A new generation.....a new attitude?

[Blodyxe]

<p>Congrats on 100 pages, that's a milestone and then some. I don't mind being Brockyxe, wish I had an advocate to do half the work for me <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

WWF Championship: Casket Match</p><p>

The Undertaker © vs. <strong>Brian Pillman</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<em>Pillman would make a great champion, and Taker can come to life again before Wrestlemania.</em></p><p> </p><p>

WWF European Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Jeff Jarrett</strong> © vs. Dean Malenko</p><p> </p><p>

<em>Double J has a lot of bodies in his corner</em></p><p> </p><p>

WWF Tag Team Championship Match</p><p>

Harlem Heat © vs. <strong>Ric Flair & Arn Anderson</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<em>I don't know what Ric and Arn will do if they lose, at least Heat has The Nation</em></p><p> </p><p>

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery</p><p>

Jake Roberts vs. <strong>Raven</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<em>This should not end before WM</em></p><p> </p><p>

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Scott Hall</strong> © vs. Chris Jericho</p><p> </p><p>

<em>Hall can hold it for now, but long term Y2J seems like a better fit</em></p><p> </p><p>

Royal Rumble Match</p><p>

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, <strong>Steve Austin</strong>, Test, Thrasher, Wrath</p><p> </p><p>

Final Four: Owen Hart, Steve Austin, Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash</p><p>

Iron Man: Rey Mysterio</p><p>

Most Eliminations: Ahmed Johnson</p>

[Jaysin]

<p>WWF Championship: Casket Match</p><p>

The Undertaker ©</p><p> </p><p>

WWF European Championship Match</p><p>

Dean Malenko</p><p> </p><p>

WWF Tag Team Championship Match</p><p>

Harlem Heat © </p><p> </p><p>

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery</p><p>

Raven</p><p> </p><p>

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match</p><p>

Scott Hall ©</p><p> </p><p>

Royal Rumble Match</p><p>

Steve Austin</p><p> </p><p>

Final Four: Austin, Scott Steiner, Ahmed Johnson, Owen Hart</p><p>

Iron Man: Owen Hart</p><p>

Most Eliminations: Scott Steiner</p>

[bonnie]

<p>WWF Championship: Casket Match</p><p>

Brian Pillman</p><p> </p><p>

WWF European Championship Match</p><p>

Dean Malenko</p><p> </p><p>

WWF Tag Team Championship Match</p><p>

Ric Flair & Arn Anderson</p><p> </p><p>

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery</p><p>

Raven</p><p> </p><p>

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match</p><p>

Chris Jericho</p><p> </p><p>

Royal Rumble Match</p><p>

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, <strong>Steve Austin</strong>, Test, Thrasher, Wrath</p><p> </p><p>

Final Four: Austin, Owen, Ahmed, Kane</p><p>

Iron Man: Steve Austin</p><p>

Most Eliminations: Ahmed</p>

[Mattitude90]

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

 

WWF European Championship Match

Jeff Jarrett © vs. Dean Malenko

 

WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Harlem Heat © vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery

Jake Roberts vs. Raven

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho

 

Royal Rumble Match

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, Steve Austin, Test, Thrasher, Wrath

 

Final Four: Owen Hart, Scott Steiner, Ahmed Johnson, Steve Austin

Iron Man: Owen Hart

Most Eliminations: Scott Steiner

[lieon02]

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

 

WWF European Championship Match

Jeff Jarrett © vs. Dean Malenko

 

WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Harlem Heat © vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson

 

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery

Jake Roberts vs. Raven

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho

 

Royal Rumble Match

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, Steve Austin, Test, Thrasher, Wrath

 

Final Four:Scott Steiner, Steve Austin, Ahmed Johnson, Owen Hart

Iron Man: Steve Austin

Most Eliminations:Ahmed Johnson

[Element]

<p>WWF Championship: Casket Match</p><p>

<strong>The Undertaker</strong> © vs. Brian Pillman</p><p> </p><p>

WWF European Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Jeff Jarrett © </strong>vs. Dean Malenko</p><p> </p><p>

WWF Tag Team Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Harlem Heat (c</strong>) vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson</p><p> </p><p>

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery</p><p>

Jake Roberts vs. <strong>Raven</strong></p><p> </p><p>

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match</p><p>

Scott Hall © vs. <strong>Chris Jericho</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Royal Rumble Match</p><p>

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, <strong>Steve Austin</strong>, Test, Thrasher, Wrath</p><p> </p><p>

Final Four: Mark Henry, Steve Austin, Owen Hart, Ahmed Johnson</p><p>

Iron Man: Owen Hart</p><p>

Most eliminations: Mark Henry</p>

[James Casey]

Glad I caught up in time to post my predictions!

 

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

 

*Cough*

 

WWF European Championship Match

Jeff Jarrett © vs. Dean Malenko

 

Not just yet, Deano.

 

WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Harlem Heat © vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson

 

Sets up the Huffmans to try and reclaim... by any means necessary.

 

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery

Jake Roberts vs. Raven

 

Win or lose, Raven has Jake's soul in the palm of his hand. The actual 1-2-3 is probably irrelevant, but if it does happen then I think Raven takes it.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho

 

Jericho celebrates his shiny new contract with a shiny new belt. I wonder if he'll ever take off the LHW belt, though?

 

Royal Rumble Match

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, Steve Austin, Test, Thrasher, Wrath

 

Sometimes you have to go with what's obvious.

 

Final Four: Austin, Owen, Ahmed, Steiner

Iron Man: Can't remember if Austin's been given a low entry, but I don't think so. If Pillman wins, Owen's #30 so I'll go with Austin as I suspect Vince will find a way to drop him in early somehow.

Most Eliminations: Steiner - always a good way to get a guy over, and one I generally forget to play up when booking Rumbles!

[Nobby_McDonald]

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

Shenanigans. It's a great word. Plus it sets up Pillman v Austin for the big one at the big one.

 

WWF European Championship Match

Jeff Jarrett © vs. Dean Malenko

 

WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Harlem Heat © vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson

 

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery

Jake Roberts vs. Raven

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho

Royal Rumble Match

Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, Steve Austin, Test, Thrasher, Wrath

 

