Taped from Worcester, MA
Airdate: January 4, 1999 (taped 12/29/98)
Attendance: 10,668 (sold out)
Hosted by Michael Cole & Jerry “The King” Lawler
What does Mankind have up his sleeve this week? How will DX and the Corporation deal with Commissioner Michaels? Will weather affect Road Dog’s ability to retain the Hardcore title? What does Chyna have in store for Henry this week? What’s up with Terri? With Nitro promising a HUGE main event, how will RAW counterprogram?
Opening montage.
A tribute video to Shawn Michaels is shown until Mr. McMahon screams to turn it off. The Corporation heads to and enters the ring. As the Worcester faithful calls Mr. McMahon an “asshole,” their nemesis promises that Michaels will NOT be here tonight. He “made an example” out of Michaels. “Anyone who remotely who (was involved with Shane’s) emotional scarring will…pay.”
On the Titantron, Michaels walks backstage. A perturbed Mr. McMahon instructs Shamrock to destroy him. When Michaels makes his entrance, he brings DX with him. Michaels deems his contract as “iron clad.” After he dictates the parameters of his contract, he states that his removal as Commissioner would only be by his resignation which will “never…happen.” Methinks he’s…
Next, footage from three weeks ago is shown as Mr. McMahon chose #30 from the tumbler. Michaels asserts his control over Mr. McMahon’s being a competitor and switches his entrant number from 30 to 2. Wow! Lastly, he promises a “surprise” for Mr. McMahon that will “drive (him) Stone Cold Crazy.”
Match 1 (non-title): WWF Intercontinental champion Ken Shamrock versus Steve Blackman
Highlights:
Shamrock missed a roundhouse kick, but Blackman didn’t. When he fed Shamrock a standing dropkick, Blackman slammed him. He connected with an elbow drop and gave Shamrock a cross corner whip. As Shamrock countered a leap frog into a powerslam for 2, Dan Severn approached ringside. Shamrock snap-suplexed Blackman and followed with a knee drop. After Shamrock dealt him a knee lift, Blackman countered a suplex attempt with an inside cradle for 2.
Shamrock rebounded with a clothesline and focused his attention on Severn. While Blackman reversed a cross corner whip, Shamrock ate both a sternum-first bump and a dropkick to the back. Blackman guillotined him with the top rope, split him in two with a backbreaker, but fell victim to a belly-to-belly suplex.
Baiting Severn to jump onto the apron, Shamrock hammered the still injured former UFC legend. Severn jumped onto the apron again to distract referee Tim White, so Billy Gunn crept into the ring and leveled Shamrock with a Rocker Dropper. SNEAKY! 1-2-3. Blackman won at 3:26. UPSET CITY!
Rating: **
Summary: Until both Severn and Gunn got involved, the Worcester faithful couldn’t have cared less about this match. The Gunn interference got a decent pop.
Check out the latest issue of Southwest Airlines’ Spirit magazine with both Rock and Mr. McMahon on the cover. Pro wrestling was extremely popular back then, folks.
WWF REWIND: We revisit what just happened when Gunn cost Shamrock the match against Blackman.
Backstage, Gunn and Shamrock brawl until WWF officials separate them.
We revisit two weeks ago when Mankind decimated Shane and humiliated the Stooges.
Mankind approaches and enters the ring. When he says that he quite enjoyed both grabbing Pat Patterson by the groin and saying “suck it,” Mankind also mentioned that fun was had “kicking the McMahons’ asses.” He wants a WWF title shot at the PPV and believes he deserves it. As he continues describing his destruction of the Corporation, Mankind praises fans for the “Foley is God” signs. He summons Mr. McMahon to appear.
While Mr. McMahon emerges, he denigrates Mankind for manhandling Shane. He disagrees with Mankind by stating he doesn’t deserve the title shot. According to Mr. McMahon, he says Mankind hasn’t “paid his dues.” He promises Mankind will never get another chance at the WWF title. On the other hand, he offers Mankind a chance to enter the Royal Rumble…against HHH!
After we revisit two weeks ago when Mankind applied Mr. Socko to Shane, Mr. McMahon declares a special guest referee for the match—Shane.
Backstage, Chyna and the woman who accompanied her last night on HeAT exchange ideas. What could they be up to?
RAW is WAR is sponsored by Castrol GTX, WWF: The Music Volume 3, and Burger King.
Match 2: Mark Henry versus Goldust
Highlights:
Henry charged, but Goldust dumped him with a spinebuster for 2. As Henry reversed an Irish whip, he powerslammed Goldust. He slammed Goldust and landed an elbow drop. When Goldust charged, Henry flapjacked him. Henry scored with a leg drop, yet Chyna and her friend appeared at the entrance.
