WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW 1/11/97: ALL-TIME GREAT IS BACK!!!!!!!
Jan 7, 2016 4:13:13 GMT
Post by thecommish on Jan 7, 2016 4:13:13 GMT
World Wrestling Federation presents:
1/11/19967
Civic Center, Hartford, CT
Airing on the USA Network
The fireworks explode in the Civic Center, and then we go to ringside.
Jim Ross: “Welcome everyone to the Civic Center in Hartford, CT! This is Raw is War and you are in for the most action-packed, extreme two hours of television! I’m Jim Ross, and I’m joined by Kevin Kelly and Michael Cole. Let’s get things under way with our colleague Vince McMahon in the ring!”
Vince McMahon: “Ladies and gentleman, we promised you one of the alllll-time greats would be here on Raw is War. What better way to kick off this momentous night than by welcoming….”
THE ULLLLLLLLLLLLLLTIMATE WAAAAAAAAAAARIOR!!!!!
The crowd are on their feet as former WWF Champion Ultimate Warrior sprints down the ramp in his first WWF appearance in almost a year. Warrior shakes the ropes, climbs the turnbuckles and pumps his arms up and down as Vince relishes in the moment.
Vince McMahon: “Ultimate Warrior… welcome back to the World Wrestling Federation! Warrior, fanfare notwithstanding, let’s get down to business if we may. Let me take us back to WreslteMania XII where you made a triumphant return to the WWF for one night – and then disappeared again. I think all of these fans want to know – where have you been?”
Ultimate Warrior: “AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!! THE PATH OF THE WOIYAH IS A LONG AND STRANGE ONE!!!!! ALL OF MY WOIYAHS KNOW THAT THE ULTIMATE WOIYAH IS ALWAYS IN THEIR HEARTS!!!!! AND THEY ARE IN HIS!!!!! I HAVE TREAD THE COSMIC PATH… AND IT HAS LED ME BACK HOME, TO THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION!!!!”
Vince McMahon: “All right, but why now? After almost a year away, why return at this time?”
Ultimate Warrior: “THE WOIYAH KNOWS NOTHING OF TIME!!!! DESTINY CALLS THE WOIYAH HOME TO THE WWF, AND SO THE WOIYAH IS HOME!!! WHAT IS THAT DESTINY? THAT DESTINY LIES AHEAD!!! THAT DESTINY IS… THE ROOOOOOOOOOOOYAL RUUUUUUUUUUUUUMBLE!!!!!”
Vince McMahon: “So you’ve heard it here fans! The Ultimate Warrior is throwing his hat into the ring for the Royal Rumble!”
Ultimate Warrior: “29 OF THE GREATEST WARRIORS ALL CONVERGE ON ONE PATH!!! EACH JOURNEY SEPARATE!!!! EACH JOURNEY FULL OF PAIN AND SUFFERING AND TRIUMPH!!!!! ALL CONVERGING ON… THE ROOOOOYALLLLL RUUUUUUUMBLE!!!! STANDING AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL… THE ULLLLLLLTIMATE WOOOIYAH!!!!!! DESTINY IS AT HAND!!!!!! MY DESTINY!!!!! AND THE DESTINY OF THE WOOOOOOOIYAHS!!!!!!!”
Vince McMahon: “There you have it, fans! The Ultimate Warrior is back, and he is headed to the Royal Rumble in !”
The Ultimate Warrior runs around the ring, shaking the ropes and pumping his fists as Vince McMahon takes delight in watching. Let’s go back to ringside.
Michael Cole: “The Ultimate Warrior is back in the World Wrestling Federation, and we know he will be a part of the Royal Rumble Match, along with Stone Cold Steve Austin and 28 others.”
Jim Ross: “The Rumble is still two weeks away, but we have a huge two hours for you tonight. Coming up later on Raw is War, we will have The Undertaker going up against former King of the Ring winner Mabel!”
Kevin Kelly: “And later tonight on the War Zone, what a match this should be! It will be a four corners match for the WWF Tag Team Champions. Owen Hart and the British Bulldog will defend against Razor Ramon and X-Pac of the Clique, the Legion of Doom… and get this, WWF Champion Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels!”
Jim Ross: “A lot of tension could boil over in that one! All that and much more, when Raw is War continues.”
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Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: “Leave it to the King to get the best scoop! Paul Bearer has been making a lot of threats to The Undertaker in recent weeks. What’s this all about Paul?”
Paul Bearer: “OOOOOOOOOH KING, The Undertaker knows what it’s about! All of this could have been avoided, Undertaker. Knowing what I know about your family, you’ve been foolish! But Undertaker, I’ll get my revenge! Fi-fye-fo-fum, Undertaker! OOOOOH YES!”
Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: “Paul Bearer always has something up his sleeve! Let’s go back to the ring!”
‘WILDMAN’ MARC MERO W/ SABLE VS. THE GOON
Marc Mero looks good here, especially with the lovely Sable by his side. Mero busts out more of his boxing moves than usual as he thwarts Goon’s cheating ways. Jim Ross is sure to pimp Mero’s golden gloves experience. In the end, Mero is able to connect with the Wild Thing to get this episode of Raw is War off to an eventful start.