Final Four: Austin, Hart, Bulldog, Steiner

Iron Man: Austin

Most Eliminations: Austin

[to4sty]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:50%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/laI4LxV.png" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/laI4LxV.png"></a></p><p> <strong>Week 3, January 1998</strong></p><p><strong> Milwaukee County Stadium (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)</strong></p><p><strong> ATT: 44,000</strong></p><p><strong> PPV BUY: 1.51</strong></p><p><strong> Announce Team: Jim Ross, Jerry "The King" Lawler & Ravishing Rick Rude </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/nNTfrgU.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/nNTfrgU.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/4t9c7UL.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/4t9c7UL.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/dLAGpGJ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/dLAGpGJ.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> It's time for the first Pay Per View event of the year, and while this may be the first stop on the WWF's Pay Per View Calendar, it's also the first stop on the road to Wrestlemania for one man.....the one man that outlasts twenty nine others tonight.....because it's time to rumble.....it's time.....for the Royal Rumble.....</p><p> </p><p> .....we open up at the announce table, where Jim Ross (along with Jerry Lawler and Rick Rude) welcomes us to an event not only of epic proportions, but an event which may have grave consequence for either The Undertaker or Brian Pillman, because they will be clashing tonight for the WWF Championship.....in a Casket Match.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the three men all give their predictions, with Jim Ross predicting that The Undertaker will leave his signature match tonight with his championship in tact, while Rude and Lawler both believe that after Brian Pillman has already taken everything else that the Deadman holds dear, tonight will be the night that he takes away the WWF Title as well.....</p><p> </p><p> .....from there they move onto the Royal Rumble match itself, a match which Jim Ross is convinced will be won by the one man Vince McMahon DOESN'T want to win.....Stone Cold Steve Austin.....Rude and Lawler may have agreed on who will win the WWF Title Match, but they don't agree on this one......they DO however both pick former WWF Champions as their winners, with Lawler picking a man who has done practically everything in the WWF (INCLUDING win a Royal Rumble match) last years winner, Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner, while Rude informs us the Ahmed Johnson is the man to watch tonight, predicting that the Walking Armageddon will be walking all the way to the Wrestlemania Main Event after tonight.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and as if those two huge matches alone weren't enough, we will also see all other titles defended this evening, with Dean Malenko challenging Jeff Jarrett for the European Championship, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson looking to bring the Tag Team Titles back to Vince McMahon from Harlem Heat.....but first and foremost we have a WWF Intercontinental Championship to decide.....and that match is happening.....next.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p></div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/tdpBqDG.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/tdpBqDG.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/haym4Sf.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/haym4Sf.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/fJw1L2S.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/fJw1L2S.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....a match which sees Chris Jericho getting a second bite at the Intercontinental cherry, after an unsuccessful bid at dethroning Scott Hall at our December In Your House offering, Dead Man Walking.....Hall and Jericho opened up that event, with a match that was so good they were given the opening spot again here.....not because they didn't deserve to be higher up the card, but because they were presented with the opportunity to once again set the standard for the evening.....</p><p> </p><p> .....now, Chris Jericho will tell you that Scott Hall only won that match by cheating.....that if Scott Hall hadn't stooped so low as to knock him out with a set of brass knuckles, that Chris Jericho would be DEFENDING the Intercontinental Championship tonight instead of challenging for it.....and that MIGHT be true.....because yes, Scott Hall DID use a set of brass knucks in the culmination of their last match, but it was a set of brass knuckles that Chris Jericho himself introduced into the match.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Scott Hall just used them first.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he IS the Bad Guy after all.....</p><p> </p><p> .....but then Scott Hall at least has the decency to come out alone tonight, where as Chris Jericho has The Bodyguard Test right there at ringside.....and you KNOW that Jericho has no problem in bending the rules to get ahead.....</p><p> </p><p> .....as I said earlier, the last match these two men competed in was excellent.....this one was just as good.....Chris Jericho is still young, but he's already one of the best workers in the company (no real surprise considering the company he keeps in the Hart Foundation) while Scott Hall has always been able to put on a good match, and that includes the year and a half he was working through injury.....he's fully fit now, and even that pesky 'time decline' isn't really slowing him down too much.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he starts off strong here as the two men feel each other out.....Jericho's cocky side comes out, as he taunts the "Old Guy" (as he calls him) catching Hall with an arm drag before doing a little jig.....not to be outdone, Hall quickly catches an arm drag of his own, holding onto the limb and showing his own cocky side as he paintbrushes Jericho around the back of his head.....it clearly pays to embarrass Jericho too, because after having a monumental hissy fit that Hall was so dismissive of him, he charges straight into a barrage of offence from the Intercontinental Champion that finally sees him bail to the outside to regroup.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Hall doesn't give him that opportunity however, following his opponent to the floor where he runs him over with a clothesline, before rolling him back into the ring.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jericho has a lot of ring awareness for a young age though, and he desperately clutches at the official as Hall attempts to re-enter the ring, drawing the referee's attention away from the sight of Test nailing Hall in the back of the head with a clubbing blow, before driving the FRONT of his head into the steel ring post and rolling him back into the ring.....</p><p> </p><p> .....now it's all Jericho.....I told you he wasn't shy about bending the rules.....and he goes to work on the lower back of the Intercontinental Champion, clearly looking to utilise that Liontamer submission manoeuvre.....a strategy that Jerry Lawler approves of.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....because if he locks that Liontamer on, Scott Hall AND his title reign is going to be in serious trouble JR....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....serious trouble or not, that remains to be seen, but you don't become a five time Intercontinental Champion by giving up easily.....I think it's going to take a lot more than that to put the Bad Guy down tonight....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Rick Rude doesn't agree with that at all, telling Ross that being a five time Intercontinental Champion just means that Scott Hall lost the title four times already.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....well be that as it may, I just don't think Scott Hall is going to submit that easily.....in fact, I don't think I've EVER seen Scott Hall quit....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....well I have Jim Ross.....and it was right here at the Royal Rumble, in 1993 when Bret Hart made him submit to the Sharpshooter.....you can call him the Bad Guy, but I say he has a history of submitting to Canadians at this event....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Rick Rude may well have a point, but so far Scott Hall doesn't show any signs of quitting to THIS Canadian, no matter what Chris Jericho does.....in fact, after an extended period on defence, Hall actually manages to get back into this one, catching a Jericho crossbody attempt and launching him across the ring with a fall away slam.....</p><p> </p><p> .....from there it's all Scott Hall as he batters Chris Jericho around the ring.....Test hops up onto the apron, but he gets dropped with a running forearm that sends him back down to the floor.....Jericho tries to use the brief distraction to blindside his opponent, but Hall sees him coming and catches him by the neck, driving him to the mat with a chokeslam/rock bottom variation.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and then he signals for the Razors Edge.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he gets Jericho into position and hoists the man up onto his shoulders.....unfortunately, as he went up Jericho's foot connects with the skull of the official, and we suddenly find ourselves without a referee.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Test quickly climbs into the ring behind Hall and yanks on Jericho's leg, pulling him down from the Razors Edge, and the two Hart Foundation members begin to double team the Intercontinental Champion......</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/PUzMLl1.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/PUzMLl1.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....at least that is until Sean Waltman comes rushing out from the back to even up the odds.....he takes out Test with a running spinning heel kick that knocks the bodyguard to the outside, where he proceeds to brawl with the big man all the way to the back.....</p><p> </p><p> .....that leaves Hall and Jericho all alone.....and the Bad Guy is in a Bad Mood.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he picks up right where he left off before Test decided to stick his nose in, battering Jericho from pillar to post, before sending him high in the air with a back body drop.....</p><p> </p><p> .....then he signals for the Razors Edge.....</p><p> </p><p> .....again.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he drags Jericho off the mat and gets him in position, before outstretching his arms in that now signature pose.....looks like Jericho is going for the ride after all.....</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/TSkVfRF.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/TSkVfRF.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....or not.....</p><p> </p><p> .....because before he can lift the man, Scott Steiner slides into the ring behind him, lead pipe in hand.....and he cracks Hall around the back of the head with the bar.....watches as the Intercontinental Champion crumples to the mat.....flips him off.....and leaves.....</p><p> </p><p> .....never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Chris Jericho grabs the legs and twists Hall over into the Liontamer.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the official miraculously chooses now to come back to his senses.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he checks on Hall (who has been knocked completely unconscious by that lead pipe) and then calls for the bell.....this one is over.....we have a brand new WWF Intercontinental Champion.....and his name is Chris Jericho.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> .....and <strong>New</strong> WWF Intercontinental Champion.....Chris Jericho</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/SGz3X7U.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/SGz3X7U.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/3T2MJp6.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/3T2MJp6.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....we leave Chris Jericho celebrating in typically over the top fashion in the ring (currently he's raising both the Intercontinental Championship AND the retired Light Heavyweight Championship in the air) and go backstage, where Michael Cole is rushing after the man that just cost Scott Hall his title, Scott Steiner.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....WHY THE HELL ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME DOWN THE HALL, SNIFFING AT MY ASS LIKE A DOG IN HEAT?.....WHAT DO YOU WANT?.....YOU WANNA HUMP MY LEG YOU SICK FREAK?....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....well no, I....I....I....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....YEAH, YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT IT AIN'T YOU.....THE GOD DAMN WWF AND ITS GOD DAMN PERVERT ANNOUNCERS.....WHAT DO YOU WANT?....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Cole finally spits his question out, asking Scott Steiner why (when he SHOULD be preparing for the Royal Rumble match later tonight) why is he coming out in matches that don't concern him, costing Scott Hall the Intercontinental Championship.....has he not done enough already where the Wolfpac are concerned?.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....ENOUGH?.....ENOUGH???.....ENOUGH AIN'T A WORD IN SCOTT STEINER'S VOCALB.....VOLCLAB....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....vocabulary?...."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....SHUT UP!!!.....ENOUGH AIN'T A WORD THAT SCOTT STEINER SAYS.....LOOK AT ME MICHAEL COLE.....I'M HUGE.....DO I LOOK LIKE A MAN THAT EVER HAS ENOUGH OF ANYTHING?.....WHETHER ITS WORKING UP A SWEAT IN THE GYM, OR WORKING UP A SWEAT BETWEEN SABLE'S THIGHS, THERE AIN'T NO SUCH THING AS ENOUGH WHERE BIG POPPA PUMP IS CONCERNED.....SCOTT HALL, SEAN WALTMAN, THEY BEEN RUNNING THEIR MOUTHS ABOUT THE GENETIC FREAK FOR WEEKS NOW.....WELL SCOTT HALL IS LUCKY THAT ALL I COST HIM WAS THE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE, INSTEAD OF COSTING HIM HIS CAREER LIKE I DID KEVIN NASH....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Scotty says that he's got all the time in the world when it comes to kicking Wolfpac ass, as far as the Royal Rumble goes, he won it last year, he'll win it again this year.....who's going to stop him? Ahmed Johnson? (Scotty says that he owes HIM an ass-kicking from Summerslam) Owen Hart? (Midget) Sean Waltman? (Makes Owen Hart look huge).......</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN? DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH.....THE TOUGHEST S.O.B IN THE WWF?.....SCOTT STEINER IS THE TOUGHEST S.O.B IN THE WORLD.....SCOTT STEINER IS THE TOUGHEST S.O.B IN ALL THE WORLDS.....YOU WANNA SEND A LITTLE GREEN MAN DOWN FROM PLANET 51, THIRD LEFT AFTER THE SUN?.....SCOTT STEINER WILL SEND HIM BACK TO HIS FLYING SAUCER WITH HIS LITTLE GREEN HEAD UP HIS LITTLE GREEN ASS.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....AIN'T A MAN ALIVE THAT IS TOUGH ENOUGH TO THROW SCOTT STEINER OVER THAT TOP ROPE MICHAEL COLE.....AND THE ROYAL RUMBLE 1998, IT'S GONNA BE LIKE A....A.....ONE OF THEM FRENCH THINGS COLE, WHEN YOU SEEN SOMETHING BEFORE....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....a déjà vu?....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....YEAH THAT'S IT.....A DAY JAR VIEW.....BECAUSE JUST LIKE LAST YEAR, YOU'RE LOOKING AT YOUR WINNER OF THE ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH RIGHT HERE.....AND CANT NO ONE STOP ME.....NOW GET OUTTA HERE COLE, BEFORE I KICK YOUR ASS TOO....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Michael Cole doesn't need telling twice, and he quickly backs away as Scotty Storms off down the hall, before signing off to Dok Hendrix, who's standing by with Jake "The Snake" Roberts.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/WiZL773.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/WiZL773.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....who's looking a little more disheveled than usual.....he's not quite so clean shaven, he's smiling but it's not a smile that reaches his eyes, clearly this is a man with a lot on his mind.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Dok says that tonight, after crucifixion's, maiming's, blasphemy, trials, tribulations and a journey through Raven's Divine Comedy.....it all comes down to this.....FINALLY, Jake Roberts will get his hands on the self proclaimed Deity of the Damned.....but Dok has just one question.....what did it cost?.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jake smiles again at that.....briefly looking down at his hands, before looking up to the heavens above.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....what did it cost.....now isn't that the question.....but you see Dok Hendrix, the question shouldn't be what was the cost.....rather, what is the reward?.....yes, my hands are a little bit dirtier than I would have liked, but they've been a whole heck of a lot dirtier in the past, for a LOT less noble causes....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Jake says that you can forget about Raven's Divine Comedy.....THIS.....was a Divine Cause.....he says that EVERYTHING that happened to this point, was because Jake was trying to SAVE.....save the Flock.....save the soul of Raven (<em>"and yes, I'll admit it.... I hoped along the way that I could save myself as well"</em>) to atone for just a fraction of the depravities that Jake had committed would be reward enough.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>"....see I know I was an evil man Dok.....and I accept my part in the atrocities Raven has committed.....my part, because as Raven says, he's MY creation.....well tonight, the creator becomes the destructor.....because I can finally see clearly.....I can finally see that SOME men, just can't be saved.....SOME men, don't DESERVE to be saved.....and some men.....just need to be struck down by the righteous hand of God..... </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....for my God.....my Priest.....and my Sanity.....what I do tonight, I do in your name.....I created him then, as he has created me now.....mourn not for the man I was, because that man, is dead.....but Jake Roberts.....he will be reborn tonight.....trust me....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....trust me indeed.....now let's go down to ringside, because we are about to enter the final circle of Raven's Personal Hell.....Treachery.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/qQc3cES.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/qQc3cES.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/iNHVuFZ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/iNHVuFZ.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery</strong></p><p> </p><p> So for Jake "The Snake" Roberts, it all comes down to this.....after all of the words, all of the mind games.....after the assaults.....sneak attacks.....after sinking to depths lower than most anyone's definition of good taste.....after priests were crucified.....after priests were half blinded.....after faith's were tested and retribution's promised.....after all that, finally we reach the lowest circle of hell.....the ninth circle.....treachery.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Raven makes his way out first, and as he's oft to do, he sits himself down in the corner of the ring, microphone in hand.....he tells the official (and the crowd) that since this is Raven's Game, it's Raven's Rules.....and just as the puppet master has made Jake Roberts dance to the dark tune of the Deity of the Damned, again Raven is pulling the strings.....because the Rules to this match are simple.....there ARE no Rules.....so send out the Snake, because it's time for the teacher to learn a lesson of his own.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jake does indeed come out.....and in a mirror image, the mentor musters enormous self control to walk past the student, making his way to the opposite corner and sitting down himself.....and as these two Men of the Macabre stare each other down, Jake tells the official (without ever taking his eyes off Raven) that he accepts the terms.....so ring the bell.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the referee acquiesce's to the request, and as the bell rings, both Raven and Roberts simultaneously reach up and take hold of the top rope, hoisting themselves to a standing position.....before charging straight towards each other.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the announcers confirm that Jake Roberts has agreed to the terms and the referee has made it official.....here, in the ninth circle of hell.....there are NO rules.....and even if the commentary DIDN'T confirm it, the fact would be pretty clear within the opening minute, because the two men are punching, kicking, biting and clawing at each other, and the referee is just standing back and watching the carnage unfold.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jake has months and months of pent up frustration here, and he's taking full advantage of the lack of rules to completely dominate his opponent from the get go.....these two men last men in an official capacity back at October's In Your House event (aptly titled Badd Blood) where Raven was victorious via disqualification after (despite his priests plea's to the contrary) Jake Roberts used a steel chair to punish his former student.....there's no danger of that tonight.....Jake clotheslines Raven all the way over the top rope and down to the floor outside, where he follows him out, picks up a chair, nails his opponent......and the official doesn't even blink an eye.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jake crashes the steel chair down across the back of the Deity of the Damned nine times (which Jim Ross decides is symbolic.....one strike for each circle of hell Jake has been forced to endure) before he drags Raven to his feet and Irish Whips him so hard into the guard rails that Raven lands almost upside down on his head.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and Raven is smiling about it.....a sight that Jerry Lawler can't believe.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....he's smiling JR, Jake Roberts just destroyed his back with solid steel and Raven is enjoying it....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....he's one sick puppy King, there's no question about that.....it takes a twisted soul to find pleasure in his own suffering....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....he's not smiling about that Jim Ross.....and he's not enjoying the pain Jerry Lawler.....Raven is smiling, because he knows that these are not the actions of a righteous man.....this is not 'love thy neighbour' and there's no 'turn the other cheek' here.....Jake Roberts is proving that Raven was right all along.....that this so-called Man of God is nothing but a sick and twisted hypocrite......"</em></p><p> </p><p> .....whether Jake is a hypocrite remains to be seen, but he's certainly enjoying the beating that he is delivering here.....so much so that he decides to pull up the protective mats on the floor.....he is going to DDT Raven right out there on the concrete......or rather he WOULD have DDT'd Raven right out there on the concrete, had Raven not backdropped out of it, meaning it was Jake Roberts spine that connected with the cold, hard floor.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jim Ross says that since both of these men utilise the DDT variation, so it goes without saying that both men would know how to counter the hold.....and that counter onto the concrete certainly put a screeching halt to the offence of the Snake.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Raven is clearly feeling the effects of the early (vicious) onslaught from Jake, but now that he is back on the offence he slows down the match and takes control with a more methodical approach.....not a less violent approach (oh no, no, no, no, no) just a slower paced one which guarantee's maximum pain to Jake, with minimum suffering to himself.....highlighted by the fact that he whips Jake hard into the ring steps, before choking the life out of him with a camera chord.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the two men climb back into the ring (well, Raven climbs back into the ring, Jake gets tossed back in) and it doesn't get any easier for Roberts.....Raven sets up a chair in the middle of the mat and whips his opponent into the ropes, catching him with a drop toe hold on the return that sees Jakes skull crash into the steel surface.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and when the veteran rolls onto his back, clutching at his face, we can see that he has been busted wide open.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Raven looks delighted as he watches Jakes life blood pour out of him, and he stands over him shouting at Roberts to look at him.....<em>"look into the eyes of your creation and know.....know that when you THOUGHT you were creating a monster, you actually created a Deity of your own.....the Deity of the Damned.....denounce your false idol.....come with me.....for I can set you free....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Jake struggles to his feet, selling expertly that the blood streaming down his face is impairing his vision.....reaching out for a cackling Raven, who stands there (arms outstretched, crucifix style) repeatedly telling Jake to come with him.....</p><p> </p><p> .....finally Jakes blind hands find his tormentors head, and the 'creator' cups his 'creations' face for a moment, almost as a proud parent would to his child.....</p><p> </p><p> .....then he snatches him by the head and snaps back with that patented DDT.....</p><p> </p><p> .....not just any DDT either, because Ravens skull connects with that discarded steel chair, and as Jim Ross rightly points out, all Jake Roberts has to do here is make the cover and this one is over.....</p><p> </p><p> .....unfortunately, blood loss and exhaustion means Jake CAN'T make the cover.....not for a good thirty seconds anyway, as he lays there spent beside his opponent.....only then does he finally muster the strength to rolls Raven over.....ring position is everything though, because Raven is already close to the ropes, and as Jake rolls him to make the cover Raven is able to roll right under the bottom rope and crash down to the floor outside, and that's when the camera picks up the fact that not only is Raven in trouble, he TOO is now busted open, courtesy of that DDT to the steel chair.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the two men take a moment to catch their breath, but as Jake finally wipes the blood from his eyes to clear his vision, the sight of a busted open Raven rejuvenate's him, and he drops right out onto the outside to continue his assault.....and there is nothing Divine in these actions, this is as ungodly an assault as you're likely to see as Jake punishes Raven to within an inch of his life, assaulting him with anything and everything that he can place his hands on, before finally rolling him back into the ring and following him in.....with an electrical cable in his hands.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jim Ross says that for all intent and purposes, this one is over.....all Jake has to do is make the cover.....Jerry Lawler however states that Jake isn't looking just to win.....he's looking for the complete destruction of Raven and it doesn't look as though he is finished yet, a fact that Rick Rude tells us may well come back to bite the Snake.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....if you've got a man beat you make the cover and you get the win.....this business is about winning and losing Jim Ross, and if you're not trying to win then you're eventually going to lose, Jake Roberts should know better....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Jake stands over the bloodied Raven, who pulls himself up to a kneeling position.....he sees Jake stood there, cable in hand and he just starts laughing.....blood is pouring down his face and this lunatic is delighted, telling Jake to do it.....do what he has to do.....set himself free.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and God be Damned if that isn't exactly what Jake does.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he takes that electrical cable and wraps it right around the throat of Raven, before pulling back to completely restrict the airway.....and as Raven's eyes bulge out of his head, even Jim Ross says that Jake is taking this too far.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....rules or no rules there are certain lines that you just don't cross.....this isn't about ending the match, this is about ending Raven....permanently.....and by god if that isn't exactly what's going to happen....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....yeah, but who the hell is that Jim Ross?....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....that?.....</p><p> </p><p> .....oh.....'that' would be the sight of Jake Roberts priest, rushing down the aisle.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he climbs into the ring (eyepatch and all) and comes to a halt in front of Jake, pleading with him to stop.....telling him to end this.....it's over.....don't do something that he can't redeem.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jake isn't listening though.....the red mist has descended and Jake is intent on finishing what he started, telling his priest that he's doing this for HIM.....for the humiliation he suffered.....for the crucifixion.....for the eye.....he's doing God's work and he's not going to stop until he's finished.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the priest pleads with Jake, telling him not to do it.....release Raven and release HIMSELF.....don't do this, don't damn his soul.....<em>"not in my name"</em>.....</p><p> </p><p> .....it takes a while, but finally Jake sees the light, and he lets go of the cable, releasing (a practically unconscious) Raven, who drops to the mat.....Jake's face tells us that he realises what he did.....that he took it too far.....that he almost crossed a line that there would be NO redemption from, and he shamefully begs his priest for forgiveness.....for absolution of his sins.....he stands there a broken man, pleading for peace.....</p><p> </p><p> .....so the Priest breaks him some more.....by kicking him right in the balls.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jake doubles over in agony from the shot.....but doubled over isn't a good position to be in when you're in the ring with a man that utilises the DDT.....and a staggering Raven hooks hold of Jakes head and drives him straight into the mat with the Evenflow, before rolling him over.....making the cover.....and as the official counts to three, this one is mercifully over.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> Raven</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/Ywuv6zy.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/Ywuv6zy.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....Raven is utterly spent.....battered, bloodied.....but as this Priest helps him back to his feet, he is nowhere near as broken as Jake Roberts.....and not just physically, because as Roberts rolls over and looks up at the sight of his own priest dropping to his knees in worship of the Deity of the Damned, you see Jakes mind and spirit break right there and then.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Raven takes a microphone and exhaustedly tells Jake to forget seeing the light.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....embrace the dark.....embrace the darkness that's ALWAYS been inside you.....forget the folly of the last six months.....forget the false idols.....and accept your one TRUE Deity into your life.....come to me.....and I will set you free....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Jake looks up at his Priest with disbelief, with a look of utter betrayal on his face.....a look which Raven relishes, telling Jake that even his 'Man of God' has seen the truth.....with eyes wide open this man was blinded by the lies of the light.....and ironically, only now that Raven has taken half of his sight can this Priest finally see clearly.....before repeating again.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....come to me.....and I will set you free....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....the Priest urges Jake to join him, telling him that he's trodden the wrong path for too long now.....he tells Jake that he wanted a priest.....that he wanted absolution.....that he wanted forgiveness.....he can have ALL of that.....he can wage the divine war.....Raven's divine war.....he can still be Jake's Priest.....all he has to do, is let the darkness in.....because (as Raven reminds us all once again).....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....come to me.....and I will set you free....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Raven outstretches his arms crucifix style......the Priest mirrors this from his kneeling position beside Raven.....and BOTH men stare down at the Snake.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the crowd might be urging Jake not to do it, but there is a light that's gone off in Jakes eyes.....broken.....mind, body and spirit, Jake Roberts slowly pulls himself up to a kneeling position from the mat, stares Raven right in the eye.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and then bows his head.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and outstretches his arms.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and when he raises his head once more, he has a twisted smile on his face.....a smile that we haven't seen since the early 90's......the smile of a man that slapped Miss Elizabeth.....the smile of a man that took a King Cobra and forced it to bite Randy Savage.....the smile of a man that tortured the Ultimate Warrior in a room full of Snakes.....that made the Ultimate Warrior go to an undisclosed cemetery and dig up a human skull.....the smile of a man that went to the Undertakers own Funeral Parlour segment, slammed his hand stuck inside a casket and proceeded to assault both The Deadman AND his manager Paul Bearer.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the smile of man.....who is free.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jim Ross says that he doesn't know what this means for the future of Jake Roberts, but he knows one thing for sure.....and that's the fact, that if Jake Roberts is actually going to follow the darkness.....if Jake Roberts is actually going to follow the gospel according to Raven.....then NOBODY is safe.....</p><p> </p><p> .....trust me.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/vzx2Nvo.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/vzx2Nvo.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/o8o6ZHo.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/o8o6ZHo.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/X3j2ztP.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/X3j2ztP.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....as we leave that sickening scene unfolding in the ring, we head to the back.....where Michael Cole is standing by with the WWF World Tag Team Champions, Harlem Heat.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Cole says that Booker T and Stevie Ray are unquestionably one of the best Tag Teams in the history of this great sport, their opponents tonight however, are Arn Anderson, ALSO one of the greatest Tag Team wrestlers in the history of this sport, and his partner (and best friend) who is arguably THE greatest wrestler in the history of this sport, The Nature Boy Ric Flair.....</p><p> </p><p> .....not to mention the fact that Stevie Ray only has one working leg.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Booker tells Cole that Harlem Heat have been fighting against the odds their whole life, and they've been winning their whole lives.....the reason Stevie Ray only has one good leg at the minute is because Flair and Anderson know that they can't beat Harlem Heat in a straight up match.....yeah Anderson has had some success as a Tag Team wrestler, and Ric Flair may well be the greatest SINGLES wrestler to ever lace up his boots, but Harlem Heat are THE best Tag Team in professional wrestling.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....we been winning fights together since kindergarten.....we been winning titles since we decided to beat people up for a living.....and THATS why Flair and Anderson knew they had to take one of us out....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....is it?....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....apparently Stevie Ray doesn't agree.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Stevie looks down at his knee which is strapped up to twice it's normal size, before again asking Booker if that's really why he's standing here right now on a knee held together by crazy glue and bandages? Or is he standing here now half crippled because Booker wouldn't entertain the Nation of Domination's offer?.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....you think those two fruit booty backwater boys woulda done this if there was someone there watching our backs? Yeah we grew up on the streets, and yeah we put a lotta chumps in the hospital, but everyone knows you don't survive for long on 110 street without your crew there watching your back....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Stevie tells Booker that it was stupid not to at least hear Ahmed Johnson out.....he'd better hope that stupidity doesn't cost them the Tag Team Titles.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....you can wrap this crap up here, I'm gonna go down to the ring.....takes me a bit longer than it used to to get around if you know what I mean....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....with that, a clearly frustrated Stevie Ray slowly limps out of shot (presumably to make his way to the ring) leaving Booker there to finish the interview off......not that there's much left to say.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he tells Cole that no matter what his brother thinks, Harlem Heat don't need no cheap tricks or back up, or anything else.....they're gonna go out there tonight, and do what they do best.....beat punks up......you dig that sucka?</p><p> </p><p> .....with that, Booker heads off in the same direction as his brother, while Michael Cole sends us down to ringside.....</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....or at least he tries too.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he does however get rather rudely interrupted first, by a very loud, very excited and very rambunctious Chris Jericho (followed closely by a very serious looking Test) who comes bounding into the shot with both the Intercontinental and Light Heavyweight Titles around his waist and midsection.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jericho lets out a big whoop, a <em>"Yeah Baby!"</em> and does a little jig, before spraying Michael Cole with some celebratory champagne and walking off again.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Cole wipes the liquid from his face, and mutters that the new Intercontinental Champion is clearly very excited by his win, as he NOW sends us back down to ringside.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/2hWsrQN.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/2hWsrQN.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> We've already seen one Championship change hands tonight, now it's time for our second title match of the evening, the WWF World Tag Team Titles.....</p><p> </p><p> .....it could well be an uphill battle for our tag team champions too.....after all, Stevie Ray has already been seen severely weakened (to the point that he can clearly barely walk) and for as much as Booker T tries to convince us that Ric Flair is the worlds greatest SINGLES wrestler, he's still (to borrow a gimmick from Brian Pillman) Ric 'F'n' Flair, while Arn Anderson has held Tag Team gold with virtually everyone he's ever teamed with.....</p><p> </p><p> .....it's a good night to be a 'corporate' guy tonight.....what with Brian Pillman's upcoming World Title opportunity, and now Flair and Anderson being handed this shot right here.....a shot that Al Snow and Head, the New Age Outlaws AND Dustin Rhodes and Marc Mero all wanted.....but while those three teams were fighting to earn the chance at the Tag Team Titles, these two McMahon loyalists were simply handed the match, and the rest (much like Stevie Rays knee) is history.....</p><p> </p><p> .....credit where credit's due here, no way should Stevie Ray be competing right now, his leg has been severely compromised by numerous Flair/Anderson assaults, but that's not going to stop him from defending his title here tonight.....although honestly, he's probably more of a hinderance than a help, because the minute he steps into the ring, one swift kick to the patella from either Flair or Anderson leaves him crying out in pain.....</p><p> </p><p> .....because of that, Booker does everything he can to go it alone here, clearly reluctant to tag his barely fit brother into the match......</p><p> </p><p> .....Booker does a great job too.....Stevie Ray is a decent worker, but Booker is certainly the stand out of the team.....he looks extremely comfortable in there with two genuine living legends in Flair and Anderson, both of whom make Booker look like a million bucks as they bounce all over the ring for him.....with Booker reluctant to tag in his injured brother however, Jerry Lawler questions how long he can hold his own against two opponents the calibre of Ric and Arn.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....it's only going to be so long JR until this Harlem Heat is Harlem Cold....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....I wouldn't be so sure of that King, there's a lot of Harlem Heart in that ring right now and this young man is fighting not only for himself, but for his brother too....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....if you two have quite finished with your childish wordplay, Booker T's brother.....who has a name by the way Jim Ross, it's Stevie Ray.....and Stevie Ray is looking increasingly frustrated at being kept on the sidelines here....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Stevie Ray does look to be eager to get into this match, but much as we saw with another brother combination (Bret and Owen) at this very event four years ago, one brother is reluctant to tag the other in, and eventually a brief argument between the champions results in Anderson blindsiding Booker T, as the challengers take control of the match.....</p><p> </p><p> .....now Flair and Anderson take Booker to school.....Horsemen Style if you will.....cutting the ring in half, tagging in and out regularly to keep the fresh man in the match, and targeting a body part.....specifically the leg......neither Heat member is going to be walking right after this one.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Booker won't quit though.....he doesn't stop fighting back either.....and even though there were a number of opportunities, he doesn't tag out to his brother, who is practically screaming at him to let him into the match by now.....eventually, with Booker looking completely spent, Stevie Ray is forced to take matters into his own hands.....literally.....slapping his weary brother on the back to tag himself in as Booker is using the ropes to pull himself back to his feet.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Stevie's leg really is messed up quite badly though.....he's been assaulted by a tyre iron on a number of occasions, as well as having the limb slammed in a car door.....he comes in hot, but he's hopping around on one leg.....he still manages to lays out Flair and Anderson with big right hands, and he holds his own just long enough for Booker to get back to his feet and tackle The Enforcer through the ropes and down to the floor.....</p><p> </p><p> .....but that leaves Stevie with Ric Flair.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the dirtiest player in the game.....</p><p> </p><p> .....who ducks a wild swing, rebounds off the ropes behind Stevie.....</p><p> </p><p> .....and clips his bum wheel with a chop block.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Booker T is still on the outside with Arn Anderson, and The Enforcer is determined to make sure it stays that way as Ric Flair lets out a big <em>"Wooooooooo"</em> and wraps Stevie Ray up in the Figure Four.....Stevie fights with all he has, but his knee is held together by a thread right about now.....he tries to turn The Nature Boy over, but he just can't do it, and with one final cry of pain he is left with little option but to concede the match.....and the titles.....and we have brand new WWF Tag Team Champions.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner(s):</strong> .....and <strong>New</strong> WWF World Tag Team Champions......Ric Flair and Arn Anderson</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/qzCf1GY.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/qzCf1GY.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/EbKLwhg.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/EbKLwhg.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/oaoTLfs.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/oaoTLfs.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....from there we go backstage, where we see a close-up of a monitor showing Flair and Anderson walking back up the aisle with their brand new WWF Tag Team Titles in hand, while Booker T attempts to help a very angry looking Stevie Ray back up to his one good foot.....Stevie can barely stand though, and as he shoves Booker away he collapses back down to the mat.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the camera pans out from the close up of the monitor, and we see that we were not the only viewers to this screen, because Dok Hendrix is standing by with The Nation of Domination, and Ahmed Johnson is just shaking his head at the scene unfolding before them.....</p><p> </p><p> .....he tells Dok that this is exactly what he was talking about.....if Harlem Heat had listened to him and had the good sense to join the Nation, they would be walking out tonight with those tag team titles around their waists.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....instead, they're walking out with nothing....and Stevie Ray ain't walking out at all....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....he's really not either.....because the monitor beside Ahmed shows medical personnel strapping Stevie onto a stretcher, his knee is in bad shape.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Dok asks Ahmed that if he was so confident about the Nation being able to help Harlem Heat retain those titles, then why didn't they stop the numerous attacks in the weeks leading up to tonight? And is he just as confident that the Nation will help HIM win the Royal Rumble later this evening?.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Ahmed says that the Nation didn't stop the attacks because Booker T didn't want the Nation's support.....they're not here as Guardian Angels, they're here to make sure that the Nation of Domination is the strongest force in the World Wrestling Federation.....the Nation helps the Nation, if you ain't in then you're on your own.....</p><p> </p><p> .....as for the Nation ensuring that Ahmed Johnson wins the Royal Rumble, this Nation ain't run that way.....this ain't Ahmed Johnson AND the Nation of Domination.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....WE are the Nation of Domination, and WE will win the Royal Rumble.....whether that's me.....Kama.....D'Lo Brown.....it doesn't matter WHO wins, because when ONE wins, we ALL win.....and I can tell you now, the Nation of Domination is going to Dominate this entire Royal Rumble match, don't matter WHO gets in our way.....everybody's talking about Steve Austin or Scott Steiner like Ahmed Johnson ain't even in this damn match.....I've beat Stone Cold Steve Austin.....he ain't beat me.....I've beat Scott Steiner.....he ain't beat me.....the ONLY thing people need to be asking themselves right now, is which member of the Nation of Domination is going to win.....because tonight, anyone that ain't with the Nation.....YOU'RE GOING DOWN.....by any means necessary....."</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/f1SRNNg.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/f1SRNNg.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/e630bsM.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/e630bsM.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/EaR1PGI.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/EaR1PGI.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/RmVQirk.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/RmVQirk.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/RmpGMkn.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/RmpGMkn.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....we leave Dok Hendrix and head over to Michael Cole, who's standing by with Ted DiBiase and the Million Dollar Corporation, just moments before Jeff Jarrett has to put the WWF European Championship on the line against Dean Malenko.....a man who DEFEATED Double J just a few weeks ago on Raw is War, a fact that must make Ted DiBiase concerned about the safety of that Championship this evening?.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Deebs lets rip with that trademark laugh, before telling Cole that he must be as stupid as he looks.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....because when you're as wealthy as me little man, the only thing that concerns you, is what you're going to do with all that money....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Ted says that sure, Malenko picked up a fluke victory on Raw, but Jeff Jarrett is standing here with the gold and in life, who has the gold is all that matters.....he says that people have been trying to take this title away from the Million Dollar Corporation, but where are those people now? It seems to Deebs that people who cross his Corporation have a habit of disappearing.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Cole says that this may well be the case, but so far tonight we have had two title matches, and new champions crowned in both cases.....he says that it's been a bad night to be a title holder so far this evening.....</p><p> </p><p> .....now Jarrett laughs, telling Cole that when you're Double J, there's no such thing as a bad night.....he says that Dean Malenko should have cashed his chips in and BEGGED Vince McMahon to let him trade this match with Jarrett in for a spot in the Royal Rumble.....because Malenko has more chance of beating 29 other WWF Superstars than he has at beating ONE Jeff Jarrett.....although, since Rich Steiner is already entered into that match, he wouldn't have won that either.....</p><p> </p><p> .....all five men have a good laugh at that, before DiBiase signs off, telling Michael Cole that this is going to be a VERY profitable night.....for the Million Dollar Corporation......</p><p> </p><p> .....and with that the group walk off, as Michael Cole sends us back down to ringside......</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....as we hear a loud <em>"Yeah Baby"</em>, and Cole gets ANOTHER face full of champagne from a still celebrating Chris Jericho, who proudly proclaims that <em>"I'm going to Disney World babyyyyy"</em>, before walking off and leaving a soaking wet Michael Cold to sign off to Jim Ross.....</p><p> </p><p> .....our European Championship Match is next.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/gctJUIV.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/gctJUIV.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/to5UuKB.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/to5UuKB.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/kyKvKCb.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/kyKvKCb.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....our third title match of the evening sees Dean Malenko challenging Jeff Jarrett, for a European Title that the Million Dollar Corporation are clearly very reluctant to lose.....