WWF Summerslam '97: Hart and Soul

Will Bret win the WWF title or be banished from wrestling in America? Can Austin defeat Owen for the IC title or will he pucker up? Who will win the steel cage match? Let's find out!

Prior to the opening match, we revisit IYH XVI when Mankind and Helmsley brawled outside the Saddledome. We then revisit RAW is WAR from last Monday when Mankind impersonated a cameraman to attack Helmsley.

As the bell rang, Helmsley made a dash for the door, but Mankind stopped him.

Not THAT kind of dash!
Helmsley then tried to exit over the top, but Mankind pulled him down to the mat.
With Helmsley down in the corner, Mankind hit a running knee smash.
He then piledrove Helmsley, requested the door to be opened, but Chyna blocked his path.
When Mankind applied the Mandible claw, Helmsley backed him up to the cage so that Chyna could climb the cage and choke him.
Mankind came back with a discus clothesline, climbed the cage, but Chyna stopped him by nailing him RIGHT IN THE JUNK.

After Helmsley joined him, he superplexed Mankind from the top of the cage. Wow!
He then almost took the opportunity to win the match, thought better of it, and rammed Mankind face-first into the cage thrice.
Upon giving Mankind a knee drop, Helmsley rammed him into the cage repeatedly.
He then climbed over the cage, but Mankind stopped him.
When he joined Helmsley, Mankind received a knee sending him down to the mat.
He then stopped Helmsley from escaping again and returned him to the cage.
As he gave Helmsley a cross corner whip, Mankind put a knee into the midsection.
While Mankind and Helmsley were near the cage, Chyna interfered again.
Helmsley then delivered an inverted atomic drop, and I'm certain Mrs. Foley had to forego any extracurricular activities with her husband after the show.
After Mankind came back with his own inverted atomic drop, he clotheslined Helmsley.
Speaking of Helmsley, he gave Mankind a face crusher and attempted a vertical suplex.
When Mankind blocked it, he suplexed Helmsley and hung him upside down on the cage.
He then head-butted Helmsley in the midsection sending him down to the mat.
Upon ramming Helmsley face-first into the cage twice, Mankind sent him back-first into it.
Helmsley then backdropped Mankind into the cage. SICK!
As they both climbed the cage, Mankind rammed Helmsley face-first into the cage.
Helmsley then fell atop the top rope crotching himself.
After he fell to the mat, Helmsley caught his leg within the ropes.
Mankind then attempted to escape through the door, but Chyna SLAMMED it in his face. Twenty-plus years later, Foley allegedly can still hear the ringing in his ears from that one.

When referee Jim Korderas questioned her, Chyna rammed him face-first into the door.
Chyna then grabbed a chair, climbed the cage, and tossed it to Helmsley.
As Helmsley attempted the Pedigree, Chyna remained on the cage.
Mankind then countered with a catapult sending Helmsley into Chyna. That caused Chyna to taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like the Popeye at New Park Tavern.
Next, Mankind delivered a double-arm DDT to Helmsley on the chair.
While the Meadowlands faithful chanted "Su-per-fly," Chyna entered the cage prematurely.
Mankind then almost reached the floor before removing his mask and reclimbing the cage.
When he ripped open his outfit to reveal his Dude Love heart, Mankind hit the big elbow from the top of the cage. Outrageous!
Needless to say, but the Meadowlands faithful ERUPTED!
He then climbed over the cage as Chyna grabbed Helmsley.
Before she could successfully remove Helmsley from the cage, Mankind reached the floor.
Mankind won.

Summary: Exciting opener where Mankind bumped like crazy to enhance the match and elevate Helmsley.

After the match, Mankind lays on the floor until Dude Love's music hits. His foot then shakes to the beat of the music as he rises to his feet. As he celebrates, Dude Love dances in the aisle.

Todd Pettengill then introduces New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman accompanied by the Headbangers and WWF President Gorilla Monsoon. Interestingly, the Meadowlands faithful boos her out of Continental Airlines Arena. Monsoon then presents her with an honorary WWF championship belt.

Both Tiger Jeet Singh and Tiger Ali Singh were shown seated among the Meadowlands faithful.

Next, we revisit RAW is WAR from last Monday when PIllman attacked Goldust following his encounter with Rockabilly.

Prior to the next match, we get a pre-recorded promo of PIllman on Goldust and Marlena.