WINNER: MARC MERO (5:45)
Kevin Kelly: “We’ll be right back, fans!”
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Jim Ross: “We’re back fans, and we have an unscheduled guest in the ring!”
Brian Pillman: “A lot of people around here call me a Loose Cannon, but you people have the wrong impression of me. See, I’m really… A FAMILY MAN… at heart. I proved that last week when I gave my good friend – a man practically like my own brother – Bret Hart some advice. Now, Bret’s a bit a stubborn, always has been. But I’d like to talk to two other members of the Hart Family tonight. Owen, Bulldog, can you join me?”
The World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions make their way down to the ring, and they look a bit wary.
Brian Pillman: “Now, I know you two have a big tag team match later on! But that’s what this is all about. I tried to tell Bret last week, there’s no use in the Hart Family fighting. The WWF has divided and conquered the family! Since I’m THE FAMILY MAN, I’m out here tonight to ask you guys – let me broker a sitdown between you and Bret. This match doesn’t have to happen! It’s stupid!”
Owen Hart: “Pillman, you know I’ve never had a problem with you. You’re just a little whacky sometimes. I don’t agree with my glory hog brother on much, but I agree with him that we just don’t mix. I don’t need Bret! I never did!”
Brian Pillman: “Davey Boy, help me here! Talk some sense to your brother-in-law!”
British Bulldog: “Brian Pillman, you said it earlier. You’re practically part of the family. And it’s about time you face it. This ain’t a happy family! We don’t like Bret. He doesn’t like us! It’ll be fun to kick his head in later!”
Brian Pillman: “It doesn’t HAVE to be this way! We don’t have to do this out here – this was a bad idea! Listen, just give me five minutes in the back. I can work this out.”
Owen Hart: “Give it up, Brian! It’s a lost cause!”
Brian Pillman: “Just give my five minutes – hear me out! Come on!”
Brian Pillman lobbies both the Bulldog and Owen as they talk off up the ramp, as Mabel makes his way down the ramp. The former King bumps chests with the British Bulldog, and there’s a tense moment before Mabel stomps past them and down to the ring.
As Mable is announced, the lights go out in the arena. That can only mean one thing!
Vince McMahon: “IT’S THE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNDERTAKER!!!”
THE UNDERTAKER VS. KING MABLE
The massive Mabel tries to attack Taker as he removes his ring jacket, but Undertaker catches him with a shot to the throat. There’s plenty of history between these two giants. Remember, two years ago it was a flying leg drop from Mabel that shattered The Undertaker’s face and forced him to wear a mask for a time. Undertaker certainly remembers as he tears into Mabel with strikes to the throat and a flying clothesline.
Undertaker hits the ropes and goes for the big leg drop – but Mabel moves out of the way and regroups as we go to commercial break.
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We come back as Mabel clubs Undertaker across the back with a forearm strike. The former king scoops up Taker and slams him to the canvas. Mabel hits the ropes and he connects with a big elbow drop across the chest. Mabel is signaling for the end now, and he takes time to jawjack with the fans. The big man hits the ropes and he goes for that devastating leg drop – and Undertaker sits up! Mabel just collided with the canvas, and it looked like it hurt!
Undertaker is up now and he catches Mabel with a thrust to the throat, grabs the arm and now walks the ropes. Undertaker flies off with a strike across the back, sending Mabel down to one knee. Undertaker now looks around at the crowd – and he drags his open palm across his throat! Mabel wobbles up and right into (a terrible-looking) choke slam that puts him down for the 1-2-3! Undertaker gets a huge win over Mabel!
WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER (12:45)
Vince McMahon now joins The Undertaker in the ring for an interview.
Vince McMahon: “What a win for The UUUUUU…”
The Undertaker: “McMahon, I have no need for you. I only have need for your microphone!”
Vince McMahon gives a bit of the aww shucks routine, shrug his shoulders and hands over the microphone before leaving the ring.
The Undertaker: “Paul Bearer, your words do not scare me. You are nothing but a bloviating hog – who has no friends and no allies. My message is to one man – and that’s BRET ‘HITMAN’ HART. For a long time now, I have been content to stand on the sidelines conquering personal battles while others had their shots at the World Wrestling Federation Title. No more. I have demanded and have been granted a slot in the Royal Rumble. I have respect for you Bret, you rest assured, you or Michaels will REST IN PEACE if you’re in my way!”
The Undertaker throws down the microphone as the lights dim for his exit.
Jim Ross: “Booger Red means business! Fans, we’ll be back with the premiere of… The War Zone!”
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The fireworks explode as we go to Vince McMahon, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and Jim Ross at ringside.
Vince McMahon: “WELCOME EVERYONE… TO THE WAAAAR ZONE! I’m Vince McMahon alongside The King Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross. Gentleman, the moments are counting down to the four corners match for the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions!”
Jerry Lawler: “I can’t believe this McMahon! It’s not fair! Owen and the Bulldog have to defend their belts against three teams at once – and they don’t even have to be the ones pinned to lose the titles?”
Jim Ross: “That’s right, King! Normally there’s a champion’s advantage in title matches. Not tonight! It’s fixing to be one hell of a slobber knocker!”
Suddenly…
Jim Ross: “The Rattlesnake is loose in Hartford! And that’s very bad news for poor Barry Horowitz!”
WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN VS. BARRY HOROWITZ
Stone Cold whips off his jacket as he slides into the ring and goes right after Horowitz, whose offer of a handshake is met with a shot across the chin. Austin hurl Horowitz off the ropes and knees him in the stomach, followed by a big knee left. Stone Cold off the ropes for a double elbow drop across the chest.
Steve Austin flip the prone Horowitz the double bird, yanks him up by the hair, shoots him off the ropes and connects with the Lou Thesz Press. Austin on top for the cover to get a one-two-no! Austin pulled Horowitz up and right into a Stone Cold Stunner! Austin sets his foot on Barry’s chest and gets the one-two-three! And that’s all she wrote for Barry Horowitz!
WINNER: STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN (3:56)
Vince McMahon steps into the ring to interview Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Vince McMahon: “Mr. Austin you have declared yourself an entrant in the Royal Rumble. Tonight, so did the Ultimate Warrior and the Undertaker – two former World Wrestling Federation Champions! Your thoughts on how you’ll fare against those two, and 27 others?”
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “Does it look like I’m scared of some juiced-up freak wearing paint or a walkin’ zombie? NEH-EH! I don’t think so. See, ain’t nobody been able put Stone Cold down yet – and it sure as hell ain’t gonna be those two sons of bitches!”
Vince McMahon: “I ask you to watch your language!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “I ask you to shut the hell up or I’ll drop you right here where you stand! You can flap yer gums all you want, but it don’t change the fact that nobody in the WWF can whoop Stone Cold. Not the Undertaker. Not Ultimate Warrior. Not Shawn Michaels. Not Bret Hart. And not that piece of trash Ahmed Johnson! Your first at the Royal Rumble, Johnson. Then I’m gonna throw 29 other pieces of trash over the top rope and roll on into WrestleMania to become the WWF Champion! And that’s the bottom line… because Stone Cold said so!”
Steve Austin poses on all four corners as we go to break.
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Jim Ross: “We’re back, fans. Later on, we’ll see the Clique in the four corners match – but first we’ll see Big Daddy Cool in action!”
The Headbangers are in the ring as we come back, and we’ll be seeing Mosh here in action against the one-man freight train.
HERE COMES BIG DADDY COOL – AND HE DOESN’T LOOK HAPPY!
Diesel asks for the microphone here. Big Daddy Cool has something to say here on the War Zone!
Diesel: “You know, it seems like all everyone can talk about around here lately is the so-called grudge match of the century between my old buddy HBK and the Hitman. I’m just about tired of it. It looks like I gotta go through 29 other guys in the Rumble to get my rightful rematch for the World Wrestling Federation title. Hey – how about some practice? That’s where you come in, Beavis and Butthead! Let’s say we make this a two-on-one match because I’m feeling frisky!”
The Headbangers seem game – so it’s on!
DIESEL VS. THE HEADBANGERS
Mosh and Thrasher surround Big Daddy Cool on both sides, and they try to pounce but are beaten to the punch by Diesel. Big D levels Mosh with a right hand, and then slams a knee to the gut on Thrasher. Diesel levels Mosh with a sidewalk slam, and then drops Thrasher across the turnbuckle with the Snake Eyes. Diesel throws the arm up in the air and then drives Mosh into the canvas with a Jacknife. It should be over here, but Diesel boots Thrasher and he power-bombs him on his own partner. Diesel sticks his foot on Thrasher’s chest for the 1-2-3! What a dominating performance from Big Daddy Cool – and a warning to the others signing up for the Rumble.
WINNER: DIESEL (4:45)
Jim Ross: “Stone Cold. Undertaker. Ultimate Warrior. Take note – Big Daddy Cool is coming into the Royal Rumble with a head of steam. Let’s go to Kevin Kelly – standing by with Shawn Michaels.”
Kevin Kelly: “Shawn, last week your team with Bret Hart totally devolved into chaos. How can you expect to keep it together tonight in the WWF Tag Team Title match?”
Shawn Michaels: “Real simple – I don’t expect that to happen. Newsflash – me and the Hitman don’t like each other! Like oil and water. Like Vince and Eric! And yet somehow Gorilla Monsoon keeps thinking it’s a good idea to team us up. Last week, our little tête-à-tête was broken up by Stone Cold. Try me again tonight Bret, and I’ll kick yer teeth down yer throat!”
Kevin Kelly: “Strong words from the #1 contender.”
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Michael Cole: “Joining me now are two of the challengers for the four corners match – it’s Razor Ramon and X-Pac of the Clique. Gentleman, how can are you going to handle six opponents – one fall to a finish?”
Razor Ramon: “Hey, yo! You really think we’re worried, little mang? See, unlike HBK and the Hitmang – I gotta a partner I can trust! The Bulldog and Owen – they got the Hitmang after them to. The way I see it Chico, it comes down to the Clique and the Legion of Doom. As for those two? They were scary in 1985 – but the Clique are the baddest force in the world today. Those belts are ours, chico!”
X-Pac: “And if you’re not down with that, I got two words for you – SUCK IT!”
Michael Cole: “The Clique seem confident. Let’s go back to the ring!”