</p><p> </p><p> .....how reluctant?.....</p><p> </p><p> .....well, Ken Shamrock, Psycho Sid and Chavo Guerrero are three names in recent months that have tried (and failed) to wrest the gold from around Double J's waist, and all three have since vanished without trace from the WWF, courtesy of a rather vicious streak that the Corporation has developed.....gang beat downs, assaults, driving people through tables, Ted DiBiase's men seem to be willing to sink to any depths to ensure that the Corporation retains its crown jewel.....</p><p> </p><p> .....on a night where the previous two title matches have BOTH seen the championships change hands, it's probably not the best time for Jarrett to be facing a man who pinned his shoulders to the mat for the one, two, three just a few short weeks ago, but that's exactly what's happening here.....and since Dean Malenko's dreams of becoming the Light Heavyweight Champion ended when Chris Jericho ensured that the division was retired, the Man of 1000 Holds has been eyeing up the Euro Gold for some time now.....and as we all know, he CAN defeat Double J.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Double J clearly knows it too.....because he's wrestling much more cautiously that he usually would be, with Jerry Lawler pointing out that he is desperately trying to stay out of Malenko's grips.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....they say that Dean Malenko is the man of a thousand holds JR, well Double J obviously knows what's up, because he looks like he's trying to avoid nine hundred and ninety nine of them here tonight....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....he does indeed King, but of those one thousand holds, Dean Malenko only needs to apply ONE of them to win this match.....the Texas Cloverleaf....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....this was a pretty good match all things considered....."all things" being the fact that Jeff Jarrett is much father up on the pecking order that midcarder Dean Malenko, after getting himself established as a main event calibre wrestler.....despite that quite large gulf in overness, Jarrett was surprisingly happy to put Malenko over on Raw a few weeks back, a win that DID raise Malenko's profile quite a bit.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jarrett continues to play the game cautiously, until eventually it's Ted DiBiase that has to tip the tide in favour of his man, distracting the official long enough for Jarrett to dig a thumb into the eye of his challenger.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Jarrett takes control from then on, working a slower match with plenty of showboating for the crowd.....as I said though, Malenko is determined to get his hands on some gold after having the Light Heavyweight division snatched out from under him, and he just won't stay down.....</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/YMOKrD9.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/YMOKrD9.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/JJkmjYB.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/JJkmjYB.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....so much so that Rich Steiner makes his way out from the back, clearly looking to be a difference maker for the Corporation.....unfortunately for him, another man who has his eye on capturing the European Championship makes HIS way out to put a stop to that.....inaugural champion, the British Bulldog.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Bulldog stops Steiner from even reaching ringside as the two men brawl in the aisleway, before taking their fight all the way to the back and out of sight.....there will be NO interference in this match.....</p><p> </p><p> .....ha, yeah right.....</p><p> </p><p> .....in the middle of all that (very distracting action) Ted DiBiase slides Double J's Acoustic Equaliser into the ring, and Jarrett uses the guitar to completely brain his challenger.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Malenko hits the mat as shards of wood fly everywhere.....Jarrett makes the cover, DiBiase points the official in the direction of the pin attempt.....and three seconds later, Jeff Jarrett is the first Champion of the night to successfully defend their Title.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> .....and <strong>Still</strong> WWF European Champion......Jeff Jarrett</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/GZUV6Ix.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/GZUV6Ix.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/btVcwTQ.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/btVcwTQ.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/UmjkjmT.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/UmjkjmT.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> It's time to have a word from the boss now, as Dok Hendrix is in the office of Vincent Kennedy McMahon, just a few short minutes before our highly anticipated WWF Championship Casket Match......he's not alone in there either.....although while our new WWF Tag Team Champions (Flair and Anderson) ARE there, the man that will be challenging The Undertaker (Brian Pillman) is not.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Dok asks Vince where the Loose Cannon is right now? After all, he's been notoriously difficult to find these last few weeks.....as well as wondering if he could get McMahon's opinion on who will win the Royal Rumble match tonight?.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Vince says that Brian Pillman is wherever Brian Pillman is, doing whatever it is that Brian Pillman does.....</p><p> </p><p> .....McMahon reiterates a statement that he made a few weeks back, telling Dok that while Brian Pillman HAS been somewhat domesticated, he is still very much a Loose Cannon a fact that the Undertaker has found out first hand in recent weeks.....he tells Dok that when that bell rings to start our next match, Brian Pillman WILL be in that ring.....and when the bell rings to signal the END of our next match, the CORPORATE Cannon WILL be the brand new WWF Champion.....it's as simple as that.....</p><p> </p><p> .....as for who will win the Royal Rumble match.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....frankly that is of little concern to me.....because after Brian Pillman bests the so called 'Phenom' tonight, will there really be any doubt that there is NOBODY that my Corporate Cannon won't be able to best?.....be that a Scott Steiner.....an Owen Hart.....an Ahmed Johnson....."</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ".....what about a Stone Cold Steve Austin?....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Vince doesn't like to be interrupted.....but he perhaps likes the sound of Steve Austin's name even less.....he tells Dok that Stone Cold Steve Austin is a stain on this great company.....Stone Cold Steve Austin is an ingrate.....Stone Cold Steve Austin.....is.....is......</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....a Son of a B!tch......Stone Cold Steve Austin has had the gall to place his hands on ME.....to Stun ME.....and he thinks that he's ever going to be MY World Champion? Headline MY biggest show of the year? I don't think so Dok Hendrix.....see, I may not know who WILL win the Royal Rumble, but I do know who WON'T win the Royal Rumble.....and I can categorically state right here, right now, that Stone Cold Steve Austin....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Vince pauses for a moment to smile at Flair and Anderson.....a smile that gets even wider as The Enforcer nonchalantly places that trusty tyre iron down on Vince's desk.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....Stone Cold Steve Austin has no chance in hell of winning the Royal Rumble.....now, if you don't mind, we have a Casket Match to watch.....so get out....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....we should probably listen to him.....let's get out.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....and go to some random hallway, where one Dean Malenko looks to be particularly deep in thought......</p><p> </p><p> .....obviously the loss he suffered tonight has hit him pretty hard.....almost as hard as that guitar hit him EARLIER tonight.....this is a man who's brooding.....reflecting.....a man who clearly wants to be alone.....</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <em>".....CHAMPION BABYYYY!!!.....look out World, Captain Fantastic is coming through....."</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg"><img</a> style="max-width:15%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> .....I guess Chris Jericho is STILL celebrating his Intercontinental Championship win, as he loudly cha-cha-cha's down the corridor, generally being his usual obnoxious self, until he comes to a sudden halt beside Dean.....he looks down at Malenko for a moment (who doesn't even look up from the floor) before turning back to Test and slapping him on the chest, telling him to look who it is.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....if it isn't Bore-Us Malenko Jr.....looking about as entertaining as ever, the life and soul of the funeral party....."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Malenko clearly isn't in the mood to rise to the bait, and he doesn't even acknowledge Jericho's presence.....Jericho is a pretty annoying guy though, and he tells 'Bore-Us Jr.' (because Malenko's dad was Boris....get it?) that he saw his match earlier tonight, and he knows that Malenko is a pretty boring guy, but it looked like he even managed to put HIMSELF to sleep, because the last thing Jericho saw was Malenko, flat on his back getting pinned.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>".....You know 'Bore-Us', it's getting to be a habit.....the Ayatollah of Rock'n'Rolla strutting around here with the gold, while you sit there all sad with nothing.....I tell you what, since Chris Jericho is a genuinely nice guy.....your hero and mine.....the paragon of virtue.....man of the people and all round great guy.....and since I don't need it anymore.....you can have this one.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Jericho unhooks his (long retired) Light Heavyweight Title from around his waist and tosses it at the feet of Malenko, before readjusting his brand new Intercontinental Title and telling Dean to cheer up, he's finally got a title.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....you can wear it, you can pose with it.....take your picture with it.....shine it up real nice and use it to check out your sad-sack reflection.....you can do ANYTHING with it babyyyyyy......</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....oh.....</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....except defend it.....</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....yeah, you can't do that, because I killed the Light Heavyweight division, just like I killed your hopes and dreams Malenko-no.....come on Test, this buzzkill is ruining my moment....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....with that Jericho struts off, leaving Dean Malenko staring down at the Light Heavyweight Title that he once had grand designs for.....it's not been a good night for the Man of 1000 Holds.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Rating:</strong></em><em> A</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/Go8E4u6.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/Go8E4u6.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/PnBM24f.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/PnBM24f.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....we go from there over to the locker room of the Hart Foundation, where (with Chris Jericho and Test off celebrating) Michael Cole is standing by with Bret and Owen Hart.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Cole wants to know if Bret and Owen are really willing to side with a man that they claim has screwed them over multiple times? If they are really prepared to assist Vince McMahon achieve his goal of seeing the Corporate Cannon Brian Pillman walk out of here tonight as the WWF Champion, just to get Owen Hart a favourable number in the Royal Rumble match? And more importantly, is Bret Hart really not entering the Royal Rumble match himself?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Bret says that the answer to every one of Cole's questions is the same.....yes.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....you see Michael Cole, the Harts have been screwed over for too long around here, it's about time something went our way.....and tonight, that's exactly what's going to happen.....we don't really care WHO walks out of here tonight as the WWF Champion, because it really doesn't matter.....it doesn't matter for exactly the same reason as to why I'm not entering the Royal Rumble match.....whoever walks out of here tonight as the WWF Champion, won't be Champion when Wrestlemania comes around, because I have a GUARANTEED shot.....a shot that I can take whenever I want......even tomorrow night on Raw if I see fit....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Owen says that you're damn right they'll help Brian Pillman win the WWF Championship tonight.....then Bret will take it from him.....and when Owen comes in at number thirty tonight and wins the Rumble, he and Bret will go on to main event the biggest show of the year......a rematch of (in Owen's opinion) the GREATEST Wrestlemania match ever.....Bret vs. Owen.....brother vs. brother.....only this time, for the World Wrestling Federation Championship.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....that makes helping Vince McMahon out sound worth it to me Cole....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Cole isn't finished though, deciding to play devils advocate.....what if Bret DOESN'T defeat the winner of tonight's Championship match.....what if Owen DOESN'T win the Royal Rumble.....what if they fail to ensure that Brian Pillman wins tonight and Owen is forced to enter at number one.....what if NEITHER man makes it to the main event of Wrestlemania.....what if?.....what if?.....what if?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....neither Hart is listening though.....Bret says that no matter what obstacles have been thrown at them, the Hart Foundation has endured.....Bret says that he was screwed out of the WWF Title back at Wrestlemania XII, but where is the Boy Toy now? Because the Hitman is still here.....he says that the Wolfpac stole the Intercontinental Championship from Owen, but look where the Intercontinental title is now....back with the Hart Foundation.....Bret says that overcoming obstacles is the Canadian way, and it's what the Hart Foundation will continue to do so if they have to make a deal with the devil for one night, then that's exactly what they will do.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....now if you'll excuse us.....WE have a World Title match to 'watch'................come on Chris....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Chris?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....oh.....this guy again.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....it seems as though Chris Jericho has partied his way through the entire building as he bursts into shot, soaking Michael Cole for the third time this evening, this time by dumping a cooler full of Gatorade over his head.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....yeah babyyyy.....Wolfpac eat your heart out wooooooo....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....!!!!OH COME ON!!!!....."</em></em><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Michael Cole isn't happy.....Chris Jericho is delighted though.....and so are Bret and Owen as they clap their team mate on the back, congratulating him on his big win, before telling him that it's time to go 'watch' Brian Pillman win the WWF Title.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....I guess it's down to ringside we go.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Rating:</strong></em><em> A*</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/4mzhWEv.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/4mzhWEv.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/SlvhFFp.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/SlvhFFp.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>WWF Championship: Casket Match</strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....so this is it, everything that Brian Pillman has done in the last few weeks will either make him tonight.....or the Undertaker will break him tonight.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....a lot of people scoffed when Vince McMahon announced that this match for the WWF Championship would be contested under Casket Match rules.....especially considering the fact that the current WWF Champion is The Undertaker.....I mean, it's kinda his match after all.....unfortunately for the Deadman (as he quickly found out) this isn't the Corporate Cannon he's facing tonight.....this is the Loose Cannon, Brian 'F'n' Pillman, and he's willing to do ANYTHING to ascend to his throne as the Ruler of the Revolution.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....don't believe me? Just ask Paul Bearer.....ask Kane.....two men who have been completely taken out of the equation by the Loose Cannon, leaving the Deadman all alone.....and if that wasn't bad enough, the no disqualification nature of this match means that Vince McMahon can offer his Chosen Champion all the advantages under the sun.....including the potential interference of the Hart Foundation.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he may need every advantage too.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....because as The Undertaker makes his grandiose entrance, removes his hat and coat, then raises the lights, he stares at Brian Pillman with a look that would make even the devil himself nervous.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and then the bell rings.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and the Undertaker absolutely goes nuts on Brian Pillman.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Jim Ross says that this is weeks and weeks and weeks of pent up aggression on the part of the WWF Champion.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....week after week The Undertaker has been wanting to get his hands around the throat of Brian Pillman, and week after week this Loose Cannon has angered, antagonised, and assaulted him further, without a second thought for the carnage that he left in his wake.....Brian Pillman is an unhinged individual, and King, as we have seen, it's those close to the Deadman that have paid the price....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....Brian Pillman might be crazy JR, but if you ask me, he just might be crazy like a fox.....because I have never seen this amount of emotional outpouring from The Undertaker, and Rick Rude, you know as well as I do, that an emotional man is a man prone to mistakes.....you make a mistake, and Brian Pillman WILL capitalise on that in a heartbeat....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....not to mention the fact Jerry Lawler, that the so called 'Phenom' of the WWF rarely has to expel this much energy during a match.....if Brian Pillman is smart.....and he IS.....he'll weather this storm and let the Deadman punch himself out....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....that might not be a bad strategy.....except for the fact that the Undertaker doesn't appear to be tiring himself out anytime soon.....in fact, as he sends Pillman flying over the top rope and to the outside, it looks as though he's just getting started.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Undertaker follows his opponent to the floor and, as Pillman attempts to crawl away from the assault, Taker drags him back by the tights (flashing his bare behind in the process, obviously an homage to the Nature Boy in the back) before tossing him straight into the side of the casket and slamming his head off the top.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the Undertaker continues the assault on the outside, and everything is completely legal here.....Brian Pillman destroyed Paul Bearers leg with a steel chair.....he destroyed Kane's leg with a steel chair......he crashed a steel chair across the skull of the Deadman.....so is it any surprise that after he knocks Pillman down to the concrete with a Big Boot, that the Undertaker picks up a steel chair and crashes it into the skull of Pillman?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Taker punishes his opponent with a series of blows across the back, before dragging the Loose Cannon by his feet over to the steel ring steps, placing his right leg over the top.....and then crashing that chair down over the knee.....a steel on steel sandwich, with Brian Pillman's patella as the filling.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Rick Rude doesn't condone this, telling Jim Ross that the object of this match is to place your opponent inside the casket, not cripple him.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....be that as it may Rick, but you can call this payback for the injuries that Brian Pillman inflicted upon the legs of both Paul Bearer and Kane....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....that's poppycock Jim Ross.....The Undertaker is still standing isn't he? You didn't see Brian Pillman attempt to cripple the Deadman, but here is our WWF Champion, actively trying to break his opponents kneecap right off.....makes me sick....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ....the Deadman IS focusing his attack on that leg too.....and after he finishes with the chair he pulls the ring steps away from the post, slides Pillman's leg behind it (so that it's resting between the steps and the post) and then delivers an almighty kick to the steps, crushing Brian's knee between the two steel objects.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Pillman screams out in pain as the usual cackling of the Loose Cannon is replaced by a cry of agony, but it's music to the ears of the WWF Champion, who continues to assault his challenger on the floor, before finally tossing him back into the ring.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the onslaught doesn't stop there though, and even Brian's pleading isn't enough to placate the fury of the reaper, as The Undertaker continually pounds on the skull of the challenger with stiff shots in the corner, before mercifully he wraps his hands around the throat of Pillman, raises his high into the air.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and Chokeslams him straight down to the mat, as the official opens up the casket.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....did I say mercifully?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....yeah, scrap that.....the Undertaker has no mercy here, and he tells the referee to close the casket lid, this assault isn't anywhere near over yet.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Rick Rude says that this is a huge mistake as the Undertaker continues the attack.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....he had the match won Jim Ross.....the name of the game is winning, The Undertaker more than likely had this match won right there and didn't take it.....this is potentially a big mistake on the part of the Undertaker......Phenom or not, you don't play with an opponent of Brian Pillman's calibre....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Rude has a point.....and Brian Pillman has a plan..... </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/18hyaeF.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....or rather Vince McMahon has a plan.....a plan that involved The Hart Foundation ensuring that the Undertaker doesn't leave here tonight as the World Wrestling Federation Champion.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....a plan that sees Chris Jericho and Test come rushing out from the back to assault the Deadman, giving Brian Pillman a much needed breather.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....to say that Chris Jericho has been on a high tonight would be an understatement, and he uses that energy to unleash a barrage of offence on the Undertaker.....or rather the Underseller.....because in his current berserker mode the Deadman shrugs it all off and wraps his hand around Jericho's throat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....at least until Test cracks him in the back of the head with the Intercontinental Championship.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....that finally drops the Deadman to a knee.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the trio go to work, as Pillman joins Test and Jericho in triple teaming the WWF Champion, before the Loose Cannon brays at the official to </em><em><em>"open the damn casket"</em></em><em> as they attempt to roll the Deadman inside, as Rick Rude pats himself on the back (Barry Horowitz style) for his earlier call, repeating that the Undertaker not taking the victory when it was available was a huge mistake.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....looks like Rude has a point too, because between the three of them, Pillman, Jericho and Test, they are able to roll the Deadman into the velvet interior of the casket.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....but not shut the lid.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....because as Pillman stands (arms raised in victory) in the middle of the ring, barking orders at Jericho to close the casket and end the match, The Undertaker sits bolt upright and clocks the Intercontinental Champion right in the mouth, before grabbing Test by the throat, standing up, stepping over the top rope, and Chokeslamming him right to the mat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Pillman rushes at the Deadman, but his brief flurry of offence is soon shut down by the WWF Champion, who's fury seems to be making him impervious to pain tonight, a fact that Jim Ross points out, saying that the Loose Cannon thought he was playing mind games with the Undertaker, but in reality, all he has done has ensured that the Phenom is more hellbent on the destruction of his opponent than he ever has been before.....and he's about ready to disperse of his challenger right now, as his picks up Pillman and drives his skull into the canvas with a huge Tombstone Piledriver.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and now (as he motions for the casket lid to be opened) it would seem as though the Undertaker is finally ready to end this match..... </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/TcNIZD6.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/TcNIZD6.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/z45TeSS.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/z45TeSS.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....when phase two of McMahon's Masterplan kicks in, and Bret as Owen Hart rush the ring before the Undertaker can roll Brian Pillman into the casket.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....fortunately for Pillman, the Hart Brothers aren't as easily dismissed as their Canadian Cohorts were, and they are able to assault the Deadman long enough for Chris Jericho and Test to return to the fray, then the entire Hart Foundation go about their mission for the evening.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....of course, that mission is to ensure that Brian Pillman leaves as WWF Champion, so that Owen Hart can enter the Royal Rumble match next at number thirty.....because if they DON'T ensure that Brian Pillman leaves here tonight as the WWF Champion, then Owen Hart is going to have a very long night ahead of him, because he WILL come in at number one.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....from his position on the mat (following that Tombstone Piledriver) Brian Pillman cries at the official to open up the casket, which is exactly what he does as the entire Hart Foundation force the Deadman over to the side of the ring.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Taker still isn't going down without a fight though, and he manages to break free of his captives, then begins swinging wildly at his attackers, sending them flying through the ropes and down to the floor outside.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the Undertaker takes a moment to catch his breath, then turns and runs across the ring (turning Brian Pillman inside out with a running clothesline as he goes) hits the ropes, runs the length of the ring once more......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and then soars over the top rope, taking out all four Hart Foundation members with a spectacular dive to the outside.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the Undertaker has been like a man possessed tonight, but he's beginning to tire now.....he rolls back into the ring, where Pillman meets him, and the two men begin exchanging punches, before they finally grasp onto each other and each attempt to jockey for position as they struggle over towards the casket.....the two men grapple through the ropes and onto the apron, where the Loose Cannon finally goes for that universal difference maker......he kicks the Deadman right in the balls, before desperately demanding that the official opens the casket.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ......which he does.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/o6z7mVT.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/o6z7mVT.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and Mankind sits right up inside it.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Brian Pillman's eyes practically pop out of his head when he sees the masked maniac.....and the crowd pops huge.....we haven't seen Mick Foley (nor any of his other personalities) around here since Mankind's losing effort against Brian Pillman back at Octobers In Your House: Badd Blood event.....the Loose Cannon picked up what most believed to be a fortunate victory in the WWF's inaugural Hell in a Cell match, and as he pulls back that right hand, it looks as though he's here to make up for lost time, as he strikes out with that Mandible Claw.....straight down the throat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....of The Undertaker?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....there's somewhat of a shocked silence in the arena, but those initial cheers rapidly turn to jeers as Mankind incapacitates the WWF Champion with the Mandible Claw, to the point that he finally pulls back with all his might, as Mankind and The Undertaker crash land simultaneously into the Casket, with Mankind's fingers still lodged into the gullet of the Deadman.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Brian Pillman looks as though he can't believe his eyes, but this Loose Cannon is nothing if not an opportunist, and he quickly reaches forward.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and slams the casket lid shut.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....which means that here, at the Royal Rumble 1998, one calendar year after betraying (then) good friend Steve Austin to join forces with Vince McMahon, the Loose Cannon Brian Pillman has finally ascended to his throne......the Loose Cannon Brian Pillman is officially the ruler of the revolution.....and the Loose Cannon, Brian 'F'n' Pillman, is the World Wrestling Federation Champion......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Winner:</strong></em><em> .....and </em><em><strong>New</strong></em><em> WWF Champion......Brian Pillman</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Rating:</strong></em><em> A (99)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg"></em></a><em><img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/mTL46g9.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/mTL46g9.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and he hoists that Championship high in the air the moment the official presents him with it, before clutching it tightly to his chest.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he's soon joined in his celebration by the Chairman of the Board himself, as Vince McMahon makes his way out, along with the brand new tag team champions Flair and Anderson.....the trio make their way down the aisle, where they pass the Hart Foundation.....Bret tells Vince that they held up their end of the bargain, is he going to hold up his? McMahon chuckles, telling Bret that he is a man of his word, Owen Hart WILL enter the Royal Rumble match at number thirty.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....that's good enough for the Harts, who make their way to the back as McMahon, Flair and Arn congratulate Pillman on becoming the Corporate Champion.....Pillman is clearly delighted, but he's also somewhat distracted by the closed casket that still sits ominously at ringside.....suddenly the lid of the casket swings open, and the deranged Mankind pulls himself up and out, dropping down to the floor as the lid slams shut behind him.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Mankind sits crosslegged on the arena floor, rocking back and forth like the Mankind of old, as Vince McMahon takes a microphone to officially declare that the World Wrestling Federation finally has a champion that it can be proud of.....but more importantly, HE has a champion he can be proud of.....as Brian Pillman did exactly what he claimed he would.....he put an end to the legacy of the fabled Undertaker.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>.....:::::!!!!!GONG!!!!!:::::.....</strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and with that the arena descends into darkness, and we are treated to the usual light and smoke show that comes with anything remotely relating to the Undertaker, until finally......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>.....:::::!!!!!GONG!!!!!:::::.....</strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the lights flick back on.....and the casket which was closed moments ago is now completely missing its lid.....its missing its inhabitant too, because while the Undertaker WAS inside that wooden structure, he's now nowhere to be seen.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....all four men (with the exception of Mankind, who hasn't stopped rocking throughout all of that) turn and anxiously glance around, clearly expecting the Undertaker to be standing there.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he isn't.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and the looks of nervousness soon drain away, as McMahon once again raises his Corporate Champion's arm in celebration, as we go to a promo package highlighting the history of the Royal Rumble match......a match which is coming up.....next.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Rating:</strong></em><em> A</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/4pzsPi1.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/4pzsPi1.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....ladies and gentlemen.....it is now time.....for the ROYAL RUMBLE match.....</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....in just a few moments, the two competitors who drew number one and number two will enter the ring, and every two minutes thereafter another competitor will enter the ring according to the number they drew.....</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....that process will continue until all thirty men have entered the match.....elimination occurs anytime that a competitor is thrown over the top rope and down to the floor.....</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....after all thirty men have entered, the one man that remains in the ring will be declared the winner, and will be on his way to face the WWF Champion at Wrestlemania XIV......</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> .....so without further ado, let's all find out who drew number one....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....:::::WHAT DOES EVERYBODY WANT:::::....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/Mz6kcGj.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/Mz6kcGj.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....they want Head apparently.....they get head too, right there in the arms of a man who was always destined to have a bad number here tonight, the hapless Al Snow.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Al gets a great reaction, he's developed into a real fan favourite around here, so much so that I could </em><em><em>probably</em></em><em> get a pretty good match out of him and Brian Pillman.....in fact, scrap that.....I'm confident that Al Snow and Brian Pillman could comfortably headline most any show in a WWF Title match.....MOST any show......Wrestlemania? Hmmm......Al is going to have his work cut out for him, starting from the number one position.....but it HAS been done before......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....and now, let's find out the man that drew number two....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/RH7SiNh.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/RH7SiNh.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....well, would you believe it.....it's only Al Snow's long suffering partner Chris Candido.....someone else that's much higher up the card than even they probably thought they would be around here.....and while he may be loathed to admit it, he has Al Snow to thank for that.....sure Al Snow is.....different.....but this pairing just works and both men have been elevated thanks to it......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....but that doesn't mean they aren't going to fight.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the bell rings and this one is underway.....but Al seems confused already, telling Candido that he knew it would come down to the two of them.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Candido shakes his head, telling Al that it's not come down to the two of them, there's still 28 more entrants to come.....Al isn't buying it, telling Candido that this isn't going to go down the same way as his trial run (with the new range of WWF action figures) a few weeks ago went, tonight it's going to be Al Snow picking up the win.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ....Candido gives up trying to explain it to Snow, instead he simply shrugs his shoulders and the two men begin to brawl.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....of course, all of Al Snow's confusion killed about 1:30.....so they're not brawling for long until we have our next competitor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #3:</strong></em><em> Scorpio</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (2:00) Chris Candido (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and it's Scorpio from the Nation of Domination.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Ahmed Johnson declared earlier this evening that it didn't matter WHICH member of the Nation won this match, but ONE of them is going to.....although let's face it, Scorpio is hardly Ric Flair......so coming in at number three means that it probably won't be him.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Snow and Candido may be happy to fight each other for the privilege of winning the Royal Rumble, but Candido (if not Al) is at least smart enough to realise that, actually, for as crappy as the number one and number two draw is, if they work together, it could actually be quite advantageous.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scorpio hits the ring, but he's barely out of the starting blocks before he's overpowered by the former WWF Tag Team Champions, who toss him out in little over a minute, before returning to brawling with each other, as the clock runs down to zero.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/vk2Ghpj.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/vk2Ghpj.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #4:</strong></em><em> Sean Waltman</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (4:00) Chris Candido (4:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Scorpio (1:06) (by Chris Candido & Al Snow)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....it's time to welcome entrant number 4 to the mix, and while Snow and Candido attempt to repeat their rapid elimination of Scorpio a moment ago, Sean Waltman isn't Scorpio, and after riding with both the KLiQ and the Wolfpac these last few years, he knows a thing or two about two on one attacks.....how to deliver them, and more importantly, how to avoid them.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he sprints down the aisle, but he stops short at sliding into the ring when he sees Snow and Candido stood waiting for him, instead he cautiously climbs up onto the apron and lets the two men in the ring come to him, before quickly nailing Snow with a shoulder barge (between the top and middle rope) that doubles Al over, before Springboarding right over the top of Snow and flying towards Candido with a flying clothesline.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Candido sidesteps that, but Waltman ducks and rolls on the landing, running off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring and nailing Chris right between the eyes with a spinning back heel kick on the return.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Waltman rushes at Snow (who's still up against the ropes) and sends him flying over the top with a clothesline, but Al is able to save himself, landing on the apron before rolling back into the ring.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....it's a good initial flurry from the former European Champion, but the numbers ARE against him, and Candido is able to clock him in the back of the head and give himself and Al a good 45 seconds to beat on the Wolfpac man before the buzzer sounds again......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/d6MhRqp.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/d6MhRqp.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #5:</strong></em><em> The Road Dogg</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (6:00) Chris Candido (6:00) Sean Waltman (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....oh you didn't know?.....well now you know.....because contestant number five is one half of the former two time WWF Tag Team Title tandem The New Age Outlaws, it's the Road Dogg, Jesse James.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the Outlaws have certainly had their share of battles with Al Snow and Chris Candido, with the two teams even trading the tag titles back and forth.....tonight isn't about TAG titles though, it's about THE title.....doesn't mean that we can't settle a little bit of bad blood along the way though does it, and as Candido and Waltman continue to go at it, James goes straight for Al Snow, and for the second time in almost as many minutes Snow gets tossed over the top, before saving himself at the last moment.....a fact which irks Jerry Lawler.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....Al Snow should be long gone already by now Jim Ross, but obviously he's got more lives in him than he's got voices in his head....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the Road Dogg is another man that has a successful Tag Team to thank for his current standing on the card.....before his little stint in rehab back in early (and all the way through until late) 1996, 'The Roadie' wasn't exactly tearing it up around here.....since joining forces with Billy Gunn however and forming the New Age Outlaws, he's shot up from a lower midcard kinda guy, all the way up to the upper midcard, and honestly, he has the feud with Al Snow and Chris Candido to thank for that, because even though the Outlaws defeated The Hart Foundation to win the WWF Tag Team Titles, it wasn't until the Snow and Candido feud that James' popularity (or should that be notoriety) grew......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....anyway.....the Rumble continues.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Snow and Road Dogg on one side of the ring, Waltman and Candido on the other, and our two minutes are up.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/qBeE4n3.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/qBeE4n3.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #6:</strong></em><em> Bradshaw</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (8:00) Chris Candido (8:00) Sean Waltman (4:00) The Road Dogg (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and JR tells us that business is about to pick up, because entrant number six is the big Texan, Bradshaw.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Bradshaw actually has a match scheduled tomorrow night on Raw, against the Nation of Domination's Scorpio.....he wins that then he gets to chance to face Ahmed Johnson one more time.....unfortunately, Scorpio lasted barely a minute in this match and is already gone.....a fact that I'm sure neither Bradshaw OR Ahmed Johnson is happy about.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....instead Bradshaw takes his frustrations out on the four men currently in the ring, with each one getting turned completely inside out by a Clothesline From Hell a piece, as Bradshaw comes in like a house of fire.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he's a big old hoss though is Bradshaw, so he soon slows his pace back down.....and the five men go about trying to eliminate one another.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/9JEgh7u.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/9JEgh7u.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #7:</strong></em><em> Rey Mysterio</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (10:00) Chris Candido (10:00) Sean Waltman (6:00) The Road Dogg (4:00) Bradshaw (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....but the pace is soon bought back up.....because the number 7 entrant is Rey Mysterio.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Rey comes rushing down the aisle and hops onto the apron, before leaping onto the top rope and springboarding into the ring, taking out Candido, Waltman and the Road Dogg in one fell swoop.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he ducks a Bradshaw "Clothesline From Hell" attempt and chops the larger man down to size with a dropkick to the knee.....with Bradshaw now kneeling down at his level Rey runs the ropes and uses his momentum to Bulldog the bigger man's head right into the canvas.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Bradshaw struggles back to his feet (using the ropes to help him) and Mysterio charges at him with a clothesline of his own.....it wasn't from hell though, and while it clearly WAS intended to send Bradshaw sailing over the top rope, it barely budged the bigger man.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....so Bradshaw almost decapitates Rey with a huge Big Boot to the face instead.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/1jS5dtd.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/1jS5dtd.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #8:</strong></em><em> Marc Mero</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (12:00) Chris Candido (12:00) Sean Waltman (8:00) The Road Dogg (6:00) Bradshaw (4:00) Rey Mysterio (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....we've got Al Snow and Chris Candido in there, we've got the Road Dogg in there.....may as well add a third element into the mix.....because while the New Age Outlaws and Snow and (Don't call me) Skippy are two teams with the tag team titles in their sights, the former Goldust and Marcus have now also made their own overtures at the gold, and entrant number eight is the newly (re)christened Marc Mero.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....with the arrival of Mero, the action in the ring splits into two halves.....Waltman, Bradshaw and Mysterio battle it out on one side of the ring, while Mero and Road Dogg briefly put their differences to one side, as they team up to face off against Snow and Candido.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/MHbzSDf.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/MHbzSDf.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #9:</strong></em><em> Crush</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (14:00) Chris Candido (14:00) Sean Waltman (10:00) The Road Dogg (8:00) Bradshaw (6:00) Rey Mysterio (4:00) Marc Mero (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....as another big, big man enters the fray.....one half of the Dogs of War.....Crush.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....being larger in stature than most of the other men in the ring, Crush decides to go for the current biggest dog in the yard, that being Bradshaw, and these two big men go about clubbing the hell out of each other.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....that leaves two former Light Heavyweight Champions to go at it.....in fact, it was Rey Mysterio that ended the reign of (then champion) Sean Waltman wayyyyyy back at Summerslam 1996.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....of course, our warring tag teams are still going at it over on the other side of the ring.....Road Dogg and Mero might be working as a unit briefly, but they are far from a cohesive unit, so all it takes is one stray punch from Mero (connecting with Jesse James instead of its intended target Chris Candido) and these two men begin swinging at each other, as Snow and Candido stand back and watch.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Road Dogg and Marc Mero each grapple for position up against the ropes, both trying to eliminate the other.....of course that makes them slightly unbalanced, so much so that Snow and Candido are able to sneak up behind them and tip BOTH competitors over the top rope..... </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/QTC0OZH.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/QTC0OZH.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #10:</strong></em><em> D'Lo Brown</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (16:00) Chris Candido (16:00) Sean Waltman (12:00) Bradshaw (8:00) Rey Mysterio (6:00) Crush (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Road Dogg (9:36) (by Al Snow and Chris Candido) Marc Mero (3:36) (by Al Snow and Chris Candido) </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....we lose two in Mero and Road Dogg, but we gain one thirty seconds later, because the Nation of Domination's D'Lo Brown is out next, and he goes straight for Bradshaw.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Crush joins Brown in the assault of Bradshaw briefly, but the big man from Hawaii soon turns his attention to Snow and Candido, clearly keen to remind everyone that the Dogs of War have some tag title aspirations of their own.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Waltman and Mysterio continue to duke it out in the other corner of the ring, with BOTH men coming perilously close to elimination, tumbling over the top rope only for each competitor to save themselves with a double (and stereo) skimming of the cat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....meanwhile over on the other side of the ring, Candido and Snow are uniting once more in an effort to tip Crush over the top rope.....Chris Candido has never been shy about his desire for gold around here, so as he, Snow and Crush all jockey for position, Candido suddenly spots an opportunity, releases Crush......and tips Al Snow right over the top rope from behind.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/kIzEtJy.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/kIzEtJy.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #11:</strong></em><em> Thrasher</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Chris Candido (18:00) Sean Waltman (14:00) Bradshaw (10:00) Rey Mysterio (8:00) Crush (4:00) D'Lo Brown (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Al Snow (17:42) (by Chris Candido)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the crowd don't like that, Al Snow doesn't seem overly concerned though (and Candido at least has the decency to apologise to his partner, before making the universal "belt" gesture around his waist) as Thrasher of the Headbangers makes his way in at number 11, heading straight for Chris Candido.