After Goldust took advantage of the distraction with a sit-out rear mat slam, he set Henry up for Shattered Dreams. Upon completion, Goldust was DQ’d at 3:45.
Rating: *
Summary: More angle than match as Henry continues to get distracted by Chyna.
After the match, both Chyna and her friend join Henry in the ring. She grabs the microphone and kisses Henry. As she admits she’s “not enough woman for Henry,” Chyna introduces him to Sammy. When Chyna offers to “take a load off (his) mind,” Henry faints. I mean he dropped like a California redwood, folks.
Somewhere dark, Dennis Knight is shackled and suffering. He calls out for help to no avail. Russo alert!
Prior to the next match, we revisit last week when the Corporation pummeled Godfather backstage. Grabbing the microphone, Godfather cues the Worcester faithful to shout his catchphrase. During Test’s entrance, we revisit last week when Test had issues with Val Venis.
Match 3: The Godfather (w/ ho’s) versus Test
Highlights:
Godfather thwarted a back drop attempt and clotheslined Test. When he slammed Test, Godfather followed with a leg drop for 2, brother. He dealt Test a Ho Train while Venis emerged to take a closer look. As Test unloaded a big boot, the match segued to the floor. Godfather rammed him face-first into the barricade and again into the steps. After Test reversed an Irish whip, he made Godfather HIT THE POLE. Referee Mike Chioda called for the bell, and Godfather won by DQ at 1:59.
Rating: *
Summary: Methinks this is way more storyline than match.
Following the match, Venis approaches ringside and fights with Test. WWF officials separate them until Venis gets a second shot at him.
SLAM OF THE WEEK: Mankind destroys Shane as Commissioner Michaels holds the Corporation back.
TV Rating: 5.2
WAR ZONE!
Match 4 for a spot in the Royal Rumble: Mankind versus HHH (w/ Chyna)
Highlights:
Mankind gave HHH a cross corner whip followed by a bulldog. As HHH rebounded with a back elbow, he dealt Mankind a clothesline. Mankind used momentum and the tights to send HHH through the ropes to the floor. When Mankind connected with a baseball slide, HHH hooked a sunset flip to return to the ring. Shane quick-counted Mankind 1-2-3. How dastardly! Consequently, HHH won at 2:57.
Rating: **
Summary: Obvious retribution for Shane.
Afterward, HHH grabs the microphone and apologizes for winning. He clobbers and decimates Shane with a Pedigree. Next, he tells Mankind: “(Shane’s) all yours.” Mankind ties him in a knot, and Shane cries out in unquestionable pain.
As Mr. McMahon and the Stooges arrive, Mankind changes his mind and demands a WWF title shot TONIGHT. Although Mr. McMahon acquiesces, Mankind states “that’s not good enough.” He also demands no-DQ, and Mr. McMahon relents. Upon agreement, Mankind releases Shane.
Adamantly, Rock questions him declaring he’s not ready, but Mr. McMahon orders Rock to get ready because he’s a champion.
WWF Royal Rumble ‘99 will be LIVE on PPV on January 24. Order NOW!
Prior to the next match, we revisit last week when Brown referred to PMS as “glorified ring rats.”
Match 5: D’Lo Brown versus Edge
Highlights:
Edge leapfrogged Brown and followed with a dropkick. When he fed Brown a flying headscissors, Edge clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor. He launched a tope con hilo to Brown, charged him, but ate the barricade. As Brown landed a standing leg drop, Edge gave him a cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through. Brown planted him with a running powerbomb and got 2.
After he slammed Edge, Brown mounted the second turnbuckle, leaped, but there wasn’t any water in the pool. Edge rebounded with a spinning heel kick and gave Brown another cross corner whip. While Brown vaulted him to the apron, Edge mounted the top turnbuckle and soared with a cross body block for 2.
Suddenly, PMS waltzed down to ringside, yet Edge mounted the opposite top turnbuckle. Edge leaped, but Brown caught and splintered him with a Sky High. With Terri on the apron, Brown got distracted by her. Brown chased after her, and Terri fell off the steps. Sports-entertainment finish at 4:08.
Rating: ***
Summary: These guys had something brewing until Terri’s interruption.
After the match, Terri writhes in pain holding her “pregnant” uterus. Paramedics assist Terri while the Worcester faithful informs a shocked Brown that he indeed “sucks.”
Backstage, a doctor examines Terri who’s obviously concerned about her unborn baby.