IT’S AHMED JOHNSON!!!!!
SALVATORE SINCERE VS. AHMED JOHNSON
The #1 contender to the Intercontinental Title makes his way to the ring and immediately drills Sal Sincere with a spear. Ahmed scoops Sincere up above his head, reps him a few times and then press slams him to the canvas. Ahmed shoots Sincere off the ropes now and he drills him with a power-slam. The big man signals for the end and finishes off Sincere with the Pearl River Plunge for the three count!
WINNER: AHMED JOHNSON (5:45)
Jim Ross: “We’ll be right back with our main event!”
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Jim Ross: “The World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions Bulldog and Owen have arrived – as have the Clique and the Legion of Doom. We’re just waiting on our final two!”
Vince McMahon: “There he is – the showstopper, the Heart… Break… Kid. It’s SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN MICHAELS!!!!!”
Jerry Lawler: “And unlike these other guys, he’s going into this one with SEVEN opponents!”
Jim Ross: “There he is – the World Wrestling Federation Champion Bret Hart. The Hitman has a chance to become a double champion tonight – IF he can stay on the same page with Shawn Michaels.”
WWF TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: 1 FALL TO A FINISH
BULLDOG & OWEN © VS. BRET & SHAWN VS. LEGION OF DOOM VS. THE CLIQUE
Remember fans, this is not an elimination match. The first team to score the fall are deemed the winners and the champions. HBK and Bret are bickering already, but it’s Road Warrior Animal who gets things started by charge Bret Hart. Animal drills Bret with a clothesline, and now scoops him up for a military press slam. Hawk gets the tag and comes off the second rope with a flying fist drop. Hawk goes off the ropes for the big leg drop, but Bret rolls out of the way. Bret gets to his feet, and he’s slapped across the shoulder by the British Bulldog. There’s a tense moment here as Bulldog passes by Bret and drills Hawk with a forearm across the back.
Vince McMahon: “Our cameras will be rolling – we’ll be right back!”
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Jim Ross: “During the break, Razor Ramon made a tag off Hawk. The Clique are firmly in control of the Bulldog!”
Razor Ramon has Bulldog up here and he drives him to the canvas with the fallaway slam. The Bad Guy makes the pin, but Owen Hart is in to break up the pin. Owen pulls Razor up – and lays him out with the spinning heel kick! X-Pac is in to dropkick Owen now, as Shawn Michaels reaches in to tag Bulldog. Michaels is in with a flying forearm on Razor Ramon! Michaels with a right hand on X-Pac! Michaels throws Owen Hart over the top rope to the floor! And Michaels – TURNS RIGHT AROUND INTO AN AXE BOMBER from the Bulldog!
Davey makes the tag out to Road Warrior Animal here, and the Legion of Doom make quick tags to work over Shawn. The camera pans over to Bret Hart, who’s actually smiling a bit as his Royal Rumble opponent gets worked over. The King laughs at this on commentary, saying Mr. Moral High Ground is loving this! Hawk suplexes Shawn Michaels as we take another commercial break.
Jim Ross: “Stay with us fans!”
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Jim Ross: “Fans, it looks like all hell is just about to break loose!”
We’re back in the ring as Bret Hart is slamming X-Pac with a hand in the corner and he flings him off the ropes – and X-Pac collides with referee Earl Hebner! It doesn’t take long for the Legion of Doom to hit the ring and brawl with Bulldog and Razor, fighting out to the floor. Owen Hart is on top now and he connects with a missile dropkick on X-Pac. Shawn Michael is in now too – shoving Bret aside and hitting the ropes for the flying forearm smash!
Michaels is on top of Owen peppering him with right hands and left hands across the face. Look at the Hitman now – he pulls Shawn off the man he called his “rotten little brother” last week! Bret is none too pleased about being shoved by Shawn here, and they are at each other’s throats! They’re seconds away from coming to blows – but hold on!
DIESEL IS HERE!!! DIESEL HITS THE RING!!!!
Big Daddy Cool blindsides Michaels from behind and now boots Bret Hart in the stomach. Diesel scoops up the Hitman – and drives him into the canvas with the Jacknife! Michaels is perching for the Sweet Chin Music – but X-Pac kicks him in the back of the head and dropkicks him to the floor. Look at Owen Hart – he’s in Diesel’s face! Is Owen Hart sticking up for his brother. Diesel backs off for a second – and then knees the King of Harts in the gut! Diesel scoops Owen up and he power-bombs him! Meanwhile, Triple H and his bodyguard have revived Billy Silverman as Diesel rolls out to the floor. X-Pac is covering Owen Hart here and the referee counts the 1-2-3!! We have new champions!
WINNERS: NEW WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPION THE CLIQUE
Diesel, Razor Ramon, X-Pac, Triple H and his female bodyguard regroup on the ramp, with the camera panning to a furious Shawn Michaels on the floor, an angry Bret Hart in the ring and the British Bulldog tending to an unconscious Owen Hart.
Jim Ross: “The Clique have stolen the World Wresting Federation Tag Team Titles! You have to believe they’ll have hell to pay – from Owen and the Bulldog, from the Legion of Doom, and from Shawn Michaels! But... where does the Hitman stand?”