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....meanwhile, Bradshaw gains a little measure of revenge on the Nation of Domination, by backdropping D'Lo out of the ring and out of the match, while Crush heads to the Light Heavyweights.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....not that he has a great deal of luck, because as he rushes at Waltman with a running clothesline attempt, Waltman ducks, and as Crush's momentum carries him forward, Mysterio grabs hold of the top rope and drops down, causing Crush to tumble straight over the top rope.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/zhlhNFt.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/zhlhNFt.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #12:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Chris Candido (20:00) Sean Waltman (16:00) Bradshaw (12:00) Rey Mysterio (10:00) Thrasher (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> D'Lo Brown (2:56) (by Bradshaw) Crush (5:44) (by Rey Mysterio)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....well.....here's a game changer.....because at number twelve we have LAST years Royal Rumble winner, the man who went on to Wrestlemania to become the WWF Champion.....Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scotty says that last year he told the world he would win the Royal Rumble, and that's exactly what he did.....THIS year he's made the same promise, and well....if these two minutes here are anything to go by, he may just do it.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he hits the ring and barely breaks a stride as he sidesteps a charging Thrasher to toss him out immediately, followed a few seconds later by Chris Candido (who is perhaps regretting tossing his partner out a few minutes ago now after their initial success).....Rey Mysterio runs into a standing Steinerline, and while Scotty does toss him too, he only goes through the middle ropes.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he grabs Bradshaw (who is currently going at it with Sean Waltman) and throws him to one side, so that he can begin laying into the Wolfpac member with stiff looking right hands.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scott Steiner is a mean son of a b!tch at the best of times, let alone when you've already been competing for close to twenty minutes as Sean Waltman has, but after already costing the Wolfpac the Intercontinental Championship earlier this evening, he's clearly looking to cost them the opportunity to main event Wrestlemania too.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Bradshaw isn't happy about being unceremoniously tossed to one side like a piece of garbage, so Waltman gets a BRIEF respite as the big Texan advances on Steiner.....it's only very brief though, because as Bradshaw tries for what looks like a Piledriver, Scotty powers out and backdrops him straight over the top rope and out to the floor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Waltman has a flurry of offence after that, nailing Steiner with a series of martial arts style kicks, and was this a standard match with standard rules, Waltman perhaps would have stood more of a chance.....unfortunately here, Steiner traps him in a belly to belly position, and overhead tosses him straight over the top rope and down to the floor......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and just like that Scott Steiner is all alone..... </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....or not.....because Rey Mysterio went THROUGH the ropes, not over them, and he comes flying OFF the ropes now, looking to take out Steiner with a springboard crossbody.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....unfortunately Big Poppa Pump sees him coming, and plucks Rey out of midair, before launching him up onto his shoulders.....pressing him overhead.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and launches him like a lawn dart straight over the top rope and down onto the waiting bodies of Sean Waltman and Bradshaw.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and NOW Scott Steiner is all alone.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....for about five seconds.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/N1sj3LE.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/N1sj3LE.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #13:</strong></em><em> Mosh</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (2:00) </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Thrasher (2:16) (by Scott Steiner) Chris Candido (20:23) (by Scott Steiner) Bradshaw (12:56) (by Scott Steiner) Sean Waltman (17:44) (by Scott Steiner) Rey Mysterio (11:54) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....unlucky number thirteen? It certainly appears to be an unlucky number for Mosh, who less than two minutes ago probably thought he was going to be joining his partner in this one.....an ally.....a team mate.....now he's all alone.....with a p!ssed off Scott Steiner.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scotty only needed two minutes in which to eliminate five men.....he takes a minute and a half here, but only because he's toying with the Headbanger.....after dropping a knee on the back of Mosh's head as he entered the ring, Mosh had no chance from the get go, and was probably grateful to finally be tossed over the top rope.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....that gave Scotty a full thirty seconds to flex his massive peaks, reminding the crowd that he won this match last year.....he'll win it two in a row.....because just like he said on Raw, </em><em><em>"SCOTT STEINER ALWAYS COMES LONGER AND HARDER THE SECOND TIME AROUND"</em></em><em>.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/gw0rAL7.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/gw0rAL7.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #14:</strong></em><em> Marty Jannetty</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (4:00) </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Mosh (1:26) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....cue number fourteen.....Marty Jannetty.....and he doesn't fare much better than Mosh, with Rick Rude pointing out the advantageous position that Scott Steiner now finds himself in.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....because he's stood there ready, willing and MORE than able Jim Ross.....and every time one of these participants climbs between those ropes, Scott Steiner can just kick their head off their shoulders before they even know what's hit them....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....well, it certainly would seem as though that is the case at the moment.....but we still have a long way to go in this one.....sooner or later, Scott Steiner is going to feel that lactic acid build up and those muscles begin to ache, and when that happens, one of these individuals is going to get the upper hand....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....tell me JR, does Scott Steiner look like he's gives a damn about muscle ache right now?....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he doesn't.....he REALLY doesn't.....because after tossing Jannetty over the top rope, Steiner is now doing push-ups in the middle of the ring waiting for his next entrant.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/EaR1PGI.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/EaR1PGI.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #15:</strong></em><em> Rich Steiner</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (6:00) </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Marty Jannetty (1:39) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....well.....this could be interesting.....because entrant number fifteen is only Big Brother Rich.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....RICK Steiner actually became RICH Steiner way back in mid-late 1996, selling out his own brother to join the Million Dollar Corporation.....although you could also argue that without RICH Steiner we wouldn't have Big Poppa Pump either, because it was that betrayal that gave birth to the platinum blonde potty mouth that we all know and.....well, hate today I guess (he is supposed to be a heel after all).....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....since then, these two brothers have had their fair share of battles, including a steel cage affair which saw Scotty take the Intercontinental Championship away from Rich.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....interestingly enough, they have managed to avoid one another completely for around the last twelve months, and it would seem as though Rich is happy with this fact to continue.....he comes to a halt before he climbs into the ring, holding up his hands and telling his brother to hold on.....he tells Scotty that he spoke to Deebs before he came out, and the spot is still open.....the spot in the Million Dollar Corporation.....the shot that means the reunion of the Steiner Brothers.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....c'mon Scotty.....you know it's the right thing to do.....think about how happy it'll make Ma, she hates this.....she never liked her boys fightin'.....do it for you.....do it for me.....do it for Ma.....but more importantly......do it for the money Scotty....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....ah yes.....the almighty dollar.....Ted DiBiase has always proclaimed that everybody has a price....and as Rich slowly (and cautiously) climbs into the ring.....walks towards Big Poppa Pump.....and wraps his arms around him in a warm embrace, it seems that Scott Steiner had his price too......brotherly love.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....or not.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....because Scott quickly shakes free, grabs Rich by the back of the head.....and tosses him straight over the top rope, screaming at him that he's a.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....STUPID SON OF A B!TCH.....I AIN'T GOT NO DAMN BROTHER NO MORE.....ALL I GOTS, IS A LITTLE SISTER WITH NO BALLS.....SEE I DON'T NEED YOU.....I DON'T NEED TED DIBIASE.....I DON'T NEED NO MONEY.....ALL I NEED IS MY FREAKS.....MY PEAKS.....AND THE WWF TITLE THAT I'M GOING TO WIN AT WRESTLEMANIA.....SO WHY DON'T YOU AND YOUR MILLION DOLLAR B!TCHES STAY IN THE BACK AND STROKE EACH OTHERS WALLETS, WHILE YOU WATCH A REAL MAN WITH A MILLION DOLLAR BODY WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and with that, Scott dismisses his brother with a wave of an arm, before going back to his push-ups in the middle of the ring, as our two minutes are about up.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>....:::::WOLVES HOWL:::::.....</strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/ZsRu0sp.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/ZsRu0sp.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #16:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (8:00) </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Rich Steiner (1:33) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....uhm, Scotty?.....maybe you should have taken Rich up on that offer after all.....because business is most definitely about to pick up, and the look on Steiner's face says that he knows it.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Kevin Nash marches down the aisle with a look of steely determination on his face, and since the last time we saw Big Sexy, he was being choked unconscious by Scott Steiner's lead pipe, it's safe to say that Big Poppa Pump has a receipt coming.....a seven foot receipt.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Nash climbs up onto the apron, and Steiner charges at him, looking to utilise the advantage as he has with the last few entrants.....unfortunately Big Sexy punches him square in the mouth....climbs over the top rope.....and then it's on.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Nash completely dominates Steiner for this entire two minute duration.....although in the last four weeks, Big Poppa Pump has assaulted Nash with his lead pipe, assaulted Hall and Waltman with the lead pipe, cost the Wolfpac matches, assaulted Hall and Waltman backstage, not to mention the fact that just tonight, he cost Scott Hall the Intercontinental Championship.....I'd say he was due an ass kicking, wouldn't you?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....which is probably why (as the clock strikes zero) he finds himself propped up in the corner, with Kevin Nash's boot pressed up against his throat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/5nJiYZV.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/5nJiYZV.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #17:</strong></em><em> Test</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (10:00) Kevin Nash (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scott Steiner has had somewhat of an uneasy alliance with The Hart Foundation's Chris Jericho and Test as of late.....I say uneasy because as far as Scotty is concerned it's less of an alliance and more of a fact that they just both happened to be at odds with the Wolfpac at the same time......Steiner has been less than complimentary about the "Canadian Maple Suckers", but I'm sure he's at least somewhat relieved to see Test making his entrance at number seventeen, because quite frankly, he's currently getting his ass kicked.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Test steps over that top rope himself and he rushes Nash, nailing him with a series of clubbing blows to the back of the head that gives Steiner a brief respite.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Nash is a big man, no question about that, but at 6'6" and 280lbs, Test is no Light Heavyweight himself, and he goes about laying into Big Sexy with stiff right hands that back Nash into the corner.....Test lifts up that long leg and gives the Wolfpac man a taste of his own medicine as he uses the bottom of his boot to choke the life out of him, before whipping Nash across the ring.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Test charges towards Big Sexy, but Nash gets his foot up and the Hart Foundation man runs face first into the Big Boot, putting him flat on his back.....unfortunately for Nash, Big Poppa Pump has had plenty of time to recuperate, and he rushes at his nemesis, catching him with a (very impressive considering Nash's size) Belly to Belly Suplex, before he and Test go about stomping the crap out of Big Sexy.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/JJkmjYB.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/JJkmjYB.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #18:</strong></em><em> The British Bulldog</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (12:00) Kevin Nash (4:00) Test (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....that is until number eighteen enters the fray, as the British Bulldog runs down the aisle.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....historically, Davey Boy has always performed pretty well at these events.....not well enough to win (although he came close in 95) but always lasting a very respectable amount of time.....with this pretty advantageous number he wouldn't need to last nearly as long as he has in previous Rumbles to be successful here.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he's also got his fair share of history with the Hart Foundation too, after being excommunicated from the group (and his own family) in favour of Test and Chris Jericho.....and in all honesty, he's never really recovered from that.....as a part of the Hart Foundation he held the Intercontinental Championship for a second time, he was the inaugural European Champion.....as the British Bulldog alone he has done very little (which is perhaps why he has quietly been going about declaring an interest in regaining that European Title) a good showing here could change his fortunes right around, with the added advantage that he gets to take some of his frustrations out on Test.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....because of this the four men in the match pair off, with Nash and Steiner resuming their war on one side of the ring, while Test and the Bulldog go at it on the other.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/rE9PbL3.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/rE9PbL3.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #19:</strong></em><em> Nelson</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (14:00) Kevin Nash (6:00) Test (4:00) The British Bulldog (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....ok, anything I've said thus far about big guys entering the Rumble, scrap that.....because THIS is a big guy.....number nineteen.....Nelson.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the former Nation member has been a (sorry) Man on a Mission in recent months, with his primary focus being to reap his revenge on the then Nation Leader Faarooq.....he did that, and then some......I guess his new mission is to make it to the top of the World Wrestling Federation, and winning the WWF Title at Wrestlemania would be as good a place as any to start.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....this mammoth man takes a while to actually enter the match (it's a long walk.....he's not exactly swift) butwhen he does he makes an immediate impact as he levels both Test and Davey Boy with a double clothesline.....Steiner breaks away from Nash and hammers the monster with blows, before (rather stupidly) attempting to body slam Nelson, who doesn't budge.....instead he lays a series of clubbing fists into the back ofSteiner that hammers him down to the mat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Nelson turns and comes face to face with Kevin Nash....and (as the world gives a collective shudder at the memory of their Summerslam 1995 effort) the two near seven footers begin trading right hands.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/rceAVfq.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/rceAVfq.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #20:</strong></em><em> Billy Kidman</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (16:00) Kevin Nash (8:00) Test (6:00) The British Bulldog (4:00) Nelson (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....we go from one extreme to the other with our twentieth entrant.....from Super, Super Heavyweight in Nelson, to former Light Heavyweight Champion Billy Kidman.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Kidman is another who hasn't done a great deal of note since the Light Heavyweight Division was abolished, but much like The British Bulldog, he has also been making overtures towards Jeff Jarrett and the European Championship.....maybe he'll be the one challenging for the WWF Title at Wrestlemania, but it's doubtful.....he's outmatched in both size and strength by every single man in this ring right now.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and he knows it.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....which is probably why he uses his speed, not his strength.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he springboards into the ring and drives the mammoth frame of Nelson right into Kevin Nash with a dropkick to the upper back of Big Nels'.....Nash and Nelson clash heads, but Kidman doesn't give the biggest man in the match time to recover, as he hits Nelson with a trio of dropkick's that leave the man rocking, followed by a fourth that actually drives the man backwards and leaves him propped up against the ropes.....so Kidman grabs one leg, and lifts.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and doesn't budge Nelson even an inch.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Bulldog and Test see Nelson in a vulnerable position and decide to put their personal issues to one side to try an eliminate the largest man in the ring, and they each join Kidman in attempting to pivot Nelson over the top rope.....and when even THAT doesn't work, Kevin Nash joins in.....and NOW we're starting to see some movement.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....these Royal Rumbles clearly make for some strange bedfellows.....Big Poppa Pump usually loves some strange bedfellows (if ya know what I mean) but he ain't down for this.....and instead of joining in on the action, he punches Kevin Nash square in the face, and as Big Sexy and Big Poppa resume their battle, the moment is lost as far as eliminating Nelson is concerned.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and those two minutes are up.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/8mRKiCT.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/8mRKiCT.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #21:</strong></em><em> Wrath</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (18:00) Kevin Nash (10:00) Test (8:00) The British Bulldog (6:00) Nelson (4:00) Billy Kidman (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....we saw Crush out here earlier this evening (before being eliminated by Rey Mysterio of all people) and now it's the turn of Wrath, who enters the fray at number twenty one.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he decides to focus his attack on the British Bulldog and Kidman, joining forces with Test to fight the mismatched (in size at least) pairing.....Nelson is taking his time to recuperate in the corner of the ring (he's been out there four minutes after all) while Steiner and Nash continue to try and kill each other over the other side of the ring.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....all in all it was a pretty uneventful two minutes.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/D8hQDAy.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/D8hQDAy.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #22:</strong></em><em> Billy Gunn</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (20:00) Kevin Nash (12:00) Test (10:00) The British Bulldog (8:00) Nelson (6:00) Billy Kidman (4:00) Wrath (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....twenty two.....it's Billy Gunn.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the Bad Ass comes running down the aisle at 100mph and slides under the bottom rope and into the ring.....Gunn is another one who thought he would be competing for the WWF Tag Team Titles tonight.....obviously Vince McMahon had other ideas, so here he is.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he goes straight over to where Bulldog, Kidman, Wrath and Test are brawling (its best to avoid Nash and Steiner at the moment, they are currently attempting to murder one another.....seriously.....they each have their hands wrapped around the neck of their opponent) and he joins Wrath in double teaming the Bulldog, leaving Kidman to fend for himself against Test.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he's doing a pretty good job too, so much so that he's able to take the Hart Foundation man down with a corner spinning bulldog, before making the cardinal error of scaling the ropes in a Royal Rumble match.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he goes up top (possibly looking to deliver that Shooting Star Press) but with so many bodies in the ring he gets unbalanced from Bulldog fighting off an elimination attempt, and he crotches himself right there on the top turnbuckle.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....then Test gets back to his feet, and kicks him right in the face with a Big Boot, sending him tumbling down to the floor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....bye bye billy.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>....:::::!!!GLASS SHATTERS!!!:::::.....</strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/0Cx980t.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/0Cx980t.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #23:</strong></em><em> Steve Austin</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (22:00) Kevin Nash (14:00) Test (12:00) The British Bulldog (10:00) Nelson (8:00) Wrath (4:00) Billy Gunn (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Billy Kidman (5:44) (by Test)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....you might wanna hold onto your hats.....because as the glass shatters to signal the arrival of number twenty three, the roof blows off this sumbich, as Stone Cold Steve Austin parts the curtains.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he comes marching down the aisle with purpose, spitting threats and venom at the people in the ring before he even arrives.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg"></em></a><em><img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he might wanna pay attention to what's happening behind him though.....because as he marches down the aisle he suddenly gets jumped by Vince McMahon's Corporate Champions, new Tag Team Champions Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, not to mention the brand new World Wrestling Federation Champion himself, Brian Pillman.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....they hammer Austin down to the ground, and as Pillman cackles on, Anderson takes that ever present tyre iron and cracks it across the knee of the Rattlesnake.....and Jim Ross is frankly appalled by these actions.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....by god, Vince McMahon has made it crystal clear that he does NOT want Steve Austin as the World Wrestling Champion, but this just reeks of desperation, no matter which way you look at it Rick Rude.....to not even give the Rattlesnake a fair shot in this match, that's a new low even for McMahon....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....that's MR. McMahon to you Jim Ross......Mr. McMahon who writes your cheques by the way, something that you might want to remember.....and Mr. McMahon told Steve Austin that he had no chance in hell at winning tonight, and even LESS chance at headlining Wrestlemania......it looks to me like Mr. McMahon is a man of his word....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....it certainly does.....because as Pillman drops to his haunches beside Austin (waving the WWF Title in front of his face) he wishes his former partner good luck in even making it to the ring, before the three men walk off laughing, leaving Stone Cold laying in the aisle.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/WblclPH.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/WblclPH.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #24:</strong></em><em> Matt Hardy</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (24:00) Kevin Nash (16:00) Test (14:00) The British Bulldog (12:00) Nelson (10:00) Wrath (6:00) Billy Gunn (4:00) Steve Austin (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....with the action that occurred on the outside a few moments ago, the action INSIDE the ring slowed down a little bit.....it picks back up now as the attention switches back to the Royal Rumble match itself.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the British Bulldog is probably pleased to see number twenty four, Matt Hardy enter the mix, because at the moment, Wrath, Test and Billy Gunn are ALL beating on the burly brit.....unfortunately for Wrath, he's SO focused on Davey Boy that he doesn't even see Hardy come up behind him.....not until he gets tipped right over the top rope that is.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....as for Steiner and Nash, they still seem intent on taking one another out permanently.....and most other competitors have wisely given them a wide berth.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....since Nelson IS a wide berth, he obviously believes that he will have no problems getting between them.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he was wrong.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....because as much as they want to kill each other, Steiner and Nash take exception to someone trying to STOP them from killing each other.....and they turn around and nail Nelson with a simultaneous shot to the mouth that sends Nelson back into the ropes.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Steiner and Nash grab a leg each and they lift.....and they get Nelson off the mat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....they only get him so far though, and it looks as though they are going to have to drop him back down.....at least it DID look like that, until Stone Cold Steve Austin limps his way onto the apron, yanking back on the head of Nelson.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and finally (between the three of them) Nelson is eliminated.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #25:</strong></em><em> Kama</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (26:00) Kevin Nash (18:00) Test (16:00) The British Bulldog (14:00) Billy Gunn (6:00) Steve Austin (4:00) Matt Hardy (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Wrath (6:22) (by Matt Hardy) Nelson (11:39) (by Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash & Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....we almost get two entrants for the price of one here.....because as number twenty five (Kama) makes his way down the aisle, Stone Cold Steve Austin finally enters the ring, coming face to face with Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....these two men have had their differences in the past, that's for sure, and there's a definite buzz in the air as the two men stare each other down.....in fact the crowd positively erupts at the possibility of seeing these two men come to blows.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scotty isn't a man that's easily intimidated though, and he gives Austin a cocky smirk, before throwing up a double bicep pose.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....so Austin throws up a pair of middle fingers.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....as Kevin Nash grabs Steiner from behind and throws HIM up.....over the top rope and down to the floor.....and after lasting close to thirty minutes (and being involved in nine of the night's eliminations) Big Poppa Pump is out of here.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....meanwhile, Test decides to refocus his attention onto Big Sexy, nailing him in the back with a clothesline.....Billy Gunn goes at it with Matt Hardy (while the Bulldog takes a breather in the corner) and Kama goes after the knee of Stone Cold.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/9CIK2qM.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/9CIK2qM.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #26:</strong></em><em> Barry Windham</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash (20:00) Test (18:00) The British Bulldog (16:00) Billy Gunn (8:00) Steve Austin (6:00) Matt Hardy (4:00) Kama (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Scott Steiner (26:55) (by Kevin Nash)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....entrant number twenty six, and its Big, Bad Barry Windham.....someone who (in all honesty) I have absolutely nothing for right now.....I'm really just watching his contract slowly expire.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....so why even enter him into the Rumble? Oh that's easy.....so that a clearly p!ssed off Scott Steiner can belt seven shades of sh!t out of him in the aisleway as the two men cross paths following Scotty's elimination.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he does as well.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....he beats the living daylights out of him, smashes him into the guard rails on a number of occasions, whips him into the steel steps....the ring post.....then tosses him back into the ring and storms off back to the locker room.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Bulldog isn't one to miss a trick either.....and as Barry gingerly gets back to his feet, Davey Boy sends him straight back out of the match, via a clothesline over the top rope.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....poor Barry.....he spent more time in the aisle than he did in the ring.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/qzCf1GY.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/qzCf1GY.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #27:</strong></em><em> Ahmed Johnson</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash (22:00) Test (20:00) The British Bulldog (18:00) Billy Gunn (10:00) Steve Austin (8:00) Matt Hardy (6:00) Kama (4:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Barry Windham (1:22) (by The British Bulldog)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....business is just about to pick up, because coming in at number twenty seven is the Walking Armageddon (and former WWF Champion) Ahmed Johnson.....and it's not a bad number at all, especially when you consider that the number twenty seven spot has produced more winners than any other slot (three to date.....Big John Studd in 1989, Yokozuna in 1993, and Bret Hart in 1994) and Ahmed is determined to get that World Wrestling Federation into the ranks of the Nation of Domination.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....speaking of the Nation, Ahmed quickly joins Kama in the attack of Steve Austin, who's now severely selling the leg from the assault he received before he even entered this match.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Nash and Test continue their own battle, and after eliminating the man that took HIM out a few weeks back, Big Sexy is now looking to eliminate the man that has been a thorn in the side of the Wolfpac in his absence.....Test has come a long way since his debut though, and the bodyguard is more than capable of holding his own with the former WWF Champion.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ....meanwhile, Davey Boy and Billy Gunn go at it, while Matt Hardy takes a breather in the corner.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/1wwHAn4.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/1wwHAn4.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #28:</strong></em><em> Dustin Rhodes</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash (24:00) Test (22:00) The British Bulldog (20:00) Billy Gunn (12:00) Steve Austin (10:00) Matt Hardy (8:00) Kama (6:00) Ahmed Johnson (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....it's number twenty eight, and the man that entered at twenty seven LAST year, albeit under a different guise.....last year he was out here as the Bizarre One, Goldust.....this year, he's the P!ssed Off One, Dustin Rhodes.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Dustin was somewhat of a casualty of the Raven/Jake Roberts feud, a stepping stone during Roberts journey through the circles of hell....and Raven's less than complimentary words on the career success of 'Goldust' lead to somewhat of an awakening for Dustin, who (after being constantly overlooked while part of the rather strange Goldust/Marcus pairing) is now looking to capture Tag Team gold with partner Marc Mero.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Dustin hits the ring and he goes right for Billy Gunn.....these two may both be heels, but there is plenty of bad blood between them.....and if you don't believe me, you only have to watch Dustin setting Gunn up in the corner.....spreading his legs wide open.....and 'shattering his dreams' as he kicks The Bad Ass right in his Sore Front.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Kevin Nash drops Test to the mat, or more specifically, he drops him face first on the top turnbuckle with Snake-eyes, before leaning back in the corner to take a breather.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ....Matt Hardy sees an opportunity and comes bounding across the ring, and (as Test begins to pull himself up to all fours) he leaps off the back of Test and flys at Nash with some Poetry in Motion.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....unfortunately Nash catches him.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and dumps him over the top.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....meanwhile Austin is still on the receiving end of a Nation beat down, as Ahmed and Kama continue to double team the Rattlesnake.....fortunately help is at hand, because the Bulldog makes his way over to join in the fight and even up the numbers.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/xGyfYpZ.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/xGyfYpZ.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #29:</strong></em><em> Mark Henry</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash (26:00) Test (24:00) The British Bulldog (22:00) Billy Gunn (14:00) Steve Austin (12:00) Kama (8:00) Ahmed Johnson (4:00) Dustin Rhodes (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Matt Hardy (9:08) (by Kevin Nash)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....although they don't stay even for long.....because our penultimate entrant is Mark Henry, and he goes straight over to his Nation Brothers to once again put the numbers advantage in their corner.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Austin is a wounded Rattlesnake, but that's perhaps when he's at his most dangerous.....because as Bulldog takes the full force of an Ahmed Johnson/Mark Henry assault, Austin drops Kama with a (one legged) Stunner, turns and sees Dustin Rhodes and Billy Gunn teetering dangerously as the attempt to eliminate each other.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and tips both men over the top and down to the floor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....not that it stops them from fighting, because Gunn and Rhodes continue to swing at each other right out there on the floor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....they're not alone either, because after a few moments their respective partners come rushing out from the back to join in the fight.....and if THAT wasn't enough (and in a sight that won't please Vince McMahon, since he already denied these folks a tag title opportunity because of things like this) Al Snow and Chris Candido make their way out too.....and we have a three team brawl right out there at ringside while the Royal Rumble rages on.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/xz9C1jO.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/xz9C1jO.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Entrant #30:</strong></em><em> Owen Hart</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Joining:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash (28:00) Test (26:00) The British Bulldog (24:00) Steve Austin (14:00) Kama (10:00) Ahmed Johnson (6:00) Mark Henry (2:00)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Billy Gunn (15:11) (by Steve Austin) Dustin Rhodes (3:11) (by Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....our final entrant should come as no surprise, because due to his involvement in Brian Pillman's earlier WWF Title victory, coming in at number thirty, is Owen Hart.....and with all thirty men now in the ring, JR wants to know who his colleagues believe is going to heading to Wrestlemania XIV.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....well JR, they say it takes a King to know a King, and THIS King is going for the 1997 King of the Ring, Ahmed Johnson.....what about you Rude?....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....that's MR. Rude to you Lawler.....and it's not often that we agree on something, but you might have made the right pick there.....Kevin Nash has already been in this match for thirty minutes, Stone Cold Steve Austin can barely stand.....if we're talking Kings then this has got to come down to two men as far as I'm concerned.....Ahmed Johnson, or the 1994 King of the Ring, Owen Hart....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....JR takes both of those comments on board, but as Owen joins Test in assaulting Big Sexy, while Ahmed and Mark Henry beat down The Rattlesnake (leaving Bulldog and Kama to duke it out) Jim Ross tells them not to count Nash or Austin out yet.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and as if to emphasise JR's point, Steve Austin chooses that exact moment to backdrop the huge Mark Henry over the top and to the outside.....although he clearly tweaked that knee doing it.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and only a few seconds later (as Test holds Kevin Nash wide open) Big Sexy ducks an Owen Hart spinning heel kick, leaving the boot to connect with the jaw of Test, driving the young man back into the ropes.....Nash drops Owen with a big right hand, then turns around and clotheslines Test right out of this match.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Mark Henry (3:45) (by Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Test (27:52) (by Kevin Nash)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....just as the British Bulldog finally eliminates Kama.....only for Ahmed Johnson to instantly tip Davey Boy out from behind.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Kama (13:22) (by The British Bulldog)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> The British Bulldog (27:23) (by Ahmed Johnson)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and then there were four.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/5uy9yni.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/5uy9yni.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/56s2U48.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/56s2U48.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/yLyPAtJ.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/yLyPAtJ.jpg"><img</em></a><em> style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/Biiyb21.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/Biiyb21.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Kevin Nash (32:00), Steve Austin (16:00), Ahmed Johnson (Ahmed Johnson 10:00) and the freshest of them all, Owen Hart (4:00).....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....of course, the action IN the ring is only half of the story.....because there is still action going on outside of the ring, as that three way Tag Team Brawl between Al Snow, Chris Candido, Dustin Rhodes and The New Age Outlaws continues, security finally rushes down to ringside to attempt to remove all non-legal competitors from the ring area.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/TSkVfRF.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/TSkVfRF.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....so with all the official's attentions distracted by that, a still p!ssed off Scott Steiner comes running down the aisle (lead pipe in hand) jumps up onto the apron.....calls Big Sexy's name.....and absolutely nails Kevin Nash right between the eyes with the lead pipe as he turns.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Nash slumps forward, practically unconscious and finds himself draped over the top rope.....so Scotty gives him a helping hand.....just as Owen Hart grabs the feet.....and between them they flip the deadweight of Kevin Nash all the way over the top rope and down to the floor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Kevin Nash (32:48) (by Owen Hart)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Scotty heads the back, eloquently calling the practically unconscious Nash a "little bitch" as he goes, while security and backstage personnel FINALLY clear the ring area.....and we're down to three.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and after eliminating Big Sexy, Owen Hart decides to take a back seat, dropping to the mat and rolling under the bottom rope to the outside.....Jim Ross is appalled by that, stating that Owen is the freshest man in the ring, and if he really believes that he belongs in the Wrestlemania main event then he should be in the ring proving it.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><em>".....Stone Cold Steve Austin is in there on one leg, and he's fighting till his dying breath.....and you can say what you will about the attitude of Ahmed Johnson, but he's backed down from no-one here in the WWF.....not even the mighty Undertaker....."</em></em></p><p><em><em> </em></em></p><p><em><em> ".....the 'mighty' Undertaker Jim Ross? He didn't look so mighty earlier this evening.....and as far as Owen Hart is concerned, you don't win all matches by tackling them head on.....a TRUE champion uses his mind as WELL as his wrestling ability, and that's exactly what Owen Hart is doing here....."</em></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Rick Rude may have a point.....I mean, Owen Hart DOES want to go onto Wrestlemania to compete for the World Wrestling Federation Championship.....and in a match where you lose by being tossed over the top rope, if you're not in the ring, you can't get tossed.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Ahmed Johnson and Steve Austin don't care.....one leg or not, Steve Austin will fight anyone, and he and Ahmed have certainly had their battles in the past.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the two men punch and kick each other all over the ring.....Austin might only have one good leg, but he's got two good hands, and he uses them to their full effect.....Ahmed has TWO good legs though.....and he uses one of them to kick Austin's leg out from under his leg (sorry Owen) and then goes about trying to muscle the Texas Rattlesnake right over the top rope.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....which is when Owen re-enters the ring.....sneaks up behind the battling pair.....and tips BOTH men over the top rope......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Ahmed Johnson (15:16) (by Owen Hart)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Steve Austin (21:16) (by Owen Hart)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....or so he thinks.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Ahmed Johnson is eleiminated, no question about that.....but Steve Austin catches himself and comes to rest on the apron, rolling back into the ring behind a celebrating Owen Hart.....standing.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and waiting.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....for Owen to turn around.....and when he does, the Hart Foundation man is met by a double bird.....a kick to the midsection (that Austin sells as painful to deliver......sell the leg brother).....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and a Stone Cold Stunner.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....the force of which propels Owen right back up to a standing position.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and Austin grabs him by the back of the head.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and launches him right over the top rope and down to the floor.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Eliminated:</strong></em><em> Owen Hart (09:52) (by Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Winner:</strong></em><em> Steve Austin (21:52)</em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Rating:</strong></em><em> B+</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em> <img style="max-width:15%;</em></p><p><em> "src="</em><a href="https://i.imgur.com/sBDSK1J.jpg" rel="external nofollow"><em>https://i.imgur.com/sBDSK1J.jpg"></em></a></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and the bell rings.....and the crowd erupts.....because The Rattlesnake has done it.....one year after being screwed over by his then friend Brian Pillman, Steve Austin has secured the opportunity to potentially challenge the Loose Cannon at the main event of Wrestlemania.....for the World Wrestling Federation Championship.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....a weary (and limping) Steve Austin mounts the turnbuckles to salute this crowd, before embarking on a beer bash of epic proportion.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and as his adoring public looks on, this great crowd aren't the only ones watching Stone Cold celebrate.....because out walks Vince McMahon, Brian Pillman, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson onto the entrance ramp.....and none of them look particularly happy by this development.....THEN the rest of the Hart Foundation make their way out to console Owen.....and none of THEM look particularly happy by this development either.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....Stone Cold Steve Austin looks delighted though.....and as he drains another beer he notices his audience on the entrance ramp watching him.....he calls for another beer.....pops it.....places it on the mat.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....and flips all eight men a double bird with a smile on his face, before going back to toasting the crowd, as we come to the end of an action packed Royal Rumble, with The Rattlesnake standing tall.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....goodnight folks.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Rating:</strong></em><em> A*</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong>Final Rating:</strong></em><em> A</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Order of Entry</span></strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 01) Al Snow</em></p><p><em> 02) Chris Candido</em></p><p><em> 03) Scorpio</em></p><p><em> 04) Sean Waltman</em></p><p><em> 05) The Road Dogg</em></p><p><em> 06) Bradshaw</em></p><p><em> 07) Rey Mysterio</em></p><p><em> 08) Marc Mero</em></p><p><em> 09) Crush</em></p><p><em> 10) D'Lo Brown</em></p><p><em> 11) Thrasher</em></p><p><em> 12) Scott Steiner</em></p><p><em> 13) Mosh</em></p><p><em> 14) Marty Jannetty</em></p><p><em> 15) Rich Steiner </em></p><p><em> 16) Kevin Nash </em></p><p><em> 17) Test</em></p><p><em> 18) The British Bulldog</em></p><p><em> 19) Nelson</em></p><p><em> 20) Billy Kidman</em></p><p><em> 21) Wrath</em></p><p><em> 22) Billy Gunn</em></p><p><em> 23) Steve Austin</em></p><p><em> 24) Matt Hardy</em></p><p><em> 25) Kama</em></p><p><em> 26) Barry Windham</em></p><p><em> 27) Ahmed Johnson</em></p><p><em> 28) Dustin Rhodes</em></p><p><em> 29) Mark Henry</em></p><p><em> 30) Owen Hart</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em><em><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Order of Elimination</span></strong></em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> 01) Scorpio (1:06) (by Al Snow and Chris Candido)</em></p><p><em> 02) Road Dogg (9:36) (by Al Snow and Chris Candido) </em></p><p><em> 03) Marc Mero (3:36) (by Al Snow and Chris Candido) </em></p><p><em> 04) Al Snow (17:42) (by Chris Candido)</em></p><p><em> 05) D'Lo Brown (2:56) (by Bradshaw)</em></p><p><em> 06) Crush (5:44) (by Rey Mysterio)</em></p><p><em> 07) Thrasher (2:16) (by Scott Steiner) </em></p><p><em> 08) Chris Candido (20:23) (by Scott Steiner) </em></p><p><em> 09) Bradshaw (12:56) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> 10) Sean Waltman (17:44) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> 11) Rey Mysterio (11:54) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> 12) Mosh (1:26) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> 13) Marty Jannetty (1:39) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> 14) Rich Steiner (1:33) (by Scott Steiner)</em></p><p><em> 15) Billy Kidman (5:44) (by Test)</em></p><p><em> 16) Wrath (6:22) (by Matt Hardy)</em></p><p><em> 17) Nelson (11:39) (by Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash & Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> 18) Scott Steiner (26:55) (by Kevin Nash)</em></p><p><em> 19) Barry Windham (1:22) (by The British Bulldog)</em></p><p><em> 20) Matt Hardy (9:08) (by Kevin Nash)</em></p><p><em> 21) Billy Gunn (15:11) (by Steve Austin) </em></p><p><em> 22) Dustin Rhodes (3:11) (by Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> 23) Mark Henry (3:45) (by Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> 24) Test (27:52) (by Kevin Nash)</em></p><p><em> 25) Kama (13:22) (by The British Bulldog)</em></p><p><em> 26) The British Bulldog (27:23) (by Ahmed Johnson)</em></p><p><em> 27) Kevin Nash (32:48) (by Owen Hart)</em></p><p><em> 28) Ahmed Johnson (15:16) (by Owen Hart)</em></p><p><em> 29) Owen Hart (09:52) (by Steve Austin)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin</em></p><p><em> Most Eliminations: Scott Steiner (x9)</em></p><p><em> Iron Man: Kevin Nash (32:48)</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> </em></p></div><p></p>

