WWF 1997: "An Attitude Adjustment"

Zakarl · November 18, 2008

I'm playing the original Montreal Aftermath mod, somewhat edited by me to match the start of 1997 as best I can. I'm playing as the WWF, which is presently getting beaten down by WCW in TV ratings and star-power overall. My roster is as follows. [COLOR="DarkGreen"]Faces[/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Heels[/COLOR] [i](Gimmick)[/i] [b]*Title*[/b] [B][SIZE="4"]MAIN-EVENTERS:[/SIZE][/B] [COLOR="Green"]Ahmed Johnson [i](Old School Face)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Bret Hart [i](Old School Face)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Davey Boy Smith [i](British Bulldog)[/i][/COLOR] [b]*WWF Tag Team Champion*[/b] [COLOR="Red"]Mankind [i](Weirdo)[/i] [/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Owen Hart [i](Old School Heel)[/i][/COLOR] [b]*WWF Tag Team Champion*[/b] [COLOR="Green"]Shawn Michaels [i](Show Stealer)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Sid Vicious [i](Psycho)[/i][/COLOR] [b]*WWF Champion*[/b] [COLOR="Red"]Steve Austin [i](Bad Ass)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]The Undertaker [i](Deadman)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Vader [i](Monster)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][B]UPPER-MIDCARDERS:[/B][/SIZE] [COLOR="Red"]Crush [i](Power And Paint)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Goldust [i](Gender Bender)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Hunter Hearst Helmsley[/COLOR] [i](High Society)[/i] [b]*WWF Intercontinental Champion*[/b] [COLOR="Red"]Jeff Jarrett [i](Egomaniac)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Marc Mero [i](Dual-Sport Superstar)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Mosh [i](Metalhead)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Road Dogg [i](Degenerate)[/i] Ron Simmons [i](Racist)[/i] Savio Vega [i](Thug)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Thrasher [i](Metalhead)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]MID-CARDERS:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Green"]2 Cold Scorpio [i](Fun Babyface)[/i] Bart Gunn [i](Cowboy)[/i] Billy Gunn [i](Cowboy)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Brian Lee [i](Biker)[/i] Don Harris [i](Bully)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Henry O. Goddwinn [i](Hillbilly)[/i] Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw [i](Cowboy)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Miguel Perez Jr. [i](Lackey)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Phinias I. Goddwinn [i](Hillbilly)[/i] Rikishi Fatu [i](Babyface)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Ron Harris [i](Bully)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Steve Blackman [i](Martial Artist)[/i] Super Crazy [i](Luchadore)[/i] The Godfather [i](Pimp)[/i] The Rock [i](Blue Chipper)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]LOWER-MIDCARDERS:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Green"]Al Snow [i](Lunatic)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Bob Holly [i](Bully)[/i] Brooklyn Brawler [i](Old School Heel)[/i] Bull Buchanan [i](Enforcer)[/i] D'Lo Brown [i](Lackey)[/i] Doug Furnas [i](Old School Heel)[/i] Mark Henry [i](World's Strongest)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]OPENERS:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Green"]Barry Horowitz [i](Old School Face)[/i] Droz [i](Weirdo)[/i] Flash Flanagan [i](Old School Face)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Phil LaFon [i](Old School Heel)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]TAKA Michinoku [i](Blue Chipper)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]ENHANCEMENT TALENT:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Red"]Mr. Aguila [i](Luchadore)[/i] Sniper [i](Lackey)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]OCCASIONAL WRESTLER:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Green"]Blackjack Windham [i](Cowboy)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Dutch Mantell [i](Staff Member)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Jake Roberts [i](Preacher)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Jerry Lawler [i](Royalty)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Road Warrior Animal [i](Power And Paint)[/i] Road Warrior Hawk [i](Power And Paint)[/i] Yokozuna [i](Sumo)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]MANAGERS:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Red"]Don Callis [i](Evil Doer)[/i] Harvey Wippleman [i](Executive Consultant)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Marlena [i](Old School Valet)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Paul Bearer [i](Occult)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Green"]Sable [i](Beach Babe)[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Sunny [i](Seductress)[/i][/COLOR] [SIZE="4"][b]INACTIVE:[/b][/SIZE] [COLOR="Red"]Brian Pillman [i](Loose Cannon)[/i][/COLOR] In terms of writing, the basic story and psychology of a match will be described, as will the focus and purpose of a promo. Key sequences in both will be noted. My first [i]RAW is WAR[/i] of the year will follow immediately after this. Feedback is strongly encouraged and wanted!

Zakarl · November 18, 2008

[u]Matches[/u] [i]Angles[/i] [SIZE="6"][b]WWF [i]RAW is WAR[/i]: Monday, Week 1, January '97[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]Hartford Civic Center: New England, USA [b](ATTENDANCE: 13,874)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [I]Shawn challenges Sid for the WWF Championship[/I] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Shawn Michaels kicks off the show by using his rematch clause, challenging "Sycho" Sid Vicious to a match for the WWF Championship![/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [i]Vince McMahon announces the [/i]Royal Rumble [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Vince McMahon walks out, announcing to the audience that the WWF will hold the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] event on pay-per-view in 3 weeks' time.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [u]The Undertaker vs. Brian Lee [b][HARDCORE][/b][/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A rough, back alley-style brawl between Undertaker and "Primetime" traveled throughout the arena, with both men beating each other with all manner of blunt objects. The Undertaker won via pinfall in 5:33 after Tombstoning Lee through a table. [b]*[/b] [i]The Undertaker seemed off-his-game tonight. The great performance of The Undertaker really stood out.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [i]Todd Pettengail interviews The Rock[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, The Rock is interviewed by Todd Pettengail and claims that he will become the most electrifying man in the World Wrestling Federation, hyping up his promised future greatness.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [i]The Godfather hosts Sable & Sunny's bikini contest[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Pimp-swaggering his way to the ring, Sable & Sunny "strut their stuff" with the crowd's reaction causing The Godfather to name Sable the winner.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [u]2 Cold Scorpio vs. Super Crazy[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A fast-paced, high-flying match was somewhat lost on the crowd, who didn't seem to appreciate the talents or efforts of 2 Cold & Crazy. Scorpio pinned Super at the 5:36 mark after hitting the Tumbleweed.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [i]2 Cold Scorpio & Super Crazy celebrate[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Following their close contest, 2 Cold Scorpio & Super Crazy celebrate together in a display of mutual respect.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [i]Vader enlists Paul Bearer's services[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Vader and Paul Bearer walk out, announcing that Bearer is now Vader's manager.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [u]Vader & Mankind vs. Barry Horowitz & Flash Flanagan[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Vader & Mankind dominated their opponents throughout the match, regularly beating down and throwing around Horowitz & Flanagan. After being hitting the Vaderbomb at 2:35, Vader pinned Horowitz. [b]*[/b] [i]The great performances of Vader & Mankind really stood out.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [i]The Brother Love Show: Featuring Jerry Lawler[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The lights turn pink and the familiar soft music plays as Brother Love declares that he loves the crowd, as well as his guest Jerry "The King" Lawler. Both hype Lawler up as the new "ruler" of the World Wrestling Federation.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [u]Brooklyn Brawler vs. Yokozuna[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Yokozuna dominated the smaller Brawler, pinning him after 1:57 with the Banzai Drop.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [i]Hunter Hearst Helmsley taunts Goldust & Marlena[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, HHH uses his pre-match interview time to taunt his opponent Goldust and his manager Marlena, claiming that a "[i]sick crossdressing freak[/i]" and a "[i]common woman[/i]" would never get their "[i]filthy[/i]" hands on his Intercontinental Title.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [u]WWF Intercontentinal Championship: Hunter Hearst Helmsley (c) vs. Goldust[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below-average brawl peppered with Goldust comedy hijinx and distractions from Marlena ended in 10:57 after HHH shoved Marlena off the apron, only to walk right into a Curtain Call and a pin. Goldust wins the Intercontinental Title. [b]*[/b] [i]Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Goldust just don't click at all and it showed in their performances.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [i]Goldust & Marlena celebrate[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Following his victory and Title win, Goldust & Marlena celebrate together, proudly displaying the Championship belt.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#15: [i]Jake Roberts hype video[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, hyping Jake Roberts. In the video, he talks about how this year will be a "comeback" year for him.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#16: [i]Bret Hart announces his Royal Rumble candidacy[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Michael Cole interviews Bret Hart, who announces that he will be the entering the Royal Rumble match at the upcoming pay-per-view.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#17: [u]Bret Hart vs. Jeff Jarrett[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The technical styles of both workers seemed to blend quite well, with both of them using strong, focused psychology in their chain-wrestling and mat holds. At 7:46, the Road Dogg ran in and attacked Bret Hart just as he appeared to be locking Jarrett in the Sharpshooter. Bret wins via disqualification.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#18: [i]Jeff Jarrett & Road Dogg beatdown Bret Hart[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Even though the bell has rung, Jeff Jarrett & Road Dogg still attack Bret Hart, leaving him lying the middle of the ring. Eventually, Hitman gets to his feet and stalks up the aisleway.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#19: [u]WWF Tag Team Championship: Rocket & Bulldog (c) vs. The Headbangers[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith easily out-wrestled Mosh & Thrasher, cutting the ring in-half throughout the match and working both Headbangers over throughout. Mosh was pinned by Davey Boy Smith in 8:49 after hitting his Running Powerslam, making sure to hook the tights when the referee wasn't looking. [b]*[/b] [i]Owen Hart looked excellent out there. The perfomance of Davey Boy Smith stood out as being good.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#20: [i]Jarrett & Dogg challenge Bret Hart[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Jeff Jarrett & Road Dogg challenge Bret Hart to find a tag team partner to have a match with them on [i]Sunday Night Heat[/i].[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#21: [u]Shawn Michaels vs. Crush[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]An "underdog" story with the smaller Shawn Michaels bumping and selling for the power offense of the big man Crush, with hope spots scattered for the Heartbreak Kid throughout. Shawn managed to sneak in a Sweet Chin Music at the 6:58 mark and pin Crush cleanly. [b]*[/b] [i]Shawn Michaels looked good out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#22: [i]Sid Vicious attacks Shawn Michaels[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]While celebrating his hard-fought victory over Crush, Shawn Michaels is ambushed by Sid and viciously powerbombed into the mat. Eventually, Shawn manages to pull himself up with the guardrail and slowly stagger backstage.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#23: [u]Legion Of Doom vs. Harris Twins[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Hawk & Animal dominated Ron & Don throughout with their power moves, Animal pinning Ron in 2:45 with a Super Powerslam. [b]*[/b] [i]The performance of Road Warrior Hawk stood out as being good. Road Warrior Animal looked good out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#24: [i]Steve Austin taunts Bret Hart[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Steve Austin taunts Bret Hart, claiming that the result of their last match was nothing more than a fluke and that Bret wouldn't be so lucky next time.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#25: [i]Sid accepts Shawn's challenge[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Just before his defense against Ahmed Johnson, Sid uses his pre-match interview to respond to Michaels and agree to a Title match with him: at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] later this month.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#26: [u]WWF Championship: Sid Vicious (c) vs. Ahmed Johnson[/u] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]An average power match between the two was marred by the lack of selling from both parties and Sid rapidly wearing out his energy. After hitting Ahmed with the Championship belt, Sid pinned him at 8:34. [b]*[/b] [i]Sid Vicious was visibly tiring toward the end. This match suffered because of the lack of selling on display.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#27: [i]Shawn Michaels saves Ahmed Johnson from the Nation of Domination[/i] [/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]After losing the WWF Championship match against Sid, Ahmed attempts to shrug off the effects of the belt-shot, only to be jumped by Ron Simmons, D'Lo Brown, Savio Vega & Mark Henry in the aisle. Before too much damage can be done, Shawn Michaels runs out with a steel chair and chases the NoD off, before helping Ahmed backstage.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][b]Overall Rating: (C-) TV Rating: 30.84[/b][/SIZE] I'm reasonably satisfied with my first show: I had almost everybody on the roster on it in some way, with very few truly bad segments dragging it down and the Federation seemingly having its strengths recognised thus-far.

Zakarl · November 27, 2008

[SIZE="6"][b]WWF [i]Sunday Night Heat[/i]: Friday, Week 1, January '97[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]Civic Centre Arena: Ontario, Canada [b](ATTENDANCE: 10,000)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [i]Bret hypes match with Jarrett/Dogg[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]In the ring, Bret Hart cuts a promo against his upcoming tag match opponents Jeff Jarrett and Road Dogg, whilst remaining secretive on who his partner will be.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [u]TAKA Michinoku vs. Super Crazy[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A lightly-technical junior heavyweight match again seemed to not find an audience amongst the WWF crowds. Crazy pinned TAKA in 2:52 with the Crazy Bomb.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [i]The Rock hypes match with Bob Holly[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Rocky talks about his upcoming match against Bob Holly and promises a victory for "The People".[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [u]The Rock vs. Bob Holly[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below-par brawl, with The Rock selling Holly's offense a little more than most would. Eventually, he managed to rally and hit Holly with the Rock Bottom, pinning him at 3:03.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [u]The New Blackjacks vs. Harris Twins[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A decidedly below-average tag contest between two teams that are somewhat less-than-Championship material. Cheating throughout, Ron pinned Windham at the 3:40 mark while using the ropes for leverage.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [i]2 Cold Scorpio hype video[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays, showing a hype vignette of 2 Cold Scorpio.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (F+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [u]Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Al Snow[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Focused and determind, Helmsley brutalised Snow throughout and seemed to use this match as a showcase of what he would do to Goldust at a later date. Al was beaten so badly that he was Counted Out at 2:39.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [i]Hunter challenges Goldust[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]After the match, HHH grabs a microphone and challenges Goldust for the IC Title, citing his ex-champion's rematch clause.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [i]Bearer hypes Mankind[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Bearer escorts Mankind to the ramp, hyping him up as a dangerous, wild madman.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [i]Simmons challenges Ahmed to face Savio & D'Lo[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Ron Simmons challenges Ahmed Johnson to pick a partner and face Savio Vega & D'Lo Brown of the Nation of Domination, on [i]RAW[/i] next week.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [u]Brian Lee vs. Shawn Michaels[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A standard power-meets-speed match, with HBK suitably bumping and selling for Lee's power offense, eventually managing to exploit a mistake and hit an offense culminating at the 3:38 mark with a Flying Elbow Drop and pin. [b]*[/b] [i]The great performance of Shawn Michaels really stood out.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [i]Ahmed saves Shawn from Simmons & Henry[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Seeking "retribution" from [i]RAW[/i], Ron Simmons directs Mark Henry into attacking Shawn Michaels. Before too much damage can be done, Ahmed Johnson runs in and makes the save.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [u]WWF Tag Team Championship: Rocket & Bulldog (c) vs. The Smoking Gunns[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below par Title defense, despite the best efforts of the champions. Somewhat unusual in that the heels spent most of the time on the defensive, selling for the faces before using underhanded tactics to get an advantage. After sneakily hitting a low blow, Owen locked Bart in the Sharpshooter and won in 5:50 by submission. [b]*[/b] [i]Owen Hart looked excellent out there. The performance of Davey Boy Smith stood out as being good.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [i]Austin boasts to Hitman[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Austin again taunts Hitman and claims that he's the better wrestler, pointing out that he lost to nothing more than a cheap roll-up.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#15: [i]Bret reveals his mystery partner[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Bret Hart walks out to the ramp and after brief deliberation, reveals his mystery partner: his old tag team partner, Jim Neidhart! The classic Hart Foundation theme music plays as the two old partners make their way to the ring.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#16: [u]Hart Foundation vs. Double J & Roadie[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Another squarely-average tag match, was mostly used as a showcase for the returning Jim Neidhart, who pinned Jeff Jarrett in 8:25 after he & Bret hit their classic "Hart Attack" double-team finisher. [b]*[/b] [i]Bret Hart looked excellent out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#17: [i]Bret & Neidhart celebrate with crowd[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]After winning their match, the Hart Foundation go out into the stands and celebrate with the crowd.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][b]Overall Rating: (C-) TV Rating: 16.36[/b][/SIZE]

dtrot021 · November 27, 2008

Hmm...Paul Bearer starting "Deadly Services" or something? lol.

Zakarl · December 3, 2008

I don't quite "get" that reference, but the Paul Bearer sequences have mostly been to establish him as the manager of Vader and to get Mankind on a show. Apparently my present fanbase isn't the biggest fan of straight wrestling. Then again, considering that for the most part all of my even above-average performers are at the top of the card, I can't really blame them... [SIZE="6"][b]WWF [i]RAW is WAR[/i]: Monday, Week 2, January '97[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]UNI-Dome: Mid West, USA [b](ATTENDANCE: 8,500)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [i]Sid taunts HBK[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Sid Vicious swaggers out to the entrance ramp, WWF Championship belt slung over his shoulder, boasting that he's going to crush HBK in their upcoming match just as easily as he did last time.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [U]Sniper vs. Al Snow[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below-average opening contest had Al Snow mostly attempt to utilise his technical talents against the decidedly-less skilled Sniper. Snow won via pinfall in 2:46 after hitting a Moonsault.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [U]Rikishi Fatu & The Godfather vs. Furnas & LaFon[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Another match of sub-par quality, with Furnas & LaFon attempting to utilise all of the underhanded cheating methods possible to pull out a win, which they eventually did at the 4:36 mark, hooking the tights to get a dirty pinfall.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [i]Sunny announces new client[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Sunny struts out to the ring and announces that she has just signed a new client, who she will be introducing to the WWF on [i]Heat[/i] later this week.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [U]Shark Boy vs. Brooklyn Brawler[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Making his debut in the WWF, the eccentric Shark Boy showcased what he could, pinning the Brooklyn Brawler in 3:51 with the Sharkcanrana.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [I]Rocky taunts Crush[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, The Rock taunts his opponent for the upcoming match, Crush. He boasts that the "[i]Hawaiian face-painted Demolition reject[/i]" will be staggering and stumbling about within minutes of facing off against him.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [u]The Rock vs. Crush[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Despite his best efforts, young Rocky was dominated by the overpowering Crush throughout, though he did manage to muster some decent offense at times. However, he eventually succumbed to the Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker and pin at 5:52.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [I]Goldust accepts HHH's challenge[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Goldust acknowledges Helmsley's rematch clause and tells him that he will get his shot at the Intercontinental Championship on [i]Heat[/i] this weekend.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [U]Mr. Aguila vs. 2 Cold Scorpio[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Once again, the high-flying junior heavyweight style of matches don't seem to get over with the WWF fans. This time, however, an excuse could be made that the two workers did not seem to have much chemistry. The below-average match ended via pin after Scorpio hit his Scorpio Splash at the 3:31 mark. [b]*[/b] [i]Mr. Aguila and 2 Cold Scorpio don't seem to click, and it made for an awkward bout.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [I]Pettengail interviews The Smoking Gunns: hype Harris Twins match[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Just before the head out to the ring for their match, Todd Pettengail manages to catch a quick word with The Smoking Gunns. Both of them vow that they'll win the match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [U]The Smoking Gunns vs. The Harris Twins[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Two of the teams at the forefront of the growing tag division managed to put on a match that is hopefully not indicative of its future: a by-the-book tag match of less-than-decent quality ended in 7:42 after Billy pinned Don following the Sidewinder.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [I]Sgt. Slaughter books IC #1 Contender 3-way[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Jeff Jarrett, Marc Mero and Steve Blackman burst into Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter's office, each of them claiming that they deserve to be the #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Exasperated, Slaughter books them into a Triple Threat, with the winner getting a shot at the IC Title at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i].[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [u]Bob Holly vs. Jake Roberts[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Veteran Jake Roberts kicked off his "comeback" run in a below-average match, pinning Bob Holly in 5:35 after hitting a Swinging Kneelift.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [I]Ahmed reveals HBK as partner[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Ahmed Johnson reveals that his mystery partner for the upcoming tag match against the NoD is none other than Shawn Michaels! The Heartbreak Kid walks into frame and shakes Ahmed's hand.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#15: [I]Pillman comeback video[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, showing Brian Pillman recovering and rehabilitating from his injury. Pillman says he will be back in action as one of the 30 competitors in the Royal Rumble.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#16: [U]Mark Henry vs. Barry Horowitz[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Mark Henry dominated Horowitz, pinning him in 3:25 with the Body Splash.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (F+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#17: [I]Video ofHHH taunting Goldust[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video is played over the TitanTron, wherein Hunter Hearst Helmsley ****ily taunts Goldust, vowing to win back the IC Title and restore it to its former dignity.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#18: [u]#1 Contender for the Intercontinental Championship: Jeff Jarrett vs. Marc Mero vs. Steve Blackman[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A back-and-forth triple threat, with cowardly Jeff Jarrett attempting to do his best to avoid the other two wrestlers and trying to instigate fights between them. Eventually, he stole a pinfall in 11:37 when the Road Dogg attacked Steve Blackman with a guitar. [b]*[/b] [i]Jeff Jarrett looked good out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#19: [i]Austin argues with Slaughter[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Austin barges into Sgt. Slaughter's office, demanding to know why he was overlooked as a contender for the IC Title. Slaughter quickly protests, claiming that he has instead entered Austin into the Royal Rumble. Austin stares down Slaughter before leaving his office.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#20: [U]Vader & Mankind vs. Headbangers[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Vader dominated throughout the match, easily shrugging off and beating down Mosh & Thrasher, eventually pinning the former with the Vaderbomb at the 5:08 mark. [b]*[/b] [i]The performance of Vader stood out as being good. Mankind looked excellent out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#21: [I]King's Court: Legion Of Doom[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]On the new set of the King's Court, Jerry Lawler can barely get a word out before the Road Warriors use this platform to challenge the WWF Tag Team Champions-Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith-to a Title match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#22: [i]Undertaker [/i]Royal Rumble[i] hype[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A short clip plays over the TitanTron, hyping the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] and The Undertaker's appearance in the 30-man match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#23: [i]Bret [/i]Heat[i] appearance[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A graphic is displayed on the TitanTron, announcing that Bret Hart will be appearing on [i]Sunday Night Heat[/i] this weekend.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#24: [U]Ahmed Johnson & Shawn Michaels vs. Savio Vega & D'Lo Brown[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Another sub-par match, this mostly had Ahmed dominating the Nation members with his power moves in brief spots, with the rest spent on the Nation attempting to isolate and double-team HBK. Eventually, Ahmed was thrown out of the ring and attacked by Ron Simmons, causing him to be counted out in 9:01. [b]*[/b] [i]Shawn Michaels looked excellent out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#25: [I]Sid attacks HBK & Ahmed[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Following their upset loss, HBK & Ahmed fume in the ring: until Sid Vicious surprisingly appears, beating down the tired HBK & Ahmed, posing over Shawn's body.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][b]Overall Rating: (D) TV Rating: 25.43[/b][/SIZE]

Zakarl · December 3, 2008

Today you get a rare double-update from me, on the grounds that I'm in the midst of some negotiations and really wanna see them through. Expect several newly-hired workers to debut at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] PPV in some capacity, whether it be in that match or just at the event in general. [SIZE="6"][b]WWF [i]Sunday Night Heat[/i]: Friday, Week 2, January '97[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]Prince George Multiplex: British Colombia, Canada [b](ATTENDANCE: 5,000)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [i]Bret Hart makes open challenge[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Bret Hart walks out to the ring and says that later tonight, he'll take on anybody who accepts his open challenge.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [U]Shawn Michaels vs. D'Lo Brown[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]An above-par contest between established superstar Shawn Michaels and rising youngster D'Lo Brown, with D'Lo more than managing to hold his own and look good against the Heartbreak Kid. However, Shawn pinned him in 5:50 after connecting with Sweet Chin Music. [b]*[/b] [i]Shawn Michaels looked good out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [I]Ahmed rescues HBK from NoD[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]While celebrating his victory over D'Lo, Michaels is ambushed by Ron Simmons & D'Lo Brown. Fortunately, Ahmed Johnson runs in and chases them off before they can do too much damage.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [I]Sunny introduces Candido[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Sunny saunters out to the ring and after some brief deliberation, introduces her newly-signed client: Chris Candido! He swaggers out to the ring, posing ****ily and warming up for his upcoming match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [U]Chris Candido vs. Al Snow[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A showcase for the debuting Candido, he displayed a mix of ****y overconfidence and sheer cowardice, depending on if the match was in his favour or not. After a distraction from Sunny, Chris Candido managed to hook the tights of Snow and get a dirty pin on him at the 4:27 mark.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [I]Simmons challenges Ahmed to face Henry[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Ron Simmons challenges Ahmed Johnson to face Mark Henry in a match at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] with a spot in the Rumble itself on the line.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [U]Brian Lee vs. The Rock[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Another case of The Rock being overmatched in power and size, however he managed to use his speed and athleticism to his advantage, pinning him with the Rock Bottom in 2:45.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [I]Mankind accepts Bret's challenge[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]On the TitanTron, footage from a dingy, dark area backstage shows the deranged Mankind accepting Bret's open challenge and confirming that he'll face him in a match tonight.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [U]WWF Tag Team Championship: Rocket & Bulldog (c) vs. The Godwinns[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below-par defense for the Tag champions, the Godwinns simply could not keep up with the speed and techique of Owen & Davey Boy. After hitting a Running Powerslam at 3:57, Davey Boy pinned Henry O. Godwinn with his feet on the ropes. [b]*[/b] [i]Owen Hart looked excellent out there. The great performance of Davey Boy Smith really stood out.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [I]Legion Of Doom save The Godwinns from Rocket & Bulldog[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]After winning the match and retaining their Titles, Owen & Davey Boy add insult to injury by beating down on the losing Godwinns. However, the Road Warriors run in to make the save, chasing the Champions off.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [U]WWF Intercontinental Championship: Goldust (c) vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley [NO DQ][/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A second bland match between the two was mildly spiced up with the addition of holding it under No Disqualification rules. It was still a fairly standard brawl that ended at the 5:40 mark when Goldust pinned HHH after driving a steel chair into his groin with a Golden Globes running knee strike. [b]*[/b] [i]Goldust and Hunter Hearst Helmsley just don't click at all, and it showed in their performances.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [i]Jarrett attacks Goldust[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]While Goldust celebrates his successful Title defense, Jeff Jarrett ambushes him from behind, breaking a guitar over his head.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [I]Austin insults Bret/Undertaker/Pillman[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Austin walks out to the ramp with a mic and blasts his opponents in the Royal Rumble match, declaring that Bret Hart, The Undertaker & Brian Pillman "[i]ain't nothin' but 3 of 29 other pieces of trash that I'm gonna throw out of the ring on my way to a [/i]WrestleMania[i] WWF Championship match! And that's the bottom line![/i]"[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [I]Bearer makes open challenge for Vader[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, with Paul Bearer issuing an open challenge for any WWF Superstar to face Vader in a match this Monday on [i]RAW is WAR[/i].[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B-)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#15: [b]Bret Hart vs. Mankind[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]An excellent match between two workers who have completely different styles: Bret Hart a refined, technical mat wrestler and Mankind a rough, hardcore brawler managed to gel and provide an excellent main-event full of psychology. Eventually, Bret Hart managed to shift an Electric Chair into a Victory Roll for a pinfall victory in 7:51.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][b]Overall Rating: (C+) TV Rating: 18.82[/b][/SIZE] On another note pertaining to employment shuffling, both Sniper & Bull Buchanan have been given the sack. Do you really blame me?

Zakarl · December 9, 2008

I appreciate the views, people, but a few Posts detailing your thoughts, predictions and suggestions wouldn't go astray! [SIZE="6"][b]WWF [i]RAW is WAR[/i]: Monday, Week 3, January '97[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]Dale F Halton Arena: Mid Atlantic, USA [b](ATTENDANCE: 8,614)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [I]Austin issues open challenge[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Steve Austin swaggers out to the ring, microphone in hand, challenging any "[i]piece of crap in the back[/i]" to meet him in the ring tonight for a match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (A)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [U]Miguel Perez Jr. vs. The Rock[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A sub-par brawl that was given boosts by the charisma of The Rock and the chemistry between the two. Rocky pinned Miguel in 4:07 with the Rock Bottom. [b]*[/b] [i]Miguel Perez Jr. and The Rock have great chemistry, and it showed in their performances.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [I]Sunny & Candido taunt The Godfather[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Before his match, Chris Candido and his manager Sunny both taunt his opponent, The Godfather.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [U]Chris Candido vs. The Godfather[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below-average contest that couldn't quite find its niche between technical contest or shoot-like brawl. Once again, Candido played coward, but managed to sneak in a roll-up on The Godfather at the 6:27 mark following a distraction from Sunny. [b]*[/b] [i]Chris Candido and The Godfather have pretty good chemistry, and it lifted the match.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [u]Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Rikishi Fatu[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Another sub-par brawl, somewhat boosted by the comedy shenanigans of Rikishi being a perfect foil to HHH's snobby personality. HHH pinned Fatu in 4:51 after hitting him with brass knuckles.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [i]Roberts answers Austin's challenge[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Jake Roberts answers Steve Austin's challenge and says he'll wrestle him later tonight.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [I]Jarrett taunts Goldust & Marlena[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Just before his match with Marc Mero, Jarrett taunts his [i]Royal Rumble[/i] opponent Goldust and his manager Marlena, saying he'll beat up both of them if that's what it takes to win the IC Title.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [U]Marc Mero vs. Jeff Jarrett[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Despite Jeff Jarrett not wrestling to quite his usual standard, this was a perfectly decent match with Jarrett working and Mero selling a knee throughout. Jarrett also harassed Sable whenever the opportunity presented itself. Eventually, Mero submitted to the Figure-4 Leglock at 5:48 just after Jarrett hit Marc's knee with his guitar. [b]*[/b] [i]Sable did some good work at ringside. Jeff Jarrett seemed off his game tonight.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [I]Goldust saves Mero from Jarrett[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Even though Jarrett has won the match, he refuses to release Mero from the Figure-4, until Goldust runs out and chases Jarrett off.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [I]Brother Love Show hype[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A graphic is displayed over the TitanTron, hyping tonight's guest for The Brother Love Show: Number #1 Contender for the WWF Championship, Shawn Michaels![/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [I]Al Snow answers Vader's challenge[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Al Snow, seemingly out of his mind, says he'll face Vader tonight in a match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [U]Vader vs. Al Snow[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Despite Snow's best efforts, he was dominated throughout by the Mastadon and was essentially fodder for Vader's extended offense, succumbing to a Vadersault in 2:47 after being beaten down for almost the entire match. [b]*[/b] [i]Vader looked good out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [i]Yokozuna saves Snow from Vader[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Continuing his assault even after the bell has rung, Vader hoists up Al Snow and Vaderbombs him to the outside of the arena and through the Spanish announce table. Yokozuna runs out armed with a chair and Vader slowly stalks off, up the aisle. Yokozuna rushes to the fallen Snow and helps him up.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [U]Legion Of Doom vs. Furnas & LaFon[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Furnas & LaFon played cowards to the dominating Road Warriors, both of whom threw their opponents around like ragdolls. However, Davey Boy Smith ran in behind the referee's back and dragged Hawk out of the ring, hitting him with a Tag Title belt and allowing LaFon to get a count-out victory at 4:34. [b]*[/b] [i]Road Warrior Hawk looked excellent out there. The great performance of Road Warrior Animal really stood out.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#15: [I]Rocket & Bulldog beat down Hawk & Animal[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]As Hawk & Animal process their loss, Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith return, attacking the LoD with chairs and beating them senseless, leaving them lying on the mat.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#16: [i]Ahmed accepts the Nation of Domination's challenge[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Prior to his upcoming match against the Road Dogg, Ahmed Johnson addresses Simmon's challenge and declares that he will face Mark Henry at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] for a spot in the 30-man Battle Royal.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#17: [U]Ahmed Johnson vs. Road Dogg[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Ahmed Johnson dominated throughout, completely controlling Road Dogg with his fast power-based offense and pinned him in 2:32 with a Spinebuster.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#18: [I]Henry attacks Johnson[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]As Ahmed Johnson celebrates his victory, Mark Henry stalks to the ring and plants him into the mat with a World's Strongest Slam and a Body Splash, before locking in a Bear Hug and making Ahmed pass out.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#19: [i]Sgt. Slaughter books Rocket & Bulldog against Legion Of Doom[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Sgt. Slaughter has called Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith to his office: once they arrive, he tells them that because of their attack on the Road Warriors, they will now have to defend their Tag Titles against them at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] this Sunday.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#20: [U]Jake Roberts vs. Steve Austin[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A great brawl between veteran Jake Roberts and red-hot rising star Steve Austin was boosted by the intelligent technical psychology utilised by both men. An even contest was brought to an end at the 8:01 mark after Austin countered out of a full nelson with his Stone Cold Stunner and pinned The Snake with his feet on the ropes.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#21: [i]Pillman hypes the [/i]Royal Rumble[/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A commercial plays over the TitanTron, with Brian Pillman hyping the upcoming [i]Royal Rumble[/i] PPV, including his return to action during the battle royal.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#22: [i]Ron Simmons & Savio Vega vow victory over The Hart Foundation[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Simmons grabs a microphone and taunts both Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart, vowing an "[i]easy victory over those honky has-beens.[/i]". Vega punctuates his statements with gestures and glares.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#23: [u]Nation of Domination vs. The Hart Foundation[/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]An average tag match, with Bret Hart selling the majority of the offense of the NoD while still showing off his amazing technical skills. Eventually, he managed to hot tag to Jim Neidhart, who cleaned house and pinned Vega with an Anvil Flatnner in 10:39. [b]*[/b] [i]Bret Hart looked excellent out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#24: [i]Pettengail interviews Bearer & Mankind[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]In a mysterious, dark arena somewhere backstage, Todd Pettengail interviews Paul Bearer, who hypes up Mankind and says that "[i]his client[/i]" will win the Royal Rumble match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#25: [i]Sgt. Slaughter books Vader against Yokozuna[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Vader bursts into Sgt. Slaughter's office, furious at being left out of the Royal Rumble match and Yokozuna's interference earlier. Vader demands a WWF Championship match on [i]RAW[/i] next week and threatens the Commissioner. Slaughter relents and gives Vader the match...IF he can beat Yokozuna at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] this Sunday![/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#26: [u]The Undertaker vs. Crush [HARDCORE][/u][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]An above-the-bar hardcore brawl, with the Deadman looking absolutely unstoppable as almost nothing Crush did could slow him down. Bloodied and beaten, Crush was pinned at 6:32 following a Tombstone Piledriver into a chair. [b]*[/b] [i]This match suffered because not enough selling was shown.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#27: [I]The Brother Love Show: Shawn Michaels[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The pink lights hit, the music starts and Bro-ther LOVE hits the ring, interviewing WWF Championship #1 Contender Shawn Michaels. Subtly taunting him throughout, Michaels' temper rises until he almost attacks the smarmy preacher: until Sid Vicious storms the show and attacks him from behind, culminating with a Powerbomb into the ring steps. Vicious stands tall over HBK, posing with the WWF Title belt.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][b]Overall Rating: (C+) TV Rating: 30.29[/b][/SIZE] Along with this, you also get the [i]Royal Rumble[/i] PPV card rundown/preview. [SIZE="4"]Royal Rumble Match:[/SIZE] Bret Hart Brian Pillman Steve Austin The Undertaker Mankind Hunter Hearst Helmsley Ron Simmons Crush Savio Vega Brian Lee The Rock Marc Mero Steve Blackman Al Snow Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw Jake Roberts Jim Neidhart Bob Holly D'Lo Brown The Godfather Ahmed Johnson/Mark Henry ...along with a few unlisted or surprise entrants. ;) [SIZE="4"]WWF Championship Match:[/SIZE] Sid Vicious (c) vs. Shawn Michaels [SIZE="4"]WWF Tag Team Championship Match:[/SIZE] Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith (c) vs. Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal [SIZE="4"]WWF Championship #1 Contender's Match:[/SIZE] Vader vs. Yokozuna [SIZE="4"]WWF Intercontinental Championship Match:[/SIZE] Goldust (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett [SIZE="4"]Royal Rumble Qualifying Match[/SIZE] Ahmed Johnson vs. Mark Henry You are strongly encourged to make predictions on match results!

dtrot021 · December 10, 2008

Royal Rumble: [B]Bret Hart[/B] [B]Sid[/B] vs. HBK [B]Hart Foundation[/B] vs. Legion of Doom [B]Vader[/B] vs. Yokozuna [B]Goldust*[/B] vs. Jeff Jarrett [B]Ahmed Johnson[/B] vs. Mark Henry *=DQ

Zakarl · December 13, 2008

Those are most definitely some very interesting predictions...I'd like to hear your rationale for a few of those, since the Road To [i]WrestleMania[/i] gets kicked off at this PPV. [SIZE="6"][b]WWF [i]Sunday Night Heat[/i]: Friday, Week 3, January '97[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]Puerto Rico (Small): Puerto Rico, USA [b](ATTENDANCE: 5,000)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [I]Paul Bearer challenges Undertaker to face Vader/Mankind[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Paul Bearer swaggers out to the entrance ramp, flanked by Vader & Mankind. He challenges The Undertaker to choose a partner and face them tonight.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [U]The Rock/Al Snow/Steve Blackman vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley/Crush/Bob Holly[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A below-average 6-Man Tag match between some wildly divergent performers, most of whom who have had some issue or another in recent weeks. Crush did most of the "heavy lifting" for his team while HHH played cowardly heel. Steve Blackman was the face-in-peril, who eventually made a hot tag to Al Snow, who managed to get a lucky roll-up on Crush in 8:53. [b]*[/b] [i]The performance of The Rock stood out as being good.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [I]Jarrett & Road Dogg taunt Goldust & Marlena[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Jeff Jarrett promises to win the Intercontinental Championship later tonight, threatening that Road Dogg will "equalise" any attempts Marlena makes to interfere.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [U]The New Blackjacks vs. The Headbangers[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The winning team will be entered into the Royal Rumble match. Bradshaw was rather dominant, for the most part swatting away any sustained offense from Mosh & Thrasher, the latter of which was pinned at the 4:49 mark following a Powerbomb.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [I]Rocket & Bulldog boast over Legion Of Doom[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith swagger out to the ring, Title belts slung over their shoulders. They boast that they'll easily defeat those "[i]washed-up losers, the O-L-D[/i]" and make sure that they'll never touch Tag Team gold again.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [I]Undertaker & Yokozuna agree to face Vader/Mankind[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, The Undertaker accepts the challenge laid out by Bearer, Vader & Mankind before introducing his partner: Yokozuna! The two touch fists and glare at the camera.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [U]Marc Mero vs. Steve Austin[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Austin brutalised Mero for the majority of the match, slugging him with rights-and-lefts along with slamming him into the guardrails, ringposts, steel steps and concrete outside, yet it was mostly a below-average brawl. Austin managed to sneakily unfasten a turnbuckle cover and slam Mero's chest into it, pinning him at 3:47. [b]*[/b] [i]Sable did some good work at ringside. Steve Austin came out of the match looking good.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D+)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [I]Don Callis hypes mystery clients[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, with Don Callis announcing that he has just signed a new tag team and says that they'll make their debut at the [i]Royal Rumble[/i], issuing an open challenge to any tag team to face them there.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (E-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [I]Pettengail interviews Nation Of Domination about The Hart Foundation[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Todd Pettengail catches the Nation Of Domination-Ron Simmons, Savio Vega & D'Lo Brown-before their match with The Hart Foundation. Simmons vows that this time, the outcome of the match will be different.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [U]The Hart Foundation vs. Nation Of Domination[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Despite Simmons appearing to be a half-step "off" tonight, a slightly-above average Handicap Tag match resulted, with Bret Hart looking excellent as usual. Oddly, The Hart Foundation seemed to have an advantage for the majority of the contest, isolating D'Lo Brown and working him over quite effectively. In desperation, Mark Henry ran in and hit Jim Neidhart with The World's Strongest Slam, giving the Harts the disqualification win at 5:32. [b]*[/b] [i]Ron Simmons seemed off his game tonight. Bret Hart shone in this match.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [I]Ahmed Johnson saves Hart Foundation from NoD[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Following their disqualification for Mark Henry's interference, Ron Simmons sneaks off while the rest of the Nation of Domination beat down on Bret & Jim. Ahmed Johnson quickly runs in with a chair and cleans house, clocking his [i]Royal Rumble[/i] opponent Mark Henry and chasing off Vega & Brown.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (D)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [I]Sid/HBK WWF Championship match hype video[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, hyping the upcoming WWF Title match between defending Champion Sid Vicious and challenger Shawn Michaels.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [U]Vader/Mankind vs. Undertaker & Yokozuna[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A good brawl, with most of the participants having worked with everyone else before and knowing exactly how to get the best out of each other. Despite Yokozuna seemingly blowing up quite early, he held his own and didn't drag the match down, rolling away from a Vadersault and pinning Vader at the 7:22 with a Banzai Drop. [b]*[/b] [i]Yokozuna was visibly tiring toward the end. The Undertaker looked excellent out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (B-)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [I]Announcers hype the [/I]Royal Rumble[/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Just before [i]Heat[/i] goes off the air, the announce table hypes up the Royal Rumble match, specifically the "favourites" to win: Bret Hart, Steve Austin, The Undertaker & Mankind. Michael Cole likes Bret Hart's chances, while Jerry Lawler picks Steve Austin as his choice and Howard Finkel believes that it's The Undertaker's time.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][b]Rating: (C)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][b]Overall Rating: (C+) TV Rating: 17.90[/b][/SIZE] It's not too late for anyone else who's viewing to throw their hat in and cast some "bets" as-it-were! We could even make a game of it...

Zakarl · December 15, 2008

Well here it is, my first PPV and what a one to start off with: the 30-man [i]Royal Rumble[/i] essentially cripples your undercard and forces you to throw a lot of your main-eventers into a battle royal unless you want to make it look completely uncredible. [SIZE="6"][B]WWF [i]Royal Rumble[/i]: Sunday, Week 3, January '97[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]Minute Maid Park: Mid South, USA[b](ATTENDANCE: 26, 964)[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#1: [i]Royal Rumble match hype video[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, hyping the upcoming Royal Rumble match and some of its entrants, such as Bret Hart, Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Mankind, Brian Pillman, Ron Simmons, Jake Roberts & Hunter Hearst Helmsley.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B-)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#2: [U]Ahmed Johnson vs. Mark Henry[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A spot in the Royal Rumble is on the line. Mark Henry's low stamina and the mutual lack of selling from both parties really crippled the match, which was otherwise a sub-par brawl. Ahmed pinned Henry in 7:31 after hitting the Pearl River Plunge. [b]*[/b] [i]Mark Henry was visibly tiring toward the end. The match suffered because there was not enough selling shown. Ahmed Johnson looked good out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (E+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#3: [I]Ahmed vows to eliminate Simmons[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]After his match, Ahmed Johnson grabs a mic and says that he'll personally eliminate Ron Simmons from the Royal Rumble.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C-)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#4: [I]Simmons draws Royal Rumble number[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Ron Simmons draws his entry number for the Royal Rumble. Todd Pettengail attempts to get him to reveal what it is, but Simmons refuses and manages to keep his opinion of it neutral.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C-)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#5: [U]Shark Boy & Kai En Tai vs. Mr. Aguila & No Respect [6-MAN LUCHA LIBRÉ][/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A traditional lucha libré match was not well-received by the Texas crowd, despite the talents involved and it being well-paced with satisfactory technical wrestling and high-flying acrobatics, along with the comedy antics of Shark Boy. Shark Boy & Kai En Tai won the match at the 8:51 mark in two straight falls, with Shoichi Funaki pinning Mr. Aguila in the last fall.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (E-)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#6: [I]Pettengail interviews Kid Kash[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Pettengail interviews debutant signing Kid Kash while he walks toward the ring for his match. Kash quickly establishes himself as a ****y, overconfident braggart.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (E+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#7: [U]Kid Kash vs. Super Crazy[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A somewhat-inauspicious debut for Kid Kash, as he & Super Crazy seemed to be slightly off-target in their communication. Despite this, Kash managed to get himself over as a heel by ****ily taunting Crazy and posing arrogantly after any particularly impressive move he hit. After Crazy managed to get a brief rally going, he signalled for the Crazy Bomb, only for Kash to roll him up, hook his tights and pin him in 8:22. [b]*[/b] [i]Kid Kash and Super Crazy don't seem to click, and it made for an awkward bout.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (E+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#8: [I]Pettengail interviews Sunny: hypes Candido[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Todd Pettengail interviews Sunny, who hypes up her client Chris Candido. Both Sunny & Candido go on to boast about Candido's skills and talents.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (E)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#9: [I]Marlena & Goldust hype IC title match[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Marlena & Goldust cut a brief promo where they promise that Goldust will successfully retain his Title against Jeff Jarrett, despite whatever dirty tricks Jarrett may attempt.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (D+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#10: [U]WWF Intercontinental Championship: Goldust (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A solid effort from both parties despite them seemingly not gelling quite right, this was mostly a straight-up brawl with Goldust being surprisingly restrained in his usual comedy antics. Jarrett spent most of the match working the leg and cheating wherever possible, using ropes for leverage and breaking dirty as late as he could get away with. Goldust managed to break out of the Figure-4 Leglock and hit a Curtain Call, but Road Dogg ran out and grabbed Marlena before Goldust could cover Jarrett. Goldust rolled out of the ring and attacked Road Dogg, freeing Marlena. As the referee ran out to admonish Road Dogg, Goldust got back into the ring only to walk right into a guitar shot from Jarrett. However, Goldust still managed to kick out, so Jarrett locked in the Figure-4 for a second time. Goldust refused to submit, until Jarrett ordered Road Dogg to attack Marlena. Goldust immediately submitted, the bell ringing in 12:45. Jeff Jarrett wins the Intercontinental Championship. [b]*[/b] [i]Goldust and Jeff Jarrett don't seem to click, and it made for an awkward bout.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#11: [I]Jarrett & Road Dogg celebrate[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Jarrett & Road Dogg celebrate Jeff's Title win, with Jarrett holding the Belt high above him and Dogg hyping him up on the mic with various one-liners.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#12: [I]Vader taunts Yokozuna[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, a snarling, panting Vader vows to easily crush Yokozuna in their upcoming match. [b]*[/b] [i]Paul Bearer helped Vader during this segment.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#13: [U]Vader vs. Yokozuna[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The winner of this match will have a WWF Championship match at a time of their choice. Both men threw their weight around and brawled to the best of their ability, whilst both attempting to show that neither could hurt the other. After brawling on the outside of the ring, Yokozuna managed to Banzai Drop Vader through the Spanish announcer's table, but Vader managed to crawl back into the ring at a 9 count. Yokozuna went for a 2nd Banzai Drop, only for Vader to roll out of the ring and then back in, starting a vicious beatdown on Yoko that ended with Yokozuna getting pinned by the Vadersault at 8:41. [b]*[/b] [i]Yokozuna was really off his game tonight. Yokozuna was exhausted by the end. This match suffered because there was not enough selling shown.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C-)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#14: [I]Vader beats down Yokozuna[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]After their match, Vader continues to prove his dominance over Yokozuna by attacking him after the bell, culminating with a Vaderbomb onto the concrete floor.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#15: [I]Callis challenges the Godwinns[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Don Callis saunters out to the ring and claims the nobody accepted his open challenge to face his new signings in a tag team match tonight, so he challenges the Godwinns to face them on [i]RAW[/i] tomorrow night. The Godwinns walk out to the ramp and accept.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (E+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#16: [I]Pettengail interviews Legion Of Doom: hype Tag title match[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]"[i]Oh What A Rush![/i]" Pettengail interviews the Legion Of Doom just prior to their match. The Road Warriors vow to demolish the Champions and leave the Minute Maid Park as 2-time WWF Tag Team Champions.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (D)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#17: [U]WWF Tag Team Championship: Rocket & Bulldog (c) vs. Legion Of Doom[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Neither Owen or Davey seemed to eager to start the match, with both of them stalling as much as possible by arguing which of them should go in first. Eventually, Owen got in the ring: only to run and roll back out as soon as Hawk came near him. As Hawk chased him on the outside of the arena, Davey Boy jumped out and sucker-punched him. Animal ran over and the match quickly degenerated into an out-of-control Pier 4 brawl. The referee managed to finally get control of the match, which then had Hawk unleash on Owen and dominate him with power offense, Owen bumping in the ring like a pinball. Just as the Road Warriors set up for the Doomsday Device, Davey Boy ran in and pushed Animal off the top rope to the outside before attacking Hawk and returning to the apron. Owen took advantage of his and tagged Davey Boy in, who started wearing Hawk down with a series of submission holds and power moves. After a while, he tagged Owen back in and the two cut the ring in half, tagging in-and-out and double-teaming Hawk as often as possible. Eventually, Animal charged in and laid out both of the Champions before returning to the apron, Hawk managing to finally crawl over and tag Animal, who exploded on the Champions and dominated them both. Once again, Owen was hoisted up for the Doomsday Device: however, this time, Davey Boy Smith ran in and attacked Animal with the Tag title belt, giving the referee no choice but to disqualify the Champions at the 13:58 mark. [b]*[/b] [i]Owen Hart came out of the match looking good.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (D+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#18: [I]Raven self-promo[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A man jumps over the guardrail and steals a mic, running into the ring and cutting a promo introducing himself as Raven. He claims that he will take over this promotion and usher in a new era of darkness before disappearing out through the crowd again.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#19: [I]Sid/HBK recap[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]A video plays over the TitanTron, chronicling Sid Vicious and Shawn Michaels' recent feud over the WWF Championship.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#20: [I]Finkel interviews Michaels: hypes Sid match[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Howard Finkel interviews Shawn Michaels, who promises to reclaim the WWF Championship tonight.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#21: [U]WWF Championship: Sid Vicious (c) vs. Shawn Michaels[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Shawn Michaels was fired up and hot out of the gate, running up to the entrance and attacking Sid Vicious before the match was even officially underway, the two of them brawling through the aisle and into the ring. Just before the match officially gets underway, Sid manages to sneak in a hit with the WWF Championship on Michaels and quickly slides the belt to the outside of the ring. As the bell sounds, Sid immediately covers the prone Michaels, who just barely manages to kick out at 2-and-a-half. Sid immediately snaps and begins to stomp around the ring in frustration, only for HBK to sneak up behind him and roll him up. Sid just barely kicks out at two and then the match truly gets underway, with back-and-forth brawling showing Shawn's guts and complete desire to win. Sid starts slamming HBK with numerous power moves, but just can't keep him down for a 3. As Sid rolls to the outside and sets up a table, Shawn kips up and Asai Moonsaults him into the guardrail. Both men drag themselves back into the ring and as they prop themselves up against each other to stand, HBK suddenly hits a Superkick and covers. Sid just manages to get his leg on the rope before the 3, then he rolls out and Shawn follows, only to get caught with a Chokeslam. Sid quickly gets back into the ring and demands that Hebner count Shawn out. Michaels manages to crawl in just before the count finishes and Sid drags him up into the position for the Powerbomb, but HBK manages to roll him up into a jackknife for a nearfall. As Sid gets back to his feet, Shawn starts tuning up the band: but just before he hits Sweet Chin Music, Sid pulls referee Hebner in front of him to take the blow. HBK is stunned by what just happened, allowing Sid to hit him with the Powerbomb. He quickly motions to the back for another referee and covers as Mark Curtis runs in. Michaels just manages to kick out at one and an enraged Sid argues with the referee over the speed of his count, eventually Powerbombing him into the mat. HBK rolls over to the Championship belt, grabs it and clocks Sid in the head, before rolling him out of the ring. Other referees tend to Hebner and Curtis as Michaels props Sid up against the apron and charges at him, but Sid rolls away and Shawn hits his elbow on the ringpost. Sid grabs a chair and smashes it into HBK's elbow and Tim White comes down to berate Sid, only to get chokeslammed into the guardrail. Michaels attacks Sid with a low-blow and the chair, positioning him on the table and climbing to the top of the turnbuckle. Throwing caution to the wind, HBK jumps off and drops the elbow, putting both men through the table. Shawn rolls around holding his elbow, writhing in pain while Sid climbs to his feet and Powerbombs Michaels into the steel steps. Sid climbs into the ring and throws Mike Choida & Chad Patton out while Michaels crawls back into the ring. Sid hoists him up for a Powerbomb, only for HBK to slide out and hit Sid with Sweet Chin Music as soon as he turns around. Michaels covers and Hebner counts his slow 1-2-3, giving Shawn the pinfall victory in 16:48. Shawn Michaels wins the WWF Championship. [b]*[/b] [i]Sid Vicious was exhausted by the end. The match suffered because there was not enough selling shown.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#22: [I]HBK celebrates in crowd[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Following his title win over Sid, HBK runs into the crowd to celebrate his victory with them.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#23: [I]Austin talks about Royal Rumble[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Austin cuts a promo about the upcoming Royal Rumble match, claiming that even though he'll be "[i]opening up a can of whoop-ass[/i]" on Brian Pillman, Jake Roberts & Jim Neidhart, his #1 target is Bret Hart.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#24: [I]Hunter Hearst Helmsley hypes Royal Rumble[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Helmsley claims that even though he's facing tough competition like Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Ahmed Johnson & The Rock, he vows to win the Royal Rumble match and go on to the [i]WrestleMania[/i] WWF Championship match.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#25: [I]Finkel interviews Roberts: Raven attacks[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Backstage, Howard Finkel begins to interview Jake Roberts about the Royal Rumble, but before he can get a word in Raven leaps into frame and attacks Jake Roberts, beating him down to the floor before running off.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (D)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#26: [I]Rocky taunts HHH/Mankind/Simmons[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The Rock cuts a promo about some of his Royal Rumble opponents, taunting all of them by mocking their mannerisms and performing derogatory impersonations.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#27: [I]Bret vows to eliminate Austin[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Bret Hart says that he'll shut Austin up and promises to make certain that he eliminates Stone Cold from the Royal Rumble match himself.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#28: [U]Royal Rumble[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Entrance intervals are at 90 seconds. #1 is The Rock. #2 is Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Hunter rushes Rocky as he slides in and the two start duking it out immediately, brawling all over the ring with neither managing to get a clear advantage. #3 is Ahmed Johnson. He paces down the aisle slowly and deliberately, scanning the arena with his eyes and constantly checking over his shoulder. Helmsley & Rock are still going at it, with a sequence of them trading and reversing Figure-4 Leglocks but both still being unable to eliminate the other. Just as Ahmed gets into the ring, Ron Simmons saunters out in the aisle and goads Johnson to come, as the music hits for... #4 is D'Lo Brown. He rushes in from the crowd and under the rope, blindsiding Ahmed and pummelling him into a corner. Simmons attempts to interfere, but is blocked off by the referees. Johnson powers out of the corner and spinebusters D'Lo into the middle of the ring. HHH manages to hit Rocky with the Pedigree, but then bumps into Ahmed Johnson and gets powerbombed for his troubles. Ahmed goes out under the bottom rope and spears Ron Simmons. #5 is Blackjack Windham. Windham goes crazy with the lariats and knocks down Rocky, D'Lo & HHH just after they start drag themselves to their feet. Ahmed Johnson gets back into the ring and the two lock it up, shoving and trying to oust the other. Johnson appears to be gaining the advantage until HHH & D'Lo both attack him and throw him down onto the mat. Blackjack hits Helmsley with another lariat and The Rock drops Brown with a DDT. #6 is Bob Holly. He immediately dropkicks Windham over the apron, but he manages to hang onto the top rope...only to get clotheslined off by HHH [b](WINDHAM - 6:17)[/b] for the first elimination of the match. The Rock & Bob Holly immediately start brawling while HHH does his best to avoid Ahmed, begging off and walking backwards. D'Lo Brown recovers enough to hit a uppernut on Johnson and Helmsley turns to offer his gratitude to D'Lo, only to be punched in the mouth for his troubles. #7 is Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw. He immediately goes for Hunter, only to receive a dropkick from Holly. This, of course, distracts him for just long enough to clothesline Holly out [b](HOLLY - 7:53)[/b] and immediately puts the boots to HHH. Rocky pounces on D'Lo Brown while Simmons reaches under the bottom rope and manages to drag Ahmed Johnson out of the ring. #8 is Crush. He goes after Rocky while Bradshaw/HHH & D'Lo/Ahmed pair up, the six of them mulling around the ring and brawling time away. #9 is Billy Gunn. As he's making his entrance, Ahmed Johnson manages to throw D'Lo over the top rope and eliminate him [b](D'LO - 10:39)[/b] and rolls out to once again brawl with non-entrant Simmons. Crush flattens Billy & Rocky before hitting a "stumbling block" against Bradshaw. Helmsley tries to eliminate Rocky again but still can't get him out. #10 is Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin rushes the ring and attacks faces or heels indiscriminately, dumping out Bradshaw ([b]BRADSHAW - 12:13)[/b] & Billy Gunn ([b]BILLY - 12:19)[/b] almost instantly. He then starts trading blows with Crush, HHH & Rocky continue to go at it while Ahmed & Simmons still take each other on down on the floor. #11 is Savio Vega. He gets into the ring, slides out under the bottom rope and immediately takes over for his "boss" by wailing on Ahmed Johnson. Hunter accidentally hits Austin, so he now has the misfortune of dealing with him while Crush turns his attention towards The Rock. #12 is Al Snow. He runs into the ring with "Head" in hand and springboards into the ring, tackling HHH. Headshots aplenty as Helmsley, Rocky, Ahmed, Crush, Austin & Savio all take a mug to the skull. Snow rolls out of the ring and gives Simmons one for good measure, before throwing various "plunder" of foreign objects into the ring: chairs, garbage cans and STOP signs among others. #13 is Steve Blackman. In the hardcore spirit, he brings out some nunchaku and wallops Crush with them. Everyone pairs off into Austin/Savio, Crush/Blackman & HHH/Rocky while Al Snow "dances" crazily outside. Austin drops Savio with a Stunner and gets speared by Ahmed Johnson, who then elminates Savio [b](SAVIO - 17:56)[/b] just before the next Superstar enters... #14 is Ron Simmons. He quickly rolls in from the outside floor and immediately eliminates Ahmed Johnson [b](JOHNSON - 18:11)[/b] before getting smacked with a chair by Al Snow and out over the top [b](SIMMONS - 18:14)[/b] himself. Johnson & Simmons brawl all the way to the back. Helmsley Irish Whips Rocky and attempts to backdrop him out, only for The Rock to counter with a Float-over DDT and eliminate him [b](HELMSLEY - 19:14)[/b]. Austin begins to brawl with The Rock while Al Snow & Steve Blackman play "tennis" with Crush as the ball and chairs as rackets. #15 is Mankind. Mankind rushes to the ring, steel chair in hand and immediately brains Al Snow, before locking him in the Mandible Claw and dragging him back to his feet, trying to force him over the top rope. Crush chokebombs The Rock while Austin manages to grab one of Blackman's nunchucks and smack him across the face with it sending him out [b](BLACKMAN - 20:30)[/b] before throwing it in the general direction of Mankind & Snow. #16 is Marc Mero. He goes right for Austin while Snow & Mankind headbutt each other, both of them knocked down. Rocky manages to dump Crush out [b](CRUSH - 21:35)[/b] while Mero goes up to the top turnbuckle and gets pushed off [b](MERO - 21:56)[/b] by Austin, who then eliminates The Rock [b](THE ROCK - 22:16)[/b] while Mankind hits Snow with a Cactus Clothesline and sends them both out to the floor [b](MANKIND & SNOW - 22:24)[/b]. Austin is the only one left in the ring at the moment, but that all changes when... #17 is Jake Roberts. He limps to the ring, obviously still reeling from Raven's attack on him earlier. As he enters the ring, Austin attempts to baseball slide him but Roberts cunningly evades and slithers inside. As Austin attempts to slide back into the ring, Jake stomps him good and nails him with the Short-Arm Clothesline. As "The Snake" locks Austin in a front facelock and signals for the DDT, Raven runs in from the crowd and cracks him in the skull with a Singapore Cane, allowing Austin to shove him off and clothesline him out of the ring [b](ROBERTS - 23:49)[/b] leaving him alone again. #18 is Brian Pillman. Austin glares out to the entranceway, only to get blindsided as Pillman crawls out from under the ring and springboards onto Austin's back, punching him several times before locking him in a Crucifix Armbar. Austin manages to break free and stomps on Pillman's ankle, causing him to scream in pain before throwing him out over the top rope [b](PILLMAN - 25:28)[/b] and flipping him the double bird. Once more, Austin is alone. #19 is Jim Neidhart. He charges at Austin, who calmly ducks down and pulls the top rope with him, causing Neidhart to go up, over and out [b](NEIDHART - 26:05)[/b] and leaving Austin by himself for the fourth time straight. He kills time and amuses himself by doing push-ups, checking his "watch" and mocking the signature gestures of Bret Hart, until... #20 is Bret Hart. Austin throws his hands up on his head as Bret Hart slowly, purposefully stalks towards the ring. Austin quickly gains back his confidence and taunts him, giving him a "[i]Come On![/i]" motion with his hands. Bret enters the ring and the two immediately begin to slug it out, brawling all over the ring before the two of them fall out through the middle rope and onto the floor, where Bret manages to lock Austin into a Boston Crab. #21 is The Godfather. He dances at the entry way with four hoes, while Austin manages to break out of the Boston Crab and instead trap Bret in his the Million-Dollar Dream. The Godfather eventually gets into the ring, just before the next Superstar enters... #22 is Doink The Clown. Evil, demented laughter escapes from the clown's throat as he rolls into the ring, throws a pie into The Godfather's face and then rolls back out, watching the mat wrestling between Bret & Austin. The Hitman actually lets Austin out of a Sleeperhold just to punch Doink in the face. Of course, this allows Austin to sucker-punch Bret and they resume brawling. #23 is 2 Cold Scorpio. He runs to the ring and gets into The Godfather's face: only for the two of them to kickstart a dance-off, the crowd reacting with a mix of confusion and amusement. Doink just continues laughing. By now, the brawl between Stone Cold and The Hitman has spilled into the crowd. #24 is Bart Gunn. As he walks down the aisleway, he has this misfortune of getting between Bret Hart & Steve Austin. Hart lays him out without a second glance at him and continues to attack Austin. Bart crawls to the ring as the buzzer sounds for... #25 is Mr. Perfect. Fists on hips, towel in hand and gum being chewn, Perfect confidently walks down the aisleway and hoisting himself into the ring, immediately dropkicking Bart out [b](BART - 34:43)[/b] just after he'd managed to roll into the ring and drag himself to his feet. Perfect then hits the Running Necksnap on The Godfather and Perfectplexes 2 Cold Scorpio, then throws his towel, spits out his gum and towel-swats it away...perfectly. Meanwhile, Austin piledrives Bret through the announcers' table. #26 is Brooklyn Brawler. Mr. Perfect poses and postures in the ring, goading the Brawler, Godfather & Scorpio: all three share a look, then triple-team him. Perfect oversells it...perfectly...and teases an elimination, but skins the cat back in and dropkicks the Brawler into Godfather & Scorpio, who then decide to play "tennis" with him. Doink continues to laugh, while Bret has Austin locked in a Cobra Clutch of his own. #27 is Bam Bam Bigelow. Bigelow runs into the ring and immediately hits The Godfather with lariat, sending him out [b](GODFATHER - 37:36)[/b] and Gorilla pressing 2 Cold Scorpio over the tope rope [b](SCORPIO - 37:42)[/b] and out into the first few rows of the crowd. He slams Mr. Perfect into the mat with the Greetings From Asbury Park 'driver and enzuigiris a laughing Doink to the floor [b](DOINK - 38:13)[/b] and sends Brooklyn Brawler over the top rope [b](BROOKLYN - 38:25)[/b] with a vertical suplex, then drops a headbutt on the prone Mr. Perfect. Austin manages to break out of Bret's Cobra Clutch with an improvised Stunner. #28 is Rikishi Fatu. He runs into the ring and begins to dance, only to get headbutted by Bigelow: which, being Samoan, has no effect on him. The two begin to brawl while Perfect does his best to avoid the chaos, instead resting himself in the turnbuckle. Bret throws Austin into the ring steps and drags himself back into the ring. #29 is Brian Lee. He slowly paces toward the ring and grabs a chair from one of the ringside crew, while Rikishi/Bigelow and Bret/Perfect brawl in the ring. He steps over the top rope and immediately attacks Rikishi to the chair, with the Samoan taking 3 chair shots to the skull before finally going down. Bigelow then splashes Hart into the corner while Austin hits Perfect with the Stunner, who perfectly oversells it by leaping backwards over the top rope [b](PERFECT - 41:41)[/b] and out to the floor. #30 is The Undertaker. He slowly paces toward the ring while Bam Bam hits Fatu with the Bigelowsault and Austin & Bret resume their brawl, Austin mounting Bret with the Lou Thesz Press and punching away. Undertaker immediately starts brawling with Primetime while Bigelow continues to beat down on Rikishi, eventually pushing him over the top rope [b](RIKISHI - 45:56)[/b] with Undertaker chokeslamming Brian Lee over the top rope [b](PRIMETIME - 48:06)[/b] shortly afterwards. The Final Four are Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Bam Bam Bigelow and The Undertaker. The Phenom and Bigelow go at it while Bret manages to roll out of the Austin punches and trap him in a Bow & Arrow lock. Bam Bam rolls to the outside and Undertaker follows him with a suicide dive through the ropes, the pair crashing into the guardrail. Undertaker recovers first and attempts to trap Bam Bam Bigelow in the Death Valley Vice, but The Beast counters with a headbutt and powerbombs Undertaker into the steel ringsteps instead. As he sets up a table, Austin powers out of the Bow & Arrow, stomps a mudhole in Bret and drags him to his feet, trapping him with a hammerlock. Bigelow places Undertaker onto a table at ringside and climbs onto the apron, gets up on the middle turnbuckle and performs a Diving Headbutt: however, Undertaker manages to roll away just in time and Bigelow goes crashing through the table. The Phenom grabs Bam Bam and drags him back into the ring while Bret Hart runs to the ropes and holds on, bouncing Steve Austin off and breaking the hammerlock. Austin collides with The Undertaker, who promptly Tombstones him and locks on the Death Valley Vice. However, Bret Hart immediately dropkicks The Phenom off Stone Cold and applies the Sharpshooter to him instead. Bigelow recovers and German suplexes Bret Hart while he still has Austin in the Sharpshooter, forcing him to release the hold. Steve Austin crawls to the ropes and struggles to pull himself to his feet, legs buckling, while Undertaker chokes Bam Bam and forces him over the top rope and onto the apron. The Beast hangs on, but Bret Hart runs into the ropes and bumps him off the apron [b](BIGELOW - 54:12)[/b] into the guardrail. Bigelow, enraged at being eliminated, storms back into the ring only to be set upon by the referees outside. The Beast starts suplexing, headbutting and clotheslining all of the referees in his way. The Undertaker baseball slides into Bigelow, rolls out and begins to brawl with him while Bret Hart manages to push his way out of a Stunner and dropkicks Austin over the top rope, but since all the referees are incapacitated or trying to pull Bigelow and Undertaker apart nobody can call the elimination. Bret thinks he's won and goes to the opposite apron overlooking the pull-apart brawl, where Undertaker eventually manages to subdue Bigelow by Tombstoning him onto a stray steel chair. As Bret leans over the tope rope and beckons to the referees to "[i]call the goddamn match![/i]" Austin slides back in and double axehandles Bret's back, causing him to fall out [b](BRET - 56:37)[/b] and be eliminated. Bret looks up and can't believe what's happened, attempting to charges back into the ring but gets blocked by referees and shoved down by The Undertaker. The Phenom rolls back into the ring and Austin immediately attempts to kick him in the gut for a Stunner, but Undertaker blocks and hits Austin with a Big Boot, sending him over the top rope [b](AUSTIN - 57:41)[/b] and eliminating him to win the Royal Rumble. [b]*[/b] [i]Bret Hart, Steve Austin & The Undertaker looked excellent out there.[/i][/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (C)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#29: [I]Bret Hart abuses referees[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]Stunned and shocked at how he was eliminated from the Royal Rumble match, Bret Hart crawls over to the guardrail and begins to pull himself up. Referees Earl Hebner, Tim White and Mark Curtis try to assist him, but Bret Hart is so enraged he attacks and lays all of them out.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"]#30: [I]The Undertaker celebrates[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE="3"]The lights dim and mist seeps into the arena, as The Undertaker makes a gesture with his hands over his waist, signalling that at [i]WrestleMania[/i] he will win the WWF Championship.[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"][B]Rating: (B+)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE="5"][B]Overall Rating: (C) PPV Buyrate: 16.20[/B][/SIZE] Hopefully I surprised, entertained and intrigued you all as my Road to [i]WrestleMania[/i] begins.

dtrot021 · January 13, 2009

Yay...JEFF JARRETT FOR WWE CHAMPION! Cany you post a rollcall of champions, because I have no clue who your champions are... What reign is HBK in? Jarrett? Put those in too. Wow, Taker won the Rumble as #30 ten years before he was supposed to, lol.

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WWF 1997: "An Attitude Adjustment"

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