Here we are Raw #996, just inching to that ever so golden 1000th episode that we have been on the receiving end of the ads for, for about a month now. Episode #996 seemed to be the blossom of a new direction, but still with some residue from the past storylines. Monday Night Raw has lately been a painful example of either the joys of the being the sole company on the top of the mountain or it’s the summer and writers are on vacation and Episode #996 was no exception.
Ha! Lets see those summer assholes top my Brock Lesnar angle I just got done doing. Ahhhhhh….
Raw opens up with showing the manipulative AJ talking to herself in the mirror and working on what she will say to Kane, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan which turns to be her way of breaking it off with them. I had to double check the guide channel to make sure that I was on the right channel because for a second I thought I was on the CW watching a bad episode of Gossip Girl.
Wrong Channel, but spot on in terms of quality.
After this segment we get a triple threat elimination match with Daniel Bryan, Kane and WWE Champion CM Punk. Yeah, once again the WWE Champion is opening Raw. In addition to that, with the exception of the elimination rules, this is the match that we just had at the No Way Out PPV from last Sunday. I’m starting to ask what exactly is the point of purchasing a PPV when we are going to get the main event matches on Raw anyway in the next week or two? People save your $49.99 and just wait.
Wait, you mean to tell me that If I pay this $50 to watch these matches tonight, I will see the same thing within the next 7-8 days? For Free? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!
We have 3 ring generals wrestling in this match and they give us something decent, but ends with a bit of foolishness of AJ distracting Kane, him getting pinned and Daniel Bryan head kicking CM Punk and gaining the victory. The finish was all in 12 seconds.
Bigger than the WWE Championship…yeah. Lil ol me. HeeHee
I have a problem with this. I have a problem that the WWE has watered down their #1 championship in the company. The WWE Championship has not been the closing match at a PPV since December of 2011 for the “TLC” ppv. We are going into July, this means that every ppv this year has not closed with the WWE Championship being defended.
Spoiler Alert: NOT closing the show.
And I truly believe that the only reason why the title was defended at TLC was because John Cena had the night off from that PPV. However, John Cena has that luxury of being the closer of PPV’s and Raw.
Yeah. Pretty great being me.
Help me understand what is going on with that belt. When the WWE made the Intercontinental title lose its worth, it was disappointing, but somewhat expected. Same goes with the WWE Tag Belts. Too much history is embedded in those belts life lines, but expected. WWE Championship. Kind of a hard pill to swallow when they are making that belt a prop in the middle of a storyline that should be on Jersey Shore.
Oh wait…I damn near did.
I guess from a new age viewer stand point, their focus is on AJ since the attention has been on her and not necessarily the title. She embodies what is the flavor on media in general. Wrestling fans who appreciate the lineage of the title and the history, this doesn’t bode well at all. Wrestling fans who were brought up on the latter, were programmed to believe that the WWE Championship title is indeed the richest prize in the game. But in 2012, the richest prize of the game is…
Its either ME alone or ME in a title match! That’s all it can be!
From all areas of media, whether it’s the internet, phone calls, TV ads, text messages, email alerts, smoke signals, messages in a bottle, Morse Code, WWE has taken the liberty to make sure that all walks of life are aware of the 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw that is happening on July 23rd 2012, live from St. Louis, Missouri. Taking nothing away from this crowning achievement, because this is an accomplishment that is rarely seen in today televisions standards. Gone are the days when a family sitcom can average about 8-10 years on television. Now shows are struggling to have 10 episodes filmed for them. But above all of the episodes of M*A*S*H, The Simpsons, Gunsmoke, Seinfeld, we see the most unlikely underdog grab that heavyweight crown and we are reminded (or grinded with) that Monday night Raw is the longest weekly episodic television program in TV history and continue they shall.
This “fake” stuff actually works, huh?
Raw has provided us with some unbelievable viewing. Television that made those Tuesday morning talks with your buddies on the bus or Tuesday water cooler talk at the office about the happenings that took place the night before on Raw.
So….about that Katie Vick segment from last night….
Whether it be a solid IC title match between The Rock and Triple H. Or an interview that Mankind delivered. Or even a Diva Segment that held our attention. And could be seeing an actually title change occur on live TV. The smorgasbord of happenings was endless and Raw never failed (for the most part) in giving us something memorable.
*Sniff* I swear…I’ll never forget this episode of Raw. *Sniff*Sniff*
Leading up to this 1000th episode of Raw, we have been seeing some great Raw Moments in its history. Whenever I see the visual bumper for it, I always get Goosebumps in me, knowing that I’m about to indulge in some nostalgic goodness. But what tires me is that whenever they do these “Raw Flashback”…I GET THE SAME THING! Not taking anything away from the moments we have all shared together, but sometimes, the WWE wants to act as if Raw did not exist before 1998. With the exception of showing the quick highlight clips of the inaugural episode and the infamous “1-2-3 kid upset”, between Jan 11th 1993 and January 19th 1998, the WWE forgets that Raw was even on the air because we never get any highlights during that 5 year span. And not only that, many moments get over looked beyond that 5 year span.
