Taped from East Lansing, MI
Airdate: October 5, 1998 (taped 9/29)
Attendance: 9,846
Hosted by Jim Ross & Jerry “The King” Lawler
Will Rock beat him again, or will Undertaker prove he’s worthy of being a World title contender? How will Shamrock fare against Kane? Can X-Pac retain against Brown? What’s going on with Mr. McMahon and his injury? What happens with Sable this week? Plus, DX, Val Venis, and an unexpected visitor arrives in the WWF.
Opening montage.
We revisit last week when Gangrel and a mysterious blond guy distracted Edge enabling Brown to steal the victory in a six-man, four-corners match.
Match 1 for the WWF European title: X-Pac (champion w/ Chyna) versus D’Lo Brown (w/ Mark Henry)
Highlights:
- X-Pac unleashed a series of kicks but fell victim to a powerslam.
- When he landed a leg drop, Brown followed with a spinning heel kick for 2.
- The Michigan State faithful informed Brown that he indeed “sucks,” but their nemesis slammed X-Pac.
- As Brown HIT THE CHIN LOCK, another process server served Chyna with papers.
- X-Pac countered with a belly-to-back suplex but missed an elbow drop.
- After Brown mounted the second turnbuckle, he unfurled a flying elbow smash for 2.
- Brown fed him a sidewalk slam for another 2.
- While he slammed X-Pac again, Brown mounted the top turnbuckle, attempted a Lo Down, but there wasn’t any water in the pool.
- X-Pac rebounded with his own spinning heel kick and followed with a lariat.
- Nipping up, X-Pac enlightened the Michigan State faithful with a Bronco buster.
- Brown feigned injury to distract referee Tim White enabling Henry to grab X-Pac’s boot.
- Attempting a plancha, X-Pac got caught and his back rammed into the ring post by Henry. SNEAKY!
- Brown mounted the top turnbuckle and launched a Lo Down onto X-Pac’s back.
- Do we have a new champion?
- 1-2-3.
- Brown won at 5:17.
- WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!
Rating: ***
Summary: Chicanery by the NoD led directly to a Brown victory, but does Chyna have something to say about it?
After the match, Chyna stepped into the ring and stared down Henry. Smiling from ear to ear, Henry waves goodbye. He’s up to something.
Earlier today, the Oddities played some touch football outdoors. Chaos ensued.
TV Rating: 4.1
Unbeknownst to JR, the Headbangers approach the ring, and Mosh grabs the microphone. He calls out the ICP for a FIGHT. The Oddities emerge but Mosh refuses them. As the ICP arrives, Thrasher doesn’t want the Oddities at ringside whatsoever.
Match 2: Headbangers versus Insane Clown Posse
Highlights:
- ICP invaded the ring, but the Headbangers were ready for them.
- As Thrasher fed Violent J a guillotine with the top rope, the Headbangers double-flapjacked Shaggy 2 Dope.
- Mosh slammed Shaggy, and the Headbangers double-suplexed J.
- When Thrasher dealt Shaggy an elbow drop, Mosh mounted the second turnbuckle and demolished him with a super bomb.
- Thrasher grabbed a chair from ringside and CROWNED J with it.
- After he BONKED Shaggy with it, Thrasher mounted the top turnbuckle.
- The Headbangers dealt J a Stage Dive upon the chair, but the Oddities reappeared.
- While the Oddities sought to rescue ICP, the Headbangers reveled as they headed for higher ground.
Rating: NONE
Summary: Just a receipt for the ICP who had deterred the Headbangers from beating the Oddities in recent matchups.
Following the beatdown, Thrasher grabs the microphone again and advises ICP that they “suck.” In the meantime, Kurrgan and Silva carry ICP over their shoulders backstage.
We revisit HeAT when Steve Austin destroyed the satellite feed with an axe.
TV Rating: 4.8
RAW is sponsored by Propecia, Western Union, and Stone Cold Metal CD.
We revisit last week when Austin borrowed a Zamboni on a one-way trip to attack Mr. McMahon. Afterward, Mr. McMahon bit off more than he could chew when he screwed the Brothers of Destruction and failed common sense. His penance—a hobbling.
LIVE from the hospital, Mr. McMahon denies any visitors and gets belligerent. Nevertheless, Mankind enters his room with balloons and already-eaten candy. When Mankind tells him that he brought someone else to visit, a panicked Mr. McMahon believes it’s Austin. Mankind reassures him that it’s “female entertainment”—Yurple the Clown.