Vince McMahon: “I’m going to ask him – right here next week! We’re out of time – join us for Raw is War and the War Zone next Monday night!”
© 1997, WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION
1/11/19967
Civic Center, Hartford, CT
Airing on the USA Network
The fireworks explode in the Civic Center, and then we go to ringside.
Jim Ross: “Welcome everyone to the Civic Center in Hartford, CT! This is Raw is War and you are in for the most action-packed, extreme two hours of television! I’m Jim Ross, and I’m joined by Kevin Kelly and Michael Cole. Let’s get things under way with our colleague Vince McMahon in the ring!”
Vince McMahon: “Ladies and gentleman, we promised you one of the alllll-time greats would be here on Raw is War. What better way to kick off this momentous night than by welcoming….”
THE ULLLLLLLLLLLLLLTIMATE WAAAAAAAAAAARIOR!!!!!
The crowd are on their feet as former WWF Champion Ultimate Warrior sprints down the ramp in his first WWF appearance in almost a year. Warrior shakes the ropes, climbs the turnbuckles and pumps his arms up and down as Vince relishes in the moment.
Vince McMahon: “Ultimate Warrior… welcome back to the World Wrestling Federation! Warrior, fanfare notwithstanding, let’s get down to business if we may. Let me take us back to WreslteMania XII where you made a triumphant return to the WWF for one night – and then disappeared again. I think all of these fans want to know – where have you been?”
Ultimate Warrior: “AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!! THE PATH OF THE WOIYAH IS A LONG AND STRANGE ONE!!!!! ALL OF MY WOIYAHS KNOW THAT THE ULTIMATE WOIYAH IS ALWAYS IN THEIR HEARTS!!!!! AND THEY ARE IN HIS!!!!! I HAVE TREAD THE COSMIC PATH… AND IT HAS LED ME BACK HOME, TO THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION!!!!”
Vince McMahon: “All right, but why now? After almost a year away, why return at this time?”
Ultimate Warrior: “THE WOIYAH KNOWS NOTHING OF TIME!!!! DESTINY CALLS THE WOIYAH HOME TO THE WWF, AND SO THE WOIYAH IS HOME!!! WHAT IS THAT DESTINY? THAT DESTINY LIES AHEAD!!! THAT DESTINY IS… THE ROOOOOOOOOOOOYAL RUUUUUUUUUUUUUMBLE!!!!!”
Vince McMahon: “So you’ve heard it here fans! The Ultimate Warrior is throwing his hat into the ring for the Royal Rumble!”
Ultimate Warrior: “29 OF THE GREATEST WARRIORS ALL CONVERGE ON ONE PATH!!! EACH JOURNEY SEPARATE!!!! EACH JOURNEY FULL OF PAIN AND SUFFERING AND TRIUMPH!!!!! ALL CONVERGING ON… THE ROOOOOYALLLLL RUUUUUUUMBLE!!!! STANDING AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL… THE ULLLLLLLTIMATE WOOOIYAH!!!!!! DESTINY IS AT HAND!!!!!! MY DESTINY!!!!! AND THE DESTINY OF THE WOOOOOOOIYAHS!!!!!!!”
Vince McMahon: “There you have it, fans! The Ultimate Warrior is back, and he is headed to the Royal Rumble in !”
The Ultimate Warrior runs around the ring, shaking the ropes and pumping his fists as Vince McMahon takes delight in watching. Let’s go back to ringside.
Michael Cole: “The Ultimate Warrior is back in the World Wrestling Federation, and we know he will be a part of the Royal Rumble Match, along with Stone Cold Steve Austin and 28 others.”
Jim Ross: “The Rumble is still two weeks away, but we have a huge two hours for you tonight. Coming up later on Raw is War, we will have The Undertaker going up against former King of the Ring winner Mabel!”
Kevin Kelly: “And later tonight on the War Zone, what a match this should be! It will be a four corners match for the WWF Tag Team Champions. Owen Hart and the British Bulldog will defend against Razor Ramon and X-Pac of the Clique, the Legion of Doom… and get this, WWF Champion Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels!”
Jim Ross: “A lot of tension could boil over in that one! All that and much more, when Raw is War continues.”
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Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: “Leave it to the King to get the best scoop! Paul Bearer has been making a lot of threats to The Undertaker in recent weeks. What’s this all about Paul?”
Paul Bearer: “OOOOOOOOOH KING, The Undertaker knows what it’s about! All of this could have been avoided, Undertaker. Knowing what I know about your family, you’ve been foolish! But Undertaker, I’ll get my revenge! Fi-fye-fo-fum, Undertaker! OOOOOH YES!”
Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: “Paul Bearer always has something up his sleeve! Let’s go back to the ring!”
‘WILDMAN’ MARC MERO W/ SABLE VS. THE GOON
Marc Mero looks good here, especially with the lovely Sable by his side. Mero busts out more of his boxing moves than usual as he thwarts Goon’s cheating ways. Jim Ross is sure to pimp Mero’s golden gloves experience. In the end, Mero is able to connect with the Wild Thing to get this episode of Raw is War off to an eventful start.
WINNER: MARC MERO (5:45)
Kevin Kelly: “We’ll be right back, fans!”
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Jim Ross: “We’re back fans, and we have an unscheduled guest in the ring!”