1993-1998??? Bitch Please!!!
When WWE gives us our “Raw Moment of the Week”, I got $20 that says that we are going to see one of the following:
–McMahon in the hospital, Austin attacks him
-the Austin Beer truck before wm 15
-something involving the 200 guest hosts that they had
-John Cena coming to Raw per the draft
-Mike Tyson/Stone Cold Scuffle the night after the 1998 Royal Rumble.
But what about those key moments that NEVER get mentioned. I at times hold on to a sliver of hope, hoping that one day, one of these will be mentioned and/or highlighted on a broadcast of Monday Night Raw.
Lets see what treasures are beyond…
10.) Howard Finkel vs Harvey Wimpleman in a tuxedo match. (January 10th 1994)
Yeah, lets just get this one out the way. (Thank the lord none of them wear a thong)
This has been an slow burn of an issue with both the veteran ring announcer and the manager. They have always had a passive aggressive relationship where Howard Finkel would not give Harvey the appropriate introduction, according to Harvey’s standards. This got to a point where a Tuxedo match was appropriate for the two and the match would take place on the 1 year anniversary of Raw on Jan 1994.
Aftermath: The Fink wins; but in theory, we all lose due to seeing both of them in their draws.
9.) -WWE IC contender battle royal for vacant IC belt/Rick Martel vs Razor Ramon (Oct 11th 1993)
Machismo > Arrogance
This was a significant Raw moments to me, because this was one of the first times when it was evident that Razor Ramon was indeed a ring general. He and Rick Martel opened the show on Oct 11th 1993. This coming off an announcement made by Jack Tunney that Shawn Michaels has been “stripped” of the Intercontinental title due to not defending it in 30 days. Due to the ruling, that coming up Monday night Raw will hold a 20 man battle royal. The last two men in the battle royal will face off in the next episode of Raw in a 1 on 1 match and the winner will be the new IC champion. Martel and Razor were the last two, and wanted to go at it instantly. The next week, both men put on an excellent match, which told a stellar story. In the end we would see Razor Ramon win his first Intercontinental Championship.
Aftermath: Unbeknownst to the fans, this would actually be a connecting storyline to Wrestlemania 10, where Shawn and Razor would face each other in a ladder match. Shawn claimed he was the real IC champ since he never lost the title. Razor would go on to win the latter match to be the undisputed IC champion.
8.) The Steiner brothers vs The Quebecers for the WWF Tag Team Championship; Under Québec Province rules (Sept 13th 1993)
Yup! Thats right. Dont adjust your sets. It really is a WWF Tag Team Title Match on Raw that had Meaning! o.O
The Steiner Brothers have been having a very strong title reign for months now, really being the cornerstone of tag team wrestling in the WWE. The Quebecers were an obnoxious tag team making up of Jacques’ and Pierre, managed by Johnny Polo. This episode of Raw the Quebecers were challenging the Steiner Brothers for the WWF Tag Team Titles, however, the stipulation was what was called “Quebec Province Rules”. These rules were No moves can be executed from the top rope, throwing your opponent over the top rope was illegal and the title can change hands on a DQ or Count out. The Quebecers claimed that these are the official rules in said province. With said rules this would rule out the possibility of the bulldog from the top rope, that the Steiner’s have made theirs and any “Stiner-Lines” over the top rope in which the Steiner’s use to gain momentum. Due to the nature of the match, the Steiner’s found themselves cornered as they were not used to these rules and with Jonny Polo being the obvious distraction, call of this could cause frustration. Leading Scotty Steiner to that brink as he brought in the Hockey Stick of Johnny Polo and used it on the challengers. Per the rules, the Steiner’s were DQ’d and the Quebecers were the new WWF Tag Team Champions.
Aftermath: The Steiner’s never won back the Tag Titles, as the Quebecers went on to hold those belts for another 6 months.
7.) Edge and Lita have “Live/Torrid” Sex!!! (January 9th 2006)
Oh shit. I forgot my moms in row 7, Lita.
January 2006 was the beginning of a half year of some memorable overall WWE moments. The first PPV of the year was WWE New Years Revolution. The night before the Jan 9th edition of Raw, Edge cashes in his Money in the Bank contract to face John Cena for the WWE Championship immediately after John wins the Elimination Chamber. Edge pin Cena to win the WWE Championship for the first time. To celebrate this feat, Lita decides to give Edge a reward he’ll never forget. She will reward him with live sex, live on Raw in the middle of the ring. (Bow-Chicka-Wow-Wow!). The time comes for this segment to begin and in the middle of the ring is a large heart shaped bed. This segment quickly turned into the first 5 min of the TV show, “Silk Stalkings” that used to come on immediately after Raw, where we saw a lot of skin from the two and Lita in a very revealing bra and panties set. And for the added enjoyment of the male audience, there actually was a live boob slip on Litas behalf which brought the crowd to their feet. Making this segment, that much more legendary.