Special stipulation: Should Pillman lose, he must wear Marlena's golden dress on RAW is WAR tomorrow night.
Similar to last Monday, the mannequin wearing the golden dress stood at ringside.
Pillman attacked Goldust at the onset and gave him a cross corner whip.
However, Goldust leaped to the second turnbuckle and hit a flying back elbow.
He then gave PIllman the ten-punch count-along followed by a lip lock. Needless to say, but Goldust's make-up was all over Pillman's face thereafter.
As Pillman rebounded with a back elbow, he chased Marlena around the ring.
Goldust then caught him with a clothesline on the floor. Excellent sneak attack!

Back in the ring, Pillman delivered a vertical suplex and mounted the top turnbuckle.
Goldust then caught and tried to crotch him with the top rope, but Pillman missed it.
With Pillman on the floor, Marlena blew smoke in his face.
Upon using Marlena as a shield, Pillman gave Goldust a DDT on the floor.
GET OUT THE SPATULA!
Pillman then rammed Goldust face-first into Marlena's director chair.
When he mounted the top turnbuckle, Pillman delivered a flying clothesline for 2.
Goldust then hooked a backslide for 2.
As Pillman hit a clothesline, he got 2.
Goldust came back with his own clothesline and followed with the Fiip, Flop, and Fly.
After he gave PIllman a cross corner whip, Goldust attempted a bulldog, but PIllman shoved him away.
With Goldust on the apron, he used a sunset flip to re-enter the ring.
Pillman then lost his balance ruining the move.
When Pillman used the ropes to get to his feet, Marlena WAFFLED him with her purse.
1-2-3.
Goldust won.

Summary: Botched ending cost the match, but it was still entertaining. Unfortunately, Pillman was nowhere near the same wrestler he was before the accident last year.

After the match, Marlena places the mannequin in the ring, and PIllman destroys it.

Prior to the next match, we revisit Shotgun Saturday Night when the Road Warriors inadvertently broke Henry's neck. We then see footage of Hawk getting nailed with a slop bucket and Slop-Dropped on the steel ramp.

As if they needed a reason to elicit jeers, the Godwinns brought a Rebel flag with them. I may live in the South, but I'm not putting a gif of that up. Sorry.
A four-way melee began the match as the Road Warriors clotheslined the Godwinns.
With Henry on the floor, Hawk leaped from the apron and clotheslined him.
Animal then gave Phineas a flying shoulder block while the Meadowlands faithful chanted "L-O-D."
When Animal gave Phineas a cross corner whip, he came up empty on his follow-through.
Henry tagged in, but Animal escaped a double suplex and delivered a double clothesline.
After Hawk clotheslined Phineas on the floor, Ross coined the phrase "country-fried clothesline." Do you get biscuits with that?

Henry then guillotined Hawk with the top rope but missed a leg drop.
While they were on the floor, Hawk rammed Henry into the steps.
He then gave Henry a pair of leg drops for 2.
As Phineas tagged in, he hooked a hangman on Hawk.

Tags were exchanged on both sides while Henry reversed an Irish whip sending Animal into a knee from Phineas.
When Henry clotheslined Animal, both wrestlers tumbled over the top rope to the floor.
Hawk then distracted referee Mike Chioda, and Henry shoved Animal off the apron causing him to taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like the Bookmaker at Redd's.
After Henry slammed Animal, he got 2.
Phineas tagged in and hooked a bear hug.
As Animal rang Phineas' bell to escape, Henry tagged in but missed Animal on a clothesline attempt.
Phineas tagged in, mounted the second turnbuckle, but ate a clothesline from Animal. Neither of the last two moves looked crisp.
Hot tag Hawk.
When Hawk powerslammed him, he whipped Henry into the corner and followed with a corner clothesline.
He then clotheslined Phineas, gave Henry a hangman's neckbreaker, and got 2.
With all four wrestlers in the ring, the Road Warriors delivered a succession of clotheslines to Henry in the corner.
They then signaled for the Doomsday Device, but Phineas spoiled it.
After Hawk clotheslined Phineas from the top rope, the Road Warriors gave Henry a spike piledriver.
1-2-3.
The Road Warriors won.

Summary: The Godwinns received their comeuppance as the Road Warriors destroyed them. On the other hand, I get the feeling that this feud isn't over.

Next, the Million Dollar Challenge is hosted by Todd Pettengill. Both Ryan Chadick and Patrick Stevenson won their trips to Summerslam and are in attendance. Ryan chooses key #52 while Patrick picks #13. Todd then calls another potential winner, but nobody's home. When he dials a different number, Sunny teases him, and Todd gets an invalid number recording. Upon attempt #3, Sunny's cleavage slows Todd down, and Michael Simmons states his cable company doesn't carry the PPV.

Regardless, Michael chooses #33, but his key doesn't turn the lock. Sable then helps Todd and reaches Rebecca Cohen who selects #14. Unfortunately, her key doesn't turn either. Afterward, Ryan tries his key, but it doesn't work. At least, he receives a hug from Sable. Lastly, Patrick makes his attempt but comes up empty. After all is said and done, key #3 would have opened it, so NOBODY won the $1 million.

We then revisit last week's RAW is WAR when Smith cheated during an arm-wrestling contest, DEMOLISHED Shamrock with a chair, and humiliated him with dog food.

Prior to the next match, Vince shills One Night Only LIVE on PPV on 9/20 only in the United Kingdom. Get your tickets or jump on the British isle to order NOW! According to Ross, Michaels will face Smith on the card. Hmmm...I wonder if anything historical happens.

Match 4 for the WWF European title: The “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (champion) versus Ken Shamrock

Shamrock gave Smith a belly-to-belly suplex, followed him outside the ring, and made him HIT THE POLE.
Upon ramming Smith face-first into the steps, Shamrock attempted an ankle lock, but Smith grabbed the bottom rope.
He then clotheslined Smith for 2.
As he gave Smith a knee lift, Shamrock followed with a cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
Smith then delivered a clothesline and a delayed vertical suplex for 2.
Shortly after, Shamrock hooked a sunset flip for 2.
Upon receiving another clothesline, Shamrock bled from the mouth.
Smith then hooked an inside cradle for 2.
When Smith rammed Shamrock's shoulder into the ring post, he rammed Shamrock into the steps.
He then tried to suplex Shamrock on the floor, but Shamrock slipped.
On the floor, Smith slammed him, grabbed the can of dog food, and smeared it on Shamrock's face.
Shamrock then SNAPPED as he grabbed the can and SMASHED it on Smith's back.
As you'd expect, referee Jack Doan called for the bell disqualifying Shamrock.
Smith won by DQ.

After the match, Shamrock shoves Doan down and applies a choke hold to Smith. Officials try to pry Shamrock from Smith, but he won't release. After a few minutes, Pat Patterson attempts to calm Shamrock down but receives a belly-to-belly suplex instead. Gerald Brisco tries but suffers the same fate. Next, Doan gets suplexed. Chioda then falls into Shamrock's trap. He then yells "Get out my way" while the Meadowlands faithful eat it up with a spoon. Great character development!

Backstage, Pettengill interviews Michaels who deems that there is no problem between Bret and himself. Also, he swears he'll be impartial in the main event.

Prior to the next match, we review the origin of the Gang Wars. It's about as interesting as it sounds.

An all-out brawl erupted at the onset.
As Skull backdropped him, he gave Jose a cross corner whip and sandwiched him in the corner.
He then gave Jose a second cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
When Jose mounted the second turnbuckle, he bulldogged Skull.
Skull came back with a big boot and hip-tossed an incoming Vega.
After 8-Ball tagged in, he delivered a sidewalk slam to Jose.
Crush tagged in, and he and 8-Ball gave Jose a double back elbow.
Upon hitting a pair of leg drops, Crush got 2.
Miguel tagged in but received a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker from Crush for 2.
As Jesus tagged in, Chainz gave him a cross corner whip and a back drop.
Chainz then delivered a series of elbow drops to Jesus and tagged out.
Next, 8-Ball and Skull gave Jesus double Snake Eyes.
When Vega came in, he delivered a spinning heel kick to Skull.
While the DoA distracted referee Tim White, Los Boricuas quadruple-teamed Skull.
Miguel then gave Skull a cross corner whip followed by a corner clothesline.
After Vega illegally tagged in, he ate a clothesline from Skull.
Suddenly, the NoD made their way through the Meadowlands faithful.
Jesus tagged in, delivered a back elbow to Skull, and hit a leg drop.
As Vega tagged in, he hip-tossed Skull.
Shortly after, Miguel mounted the top turnbuckle and hit a missile dropkick.
Jesus tagged in and dropkicked Skull.
When Vega tagged in, he gave Skull a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through.
Hot tag Chainz.
Upon military-press-slamming Jesus with ease, Chainz made Jose eat boot.
All eight wrestlers were in the ring while Miguel sent Chainz outside the ring.
After Chainz nailed him, Ahmed Johnson attempted a Pearl River Plunge on the floor and injured himself.

Vega then tossed Chainz back into the ring, and Miguel hit an elbow drop.
1-2-3.
Los Boricuas won.

Summary: With the exception of a few "Ahmed sucks" chants, this match had ZERO heat as the Meadowlands faithful couldn't care less. Neither do I actually.

After the match, Los Boricuas fight with the NoD, and a 12-man brawl erupts. Faarooq then makes Jesus taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like the Lucy Juicy at Cheeseburger in Paradise. While Los Boricuas return backstage, Faarooq also gives Skull a taste of it. Waiter, could you give the hurting bald biker some Paradise sliders please? Crush then scatters everyone by riding his Harley in their direction.

Video airs featuring Owen repeatedly stating that he defeated Austin at IYH XVI.

Match 6 for the WWF Intercontinental title: Owen Hart (champion) versus WWF tag team champion Stone Cold Steve Austin

Special stipulation: If Austin doesn't win the title, he'll kiss Owen's ass.

While Austin made his customary entrance, Owen ambushed him from behind.
He then rammed Austin's left knee into the ring post twice.
When Austin came back with a Thesz press, he gave Owen a cross corner whip resulting in a HARD sternum-first bump. OUCH!
He then attempted a running guillotine, but Owen evaded him.
As Austin nailed him, he got 2.
The Meadowlands faithful then LOUDLY chanted "Au-stin" and "U-S-A."
Shortly after, Owen delivered a flying back elbow, but Austin grabbed his legs.
When Austin tried to crotch him on the ring post, Owen raised his legs causing Austin to HIT THE POLE.
Owen then rammed Austin's right hand on the steps and stomped on his fingers.
Back in the ring, Owen bit Austin's middle finger. Clever!

He then tied Austin up in the ropes and charged. Austin escaped and guillotined him with the top rope.
Upon powerbombing Owen, Austin clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor.
Owen then tried to pack it in, but Austin chased after and nailed him.
As Owen reversed an Irish whip, he delivered a SWEET belly-to-belly suplex.
He then gave Austin a swinging neckbreaker followed by a leg drop for 2.
After a slam, Owen mounted the top turnbuckle and hit the big elbow for another 2.
While Ross postulated about Austin's neck issues, Owen gave Austin a cross corner whip but ate a clothesline.
Austin then attempted the Sharpshooter, but Owen blocked it.
Upon clotheslining Austin, Owen leg-dropped his neck but couldn't get 3.
When Austin reversed a cross corner whip, Owen leaped to the second turnbuckle and hit a cross body block.
Austin then used momentum to land on top for 2.
As Owen escaped a slam, Owen gave Austin a German suplex with a bridge for 2. Impressive!
He then hooked a camel clutch to further aggravate Austin's neck.
After Owen delivered a DDT, he got another 2.
Austin then hooked a sleeper, but Owen reversed it to his own.
When Austin countered with a jawbreaker, he mounted the second turnbuckle.
He then leaped but ate a shot to the midsection.
While Owen hit a side Russian leg sweep, he couldn't get 3.
Owen then applied a side head lock while putting his feet on the ropes. SNEAKY!
As referee Earl Hebner noticed Owen's chicanery, Austin attempted a tombstone.
Owen then reversed it and hit a jumping tombstone.

Unfortunately for Austin, his head was too low, and the tombstone compressed his neck. This resulted in a bruised spinal column and temporary paralysis.
Since Austin couldn't move, Owen informed the Meadowlands faithful that "(Austin's) gonna kiss (his) ass."
Owen then tried to generate a "Can-a-da" chant only to elicit a "U-S-A" chant instead.
Somehow, Austin slowly rolled Owen up.
1-2-3.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Summary: Well, this match earned its infamy due to Austin's serious neck injury. Will this derail his big push? With the exception of the injury, this match was rather great.

After the match, Austin writhes in pain on the mat while officials lift him to his feet. He then raises the belt overhead in celebration, but he doesn't have all of his wits about him understandably. In order to get Austin backstage quickly, referees Hebner and White assist him.

Video airs featuring Bret's promise as well as Michaels'. Next, we see the fight between Hart and Vince and Patriot's upset of Hart last Monday thanks to Michaels.