[to4sty]

Aw yeah - we're on the ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA! Excited for this one!

 

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

Taker is a guy who always seems like a good idea to be the champ, but never the guy who will have a long term reign. Pillman fits better narrative wise for Mania, someone will screw over Taker - this feels like a slam dunk.

 

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

 

Pillman would make a great champion, and Taker can come to life again before Wrestlemania.

 

WWF Championship: Casket Match

The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman

Shenanigans. It's a great word. Plus it sets up Pillman v Austin for the big one at the big one.

 

Shenanigans indeed.....in fact Shenanigans were practically promised by Vince McMahon himself given the conditions that Owen Hart had going into the Rumble. I'm hoping Mankind wasn't the shenanigans everyone was expecting though.

 

Pretty much everyone picked Pillman give or take, and in all honesty a title reign was inevitable. Since HBK left to move down south he's the Number One franchise player in the company, closely followed by Bret Hart, with a certain Bionic Redneck coming in at number three (thanks to some questionable star quality, around a B+ compared to Pillman's A*) but Austin is the number one babyface.

 

WWF European Championship Match

Jeff Jarrett © vs. Dean Malenko

Jeff Jarrett and the MDC will forever haunt me - and somehow always pull of A* angles

 

Say what you will, but the Million Dollar Corporation is Money helped in no small part by Deebs excellent entertainment skills and Jarretts surprisingly high popularity.

 

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery

Jake Roberts vs. Raven

Another one that feels like a slam dunk - let's just pray Jake doesn't show up drunk

 

Actually, it's taken three stints in rehab....literally in a row after getting wasted within days of leaving Betty Ford.....but I think Jake is finally clean, I've had nothing but good behaviour since his latest return.....of course I've probably just jinxed that one, but for now he's good.

 

Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery

Jake Roberts vs. Raven

 

Win or lose, Raven has Jake's soul in the palm of his hand. The actual 1-2-3 is probably irrelevant, but if it does happen then I think Raven takes it.

 

Man he really did huh.....seems like the student has become the master of mindgames.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho

Almost too many heels going over on this card

 

I thought the same thing (about the amount of heel wins) but I figured the crowd would be going home happy thanks to Austin, but man there was a lot of heel heat on this night.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho

 

Jericho celebrates his shiny new contract with a shiny new belt. I wonder if he'll ever take off the LHW belt, though?

 

It's been a while (what, five months or so now?) but Jericho has FINALLY given up that Light Heavyweight Coaster

 

Incidentally I think you were one of (if not the only one) to pick Jericho, and I think the only one to pick all the winners correctly, so well done on that.....have a Marvel No-Prize

 

Congrats on 100 pages, that's a milestone and then some.

 

It is to me, I was surprised when I reached 10 pages without boring people

 

With that being said, we're into 101 now, so I suppose I should think about getting Raw and Nitro booked.....

 

.....the Road to Wrestlemania is officially on the way.....Endgame looms nearer.....

 

 

 

The Monday Night Wars: Week 4, January 1998

 

 

 

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments:

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments:

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments:

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments:

 

 

[James Casey]

Pretty much everyone picked Pillman give or take, and in all honesty a title reign was inevitable. Since HBK left to move down south he's the Number One franchise player in the company, closely followed by Bret Hart, with a certain Bionic Redneck coming in at number three (thanks to some questionable star quality, around a B+ compared to Pillman's A*) but Austin is the number one babyface.

 

So, triple threat at Mania then?

 

Incidentally I think you were one of (if not the only one) to pick Jericho, and I think the only one to pick all the winners correctly, so well done on that.....have a Marvel No-Prize

 

I shall cherish it in all its wondrous glory!

 

*

 

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments: Chaos reigns, but it's the WWF, so you'll still get an A, maybe an A*

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments: Sooner or later, Jericho's going to be want rid of the lightweights. I suppose Malenko may have something to say about that... er, metaphorically speaking.

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments: This would be an easy Saturday Night main event in 1993 for me. In 1998 for you, it's a step above a squash match, at most.

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments: Windham, Booker, the Steiner brothers... I just had a momentary disconnect and thought I was predicting WCW.

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments: I figure that MDM's lot will be the heel crew cheating their way to success tonight. The NOD will let Scorpio fight and win or lose how he will - Ahmed won't fear another match with Bradshaw.

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments: It could be a sadism-caused reversed finish, but I suspect not.

 

Incidentally, is the priest an actual character in-game, or just an 'extra'?

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments: This just smells like a miscommunication-caused win for the heels.

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments: While this smells like shenanigans. If Regal loses clean I'll be amazed.

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments: Hmm, Fatu was the last guy Goldberg beat before getting involved with the Guerreros, from memory. It seems like this is going to be linked.

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments: Mortis is Kanyon, I think? Just seems like too silly a gimmick to work. Hayabusa is definitely a great acquire for WCW.

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments: We're not quite in Animal + Heidenreich territory here, but the Roadies are still some way short of their mid-80s best here.

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments: If the FF are going to be taken seriously at all, this is a match they should win. But it's 1998, so who knows?

[ElectricX]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments:

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments:

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments:

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments:

[crackerjack]

So, triple threat at Mania then?

 

This is my thinking too. I'm pretty sure Austin and Pillman have not so great chemistry in this save - always sticks in the back of my mind. Adding Bret would definitely help, if that was the case...

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments:

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments: Matt's gotta jump to WCW eventually right? ...Right?

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments: Gotta build Book up so he can do that J-O-B to Double J

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments: What a gift - the First Family appear! One of the more awkward stables in WCW history, but happy they made their way to WCW

[Satyr24]

The Monday Night Wars: Week 4, January 1998

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments:

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments:

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments:

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments:

[Nobby_McDonald]

Great Royal Rumble. Not the Greatest, that will come in Saudi Arabia in the future...

 

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments: DQ mugging

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments:

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments:

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments:

[Jaysin]

The Monday Night Wars: Week 4, January 1998

 

 

 

 

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments:

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments:

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments:

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments:

[Mattitude90]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments:

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments:

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Rich Steiner

Comments:

 

Bradshaw vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998

 

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior

Comments:

 

Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments:

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments:

[Stevens150]

<p>I just finished binge-reading all 102 pages of this dynasty and it's probably like, one of my favorite ever</p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998 </p><p> </p><p>

Steve Austin <strong>vs.</strong> Mankind</p><p>

Comments: <strong>*GONG*</strong></p><p> </p><p>

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Chris Jericho ©</strong> vs. Matt Hardy</p><p>

Comments: Probably with the help of Test however</p><p> </p><p>

Barry Windham vs. <strong>Scott Steiner</strong></p><p>

Comments: I don't see Windham winning this at all</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Booker T</strong> vs. Rich Steiner</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bradshaw</strong> vs. Scorpio</p><p>

Comments: Keep Bradshaw's momentum going because he'd easily whip through Scorpio with Nation or without Nation</p><p> </p><p>

The Headbangers vs. <strong>Raven & Jake Roberts</strong></p><p>

Comments: Poor Headbangers drew the short straw of evil Jake Roberts and Raven</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998</p><p> </p><p>

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. <strong>The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior</strong></p><p>

Comments: Sting nails Michaels with the Scorpion Death Drop at the end and gets pinned. Nevermind, that's quite doubtful unless Michaels wants to like actually, lose.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Curt Hennig</strong> vs. Lord Steven Regal </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Rikishi Fatu vs. <strong>Chavo Guerrero Jr.</strong></p><p>

Comments: Eddie helps Chavo win. Unfortunately for Rikishi, I'm honestly more invested in The Guerrero's schtick then whatever Rikishi is doing.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jeff Hardy</strong> vs. Mortis</p><p>

Comments: Just another ploy to get Hardy off his guard so he can get attacked from behind the moment the match ends</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Road Warriors</strong> vs. The Amazing French Canadians </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. <strong>The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)</strong></p><p>

Comments: New stable and return of Hugh Morrus needs a win to get something going as much as I love the opposing team</p>

[Kijar]

<p>Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 4, January 1998 </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Steve Austin</strong> vs. Mankind</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Chris Jericho © </strong>vs. Matt Hardy</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Barry Windham vs. <strong>Scott Steiner</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Booker T</strong> vs. Rich Steiner</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bradshaw </strong>vs. Scorpio</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Headbangers vs. <strong>Raven & Jake Roberts</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998</p><p> </p><p>

Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. <strong>The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Curt Hennig</strong> vs. Lord Steven Regal </p><p>

Comments:</p><p>

</p><p><strong>

Rikishi Fatu</strong> vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. </p><p>

Comments: A literal squash</p><p> </p><p>

Jeff Hardy vs.<strong> Mortis</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Road Warriors</strong> vs. The Amazing French Canadians </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. <strong>The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

#WheresKurrgan</p>

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/BC8Hy9X.jpg">

 

Week 4, January 1998

America West Arena (Phoenix, Arizona)

ATT: 15,632

TV: 38.22

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UENhPQI.jpg">

 

The intro barely has time to finish rolling here tonight, before the glass shatters and this crowd completely erupts as (fresh of his Royal Rumble victory last night) Stone Cold Steve Austin parts the curtain and marches certainly down the aisle.....

 

.....Austin rolls into the ring and proceeds his usual entrance ritual that sees him mount all four corners, saluting this crowd as only Steve Austin can (with two raised middle fingers) and while you wouldn't see it without Rick Rude pointing it out, there is still a concealed gingerness as he drops down to the mat each time.....a byproduct of the assault he received at the hands of Vince McMahon's (Faux Horsemen) Corporate Champions last night, which saw Arn Anderson viciously attack the knee of the (now) number one contender with that ever present tire iron.....

 

.....Stone Cold grabs a microphone, telling the crowd that if Steve Austin tells you something is going to happen, then you can take that to the bank, because it's damn sure going to happen.....

 

".....I said that I was going to walk into the Royal Rumble match last night, throw twenty nine pieces of trash over the top rope, and walk out again, with a shot at the World Wrestling Federation Championship at Wrestlemania.....and come hell or night water, that's exactly what I did....

 

.....Vince McMahon, you sent your little Corporate stooges out there to try and take Steve Austin out.....try and break my damn leg.....but hell son, if you're gonna try and take Stone Cold out then you'd better make sure you do a good job of it, because I can sure as hell still stomp a mudhole in ya with one good leg, and walk it dry with my foot up your ass....."

 

.....Stone Cold tells the crowd that Vince McMahon might have guaranteed that Steve Austin had 'no chance in hell' of winning the Rumble, but it seems to Austin that there's only TWO thing that are really guaranteed around here.....

 

".....one, that's fact that Vince McMahon is going to make a jackass outta himself.....and two, the fact that Steve Austin guaran-damn-tees, that come Wrestlemania XIV, you're looking at the next World Wrestling Federation Champion and that's the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so......"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/arEN6T5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/urbCHOA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg">

 

.....cue the arrival of the boss......

 

.....because Vince McMahon makes his way out from the back......

 

.....he's not alone either.....because right there by his side (as they come to a halt on the entrance ramp) is the deranged Mankind (who's clearly dressed up for the occasion, sporting a dirty and tatty white shirt with black tie combination) the new WWF Tag Team Champions Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, and the jewel in the crown, the newly minted World Wrestling Federation Champion, Brian Pillman......

 

.....while the world bore witness to the return of the LOOSE Cannon at the Royal Rumble however, this is clearly the Corporate Cannon, standing there (much as Flair and Arn are) in what looks to be a very expensive and custom fitted suit, with that beautiful Winged Eagle Title Belt draped over his shoulder.....

 

.....McMahon tells Austin that while he DID win the Royal Rumble match, and yes, that does give him the right to an automatic shot at the WWF Championship at Wrestlemania.....

 

".....Wrestlemania is still some time away.....and I can categorically state right now, in no uncertain terms......there is no way in hell that you will EVER be MY Champion....."

 

.....Vince tells Austin that while he would never simply deny him the opportunity to compete in the match he earned (that would bastardise the very integrity of his company) Vince McMahon CAN make every concerted effort to ensure that Stone Cold Steve Austin doesn't make it to Wrestlemania.....which is why TONIGHT, Steve Austin will be competing right there in that very ring.....

 

.....against Mankind.....

 

.....Jim Ross is aghast at the fact that not only did Mankind return to the WWF last night (after not being seen since his Hell in a Cell LOSS to Brian Pillman back at Octobers In Your House) but the fact that after the brutal war that waged between the two men, Mankind not only assisted Brian Pillman in victory against the Undertaker, but is also apparently working in cahoots with both the Corporate Cannon AND Vince McMahon......

 

.....Rick Rude just says that Mankind obviously made a good life choice for the first time in.....well, ever.....and if the man that writes the cheques around here wants to make life difficult for The Rattlesnake, then putting him in there with the deranged Mankind is probably a good place to start......

 

".....you see, while you Mr. Austin may claim to be the toughest S.o.B in the WWF, I am the man that holds the power here in the World Wrestling Federation, and you may well soon discover, that the match you earned last night, might NOT be the career defining victory that you thought it was.....in fact, that OPPORTUNITY, may actually prove to be your undoing....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/blQ8rbD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/z45TeSS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ib4zdAM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bk0ywXa.jpg">

 

.....all this talk about World title opportunities has obviously piqued the interests of this man......

 

.....Bret "The Hitman" Hart, who ALSO makes his way out onto the ramp, along with the rest of the Hart Foundation......

 

.....it was a night of mixed fortunes for the Harts last night.....on one hand, Chris Jericho was successful in his bid to become the WWF Intercontinental Champion (a fact that he's still celebrating now) but on the other, Owen Hart was unsuccessful in his effort to win the Royal Rumble match, finishing runner up to Steve Austin.....

 

.....Bret isn't here to address that however, he's out to address ANOTHER world title opportunity that was earned around here.....HIS.....

 

".....and Vince McMahon, you said that I could pick ANY day after the Royal Rumble to have my match, and well, by my reckoning, it's after the Royal Rumble right now.....so......"

 

".....so you want your match tonight?.....Mr. Hart, I know I said that you could take your Championship Match on any day AFTER the Royal Rumble, but Brian Pillman went through quite the ordeal last night, while you yourself had the night off.....in the interest of fairness I can't in good faith approve of a World Wrestling Federation Title match tonight....."

 

".....I'm not talking about tonight......you don't want to strip Steve Austin of his championship, and that's fine......but what about the future? You want to guarantee that Steve Austin will not walk out of Wrestlemania as the WWF Champion, well don't worry, because I guarantee that he won't.....

 

.....because I want my WWF Championship Match.....I earned my WWF Championship Match.....and I want my WWF Championship Match, at the main event of Wrestlemania XIV....."

 

.....Brian Pillman is NOT happy about that and loudly tells Vince so, proclaiming that the WWF Championship Match at Wrestlemania is already set, him vs. the winner of the Royal Rumble.....not him vs. TWO other opponents.....

 

.....Steve Austin couldn't care less, in fact he's getting quite bored, telling McMahon, Pillman AND Hart that it doesn't matter to him how many opponents he has.....

 

".....one, two, three.....hell, there were twenty nine opponents last night and I still walked out with my arm raised.....it really don't matter to me if it's Brian Pillman, Bret Hart, or both those jackasses together, I just don't give a damn.....see Stone Cold Steve Austin is fixing to whip Mankind's ass tonight and then, whoever is standing across the ring from me at Wrestlemania, your ass belongs to Stone Cold....."

 

.....Vince hasn't said a word thus far, neither answering Bret's request, nor answering Pillman's protests.....and as The Nature Boy whispers something in his ear, he declares that he needs some time to consider this, ordering (the still protesting) Brian Pillman to the back, along with Flair and Anderson for a conference meeting, telling Bret that he will have an answer for him later this evening.....

 

.....that's good enough for the Harts, who also make their way to the back.....Austin? He's still got beers to drink after his epic victory last night, so while he's doing that, we may as well air a recap video featuring some select highlights from the Royal Rumble event.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/kIzEtJy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/N1sj3LE.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/iNHVuFZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg">

 

Our first match of the evening is a Tag Team affair, featuring one team that would have been unthinkable just 48 hours ago.....24 hours ago though that all changed, because with his defeat at the hands of Raven (and the treacherous betrayal of his one time priest and confidante) Jake Roberts has finally accepted the Deity of the Damned as his Lord and Saviour.....and so tonight, it's Raven and Roberts against the team of Mosh and Thrasher.....the Headbangers.....

 

.....it's clear from the get go (as Roberts mimics Raven's pre match ritual of sitting disinterested in the corner of the ring) that the Snake is a changed man.....a broken man if you will, and the commentators wonder just what depths of depravity these two could sink to if left unchecked....after all, the rest of the WWF has been left by the wayside as these two focused solely on attempted to destroy each other, but even indirectly (case in point Dustin Rhodes shedding of his Goldust skin) Raven's words have spread far and wide.....

 

.....you would think that the Headbangers would perhaps be ideal candidates for recruitment into Ravens Church of the Condemned, after all, they have the look.....apparently tonight isn't about recruitment though.....tonight is about impressions and Raven made a big one by doing very little.....

 

.....after spending months fighting AGAINST Raven, tonight he has to fight FOR him, because the Deity of the Damned does very little, choosing to let The Snake do most of the work and only interjecting himself when it was necessary.....