Brian Pillman: “A lot of people around here call me a Loose Cannon, but you people have the wrong impression of me. See, I’m really… A FAMILY MAN… at heart. I proved that last week when I gave my good friend – a man practically like my own brother – Bret Hart some advice. Now, Bret’s a bit a stubborn, always has been. But I’d like to talk to two other members of the Hart Family tonight. Owen, Bulldog, can you join me?”
The World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions make their way down to the ring, and they look a bit wary.
Brian Pillman: “Now, I know you two have a big tag team match later on! But that’s what this is all about. I tried to tell Bret last week, there’s no use in the Hart Family fighting. The WWF has divided and conquered the family! Since I’m THE FAMILY MAN, I’m out here tonight to ask you guys – let me broker a sitdown between you and Bret. This match doesn’t have to happen! It’s stupid!”
Owen Hart: “Pillman, you know I’ve never had a problem with you. You’re just a little whacky sometimes. I don’t agree with my glory hog brother on much, but I agree with him that we just don’t mix. I don’t need Bret! I never did!”
Brian Pillman: “Davey Boy, help me here! Talk some sense to your brother-in-law!”
British Bulldog: “Brian Pillman, you said it earlier. You’re practically part of the family. And it’s about time you face it. This ain’t a happy family! We don’t like Bret. He doesn’t like us! It’ll be fun to kick his head in later!”
Brian Pillman: “It doesn’t HAVE to be this way! We don’t have to do this out here – this was a bad idea! Listen, just give me five minutes in the back. I can work this out.”
Owen Hart: “Give it up, Brian! It’s a lost cause!”
Brian Pillman: “Just give my five minutes – hear me out! Come on!”
Brian Pillman lobbies both the Bulldog and Owen as they talk off up the ramp, as Mabel makes his way down the ramp. The former King bumps chests with the British Bulldog, and there’s a tense moment before Mabel stomps past them and down to the ring.
As Mable is announced, the lights go out in the arena. That can only mean one thing!
Vince McMahon: “IT’S THE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNDERTAKER!!!”
THE UNDERTAKER VS. KING MABLE
The massive Mabel tries to attack Taker as he removes his ring jacket, but Undertaker catches him with a shot to the throat. There’s plenty of history between these two giants. Remember, two years ago it was a flying leg drop from Mabel that shattered The Undertaker’s face and forced him to wear a mask for a time. Undertaker certainly remembers as he tears into Mabel with strikes to the throat and a flying clothesline.
Undertaker hits the ropes and goes for the big leg drop – but Mabel moves out of the way and regroups as we go to commercial break.
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We come back as Mabel clubs Undertaker across the back with a forearm strike. The former king scoops up Taker and slams him to the canvas. Mabel hits the ropes and he connects with a big elbow drop across the chest. Mabel is signaling for the end now, and he takes time to jawjack with the fans. The big man hits the ropes and he goes for that devastating leg drop – and Undertaker sits up! Mabel just collided with the canvas, and it looked like it hurt!
Undertaker is up now and he catches Mabel with a thrust to the throat, grabs the arm and now walks the ropes. Undertaker flies off with a strike across the back, sending Mabel down to one knee. Undertaker now looks around at the crowd – and he drags his open palm across his throat! Mabel wobbles up and right into (a terrible-looking) choke slam that puts him down for the 1-2-3! Undertaker gets a huge win over Mabel!
WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER (12:45)
Vince McMahon now joins The Undertaker in the ring for an interview.
Vince McMahon: “What a win for The UUUUUU…”
The Undertaker: “McMahon, I have no need for you. I only have need for your microphone!”
Vince McMahon gives a bit of the aww shucks routine, shrug his shoulders and hands over the microphone before leaving the ring.
The Undertaker: “Paul Bearer, your words do not scare me. You are nothing but a bloviating hog – who has no friends and no allies. My message is to one man – and that’s BRET ‘HITMAN’ HART. For a long time now, I have been content to stand on the sidelines conquering personal battles while others had their shots at the World Wrestling Federation Title. No more. I have demanded and have been granted a slot in the Royal Rumble. I have respect for you Bret, you rest assured, you or Michaels will REST IN PEACE if you’re in my way!”
The Undertaker throws down the microphone as the lights dim for his exit.
Jim Ross: “Booger Red means business! Fans, we’ll be back with the premiere of… The War Zone!”
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The fireworks explode as we go to Vince McMahon, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and Jim Ross at ringside.
Vince McMahon: “WELCOME EVERYONE… TO THE WAAAAR ZONE! I’m Vince McMahon alongside The King Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross. Gentleman, the moments are counting down to the four corners match for the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions!”
Jerry Lawler: “I can’t believe this McMahon! It’s not fair! Owen and the Bulldog have to defend their belts against three teams at once – and they don’t even have to be the ones pinned to lose the titles?”
Jim Ross: “That’s right, King! Normally there’s a champion’s advantage in title matches. Not tonight! It’s fixing to be one hell of a slobber knocker!”
Suddenly…
Jim Ross: “The Rattlesnake is loose in Hartford! And that’s very bad news for poor Barry Horowitz!”
WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN VS. BARRY HOROWITZ
Stone Cold whips off his jacket as he slides into the ring and goes right after Horowitz, whose offer of a handshake is met with a shot across the chin. Austin hurl Horowitz off the ropes and knees him in the stomach, followed by a big knee left. Stone Cold off the ropes for a double elbow drop across the chest.
Steve Austin flip the prone Horowitz the double bird, yanks him up by the hair, shoots him off the ropes and connects with the Lou Thesz Press. Austin on top for the cover to get a one-two-no! Austin pulled Horowitz up and right into a Stone Cold Stunner! Austin sets his foot on Barry’s chest and gets the one-two-three! And that’s all she wrote for Barry Horowitz!
WINNER: STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN (3:56)
Vince McMahon steps into the ring to interview Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Vince McMahon: “Mr. Austin you have declared yourself an entrant in the Royal Rumble. Tonight, so did the Ultimate Warrior and the Undertaker – two former World Wrestling Federation Champions! Your thoughts on how you’ll fare against those two, and 27 others?”
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “Does it look like I’m scared of some juiced-up freak wearing paint or a walkin’ zombie? NEH-EH! I don’t think so. See, ain’t nobody been able put Stone Cold down yet – and it sure as hell ain’t gonna be those two sons of bitches!”
Vince McMahon: “I ask you to watch your language!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “I ask you to shut the hell up or I’ll drop you right here where you stand! You can flap yer gums all you want, but it don’t change the fact that nobody in the WWF can whoop Stone Cold. Not the Undertaker. Not Ultimate Warrior. Not Shawn Michaels. Not Bret Hart. And not that piece of trash Ahmed Johnson! Your first at the Royal Rumble, Johnson. Then I’m gonna throw 29 other pieces of trash over the top rope and roll on into WrestleMania to become the WWF Champion! And that’s the bottom line… because Stone Cold said so!”
Steve Austin poses on all four corners as we go to break.
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Jim Ross: “We’re back, fans. Later on, we’ll see the Clique in the four corners match – but first we’ll see Big Daddy Cool in action!”
The Headbangers are in the ring as we come back, and we’ll be seeing Mosh here in action against the one-man freight train.
HERE COMES BIG DADDY COOL – AND HE DOESN’T LOOK HAPPY!
Diesel asks for the microphone here. Big Daddy Cool has something to say here on the War Zone!
Diesel: “You know, it seems like all everyone can talk about around here lately is the so-called grudge match of the century between my old buddy HBK and the Hitman. I’m just about tired of it. It looks like I gotta go through 29 other guys in the Rumble to get my rightful rematch for the World Wrestling Federation title. Hey – how about some practice? That’s where you come in, Beavis and Butthead! Let’s say we make this a two-on-one match because I’m feeling frisky!”
The Headbangers seem game – so it’s on!
DIESEL VS. THE HEADBANGERS
Mosh and Thrasher surround Big Daddy Cool on both sides, and they try to pounce but are beaten to the punch by Diesel. Big D levels Mosh with a right hand, and then slams a knee to the gut on Thrasher. Diesel levels Mosh with a sidewalk slam, and then drops Thrasher across the turnbuckle with the Snake Eyes. Diesel throws the arm up in the air and then drives Mosh into the canvas with a Jacknife. It should be over here, but Diesel boots Thrasher and he power-bombs him on his own partner. Diesel sticks his foot on Thrasher’s chest for the 1-2-3! What a dominating performance from Big Daddy Cool – and a warning to the others signing up for the Rumble.
WINNER: DIESEL (4:45)
Jim Ross: “Stone Cold. Undertaker. Ultimate Warrior. Take note – Big Daddy Cool is coming into the Royal Rumble with a head of steam. Let’s go to Kevin Kelly – standing by with Shawn Michaels.”
Kevin Kelly: “Shawn, last week your team with Bret Hart totally devolved into chaos. How can you expect to keep it together tonight in the WWF Tag Team Title match?”
Shawn Michaels: “Real simple – I don’t expect that to happen. Newsflash – me and the Hitman don’t like each other! Like oil and water. Like Vince and Eric! And yet somehow Gorilla Monsoon keeps thinking it’s a good idea to team us up. Last week, our little tête-à-tête was broken up by Stone Cold. Try me again tonight Bret, and I’ll kick yer teeth down yer throat!”
Kevin Kelly: “Strong words from the #1 contender.”
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Michael Cole: “Joining me now are two of the challengers for the four corners match – it’s Razor Ramon and X-Pac of the Clique. Gentleman, how can are you going to handle six opponents – one fall to a finish?”
Razor Ramon: “Hey, yo! You really think we’re worried, little mang? See, unlike HBK and the Hitmang – I gotta a partner I can trust! The Bulldog and Owen – they got the Hitmang after them to. The way I see it Chico, it comes down to the Clique and the Legion of Doom. As for those two? They were scary in 1985 – but the Clique are the baddest force in the world today. Those belts are ours, chico!”
X-Pac: “And if you’re not down with that, I got two words for you – SUCK IT!”
Michael Cole: “The Clique seem confident. Let’s go back to the ring!”
IT’S AHMED JOHNSON!!!!!
