austin gaining a measure of retribution of his own, stomping into Jannetty in the corner, almost to the point of being disqualified. Jannetty soon made another comeback, as he went for the Rocker Dropper, just for Austin to reverse it into the Million Dollar Dream - and before long, Jannetty faded out, falling unconscious!
The crowd booed, as Steve Austin was victorious again, the "Ringmaster" having built up quite a singles undefeated streak in recent weeks. The crowd booed, as the "Million Dollar Man" raised Austin's hand in victory, as Austin was victorious tonight on this special live edition of Monday Night RAW! | 00:20 | 5 | An advertisement aired, promoting the encore presentation of the 1996 Royal Rumble pay-per-view, tomorrow night from 8/7 CT. | 00:21 | - | Commercial Break | 00:24 | 6 | We returned to Monday Night RAW as Jim Ross was shown stood in the ring, as Ross talked about how last night Razor Ramon lost the WWF Intercontinental Championship to his ex-best friend, Sean Waltman, as Ross then invited the "Bad Guy" out to the ring to discuss what went down last night in Fresno, California. At that point, the theme of Razor Ramon hit triggering loud cheers from the crowd in Stockton, California, and out came the former WWF Intercontinental Champion! Razor was not sporting an optimistic expression on his face however, as Razor was still not satisfied after losing the title to his ex-best friend Sean Waltman last night. Ross welcomed Razor to the ring, as Jim wanted to scan Ramon's brain for comments after suffering the loss to Waltman last night. Razor talked about how it sucked, for him to come so close to beating the Kid, just for him to get one over on him like that - and then for Razor Ramon to come so close to winning the 1996 Royal Rumble match - again, just for Sean Waltman to get involved! Razor talked about how he had had enough of Waltman, and Ted Dibiase to cheers, as Ramon then decided to reveal that his contract had a rematch policy in it - that in the event of losing the WWF Intercontinental Championship, he would be able to get a rematch for the title, and so, next Monday night on RAW, he wanted Waltman in this ring, one-on-one, no-disqualification, with the title on the line! The fans cheered loudly in Stockton, when suddenly Ted Dibiase appeared on the aisleway, the "Million Dollar Man" asking why Ramon had not had enough of Waltman kicking Razor's butt all across the ring and ringside area! Dibiase cackled to boos, as Dibiase told Razor that he could have his shot at the title - but that this encounter would be Razor's last chance to get his hands on the title, and to get his hands on Sean Waltman! The crowd booed, as Dibiase's theme hit - Jim Ross thanking Razor for his time. | 00:29 | 7 | Meanwhile, Vince McMahon talked about how big next week will be, as the former champion, the "Bad Guy" Razor Ramon will take on the new champion, Sean Waltman for the WWF Intercontinental Championship in a no-disqualification match, that could be Razor's last chance to get his hands on Waltman and the WWF Intercontinental title! McMahon then discussed how there could be problems brewing in the Camp Cornette faction however, as last night Vader took out the President of the World Wrestling Federation, Gorilla Monsoon, and so we are not sure what the story is regarding Vader - however Gorilla Monsoon has been in hospital in Fresno, California for the past 24 hours, and he is reportedly going to be taking a short sabbatical from WWF television in order to recover from the attacks, before returning to Presidency. Jerry Lawler talked about how Gorilla fears Vader, and so he won't fire him - which is good, because he likes Vader's style! McMahon promoted Vader being on RAW next Monday night. | 00:30 | 8 | "The Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson def. Avatar [03:06] [+00:01 for entrances] Waylon Mercy decided to drop in with some comments for the "Pearl River Powerhouse", as Mercy decided to talk about how Ahmed Johnson believes that he is the force that can carry the World Wrestling Federation on his shoulders - and whilst that may be the truth, he does not believe. Mercy talked about how he was going to put the "Pearl River Powerhouse" to the test, because personally, he thinks Ahmed is a one hit wonder, he walks into the WWF, and does little else! Mercy vowed that Johnson's life is in Waylon Mercy's hands. Meanwhile, Ahmed Johnson took on the former masked ninja, Avatar, as Avatar repeatedly attempted to go after Johnson with the agile attacks, using his athleticism to his advantage, but Johnson continued to block it, Ahmed then using his power to toss Avatar around the ring with the greatest of ease! Johnson soonafter put Avatar away, making short work of the ninja with the Pearl River Plunge!
The crowd cheered, as Ahmed Johnson celebrated his victory to cheers, the "Pearl River Powerhouse" impressive especially tonight, after defeating the masked Avatar tonight on RAW! Ahmed's hand was raised in victory, when suddenly he was attacked from behind! Johnson was jumped by Waylon Mercy, who was clutching a cowbell in hand! Mercy soon applied a camel clutch on the "Pearl River Powerhouse", then stomping away at the newcomer! Mercy was met with boos, as referee Timmy White managed to escort Mercy away from the ring. | 00:34 | 9 | Meanwhile, Dean Douglas and various stage hands were shown near the entrance way, as up next, we are scheduled to see "Double J" Jeff Jarrett perform his brand new hit single, "Hearts of Gold" for the capacity crowd of Stockton, California, it's coming up next, and Jerry Lawler is excited! | 00:34 | - | Commercial Break | 00:37 | 10 | We returned to Monday Night RAW as Vince McMahon tried to welcome us back to the show, but instead, the theme of "Double J" was playing, as "Agent" Dean Douglas stood in front of a band, the Agent dressed up in a suit, and holding a WWF Tag Team Championship belt over his shoulder, Douglas talking about how coming off of the biggest night ever, "Double J" returns to the microphone, as he brings to everybody watching in attendance and at home, a song made for their WWF Tag Team Championship win - "Hearts of Gold"! Jarrett then made his entrance up to the stage, as "Double J" sported his light-up "Double J" hat and suit, wearing his WWF Tag Team Championship around his own waist. Jarrett talked about how last night, Jarrett and Douglas proved that the Smoking Gunns weren't worthy of being the champions, or being country westerners either! Jarrett told everybody to give them a round of applause, which caused the crowd to boo more - Jarrett proclaiming himself and Douglas as real kings of the wild, wild west! Jarrett performed his song, but near the end, suddenly Billy Gunn appeared on the left of the stage, Billy attacking "Agent" Dean Douglas! Bart Gunn followed up, trading blows with Jarrett! "Double J" and "Agent" Douglas, the new WWF Tag Team Champions were being attacked by the Smoking Gunns, the former champions insulted by Jarrett and Douglas' comments! Jarrett and Douglas scurried away, as Billy and Bart remained on the stage, holding their former WWF Tag Team Championships high - they definitely wanted the titles back! | 00:44 | 11 | Jerry Lawler talked about how outrageous that was, for Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas to be insulted like that by the Smoking Gunns, those sore losers! Vince McMahon talked about how the "Agent" and "Double J" were definitely going to have to plot revenge on the Gunns, as the new WWF Tag Team Champions did not have the best night they had hoped for tonight! They then talked about our main event coming up next, as we will see Shawn Michaels make his return to Monday Night RAW, to go one-on-one with his former bodyguard, "Sycho" Sid! As RAW returns. | 00:45 | - | Commercial Break | 00:48 | 12 | We return to Monday Night RAW, as Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talked about this big edition of Monday Night RAW, talking about how big next week will be as well; as we will receive comments from the Undertaker's manager, Paul Bearer; comments on the masked, deranged attacker from the Royal Rumble; plus, the man they call Vader will be here, apparently having managed to avoid the consequences on WWF President, Gorilla Monsoon; plus, "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel will be in action against the man who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble, the British Bulldog; and in a no-disqualification match, Razor Ramon challenges new WWF Intercontinental Champion Sean Waltman for the title, in what could be Razor's last chance! WWF RAW airs next Monday night from 9/8 CT, only on the USA Network! | 00:49 | 13 | "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels def. "Sycho" Sid (w/Ted Dibiase) [07:23] [+00:02 for entrances; +00:01 for aftermath] The runner up in the 1996 Royal Rumble match still seemed incredibly motivated in this one, as the "Heartbreak Kid" was making his return to Monday Night RAW, this match marking the first time since November 20th that Shawn Michaels was in action on the World Wrestling Federation's flagship show. Michaels, who competed in this one with his own potential health problems over his own head, took on the man that took him out of action last April, his former bodyguard, "Sycho" Sid, as Michaels went into this one full of rage, Michaels wanting to cut Sid down with numerous lefts and rights, but Sid managed to cut into Michaels easily, all 6-foot-9 of Sid pounding into HBK quickly, as Sid then began to torture Michaels and cut off the "Heartbreak Kid" with a shoulderbreaker! "Sycho" Sid clubbed away at Sid, as the "Million Dollar Man" cackled on, Ted Dibiase at ringside having been all over tonight's edition of Monday Night RAW, Jim Ross joking that Dibiase had maybe bought all of this television time for his Million Dollar Corporation superstars. Meanwhile, Owen Hart was shown watching on from a television monitor backstage, as Sid got Michaels in the air with a torture rack variation - "Sycho" Sid continuing to terrorize Michaels before HBK made a comeback, Shawn Michaels on the rise, as he got out of it and sprung off of the top rope with a moonsault! Sid went down, as Michaels began to mount a comeback, several flying forearms and dropkicks for Sid, before tuning up the band! Michaels went for it, but Ted Dibiase pulled at Michaels' foot! Sid then grabbed HBK and got him up for the Powerbomb, Michaels slipping out and then blasting Sid with the Sweet Chin Music; Michaels covered, for the one-two-three!