Aftermath: The ending of the segment ended with Shenanigans
6.) Gorilla Monsoon Ejects Bobbie Heenan from Raw…and the WWF (November 29th 1993)
I’m telling you bud, Schivone sucks.
The pairing of both Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan goes back to the early years of the Golden Era of WWF. So, we’re talking about a good 5-6 years of these two giving us some of the best back n forth commentary. Monsoon and Heenan were welcomed into our homes and their relationship was unlike anyone else’s. The two would spend hours debating back n forth with each other about the state of pro wrestling and the athletes. Heenan would justify his dubious ways as Gorilla had no problems at all, calling his wrong ways out. Bobby Heenan was on his way out the door to leave for WCW, but Gorilla had the honor to physically “throw him out the building and out the WWF”. It was only fitting that it would happen this way on an episode of Raw in late 1993. Before the show went dark, we would see Bobby Heenan giving a final salute to Raw and the WWF.
Aftermath: Heenan would go on to WCW, but never really captured that magic that he had in the WWF. Nothing lacking on his part, but due to WCW not pairing him with the right personality. We would see Heenan once again in the WWF at Wrestlemania 17, where he called the Gimmick Battle Royal with Mean Gene Okerlund.
5.)” The Nature Boy “ Ric Flair vs Mr. Perfect (Retirement Match) (January 25th 1993)
If you would’ve told me that WCW was going to try to recreate this in 4 years…yeah, I’d believe it.
This was a very unique and very exciting match due to the history of both Flair and Perfect. When Ric Flair came into the WWF in 1991, he was soon paired with Mr. Perfect with Perfect being his “Executive Consultant”. In Nov. 1992 at the Survivor Series, Macho Man and Ultimate Warrior were booked to take on Ric Flair and Razor Ramon. The Warrior was no longer with the WWF and live on Primetime Wrestling (the Monday night show, before Raw), Macho Man announced that replacing The Warrior, he wanted Mr. Perfect as his partner. While Perfect and Bobby Heenan had a laugh over it, Perfect thought that it would be a good opportunity to step aside and remove him from being the shadow of Ric Flair. Flair and Heenan were not fond of this and Perfect took it upon himself to no longer be affiliated with Flair. The WWF was not big enough for the two of them and someone had to go. And we were given this incredible match which told the story of a lifetime. In the end it would be Mr. Perfect to reign victorious. Good Bye and Thank you Ric Flair.
Aftermath: Ric Flair would go back to WCW and win 6 more world titles. Ric would be back in the WWF in late 2001.
4.) Brian Pillman is armed as Stone Cold invades his home.
I don’t Call 9-1-1!
On an episode of WWF Superstars, Brian Pillman has an in ring interview with Stone Cold Steve Austin. To wrestling enthusiast, this was an interview worth watching as this would be the first time we’d be seeing the former members of “The Hollywood Blondes” (WCW Tag Team) in the ring together. But in the WWF, they were billed as being “Long Time Friends”. At the end of the interview, Pillman called Austin “The Best Was, the Best there is and the Best There Will Be”, and Austin attacks him. At the tail end of the attack, Austin “breaks” Pillmans ankle by placing his ankle in-between the top and base of a folded up folding chair and jumped off the top rope and onto the chair “Shattering” the ankle. The next week on Raw, Vince McMahon was interviewing Pillman via satellite while Pillman was at home nursing his injury. During the interview, commotion stirs up as they hear that Austin is on his way to Pillmans house to “finish the job”. In the interest of protecting his home and his family, Pillman announces on Raw that he has a loaded 9mm hand gun and if Austin comes in, he’s going to blow his brains out. This was one of the most intense segments ever on Raw as Austin was nearing closer and close, Pillman was cocking that weapon more and more just ready to pull the trigger. At the defining moment when Austin actually broke in the house and was in Pillmans living room, the camera shot over to Brian pointing the gun at Austin and then the live satellite feed was lost.
Aftermath: According to Vince, Pillman was restrained and the gun was taken away. Both him and Austin were restrained and pulled away from each other. Vince McMahon received A LOT of heat from the USA network regarding this segment, claiming it be “too real”. McMahon had no idea what the difference was between this and a movie having the same kind of scenario happening. Good point.
3.)WWF Monday Night Raw gives us WCW Monday Night Nitro; ON RAW!
I want to watch, but Mark Madden is talking on my TV? Where is the Cyanide tablet when I need it?
On an episode of Raw in May of 2001, all I remember hearing from Jim Ross was this, “After this next commercial break we will be giving you Monday Night Nitro. WHAT?!?! And Nitro they gave us for a couple of segments. The house lights changed the little “WWF” logo in the corner of the screen changed to the “WCW” logo. Ross and Heymans mics went down and Arn Anderson and Mark Madden’s mics went on. Out came Booker T and Buff Bagwell for a one on one match. This was weeks after the World Wrestling Federation purchased World Championship Wrestling. All rights belonged to the WWF. It looked as if this was going to be a regular segment on Raw until Nitro had its own show again, but this lasted very short. But this would be the first that we see Nitro on Raw.