SALVATORE SINCERE VS. AHMED JOHNSON
The #1 contender to the Intercontinental Title makes his way to the ring and immediately drills Sal Sincere with a spear. Ahmed scoops Sincere up above his head, reps him a few times and then press slams him to the canvas. Ahmed shoots Sincere off the ropes now and he drills him with a power-slam. The big man signals for the end and finishes off Sincere with the Pearl River Plunge for the three count!
WINNER: AHMED JOHNSON (5:45)
Jim Ross: “We’ll be right back with our main event!”
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Jim Ross: “The World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions Bulldog and Owen have arrived – as have the Clique and the Legion of Doom. We’re just waiting on our final two!”
Vince McMahon: “There he is – the showstopper, the Heart… Break… Kid. It’s SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN MICHAELS!!!!!”
Jerry Lawler: “And unlike these other guys, he’s going into this one with SEVEN opponents!”
Jim Ross: “There he is – the World Wrestling Federation Champion Bret Hart. The Hitman has a chance to become a double champion tonight – IF he can stay on the same page with Shawn Michaels.”
WWF TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: 1 FALL TO A FINISH
BULLDOG & OWEN © VS. BRET & SHAWN VS. LEGION OF DOOM VS. THE CLIQUE
Remember fans, this is not an elimination match. The first team to score the fall are deemed the winners and the champions. HBK and Bret are bickering already, but it’s Road Warrior Animal who gets things started by charge Bret Hart. Animal drills Bret with a clothesline, and now scoops him up for a military press slam. Hawk gets the tag and comes off the second rope with a flying fist drop. Hawk goes off the ropes for the big leg drop, but Bret rolls out of the way. Bret gets to his feet, and he’s slapped across the shoulder by the British Bulldog. There’s a tense moment here as Bulldog passes by Bret and drills Hawk with a forearm across the back.
Vince McMahon: “Our cameras will be rolling – we’ll be right back!”
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Jim Ross: “During the break, Razor Ramon made a tag off Hawk. The Clique are firmly in control of the Bulldog!”
Razor Ramon has Bulldog up here and he drives him to the canvas with the fallaway slam. The Bad Guy makes the pin, but Owen Hart is in to break up the pin. Owen pulls Razor up – and lays him out with the spinning heel kick! X-Pac is in to dropkick Owen now, as Shawn Michaels reaches in to tag Bulldog. Michaels is in with a flying forearm on Razor Ramon! Michaels with a right hand on X-Pac! Michaels throws Owen Hart over the top rope to the floor! And Michaels – TURNS RIGHT AROUND INTO AN AXE BOMBER from the Bulldog!
Davey makes the tag out to Road Warrior Animal here, and the Legion of Doom make quick tags to work over Shawn. The camera pans over to Bret Hart, who’s actually smiling a bit as his Royal Rumble opponent gets worked over. The King laughs at this on commentary, saying Mr. Moral High Ground is loving this! Hawk suplexes Shawn Michaels as we take another commercial break.
Jim Ross: “Stay with us fans!”
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Jim Ross: “Fans, it looks like all hell is just about to break loose!”
We’re back in the ring as Bret Hart is slamming X-Pac with a hand in the corner and he flings him off the ropes – and X-Pac collides with referee Earl Hebner! It doesn’t take long for the Legion of Doom to hit the ring and brawl with Bulldog and Razor, fighting out to the floor. Owen Hart is on top now and he connects with a missile dropkick on X-Pac. Shawn Michael is in now too – shoving Bret aside and hitting the ropes for the flying forearm smash!
Michaels is on top of Owen peppering him with right hands and left hands across the face. Look at the Hitman now – he pulls Shawn off the man he called his “rotten little brother” last week! Bret is none too pleased about being shoved by Shawn here, and they are at each other’s throats! They’re seconds away from coming to blows – but hold on!
DIESEL IS HERE!!! DIESEL HITS THE RING!!!!
Big Daddy Cool blindsides Michaels from behind and now boots Bret Hart in the stomach. Diesel scoops up the Hitman – and drives him into the canvas with the Jacknife! Michaels is perching for the Sweet Chin Music – but X-Pac kicks him in the back of the head and dropkicks him to the floor. Look at Owen Hart – he’s in Diesel’s face! Is Owen Hart sticking up for his brother. Diesel backs off for a second – and then knees the King of Harts in the gut! Diesel scoops Owen up and he power-bombs him! Meanwhile, Triple H and his bodyguard have revived Billy Silverman as Diesel rolls out to the floor. X-Pac is covering Owen Hart here and the referee counts the 1-2-3!! We have new champions!
WINNERS: NEW WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPION THE CLIQUE
Diesel, Razor Ramon, X-Pac, Triple H and his female bodyguard regroup on the ramp, with the camera panning to a furious Shawn Michaels on the floor, an angry Bret Hart in the ring and the British Bulldog tending to an unconscious Owen Hart.
Jim Ross: “The Clique have stolen the World Wresting Federation Tag Team Titles! You have to believe they’ll have hell to pay – from Owen and the Bulldog, from the Legion of Doom, and from Shawn Michaels! But... where does the Hitman stand?”
Vince McMahon: “I’m going to ask him – right here next week! We’re out of time – join us for Raw is War and the War Zone next Monday night!”
© 1997, WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION
Working on it now.