The fans exploded in Stockton, as Shawn Michaels celebrated his victory, the "Heartbreak Kid" having made a comeback of a lifetime - he may not have won the 1996 Royal Rumble, but he definitely did something here tonight, and that's kick "Sycho" Sid's teeth down his throat, giving Michaels the retribution that he had waited nine long months for, since April 4th, 1995! Michaels posed around the ring, as HBK was victorious! WWF Monday Night RAW went off the air. | 00:59 |
| NEXT WEEK: RAZOR RAMON CHALLENGES SEAN WALTMAN IN A NO-DQ MATCH FOR THE WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS "LAST CHANCE"; THE BRITISH BULLDOG MEETS DIESEL; PLUS PAUL BEARER SPEAKS OUT AND VADER WILL MAKE HIS RAW DEBUT! IT'S SUPER MONDAY! |
|
WWF Superstars - January 27, 1996 San Jose Convention Center - San Jose, CA
Segment | Description | Timeline | 1 | The opening video package for WWF Superstars aired, before we cut to the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcoming us to WWF Saturday Morning Superstars! Jim Ross talked about what we had ahead of us in this hour, as this morning on Superstars we will be joined by the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, as Ross will give an exclusive interview with Michaels following his boyhood dream being smashed last Sunday at the Royal Rumble. Plus, Waylon Mercy will be in action, "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel will be in action, as will the returning "Native American" Tatanka!; but in our main event, we will see Savio Vega take on Bob Backlund in singles action! Plus more. | 00:02 | 2 | Skip (w/Sunny and Zip) def. Henry O. Godwinn [05:19] [+00:02 for entrances; +00:02 for aftermath] The Bodydonnas did not have a successful night on Sunday, as both Skip and Zip competed in the 1996 Royal Rumble match, just for both of them to be eliminated very quickly; and so Skip wanted to get some steam rolling for the fitness freaks, taking on the hog farmer, Henry O. Godwinn - somebody who has had some problems with the Bodydonnas in recent weeks, starting when Zip made his debut in the World Wrestling Federation. Godwinn nailed Skip with numerous heavy hitting strikes, as the farmer was using his size as an advantage; Skip repeatedly attempted throughout this match to try and slam the larger opponent, just for Godwinn to fire back with more offense. Meanwhile, Sunny had some comments in an insert promo, standing between Skip and Zip, talking about how the Bodydonnas were hungry, and how they were coming for the WWF Tag Team Championships, because the fittest tag team deserves the gold! Meanwhile, Zip and Sunny continued to get involved in this one, as Sunny distracted the referee and flirted with Timmy White whilst Zip got into the ring, the Bodydonnas hitting Godwinn with a cheap double backdrop, Skip getting the victory!
The crowd booed as Skip celebrated his victory, whilst Zip and Sunny joined Skip in the ring; the three celebrating their collective victory tonight against Henry O. Godwinn! Skip and Zip were then ordered by Sunny to attack Henry O. Godwinn after the bell, as Godwinn was stomped away it, until suddenly another man in overall hit the ring, taking Henry's slop bucket, and dousing it at Sunny! Sunny screamed as the second farmer chased Skip and Zip out of the ring, as Henry had a new friend! The Bodydonnas were outraged as Sunny was left grossed out, covered in pig slop! | 00:11 | 3 | Jerry Lawler talked about how he didn't know who this other farmer was before Henry O. Godwinn the sickest man in the World Wrestling Federation, the "King" talking about how sorry he felt for poor Sunny and the Bodydonnas - Sunny especially! Jim Ross justified it, as he mentioned how he was going to try and get a word with Henry and his new friend in the WWF later on! | 00:12 | - | Commercial Break | 00:16 | 4 | "The Native American" Tatanka def. Steve Rizzono [03:10] [+00:01 for Tatanka's entrance] The "Native American" Tatanka made his return to the World Wrestling Federation after a four month hiatus, as the man who was once with the Million Dollar Corporation and Ted Dibiase, seemed to no longer want any part of the Corporation, as Tatanka stated in an insert promo, the "Native American" voicing how his ancestors never turned their backs on their people and culture in favor of a multi-million dollar corporation - and so he's going back to his roots, and rise through the ranks in the World Wrestling Federation right from the bottom! Tatanka went through Steve Rizzono in this one, as Tatanka ended up putting Rizzono away with the Samoan Drop for the victory!
Tatanka skipped around the ring in celebration after the match, as the "Native American" had returned to WWF Saturday Morning Superstars in style. Tatanka was out for himself, and he seemed pretty happy to be free of the Million Dollar Corporation! | 00:18 | 5 |
A vignette soon aired, previewing the arrival of a new superstar coming to the World Wrestling Federation. A voiceover talked about how this man was one of the meanest men of the wild, wild west. At that point, a man appeared riding a horse. "The Outlaw" Justin Bradshaw is coming to the World Wrestling Federation to kick some butt and make a name for himself - to become the sheriff of the WWF! Bradshaw is coming soon.
| 00:19 | 6 | We returned to WWF Superstars as Jim Ross was shown with Jerry "The King" Lawler, as Ross talked about how he'd come across Justin Bradshaw before, mentioning that Bradshaw is one mean, mean individual, as tough as they come! Lawler then shuffled things along, talking about how Ahmed Johnson is a man that is supposed to be as tough as they come as well - but he isn't, because he got his butt handed to him on RAW this past Monday by Waylon Mercy! Ross took us to a replay, where Johnson had just defeated the masked Avatar, when he was jumped from behind by a stalker of late, Waylon Mercy; a man that wants to humble the undefeated "Pearl River Powerhouse"! | 00:20 | 7 | Waylon Mercy def. Aldo Montoya [04:42] [+00:02 for entrances] The mentalist that attacked Ahmed Johnson this past Monday Night RAW, Waylon Mercy was in action here against the masked crusader, Aldo Montoya; as Mercy has recently put a price on the back of the "Pearl River Powerhouse", wanting to humble Ahmed Johnson and put him in his place, as Mercy meanwhile illustrated here why he is the man to get the job done, and defeated the undefeated Johnson. Mercy manhandled Montoya and slapped him around the ring, but Montoya would not let Mercy have his way completely, Montoya managing to get in a lot of offense against Mercy, climaxing with a missile dropkick from the top which Mercy managed to block by dodging out of the way! Mercy then finished Montoya off with the shoulderbreaker, giving Mercy the victory. Meanwhile, Ahmed Johnson appeared in an insert promo, the "Pearl River Powerhouse" having words for Mercy, stating that he was going to get his revenge on Mercy the next time they are in the ring at the same time as one another.
