WWF 1995: KOTR '95 Up!

Thanks, Bob. I always look forward to another week of WWF 1994. I even enjoy the "slow" weeks, because I know it's just building towards the payoffs Can't wait for KOTR, and I know it's a little while yet, but I'd love to see how you orchestrate WrestleMania 11. Keep up the great work!

The Bret Hart angle has me interested. Maybe a return for SummerSlam? The Dibiase/Bulldog feud is getting alot of heat for it, and I like how youre doing the Hogan/Flair feud with Savage and the mystery man involved as well. Its a good story and keeps them away from the WWF title picture at the same time.

WWF Monday Night RAW: Monday 30th May 1994...Tatanka with a win in the opening contest was nice, and I liked Mr Fuji's promo to introduce the concept of Tatanka having to go up against the massive Yokozuna. I think Yokozuna could potentially win the 1994 King of the Ring tournament, if I do say so myself. King Yokozuna has a good ring to it, that could be a fun gimmick, too. I doubt you'll go down that road, though. Ted Dibiase and Diana Smith on the King's Court was a cool segment, talking about the British Bulldog. Hmm, edgy television with Dibiase and Diana plotting to divorce Bulldog next week on RAW. A first, for sure! I like this angle expansion, and how it expanded without Bret Hart especially - it's cool to have focus on Bulldog this time around. I assume that their match is in place for King of the Ring, at this point. Also, I wonder if Dibiase has an idea of how to take all of Bulldog's money...could Clarence Mason or Irwin R. Schyster help out with that? The Quebecers and Yokozuna with wins was fine, not bad. Ric Flair having some talk time was big, speaking out about fellow veterans, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. I see that this segment enhanced the Savage and masked man scenario AS WELL as the Flair motivating himself for Hogan angle. I like that, very smart tactic. Sparky Plugg with a win was fine, I hope he wins his next race! Where the hell is this going? Who cares, it's 1994 WWF! Scott Steiner defeating Diesel was a big main event, these two are definitely familiar with one another. Perhaps Scott could win the King of the Ring...that could do wonders for Steiner in particular! I would like to see that happen...and see Rick Steiner's reaction when he comes back from injury. Not a bad edition of RAW, quite a big show, this week.

WWF Superstars of Wrestling: Saturday 4th June 1994...Welcome to June, a year and a half into the diary. Doesn't seem too long since the start of the diary, either. Carlos Vega with a win was fine, although I'm not too sure about him returning so quickly after that brutal attack from Razor Ramon last week...in 1994, I think it would have been sold more effectively, with Vega disappearing for a few weeks, or months. I assume that Ramon and Vega is practically in the books for King of the Ring, as well. The Undertaker building a casket, amusing segment to symbolically create a buzz surrounding the 'Taker and Lex Luger feud. The Smoking Gunns and Hunter Hearst Helmsley with wins is fine - out of curiosity, are these guys actually doing anything other than winning squash matches? Bret Hart's interview was good, allowing him to disappear and refocus for a potential challenge for the WWF Championship against Lex Luger or the Undertaker, maybe at SummerSlam. Owen Hart with a win is fine. Rick Martel defeating Ron Simmons once again is good, their feud is hopefully over after this. Good to see the WWF Intercontinental Champion qualify into the King of the Ring tournament - perhaps he could win. I doubt it though, but he could definitely come close.

WWF Wrestling Challenge: Sunday 5th June 1994...The British Bulldog with a win is good, I'm surprised that we didn't hear any comments from him regarding Ted Dibiase and Diana Smith's proposal last week on RAW. Given that the Wrestling Challenge is the C-show of the WWF calendar week, I'm surprised that Lex Luger is only on here as opposed to Monday Night RAW or Superstars of Wrestling. It's almost like Ric Flair and Randy Savage's whole ordeal is getting top billing over Luger and Undertaker's rivalry, which is approaching an expected blow-off. Just strikes me as weird. A decent promo to go up against the Undertaker from Lex, preparing for the WWF Championship Casket match. Ted Dibiase and Scott Norton with wins was fine, I am liking Norton's character direction...Norton calling out the Undertaker? We could have our next challenger or rival of 'Taker, right here. Scott Steiner's promo was neat, talking about his motivation to win the King of the Ring tournament and become WWF Champion...maybe Steiner could have this won. I'd love to see that. Ah, a tag team battle royal? Very interesting! Surely a first on WWF television at this point, right? The Kamikaze Kid and Marty Jannetty winning is great, the true dark horses in the tag team division. Plus, you get the history of Shawn Michaels and Marty as the Rockers, this is great. I look forward to the match - although I see Diesel and Shawn retaining the WWF Tag Team Championships. Overall, a solid progressional week for the World Wrestling Federation. Continuing to do an outstanding job. WCW must be getting their asses handed to them.