Aftermath: This and about 1 or two more segments would be the only time this plan was done. Moving forward was the invasion storyline.
2.) Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Ladder Match: Hurricane and Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Christian vs. Jeff Hardy & Rob Van Dam vs. Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley (7/10/2002)
Arrive. Become Match of the F’n Year. Leave.
What a gem this was! I know the placement of this, may be a bit questionable, but going into this match, you’re really not thinking too much of what it could be, but when you watch it, this is one of the best matches ever seen on Monday Night Raw. Historically the Triple Threat ladder matches have always been something memorable, as we saw them happen at Summer Slam 2000 and Wrestlemania 17. Those matches were of the Dudley Boys, Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boys. And in this match, (with the exception of Kane and Hurricane) each team had 1 represented from those two matches on each team. The match truly was art and they seriously tore the house down. Combining Psychology with amazing spots, told a story that you could never forget and giving us the match of the year in 2002. Outstanding!!!
This took place in the latter part of 1993. Earlier in the year Yokozuna faced Crush in a one on one match on Raw for the WWF Championship. Yoko went on to win the match via the Bonzai Drop, but Yoko had more plans for the native Hawaiian. Yoko would deliver 3 banzai drops onto Crush and it took those three to happen for finally, Crush’s “best friend” Macho Man Randy Savage comes to Crush’s aid and pulled him out the ring. Crush has been on bed rest for the entire time while out and on Raw, Crushed called into Raw to have a conversation with Savage. McMahon and Heenan saying he will be on Raw the next week and he has something to say. Crush comes onto Raw and enters the ring with Mr. Fuji. Crush cuts a harmful promo on Macho Man, blaming him for what happened to him. And the only one that had Crushes best interest in mind was Master Fuji. Macho Man cannot hear anymore and enters the ring to confront Crush and to knock some sense into him, that he is better than siding himself with Fuji. Macho’s words of wisdom looked to have made Crush rethink his decision of his alignment with Fuji. Macho asked for Crushes hand in forgiveness and Crush shakes it, bringing the friendship back. But this would be short lived as Crush attacks Savage. Crush would go on to Gorilla press Macho Man on the outside of the ring and dropping him to have Savages teeth land on the steel guard barrier, busting him up. And on top of that bringing Yoko down to give Savage the Banzai drop. Completely laying Savage out and giving us a heartbreaking ending to Raw.
Aftermath: Macho Man would return a couple months later and challenge crush to a match at Wrestlemania 10. Macho Man would gain the victory at Wrestlemania concluding and winning the war.
And the Number 1 Overseen and Never Mentioned Moment of Monday Night Raw…
1.) ECW Invades Monday Night Raw! Live from the Manhattan Center!
G*D DAMN RIGHT!!!!
In 1997, WWF started working directly with ECW to give their talent some more exposure. ECW was this renegade wrestling promotion stationed in Philadelphia, PA that had a major cult following and was the hottest indy promotion, possibly on the planet. The week before, Jerry Lawler put out a challenge to the ECW to come onto Raw and bring their best and WWF will have their best available. The next weeks Raw was in the Manhattan Center where Raw Originated. With this wild crowd that came out and packed the Aragon Ballroom expecting to see something memorable, no one went home disappointed. After the first match, a Jobber entered the ring awaiting his opponent. As Raw was in-between segments, Vince McMahon was addressing the home audience but suddenly a monster rumble came from the crowd and all you see are two large men in the ring with said jobber giving him their finishing move, Total Elimination. The Eliminators (Saturn and Kronos) were in a WWF Wrestling Ring! But to make the situation even more deafening, on the microphone was a determined mad man to make sure that world hears him as he stands with the eliminators, takes the mike, points to Jerry Lawler at ringside and with every drop of emotion in him says the infamous words, “YOUR CHALLENGE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED! ECW IS IN…THE…HOUSE!” We have Mr. Paul Heyman standing in the middle of a live WWF Ring Live on Monday Night Raw! The top of the mountain top he has reached. Paul was the single match to light the fuse of dynamite to make this episode of Raw one of the greatest episodes of raw to ever be broadcasted. That night we saw the Eliminators, The Dudley Boys, The bWo, Little Guido, Taz, 9-1-1 and Sabu. Never has this been done on wrestling before where a rival promotion would be on the air with that promotion. But it was done that night. And after that, Monday Night Raw and the WWF overall would never be the same again.
Aftermath: This would be ECW’s launch pad as ECW went on to being bigger and better than it ever has been before. Their First PPV was in April of 1997 and excelled from there. Due to some internal financial issues, ECW would close its doors in 2001. WWF would buy the rights to ECW and would resurrect the promotion as a WWE Brand. Having a reunion show in 2005 and 2006 and launching the brand in June 2006. ECW would be put to a permanent rest in Feb 2010.