Waylon Mercy celebrated his win to boos, as he extended his arms and looked up towards the heavens, this deranged individual having some strange intentions, Mercy continuing to prove himself as a threat to the "Pearl River Powerhouse". | 00:27 | - | Commercial Break | 00:30 | 8 | A video package aired, recapping the 1996 Royal Rumble extravaganza, featuring Owen Hart winning the 1996 Royal Rumble match; the man they call Vader making a big splash in injuring Gorilla Monsoon and brawling with fellow Camp Cornette member Yokozuna; the Undertaker and Bret Hart featured in an all-out war for the WWF Championship where Bret would retain after the Undertaker was taken out and incapacitated by a masked individual; Sean Waltman knocking off a win against Razor Ramon to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship; Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas slyly winning the WWF Tag Team Championships from the Smoking Gunns; and Alundra Blayze managing to defeat the larger Aja Kong to retain the WWF Women's Championship. | 00:33 | 9 | The crowd were going crazy as we returned, as Jim Ross was stood in the centre of the ring, introducing the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels! The fans in San Jose, California went off the rail, as Michaels made his way out to the ring to cheers, the "Heartbreak Kid" flamboyantly grinding the ring apron and dancing provocatively, as Michaels then climbed into the ring and posed for the crowd in the Convention Center. Ross talked about how inspiring a story it is for Shawn Michaels, to return from a two month career-threatening concussion to enter the Royal Rumble match and return to action. Unfortunately, Michaels came up too short. Before Ross could continue, the "Heartbreak Kid" talked about how he came up short, and how he did not deliver his end of the bargain; however, he brought his all; and of course, he came up short. However, Michaels wanted to let everybody in San Jose know that he wasn't a sore loser, and that he wanted to let Owen Hart come out to congratulate him on his Royal Rumble victory, to which the crowd booed. Michaels introduced Owen several times, but the "King of Harts" did not appear. Finally, James E. Cornette appeared to boos, as Cornette made his way down to the ring. Cornette had a grin on his face, as he could not believe Michaels was finally accepting that the better man had won. Cornette told Michaels how he appreciated this, after all that had gone down. HBK asked where Owen Hart was this morning, to which Jim responded that he wasn't in attendance because he was bigger than this - receiving great boos from the San Jose crowd. Michaels told Cornette that that was a shame, because he'd hate to think that Owen was a coward after the Rumble match! The fans cheered, as Cornette assured HBK that that was not the case. Shawn then told Jim that he was disappointed, as Jim mentioned how HBK should be disappointed - he's not good enough to be here with a man in the main event of WrestleMania! The crowd booed as Shawn was getting visibly angrier with the manager of Camp Cornette; HBK then telling Jim that he thought Owen was a coward, and that he wouldn't show his face because he'd really like to kick his teeth down his throat! The fans cheered louder and louder, as James began to get more angrier, trying to justify Michaels' points! HBK told Jim that he thought Owen couldn't knock his lights out again, stating that Hart's effort to end Michaels' career was a big fluke! Cornette was getting red, as he began to yell at HBK, telling him that clearly it was a ploy to get him out here and to get him angry, and that Owen would take him out all over again at any chance he had! The fans booed, as HBK told Cornette that he was all talk, just to infuriate Jim even more! Cornette told Michaels that Owen would take HBK's head off and remove him from the World Wrestling Federation in a single split second with another enzuigiri! Michaels challenged Jim, asking Cornette if Owen was available for a rematch, to which an irate Cornette said yes! Michaels asked if Owen was game for the match at In Your House, on February 18th! Cornette said yes! Michaels followed up, saying that he'd bet Owen wouldn't put his WWF Championship shot on the line, to which Cornette told Michaels that he would, because he's better than Michaels and he knows for a fact that the "King of Harts" would take HBK out once and for all! The crowd booed, as a vicious Cornette slapped Michaels across the face - to which Shawn responded, the "Heartbreak Kid" nailing Cornette with some Sweet Chin Music! Michaels celebrated to cheers, as apparently a challenge was on the table for In Your House in three weeks time! Cornette was out cold, as HBK strutted around the ring for the San Jose crowd. | 00:42 | 10 | An advertisement aired, promoting "Super Monday" for WWF Monday Night RAW! For twenty-four hours following the Superbowl, the USA Network and the World Wrestling Federation present "Super Monday"! Scheduled to feature "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel in action with the British Bulldog; the RAW debut of the man they call Vader; comments from Paul Bearer following the attack by a mysterious masked man at the Royal Rumble on his client, the Undertaker; and in the main event, Sean Waltman defending the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Razor Ramon in a no-disqualification match in the "Bad Guy"s last chance to regain the gold; plus a lot more! RAW emanates this Monday night from 9/8 CT, only on the USA Network! | 00:43 | 11 | "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel def. Tim Patterson [01:06] [+00:01 for Diesel's entrance] One of the members of the final four in last Sunday's Royal Rumble match went up against Tim Patterson tonight, two days prior to his encounter with the man that eliminated him from the Royal Rumble match last Sunday, the British Bulldog. Diesel simply ran through Patterson, and he seemed to not be in a good mood as per usual, as Diesel simply manhandled Patterson before putting him away swiftly with the Jackknife Powerbomb, giving "Big Daddy Cool" the three.
The crowd gave Diesel a mixed reaction, as "Big Daddy Cool" didn't hang around to celebrate or gloat from his victory tonight, as Jim Ross commented on Diesel's attack on Bret Hart this past Sunday at the Rumble during the "Hitman"s WWF Championship defense against the Undertaker, calling it cowardly. Diesel refused to negotiate with fans, as he simply left. Jerry Lawler noted how Diesel must be hungry for Bret Hart's gold, before promoting the WWF Champion's appearance on Super Monday Night RAW this coming week. | 00:45 | - | Commercial Break | 00:49 | 12 | We returned to WWF Saturday Morning Superstars, as in the backstage area, Dok Hendrix had caught up with Henry O. Godwinn and his new found friend in the World Wrestling Federation, the man dressed in overalls. Hendrix asked Henry's friend who he was, as he talked about how he had made quite the statement in his debut in the WWF. The man introduced himself as Phineas I. Godwinn, as he talked about how he has been waiting on the sidelines, watching his brother's stature for quite a while, and how he's cheered Henry on for so long on the farm, where they both work - and how he's had Henry's back for months. Phineas talked about the Bodydonnas and how they are so high-class and rich and powerful, but how the manly men couldn't seem to handle a little slop shows they are weak - and when they mess with his brother, they mess with the country boys! Henry said that they were coming for Skip and Zip, as Hendrix brought us back to Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. | 00:50 | 13 | Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler continued to discuss Henry O. Godwinn's discovered brother, Phineas I. Godwinn, Ross hoping to see Phineas in action very soon, as the "King" mentioned how he wasn't happy that Henry had to get his brother involved in his business, just to settle the score with the Bodydonnas, including doing an underhanded act like slopping poor Sunny! Ross then shifted to the topic of the Undertaker, and how he was screwed out of the WWF Championship last Sunday by a man in a brown leather mask, a man masked from facial exposure - as Ross pondered who it was. Lawler mentioned how he didn't know, stating that Paul Bearer may have some insight this Monday on RAW however. From there, Lawler changed topic to Sean Waltman as the new WWF Intercontinental Champion, Ross mentioning how it may not be for long however, as he defends against Razor Ramon this Monday on RAW in a no-disqualification match, the "Bad Guy"s final chance to get his hands on Waltman and the WWF Intercontinental Championship - before feeding us some comments from Waltman and the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase. Waltman bragged about how he got the win without any help, and that Ramon's only getting this rematch because he feels sorry for the man from Miami - he could have recruited Razor, and could have brought him plenty of money - but all for not! Waltman said how he wasn't this "Kid" anymore, he wasn't an underdog, and he proved it last Sunday. This Monday however, he settles the score once and for all, with Razor Ramon! | 00:51 | 14 | Savio Vega def. Bob Backlund [06:23] [+00:02 for entrances] These two have certainly built quite the rivalry in recent weeks, as displayed previously on WWF Saturday Morning Superstars, where the man from the Caribbean has previously defeated the former WWF Champion before; as well as at In Your House in December, where Backlund teamed with the "Bizarre One" Goldust to get one over on Savio as Goldust dressed as Santa Claus; as well as on the first edition of the Free 4-All prior to the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, where Goldust and Backlund managed to defeat Savio Vega and Duke "The Dumpster" Droese. This was the rubber match, as Backlund worked over the arm of Vega in an attempt to weaken it for the Chickenwing Crossface; but Vega continued to make a comeback, eventually even dodging the Chickenwing and rolling Backlund up for a near fall; Backlund soon went for the Crossface again, but Vega somehow latched onto the ropes, flipping backwards out of it, and caught Backlund on the chin with the Caribbean Kick, Vega picking up the win!
The crowd cheered loudly, as Savio Vega's hand was raised in victory, the Caribbean kid having picked up a victory against the former two-time World Wrestling Federation Champion, Bob Backlund! Backlund was down and out, as Vega's hand was raised in victory by Mike Chioda, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler hyping Super Monday Night RAW this upcoming Monday, as WWF Superstars went off the air. | 00:59 |
|
|
|
Post by DTP. on Aug 18, 2013 23:28:47 GMT -5
[Graphics by Spear Guy]
WWF Super Monday Night RAW - January 29, 1996 Stockton Civic Auditorium - Stockton, CA
Segment | Description | Timeline | 1 | WWF Monday Night RAW started off tonight with a replay from the Royal Rumble, where Owen Hart was victorious in winning the 1996 Royal Rumble match. Following this, last week on RAW, the "King of Hart" proclaimed himself the next WWF Champion at WrestleMania XII; however, on Saturday Morning Superstars, Shawn Michaels came out to the ring for an interview, only to be interrupted by the highly explosive James E. Cornette. Cornette was riled up by the "Heartbreak Kid", and the mischievous Michaels tricked the pesky manager into giving him a match with Owen Hart at the next In Your House pay-per-view with the shot at the World Wrestling Federation Championship on the line! Tonight, the "King of Harts" will be here to address Michaels. The opening video package for Monday Night RAW aired, as we cut to the Stockton Civic Auditorium for Super Monday Night RAW! Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed us to the show, hyping a big hour ahead of us; for tonight, we will see the British Bulldog take on the man he eliminated, the highly dangerous "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel!; Plus, we will hear from Paul Bearer for the first time since he and his Undertaker were brutally attacked and screwed out of the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble by a mysterious masked man; Plus, the man they call Vader will appear on RAW for the first time ever, but what does his future hold?; And last but not least, Razor Ramon gets one last chance at the WWF Intercontinental Championship in a no-disqualification match against former friend and new champion, Sean Waltman! A big hour lined up for us, on Super Monday Night RAW! | 00:03 | 2 | The crowd immediately booed, as the voice of James E. Cornette hit, and out pranced Cornette to the ring, James coming out here to talk about Saturday Morning Superstars, and how he dropped the ball, and he dropped Owen Hart in it; for at WWF In Your House, we will now have to endure Owen Hart taking on Shawn Michaels, with the WrestleMania XII opportunity on the line. The crowd cheered, as Cornette talked about how he couldn't wait for Owen Hart to get his hands on the "Heartbreak Kid", because much like at the Royal Rumble, and much like on RAW two months ago, Michaels' head will be taken clean off with the deadly enzuigiri! Cornette then proceeded to bring out the British Bulldog. | 00:04 | 3 | "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel def. The British Bulldog (w/James E. Cornette) by disqualification [07:07 - exceeded one commercial break] [+00:02 for entrances; +00:02 for aftermath] The British Bulldog was the man that eliminated "Big Daddy Cool" from the Royal Rumble match eight nights ago - and was also the man that turned his back on Diesel for Camp Cornette and James E. Cornette last September. These facts had to be eating away at the obsessed Diesel, as Bulldog once again tried to go after Diesel before he even had chance to get into the ring - but Diesel managed to get the better of Bulldog, cornering him and carrying out an onslaught of elbows and a big boot to the throat, before Diesel proceeded to knock Bulldog out of the ring over the top rope, some revenge for the Royal Rumble match! James E. Cornette aided to Diesel, as Monday Night RAW went to a commercial. But when it came back, the British Bulldog had found a way to work away at Diesel, having Diesel in a surfboard position, as we were shown how James E. Cornette's distraction at ringside led to Bulldog blind-sighting Diesel and sending him shoulder-first into the ring post, out on the floor. Bulldog continued to work away at the left shoulder of Diesel, soon applying an armbar. Diesel was in a bad way, but he soon managed to free himself out of it, hitting half of a sidewalk slam on Bulldog with the bad arm! Diesel made a comeback, as "Big Daddy Cool" even managed to swing for Cornette at ringside - just for Cornette to jump down in time. Bulldog then actually managed to get Diesel over his shoulder for the Running Powerslam, but Diesel got out of it and gave Bulldog the big boot! Bulldog was dazed, as Diesel went for the Powerbomb - when suddenly Yokozuna hit the ring! The crowd booed as referee Mike Chioda had no choice but to ring for the bell.