Match 7 for the WWF title: Undertaker (champion) versus Bret “Hitman” Hart

The "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee for this match.
Special stipulation: If Bret doesn't win the WWF title, he'll never wrestle again on American soil.
As Bret made his entrance, he carried the Canadian flag with him.
He then grabbed the microphone and requested the Canadian national anthem.
Also, he dedicated this match to his fans in Canada and around the world.
Michaels then made his entrance while Ross joked about the other referees wanting pyro. HA!
After Undertaker made his entrance, Bret grabbed the belt and nailed him with it.
Undertaker came back with a flurry of punches, a cross corner whip, and a clothesline.
When Bret sought refuge outside the ring, Undertaker joined and made him taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like the Wee Willie at Michael's Roscommon.
He then made Bret HIT THE POLE.
With Bret leaned against the ring post, Undertaker tried to nail him but HIT THE POLE instead.
Bret then rammed Undertaker into the steps, leaped from the apron, but got sandwiched on the ring post twice. OUCH!
Back in the ring, Undertaker delivered a backbreaker for 2.
Vince then mentioned that Austin was taken to a local hospital.
As Undertaker hooked a bear hug, Bret bit his face to escape.
He then ate a big boot while Undertaker missed an elbow drop.
Shortly after, Bret hooked the figure-four leg lock.
Suddenly, Paul Bearer came to ringside.
Will Undertaker submit giving Bret the title?
No, he reversed it, and Bret made the ropes.
Undertaker then exited the ring and WALLOPED Bearer much to the delight of the Meadowlands faithful.
When Bret joined Undertaker on the floor, he delivered a chop block.
Officials then came to ringside to remove the shaken Bearer.
As Bret hooked the ring post figure-four leg lock, he released it at four.
Owen and Pillman then came to ringside while Bret rammed Undertaker's left knee into the ring post.
Next, Undertaker flipped over the top rope to the floor to hammer both Owen and Pillman.
He then made Pillman taste the steel railing. Waiter, could you give the curly blond wrestler with the raspy voice the Orgasmic please?
Nevertheless, Michaels ejected Owen and Pillman from ringside.

Undertaker then chokeslammed Bret, but Michaels hadn't returned to the ring yet.
When Michaels distracted Undertaker, Bret secured a roll-up for 2.
He again sought refuge outside the ring and dragged Undertaker to the floor with him.
As he rammed Undertaker back-first into the apron twice, Bret rammed him back-first into the ring post.
He then mounted the second turnbuckle and gave Undertaker a double axe handle.
Upon delivering a backbreaker, Bret got 2.
He then hooked a vertical suplex, mounted the second turnbuckle, and hit an elbow smash for another 2.
When he gave Undertaker a DDT, he couldn't get 3.
Undertaker came back and sent Bret face-first into the top turnbuckle for 2.
As Bret delivered a side Russian leg sweep, he leg-dropped Undertaker twice.
He then attempted the Sharpshooter, but Undertaker escaped.
After Undertaker gave Bret a cross corner whip, he ate knee on his follow-through.
Bret then reversed an Irish whip but received a flying clothesline.
When Undertaker gave Bret another cross corner whip, it resulted in a sternum-first bump and a 2-count.
He then delivered a big boot followed by a leg drop for another 2.
With Bret on the apron, Undertaker chokeslammed him back into the ring but couldn't get 3.
Undertaker then attempted the ropewalk shoulder smash, but Bret crotched him on the top turnbuckle.
As Bret joined him, he gave Undertaker a top rope superplex. Wow!
He then hooked the Sharpshooter, but Undertaker ultimately powered out.
After Undertaker reversed an Irish whip, he delivered a clothesline.
He then attempted the tombstone, but Bret escaped.
When Bret hooked the Sharpshooter around the ring post, Undertaker powered out sending Bret into Michaels on the floor.
Bret then grabbed a steel chair and CROWNED Undertaker with it for 2.
As Michaels noticed the chair in the ring, he questioned Bret about it.

Bret then spat in Michaels' face, so Michaels attempted a chair shot.
Instead of hitting Bret, Michaels CREAMED Undertaker.
1-2-3.
WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

Summary: For the fifth time, Bret became WWF champion tying him with Hulk Hogan.

After the match, Michaels is beside himself for not only having to count the pinfall but also potentially pissing off Undertaker. While the Meadowlands faithful toss garbage in the ring, Undertaker saunters after Michaels. Bret then grabs the WWF title and holds it overhead. The Hart Foundation then joins Bret in celebration.

Conclusion: Between the steel cage match, the infamous Owen-Austin match, and the WWF title match, this show is a no-brainer to recommend. In addition, this show took place on my birthday, so it's a show that I'll never forget.