She gives “Vinnie” a rainbow made of balloons while Mankind blows a kazoo. Although he’s hesitant to see Yurple’s act, Mr. McMahon gets introduced to—Mr. Socko. Yes, it’s a sock puppet held by Mankind. In a ridiculous moment, Mr. Socko “kisses” Mr. McMahon’s “boo-boo.” Angry and despondent, Mr. McMahon asks both to leave and grumbles “Mr. Socko.” A new star is born!
Match 3: “Marvelous” Marc Mero (w/ Jacqueline) versus Vader
Highlights:
- Sable shook hands with a devoted fan and joined the broadcast table for this match. Be sure to keep the fan in mind going forward.
- When Vader pummeled him, Mero exited the ring without haste.
- Vader joined him, but Mero used Jacqueline as a shield. Well, Mero never was a gentleman.
- Nonetheless, Vader reversed an Irish whip and fed Mero a standing body block.
- Mero once again used Jacqueline as a human shield, and she jumped onto Vader’s back.
- As the Michigan State faithful chanted “Sa-ble,” Mero dealt Vader a knee lift.
- He clotheslined Vader, migrated to the apron, but ate knees on a springboard splash attempt.
- After Vader landed an elbow drop, he gave Mero a cross corner whip followed by an avalanche.
- He delivered a short-arm clothesline before destroying him with a regular clothesline.
- While he splashed Mero, Vader got 2.
- Jacqueline mounted the top turnbuckle and launched a cross body block at Vader.
- Catching her with ease, Vader placed her back onto her feet.
- Referee Jack Doan returned her to the floor, and Jacqueline detained him, Mero blasted Vader down near SOUTHERN Colorado.
- Mounting the top turnbuckle, Mero scored with the Marvelocity (SSP).
- 1-2-3.
- Mero won at 4:13.
Rating: **
Summary: Shenanigans employed by Jacqueline gave Mero enough of an edge to defeat Vader.
Afterward, Jacqueline refers to Mero as her “man.” Sable on commentary says: “She can have him.” HA!
Jacqueline challenges her RIGHT NOW, and Sable answers in the affirmative. As Mero antagonizes her, Sable slaps the BEJEEZUS out of him. Jacqueline ambushes Sable from behind and reveals a pair of scissors. When she cuts a tuft of hair off Sable’s head, Jacqueline celebrates before she and Mero exit the ring. A disgruntled Sable can’t believe that Jacqueline would stoop so low.
TV Rating: 5.0
Vignette airs for a REAL MAN’S MAN—Steven Regal.
Prior to the next match, we revisit last week when Owen dumped Severn on his head “injuring” him. Next, we revisit HeAT when Owen’s sorrow caused him to lose to X-Pac.
Match 4: Edge versus Owen Hart
Highlights:
- Owen made his entrance albeit in street clothes.
- As he approached the ring, Owen grabbed the microphone.
- Owen felt regret and remorse for what happened last week to Severn.
- When Owen returned backstage, Edge won by forfeit.
Rating: NONE
TV Rating: 4.4
WWF REWIND: Austin drives a Zamboni from backstage to the ring and attacks Mr. McMahon. One of the greatest moments in the history of RAW.
Backstage, Michael Cole tries to interview Owen who says it’s “over.” Although it’s merely storyline, I believe Owen should have truly retired.
WAR ZONE!
REAL Match 4: Kane versus Ken Shamrock
Highlights:
- Shamrock fed Kane a leg whip, but Kane mule-kicked him.
- As Shamrock attempted a cross body block, Kane caught and dealt him a backbreaker.
- Kane gave Shamrock a cross corner whip and booted him in the chest.
- When Shamrock dropkicked him, he attempted a huracanrana.
- Kane countered with a powerbomb and held him in a standing choke.
- After he delivered a short-arm clothesline, Kane got 2.
- He clotheslined and slammed Shamrock before nailing him with a fist drop for another 2.
- While he placed a knee into Shamrock’s midsection, Kane landed an elbow drop but couldn’t get 3.
- Shamrock escaped Kane’s clutches but ate a big boot.
- Meanwhile, Undertaker approached the ring, and Shamrock swept Kane by the leg.
- Kane clotheslined Shamrock in the corner, gave him a cross corner whip, but came up empty on his follow-through.
- Connecting with a flying back elbow, Shamrock still couldn’t take Kane off his feet.
- He followed with a high knee as Kane remained on his feet.
- Ultimately, Shamrock scored with a huracanrana, but Kane sat up.
- Kane clotheslined him again and mounted the top turnbuckle.
- In the meantime, Undertaker jumped onto the apron.
- Shamrock took a swipe at him and bumped the top rope causing Kane to be crotched.
- Joining Kane, Shamrock hooked a belly-to-belly superplex.
- 1-2-3.
- Shamrock won at 7:10.
Rating: **
Summary: Kane, for the most part, was immobile while Shamrock danced around him. The finish was spectacular, however.
Prior to the next match, Venis grabs the microphone and refers to himself as “the real Magic Johnson.” HA!
Match 5: Val Venis (w/ Terri Runnels) versus Gangrel (w/ Christian)
Highlights:
- According to JR, Christian’s the blond guy and Edge’s brother. Another pair of brothers in the WWF?
- Regardless, Venis reversed an Irish whip and fed Gangrel a SPINEBUSTER.
- He dealt Gangrel a pair of knees to the midsection followed by a side-Russian leg sweep.
- When JR besmirched WCW for “dueling microphones,” Gangrel delivered an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for 2.
- Venis rolled up Gangrel and got 2.
- As Venis hit a big boot, Gangrel reversed a cross corner whip and backdropped him.
- He clotheslined Venis while Edge approached ringside via the Michigan State faithful.
- After Edge confronted Christian, Gangrel slid out of the ring and planted him with a DDT on the floor.
- Gangrel and Christian put the boots to Edge causing referee Earl Hebner to count Gangrel out at 2:36.
Rating: *
Summary: Decent chemistry before the inevitable storyline finish.
After the match, Venis and Terri embrace, but an usher stands on the apron to hand Venis a gold envelope. Venis opens it, and Goldust’s voice, accompanied by his entrance video, falling gold dust, and theme, invites him to his world premiere next week.
We revisit HeAT when Austin interjected himself into the main event and came nose-to-nose with Rock.
POINT OF ORDER: It’s merely speculation on my part, but that comment from JR probably dissuaded some folks from changing the channel. This segment received the highest rating of the entire episode.
TV Rating: 5.3
LIVE from the hospital, a surly Mr. McMahon objects to the care being provided by the nurse and requests a new one.
WWF Judgment Day will be LIVE on 10/18 only on PPV. Order NOW! Have I told you lately that I WAS THERE?
Match 6: Al Snow (w/ Head) versus Jeff Jarrett
Highlights:
- Snow reversed an Irish whip and hip-tossed Jarrett.
- As he hooked Jarrett’s arms, Snow fed him a series of head butts.
- He clotheslined Jarrett, got reversed on an Irish whip, and clotheslined Jarrett over the top rope to the floor.
- Concurrently, the Michigan State faithful amused themselves chanting for “Head.” Methinks Beavis and Butthead have materialized.
- Snow joined Jarrett and grabbed a chair, yet Commissioner Slaughter approached ringside.
- When Slaughter conferred with referee Jack Doan, Snow reversed an Irish whip and sent Jarrett back-first into the steel railing.
- Snow set up a chair, charged, leaped, and connected with a springboard leg lariat.
- After Snow decided to sneak up on Slaughter, Jarrett took a chair and BLASTED him with it.
- He rammed Snow face-first into the steps and guillotined him with the railing.
- While Snow delivered an enziguri, Jarrett reversed a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through.
- Snow grabbed Head but whiffed on a haymaker.
- Escaping a slam, Snow slammed Jarrett and mounted the top turnbuckle.
- Slaughter jumped onto the apron and shook the top rope crotching Snow.
- As a result, Doan called for the bell, and Snow won by DQ at 4:17.
Rating: **
Summary: Two ring generals knew how to piece together a solid match until the storyline interjected and destroyed it.
TV Rating: 4.58
Prior to the next match, Road Dog introduces us to Mona—his blow-up doll–as a substitute for Billy Gunn. He recites his spiel much to the delight of the Michigan State faithful. At the broadcast table, Lawler informs us that Henry “is suing Chyna for sexual harassment.”
Match 7: Road Dog (w/ X-Pac & Chyna) versus Mark Henry (w/ D’Lo Brown)
Highlights:
- Road Dog juked and jived before feeding Henry a flying forearm.
- When he dealt Henry a shaky-shaky knee drop, Road Dog got 2.
- Henry reversed an Irish whip and powerslammed Road Dog.
- As he gave Road Dog a pair of HARD cross corner whips to injure the back, Henry landed an elbow drop.
- Henry clotheslined Road Dog, and Brown tripped him coming off the ropes. How dastardly!
- After Henry flattened Road Dog with a leg drop, X-Pac sauntered after Brown.
- Chyna knocked Brown into the middle of 1999 and distracted both referee Tim White and Henry.
- While Henry turned around, X-Pac decimated him with an X-Factor.
- 1-2-3.
- Road Dog won at 3:40.
Rating: *
Summary: Storyline match that led to the result. Nothing more to it than that.
Following the match, Henry grabs a chair and hauls ass backstage.
TV Rating: 4.2
We revisit last week again when the Zamboni took over the ratings war.
LIVE from the hospital Mr. McMahon gets his blood pressure checked, and it’s normal. The nurse turns Mr. McMahon’s care over to the doctor. But who’s the doctor? STONE COLD! STONE COLD! STONE COLD!
Austin beats the everlasting shit out of Mr. McMahon, further injures his left leg, and knocks him silly with a bedpan. CLANK!
To add insult to injury, Austin grabs the defibrillator paddles and “zaps” Mr. McMahon. Finishing the segment, Austin sticks his IV where the sun doesn’t shine. One of THE best segments in the history of RAW.
TV Rating: 4.4
Match 8: Undertaker versus Rock
Highlights:
- Rock reversed an Irish whip, but Undertaker fed him a flying clothesline for 2.
- As Brown and Henry approached ringside, Rock clotheslined Undertaker over the top rope to the floor.
- Undertaker dragged him to the floor, but Rock reversed an Irish whip sending Undertaker into the steps.
- When Kane approached ringside, he distracted Rock.
- Undertaker chokeslammed Rock so well that Brown and Henry hightailed it backstage. Could there be…
- After he got 2, Undertaker dealt Rock a ropewalk shoulder smash for another 2.
- Rock countered a side head lock with a belly-to-back suplex and got 2.
- While Undertaker tossed him over the top rope to the floor, he joined and made Rock taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like a Slawpy Burger at the Peanut Barrel.
- He rammed Rock face-first into the steps while the Michigan State faithful chanted “Rock-y.”
- Hooking a sunset flip, Rock got 2.
- Undertaker clotheslined Rock for 2.
- Blocking a cross corner whip, Undertaker clotheslined Rock again.
- Undertaker scored with a leg drop for another 2.
- Trapping Undertaker in an O’Connor roll, Rock got 2.
- He clotheslined Undertaker for another 2.
- Reversing an Irish whip, Undertaker planted Rock with a big boot for 2.
- Undertaker attempted another ropewalk shoulder smash, but Rock arm-dragged him across the ring.
- Although Undertaker reversed another Irish whip, Rock devastated him with a swinging neckbreaker for 2.
- Undertaker attempted a tombstone, but Rock escaped and dropped him with a side-Russian leg sweep.
- To a raucous ovation, Rock lowered the boom with a People’s Elbow.
- Undertaker gave Rock a cross corner whip but ate a back elbow on his follow-through.
- Sending Undertaker directly into referee Earl Hebner, Rock reversed an Irish whip, and a double clothesline put both wrestlers down on the mat.
- Kane manhandled timekeeper Mark Yeaton and stole his chair.
- With it in hand, Kane swung the chair but inadvertently SMACKED Undertaker with it after Rock reversed an Irish whip.
- Rock demolished Undertaker with a Rock Bottom, but Hebner’s still OUT COLD.
- Having only earned a false pin, Rock tried to awaken Hebner, but Undertaker tombstoned him onto a chair.
- Undertaker disposed of the evidence and pinned Rock at 12:50.
Rating: ***
Summary: Decent main event where the winner wasn’t revealed until the final minute.
TV Rating: 4.49
Conclusion: Unlike Nitro, this episode isn’t incredible all the way through; however, the Austin-Mr. McMahon segment combined with the Mankind one in the hospital are moments every wrestling fan should witness at least once.
The main event was solid, so inserting Rock into the main event echelon shouldn’t be an issue. While Shamrock’s upset of Kane keeps him at a high level, Brown’s regaining the European title allows DX to head in a different direction from the NoD.
The Sable-Jacqueline segment alongside the Venis/Goldust and Owen segments added drama that was both entertaining and fulfilling. The rest was just filler.
Could it finally overcome Nitro in the ratings?
Final TV Rating: 4.549
Who won? Getting to the third decimal point in the ratings points me in the direction of a tie. Nitro, with WCW knowing everything that happened in the arena ahead of time, busted ass to grab and maintain its audience. I truly believe the Hogan interview, which was the lowest rated segment, was what led to the tie.
Next week, RAW has a go-home show for the PPV while Nitro returns to Chicago for the second time in two months. This war is heating up and worth every wrestling fan’s time.
RATINGS BREAKDOWN:
9:00-9:15: Nitro 4.6-4.1
9:15-9:30: RAW 4.8-4.0
9:30-9:45: RAW 5.0-4.0
9:45-10:00: Nitro 4.8-4.4
10:00-10:15: RAW 5.3-3.9
10:15-10:30: RAW 4.58-4.55
10:30-10:45: Nitro 4.7-4.2
10:45-11:00: Nitro 4.7-4.4
Overrun: Nitro (no numbers given)
Stay tuned for WCW Thunder 10-08-98!
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