Hall of Fame: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mr. Perfect, Jerry “the King” Lawler, Nick Bockwinkel, Mr. Fuji, The Sheik and Jim Ross.
Wrestlemania is back in a stadium, this time Wrestlemania goes back to the state where they broke the all time indoor attendance record of 93,173 fans. Wrestlemania 23 will take place from the Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Like mentioned before, WWE broke the world indoor attendance record, and that record stood strong until Feb 2010 when Dallas hosted the NBA All Star game, which drew in over 100,000 fans at the new Dallas stadium. If the rumors are true about WM 30, Vince is looking to break that record with Mania. This would also be the first Wrestlemania with the Tri Brand Extension. Raw, Smackdown and ECW matches would be represented on the card. The ruthless aggression era is making a solid landing and the WWE is just about to transition over into its next era.
Going into this Mania, The Undertaker would be victorious at the 2007 Royal Rumble and would earn the right to face a champion of his choosing. The Undertaker had a choice to choose between John Cena (WWE Champion), Dave Batista (World Heavyweight Champion) and Bobby Lashely (ECW Champion). The Undertaker made it known that it would be Him vs Dave Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship. Bobby Lashley would be set to face Umaga (IC Champion) in a non-title champion vs champion hair cut match. However, it wouldn’t be the wrestler getting his hair cut, it would be the man in their corner. Donald Trump would be in Lashleys corner and Vince McMahon would be in Umagas corner. This match would be officiated by Stone Cold Steve Austin. To determine the WWE Title match, Shawn Michaels wrestled in a triple threat match against Edge and Randy Orton and was victorious. The feud built when Cena and Michaels were not only opponents, but also tag team champions but did not trust each other. Something had to give at Wrestlemania 23.
Wrestlemania 23 started out HOT with the MITB Ladder match. This match would consist of Mr. Kennedy, Edge, CM Punk, King Booker, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Finlay and Randy Orton. MITB continues to grow and get better and better. During the match, Edge is carted out, due to being the recipient to a leg drop from Jeff Hardy while laying on the ladder. The ladder broke in half and so did Edge. Mr. Kennedy would go on to be victorious in this match.
Chris Benoit would successfully the defend the United States Championship against MVP. This would be the last Wrestlemania Chris Benoit would be a part of before his suicide.
This would be the first Wrestlemania with ECW representation. The “New Breed” consisting of Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn would face off against The ECW Originals: RVD, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman. The ECW Originals win.
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker challenges Batista for his World Heavyweight Championship. Batista showing no fear and no signs of intimidation against The Dead Man and would set to be one of his toughest opponents yet. Taker and Batista were hard hitting on each other and brought a new meaning of smash mouth wrestling. Both of these giants pulled nothing as they mounted a feast of tough offense on each other. But even with the spine buster and Batista Bomb, that wouldn’t be enough to put Taker away. Undertaker would lock Batista up in the Tombstone piledriver and pin him 1, 2, 3 and win The World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. The Undertaker is 15-0 at Wrestlemania.
The “Battle of the Billionaires” match. This match would be between Donald Trump vs Vince McMahon, but with both men having representation as stated earlier. Bobby Lashley vs Umaga. This match was all shenanigans, but in good fun as Austin was the ref. Accompanying with Umaga and McMahon would be Armando Alejandro Estrada, and with Bobby Lashley and Donald Trump would be Tara Connor. Through the match, Umaga attacked Austin and Shane tried to interject himself as the ref of the match in Austins place. But after being blatantly biased, Austin regained his composure and took Shane out with a Stunner. Lashley got the spear on Umaga and was declared the winner. As a result, Lashley, Austin and Trump shaved Vince McMahons hair in from of the massive crowd.
The Headlining Main Event would be for the WWE Championship. Shawn Michaels would challenge John Cena for the title. Continuing his over the top entrances, Cena would enter the arena in an impressive manner via a Ford Mustang, grabbing the attention of the audience. Not sure if this made it on TV (I was there in person), a streaker would interrupt the very beginning of the match, which was a little off setting, but you could tell that it didn’t even phase Shawn Michaels, as this would be his first WWE Championship title match at Wrestlemania in 9 years. And just like in Anaheim at the Pond in 1996, this could once again be his moment. The match went into a feeling out process and then some hits to remind each other who the other man was. The match transitioned over into more of a ground game where they were both wearing down each other. Cena had to know that even with the steady tempo, it would sure pick up eventually, and the only thing to do, is to anticipate it and defend as much as he could and away we go! The match contained several notable spots, including Michaels hitting a Piledriver on Cena onto steel steps outside the ring. Cena was unable to execute an FU during the match, and Michaels also failed to execute Sweet Chin Music several times. Later in the match, Cena managed to place Michaels in the STFU submission hold, with Michaels reaching the ropes to break the hold. Cena then managed to place Michaels in the STFU again, and as a result, Michaels tapped out and Cena retained the WWE Championship.