Week 23: June 6th - June 12th

WWF RAW 6/6/1994
1. Razor Ramon defeated Ian Smith in 2:36 following the Razors Edge. During the match, Carlos Vega shared pre-tape comments saying that Ramon continues to get on his bad side. Vega tells us that he will get revenge on Ramon for everything he has ever done and he will get his revenge when Ramon doesn't expect it. Vega is going to enjoy the pain he gives Ramon.
2. Kings Court w/ Ted DiBiase & Diana Smith: Jerry Lawler is standing in the ring, which has a table present as Ted DiBiase and Diana Smith are once again his guests on the program. DiBiase and Diana come out with what appears to be a lawyer to oversee the proceedings. DiBiase enters the ring and says that ever since he swooped Diana off her feet they have been waiting for this moment. The moment that will see Diana break away from the Smith and Hart name and be welcomed to the DiBiase family. Ted tells us that the man with them is indeed a lawyer who has printed out all the proper paperwork. DiBiase holds the paper up and says the moment has arrived for them to start a new life. However, the crowd notices that British Bulldog coming down the aisle way and making his way down to the ring. DiBiase tells Bulldog to not take one more step forward or he will regret that decision. DiBiase thought they would see Bulldog tonight. Bulldog smiles and takes a few more steps. DiBiase tells Bulldog that was a mistake and starts to laugh. At that moment, Crush runs out from behind and sends Bulldog shoulder first into the ring post. Crush drops Bulldog face first across the ring steps as well! Bulldog is out cold as Crush rolls him into the ring. DiBiase has Diana sign the papers on Bulldog's body in the middle of the ring! DiBiase proceeds to shove the paper down Bulldog's throat and laughs over the fallen Bulldog!
3. Bam-Bam Bigelow defeated Frank Carlson in 2:15 following a top rope diving headbutt. During the bout, Bigelow shared some pre-tape comments about Randy Savage saying that Savage will not make it past the second round let alone make it to the throne. Bigelow is going to rise to the throne and win the WWF World Championship, something he was screwed out of by Lex Luger. “Luger, I haven't forgotten.”
4. Scott Steiner defeated Gary Jay in 2:57 following a Frankensteiner. During the match, Tamara came out and appeared to flirt with Steiner. After Steiner won, Tamara blew Steiner a kiss before heading to the backstage area with a smile on her face.
5. Hulk Hogan Interview: Vince McMahon welcomes Hulk Hogan to RAW for a special interview. Hogan makes his way out to a huge reaction and embraces McMahon in the ring. Vince talks about how Hogan lost to Ric Flair at Mania in Madison Square Garden, how Flair now has a masked man making Hogan's life miserable and how the two men attacked Hogan's good friend Randy Savage last week on RAW. Hulk says that everyday he has to live with the fact that he failed his Hulkamaniacs in his match with Ric Flair at WrestleMania X. Now, his failures are affecting his friends and that is making him burst with anger. Hogan is sick and tired of the games. Hogan is not asking, but rather is demanding one more match with Ric Flair. “Jack Tunney, to have the power to make it happen. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I'm hear begging you to allow me to end the Nature Boy's terror.” Hogan ends up having the fans chant “one more time” and tears up his shirt to a big ovation.
6. Crush & Ludvig Borga defeated David Smith & Bobby Walker in 2:38 when Borga pinned Walker after a shoulder breaker. During the match, Johnny Polo cut a pre-tape promo saying that his men Crush and Borga are going to be champions sooner rather than later.
7. Yokozuna defeated Jim Neidhart in 3:55 following the Bonzai Drop. During the match, Tatanka appeared on the aisle way watching his opponent at KOTR. Johnny Polo cut a promo after the match daring Tatanka to come to the ring. Polo continued to say that Yokozuna will be the 1994 King of the Ring to close the show.

WWF Superstars 6/11/1994
1. Owen Hart defeated Greg Williams in 1:45 following a missile dropkick. During the match, Chris Benoit shared some pre-tape comments saying that at KOTR Benoit will break their 1-1 tie and will also break Owen's neck.
2. Randy Savage Interview: Earlier in the week, Vince McMahon at down with Randy Savage at his home to talk about the recent things that have happened. Savage talks about being attacked by the masked man and Flair last week. Savage recalls the history between Flair and himself and says that the hatred he feels for Flair will never go away. Savage considers him to be the worst scum of them all and a coward. He also calls the masked man a coward for hiding under a mask. Savage heard Hogan's interview on RAW and says that it got him thinking. Savage remembers back in the day they formed the greatest tag team in wrestling history. They both hate Flair and the masked man. Savage ends up suggesting to Hulk Hogan that the MEGA POWERS make a one night return to get their revenge. “Think about it brother.” McMahon thinks that would be incredible and brings up the KOTR and whether or not Savage can even compete now. Randy assures McMahon that he could be at 5% healthy and he would still take his chance at getting a shot at the WWF World Championship. Randy knows that Bam-Bam Bigelow is a young pissed off man with flamed literally on his head. Savage doesn't care and says he has a lot of pride and knows that he can beat anyone in the WWF. Savage is going to be dropping elbows and will return to being the Macho King in the WWF!
3. The Quebecers defeated Hank Stone & AJ Fatal in 3:06 when Pierre pinned Fatal after a senton splash.
4. Scott Norton defeated Damien Wolf in 2:55 following a powerbomb. After the match, Jim Ross talks to Norton and Jeff Jarrett, who was at ringside. Jarrett takes control of the segment saying that he has been pushed aside far too much and that it's time he gets respect. He got rid of the dead weight in the WWF (Mr. Perfect) and he should be rewarded. Norton chimes in and asks who got rid of the deadweight. Jarrett, noticing that Norton was angry, took a step back and said that Norton took the deadweight out but Jarrett beat him up pretty good beforehand. Jeff finishes off saying that they will have a plan set to get their names back on people's mind... and it all begins on the first two hour RAW in two weeks!
5. Lex Luger Video: The video is Lex Luger back at the graveyard to show that he isn't afraid of the dark and thus will beat WWF World Champion the Undertaker at KOTR next Sunday. Luger is walking around mocking the area saying there aren't any ghosts nor are there any creatures of the night. Just as he says that we see a couple of figures run past him, which Luger notices briefly. Lex starts to laugh saying that he is just seeing things. Luger continues to walk, but sees the figures again. Luger begins to yell that the Undertaker's mind games aren't going to work on him. Luger sees a building that Taker was at where Taker was building the casket for him. Luger opens the door and looks around with his fist ready to fight. Luger opens a casket that is standing upwards but there isn't anyone in there. Luger walks backwards and bumps into another casket. Luger opens the casket and the Undertaker is standing in the casket. Luger doesn't attack, but rather backs up and stumbles around. The Undertaker speaks and tells Lex that his day of rest is not tonight, but it is coming next weekend. Taker leans downward and asks “Are you afraid of the dark?” as he walks back into the casket and Luger gets up running out of the area quickly.
6. Tatanka defeated Steve Anderson in 2:11 following a Samoan Drop.
7. Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Samu in 5:08 following the Pedigree. During the match, Ron Simmons shared pre-tape comments saying that Hunter is not what Americans should be. Ron is proud of who he is and he believes everyone will believe in him as well.