 

.....oh, and at the finish obviously.....

 

.....because after Jake planted Thrasher with the DDT, Raven tagged himself in, specifically so he could make the cover.....and the DDT really does live up to its namesake.....Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, a deadly insecticide with catastrophic environmental side effects, carcinogenic probabilities and the likely culprit for the extinction of numerous wild and indigenous species......or, to put it plainly.....DDT.....short trip, bad landing.....Thrasher is done.....

 

Winner: Raven & Jake Roberts

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NyeLRHa.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg">

 

.....with his hard fought victory in the bag, Raven (the only man who sits in order to stand on his soapbox) takes up his position in the corner, microphone in hand.....

 

.....he says that last night, a false idol was silenced and Raven's dark light finally lead the way home for Jake "The Snake" Roberts.....but Raven is more than a dark light.....more than an ideal.....Raven is a sanctuary.....albeit a sanctuary that most fear to seek out.....

 

".....struck with a crisis of confidence, 'life' once posed 'death' with his own existential conundrum.....he asked his necessary opposite why.....'why do people love me so, but hate YOU with all their souls?'......death pondered the question for a moment, but only a moment, before giving life his answer.....'because you are a beautiful lie, while I am a painful truth'.....

 

.....I too know the torment of being tortured for being nothing more than a painful truth.....a martyr for the merciless.....a truthful necessity.....a reality that most shy away from.....a painful truth unblinded by the beautiful lie.....

 

.....with eyes wide open I walk the blurred line between the macabre and the psychotic.....I walk the path that most fear to tread, awakening the lost along the way.....because much like death, I am a misunderstood creature.....I don't seek destruction.....I don't seek pain.....I'm not here to scare you to death, but rather I am here to inspire you to life.....to accept yourself for who you are.....to shed your beautiful lie and expose your own painful truth.....just like Jake Roberts....heh.....

 

.....there's always a light that will lead you to your destination.....even on the darkest night, the moon can light your way.....but much like the moon, we all have a dark side.....a dark side that we won't allow anybody to see.....a dark side that scares us.....but it doesn't scare me.....I will stand in the darkness of your heart.....not afraid of the dark, but a beacon of truth in a pit of despair.....

 

.....the beautiful lie is soon to be exposed.....the end of days draws near.....come to me.....for I can set you free.....Quote the Raven.....Nevermore....."

 

.....with that Raven drops the microphone and returns to a standing position, arms outstretched in the middle of the ring, while Jim Ross questions just what exactly Raven's cryptic words are about.....and who they could be addressed to.....

 

.....let's go to commercial.....

 

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/kXjgb1c.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/q4lIIrS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZrAHk5r.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aJx3DWx.jpg">

 

.....and when we come back, we come back TO the back, where The Wolfpac are just arriving at the arena.....and the don't look like friendly wolves right now.....

 

.....unlike the Hart Foundation, this trio most certainly did NOT have mixed fortunes last night, it was all bad.....and it was all bad because of Scott Steiner.....

 

.....Kevin Kelly has the (perhaps unenvious) task of stopping the red and black clad threesome, asking them where they go from here, and what are their views on Scott Steiner.....after all, everyone's favourite genetic freak was directly responsible for Scott Hall losing the Intercontinental Championship to Chris Jericho.....he eliminated Sean Waltman from the Royal Rumble match.....and then (despite already being tossed out courtesy of Kevin Nash) he smashed that lead pipe over the head of Big Sexy, before helping Owen Hart to toss the seven footer out of the match.....how does that make them feel?.....

 

.....probably a stupid question.....because Kevin Nash snaps, grabbing Kelly by the lapels of his jacket and shoving him violently up against the wall and practically snarling in his face, as Scott Hall tells him that Scott Steiner just opened a world of hurt that he just ain't prepared for.....

 

.....Hall tells Kelly that the only question now man(g), is who's gonna get him first.....the Kid?.....the Bad Guy?.....or the angry, angry Big Man(g).....

 

".....either way, it sucks to be Scott Steiner Chico....."

 

.....Kevin Nash hasn't taken his eyes of Kelly the whole time that he's had him pinned up against the wall, and he practically screams in his face now, telling him the Scott Steiner should have known better than to poke the bear, because he's awoken something in Big Sexy that's been dormant for some time.....

 

".....LAST NIGHT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SIMPLE.....WE DID THINGS THE EASY WAY.....SCOTT RETAINED THE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE, AND EITHER ME OR KID WON THE RUMBLE.....EASY.....EXCEPT IT DIDN'T GO DOWN THAT WAY, SO NOW.....NOW WE DO THINGS THE HARD WAY, BECAUSE SCOTT STEINER WENT AND P!SSED ME OFF.....

 

.....YOU GO BACK THERE, FIND MCMAHON.....AND YOU TELL HIM THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT STEVE AUSTIN MAIN EVENTING WRESTLEMANIA.....HE DOESN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BRET HART.....ALL HE HAS TO WORRY ABOUT, IS WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN IF BIG SEXY ISN'T MAIN EVENTING WRESTLEMANIA......BECAUSE I'M PUTTING THEM ALL ON NOTICE RIGHT NOW.....THAT WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION TITLE IS COMING BACK TO ME.....AND I'D LIKE TO SEE ANYONE TRY AND STOP IT.....

 

.....AS FOR SCOTT STEINER.....ALL THE WORKOUT'S IN THE WORLD AIN'T GONNA PREPARE HIM FOR WHATS COMING HIS WAY.....YOU MESS WITH THE 'PAC, IT GENERALLY DON'T WORK OUT WELL FOR YOU.....DONT BELIEVE ME? ASK THE LAST GUY WHO PUSHED US TO BREAKING POINT.....OH RIGHT, YOU CANT.....BECAUSE WE DROVE HIM RIGHT OUT OF THE WWF......"

 

.....Nash finally lets go of Kelly and shoves him roughly backwards, telling him to go.....go tell Vince.....and while he's at it, he might want to tell him to invest in a few more security guards around here.....because he's going to need them.....

 

.....yikes.....let's go back down to ringside.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qBeE4n3.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....where Bradshaw is getting ready to once again go into battle against the Nation of Domination.....a scenario in which he hasn't had the best of luck as of late.....

 

.....he's lost to Ahmed Johnson, lost to Kama.....he even lost to Ahmed AND Kama in Tag Team action, and this was all in back to back weeks.....

 

.....now granted, the rest of the Nation played a hand in all of those victories, which is perhaps why the Big Texan felt justified in challenging Ahmed Johnson one more time.....Ahmed however decided that three losses in a row meant that the Nation was done with Bradshaw. He declined the challenge but offered one final opportunity.....defeat a Nation member tonight.....FINALLY pick up a win, and then, Bradshaw can have his match against Ahmed.....hell, he can have any match of his choice, against any member of the Nation.....but if he loses tonight then he goes away.....

 

.....stipulations laid down this match sees a much less cluttered ringside area, with only Ahmed opting to join Scorpio to the ring (where he takes up position at the commentary table.....sheesh, picture that) maybe finally this will be a somewhat fair match.....

 

.....Ahmed spends much of the match bigging up Scorpio.....he doesn't need the Nation there to beat this chump, he's a former two time Light Heavyweight Champion etc, etc, but he also spends some time discussing Harlem Heat, their loss last night, and the fact that they should have taken his offer to join the Nation.....in fact, it's during one of these tirades that Ahmed gets so distracted, he completely misses the fact that Bradshaw turned Scorpio inside out with the Clothesline from Hell, before picking up the one, the two and the three.....

 

Winner: Bradshaw

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qBeE4n3.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qzCf1GY.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....at least until the bell rings, then Ahmed realises EXACTLY what's happened.....

 

.....he climbs in the ring and begrudgingly helps Scorpio back to his feet (looking less than pleased about the fact that his man just lost this match) before telling Bradshaw that "fine, you want your match, you got your match.....I'll whoop your ass one more time boy".....

 

.....Bradshaw shakes his head, grabbing a microphone to tell Ahmed to slow down, because it ain't going down like that.....

 

".....see, you said that if I beat Scorpio tonight, I get ANY match.....with ANY Nation member.....so that's exactly what I'm gonna do.....at WWF No Way Out.....a TAG TEAM match.....a tag team match against you two sad-sacks.....with the rest of the Nation barred from ringside....."

 

.....Ahmed really doesn't look overly concerned.....he says that Scorpio might have lost tonight, but with Ahmed Johnson, the Walking Armageddon as his Tag Team partner, there's no way he can lose.....

 

".....I done whipped your ass on my own, just like I whipped that fat tub of crap Nelson on my own.....you think I can't do it again?....."

 

".....Nelson? Who said anything about Nelson?.....he ain't my partner....."

 

".....then who is?....."

 

".....him....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/FHtLvkZ.jpg">

 

.....with that Faarooq comes rushing down the aisle (to a decent pop) and as Ahmed looks on with shock, Bradshaw again spins Scorpio inside out with a second Clothesline from Hell.....

 

.....Faarooq hits the ring and tackles Ahmed to the mat, laying into him with a series of blows to the head.....

 

.....we haven't seen the former leader of the Nation of Domination since back in December, when Ahmed Johnson usurped his leadership spot and violently expelled him from the new Nation.....it's safe to say that Faarooq has neither forgiven, nor Forgotten as he continues to pummel the man.....

 

.....Ahmed finally wriggles free of the onslaught and rolls to the outside, just as the rest of the Nation come rushing out from the back.....they don't rush into the ring though, because Bradshaw has collected a couple of steel chairs, has handed one to his No Way Out partner, and is currently swinging it wildly at any Nation member that comes near the ring.....

 

.....retreat is clearly the better option for the Nation, and Ahmed leads his men to the back, but not before promising to rain down unadulterated hell on the newly formed alliance in the ring.....

 

.....we should probably go to the back too.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GZUV6Ix.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/7HKNVU2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/btVcwTQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UmjkjmT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UmlskwC.jpg">

 

.....where Dok Hendrix is standing outside the makeshift office that Vince McMahon has made up for the day, where he tells us that behind THIS door, is the Chairman, his Corporate Champions.....and currently, The Hart Foundation.....Dok goes to knock, but before he can rap on the door, it swings open, and the entire Hart clan make their way out.....

 

.....Dok tries to stop then to find out what they were doing with McMahon, to which Bret simply replies that they were making a deal.....what that means we don't know, but Dok is determined to find out, as he goes through the open door, where he almost trips over a rocking Mankind positioned front and centre on the floor ahead of Vince's desk.....

 

.....Dok looks nervously down at Mankind for a moment, before asking Vince if he had come to a decision regarding Bret Hart's request, joining Stone Cold Steve Austin in the main event of Wrestlemania to create a triple threat WWF Championship Match?.....

 

.....Vince says that he has given the request a lot of thought, because it's a thought that requires a lot of deliberation.....yes, there have been numerous triple threat matches in the WWF.....there have even been multi-man matches for the World Wrestling Federation Championship.....but this is Wrestlemania.....and there has NEVER been a multi person main event in the history of this great event.....and in order to grant that request, then he would expect there to be a lot of sacrifices made......has he made a decision?......

 

".....yes I have Dok.....and my decision is....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.....hold that thought.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ODnGZno.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/v5W01pq.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/MoOqyqm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/A6LCW03.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rHZItT9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fLHZhhe.jpg">

 

.....because we have some uninvited guests.....six of them actually.....as the three teams that have been most vocal about vying for a shot at the WWF Tag Team Titles burst their way in......and McMahon does NOT look impressed.....

 

.....it's Al Snow and Chris Candido, The New Age Outlaws, and the final pairing of Dustin Rhodes and Marc Mero.....and they are still at odds (although granted, not as at odds as they were last night) as they almost bundle Dok Hendrix over trying to get to McMahon first, until Vince loudly screams at them to shut up.....

 

.....he tells the teams that he already punished them once by giving Flair and Anderson the tag title opportunity that they all wanted ("which frankly worked out fantastically for me") but they proved last night that they have learned nothing, so try this.....

 

".....next week.....we will have a three way number one contenders match, and you will ALL be a part of that match.....with the winning team gaining the opportunity to challenge Ric Flair and Arn Anderson at our upcoming No Way Out event.....how does that sound?....."

 

.....well obviously that sounds perfect.....and they tell Vince so.....before returning to their arguing, with the New Age Outlaws vowing to become three time, three time, three time champs, Snow and (don't call me) Skippy vowing to hold the titles for longer than 24 hours this time, while Rhodes and Mero announce that neither team has a chance......

 

.....the exchange of words gets increasingly heated, until the six men begin to shove and push at each other, leading McMahon to tell them loudly to.....

 

".....STOP!.....

 

.....first of all, if there is ANY physical contact between you teams between now and next week, that match is off, and NONE of you will receive a Championship opportunity.....possibly ever.....and second of all, I believe you misunderstand the match.....

 

.....see, this isn't a reward.....this is a punishment.....yes, you will ALL be a part of that match.....but you will NOT be teaming with your regular partners.....instead it will be Billy Gunn teaming with Al Snow, to face the team of Chris Candido and Marc Mero......competing against the final pairing of Dustin Rhodes and Jesse James......

 

.....now GET OUT.....ALL of you......"

 

.....well.....that wasn't the result these three teams were expecting.....talk about stirring the pot......maybe people will begin to realise sooner rather than later, that you DON'T cross the boss.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vzx2Nvo.jpg">

 

.....ANOTHER promo? Who's booking this crap? Anyway, it's Booker T......he's backstage with Michael Cole, who informs us that fresh off his Tag Team Title loss last night (and with his brother currently on the shelf with a bum leg) Booker finds himself in singles action tonight, facing off against a member of Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation.....although surprisingly, McMahon has decreed that should Booker win here tonight, he will be moving on to No Way Out, to compete against Jeff Jarrett for the WWF European Championship.....

 

.....Booker shakes his head for a minute, before telling Cole that the ONLY reason McMahon did this, was because he thinks it's gonna keep Harlem Heat from whooping Flair and Anderson's booty's and taking back the tag team gold.....

 

".....well a sucka is still a sucka, and Vince McMahon, if you think putting me in singles competition is gonna stop me and my brother taking your boys out, you the biggest sucka going.....I'll take out Rich Steiner tonight, I'll take the damn European Title too.....but once my brother is back to 100 percent, all that means is that I'll have TWO belts over my shoulder.....the European on one arm and a Tag Title on the other......now can you dig that Michael Cole?....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/MFXEPSv.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/EbKLwhg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/oaoTLfs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....Michael Cole can dig it.....I don't know about the Nation of Domination though, as all five members walk into shot, surrounding Booker.....

 

.....Ahmed tells Booker that if he'd done the right thing weeks ago, ALL of this could be avoided.....Stevie Ray would still be fit and healthy, Harlem Heat would still have the Tag Team Titles.....and Vince McMahon wouldn't be making him look like a chump, because Booker knows damn well that he's only getting this title opportunity to keep him away from The Nature Boy and The Enforcer.....

 

".....but that's ok brother, because the NATION has your back.....and with the backing of the Nation of Domination, pfttt, they may as well just hand you the European Title now man....."

 

.....Booker looks around warily at the group (who severely outnumber him) but he tells them the same thing that he's been telling them for weeks now, Homie don't play that.....

 

.....he tells Ahmed that he and his brother didn't need the help of the Nation to win the tag team titles, just like he doesn't need the Nation to defeat Rich Steiner tonight, and he WON'T need the help of the Nation to defeat Jeff Jarrett at No Way Out.....

 

.....Booker goes to walk off but Kama blocks his way, as Ahmed tells him that the offer to join doesn't have an infinite shelf life.....and sooner or later, Booker will stop being an impressive prospect, and instead becomes an Enemy of the State......you dig THAT sucka?.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/EaR1PGI.jpg">

 

Twenty four hours ago, Booker T was one half of the WWF Tag Team Champions alongside his brother, Stevie Ray.....tonight he's competing in singles actions against another man who's synonymous with Tag Team wrestling, also (coincidentally) while teaming with his brother, Rich Steiner.....

 

.....Vince McMahon has apparently decreed that should Booker win this match, he gets a shot at Jeff Jarrett's European Championship.....a fact which Jim Ross finds rather odd, considering that Vince McMahon rarely offers out title opportunities out of the goodness of his heart.....Rude disagrees, stating that Vince is a very giving boss, but JR isn't buying it, stating that much like Booker T has already speculated, this is probably more a case of keeping Harlem Heat AWAY from the new tag team champions, rather than wanting Booker T to progress to European gold.....

 

.....either way the match (and stipulation) is set, and it IS Booker T facing off against Rich Steiner and it IS a pretty good match.....Booker has already proven to be the stand out in terms of match performances between himself and his brother, just like he proved he was capable in singles competition a few weeks back on Raw.....he proves himself capable here too, and that was BEFORE the Nation of Domination even made their mark.....

 

.....regardless of what Booker said earlier, Ahmed Johnson DOES lead his troops out.....and with Booker down on the mat (and completely oblivious to the fact) the Nation surround DiBiase on the outside (who is frantically signalling for his Million Dollar reinforcements) distracting the official away from the fact that Ahmed slid into the ring and drilled Rich Steiner with a Pearl River Plunge.....

 

.....the Nation hit the bricks, just as Booker pulls himself to his feet....he sees his opponent pulling himself up to all fours.....and finishes Steiner off with an Ax Kick across the back of the neck.....

 

Winner: Booker T

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/4qNSkmS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/EaR1PGI.jpg">

 

.....DiBiase climbs into the ring to chastise (the still oblivious) Booker T, while still frantically signalling for the rest of the Million Dollar Corporation to make their way out from the back.....

 

.....and again they don't arrive, much to the annoyance and confusion of the Million Dollar Man.....

 

.....the reason becomes all the more clear as the Titantron flickers into life however, revealing a scene that has just unfolded backstage......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/q4lIIrS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZrAHk5r.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aJx3DWx.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/e630bsM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ikMhavN.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ja5nVyS.jpg">

 

.....because Jeff Jarrett and Southern Justice are down, and most definitely OUT.....courtesy of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman.....

 

.....the Wolfpac step over the remains of DiBiase's Corporation as security rush into save the day.....it's way too late for that.....and Kevin Nash is in no mood to play games.....

 

.....he takes out each security guard one by one, pounding their skulls with punches and blows against the walls, before grabbing the final (and terrified) guard by the face and demanding to know where Vince McMahon, Scott Steiner, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, Lord Lucan and Red Rum are.....

 

.....ok, not the last two.....but he wants to know where a LOT of people are.....

 

.....the guard stammers that he's not sure where McMahon is right now, but he knows that Scott Steiner has a match coming up in a few minutes......this seems to placate Nash, who tells Hall and Waltman that ".....he'll do for now....." before telling the guard to pass a message on to Vince McMahon for him.....

 

.....and then Jackknife's him straight through a conveniently positioned table in the hallway.....

 

.....the trio step over the mess (with Hall and Waltman laughing behind the deadly serious Nash) and continue on their way, presumably looking for Scott Steiner, who has a match coming up.....

 

.....probably after this commercial break.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ib4zdAM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/t4Ubyua.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vN0BOgM.jpg">

 

.....I say probably because we have a quick detour to make before we get there.....and it's backstage again, where a crestfallen Dean Malenko is deep in conversation with Rey Mysterio, with the Light Heavyweight Championship on the table between them.....

 

.....the conversation is soon interrupted by the arrival of the new WWF Intercontinental Champion (and the man that handed that Light Heavyweight Championship to Malenko last night like some unwanted hand me down) Chris Jericho and his Bodyguard, Test.....

 

.....whatever deal Bret Hart has been broaching with Vince McMahon obviously doesn't concern these pair too much, as Jericho is still in full celebration mode, walking into shot with a plastic cup in hand.....

 

.....he spends a few moments mocking the dreary looking Bore-Us Malenko Jr, again mentioning his loss last night, while pointing out that he doesn't even HAVE a match tonight.....

 

".....unlike moi.....because yours truly (being the fightingest champion that I am) is going to be putting this beautiful gold belt on the line later tonight.....against.....uhm.....I forget who..... it it doesn't matter.....because whoever I'm facing later tonight, they're going to be just like you Bore-Us.....a great big looooserrrrrrr....."

 

.....Jericho sets his cup down on top of the Light Heavyweight Title (congratulating Malenko on his very impressive coaster) before telling both men to keep chipping away at that European Title.....maybe ONE day they will be able to call themselves champions, but it won't be today.....

 

.....Mysterio stands up, telling Jericho that he and Malenko have more integrity and talent in their little fingers than he has in his entire body.....a statement that Jericho finds hilarious, asking Rey (for all his talent) where's HIS title belt?.....and integrity? Ha ("......integrity is for losers Junior.....") 'Integrity and talent' but no titles.....and by the look of Bore-Us, no confidence either.....

 

.....he pats Mysterio on the head (as Test towers over him) before walking off, wishing the pair good luck in paying their bills with integrity and talent.....

 

.....what an ass.....

 

.....let's go down to ringside.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/9CIK2qM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/X7NZ8yt.jpg">

 

.....where it's time for Barry Windham to face off against Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner.....a match which Barry can thank Kevin Nash for, because after getting eliminated by Big Sexy in last night's Royal Rumble match, Scotty was NOT a happy boy, beating the crap out of Windham as he made his entrance into the match.....

 

.....Scotty is STILL not a happy boy.....and he beats the crap out of Barry Windham right here, making short work of the man that creative currently has nothing for, before submitting him with the Steiner Recliner.....

 

Winner: Scott Steiner

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/zhlhNFt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/olR4IDO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/9CIK2qM.jpg">

 

.....he's hardly finished though.....and as Sable massages his shoulders, Scotty grabs a microphone to tell the crowd that his elimination last night was "BULLSH!T" because everyone knows that it should be Scott Steiner going to Wrestlemania.....

 

".....JUST LIKE EVERYONE KNOWS, THAT KEVIN NASH AIN'T FIT TO CARRY MY JOCKSTRAP.....AND ITS A BIG JOCKSTRAP.....BECAUSE I'VE GOT A BIG PENIS.....KEVIN NASH, YOU AND YOUR LITTLE BUDDY'S FOUND OUT FIRST HAND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU P!SS OFF SCOTT STEINER.....NOW YOU GOT NO INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE, NO WORLD TITLE SHOT......AND NO BALL'S.....BECAUSE I TORE 'EM OFF LAST NIGHT, AND NOW SABLE'S GOT 'EM IN HER PURSE....."

 

.....Steiner says that anytime Nash and Co want to find him, he's not hard to find.....because he's a Genetic Freak.....and he's a one man wolfpac that's about to take a bite out of Barry Windham's ass.....

 

.....I dunno about taking a bite of it, but he certainly kicks it here, putting the boots to poor Barry as Sable retrieves his trusty pipe from the outside, which Scott uses to choke the life out of Windham with in the Steiner Recliner position.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/q4lIIrS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZrAHk5r.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aJx3DWx.jpg">

 

.....at least until the Wolves howl, and Nash, Hall and Waltman make their way out, with a p!ssed off Big Sexy leading he way.....

 

.....the trio hit the ring, just as Scott Steiner hits the bricks.....because for all that big talk, Big Poppa Pump apparently doesn't feel like sharing the ring with Big Sexy right now.....he doesn't even head up the aisle, instead choosing to disappear into the crowd, leaving the Wolfpac somewhat frustrated in the ring.....

 

.....Nash grabs a mic of his own, but before he can speak Scott Hall snatches it from his hand with a.....

 

".....Hey Yo.....

 

.....hey Scott Steiner.....I'm pretty sure that the Big Man(g) here, he was about to tell you to come on down and fight like a man Chico.....but you and me man(g), we both know you not gonna do that.....

 

.....see Scott Hall, he's been calling you out for weeks now man(g) and the only time I see you, is when I DON'T see you.....is when you're jumping me from behind or costing me matches.....well last night Chico, you didn't just cost me a match, you cost me my WWF Intercontinental Championship.....so that means that at No Way Out.....no more hiding.....no more running.....no more running your mouth man(g).....at Now Way Out, don't sing it.....

 

.....bring it....."

 

.....Hall hands the microphone back to Nash (along with an apologetic shrug of the shoulders for making the challenge before he did) who pauses for a moment before telling the crowd that The Bad Guy kinds just stole his thunder.....

 

.....Nash says that unfortunately that's been a running trend as of late.....and it ALWAYS revolves around Scott Steiner.....

 

.....Scott Steiner cost the Wolfpac the win at the Survivor Series.....Scott Steiner cost Kevin Nash the tag titles at December's Dead Man Walking event.....Scott Steiner put him on the shelf for four weeks with a busted windpipe.....and last night, Scott Steiner cost him the opportunity it's to headline Wrestlemania again.....

 

".....but Scotty.....there's more than one way to headline Wrestlemania.....you can do it going in as the challenger......or you can do it going in as the champion.....and since Scott Hall already challenged your ass, that means I ain't got much to do at No Way Out.....and the way I see it, neither does Brian Pillman since he ain't got a challenger......so Vince McMahon, get that match making pencil out, because Big Sexy is coming to find you.....and we have a few things to discuss....."

 

.....and with that, Nash tosses down the microphone, as the three men head to the back, presumably looking for Vince McMahon.....as we go to a promo package highlighting the history between Steve Austin and Brian Pillman, ahead of their upcoming WWF Championship Match at Wrestlemania.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fJw1L2S.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xtQE849.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/WblclPH.jpg">

 

.....and when we come back, it's time for Chris Jericho's first official outing as the WWF Intercontinental Champion, as he puts his newly won gold on the line against Matt Hardy.....

 

.....Jericho might have been Mr. Confident earlier in the evening, going so far as to claim to not even know the name of his opponent tonight.....that overconfidence might come back to bit him in his Canadian Cheeks though, because Matt Hardy is no laughing matter. This young man surprised the world when he defeated the Rock in a four way match at Summerslam, to not only capture the WWF European Title, but banish the Rock from the World Wrestling Federation in the process.....he had a good reign too.....not overly long, but in terms of defences he literally took on any and all comers, before losing the gold to Jeff Jarrett.....

 

.....so yeah, The Ayatollah of Rock'n'Rolla should perhaps take his opponent more seriously.....

 

.....of course, it helps when you have a bodyguard on the outside that isn't adverse to interfering on your behalf.....the match was great, and Hardy certainly came close to winning on a number of occasions, but as Matt scaled the second rope, Test was there to distract his attention long enough that Jericho was able to return to his feet.....and when Hardy FINALLY leapt off with a second rope dropkick attempt, Jericho caught the legs and when Matt hit the canvas, he quickly turned him over into the Lion Tamer, leaving the challenger little choice but to tap out in submission.....

 

Winner: .....and Still WWF Intercontinental Champion.....Chris Jericho

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fJw1L2S.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rcJ5Zth.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/WblclPH.jpg">

 

.....why let a little thing like the end of a match spoil a good time though? And as Test climbs into the ring to deliver a series of stomps to the back of Hardy's head, Jericho just decides to keep the Lion Tamer locked on.....this is his first title defence after all, better make a good impression.....