There were reports that Shawn was in disagreement before the match, to lose to Cena, and he was adamant against this. We (as fans) do not know if this is actually true or false, but one thing that cannot be denied, both of them gave a helluva match and gave us something to talk about for years to come.
Match Card
Dark- Ric Flair and Carlito defeated Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero
PPV
-Mr. Kennedy defeated Edge, CM Punk, King Booker (with Queen Sharmell), Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Finlay and Randy Orton in the money in the bank ladder match
-The Great Khali defeated Kane
-Chris Benoit (c) defeated Montel Vontavious Porter to retain the WWE united Stated Championship
-The Undertaker defeated Batista (c) to win the World Heavyweight Championship
-The ECW Originals (Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman) defeated The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn) (with Ariel)
-Bobby Lashley (with Donald Trump) defeated Umaga (with Vince McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada) in a Hair vs Hair match with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee.
-Melina (c) defeated Ashley to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
-John Cena (c) defeated Shawn Michaels to retain the WWE Championship
Wrestlemania 18, is the 18th annual wrestlemania professional wrestling pay per view, produced by the world wrestling federation.
This would be the last Wrestlemania with the company being named “World Wrestling Federation” or “WWF”. Shortly after this maina, The WWF would then be The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment); due to a lawsuit settlement between the WWE and World Wildlife Fund.
Wrestlemania is returning back to Toronto. The last time Wrestlemania was in the Sky Dome was for WM 6; where over 60,000 fans witnessed Hulk Hogan vs The Ultimate Warrior; title for title. This year, the arena would hold yet another dream match. This would be the house that will bring you Icon vs Icon- The Rock vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan. In addition, Hogan is making his illustrious Wrestlemania Return!
This Wrestlemania was on the bell curve of a new era of the company. The Attitude Era was no more, this would be the rooted beginnings of the “Ruthless Aggression” era (some argue that, that started at WM 17). The invasion angle is long over, WCW guys have fully assimilated into being WWF guys. The World Titles of Wrestling have consolidated into one and a major player of THE GAME recently returned as well.
A little under a year ago, Triple H suffered a devastating quad injury (while in a match partnered with Steve Austin against Jericho and Benoit on a live edition of Raw), which immediately put him on the shelf. After surgery and many many months of rehab, Triple H made his return at the 2002 Royal Rumble and won the event. This would grant him the right to face the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World; Chris Jericho. Jericho won this honor back in Dec of 2001 when he was victorious in a 3 match stipulation; by defeating The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin; both in the same night. With Triple H earning the main event spot, and his “ex-wife” now siding with the champion; this is set up to be a wild contest.
A week before the No Way Out 2002 PPV, in an attempt to gain vengeance against Ric Flair who has taken over the company (thanks to him being the consortium who bought Shane and Stephanie’s stock of the company), Vince McMahon announced that he is “injecting a poison into the company he father built”. Vince broke news by announcing that he was bringing in the New World Order into the WWF, and they will be debuting at No Way Out in Milwaukee, WI. After they debuted, The Rock pressed and had some fun on the expense of Hall and Nash. However, when Hogan came out to cut a promo and lash out on the fans, is when The Rock got involved. It was during this promo where The Rock challenged Hulk Hogan, one on one at Wrestlemania. Hogan accepted…GAME ON!
Wrestlemania begins with already getting 5 STARS! Rob Van Dam challenges William Regal for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. And with the 5 star frog splash, RVD wins his 2nd singles title with the company!
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker faces Ric Flair. This would be the first time (and only time) that The Undertaker is wrestling as a heel at Mania. Due to some disagreements between the Deadman and Flair, this match came about. This was a very good 20 min match, and Flair looked as good in the match as he ever did. But Taker was just too much for the Nature Boy and pins the 16 time former heavyweight champion of the world. Undertaker is 10-0 at wrestlemania.
The video package begins showing the clips of the return of the nWo at No Way Out, and then leads to the epic promo between Hulk Hogan and The Rock, where the challenge is set for Wrestlemania. Clips follow, along with heart pounding rock music to illustrate the story of these two. The last image you vividly see, is a black and white image that looks to be cutting into the current footage that we are looking at. A spliced scene from one of the many invasions the nWo did on the Monday Nitro set between Hogan, Hall and Nash. A graphic of the footage looks to be ripping in half to show us present day and plays the most familiar theme music of them all, the nWo theme, Enter Hollywood Hulk Hogan. I swear to you, as I am writing this, I am getting Goosebumps thinking of this moment. 68,237 people on their feet screaming in joy, not only because of the one of the most familiar and coolest themes of our time is playing, but because (at this time) the King of Wrestlemania, Hulk Hogan is walking down a WWF Aisle into a WWF ring for his Wrestlemania return, that was have not seen in 9 years. The electricity of the crowd was so electric, that it would’ve made sense to be exhausted by the time the opening bell hit, but that wouldn’t be the case, not for this sold out crowd. Hulk Hogan, was finally home. But at an even louder ovation, The Rock’s theme hit and with (what seemed like) millions of cameras flashing in the crowd, The Rock enters into the Ring and is set center stage in front of millions watching around the world, face to face with the Icon of Pro Wrestling, Hulk Hogan in the ring with him. The match started with a memorable stare down onto each other and the crowd.