WWF Boston Gardens
Date: 6/11/1994
From: Boston Gardens
Announcers: Jim Ross & Bobby Heenan
Attendance: 12,189
AIRED LIVE ON NESN

Jim Ross and Bobby Heenan welcome everyone to the Boston Garden for some WWF action! Ross notes that tonight we will see a little preview of the King of the Ring pay per view next week when Diesel and Shawn Michaels defend the titles against Marty Jannetty and the Kamikaze Kid. Also tonight, Ron Simmons and Hunter Hearst Helmsley are in singles action against IRS and Owen Hart respectively. But, the biggest match of them all will see WWF World Champion the Undertaker team up with Hulk Hogan to take on Lex Luger and Ric Flair! Bobby Heenan says that the King of the Ring will have to be canceled because Lex Luger is going to end the Undertaker tonight. Plus, Ric Flair is going to finally end Hulkamania so there won't need to be any kind of Mega Powers return. Ross disagrees and sends us to the ring while Heenan scoffs “why do you always question me?!”

Opening Contest: Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Owen Hart: Bob Backlund gets on the microphone before the match and says that Canadians are some of the worst people and Owen should kiss Hunter's feet out of appreciation of being in the same ring as him. Owen instead dropkicks Hunter into a corner and sends Backlund to the floor. Owen starts the match with a flurry of offense including a head scissors takedown out of the corner. Owen leaps off the middle rope and nails Hunter with a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Owen pulls Hunter up but is stopped by a jawbreaker. Hunter plants Owen with a spinning spinebuster for a near win. Hunter comes off the ropes to hit a swinging neckbreaker and follows up with a knee drop for a two count. Hunter attempts to hit the pedigree but Owen backdrops out of it. Owen is able to hit a standing hurricanrana but only gets a near fall. Owen heads to the top but has to knock Backlund off the apron again. Owen leaps off looking for a cross body but Hunter side steps him. Owen gets up and Hunter hits the pedigree to win the match. (Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Owen Hart, 7:16, ***)

Backstage, Todd Pettengill is standing with Johnny Polo, Ludvig Borga and Crush. Pettengill mentions that Borga and Crush will be meeting Fatu and Samu later on tonight. Polo laughs at Pettengill and says that his men are in the hunt for the WWF World Tag Team Championships. Naturally, they have to start at the bottom of the barrel. Polo is confident that his men will win tonight.

Second Contest: WWF Intercontinental Champion Rick Martel vs. Tatanka: Tatanka doesn't waste any time going after Martel with a series of overhand chops in the corner. Martel comes off the ropes and is met with a flapjack by Tatanka who gets a two count on a cover. Tatanka sets Martel up on the top rope and goes for a superplex but Martel shoves Tatanka off. Martel attempts a double axe handle but Tatanka blocks it and hits a belly to belly suplex for a near fall! Tamara gets on the apron and distracts Tatanka. Martel is able to chop block Tatanka's knee and slams his knee down onto the canvas. Martel continues to focus on Tatanka's knee until he misses a middle rope knee drop. Tatanka makes his comeback with a series of strikes and hits a top rope overhand chop, but Tamara gets involved to distract the referee. Tatanka backdrops Martel to the apron and goes to suplex him back in, but while he has Martel up, Tamara trips Tatanka and holds his leg down to allow Martel to get the pin! (Rick Martel defeated Tatanka, 8:04, **1/2)

Third Contest: The Headshrinkers vs. Ludvig Borga & Crush: All four men start the match trading a series of blows until Samu and Fatu are able to send their opponents into each other. Fatu and Crush started the match with Fatu nailing Crush with a superkick for an early near fall. Crush would fight back with a backbreaker and a middle rope fist drop for a near fall of his own. Crush and Borga double teamed Fatu with a side slam/leg drop combo which got Borga a near fall. Borga hammered away on Fatu in the corner with a series of shots and hit a running powerslam for a near fall. Fatu is able to avoid a splash in the corner and hit a back suplex on Borga before tagging in Samu. Samu cleans house with a series of clotheslines and splashes Borga in the corner. Crush comes from behind and puts the Kona Vice on Samu. Fatu breaks that up and hits a crossbody on Crush sending them to the floor. Samu gets up and Borga hits a shoulder breaker on Samu to win the match. (Ludvig Borga & Crush defeated the Headshrinkers, 6:13, **)

Backstage, Owen Hart is with Jim Neidhart giving him some pointers on how to beat Chris Benoit tonight.

Fourth Contest: Jim Neidhart vs. Chris Benoit: They trade a flurry of right hands with Benoit getting the better of the exchange and chops Neidhart several times in the corner. Neidhart comes back with right hands and kicks before sending Benoit into the ropes and hitting a snap powerslam for a near fall. Neidhart attempts a neckbreaker but Benoit shoves him away and dropkicks Neidhart on the back of his head sending Neidhart chest first into a corner. Benoit puts Neidhart on the top rope and hits a back suplex off the middle rope for a near fall. Owen Hart is seen standing on the aisle way cheering on Neidhart, which Benoit sees and smiles. Benoit lifts Neidhart up and hits a German suplex to win the match. (Chris Benoit defeated Jim Neidhart, 4:33, *1/2)

Backstage, Todd Pettengill is with Marty Jannetty and the Kamikaze Kid regarding their title match coming up next. Jannetty says they are feeling good and that tonight they will win the titles before KOTR and go into the pay per view as champions. Kid says that no one believes they can win the titles and that they are going to shock the world tonight in Boston!

Fifth Contest: WWF World Tag Team Champions Shawn Michaels & Diesel vs. Marty Jannetty & The Kamikaze Kid: Jannetty and Michaels kick off the title match with some mat wresting, which Jannetty does get the better of Michaels. This frustrates Michaels and makes him run into a drop toe hold and a couple of dropkicks. Jannetty clotheslines Shawn over the top to the floor and takes his former partner out with a slingshot crossbody on the floor! Jannetty returns to the ring and plays to the crowd. Michaels staggers around and goes to his corner where he tags in Diesel. Jannetty charges towards Diesel but is met with a right hand. Diesel works over Jannetty with a series of elbow shots and knee lifts. Diesel picks Jannetty up and drops him face first across the top turnbuckle. Jannetty stumbles backwards and falls to the mat. Diesel taunts the fans and misses a leg drop. Jannetty rolls over and tags in Kid. Kid goes to the top rope and goes for a flying cross body but Diesel catches Kid and hits a sick looking swinging side slam! Diesel goes for the cover but Jannetty breaks up the cover just in time. Michaels enters and superkicks Jannetty to the floor. Diesel and Michaels double team Kid, as if they need to at this point. Jannetty comes back in with a tag title and goes to hit Michaels but misses. Michaels grabs the belt and smashes Jannetty over the head right in front of the referee causing a DQ. Diesel grabs Kid and powerbombs Kid next to Jannetty. The champions stand over their challengers at KOTR. (Marty Jannetty & the Kamikaze Kid defeated Shawn Michaels & Diesel by DQ, 9:18, **3/4)

A video promoting the King of the Ring taking place on June 19th is shown. WWF World Champion the Undertaker defends against Lex Luger in a casket match. Plus, the KOTR tournament takes place!

Sixth Contest: Ron Simmons vs. IRS: IRS cut a promo saying that Simmons is just like all the other Americans being tax cheats and that it's time for him to pay. Simmons gets sick of hearing it and punches IRS into a corner where Ron delivers a series of shoulder rams. Simmons follows up with a leaping shoulder block after IRS is sent into the ropes. IRS begs off in a corner and pokes Simmons in the eyes to get some brief offense in. IRS worked over Simmons with a gut buster and came off the ropes to hit a clothesline for a two count. IRS thought he had the match won with a sleeper hold but Simmons was able to break free and after sending IRS into the ropes was able to hit a spine buster for the win! (Ron Simmons defeated IRS, 6:45, **)

Backstage, Todd Pettengill is standing with Hulk Hogan regarding the tag match coming up later tonight. Hogan knows that the Undertaker is “one scary dude” but is glad to have him on his side. Hulk is confident that together they will take care of the trash in the form of Ric Flair and Lex Luger tonight!

Seventh Contest: Carlos Vega vs. Billy Gunn: Vega attacks Gunn while he was on the middle rope shooting his gun off to the crowd. Vega pulls Gunn's jacket over his head and hammers away on Gunn several times. Vega hits a snap suplex for a two count. Vega goes for a swinging neckbreaker but Gunn counters and plants Vega with a DDT for a near fall. Gunn continued his offense with a delayed vertical suplex. Gunn goes to the top rope but misses a leg drop! Vega hits a running bulldog as Gunn got to his feet. Vega comes off the ropes to hit a spinning heel kick and pins Gunn. (Carlos Vega defeated Billy Gunn, 5:07, *1/2)

Backstage, Todd Pettengill is with Lex Luger talking about the upcoming match. Luger thinks that himself and Flair compromise the greatest tag team to ever exist, even for one night. Everything they have accomplished as singles wrestles combined is unstoppable. Lex believes taking on the Undertaker a week before their match at KOTR will only help him and allow him to regain the WWF World Championship!

A video airs promoting WWF Monday Night RAW, which becomes a two hour program starting on June 20th!

Main Event: WWF World Champion The Undertaker & Hulk Hogan vs. Lex Luger & Ric Flair: Taker and Flair kick off the match, but Flair avoids Taker due to be intimidated by the big man. Flair tries to tag out to Luger, but Lex actually avoids the tag suggesting that Flair knows what he is doing. Ric doesn't appreciate that, but goes after Taker with a series of chops that do nothing. Taker tosses Flair into a corner and hammers away on the Nature Boy, which Hogan is loving on the apron. Taker tosses Ric into the ropes and hits a leaping clothesline for a two count. Flair rolls over and forces a tag to Luger. Lex enters the match and locks up with Taker putting the champ in a headlock. That doesn't last long as Taker sends Lex into the ropes and hits a big boot. Taker sends Lex into his corner and tags in Hogan. Hogan nails Lex with a series of right hands and a hip toss out of the corner. Luger charges towards Hulk but is met with a running clothesline and a backdrop. Hogan misses a clothesline and Lex is able to scoop slam Hulk. Luger continues his offense with a backbreaker and drives his knee into Hogan's lower back. Luger hits a running knee lift and tags in Flair, who comes in strutting. Flair stomps away on Hogan and hits a knee drop to Hulk's lower back. Ric hits a back suplex and thinks that Hogan is down, but Hulk gets a second wind. Flair turns around and is greeted with a series of right hands and a scoop slam. Flair gets up and Hogan drops him with a big boot. Hogan goes off the ropes but Luger clubs Hogan over the back from the apron. Hulk knocks Luger off the apron and Taker gets in the ring. Flair is able to low blow Hogan from behind and rolls Hulk up with his feet on the ropes but Hulk kicks out at two! Hulk ducks a wild right hand and scoop slams Flair before dropping a leg across Flair. Hogan turns around and tags in Taker. Taker chokeslams and tombstones Flair while Luger remained on the floor just watching. Taker pins Flair to end the match. (The Undertaker & Hulk Hogan defeated Ric Flair & Lex Luger, 14:19, **1/2)

WWF Wrestling Challenge 6/12/1994
1. Doink the Clown defeated Tom Thomas in 2:28 following the Whoopee Cushion.
2. Sparky Plugg Update: Jim Ross provides us with a serious update on Sparky Plugg. Sparky competed in a race last week and after a pit stop, Plugg crashed into a wall and is now in serious condition at a hospital in North Carolina, which will not be disclosed for privacy reasons. Ross goes onto say that early reports are that something happened with Sparky's brakes causing him to crash into the all. Ross says that Plugg has been dealing with severe back pain and neck pain. “On behalf of the WWF and its fans, we hope Sparky recovers quickly and is able to return to a WWF ring in the very near future. More on this as we get it.”
3. Sionne defeated Chris Cross in 2:09 following a middle rope shoulder block.
4. Jeff Jarrett defeated Andrew Dalton in 2:15 following a jumping DDT.
5. Marty Jannetty & The Kamikaze Kid Interview: Vince McMahon conducted an interview with the number one contenders regarding their tag team title match against Diesel and Shawn Michaels at the King of the Ring pay per view next week. Jannetty notes that he teamed with Michaels for several years and knows Michaels the best out of everyone. He also recalls their series of matches in early '93. Jannetty believes he has a great partner, who has a lot of fire inside him to win the WWF World Tag Team Championships next week. Kamikaze Kid shares some thoughts saying that Diesel may be big but that just means he will hit the mat harder. Kid says that with their determination, the WWF World Tag Team Championships will be changing hands next week!
6. Men on a Mission defeated the Heavenly Bodies in 7:11 when Mabel pinned Del Ray after a leg drop.

I'm actually more excited for your KOTR 1994, than I am for this year's SummerSlam. Great week, just as usual. Do I see dissension building between Norton & Jarrett? Terrific buildup all around. I can't wait for the PPV and the first two-hour Raw. Keep it up, I'll be reading!

WWF Monday Night RAW: Monday 6th June 1994...Razor Ramon with the win in the opening contest was nice. I liked what Carlos Vega had to say about Ramon. A big match is coming - I could see it happening at SummerSlam, perhaps. Ted Dibiase and Diana Smith on the King's Court again? Hmm. Quite an aggressive stint by the British Bulldog - understandably so after Dibiase and Smith wanted to divorce Bulldog. Huh, Crush is involved? I'm glad to see him, but this struck me as being quite strange. Maybe Crush is aligned with Dibiase? I could dig that. Bam Bam Bigelow with the win was good, but when it comes to the King of the Ring, I can't see him winning the tournament. Oh, Bigelow still wants revenge on Lex Luger! Scott Steiner winning as well was fine, but I found it interesting for Rick Martel's Tamara to come out. They are meeting in the King of the Ring tournament bracket, I presume. I still see Steiner being the breakout star in this year's tournament, personally. Hulk Hogan with more talk time? Not bad, it must be giving RAW some good ratings, perhaps. Hogan wanting another match with Ric Flair is understandable, and I could see it happening at SummerSlam. It would have been cool to see it take place at WrestleMania XI, though. Crush and Ludvig Borga with a win was fine...it makes me more confused - does this mean that Borga and Crush, as well as Johnny Polo could have associated themselves with Dibiase and Smith? I like the idea of this team soon challenging for the WWF Tag Team Championships, though. Polo was a good manager. Yokozuna defeating Jim Neidhart sounded like a trainwreck, but a worthy main event. Tonight is all about Polo's faction, eh? Overall, a decent show, but quite a step down from last week and the week before. I'm still confused about Crush attacking Bulldog, though.

WWF Superstars of Wrestling: Saturday 11th June 1994...Closing in on King of the Ring even more! Owen Hart with a win was fine, as Chris Benoit vowed to break Owen's neck...interesting. Sounds like a brutal thing to say in WWF 1994, though. Randy Savage's interview was good, focusing on the masked man, as well as facing Bam Bam Bigelow at King of the Ring. No way that Savage will be winning King of the Ring, I think. The Quebecers and Scott Norton with wins were fine. Ha, tension with Jeff Jarrett and Norton? Interesting. Lex Luger's video package really gave more definition to the Luger and Undertaker feud, as we close in on their Casket match for the WWF Championship. The Undertaker psyched Luger out here. Tatanka with a win is fair. And lastly, Hunter Hearst Helmsley main events his first episode of Superstars, defeating Samu of the Headshrinkers. Oh, Ron Simmons wants a rematch? Another decent edition of Superstars, quite noteworthy, this week.

WWF @ Boston Gardens: Saturday 11th June 1994...Hunter Hearst Helmsley with another win! A fair win for Helmsley in the opening contest, defeating Owen Hart. It gave Helmsley a good, impactful introduction to the Boston Gardens, certainly. I wonder if Owen's time to shine will ever happen, at this point. Mind you, the year isn't over yet. Rick Martel defeating Tatanka was fine, retaining the WWF Intercontinental Championship, I presume? It's why I enjoy booking house shows, you can play with different wrestlers and see who can face who, and have it mean nothing. Ludvig Borga and Crush continue their reign of supremacy against the Headshrinkers - I would still like to see Fatu and Samu have a run with the WWF Tag Team Championships. Chris Benoit defeating Jim Neidhart was what it was. Neidhart's existence in the WWF still strikes me as random. I don't think he really belongs anymore. Ha, great shine moment for Marty Jannetty and the Kamikaze Kid against Shawn Michaels and Diesel, walking away with a victory, but without the WWF Tag Team Championships. Oh, Michaels and Diesel regained their heat. Oh well! Ron Simmons was clearly going to defeat Irwin R. Schyster. Nothing to complain about here. Carlos Vega defeating Billy Gunn was fine...I see a push for the Smoking Gunns coming once Bart makes a return. And finally, a colossal main event with the Undertaker and Hulk Hogan defeating Lex Luger and Ric Flair - Luger and Flair feuded in 1991, as did Hogan and 'Taker. That's funny. Overall, a great house shows, me thinks.

WWF Wrestling Challenge: Sunday 12th June 1994...Doink the Clown with a win was fine, nothing to comment on. When was the last angle that Doink had? I think it's time for something new. Bob Holly in a race was strange...a car crash? Oh no! I hope Sparky Plugg's okay! Perhaps a gimmick change will happen soon. Very short-lived career for Bob, thus far. Sionne with a win was fine. I'd like to know more about Sionne's personality, personally. Jeff Jarrett with a win as well was fair. Marty Jannetty and the Kamikaze Kid's interview must have been very vanilla. I can't see Shawn Michaels and Diesel losing the WWF Tag Team Championships at King of the Ring - but it'd be good for the Kid and Jannetty to get a good shine. Finally, Men on a Mission defeating the Heavenly Bodies was cool. Nothing really eventful on Challenge this week, but a good hype-vehicle week of WWF television.

Can't wait for KOTR...

One thing you seem to be hinting at, and would be interesting, is a push for Yokozuna towards the WWF Championship. I was wondering when and if he would be main-eventing in this diary, since in real time, he spent 1993/94 pretty much on top.

so here is my King of The Ring predictions

1994 King of The Ring Tournament: I'm going to start first with the 1994 King of the Ring Tournament. I say the final four is going to be Yokozuna. Scott Steiner. Chris Benoit and Randy Savage. And the finals will be Randy Savage vs Yokozuna with Yokozuna becoming King Yoko. But I wonder how is that crown and robe going to fit Yokozuna's body.
Bulldog/Crush: Man this Bulldog/Dibiase feud is really interesting, now that Dibiase has brought Crush and Diana Smith to the nest. Dibiase is certainly starting up the Million Dollar Corporation right now. But I say Bulldog's going to win this match. But I'm pretty certain that Diana is probably going to turn on Dibiase, I'm not calling it. But I think that's what's going to happen
Michaels/Diesel vs Kid/Jannetty: I think Kid and Jannetty are going to take the championships over Diesel and Shawn Michaels. And potentially start a Diesel/HBK feud with one of them turning face.
Undertaker/Luger: Well another Casket Match but this time it's for the WWF Championship. This feud has been going since Wrestlemania X after Undertaker won the title. Luger wanted a match with The Undertaker and he watched and waited for him overcome Bigelow and Dibiase to do it. Now he should put his money where his mouth is because he's not only facing The Undertaker. But he's facing the casket. I think some people are going to run and help Luger out like they did with Yokozuna in real life at the 1994 Royal Rumble. But i'm going with The Undertaker and whoever is the King of The Ring will either face Undertaker or Luger for the title.

First Match: Yokozuna vs Tatanka
Last Match: The Finals of King of The Ring or Undertaker/Luger
Any Title Changes: 1

A video promoting the King of the Ring airs. Lex Luger winning the tournament last year and winning the WWF World Championship is shown. Who will the KOTR tonight and will history continue to work in their favor? The journey to be king, begins tonight!

Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan welcome everyone to Baltimore, Maryland for the King of the Ring! Vince hypes up the show as being the first big show of the summer and they can't wait to see who the king of the WWF will be. Bobby Heenan predicts that the mighty Yokozuna will win the tournament while McMahon is going to go with Randy Savage. Heenan laughs at McMahon because Savage is a weak man because of Ric Flair and the masked man. Bobby is confident that Savage won't even make it to the ring! They also promote the WWF World Championship match between The Undertaker and Lex Luger, which is a casket match. Heenan believes that Luger will overcome any sort of fear and win the WWF World Championship because he badly needs it. McMahon disagrees believing that the Undertaker is an unstoppable force. With that, they send it to the ring to kick off the 1994 King of the Ring!

Opening Contest: Owen Hart vs. Chris Benoit in a 1994 KOTR Tournament Match: A mat wrestling start to the match until Benoit nailed Owen with a short arm clothesline and a backbreaker. Benoit delivered a series of vicious chops in the corner and hit a northern lights suplex for a two count. Owen was able to hurdle over Benoit to avoid a backdrop and dropkicks Benoit chest first into a corner. Owen followed up with a back suplex off the middle rope for a two count of his own. Owen came off the top to hit a cross body and went to the top rope again to hit a missile dropkick but Benoit got his foot on the bottom rope. Benoit blocked a spinning heel kick and connected with two snap suplexs. Benoit tried for the Crossface late in the match, but Owen was able to counter with a roll up to win the match and advance in the tournament! (Owen Hart defeated Chris Benoit, 7:14, ***) After the match, Owen leaves the ring while Benoit argues with the referee and nearly striking him before leaving the ring as well.

Backstage, Todd Pettengill is standing with Randy Savage to talk about his match later tonight. Savage says his focus as of late has been on Ric Flair and the masked man but tonight it's all about becoming the Macho King once again and Bam-Bam Bigelow is standing in his way. Savage isn't going to let the Beast tame him. Savage is coming for the WWF World Championship, OH YEAH!

Second Contest: Yokozuna vs. Tatanka in a 1994 KOTR Tournament Match: Tatanka gets the early advantage with a series of strikes but tries to scoop slam Yoko, which doesn't work at all and allows Yoko to get the advantage with a clubbing blow to the back. Yoko sends Tatanka into a corner and hits a back splash. Yoko comes off the ropes looking to hit a leg drop but Tatanka rolls out of the way. Tatanka comes off the middle rope to hit Yoko with a double axe handle. Tatanka tries to hit a back suplex but Yoko punches Tatanka to the canvas instead. Yoko delivers a scoop slam and crushes Tatanka with a leg drop. Yoko picks Tatanka up and hits a belly to belly suplex. That allows Yoko to hit the Bonzai Drop and wins the match in rather convincing fashion. (Yokozuna defeated Tatanka, 6:13, **)

Backstage, Todd Pettengill is with the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rick Martel and Tamara. Pettengill asks Martel about his upcoming match with Steiner and the apparent attraction that Tamara has towards Steiner. Rick tells Pettengill to watch his mouth and that Tamara would never be attracted to someone like Scott Steiner. Martel is a champion and Steiner is just a contender and that's all he ever will be. Tamara wants to be with a champion and that's something Steiner will never be.

Third Contest: WWF Intercontinental Champion Rick Martel vs. Scott Steiner in a 1994 KOTR Tournament Match: Tamara distracts Steiner on the apron to allow Martel to get the cheap advantage with a knee lift to the back. Martel sends Scott into the ropes and hits a clothesline before delivering a knee drop. Martel continued his offense with a snap suplex and a fist drop from the middle rope for a two count. Rick attempts a vertical suplex but Steiner is able to counter and hits the champ with a gut wrench suplex! Steiner follows up with an overhead belly to belly suplex and clotheslines Martel over the top to the floor where Tamara comforts Martel quickly. Martel goes to grab his belt as if he was going to leave but Tamara reminds him about the tournament and WWF World Championship. Martel whispers in her ear and gives her the belt. Martel rolls in and is met with right hands by Steiner. Scott goes for the Frankensteiner but Martel holds onto the ropes and Steiner crashes to the mat. Martel distracts the referee and Tamara enters with the belt looking to hit Steiner. Instead, Steiner ducks the shot and scares Tamara to the floor. Steiner avoids a clothesline from Martel and hits a double under-hook powerbomb! Steiner covers Martel and wins the match! (Scott Steiner defeated Rick Martel, 10:04, ***) After the match, Steiner grabs the WWF Intercontinental Championship and poses with it while also pointing at the KOTR stage signaling that a lot of gold could be his by the end of the night!

Backstage, Ted DiBiase is seen talking to Crush and handing him a lot of money. DiBiase and Crush shake hands with DiBiase leaving and Crush nodding his head in agreement with whatever Ted was talking to him about.

Fourth Contest: Randy Savage vs. Bam-Bam Bigelow in a 1994 KOTR Tournament Match: As Savage makes his way down to the ring, the masked man associated with Ric Flair comes running from the side of the entrance and chop blocks Randy's bad leg! The masked man picks Savage up and sends him into the ring steps before running away from officials. Bigelow is in the ring wondering what is going on but leaves the ring to roll Savage into the ring. Bigelow goes for the cover thinking he has the match won, but Savage is able to kick out. Bigelow begins to pummel Savage with blows in the corner and misses a splash in the corner. Savage fights back with a series of jabs and manages to slam Bigelow! Savage struggles to the top rope but hits a double axe handle for only a two count. Savage pulls Bam-Bam up but Bigelow stops Savage with a gut buster! Bigelow clotheslines Savage and plants Randy with a powerbomb! Bigelow goes for the cover but Savage kicks out. Bigelow goes to the top rope but Savage is able to crotch Bigelow on the top rope. Savage finds the strength to hit a superplex! Savage is holding his knee as he goes to the top rope but Ric Flair appears at the top of the aisle way, which catches Savage's attention. This allows Bigelow to slam Savage off the top rope to the canvas. Bigelow heads to the top rope and manages to hit a diving headbutt to win the match! (Bam-Bam Bigelow defeated Randy Savage, 10:46, ***) After the match, Ric Flair laughs at Savage losing to Bigelow before walking off.

A video promoting the WWF World Tag Team Championship is aired. Can the underdog team of Kamikaze Kid and Marty Jannetty walk out of Baltimore as the champions?

Outside the arena, Ric Flair and the masked man jump into a limo laughing about what they did. Flair was heard saying that their job here was done.

Fifth Contest: WWF World Tag Team Champions Shawn Michaels & Diesel vs. Marty Jannetty & The Kamikaze Kid: Jannetty and Michaels kick off the title match with Jannetty hitting a few hip tosses and dropkicks Michaels to the floor. Shawn flips out while the crowd gets behind the challengers. Michaels returns to the ring and is met with a drop toe hold. They begin to do some mat wrestling until Michaels pokes Marty in the eyes and sends Jannetty into a corner to deliver a series of right hands. Diesel gets tagged in and continues to work over Shawn with a series of elbow strikes and knee lifts in the corner. Diesel lifts Marty up and drops him face first across the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Diesel attempts a side slam but Jannetty counters a head scissors takedown. Marty rolls to his corner and tags in Kid who hits a top rope missile dropkick that knocks Diesel down to his knees. Kid follows up with a running DDT for a two count! Kid comes off the ropes but is met with a big boot by Diesel. Diesel hits a leg drop and Kid looks to be out of it. Michaels is tagged back into the match to hit a back suplex on Kid. Shawn follows up with a scoop slam and heads to the top rope but misses a big splash. Kid gets up and hits a hurricanrana before hitting a springboard moonsault for a near win! Jannetty gets a the tag and Marty hits a top rope cross body for a near fall again. Michaels tries to tag out but Marty prevents that from happening. Jannetty tries for the Rocker Dropper but Shawn blocks it and nails Jannetty with a clothesline to stop the offense. Jannetty is worked over by the champs for a few moments until Jannetty is able to hit Michaels with a neckbreaker. Late in the match, Kid gets a flurry of offense going and comes off the top rope looking for a cross body but is met with a big boot from Diesel in midair. Diesel quickly picks Kid up and hits a powerbomb to win the match. (Shawn Michaels & Diesel defeated Marty Jannetty & the Kamikaze Kid, 15:15, ***1/2)

Backstage, Randy Savage is throwing things around yelling for Flair. Savage shoves the cameraman down as we go back to the arena.

Sixth Contest: Yokozuna vs. Owen Hart in the semi-finals of the 1994 KOTR Tournament: Owen tries to use his speed early on to knock Yoko off his feet. Owen comes off the ropes looking for a cross body but is caught by Yoko who slams Owen down to the canvas putting all his weight on Owen, too. Yoko decides to issue more pain by hitting a belly to belly suplex. Yoko proceeds to drag Owen over to a corner and hits the Bonzai Drop and wins the match easily. (Yokozuna defeated Owen Hart, 2:16, *)

A video promoting Monday Night RAW debut as a two hour program is shown. Vince McMahon promotes the show as the biggest RAW in the history of the World Wrestling Federation and it will be can't miss television!

Seventh Contest: Bam-Bam Bigelow vs. Scott Steiner in the semi-finals of the 1994 KOTR Tournament: Bigelow opens the match with a splash in the corner and hits a quick snap suplex for a near fall. Bigelow isn't wasting any time working over Steiner in the corner with a series of shoulder rams and a powerslam. Bigelow comes off the middle rope looking for a senton splash but Steiner rolls out of the way. Steiner gets up and comes off the middle rope himself to hit a clothesline and gets a two count. Steiner ducks under a clothesline to take Bigelow over with a German suplex! Bigelow staggers up and is clotheslined over the top to the floor. Steiner quickly follows and tosses Bigelow back first into the guard railing and hits a belly to belly suplex on the floor! The crowd is going nuts and Steiner is fired up! They go back into the ring where Bigelow drops Steiner throat first across the top rope from the apron. Bigelow tries for a slingshot splash and hits it, but Scott is able to kick out before three! Bigelow argues with the referee for a moment before hitting a backbreaker and heads to the top rope. Bam-Bam looks for the diving head butt, but Scott gets his knees up and hits Bigelow right in the chest. Scott gets up and hits a double under hook powerbomb! Steiner covers and gets the three count! (Scott Steiner defeated Bam-Bam Bigelow, 8:27, ***)

Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan now hype up the KOTR Finals between Yokozuna and Scott Steiner happening later on in the night. Heenan is laughing because while Steiner is celebrating on the middle rope in a few minutes Yokozuna will have Steiner laid out flat in a corner and Yoko will be king, he just knows it. McMahon argues that Steiner has shown plenty of heart and believes that tonight is Steiner's night to be a singles star. Heenan proceeds to breakout in laughter as the next match begins.

Eighth Contest: The British Bulldog vs. Crush: Ted DiBiase and Diana Smith are with Crush at ringside for this match. At the start, Bulldog is yelling at DiBiase and wants him in the ring. That allows Crush to attack Bulldog from behind and get the upper hand in the corner with a series of right hands. Crush hip tosses Bulldog out of the corner and kicks Bulldog in the midsection before hitting a gut buster. Crush scoop slams Bulldog before going to the middle rope and hits a fist drop for a near fall. Crush slows Bulldog down with a bear hug, but Bulldog battles his way out of the hold. Bulldog manages to send Crush into the ropes and hits a snap powerslam for a near win of his own. Late in the bout, Bulldog goes for a running powerslam but Crush slides out and goes for the Kona Vice. However, Bulldog drops down and rolls Crush up to win the match! After the match, DiBiase and Diana run to the back to avoid Bulldog, but they are very upset with Crush losing the match. (British Bulldog defeated Crush, 7:15, **)

A video highlighting how Scott Steiner and Yokozuna got to the finals of the KOTR is shown. The winner of the match will main event SummerSlam in a WWF World Championship match.

Ninth Contest: Scott Steiner vs. Yokozuna in the finals of the 1994 KOTR Tournament: Steiner quickly goes after Yoko with a series of right hands in the corner as the fans are strongly behind Steiner to win this match. Yoko is struggling in the corner but shoves Steiner away. Steiner charges but is met with a big clothesline. Steiner pulls himself up but Yoko tosses him into a corner and chops away on him. Yoko goes to the middle of the ring and goes for a big splash but Steiner avoids it. Steiner spins Yoko around and goes for a belly to belly suplex but Yoko clubs Scott over the back to prevent that from working. Yoko scoop slams Steiner and hits a leg drop for a very close two count. Yoko tries for the Bonzai Drop already, but Steiner stops Yoko on the middle rope and manages to hit an elevated back suplex! Steiner gets to the middle rope and goes for a double axe handle but Yoko catches him and hits a belly to belly suplex! Yoko drops another leg drop and Steiner is out of it. Yoko drags Steiner to the corner and proceeds to hit the Bonzai Drop! The ref makes the count and Yoko gets the three count! (Yokozuna defeated Scott Steiner, 7:25, **1/2)

Yokozuna gets up and raises his arms knowing that he has just become the 1994 King of the Ring. Yoko leaves the ring and is greeted by a smiling Mr. Fuji who is waving the Japanese flag as they walk to the stage where Yokozuna will be crowned the King of the Ring officially. Jim Ross is at the stage and welcomes the 1994 King of the Ring winner crediting Yokozuna for an impressive streak of wins to win the tournament. Yoko sits down on the throne while Mr. Fuji and Johnny Polo stand with Ross. Polo tells Ross that he told everyone in the WWF that his man would win the tournament and that 1994 is all about him and his men. It was just a matter of time before Polo was able to collect some gold and now it is marked on his calendar that SummerSlam will be the day that they win the biggest prize of them all. Polo grabs the crown and robe and asks for the king to stand up. Yoko raises and holds his arms out to the side. Polo puts the robe on Yoko and places the crown on Yoko's head. Yoko sits back down with an evil smile on his face. Polo grabs the microphone and says “Everyone, you will now recognize Yokozuna as King Yokozuna and soon he will be the WWF World Champion!”

A video promoting the main event is aired. The Undertaker winning the Royal Rumble in January, and pinning Lex Luger at WrestleMania X are highlighted. Luger's determination to get his belt is also highlighted as is his desire for a casket match to get his belt out of desperation. Will the Undertaker put his rival for the past three months behind him or can Lex Luger regain his most prized possession?

Main Event: WWF World Champion the Undertaker vs. Lex Luger in a casket match: Luger is looking at the casket and shakes his head that he will not be going in that tonight. He will regain his championship. They lock up and Taker backs Lex into a corner to deliver a few right hands. Luger manages to block a throat thrust and punches his way out of the corner. Lex sends Taker into the ropes and tries to knock the champ off his feet with a clothesline, but it doesn't work. Luger sends the champ into the ropes and drives him down with a side slam. Luger continues his attack with right hands and a series of knee drops. Luger tries to roll Taker over to the casket, but Taker easily stops him with a throat thrust. Taker gets up and ducks a wild right hand from Luger. Taker scoop slams Lex and heads to the top rope where Taker hits a flying clothesline! Taker goes for a chokeslam but Luger is able to kick the champ low and hits a backbreaker. Luger taunts the fans and Paul Bearer saying that the championship is his. Luger rolls Taker over the casket but Taker fights him off again. Luger uses his forearm to beat Taker down again. Lex looks at Bearer and goes after him and the urn. Luger jumps to the floor and grabs Bearer where he shoves Bearer down to the floor. Luger rolls back into the ring with the urn and nails Taker over the head with it! Luger rolls Taker over towards the casket and nearly has him in it, but Taker fights off the keeps the lid from closing! Luger stomps away on Taker but Taker gets to his feet and hammers away on the challenger. Taker sends Lex into the ropes to hit a big boot and follows that up with a leaping clothesline. Taker picks Luger up and hits a chokeslam. Taker doesn't think that is enough as he signals for the end. Taker lifts Lex up for a tombstone and drives him head first into the canvas. Taker has the referees raise up the casket and Taker rolls Luger into the casket to win the match and retain the title! (The Undertaker defeated Lex Luger, 12:09, **1/2) After the match, the casket is rushed to the backstage area while the Undertaker and Paul Bearer celebrate the win in the ring with Taker posing on one knee in front of Paul Bearer. [/font]