The crowd booed in Stockton, as Yokozuna jumped Diesel, in an effort to save his partner the British Bulldog. Yokozuna chopped away at the head of "Big Daddy Cool", as Yokozuna went for the belly-to-back suplex on Diesel, but "Big Daddy Cool" broke free of it, Diesel then connecting with a big elbow to the skull of British Bulldog! Yokozuna went to whip Diesel into that same corner, as Yokozuna charged at Diesel in the corner; Diesel managing to pull Bulldog right in the way of it! Diesel then clocked Yokozuna with a big boot, Yokozuna and Bulldog having been outsmarted by "Big Daddy Cool"! Diesel left with his fist held high to cheers, whereas James E. Cornette seemed angry with Yokozuna for striking the Bulldog! | 00:15 | 4 | Meanwhile, on commentary, Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler discussed what was coming up next, shortly after discussing the events of our opening contest. "The King" called Diesel stupid, stating that nobody, not even "Big Daddy Cool" was bigger than Camp Cornette! McMahon mentioned problems brewing with James E. Cornette and Yokozuna, as well as tension between Yokozuna and Cornette's newest client, the man they call Vader; who will be in action later tonight! Meanwhile, up next we will hear from Paul Bearer regarding the Undertaker and his attacker from the Royal Rumble! | 00:16 | - | Commercial Break | 00:19 | 5 | Todd Pettingill was shown stood in front of several television monitors in the WWF official media suite, as he welcomed us to the WWF In Your House report. Pettingill talked about how our next pay-per-view extravaganza would be the last before WrestleMania XII, the grandest stage of them all emanating from the Arrowhead Pond in beautiful Anaheim, California on March 31st! Pettingill hyped up the winner of the Royal Rumble initially being planned to challenge for the World Wrestling Federation Championship at WrestleMania; but Shawn Michaels has stood in the way, finding a loophole in the name of infuriating James E. Cornette! With that, the "Heartbreak Kid" will now challenge the "King of Harts" at In Your House on February 18th, 1996 with the WrestleMania WWF title opportunity on the line! Pettingill then took us to some comments from the "King of Harts" regarding this. Owen was then shown backstage at Monday Night RAW, as the "King of Harts" talked about how he was initially ticked off when he heard that Shawn Michaels had gone behind his back for this match - how unfair it was for Michaels to take his innocent manager, James E. Cornette, and put him up in a match out of purely irritating poor Cornette. But Owen realised then that it didn't matter to him in actuality, because it gives Hart a chance to make HBK shut up one more time, all over again! Owen reminded us of how he took Michaels out of the World Wrestling Federation on November 20th, when he gave him the career threatening concussion. And it was the "King of Harts" that eliminated the "Heartbreak Kid" from the Royal Rumble match, too. Owen said how he almost ended Michaels' career before...but with the WWF not held responsible for HBK's health: on February 18th, Owen Hart plans to put Shawn Michaels out of professional wrestling - for good! Pettingill then spoke out about how plenty more was still scheduled to be added to the card for In Your House, which comes our way in under three weeks time. Pettingill then signed off. | 00:21 | 6 | We returned to Monday Night RAW as Yokozuna was shown backstage walking to his dressing room, when suddenly James E. Cornette rushed out after him, Cornette asked Yokozuna how dumb a guy he really was! Cornette told Yokozuna that tonight, he let down Camp Cornette - much like when he took out the big 450-pound Vader. Cornette told Yokozuna that they were both supposed to be in Camp Cornette, Yokozuna and Vader - and Yokozuna and British Bulldog! At that point, the British Bulldog appeared, yelling at Yokozuna, to which Yokozuna tried to argue back with in Japanese! Bulldog told Yokozuna to get his act together, before delivering a ferocious slap to the face of the 600-pounder! Bulldog and Cornette left Yokozuna alone, as he didn't look happy. | 00:22 | 7 | We returned to Monday Night RAW as Jim Ross was shown stood in the ring, as Ross talked about how last night Razor Ramon lost the WWF Intercontinental Championship to his ex-best friend, Sean Waltman, as Ross then invited the "Bad Guy" out to the ring to discuss what went down last night in Fresno, California. At that point, the theme of Razor Ramon hit triggering loud cheers from the crowd in Stockton, California, and out came the former WWF Intercontinental Champion! Razor was not sporting an optimistic expression on his face however, as Razor was still not satisfied after losing the title to his ex-best friend Sean Waltman last night. Ross welcomed Razor to the ring, as Jim wanted to scan Ramon's brain for comments after suffering the loss to Waltman last night. Razor talked about how it sucked, for him to come so close to beating the Kid, just for him to get one over on him like that - and then for Razor Ramon to come so close to winning the 1996 Royal Rumble match - again, just for Sean Waltman to get involved! Razor talked about how he had had enough of Waltman, and Ted Dibiase to cheers, as Ramon then decided to reveal that his contract had a rematch policy in it - that in the event of losing the WWF Intercontinental Championship, he would be able to get a rematch for the title, and so, next Monday night on RAW, he wanted Waltman in this ring, one-on-one, no-disqualification, with the title on the line! The fans cheered loudly in Stockton, when suddenly Ted Dibiase appeared on the aisleway, the "Million Dollar Man" asking why Ramon had not had enough of Waltman kicking Razor's butt all across the ring and ringside area! Dibiase cackled to boos, as Dibiase told Razor that he could have his shot at the title - but that this encounter would be Razor's last chance to get his hands on the title, and to get his hands on Sean Waltman! The crowd booed, as Dibiase's theme hit - Jim Ross thanking Razor for his time. | 00:29 | 8 | In the Civic Auditorium meanwhile, Jim Ross was stood in the centre of the ring, as he talked about the Royal Rumble last weekend, and how it was the Undertaker challenging Bret Hart for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. Ross talked about how the "Deadman" could have beaten Bret "Hitman" Hart - but unfortunately that was not meant to be, as it came down to two things, the appearance of "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel in assaulting Bret Hart brutally - risking disqualification for the challenger, the "Phenom". But also, the Undertaker being attacked by a mad man wearing a leather mask, who severely injured the throat of the "Deadman". Ross proceeded to introduce Paul Bearer out to the arena, as Bearer appeared to loud cheers, the theme of the Undertaker playing. Bearer looked a little lost without the Undertaker by his side - as Paul entered the ring with his urn in hand. Visibly, Paul was shaking, as Ross asked Bearer how he was feeling after the heinous attack by the mystery man. Paul talked about how he was terrified, he got nailed by that man behind the mask. Paul shivered, as he talked about how he knows who that man is, but he hasn't seen him in many years. Bearer talked about how that man was back for revenge, how he was a thorn in the lives of the "Phenom" and himself many years ago...and he's back. Paul talked about how the Undertaker is going to come back looking stronger than ever - he's going to be back from what happened at the Royal Rumble in two weeks time. And in two weeks time, the "Deadman" will extend an offer to the masked man to show himself, and reveal his mysterious identity, because when the man appears, and if Bearer is right about who it actually is, the Undertaker will tear him limb from limb! Ross thanked Bearer for his time, asking Bearer for the man's identity, to which Bearer simply shuddered and ignored Ross' comments, Bearer apparently traumatized by the return of this masked maniac at the Rumble! | 00:34 | - | Commercial Break | 00:37 | 9 | We returned to WWF Super Monday Night RAW, as Vince McMahon took us back to the Royal Rumble, where James E. Cornette debuted his newest acquisition, the man they they call Vader; 400-plus pounds of brute strength. Vader managed to dominate a majority of the Royal Rumble match, before he was met by Yokozuna - a fellow member of Camp Cornette. Jerry Lawler commented on Yokozuna being an idiot after what happened earlier on - as meanwhile McMahon replayed how Vader was eliminated by Shawn Michaels and Yokozuna, and proceeded to lose it - assaulting everybody in the ring at that time, throwing around many WWF officials before being confronted by WWF President Gorilla Monsoon. McMahon commented on how Monsoon suffered from several broken ribs after the attack from Vader at the Rumble; but that next week on Monday Night RAW, we will be introduced to the interim President of the World Wrestling Federation - who will address the future of Vader's career! In the meantime, Vader makes his debut tonight on RAW! | 00:38 | 10 | The Man They Call Vader (w/James E. Cornette) def. "Sparky Plugg" Bob Holly [02:12] [+00:02 for entrance] The evil mind of James E. Cornette was all over Monday Night RAW tonight, having led the British Bulldog into battle with "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel earlier tonight, as well as getting in Yokozuna's face and disciplining him for the accidental attack on fellow teammates, the Bulldog and Vader during the Royal Rumble match. However, tonight the fearsome man they call Vader was in action against the NASCAR driver, "Sparky Plugg" Bob Holly; who was never really given a chance to get out of second gear against the huge 400-plus pounder, as Vader used his bear-like hands to club away at Holly, before take Holly to work with a big powerbomb, almost knocking "Sparky Plugg" out of the race! Vader continued the assault, splashing Holly furiously in the corner. Vader then put Holly away with a massive slingshot splash out of the corner, Vader successful in his first appearance on Monday Night RAW! Meanwhile, James E. Cornette appeared in an insert promo talking about how Vader is the muscle and the big man in Camp Cornette that has all of the potential in the world to wipe out all of the opposition. Cornette described Vader as being a mastodon, and how Vader is the problem-solver, and will forever protect Camp Cornette from anything. Cornette wrapped things up, stating how Vader will one day be the World Wrestling Federation Champion - and nobody will be able to uncrown him - it's Vader Time!
The crowd booed, as the man they call Vader celebrated his to loud boos from the Stockton crowd. Vader glared at the referee, Timmy White, as he got up in White's face before slapping him around a little! Vince McMahon reminded us that the new interim President will be revealed next Monday on RAW, and that he or she will be in power of Vader's future; how this could just jeopardize the big man's future even more! Vader meanwhile didn't care, as James E. Cornette raised Vader's hand in victory, a dominant RAW debut for the mastodon. | 00:42 | 11 | An advertisement aired, promoting WWF In Your House, live on pay-per-view on Sunday, February 18, 1996. | 00:43 | 12 | We returned to WWF Monday Night RAW, as Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler addressed everything that had gone down already tonight, before beginning to talk about next week, where we will see the World Wrestling Federation Champion Bret "Hitman" Hart make his first appearance since the Royal Rumble; as he will go one-on-one with the malicious and crazed Waylon Mercy, in non-title action. Plus, next week we will see the new interim WWF President revealed, as he or she will address the World Wrestling Federation audience, and also address the future of the out of control man they call Vader! That's not all though, as just announced, James E. Cornette has just signed a match-up for next week, a repairing exercise perhaps, as Yokozuna will team up with the man that he inadvertently splashed tonight on RAW, the British Bulldog, to take on the former WWF Tag Team Champions, the Smoking Gunns! All that plus more, next Monday night from 9/8 CT, on the USA Network. | 00:44 | 13 | WWF Intercontinental Championship - No-Disqualification match - Razor's Last Chance - Sean Waltman (c) (w/Ted Dibiase) vs "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon [+00:02 for entrances; +00:01 for aftermath] This was the "Bad Guy"s final chance to get his hands on Sean Waltman and the WWF Intercontinental Championship in this expected-to-be chaotic no-disqualification match with the title on the line - as Razor Ramon made his way out to the ring with a serious look on his face, Ramon having built up three long months of frustration and anger towards the former 1-2-3 Kid, Sean Waltman having turned his back on the "Bad Guy", his former best friend - all for the praise and glory in the Million Dollar Corporation. Ramon made his way out to the ring, but that's where the problem lied, as Waltman furiously jumped Ramon from behind, as both men exchanged lefts and rights down the aisleway, the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase understandably keeping reasonable difference away from the challenger, as Razor managed to get the upper hand of the fist fight, the larger challenger from Miami, a former four-time WWF Intercontinental Champion already - simply wanting to regain his title for a fifth time, and to also finally gain revenge on the Kid, Sean Waltman. Waltman soon managed to get the upper hand however, as the match started in the ring officially, Razor rolling Waltman into the ring - Waltman especially quick to jump back on Razor Ramon! Waltman kicked away at Razor, but Ramon managed to catch Sean off-guard and corner the champion, delivering an uncountable amount of kicks to the stomach of Waltman, then delivering several chops to the heart of the Kid! Waltman then reversed it, kicking Razor into the corner before delivering the spin kick to boos! Waltman was quick to taunt however, and it cost the WWF Intercontinental Champion big time, as Razor came out of the corner with a big clothesline! The "Bad Guy" was getting riled up as he followed Waltman outside of the ring, as we had to go to a commercial! We returned from the break to find Waltman wielding the WWF Intercontinental Championship on one side of the ringside area, whilst Razor Ramon was down at ringside, as it was then revealed that the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase had gotten involved during the commercial break, Dibiase delivering a big clothesline and blind-sighting Razor Ramon as he went for Waltman. Dibiase, the devious rich manager of the Million Dollar Corporation then picked the challenger's carcass up, and Waltman clocked Razor with the title gold - the title that Razor was in possession of just eight days ago! Waltman then tried to drag Razor back into the ring - just for Razor to kick out at two! The fans exploded, as Waltman couldn't believe it! Waltman then decided that he wanted to end it, signalling for the Super Kick - but when Razor groggily got to his feet, Ramon ducked and rolled Waltman up for two, Waltman then kicking Razor's head off with the kick! Waltman taunted to loud boos, as Sean was wasting delicate time covering Ramon and getting this over with...leading to yet another two count for the champ! Ted Dibiase couldn't believe it, as Dibiase then decided to get into the ring; referee Jimmy Korderas couldn't do a single thing about this! Dibiase got Razor up and locked in the Million Dollar Dream on Razor, as Waltman set up another Super Kick, but as Dibiase released Razor for the Super Kick, Razor ducked, and the WWF Intercontinental Champion struck his manager! Dibiase fell out of the ring through the ropes, as Razor then kicked Waltman in the gut, and followed up with the Razor's Edge! Ramon went to cover Waltman, one-two-Goldust jumped Ramon! The "Bizarre One" had entered the ring and nailed Ramon with a golden steel chair! Ramon was riving in pain on the canvas, as the flamboyant Goldust looked at the Stockton audience to loud boos, Goldust following up with the Curtain Call for Razor! Goldust then rolled out of the ring, as Korderas still couldn't do a thing about it! Waltman proceeded to place an arm over the "Bad Guy", and Waltman had retained the title successfully! Sean Waltman def. "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon to RETAIN the WWF Intercontinental Championship [12:02 - exceeded one commercial break] **1/4
The crowd booed loudly as Sean Waltman's hand was raised in victory, as the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase, groggy and all helped a dazed Waltman to his feet - Waltman desperately snatching his WWF Intercontinental Championship from Jimmy Korderas, the Million Dollar Corporation had finally driven the "Bad Guy" Razor Ramon out of their business, and Waltman had prevailed with a second victory over Ramon within an eight day span! Razor Ramon meanwhile remained unconscious, as the "Bizarre One" Goldust watched on from the aisleway, the flamboyant one rubbing himself at the sight of Ramon being unconscious! Goldust had helped Waltman out here, but it was all legal in no-disqualification! Jim Ross and Vince McMahon hyped up next week's edition of RAW before Monday Night RAW went off the air. | 00:59 |
| NEXT WEEK: THE WWF CHAMPION BRET HART BATTLES WAYLON MERCY IN NON-TITLE ACTION; THE SMOKING GUNNS TAKE ON THE POTENTIALLY DYSFUNCTIONAL PAIR OF THE BRITISH BULLDOG AND YOKOZUNA; HENRY O. GODWINN INTRODUCES HIS BROTHER, PHINEAS TO RAW; PLUS, THE NEW WWF INTERIM PRESIDENT WILL BE REVEALED! PLUS MORE! |
|
WWF Superstars - February 3, 1996 San Jose Convention Center - San Jose, CA
Segment | Description | Timeline | 1 | The opening video package for WWF Superstars aired, before we cut to the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced us to the show, as they quickly talked about another eventful week in the World Wrestling Federation, coming up from a big episode of WWF Super Monday Night RAW, this past week. They hyped up the card for tonight, as this morning, we are scheduled to see the debut of the "Outlaw" James Bradshaw, as he takes on the Japanese sensation Hakushi; plus, the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will be in our main event in singles action against the "Supreme Fighting Machine" Kama. In other news, this morning on Superstars we will see the WWF Tag Team Champions Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas in action; the "Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson in action, as will Hunter Hearst Helmsley! But also, the British Bulldog will call in at some point during the hour to address his Camp Cornette compadre, Yokozuna. All this plus more, in this exciting hour! | 00:02 | 2 | Jake "The Snake" Roberts (w/Revelations) def. Greg Davis [03:09] [+00:01 for Roberts' entrance; +00:01 for aftermath] The veteran Jake "The Snake" Roberts made his official return to WWF Saturday Morning Superstars, the "Snake" making his first appearance on Superstars for the first time in nearly four years, as Jake Roberts decided to call in with an insert promo during this match as it was in progress, talking about how he disappeared from the World Wrestling Federation to find himself, to discover a new meaning - and he did; he found God. Roberts talked about how he's all about the Bible, and how he is a new man with one thing in mind - and that's title gold. Jim Ross during this match named Roberts' big anaconda "Revelations", a reference to the Bible. Roberts quickly put Davis away with the infamous DDT for an easy win.
The crowd cheered as Jake "The Snake" Roberts celebrated his victory to cheers, Roberts being victorious in his first appearance on WWF Superstars in quite some time. Roberts celebrated with Revelations, before unleashing Revelations in classic Roberts manner, on poor Greg Davis! Jerry Lawler insulted Roberts and his strange obsession with snakes, stating that nobody deserves having a snake cover them at all! | 00:07 | 3 | Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler continued to discuss Jake "The Snake" Roberts and his great return to the World Wrestling Federation, as Ross genuinely seemed happy for Jake having found his way. Meanwhile, the "King" seemed disgruntled about the whole snake-loving persona of Roberta. Ross moved things along to discuss Monday Night RAW, in which we saw the potential breakdown of Camp Cornette, as a replay aired, showing the ending to "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, as he took on the British Bulldog. Diesel had Bulldog ready for the Powerbomb, but it was not to be as Yokozuna of Camp Cornette got involved, trying to help Bulldog out and getting him disqualified, before accidentally splashing Bulldog in the corner with all 600 pounds of the sumo, although Yokozuna attempted to splash Diesel. Ross mentioned how James E. Cornette had signed a match for RAW this upcoming Monday night, where we will see a test of trustworthiness between Yokozuna and the Bulldog, as they are scheduled to team up to take on the former WWF Tag Team Champions, the Smoking Gunns. Ross then talked about how Bulldog had called in for an interview, Ross welcoming Bulldog to the show. Ross then asked Bulldog for his thoughts on the whole situation regarding Yokozuna, to which Bulldog called Yokozuna's loyalty to Camp Cornette questionable, stating that he didn't know how to receive him - he almost broke his ribs last Monday on RAW with that splash; plus, he continues to do wrong for James E. Cornette and the faction as a whole - dropping the ball on losing the WWF Tag Team Championships, dropping the ball on allowing a Camp Cornette member winning the Royal Rumble match - and dropping the ball on helping Bulldog get the better of Yoko. Bulldog however, stated that he was giving Yokozuna one chance, and one chance only. If Yokozuna didn't cooperate with the Bulldog on Monday against Billy and Bart Gunn - he would pay big time for it! Ross thanked Bulldog for his time, before hyping up the debut of the "Outlaw" James Bradshaw, as he makes his WWF debut against Hakushi, next! | 00:09 | - | Commercial Break | 00:13 | 4 | "The Outlaw" James Bradshaw (w/Uncle Zebekiah) def. Hakushi [05:30] [+00:02 for entrances] This was the first time in which we were to see the "Outlaw" in action, as James Bradshaw was introduced in a vignette last Saturday morning on Superstars, a tough cowboy from the great state of Texas, James Bradshaw was an outlaw looking to kick some butt - as he brought out his uncle, Zebekiah to ringside as his manager. Zebekiah had some comments in an insert promo for Bradshaw's debut, as the two stood side by side, Zebekiah talking about how it was about time that justice was served and that Bradshaw was allowed to be showcased on World Wrestling Federation television. Bradshaw was described as a man of justice, morals and correct services to the WWF locker room. They talked about how they wanted to rid the WWF of all of its' inaccuracies, and all of those that did not belong here! Bradshaw finished off, stating that it was time for the hammer to be dropped on the unbelonging! Bradshaw meanwhile went in there against a man that once defeated Bret "Hitman" Hart, Hakushi not allowing Bradshaw to get an easy victory this morning, in his first on-screen appearance. Hakushi used a lot of his high-offence, aerial arsenal against the tough Texan, as Uncle Zebekiah stroked his chin from ringside in intrigue. Hakushi nailed a big missile dropkick to a big ovation, and it almost had his larger opponent, but all for not, as James Bradshaw kicked out rapidly. The "Outlaw" soon continued his array of dominance, keeping on top of Hakushi before Hakushi made a comeback, attempting some kind of handspring elbow off of the ropes - just to fall into Bradshaw's waiting arms! James Bradshaw manhandled Hakushi with a fallaway slam, giving Bradshaw his first victory in the World Wrestling Federation!
The crowd booed, as James Bradshaw refused to have his hand rasiedby Timmy White, instead waiting for Uncle Zebekiah to shake his hand and raise his hand in the centre of the ring. Bradshaw was met with some boos, as the unfamiliar audience then discovered Bradshaw's true colors, as Bradshaw stomped away at a barely conscious Hakushi, before suddenly throwing the Japanese sensation over the top rope! Bradshaw the tough man left to more boos than before, an impressive debut from the Texan. | 00:20 | 5 |
An advertisement aired, promoting WWF In Your House, live on pay-per-view on Sunday, February 18, 1996.
| 00:21 | 6 | Back on WWF Saturday Morning Superstars, we were greeted by the WWF Tag Team Champions, as "Double J" Jeff Jarrett led "Agent" Dean Douglas out to the ring to not the most pleasant reaction in the world. Jarrett added fuel to the fire however, as "Double J" demanded respect from the San Jose audience, talking about how a country artist and his agent did not deserve this response from them! Jarrett asked what class San Jose had, before Douglas joked that it had none, both now stood in the middle of the ring. Jarrett moved on, discussing how his concert was ruined by the Smoking Gunns last week on Monday Night RAW, and that they would not take it lightly. Dean Douglas stated that Billy and Bart were thugs, and that the security that night on RAW was ridiculously bad - stating that they would get revenge on the Smoking Gunns for what they did. At that point, the theme of the Bushwhackers hit, surprising everybody in San Jose! Luke and Butch appeared, as apparently they had some competition on Superstars! | 00:23 | 7 | WWF Tag Team Champions "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and "Agent" Dean Douglas def. The Bushwhackers [05:22] Of all of the tag teams in the world, Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas were definitely not expecting the challenge made by the returning New Zealanders, Luke and Butch, the Bushwhackers. They strutted to the ring and met the WWF Tag Team Champions in the ring, as both teams exchanged lefts and rights, Luke and Butch will, before they went for the Battery Ram practically right off the bat, just for Jarrett and Douglas to bail. Luke and Butch taunted for the capacity crowd, allowing "Double J" and the "Agent" to recuperate at ringside, before re-arriving in the ring. Dean Douglas managed to outsmart Luke with a test of strength led into a gut kick, Douglas then grappling with Luke with his intelligence, the former teacher, now turned agent of country music star and partner, Jeff Jarrett using his mat-wrestling abilities to take down the more simpler minded Luke. Jeff Jarrett and Douglas double-teamed Luke to boos, as both WWF Tag Team Champions showed off why they were the champions, before Butch got the hot tag, and he strutted into the ring, going right after Jarrett! Luke and Butch soon teamed up and went after Jarrett, even going for the Battery Ram once again, but Douglas managed to dragged Luke out of it! Butch sailed into Jarrett, who nailed Butch with a chop block rapidly! Jarrett stomped away at the leg of Butch, as Douglas sent Luke over the top rope; Jarrett soonafter applying the Figure-Four Leglock on Butch; as Douglas came off of the top rope with a diving knee drop into the chest of Butch, covering Butch for the victory!