Shane, Kane, and the Stooges enter the ring. As Shane announces a handicap match, he names the Stooges as Kane’s opponents. HA! Mr. McMahon emerges and informs the Stooges about payback for Shane. When Mr. McMahon tells Kane to “make them pay,” Shane yells “sic ‘em, Kane!”
Match 6: Kane versus the Stooges
Highlights:
Kane sent Brisco down to the mat instantly, yet Patterson bribed Kane with cigarettes.
As Brisco recovered to attack him, Kane chokeslammed him. Patterson sought a chair from ringside and brought it into the ring. When Kane saw it, Patterson assembled it and offered him a seat. What a knucklehead!
Kane punted the chair out of the ring and chokeslammed Patterson. After he split Brisco’s uprights with the ring post, Kane hobbled Patterson. He grabbed Shane, but Mr. McMahon threatened to return him to the asylum. According to Mr. McMahon, Kane won.
Rating: NONE
Somewhere dark, Knight continues to suffer and call out for help. The Acolytes arrive much to Knight’s chagrin. They tell him: “He’s ready for you now.” Oh, brother.
Prior to the next match, Snow, still wearing his blood-soaked JOB Squad t-shirt, left Head on the stage as a decoy and hid behind the curtain. Road Dog emerged, and Snow ambushed him.
REAL Match 6 for the WWF Hardcore title: Road Dog versus Al Snow (w/ Head)
Highlights:
They fought down to ringside where Road Dog rammed Snow face-first into the steps. As Road Dog yanked a table from under the ring, Snow charged toward him. Road Dog took a chair and launched it at him. Stunned, Snow fell from the apron to the floor. However, he gained the upper hand and WHACKED Road Dog with the chair.
When he set up the chair, Snow launched a springboard leg lariat. Snow completed the table setup and CREAMED Road Dog with the chair again. After he placed Road Dog atop the table, Snow mounted the barricade. He attempted to moonsault him, but Road Dog escaped. Therefore, Snow went through the table himself, and Road Dog got 2. He walloped Snow with a cookie sheet repeatedly for another 2.
While they meandered alongside the stage, Snow caromed Road Dog off a lighting truss. Road Dog set up a table against the barricade and hip-tossed Snow into it. Mounting the truss, Road Dog delivered a flying double axe handle. They headed backstage and Snow manhandled Road Dog inside a custodial closet.
Bouncing a box of toilet paper off Road Dog’s skull, Snow snapped a broom in half nailing him. Road Dog rebounded by ricocheting him off a couple of areas until Snow tossed a poinsettia plant at him. I’d return that Christmas gift if I were him. Once steel poles got involved, Road Dog reversed an Irish whip sending Snow reeling into a pair of empty beer kegs. They continued to battle while Road Dog hammered Snow with a fire extinguisher.
Falling through an emergency exit, Snow found himself in trouble amidst a snow flurry. Road Dog hammered him with a snow shovel and sent him into a cart. Pushing the cart, Road Dog shot the cart and Snow into a steel door. Snow rammed Road Dog into a fence and hit him with a traffic cone. Upon stymying Snow with a kick to the midsection, Road Dog piledrove Snow onto a pallet. 1-2-3. Road Dog retained at 8:36.
Rating: *
Summary: Entertaining and innovative.
Following the match, Road Dog sprints back to the ring to celebrate his victory with the Worcester faithful.
Down a corridor, the Acolytes toss Knight into the abyss.
TV Rating: 6.2
Backstage, DX says goodbye to Michaels, but HHH mutters “what goes around, comes around.” When Michaels can’t unlock the car, he tries to notify HHH about the error. A voice is heard “hey Shawn” before the break.
After the break, Michaels is left in a bloody mess outside the arena. It’s revealed that the Corporation beat the BEJEEZUS out of him, and Michaels is BUSTED OPEN. Paramedics assist him into an awaiting ambulance. Now THAT’S payback.
Match 7 for the WWF title (no DQ): Rock (champion w/ the Corporation) versus Mankind (w/ DX)
Highlights:
Due to his recovery from gynecomastia surgery, Rock chose to wear a sweatsuit to hide post-surgical scarring. Immediately, the match segued to the floor, and Mankind thumped Rock’s skull off the broadcast table. Rock reversed an Irish whip sending Mankind reeling into and over the steps. When Rock SMACKED him repeatedly with the steps, he suplexed Mankind on the floor.
Grabbing Cole’s headset, Rock provided commentary during his own match. Awesome! They battled at the broadcast table, and Mankind took his turn on commentary mentioning his “testicular fortitude.” HA! As Rock BLASTED him with the bell, he followed with a table fan shot. They stood atop the broadcast table, and Rock annihilated Mankind with a Rock Bottom through it. Incredible!
After thoroughly demolishing the broadcast table, the match returned to the ring. Rock belted Mankind and got 2. While Rock distracted referee Earl Hebner, Shane gave Mankind the business. Evil! Rock fed Mankind a side-Russian leg sweep for another 2. Giving Mankind a cross corner whip, Rock ate a back elbow on his follow-through. Mankind clotheslined him, but Rock reversed an Irish whip and unloaded a back elbow.
Slamming Mankind, Rock unfurled a Corporate Elbow but couldn’t get 3. Mankind rebounded with a swinging neckbreaker, yet Bossman grabbed him by the ankle. With the WWF title belt slid into the ring, Rock grabbed and PLASTERED Mankind with it. Will Rock retain? 1-2-NO! Rock missed a second shot with the belt, so Mankind planted him with a double-arm DDT onto it for 2.
Brandishing Mr. Socko, Mankind applied it to Rock. Shamrock jumped into the ring and struck Mankind with a chair. Without hesitation, Gunn also jumped into the ring to wipe out Shamrock. It’s a donnybrook at ringside between DX and the Corporation until…
GLASS SHATTERS! Here comes Stone Cold Steve Austin! And the Worcester faithful LOSES THEIR DAMN MINDS!
Austin jumped into the ring, grabbed a chair, dismantled Rock with it, and placed Mankind atop him. Do we have a new champion? 1-2-3. YES! Mankind won at 8:48.
Rating: ****
Summary: Unquestionably, absolutely, undeniably, the MOST historical match of the 90s in pro wrestling history. While it’s not the most technical match you’ll ever see, it’s the culmination of Mick Foley FINALLY reaching the top of the mountain in his career in a well-booked, well-orchestrated feud and match. Congratulations, Mick!
Afterward, DX celebrates with Mankind in the ring while Austin mocks Mr. McMahon. Cole quotes some of Foley’s first book while Mr. McMahon remains both distraught and disappointed. As DX hoists him atop their shoulders, Mankind raises the belt above his head.
Road Dog grabs the microphone and announces Mankind as the new WWF champion much to the chagrin of Mr. McMahon. Promising Rock another shot, Mr. McMahon ushers the Corporation backstage. Mankind grabs the microphone and tells his boss:
“At the risk of not sounding very cool, I’d like to dedicate this match to my two little people at home. Big Daddio DID IT!” – Mankind. He runs around the ring in celebration to end the show.
TV Rating: 5.9
Conclusion: Between the historic main event and the better-than-expected Hardcore match, this show is a no-brainer to recommend. Could it beat Nitro in the ratings?
Final TV Rating: 5.7
Who won? Yep! And let me tell you why. Not only was RAW a better program than Nitro but also Bischoff’s asinine idea to spoil Mankind’s victory caused many thousands of viewers to change the channel. I know that Bischoff understands this about Foley but fuck him.
After WCW fired Foley in 1994, he worked mostly in ECW and made a bigger name for himself. Despite Vince McMahon’s objections, Jim Ross hired Foley in 1996 knowing he could make a difference. In fact, Foley made such a difference that he not only worked with Undertaker but beat him as well. By 1997, Foley was asked to elevate HHH from midcard boredom to superstar. Come 1998, and Mankind’s requested to help turn Austin into the biggest WWF superstar. Despite accomplishing both goals, Foley still wasn’t ready to be WWF champion. It took a sock. Yes, folks, a sock to transform Mankind from psychotic wrestler to lovable superstar. Enter Mr. Socko.
Couple that with an extremely well-written book that became a bestseller, and Foley, through all his tribulations, finally made it. He deserves it no matter what.
Let’s also touch on another subject. Intriguingly, WWF spoiled its own main event by plastering the details all over the wwf.com main page. WCW, thinking it would be a copycat to return the World title to Goldberg on the same night, swerved everyone with the Fingerpoke of Doom. So how are they different?
On one hand, WCW aggravated its fanbase with another nWo reformation. It ended its show on a sour note leaving a poor taste in viewers’ mouths. On the other hand, the WWF thrilled its fanbase with one of the most uplifting and inspirational matches in its history.
Unless WCW does something miraculous to inspire casual fans’ interest again, this “war” is over.
Does WCW have a Bluto?
Stay tuned for WCW Thunder 01-07-98!
Comments? Suggestions? Send them to me at rsg@rockstargary.com and follow me on Twitter (@rockstargary202).