The two lock up and Rock overpowers Hogan and muscles him to the ground. Hogan back to his feet and locks back up with The Rock, however, this time it would be Hogan to overpower and throws The Rock. This send the crowd into a complete frenzy and to add fuel to the fire, Hogan breaks the cool Hollywood persona and goes back into Retro Hogan and throws poses at The Rock. There is not a soul sitting for this monumental moment. The match goes on. During the match, The Rock locked on the Sharpshooter, causing Hogan to tap out. However, the referee was down and unable to acknowledge the submission. The Rock let go of the hold and tried to revive the referee, but Hogan gave him a low blow followed by his own version of The Rock’s finisher, the Rock Bottom for a two-count. The two tried their respective finishers, the Rock Bottom and the leg drop but each kicked out. After two more Rock Bottoms and a People’s Elbow, The Rock pins the Legendary Hulk Hogan and gets the 1-2-3 victory to win the match. After the match, Hall and Nash come to ringside and express disappointment o Hogan for losing and jump Hogan. The Rock assist Hogan and both of them beat on Nash and Hall. They clear the ring. The Rock also steps to the side and gives the spotlight to the 68 thousand plus, to pose for the crowd. Hogan, not only stole the show, but was once again and officially a face in the world wrestling federation.
The main event was for the World Wrestling Federation Undisputed Championship. Chris Jericho vs Triple H. Just like how Triple H entered with Motorhead playing his theme, Drowning Pool would play a version of his theme song as he entered to the ring. Jericho, entered the arena with Stephanie McMahon on his side and the match takes place. In all fairness, both of them really do give the world a very very good match. If you watched this match isolated to the rest of the card, you can really appreciate the efforts by both of them. However, at the same time, the crowd just was not into it, and it was not anything against the two men in the ring, but more so due to how overwhelming the Rock/Hogan match was and drained the crowd of all of their energy. Not even the Divas match before the championship match could help matters. During the match Triple H went for the Pedigree on Jericho through the announcers’ table. However, Jericho reversed it into a back drop, sending Triple H through the Spanish announcers’ table. Stephanie tried to hit Triple H with a steel chair but had it removed by referee Earl Hebner. Stephanie pushed Hebner aside but then, she was met by a Pedigree from Triple H. Jericho tried his own Pedigree on Triple H but ended up having it reversed into a catapult. Triple H then hit the Pedigree on Jericho and pinned him to become the new Undisputed Champion
Match Card
HEAT- Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, and Albert defeated Mr. Perfect, Lance Storm and, Test
PPV
-Rob Van Dam defeated William Regal (c) to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship
-Diamond Dallas Page (c) defeated Christian to retain the WWF European Championship
-Maven (c) fought Goldust to a no contest in a Hardcore Match for the WWF Hardcore Championship. The title changed hands on a number of occasions between The Hurricanne, Molly Holly, Christian and back to Maven.
-Kurt Angle defeated Kane
-The Undertaker defeated Ric Flair in a no DQ match
-Edge defeated Booker T.
-Steve Austin defeated Scott Hall (with Kevin Nash).
-Billy and Chuck (c) defeated The APA (Faarooq and Bradshaw), The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) (with Stacy Keibler) and The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff) in a Four Corners Elimination match for the WWF Tag Team Championship with Billy and Chuck retaining the titles.
-The Rock defeated Hollywood Hulk Hogan
Jazz (c) defeated Trish Stratus and Lita in a triple threat match to retain the WWF Womens Championship
Triple H defeated Chris Jericho (c) (with Stephanie McMahon). To win the World Wrestling Federation Undisputed World Championship.
Celebrities: Steve Allen, Robert Goulet and Rona Barrett
Wrestlemania 6 was the first Wrestlemania to be held on international soil, taking place in Toronto, Canada. This Wrestlemania can be looked at as the most remembered wrestlemania among casual wrestling fans and people in general. This was the first time when the main event pitted the two most popular stars at the time (and arguably the two most popular in history among casual wrestling fans) against each other. We’re taking “The Ultimate Challenge”; World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior vs The World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan. Title for Title. In which both the IC and The World Title would be on the line. One man would leave with both belts. Very non-traditional in terms of a champion vs champion match. Normally a match of this caliber, the secondary title would not be on the line. But because this match was a matter of Which power was greater? Hulkamania or The Power of the Warrior? This match has to be the underline answer. Thus both titles are on the line.
Personally, yes, I felt this wrestlemania was memorable, in terms of the main event. You didn’t necessarily see a “good guy” vs “good guy” main event during this day and age. With both men being the most popular in the company, fans had no other choice but to choose a side for this match. It was a clear 50/50 split of whom the crowd was pulling for. However, the rest of the card was pretty forgettable. I did enjoy The Million Dollar Man “Ted DiBiase vs Jake “The Snake” Roberts match. It was a grounded wrestling match, given enough time to tell a decent story in the ring, as opposed to some of the other matches that only lasted about 3-4 min.
When I watched this earlier, it made me think of how much of a missed opportunity the WWF made, regarding Savage vs Rhodes. I know it’s an apples and oranges comparison, but if the NWA has their hands on that match, that match would’ve headlines Starrcade, easily.
I was not yet a wrestling fan when this came on, but I remember my classmates in elementary school were, and looking back on that now, reminds me of the Rock/Cena divide now (without FB an twitter, of course). Kids arguing back and forth over who was better, Hogan or Warrior.
Hogan beat so-n-so; Warrior beat so-n-so. Hogan was two time world champ; Warrior was the two time IC champ. Hogan was stronger; warrior was stronger. The match up itself really left you wondering, who would be the winner? The real winner were the fans. But after a 20+ min battle of strength and drama, The Ultimate Warrior was that much of the better man to stand victorious as he defeated the Immortal Hulk Hogan to win the World Wrestling Federation championship title.
Date: March 29th, 1987 Cities: Pontiac, Michigan Venue: Pontiac Silverdome Combined Attendance: 93,173 Sub-Theme: “Bigger, Better, Badder” Celebrities: Mary Hart; Bob Uecker; Alice Cooper and Aretha Franklin
At this time, the WWF is smoking hot. They are getting a larger audience by the days, more and more people are purchasing merchandise and shows around north America are selling out faster and faster. The WWF was now, not just a entity by itself, but it shared the limelight with 1980’s pop culture in general with the heavyweight champion of the world, Hulk Hogan, being the symbol behind all of this. With the combination of great business and strong buzz, it was only fitting that taking wrestlemania to the next step up would make sense. With this being said, Vince McMahon, who is no stranger to looking danger dead in the eye, set his sights on creating the largest gathering of wrestling fans and not only break a wrestlemania record, but also a world record of the largest indoor attendance for a show.
The only thing that would make this happen is to book the biggest wrestling match in history, which, to this day, still is being spoken about. Enter in Andre The Giant vs Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship. Andre had a very strong and very dominating career with the WWF and at this time he was in his twilight. Andre, at one time was the biggest draw of the company. Putting him on a wrestling card guaranteed big money, but his glory days were soon behind him. Hulk Hogan was now the face and hero of the World Wrestling Federation. Fans all over the world were hooked onto his determination and charisma, to see him overtake evil. Long time friends they were, but the angle for this was that Bobby Heenan convinced Andre that he should have a crack at the World title that Hogan never gave him a shot at. It was almost instant where the influence of Heenan voided out a nearly 7 year friendship with the two, where greed made friendship subservient. Andre wanted the belt, but Hogan wasn’t ready to die. Hogan vs Andre was the classic “passing of the torch” match. One generations leader was passing the torch to the next to lead the company into the future. Although there was looming doubt that was above the heads of management and the wrestlers, regarding how Andre would handle this match, it was clear and obvious that Andre knew what was best for business when Hogan body slammed the monster and hit him with the leg drop for the 1-2-3 victory. Ending Andres 10 yrs undefeated streak and Hogan retaining the world title. The match cemented both men into the history books not only as competitors, but also legends.
MATCH CARD
-The Can-Am Connection (Rick Martel and Tom Zenk) defeated Bob Orton and The Magnificent Muraco (with Mr. Fuji)
-Billy Jack Haynes and Hercules (with Bobby Heenan) fought to a double countout
-Hillbilly Jim, The Haiti Kid and Little Beaver defeated King Kong Bundy, Little Tokyo and Lord Littlebrook by disqualification
-Harley Race (with Bobby Heenan and The Fabulous Moolah) defeated The Junkyard Dog
-The Dream Team (Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valiant and Dino Bravo) defeated The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques and Raymond)
-Roddy Piper defeated Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart)
-The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) and Danny Davis (with Jimmy Hart) defeated The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) and Tito Santana
-Butch Reed (with Slick) defeated Koko B. Ware
-Ricky Steamboat (with George Steele) defeated Randy Savage (Intercontinental Championship) (with Miss Elizabeth). Steamboat wins the Intercontinental Championship; in what is being said (to this day) is the greatest match in history.
-The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Jake Roberts (with Alice Cooper)
-The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff (with Slick) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell) by disqualification
-Hulk Hogan (World Wrestling Federation Champion) defeated André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan)
Maurice D. Proffit
proffitspiledriver 