The crowd booed loudly as Jeff Jarrett and Dean Douglas celebrated their victory to boos, "Double J" and the "Agent" seemingly very proud of their victory this morning on Saturday Morning Superstars. Douglas and Jarrett celebrated, as Jim Ross mentioned how the feud between Douglas and Jarrett and the Smoking Gunns was not over yet. | 00:28 | - | Commercial Break | 00:32 | 8 | Todd Pettingill was shown stood in front of several television monitors in the WWF official media suite, as he welcomed us to the WWF In Your House report. Pettingill talked about how WWF In Your House was only under three weeks away, emanating from the legendary Louisville Gardens in Louisville, Kentucky on February 18th, 1996. Pettingill talked about the prestige of the event, talking about how it is the final pay-per-view stop on the road to WrestleMania XII, which takes place on March 31st, 1996 from Anaheim, California. Todd talked about how it was announced last Saturday morning on Superstars that Shawn Michaels would challenge the "King of Harts" Owen Hart for the 1996 Royal Rumble winner's shot at the WWF Championship come WrestleMania at this event on February 18th, and we also heard from the "King of Harts" as well. He proceeded to replay the promo from Monday Night RAW in which Owen delivered, stating how he was confident that he would put the "Heartbreak Kid" out of professional wrestling once and for all this time, stating how Shawn Michaels will fall to the "King of Harts", and that we will see the new face of the World Wrestling Federation on March 31st at WrestleMania. Pettingill talked about the drama in this match, having been built up from November, where Michaels was almost put out of action indefinitely from a dangerous enzuigiri from Owen - but Michaels had revenge and retribution on his mind. Pettingill then announced a freshly added match to the card for In Your House, as the WWF Tag Team Champions "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and "Agent" Dean Douglas will defend their newly won titles against the men that lost them to Jarrett and Douglas at the Royal Rumble; the two men that ruined Jarrett and Douglas' concert last week on Monday Night RAW, the Smoking Gunns! Pettingill took us to comments from Billy and Bart, who discussed how they were robbed of their titles and had their lifestyles mocked by these two so-called country stars. Billy and Bart vowed to take back what was rightfully theirs in Louisville, in two weeks time! Pettingill talked about how there were more matches to come, and how they would be announced on the In Your House report, Pettingill then signing off.
| 00:35 | 9 | Hunter Hearst Helmsley (w/Elissa) def. Buddy Wayne [03:11] [+00:01 for Helmsley's entrance] The snob from Greenwich, Hunter Hearst Helmsley was in action tonight, as the blue blood that lasted the longest in the Royal Rumble match two weeks ago returned to action tonight in action against Buddy Wayne, as Jerry Lawler talked about how he and Hunter had met earlier this week, in the most expensive restaurant in California where the high-class had a conversation about the Rumble, stating that they both wanted Jake Roberts to get rid of his wretched snake, Revelations. Helmsley also apparently said that he wanted Shawn Michaels to lose come February 18th to Owen Hart, especially after ruining his streak in the Rumble match and eliminating him. During this match, Helmsley was accompanied by a beautiful woman in a sparkling dress by the name of "Elissa", as Lawler tried to flirt with her as she sat by the announce table. Helmsley soon put Wayne away with the Pedigree for the victory.
The crowd booed as Hunter Hearst Helmsley celebrated his win, as Jerry "The King" Lawler called Helmsley quite a gentleman. Helmsley brought Elissa back into the ring, where the two bowed and curtsied for the unimpressed fans in San Jose. Helmsley continued his climb up the card, another victory this morning on Superstars. | 00:39 | 10 | An advertisement aired, hyping up WWF Monday Night RAW this upcoming week, as we will see the World Wrestling Federation Champion Bret "Hitman" Hart make his return to RAW for the first time since controversially defeating the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble event, as Bret Hart will take on one of the strangest men in the World Wrestling Federation, Waylon Mercy; plus, the identity of the interim President of the World Wrestling Federation will be revealed, as the interim President is expected to address the WWF audience and also address the future of the biggest bully to walk into the company to date, the man that took original President Gorilla Monsoon out of action and broke his ribs at the Rumble, the man they call Vader! Not only that, but Yokozuna and the British Bulldog will attempt to fix their relationship, as the Camp Cornette members take on the former WWF Tag Team Champions, the Smoking Gunns! And additionally, Henry O. Godwinn is bringing his newcomer brother, Phineas I. Godwinn to RAW! All of this plus more, coming your way on Monday night at 9/8 CT, only on the USA Network! | 00:40 | 11 | "The Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson def. James Samudo [00:47] [+00:01 for Johnson's entrance] Poor James Samudo had the task of taking on the frustrated "Pearl River Powerhouse" Ahmed Johnson, who was particularly angry with Waylon Mercy, as Mercy had attacked Ahmed Johnson after he defeated the masked Avatar, two weeks ago on Monday Night RAW. Mercy's interest in destroying Johnson was cryptic, and many were unsure as to why Waylon wanted to get into the ring with the "Pearl River Powerhouse". Mercy had something to say to Ahmed Johnson in an insert promo during this match, as it showed Mercy sat by a lake fishing, talking about how normal men fish for fun, but competitive guys like Ahmed Johnson fish for the sake of winning. Mercy told Ahmed that he was unimpressed, vowing to change the way Johnson lives his life, and make him a part of Mercy's way! Meanwhile, Johnson figuratively mowed through Samudo, defeating James Samudo with the Pearl River Plunge.
The crowd cheered in San Jose, as Ahmed Johnson had picked up a really quick victory against James Samudo here this morning on Superstars! The "Pearl River Powerhouse" definitely wanted to get his hands on Waylon Mercy, and it was inevitable that it was going to happen very soon. | 00:42 | - | Commercial Break | 00:46 | 12 | "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels def. "The Supreme Fighting Machine" Kama [07:24] [+00:02 for entrances; +00:02 for aftermath] The "Heartbreak Kid" was rearing to go this morning on Superstars, as Shawn Michaels was two weeks away from perhaps beginning his road to WrestleMania XII, and potentially becoming one step closer to fulfilling his boyhood dream, as Michaels will go one-on-one with his rival for the past three months, the "King of Harts" Owen Hart in two weeks at In Your House; the winner challenging for the World Wrestling Federation Championship at WrestleMania XII on March 31st. However firstly, Shawn Michaels had to get past the returning "Supreme Fighting Machine" Kama, as Kama has been absent from WWF television in recent weeks due to an injury, however Kama was coming back with momentum in mind, wanting to make an impact in his return to the World Wrestling Federation. Michaels suffered slightly in this match, as Kama pounded away at Michaels, Kama evidently not accompanied to the ring by his former manager in the Million Dollar Corporation, Ted Dibiase, strangely enough. Kama used his martial artistic background to pound away at Michaels, Kama soon looking to go for that Shuffle Kick - just for Michaels to make a comeback, brawling with Kama and taking him down with a big crossbody from the top rope! Michaels was overcoming the odds against his larger opponent, before tuning up the band, and knocking Kama down and out with some Sweet Chin Music, the "Heartbreak Kid" getting the victory!
The crowd cheered loudly in the San Jose Convention Center, as the "Heartbreak Kid" was victorious this morning on WWF Superstars! Shawn Michaels celebrated in the ring, strutting his stuff for the fans in attendance, but that's when his adversary dashed into the ring, the 1996 Royal Rumble winner, the "King of Harts" Owen Hart striking Michaels with a swift enzuigiri! Owen Hart had knocked Michaels out again tonight, as referee Earl Hebner tried to aid to the "Heartbreak Kid", who was laid face down on the canvas, visibly not moving! Owen yelled into Michaels' ear that he was going to end his career on February 18th, and shatter his boyhood dream in one foul night in Louisville! Owen Hart stood tall to boos, as WWF Saturday Morning Superstars went off the air. | 00:57 |
|
|