 

.....the official victoriously calls for the bell again (which rings frantically, like that ever works) while ordering Jericho to break up the hold, even going so far as trying to physically force him to break the hold.....

 

.....probably shouldn't have done that, what with Jericho having a bodyguard and all.....and Test quickly knocks the referee down with a Big Boot to the side of the head.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ycj3a7t.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vN0BOgM.jpg">

 

.....help is on its way though, in the shape of Dean Malenko and Rey Mysterio, who come rushing down the aisle to make the save.....

 

.....Malenko is carrying that coaster with him.....sorry, I mean the retired Light Heavyweight Title belt, and as Mysterio sends Test staggering backwards with a springboard dropkick, Malenko sends him tumbling to the outside with a running strike to the skull with that gold belt.....

 

.....the pair turn to face Jericho, but he's already released Matt Hardy and is halfway back up the aisle, far from pleased to see his celebration party interrupted prematurely.....

 

.....Mysterio grabs a microphone and tells Jericho that he (just like everyone else) is sick of hearing this Canadian Blowhard running his mouth.....and since Jericho took the Light Heavyweight Division away from them, maybe they should take the Intercontinental Championship away from HIM, before officially challenging him to a title match at No Way Out.....

 

.....Jericho's confidence is already sky high, so he quickly accepts the challenge, before telling the frankly furious Test (who is about to re-enter the ring) to leave it, they'll deal with these two next week....and then at No Way Out, Rey Mysterio will become just another Bore-Us Malenko Jr.....a Light Heavyweight Loser.....

 

.....let's go to the back.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GZUV6Ix.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/7HKNVU2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/btVcwTQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UmjkjmT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UmlskwC.jpg">

 

.....where we find ourselves once again inside the office of Mr. McMahon.....

 

.....Vince is with his apparent chosen few, and as our main event is coming up next, he tells Pillman, Flair and Anderson to head out with Mankind.....not out to ringside, this is a match Mankind has to have himself (after all, he's been inactive for almost three months) but somewhere near.....

 

".....because if I can't strip Steve Austin of the right to face MY Champion Brian Pillman, YOU can at least make sure, that Mr. Austin doesn't actually make it to Wrestlemania in the first place....."

 

.....Vince says that Steve Austin will be the WWF Champion over his dead body, and over THEIR dead careers.....because make no mistake, if by some miracle Steve Austin becomes the World Wrestling Federation Champion, he will make them rue the day that they ever put pen to paper on a WWF Contract.....

 

.....Pillman lets out one of his trademark cackles, telling Vince that he forgets who he is addressing.....The Nature Boy Ric Flair.....The Enforcer Arn Anderson.....and the Ruler of the Revolution (and WWF Champion) Brian 'F'n' Pillman......

 

".....and remember.....it was YOU that came to us.....we weren't the moths seeking a flame.....opportunity knocked (Pillman pauses to slap his Title belt, along with Flair and Anderson's) and we answered the call.....don't you worry about Steve Austin.....you just worry about making sure that I only have ONE opponent at Wrestlemania.....and WE'LL do the rest....."

 

.....seems like a fair enough compromise, and the four men head off about their business, leaving Vince to go about HIS business, until he's interrupted by the sound of his office door slamming shut.....

 

.....Vince is a busy man, so he doesn't even look up from his desk as he tells Pillman and Co to get down to the ring and take care of Austin......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZsRu0sp.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qhrKnir.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/dLsiQxy.jpg">

 

.....although when he DOES look up, he doesn't like the view.....because it's a rather upset Kevin Nash (along with Hall and Waltman) that's standing at his desk.....

 

.....Vince lets out a very big (and over emphasised) gulp, as Nash tells him that they need to talk, before grabbing the camera and camera man, tossing them (and us) out of the office.....and slamming the door.....

 

.....let's leave them to it and head on down to ringside.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IpFwsUh.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg">

 

.....where Mankind is back in action inside a WWF ring for the first time in three months.....

 

.....the last time we saw this incarnation of Mick Foley was back at our Badd Blood In Your House event, where despite the fact that he beat the living hell out of Brian Pillman inside (and outside) of the demonic Hell in a Cell structure, Mrs. Foley's Baby Boy came up short once again to the Loose Cannon (a man he has NEVER defeated) and then disappeared without a trace, only to re-emerge at the Royal Rumble, to HELP Brian Pillman defeat the Undertaker AND become the World Wrestling Federation Champion.....

 

.....why?.....

 

.....that's a question we have yet to have an answer to.....but judging by his (admittedly still quite scruffy) Corporate Make Over, it's clear that he is firmly in the camp of Vince McMahon.....

 

.....his opponent tonight is Stone Cold Steve Austin.....a man who (despite the best attempts of Brian Pillman, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson) walked out of last night's Royal Rumble match with a one way ticket to Wrestlemania.....although if you ask Vince McMahon, it's a destination that he's never going to reach.....oh Mr. McMahon isn't going to strip Steve Austin of that opportunity (heaven forgive) but he IS going to make life difficult for him along the way.....

 

.....and after spending three mo the on the sidelines, Mankind is VERY difficult.....but then The Rattlesnake is hardly a walk in the park himself, so as you would expect these two have a knock down drag out fight, pushing the official's patience to its limit as they brawl in and out of the ring (with Austin even using Mankind's fancy new tie to swing him headfirst into the ring post) generally brutalising each other.....

 

.....it was a great match, ruined by a screwy finish.....a finish which saw Brian Pillman, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson rush down the aisle (clearly having had enough of standing by the sidelines) and pouncing on Austin.....and that's when the official's patience came to an end, because he threw this one out.....

 

Winner: Steve Austin (by disqualification)

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/sBDSK1J.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg">

 

.....and these four men beat the holy hell out of the Rattlesnake, with Flair and Arn holding him in place as Mankind locks in the Mandible Claw while Brian Pillman (who seems happy to let the others do his dirty work for him) grabs a microphone from the outside.....

 

.....he tells Austin that the biggest mistake he ever made was winning the Royal Rumble, because all that's done is put him right into the Loose Cannon's crosshairs.....

 

".....because just like The Undertaker found out.....and just like Mankind found out before he saw the light.....the revolution IS being televised...and you Steve Austin, are nothing more than collateral damage in the war of attrition.....an example to the unwashed masses.....a warning to the would be usurpers in the back.....that Brian 'F'n' Pillman is ushering in a new attitude across this sea of mediocrity, as he erodes away the banal and the belligerent.....and NO ONE is getting out alive.....least of all YOU....."

 

.....Pillman says that lest this serve as an example to the Undertaker's.....the Kevin Nash's.....and yes, the Bret Hart's too.....that there isn't a single man in the back that can take this title from him.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/blQ8rbD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/z45TeSS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ib4zdAM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bk0ywXa.jpg">

 

.....speak of the devil, here comes The Hitman himself.....along with the rest of the Hart Foundation.....

 

.....Bret and his group walk down the aisle coming to a halt at ringside, where Hart tells Pillman that he could care less about how much punishment they inflict upon Steve Austin (in fact, he actively encourages it) but as for no one taking that WWF Title away from the Loose Cannon, well Pillman is very much mistaken about that.....because at Wrestlemania, that World Wrestling Federation Championship is coming back to The Hitman.....

 

.....things get a little bit heated from there and it looks like Steve Austin might get a brief reprise, because Bret Hart (and his three team mates) are about two minutes away from an all out war with Brian Pillman (and his three team mates) at least until a voice cuts them off.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/arEN6T5.jpg">

 

.....that voice being Vince McMahon, who makes his way out onto the stage looking rather shaken up.....clearly Kevin Nash had quite the talk with him.....

 

.....he tells the men to stop what they're doing.....he says that Bret Hart made a proposition at the start of the show, a proposition that would see the main event of Wrestlemania consisting of a three way contest between Brian Pillman, Steve Austin.....which is actually an interesting concept, because it seriously diminishes the chances of the Rattlesnake capturing the WWF Championship.....

 

.....BUT.....

 

.....he would rather Steve Austin wasn't involved in that match at all.....so he has a counter offer.....

 

.....Vince says that he vowed not to strip Steve Austin of the opportunity to main event Wrestlemania, but that doesn't mean he can't present chances for Steve Austin to LOSE that opportunity.....

 

.....so at No Way Out, we will see how tight brotherly bonds really are, because should Bret accept then McMahon is making TWO matches official.....match number one......Stone Cold Steve Austin......vs. Owen Hart......

 

".....with Mr. Austin's Wrestlemania WWF Title opportunity on the line.....which means, should Owen Hart win, it will be HIM that goes on to Wrestlemania, NOT Steve Austin.....

 

.....but that's only IF you Bret Hart, put something on the line as well....."

 

.....see Vince says that in the interest of fairness (because he's nothing if not a fair man) in order for OWEN Hart to be presented with this opportunity, BRET Hart has to put something on the line too.....

 

".....which would mean.....after a......discussion with the Wolfpac, that at No Way Out, we will also see Bret Hart compete against Kevin Nash.....and Mr. Hart, YOUR guaranteed WWF Championship opportunity shall also be on the line....."

 

.....Vince tells Bret that should he win, not only does he retain his guaranteed title shot, but he WILL be added to that Wrestlemania main event, while if Kevin Nash wins, Big Sexy has stated that he will take HIS shot on the very next edition of Raw that succeeds No Way Out.....

 

.....potential big win for Owen, vs a potential big loss for Bret.....the choice is up to him.....

 

....Bret looks at Owen for a second, before turning back to face McMahon, telling him that he has a deal.....and just like that, we have two matches set for No Way Out, and they BOTH have huge ramifications leading into Wrestlemania.....

 

.....not that Brian Pillman is happy about it.....loudly telling Vince that he's out here giving out Title shots like a kid in a candy shop, but Vince tells him to quieten down.....for one, McMahon might be handing out opportunities, but he is confident that his Corporate Champion(S) will ensure that the WWF Title stays right where it is......and secondly, Brian Pillman gets to take the night off at No Way Out, because frankly, there is nobody not already competing that is worthy of facing HIS Corporate Champion......

 

 

.....and that's when the lights go out......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.....and flames erupt from the four corner ring posts.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3imRhOD.jpg">

 

.....as the Big Red Monster Kane walks out onto the entrance way (causing McMahon to almost fall over as he does his best to get out of his way) and he doesn't stop there.....because as Jim Ross screams at us that we are out of time, he begins his march down the aisle way.....

 

.....although what he's planning on doing when he gets there we don't know.....

 

.....I guess you'll just have to tune in next week now won't you.....

 

.....see you then fans.....

 

.....and goodnight.....

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: A*

 

 

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

.....AND ITS A BIG JOCKSTRAP.....BECAUSE I'VE GOT A BIG PENIS.....

 

Bwahahahahaha.

 

Because he totally would say something like that.

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/hzf7tIZ.jpg">

 

Week 4, January 1998

Portland Memorial Coliseum (Portland, Oregon)

ATT: 12,314

TV: 30.29

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone, Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/OAG1jFB.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/OvbHblE.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Gb5WkAs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Xg0pwPN.jpg">

 

.....no time for theatrics tonight, we're starting the show in the back and we're starting with a bang.....because fresh off the heels of WCW Thunder, Sting, Lex Luger, Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque have picked right up where they left off.....

 

.....beating the crap out of each other.....

 

.....these four men were actually successful in their match against the Titan's of Wrestling last week on Thunder, when they defeated the Freaking Awesome Foursome.....instead of celebrating post match however, Shawn Michaels took offence to the fact that Sting was the man to actually pick up the victory, and a brawl ensued.....

 

.....here the four men have barely made it into the building and are currently laying into each other in the parking bay.....it's Levesque and Luger laying into each other, while Michaels and Sting go at it, and you COULD be excused for thinking that these two teams are set to clash at our upcoming Souled Out event.....

 

.....but you'd be wrong.....

 

.....because Sting is actually set to defend the WCW Championship at that event against the seven foot tall Giant, while Michaels and Levesque have a date (a no disqualification date) with the Macho Man and The Warrior.....but as Giant has pointed out in recent weeks, with their current attention seeming to be on anything BUT their Souled Out opponents, it could spell disaster in just six days time.....

 

.....particularly for our distracted World Champion.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/r1dvVYA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SeialaI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5XrTwCg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJt4Wpa.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aNE9X2Q.jpg">

 

.....speaking of distracted, these four men are so busy fighting amongst themselves that they fail to even acknowledge the long black limousine that pulls into shot.....nor do they even stop brawling when the (very happy looking) Titans of Wrestling emerge.....

 

.....the group watch briefly (with huge smiles on their faces.....Christian Cage in particular thinks this scene is "Totally Awesome") before Russo finally decides to restore order, getting Doug Dillinger to bring in his crack team of security personnel into shot to separate the two teams.....

 

.....it takes some doing, but they finally get there.....and as security keep the four men at bay, Russo tells them that they should really be conserving their strength.....well, three of them should anyway.....because tonight, in our main event, Sting will be TEAMING with Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque, to face the combination of The Warrior, Randy Savage.....and The Giant.....

 

".....of course, if you morons want to carry on killing yourselves when we're only six days away from Souled Out, then bro, you go right ahead.....but you're not taking up any more of my show to do it.....so Camera Monkey, get back into the arena....NOW!....and get these jackasses off my screen.....Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest, it's over to you....."

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/pmtBgnZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JeH6Xzy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/I9lnbBk.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LDNBnWK.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/6Ta6Awn.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/KziTNSK.jpg">

 

.....with 'Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest' being Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.....although which is which I'm not entirely sure.....

 

....our announcing trio welcome our first match.....a match which actually feature TWO teams of trio's, as Mike Awesome and Gideon Cain take the unlikely partner of Konnan, to battle Jimmy Hart's First Family trifecta of Meng, The Barbarian and (newest WCW arrival) Hugh Morrus.....

 

.....the Mouth of the South had actually been trying to recruit Konnan a few weeks back, but clearly wasn't enamoured with a) the decision Konnan made, and b) the length of time it took him to make that decision, so he went out an recruited Hugh Morrus instead.....

 

.....the Laughing Man made his debut with a bang, assaulting (the then heel) Konnan (turning him babyface in the process) along with Meng and The Barbarian, until Awesome and Cain made the save.....

 

.....mainly because they have a clash with the Faces of Fear lined up at Souled Out coming, not out of the goodness of their hearts or anything.....

 

.....so tonight we have this six man action, a match which (as Mike Tenay informs us.....he is the Professor after all) Konnan has ample experience in coming from a Lucha Librè background, where trio's matches are a regular occurrence, albeit, contested under slightly difference rules (which Tenay details) meaning that our face Team should have the advantage here.....

 

.....they didn't translate that advantage to a victory though.....because with Awesome and Cain occupied with Meng and The Barbarian, Morrus uses the opportunity to capitalise on the fact of the official's attention being elsewhere, to nail Konnan in the back of the head and picking up the one, two, three.....

 

Winner(s): The First Family

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rudumzm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/RZyWR9b.jpg">

 

From there we go backstage, where Sting and Lex Luger have obviously been separated from Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque for now.....although the atmosphere is still tense, with Sting standing there stone faced while the Total Package paces the room.....

 

.....he tells Sting that he needs to be on guard later tonight.....not only is he in a match with The Giant, Macho Man AND the Warrior (all of whom would happily take that title from around his waist at any given opportunity) but his own partners are just as likely to punch him in the mouth before they watch his back.....Luger is furious that he's not a part of this match, telling his friend that this is a deliberate ploy by Russo to get that WCW Title from around his waist.....

 

.....Sting doesn't look too worried.....he simply reaches down beside him and pulls up that black baseball bat, telling Luger that whether it's three on three or five on one, he's always ready.....Lex doesn't look convinced though, telling Sting that bat or no bat, he'll be out there in a heartbeat if anything goes down.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....and so will we....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJEyYKG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/i3UTPrR.jpg">

 

....."we" being the WCW Tag Team Champions, Chris Benoit and Diamond Dallas Page.....

 

.....Page says that he and his partner have been fighting for WCW for close to a year now and it seems like the fight isn't over.....first the Titans of Wrestling, now Shawn Michaels and his little buddy are getting in on the action.....

 

".....y'know, I've had my share of wars with Jean Paul Levesque, but I thought he'd finally realised what a huge Jack-off he was when he walked away from the Scumbags of Wrestling and started fighting the good fight for WCW.....but all it took was for Mr. Ego Shawn Michaels to walk in the front door, and he's back to being his little bag carrying lackey again, just like he was up north....."

 

.....Benoit tells Sting not to worry about tonight.....because they've got a score of their own still to settle with Michaels and Levesque.....and if they try anything tonight, it won't just be the Total Package that they have to worry about.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....well if it isn't Sting and the Super Friends.....how touching.....yay, yay, rar, rar, WCW is number one.....well I'm telling you now jack, that WCW has ALWAYS been a big, hot, steaming pile.....of number two....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HGV3tqP.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Xrtjhm2.jpg">

 

.....there he is again folks, straight out of the "how to make friends and influence people" handbook, it's a smirking Shawn Michaels, along with JPL.....

 

.....Sting gets to his feet, ready to fight again, but Levesque holds his hands up (as Shawn trembles in mock fear behind him) telling the four that if they'd come here to fight, they'd have kicked their asses already by now.....

 

.....Shawn says that they're here for one reason, and one reason only.....and that's to tell Sting that if he plans on Swinging that black bat in anyone's direction in the main event later tonight, it'd better not be theirs.....because if he does, he won't be walking straight for a month.....

 

".....because I'll take that bat, and shove it right up your a....."

 

".....as we were saying.....standards and practices Shawn.....we can't say that here....."

 

".....I can't say ass?....."

 

".....no god damn it, you can't say ass....."

 

".....asshat?....."

 

".....no....."

 

".....can I call him an asshole?....."

 

".....NO!....."

 

".....alright, alright, take that stick outta your ass, you don't have to be such an ass about it, I won't say ass....."

 

".....you're such an asshole sometimes you know that?....."

 

".....Sting.....you swing that bat at us tonight and I'll shove it straight up your butt.....man that just sounds lame.....see, I told you WCW sucked....."

 

.....Page tells Shawn that he might think he's pretty funny, but not as funny as the sight of Sting and Luger bouncing his skull off the concrete was a couple of minutes back.....

 

.....Shawn laughs straight in Page's face.....the most condescending laugh known to man, before telling him that the only reason he's not wiping Sting's face paint off the bottom of his boot right now, is because he's saving that kick for Randy Savage later tonight.....

 

".....but I just thought I'd come in here to let you know Stinger.....Mr. WCW.....that the only reason you have that WCW Title around your waist right now.....the only reason you get to call yourself champion of this little pissant company.....is because I've not bothered takin it from you.....just like the only reason WE don't have those Tag Team Titles, is because WE don't want them....."

 

.....Levesque tells Sting to worry about the Giant.....Page and Benoit to worry about the Forgotten.....and Luger to worry about....well, nothing.....because he has nothing to offer.....

 

".....and if you three keep getting in our way, YOU won't have anything to offer either.....because we'll take all those titles off you....just because we can....."

 

.....Sting tosses that black bat to one side, unhooks the WCW Title from around his waist, and places it on the ground in front of him, telling Shawn Michaels to go ahead and take it if he thinks he's man enough.....

 

.....and Michaels just cracks up laughing.....

 

.....he tells Sting to keep his tin belt, because Shawn Michaels has bigger fish to fry.....

 

".....turn up for the main event.....don't turn up for the main event.....it really doesn't matter to us.....but if you DO show up.....stay OUT of our way and leave the Titans of Wrestling for the grown-ups....."

 

.....with that, Michaels and Levesque leave just as abruptly as they arrived, leaving Page, Benoit and Luger to reaffirm to Sting that if he needs them tonight......

 

.....they're there.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/KvDgZcZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LcEfQAC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NpV26wt.jpg">

 

.....Welllllll.....we've had a commercial break, now we're back and Mean Gene is standing in the middle of the ring, ready to shill the hell out of the Hotline (1-900-909-9900) before telling us that this past Thursday night on Thunder, Lance Storm bit off a little bit more than he could chew, when some prime US beef took offence to his (his Canadian chums the AFC.....AND the Blue Bloods) constant disrespect to an American Patriot (in Jim Duggan) and America itself.....because the Road Warrior's made their presence felt, and these US Originals were NOT in a good mood.....

 

.....he invites the pair out now, and Hawk and Animal waste no time in walking that aisle to join him in the ring.....

 

.....Gene says that for weeks now, Lance Storm has been ridiculing and making disparaging remarks about this great country, while more recently he's been joined by a sympathetic group of brits in The Blue Bloods.....Jim Duggan has felt the wrath of this Sovereignty, but last week, the Road Warriors had decided that enough was enough?.....

 

.....Animal says (and sprays) that he and Hawk are a lot of things......they're big.....they're bad.....they're mean and nasty.....but first and foremost, they're American......and if Lance Storm has a problem with America, then he has a problem with them.....and he really doesn't want to have a problem with them.....

 

".....TELL 'EM HAWK....."

 

".....WELLLLLL.....IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE LANCE STORM HAS SOME KIND OF PROBLEM WITH OLD GLORY.....THATS OK, BECAUSE WE'VE GOT A LITTLE AMERICAN PRIDE RIGHT HERE.....SEE THE ROAD WARRIORS, WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN MORE ABOUT THE GORY THAN THE GLORY, BUT THIS IS AMERICA.....LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT.....AND SINCE YOU AIN'T LEAVING ANYTIME SOON, I GUESS WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO MAKE YOU LOVE IT.....

 

.....SO GET COMFORTABLE.....BECAUSE YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE......BLACK AND BLUE THAT IT.....WHEN WE BEAT YOU TO WITHIN AN INCH OF YOUR STINKING LIVES.....THE RED.....LIKE THE BLOOD TRICKLING OUT OF YOUR EARS.....AND THEN, THE BEST OF THE BUNCH.....THE WHITE.....MY FAVOURITE ONE.....AFTER WE SNAP YOUR LEG BONES AND SUCK THE MARROW DRY......

 

.....UGGGHHHHH.....WHAT A....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....load of old tosh lads....."

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/52C2DXy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/sQ4Rwnh.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/OjWU4th.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vrbhnV1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rgf9KxG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bo3WUqu.jpg">

 

.....well, if the Road Warriors were planning on calling out Lance Storm, they might have got a little more than they bargained for here, because while Storm does come out, so do the Amazing French Canadians and the Blue Bloods, with a disgusted looking Steven Regal holding a microphone.....

 

".....you pair of Neanderthals ought to be ashamed of yourselves, coming out here and besmirching the good name of a fine upstanding Servant of Her Majesty's Sovereignty like Mr. Storm here.....if it wasn't for the fact that I have a match scheduled for later in this evening, I would come down there and give you a bloody good thrashing myself....."

 

.....predictably, Hawk and Animal don't back down an inch, telling Regal that if he wants to try his luck, he's welcome to step into the ring with the Road Warriors.....he can even bring the Duke and the Earl for all the good it will do them.....

 

.....Storm places a hand on the forearm of Regal, telling him not to sink to the lows of these American morons......he says that a fine upstanding gentleman like his Lordship shouldn't have to sully his hands on the likes of The Road Warriors, before offering the services of the Amazing French Canadians, telling Regal that they will shut the Warriors mouths once and for all.....in fact, if his Lordship still has a pot of Earl Grey brewing in the back, then Storm would suggest that they all retire to the dressing rooms.....because Jacque and Oulette will be finished up here before the steam has even stopped rising on the cups.....

 

".....because you Road Warriors are no different that Hacksaw Jim Duggan.....ego driven American's with a superiority complex, that are about to find out first hand that when it comes to superior athletes, Canada is the TRUE home of the brave....."

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/euDJPjl.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TdRIFsT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xHBTSHS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CscfWXe.jpg">

 

.....you've got to be wondering exactly what the Amazing French Canadians did to upset Lance Storm, if THIS is the sort of match he's going to book them in.....

 

.....Hawk and Animal were already in a bad mood BEFORE they were rudely interrupted (Hawk didn't even get to finish his catchphrase for god's sake) and they're in an even worse mood now.....

 

.....the Canadians actually do manage to weather the initial storm, as the Warriors batter them from pillar to post, and even take control of the match as they isolate Hawk (with Carl Oulette looking particularly powerful against the slightly smaller Road Warrior) but I don't think the end result was ever really in doubt, and after making the hot tag, the Warriors finally put the Canadians away, with a Doomsday Device to Jacque Rougeau.....

 

.....better hold the celebratory Earl Grey for now Lance.....

 

Winner(s): The Road Warriors

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/euDJPjl.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TdRIFsT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Otmasnl.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xHBTSHS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CscfWXe.jpg">

 

.....and hold it he does.....because as the Road Warriors celebrate, Storm jumps Hawk from behind, leaving Oulette and Rougeau to pounce on Animal.....

 

.....the Canadians might have actually won this match in the first place had it been a three on two handicap match, because they're getting the better of the Warriors right here.....

 

.....or they were.....

 

.....because even with the numbers against them, Hawk and Animal fight to get back into this one.....so much so that Lance Storm has to jab them both in the throat with the pole of his Canadian Flag to slow them back down, as the three on two beating continues.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/WI3BQ7F.jpg">

 

.....which (perhaps predictably) brings out Hacksaw Jim Duggan, the man who has received the bulk of Lance Storm's ire in recent weeks, including several beatdowns much as Hawk and Animal are receiving right now.....

 

 

....as usual, Duggan has old glory over his shoulder, as he makes his way out from the back....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vrbhnV1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rgf9KxG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bo3WUqu.jpg">

 

.....and as usual, he's on the end of an assault from a foreign element, except this time it's a British Invasion rather than a Canadian one, as the Blue Bloods immediately follow him out, pouncing on him before he's even halfway down the aisle.....

 

.....Regal tells his wards to drag that "knuckle dragging neanderthal" down to the ring, and that means it's about time for a six on three beatdown....

 

.....I guess one of the best ways to neutralise the Road Warriors would be to ground them, which is probably why Regal and Storm look to take out the legs of Hawk and Animal, locking in the Regal Stretch and Canadian Maple leaf respectively as the two other Blue Bloods join the Amazing French Canadians in putting the boots to Duggan.....

 

.....damage done, this Sovereignty finally relent, but only long enough for the two nations to drape their countries flags over their fallen opponents, as Regal and Storm exchange a gentlemanly handshake and a disgusted Tony Schiavone sends us to commercial.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/kLNtiJm.jpg">

 

.....and when we come back we go to a pre recorded segment featuring Bill Goldberg's current physiotherapy regime, as he attempts to repair that separated shoulder of his enough that he is able to achieve medical clearance.....

 

.....we are only around four days into Goldberg's routine, but his Physician, Dr. Steinfield is already optimistic about his patients prospects......

 

".....Mr. Goldberg has already achieved, frankly extraordinary results.....he is well on track to 100% recovery, a clean bill of health.....AND medical clearance to once again compete inside a World Championship Wrestling ring....."

 

.....that's all well and good.....but the big question is, will Bill Goldberg get that much needed medical clearance within the (now) 23 day window that he has left to defend his WCW Television Title? Or will he be forced to relinquish the Championship without ever actually being defeated for it?.....

 

.....Dr. Steinfield is less sure about that, stating that there is no exact time frame when it comes to recovery time.....but if he was a betting man (and his ex-wife will tell you that he is) then he would feel relatively confident in gambling on the fact that we WILL see Bill Goldberg defending the Television Title again.....

 

.....from there we wrap the segment up with a few more shots of the undefeated rookie concluding his rehab session for the day, before the snarling Bill Goldberg turns to the camera to snort just three words......

 

".....GUERRERO'S.....YOU'RE NEXT....."

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3mOVwsH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IYJ3Oe0.jpg">

 

.....we go down to ringside from there, and while our Cruiserweight Champion IS in action, the Cruiserweight Title is NOT on the line.....which might be a stroke of luck for Jeff Hardy, because his opponent tonight is Mortis.....a man that he has never defeated.....

 

.....these two have certainly had their fair share of wars over the past six months, as Hardy continues a (seemingly never ending) feud with James Vandenberg's Cursed Church.....

 

.....Hardy has defeated and (from a storyline perspective) taken Yoshihiro Tajiri out of the sport for good.....he's defeated Jinsei Shinzaki.....at Souled Out he's going to be facing Hayabusa, Vandenberg's latest follower, but if he can't finally defeat Mortis here, then surely his confidence is going to take a huge hit going into that Cruiserweight Title defence.....

 

.....fortunately for Hardy, he's come a long way in the six months since he arrived in WCW.....while his brother has had some success up north since the Hardy Boys split, Jeff has been featured fairly prominently and on a regular basis.....six months ago he was losing to Eddie Guerrero in his bid to become a champion.....five months ago he was losing Mortis.....today, he's the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Champion.....and tonight, he finally gets that victory he's been searching for, as he wriggles out of a Flatliner attempt, drops Mortis with a Twist of Fate.....then scales the ropes to deliver that Swanton Bomb for the one, the two.....and a long awaited three.....

 

.....your winner.....Jeff Hardy.....

 

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ClbEoLB.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8El8DGj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qdgQt38.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFbiE5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/0V7cJLX.jpg">

 

.....Vandenberg climbs into the ring, as Shinzaki and Hayabusa come rushing down the aisle (presumably to deliver a physical message to Hardy) but the Cruiserweight Champion has already bailed from the ring, snatched up his title belt and is safely up in the crowd by the time his would be attackers arrive.....

 

.....Vandenberg has a microphone, and goes to speak, cutting another promo on Jeff about what is in store for him at Souled Out.....but it looks like the Cruiserweight title wasn't the only thing Hardy grabbed from ringside, because high up in the crowd his voice echoes out, telling Vandenberg to just shut up.....

 

.....he's not much of a talker our Jeff, but he has a microphone here and he tells Vandenberg that he's heard just about enough of the rubbish that he keeps spouting.....

 

".....week after week, it's always the same tune.....Jeff Hardy needs to be taken out.....Jeff Hardy needs to be cleansed.....Jeff Hardy needs to be purged.....you need to purify the Cruiserweight Title from Jeff Hardy.....well guess what.....Jeff Hardy is still here.....Jeff Hardy is still the Cruiserweight Champion.....and at Souled Out, I'm STILL going to be the Cruiserweight Champion.....because no matter how many freaks you throw at me, I'm never going to give you this title....."

 

.....strong words Mr. Hardy.....I guess we will find out if he can back them up.....in just six days time.....

 

.....let's go to commercial.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/0VzCRml.jpg">

 

.....we're back.....and we're back in the arena, where Mean Gene is standing in the middle of the ring.....

 

.....we've shilled the hotline once already this evening, but never let it be said that Scheme Gene is a man that lets an opportunity go to waste, so let's shill it again (1-900-909-9900) and apparently option 3 will give you all the latest up to the minute news and rumours on this Sunday's Souled Out event.....

 

.....with the plugs out of the way he moves on to other business.....mainly introducing his next guests.....

 

".....ladies and gentlemen, they have a date with The Forgotten upcoming this Sunday night, but tonight they have vowed to be in Sting's corner should he need them.....please welcome the WCW World Tag Team Champions.....Diamond Dallas Page and The Crippler, Chris Benoit....."

 

.....the "smells like teen spirit" rip-off begins to play and the crowd erupts in anticipation of the arrival of the Tag Team Champions.....but after a minute or so (and the entrance tune getting played a second time) it becomes obvious that Page and Benoit aren't coming.....

 

.....WHY they aren't coming becomes obvious too, when we switch to a shot of the backstage area.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/G9blWo1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JjTal3v.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3HJxDov.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3wzmidb.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/iMTTL4m.jpg">

 

.....where the tag champs are currently getting battered by their Souled Out challenges.....

 

.....the two men have already been left laying, as Vader grabs the camera by its lens and drags it in close to him, loudly questioning "Who's the Man" as Sully and Bammers keep up the assault.....

 

.....Vader snatches the camera out of the grip of its operator as Page is dragged back to his feet. We see Sullivan tell Dallas that the age of entitlement is over for WCW's Favoured Sons.....and on Sunday, the Age of the Forgotten shall begin.....

 

.....with that the shot goes to a shook mess, as Vader (obviously) drives the camera into the skull of DDP.....

 

.....we switch to a second shot, filmed by a camera man just arriving on the scene, and this time we get a (very) clear shot of Benoit being dragged to his feet, before he too gets a camera crashed into his skull courtesy of Big Van Vader.....

 

.....finally security arrive on the scene (late as always Dillinger) and the Forgotten depart.....but judging by the sight of Dallas Page and Chris Benoit flat on their backs, it's doubtful that they're going to be in any condition to be offering Sting a helping hand later.....

 

.....let's go back down to ringside.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/48xRpDs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/iQo90W2.jpg">

 

.....where Chavo Guerrero Jr. has the rather mammoth task of facing the Big 'Kish, Rikishi Fatu.....

 

.....obviously both of these men are related to the two stars that will be competing for the WCW United States Championship on Sunday night, with Rikishi and The Rock sharing that Samoan Bloodline, while Chavo is the nephew of current champion, Eddie Guerrero.....

 

.....Eddie is right there at ringside too.....and he does far more than just cheer his nephew on.....in fact, after a (surprisingly) good match, the official finds himself out of position following an accidental thumb to the eye from 'Kishi, he climbs into the ring behind the big Samoan (who's currently checking on the condition of the referee) with the US Title in hand, poised to strike......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/6KhMoDA.jpg">

 

.....but before he can strike a blow, The Rock comes rushing out of the back.....

 

.....the sight of the charging Rock is enough to make Eddie bolt for the hills, and he quickly exits the ring and disappears back up the ramp.....and as Rocky looks on, Rikishi plants Chavo to the mat with a Samoan Drop, before dragging him over to the corner and crushing the life out of him with a Samoan Splash for the one, two, three.

 

Winner: Rikishi Fatu

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/dICBV2c.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/isSRl4K.jpg">

 

.....we leave Rocky and Rikishi in the ring to celebrate the victory and go backstage, where Mean Gene is standing by with Big Sid Vicious.....

 

.....it's your basic Sid interview (spoken through gritted teeth and ranging from a whisper to a shout) as he proclaims himself the Master and Ruler of the World.....he's the master and ruler of the world, but he's also bored.....because considering the fact that WCW is supposed to be where the Big Boys play, the line of wrestlers that want to "play" with Sid Vicious is VERY short.....

 

.....in other words, he has NO competition.....

 

.....Sid says that he's a patient man, but his patience only stretches so far.....he wants some competition.....he wants some gold.....maybe he needs to challenge the winner of the Eddie Guerrero/Rock match and go after the United States Title.....maybe he needs to call out Bill Goldberg once he's fit and take the Television Title AND the Streak.....or maybe.....maybe he needs to go after the winner of the Souled Out WCW Title contest.....

 

".....because Sid Vicious only needs one shot.....to show the world that as far as giants go, there's only ONE true giant.....and that one true giant.....just happens to be the Master....and Ruler of the World.....Sid.....Vicious....."

 

.....Sid lets out a psychotic laugh at that, before turning and walking away from Gene.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TfYwFGH.jpg">

 

.....and coming face to face with the man who will be facing Sting on Sunday Night.....

 

.....at his height, it's not often that Sid goes face to face with ANYONE (after all, most opponents barely reach his chin.....but he's face to face right now......and with a little chuckle, the new arrival tells Sid that he's right.....there IS only one Giant in World Championship Wrestling.....

 

".....and you're looking at him....."

 

.....Giant tells Sid that he's a little busy right now (and has certainly got bigger problems that Sid's boredom levels) but if he is REALLY looking for a challenge, then he should come and find the Giant, any time AFTER Sunday Night.....

 

"....I won't be hard to find.....I'll be the guy walking around here that's seven feet tall, with the WCW Championship around my waist....."

 

.....with that, the Giant barges past a seething Sid Vicious.....

 

.....and we go back down to ringside.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UciOlUG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vrbhnV1.jpg">

 

.....our penultimate match of the evening sees Curt Hennig facing off against a gentleman that we've already seen once (or twice) this evening, His Lordship, Steven Regal.....

 

.....neither of these men is currently scheduled to be in action at Sunday's Souled Out event, but while Hennig won't be there in an official in-ring capacity, he WILL be there, as our announcers inform us that (much like on Thunder a few weeks back) he will be ringside for our United States Championship match between Eddie Guerrero and The Rock, acting as an enforcer of sorts to assure that Chavo Guerrero Jr. does not become a factor in that match.....

 

.....that's probably not the news Eddie Guerrero wants to hear.....especially considering the fact that the last time Curt was at ringside during an Eddie/Rock match, it was The Rock that walked out the winner.....

 

.....this match was really very good (and perhaps could have been even better had there been any sort of storyline involvement between the two competitors) but it was let down by its conclusion......clearly Eddie Guerrero got the memo that Curt Hennig would be ringside at Souled Out.....clearly Eddie Guerrero wasn't happy about it.....and since The Rock thwarted his last attempt at interfering in a match, he's going to try it again here......

 

.....the two Guerrero's make their way out, and as Chavo distracts the official, Eddie nails Curt in the back of the head with the United States Championship.....and with no sign of The Rock to ruin this party, Steven Regal picks up an easy one, two, three.

 

Winner: Lord Steven Regal

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CFs0lWM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JmRqRET.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/O69T1oO.jpg">

 

.....the Guerrero's have already cost Curt the match.....they may as well give him a little beatdown too, especially since Curt is already on the mat.....

 

.....Eddie tells Hennig that he's already taken his mantle off him.....HE'S the Papi of Perfection around here.....but if Curt thinks that he's going to cost Eddie Guerrero the greatest streak in professional wrestling history, then Eddie Guerrero will take his career from him too.....

 

".....you've already got a spine that's held together by duct tape esè.....maybe we should make sure that you don't make it to Souled Out holmes....."

 

.....with that, Chavo rolls Hennig so that he's face down on the mat, stretching his arms out in front of him, while Eddie Guerrero scales the turnbuckles.....

 

.....Tony Schiavone says that it looks as though Guerrero is going to try and hit the Frog Splash to the back of Hennig.....and if he hits that, that's going to be all she wrote.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/RCIaRiK.jpg">

 

.....fortunately for Curt, help is at hand.....as for the second time this evening The Rock comes rushing down the aisle.....and for the second time this evening, Eddie Guerrero quickly bolts from the ring before Rocky can get his hands on him.....

 

.....Eddie and Chavo come to a halt at the top of the ramp, smirking back at the sight of The Rock briefly checking on Curt Hennig, before grabbing a microphone......

 

.....he barely gets the first few words out of his mouth however before that same microphone is batted right out of his hand.....

 

.....by a ticked off looking Curt Hennig.....

 

.....the microphone is on the ground, so we don't pick up everything that is said.....we get the gist though.....Hennig wants to know where Rocky was.....

 

.....he says that he was quick enough to come out here when Rikishi needed him.....he was quick to stop Guerrero from interfering in his family members match.....

 

".....and OBVIOUSLY......you're going to want me to be pretty quick in stopping CHAVO Guerrero from interfering in YOUR match Sunday night.....so tell me Rocky.....Mr. 'Great One'.....where were YOU when I needed you?....."

 

.....Rocky shrugs off Hennig's accusations, telling him that he's right here now.....as for where was he when Curt needed him, Curt would be needing a wheelchair right about now if it wasn't for the Rock, so maybe Curt should take the base out of his voice when he's talking to the Rock.....

 

.....Curt shoves the Rock in the chest and turns and walks away, but not before telling Rocky that maybe HE wants to take the base out of his voice, when he's talking to the man that's going to be ringside for his US Title match this Sunday Night.....

 

.....dissension indeed, with Souled Out right around the corner.....

 

.....let's go to another commercial.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/egpGNGG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/dICBV2c.jpg">

 

.....when we return we get a quick recap of the confrontation that occurred earlier this evening, between Sid Vicious and The Giant, before we go to a shot of the exit of the building, with the words "during the commercial break" in the bottom left hand side of our screens.....

 

.....the camera's catch Sid Vicious dressed in his street clothes and dragging his wheeled case behind him......he has one hand on the door when the voice of Mean Gene stops him, with the announcer quickly rushing into shot to ask Big Sid exactly where he is going?.....

 

.....Sid tells Gene that he's leaving.....he's leaving because if he stays, he's not sure he can be held responsible for what he does.....he's leaving, because if he stays, there will be no WCW Title Match on Sunday Night.....he's leaving, because if he stays......he's going to tear the Giant's head clean off his shoulders.....and it won't matter WHO gets in his way......because NOTHING will be able to stop him.....

 

.....Gene takes a step back at that as Sid gives a muted laugh, before the big man snaps back to deadly serious, swinging the door open violently and exiting the building.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/dICBV2c.jpg">

 

.....before we switch to a live shot of Mean Gene still walking through the halls.....

 

.....he talks as he walks, informing us that Sid Vicious has indeed left the arena, before letting us know that he is currently on route to the locker room of the Total Package Lex Luger, ahead of our huge six man main event (scheduled to take place next) to see if he can get word on the current situation regarding Shawn Michaels, Jean Paul Levesque, WCW and the Titans of Wrestling.....

 

.....he reaches what is presumably Lugers locker room, but when he knocks on the door it's obvious that the entrance to the room is already ajar.....

 

.....he pushes open the door, calling out Lugers name, but as it swings back he stops in his tracks and instead begins calling for medical assistance, because The Total Package is face down on the locker room floor.....

 

.....it's obvious from the state of both Luger and the room that there has been an assault taken place, and judging by the "clique rulez" that's spray painted on the wall behind the unconscious Lex, it's no huge jump to assume that one Shawn Michaels had something to do with it.....and while obviously this is somewhat of an inconvenience for Lex (what with him being unconscious and all) it does mean that now, Sting is all alone tonight.....

 

.....Luger has been taken out, Page has been taken out, Benoit has been taken out.....Sid has his issues with The Giant and MAY have been of assistance, but he's already left the building.....this could wind up being a very long evening for the WCW Champion.....

 

.....it's about time for our main event.....let's go back down to ringside.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rudumzm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Gb5WkAs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LZspeNS.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ntB0NUE.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HPNFP66.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg">

 

.....can Sting trust his partners tonight? I guess that's debatable.....but whether you and I believe he can trust Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque or not is neither here nor there, because after what we have just witnessed in Lex Luger's dressing room, it's clear that the WCW Champion doesn't trust his partners in the slightest.....

 

.....Sting and Michaels almost come to blows before this match even gets underway, with Sting telling Shawn Michaels that he ought to ram his bat down his throat after what he did to Lex, while Shawn (who is far from apologetic) tells Sting that the attack had nothing to do with him, but for what it's worth, he did like seeing the Total Package down and out like that, and had he had the opportunity.....he'd have probably kicked Luger straight in the mouth.....

 

.....so like I say, these "team mates" almost went at it before the match even begun.....

 

.....but then Savage charged across the ring and blindsided the WCW Champion, and this one was underway.....

 

.....Savage took great pleasure in assaulting Mr. WCW too.....with Hogan currently out of the picture (FILMING a picture) Savage has taken the de facto role as head of the Titans of Wrestling, and clearly believes that of the group, it should be he or Warrior that next gets to challenge for the World Title.....perhaps defeating the WCW Champion here tonight will sway Eric Bischoff and the rest of the Championship Committee that he is the right choice too.....

 

.....Michaels and Levesque are clearly conflicted in this one.....on one hand they don't really care if Sting gets his ass kicked (so why even bother tagging in) but on the other hand, and chance to get their hands on Savage and Warrior is too much of an opportunity to overlook.....so much to the surprise of everyone, when the opportunity finally presents itself.....

 

.....Shawn Michaels extends his hand and tags the Stinger, bringing himself into the match.....

 

.....he goes at it like a house of fire too.....say what you want about Shawn Michaels (and plenty of the signs in the crowd do exactly that) but he's nothing if not exciting between those ropes.....he ducks a Randy Savage clothesline attempt, runs the ropes, and then nails Macho with that patented flying forearm, before kipping straight up and sending Warrior flying off the apron with a perfectly placed dropkick.....

 

.....Savage gets back to his feet, but Michaels leaps onto his shoulders and turns him over with a hurricanranna, mounting the man as they land and unleashing a series of right hands to the current Titan Leader.....

 

.....Michaels gets back to his feet and turns.....right into the outstretched hand of The Giant, which clutches him by the throat.....

 

.....Sting gets back into the ring and rushes at his Souled Out opponent.....but Giant is waiting, and he grabs the charging WCW Champion by the throat with his other hand.....

 

.....Levesque rushes into the ring and begins laying into the seven footer with right hands to the skull, but the Giant won't realease his grip(s) and when needs must, Sting and Michaels finally work together, kicking out at their attacker while Levesque continues to lay in the heavy blows.....and between the three of them they finally manage to drive the huge man down to one knee.....

 

.....and then the Warrior and Savage re-enter the ring.....

 

.....along with the rest of the Titans of Wrestling.....

 

.....who came running out from the back.....

 

.....and all six Titans go to work putting the boots to Sting, Michaels and Levesque.....

 

.....ring the bell.....

 

.....this one is over.....

 

Winner(s): Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque (via Disqualification)

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rudumzm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Gb5WkAs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LZspeNS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ntB0NUE.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HPNFP66.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/wYulN53.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Jg2T62p.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CXQGLDZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/o5VxOZB.jpg">

 

.....but the fun don't stop there.....and neither does the beating.....

 

.....all of Sting's allies have been taken out of the equation, while Shawn and Levesque don't HAVE any allies.....so no one is here to make the save as these three men are taken down.....

 

.....Giant focuses the brunt of his aggression on his Souled Out opponent Sting, but Shawn Michaels has mouthed off to the seven footer in passing weeks too (but then, is there anyone Shawn Michaels HASN'T mouthed off to) so he's happy to drop the mouthy Texas native with a stiff headbutt.....

 

.....Macho grabs (a practically unconscious) Shawn Michaels by the hair, telling him that they could take him out ".....per...man...ent...ly.....right here, right now, ya dig?.....but we're not gonna do that, no way, no how....." instead they're going to leave Shawn and Hunter JUST enough to drag themselves to Souled Out, where he and the Warrior will finish this job.....

 

.....Giant hoists our WCW Champion way up high and Chokeslams him straight in the middle of the ring, before snatching the WCW Title from the timekeeper, raising it in the air in celebration as Copeland and Cage roll back into the ring with some spray paint.....

 

.....Savage takes the can of paint (as the Giant continues to flaunt Sting's title) and rolls the Stinger over, pulling down the singlet to expose the torso of the WCW Champion, spraying the letters T.o.W across the back of the man, before repeating the process on Jean Paul Levesque.....

 

.....Savage turns to the Giant (and both men take a good hard look at the World Heavyweight Title in the Giant's hand) before offering him the paint, along with the final body.....Shawn Michaels.....

 

.....the Titans of Wrestling have made no secret about their courting of The Giant.....and while there has certainly been co-operation between them, Giant has always declined any formal invitations to join.....but as he takes the can from Savage and drops to a knee beside Michaels, spraying the T.o.W tag across the back of Shawn Michaels would perhaps show where the Giant's loyalties lie.....

 

.....and while he does indeed spray three letters across Shawn Michaels back, it's not T.o.W.....

 

.....it's WCW.....

 

......I guess the invitation has been declined once more.....

 

.....but Shawn Michaels will NOT be happy to have WCW on his back.....

 

.....just as Savage is NOT happy to once again be rejected by the big man.....

 

.....but an uneasy truce remains in the air.....because Sting is down.....Shawn is down.....JPL is down......

 

.....and we're only six days away from Souled Out.....

 

.....we'll see you on Thursday fans......

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: A

 

 

[to4sty]

This is my thinking too. I'm pretty sure Austin and Pillman have not so great chemistry in this save - always sticks in the back of my mind. Adding Bret would definitely help, if that was the case...

 

I'd be happy with not so great chemistry......hell, I'd pay good money for bad chemistry.....but no, these two, they have to go and have terrible chemistry.....my number one face and number one heel, out here stinking the place up together.....thanks for that TEW

 

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy

Comments: Matt's gotta jump to WCW eventually right? ...Right?

 

Or maybe Jeff jumps back to the WWF.....stranger things have happened

 

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments: What a gift - the First Family appear! One of the more awkward stables in WCW history, but happy they made their way to WCW

 

Don't say I never give you anything

 

I just finished binge-reading all 102 pages of this dynasty and it's probably like, one of my favorite ever

 

That'll explain the 15,000 views that this thing got in the last month then, they were you catching up thanks for the kind words, glad to have you along for the ride.

 

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments: *GONG*

 

Close, but not quite

 

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments: New stable and return of Hugh Morrus needs a win to get something going as much as I love the opposing team

 

I've developed a bit of a soft spot for Awesome and Cain, especially with Bobby Eaton levelling up Cain for me on the regular, but sometimes you have to give the win to who needs it

 

 

Bwahahahahaha.

 

Because he totally would say something like that.

 

Scotty Steiner has quotes for days.....I've based whole feuds off the back of wanting to give Scott Steiner something ridiculous to say (he had an entire feud with Goldust just so that I could have him quote the Little Mermaid) hey, don't judge me.....a man's got to have a hobby

 

 

Steve Austin vs. Mankind

Comments: Chaos reigns, but it's the WWF, so you'll still get an A, maybe an A*

 

This match quite literally got a 99.....A's for Days in the WWF.....those A*'s are a little more elusive though

 

 

Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner

Comments: This would be an easy Saturday Night main event in 1993 for me. In 1998 for you, it's a step above a squash match, at most.

 

Poor Barry.....I have absolutely nothing better for him to do than to get squashed by BPP

 

 

The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts

Comments: It could be a sadism-caused reversed finish, but I suspect not.

 

Incidentally, is the priest an actual character in-game, or just an 'extra'?

 

He's an extra.....I did toy with the idea of having him be a way to introduce a new worker, but (while the turn was perhaps obvious) having the priest be played by a Stevie Richards or a Scotty Riggs would have made it even more obvious.

 

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Comments: Hmm, Fatu was the last guy Goldberg beat before getting involved with the Guerreros, from memory. It seems like this is going to be linked.

 

I wrote this actual show out about a month ago now (trying to keep a few weeks ahead of myself since I have so much to write up in a weeks worth of tv) that I didn't even realise this until you pointed it out.....needless to say it wasn't linked....maybe I need a booking committee too to remind me of these things

 

Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis

Comments: Mortis is Kanyon, I think? Just seems like too silly a gimmick to work. Hayabusa is definitely a great acquire for WCW.

 

He is.....it is.....he is.....

 

The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Comments: We're not quite in Animal + Heidenreich territory here, but the Roadies are still some way short of their mid-80s best here.

 

I never thought someone would pick the Quebeckers over the Legion of Doom Hawk and Animal are indeed very far removed from their peak, they are still remarkably over though

 

 

Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus)

Comments: If the FF are going to be taken seriously at all, this is a match they should win. But it's 1998, so who knows?

 

As I mentioned, I wrote this show a while back, so when I was reading through the predictions for this I hoped I'd had the good sense to put the First Family over.....thankfully I did.

 

 

Incidentally, a few weeks back I remarked that I was surprised when I reached 100 pages, well this week marks the two year (in game) anniversary of this diary. My first show posted was the Monday Night Raw immediately following Royal Rumble 96 and here we are, one night removed from the 1998 Royal Rumble. So again, thanks for following, readers old and new alike.

 

 

 

From Thunder to the Extreme: Week 3, January 1998

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2Tb7b5r.jpg">

 

Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 3, January 1998

 

Lex Luger vs. Shawn Michaels

Comments:

 

The Rock & Curt Hennig vs. The Forgotten

Comments:

 

Blitzkrieg vs. Hayabusa

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Lance Storm & Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

The Samoan SWAT Team vs. The Mystery Attackers

Comments:

 

Kid Kash vs. Scott Taylor

Comments:

 

Sid Vicious vs. John Nord

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Hugh Morrus

Comments:

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/9CadHVo.jpg">

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 3, January 1998

 

Matches From ECW Cyberslam 1998

 

Tommy Rich vs. Terry Funk

Comments:

 

PG13 vs. The Dudley Boys (Dances with & Chubby)

Comments:

 

Super Nova vs. Val Venis

Comments:

 

[Kijar]

Lex Luger vs. Shawn Michaels

Comments:

 

The Rock & Curt Hennig vs. The Forgotten

Comments:

 

Blitzkrieg vs. Hayabusa

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Lance Storm & Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

The Samoan SWAT Team vs. The Mystery Attackers

Comments:

 

Kid Kash vs. Scott Taylor

Comments:

 

Sid Vicious vs. John Nord

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Hugh Morrus

Comments:

 

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 3, January 1998

 

Matches From ECW Cyberslam 1998

Tommy Rich vs. Terry Funk

Comments:

 

PG13 vs. The Dudley Boys (Dances with & Chubby)

Comments:

 

Super Nova vs. Val Venis

Comments:

[ElectricX]

Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 3, January 1998

 

Lex Luger vs. Shawn Michaels

Comments:

 

The Rock & Curt Hennig vs. The Forgotten

Comments:

 

Blitzkrieg vs. Hayabusa

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Lance Storm & Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

The Samoan SWAT Team vs. The Mystery Attackers

Comments:

 

Kid Kash vs. Scott Taylor

Comments:

 

Sid Vicious vs. John Nord

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Hugh Morrus

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 3, January 1998

 

Matches From ECW Cyberslam 1998

 

Tommy Rich vs. Terry Funk

Comments:

 

PG13 vs. The Dudley Boys (Dances with & Chubby)

Comments:

 

Super Nova vs. Val Venis

Comments: