WWFATTITUDE1998: RAW is WAR 11/23!

WWF Raw (6/8/98): Read the show when you first posted, just getting to my reply now. Mankind & Taker confrontation was cool to open things up, but I am surprised Taker chokeslammed Vince. This may be bad news for him. HA! Taker automatically being put through to the next round is hilarious. I could imagine that classic Vince segment. Owen over TAKA is predictable and expected. Don't like Kai En Tai going over in the segment after again though. Feel like they need to get their asses kicked. Austin/Pac won't go down cleanly. Shamrock out a month should be good for his character. He was getting annoying anyway. This Al Snow/Too Much stuff is pretty funny. The 'tag' match at the King of the Ring should be priceless. Hm, I see the Rock winning with Mankind interference looming. Edge debut & win! Droz suffering effects of a concussion makes for an interesting storyline. Confused by the after the match segment. D'Lo successful title defense rocks and cleanly makes it even better. Yes, Mankind blows the match for Taker. This will lead to a blowoff match at KOTR...I AM CORRECT! And Hell in a Cell nevertheless. Austin/Pac this early? Hm. Chyna causing the DQ? Meh. At least Austin stands tall at the end. Obvious win for the Mid-South. The 8 man should be good. Don't like the Dudleys in the WWF just yet. Simple win for them over the lowly Quebecers. Chain Match? This had like no build at all and this feud has definitely run its course. Luna? Meh. 'Different' segment with Henry & Kama. Wow, wasn't expecting Michaels to return at all, let alone so soon. Wonder what you actually do with him.

i dig the more detailed Shotgun results, man.

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Austin, Texas - Frank Erwin Arena

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A replay from last week aired, as Stone Cold Steve Austin did battle with X-Pac, just to be attacked from behind by Chyna. Austin took X-Pac out, and then took both of them out, the WWF Champion fighting all odds against D-Generation X. It also showed several montages from Triple H in the DX limousine, talking about how Steve Austin was a piece of trash, and how he was going to call him out. At the end of the show Hunter arrived to call Steve out, and the two brawled, X-Pac getting involved. But Shawn Michaels of all people made the save, helping his former rival against DX. The opening video package aired, and we cut to Frank Erwin Arena for WWF RAW is WAR, six days away from the King of the Ring! Jim Ross and Jerry "the King" Lawler introduced us to the show.

A Hell in a Cell was shown in the rafters of the Frank Erwn Arena as it levitated slowly downhill, the theme of the "Lord of Darkness" playing. The Undertaker slowly made his way down the rampway as the crowd erupted, excited for what could occur tonight on RAW is WAR. 'Taker got into the ring with a microphone, entering the cell chamber and beginning to talk about how he went through this Hell eight months ago, and it was the most pain he's ever been through, yes. The "Phenom", the "Deadman" in pain. Not likely. This Sunday he will enter the Hell in a Cell again, and will let Mankind know that this ring...is his yard. He will slam Mankind from top rope to canvas, he will slam his face into the cell. He will tear a hole in the wall with Mankind's carcuss and leave him a bloody corpse on the canvas. 'Taker was soon cut off by Mankind screeching, talking about how he never once deserved this and he doesn't deserve it now! Mankind talked about how he's beaten 'Taker before, two years ago at the King of the Ring. He's beaten him and buried him alive. He has done and will do so much to the "Deadman" on Sunday. Because 'Taker damaged him and made him fragile, and 'Taker will make like humpty dumpty, and have a great fall! Mankind tells 'Taker that he has an idea for tonight, and he's spoken to Vince McMahon about it; the Undertaker teaming up with Stone Cold Steve Austin to take on Triple H and Mankind...inside Hell in a Cell! The crowd erupted as 'Taker told Mankind that he would love to get his hands on Mankind early.

-- Commercial Break --

We return to RAW as Al Snow and Head were making their way to the ring, Al happily asking the fans if they were ready to get Head! Snow talked about how he's been the ass of many jokes at the hands of Too Much: a homosexual combination of youth and skill. Apparently. He talks about how they made a challenge to him last Monday where he has to find a partner for this Sunday to meet them in the ring...Al Snow welcomed us back to the New Rockers!

1) Al Snow and Marty Jannetty vs Mens Teioh and Dick Togo (w/Yamaguchi)

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The New Rockers returned in this outing with Kai En Tai, Mens Teioh and Dick Togo athletically going straight after Al Snow in the opening moments, many stiff kicks from Teioh whilst Togo wrestled Snow to the ground and kept him away from the returning Marty Jannetty; a man who has had his fair share of winning, but never once championship gold here in the World Wrestling Federation. Togo and Teioh nailed some pretty innovative double-team moves, as Marty Jannetty soon got the tag and Jannetty went straight in there with armdrags and dropkicks, seemingly like it was 1996 all over again! Jannetty nailed the Rocker Dropper on Teioh but Togo nailed a springboard senton on him, Snow rushing in with a running clothesline to send Togo out of the ring, then nailing the Snowplow on Teioh, Jannetty with a middle-rope moonsault for the win!

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Winners: Al Snow and Marty Jannetty @ 4:34 [**1/4]

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The crowd cheered as Al Snow and Marty Jannetty celebrated their win, the former New Rockers standing tall and raising Head with their hands, as Too Much stood on the rampway pretty confident still, but we'll see on Sunday!

We cut to the backstage area as the DX limousine had pulled up in the parking lot, and Triple H was with D-Generation X, Triple H visibly not as impressed as usual perhaps thanks to Shawn Michaels!

-- Commercial Break --

We return to RAW as Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler promoted what was still to come in this first hour, as the New Age Outlaws will meet the Dudley Boyz face to face, in one of two King of the Ring quarter-final matches, X-Pac will face Jeff Jarrett; Faarooq and Dustin Runnels will face the Mid-South Connection; And we will hear from Stone Cold Steve Austin and DX!

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An interesting match here, as Faarooq and Dustin Runnels made the save for the Headbangers alongside the Disciples of the Apocalypse last week on the War Zone; prompting a front against the problematic South faction. Faarooq was relentless, many stiff attacks on Bob Holly like the spinebuster, but Bart Gunn replied with more hard-hitting shots, Bob using his agility and Bart using his power. Dustin Runnels soon made the save with a hot tag, several hot shots in on the Mid-South Connection. Dustin got a loud ovation in this too, Runnels nailing a running bulldog on Bart Gunn and then setting up the Curtain Call on Bob Holly just for Cornette to attempt to throw in the tennis racket, the Disciples of the Apocalypse arriving at ringside! Skull and 8-Ball grabbed a hold of Cornette and headed up the ramp with him, Bart in persuit! Bob was given the Dominator for the win.

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Winners: Faarooq and Dustin Runnels @ 5:20 [**]

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The crowd cheered as Dustin Runnels and Faarooq celebrated, Darren Drozdov wandering around ringside, looking lost. Dustin took the microphone, talking about how tonight we will see the downfall of the South, but what is planned for Sunday night, is an eight-man tag team match at the King of the Ring! The crowd cheered as they left.

Drozdov was left lingering, but suddenly the lights flickered on and off, going off and flashing red. We returned and Drozdov had disappeared!

In the backstage area as D-Generation X stormed into the office of Mr McMahon, Triple H asking Vince why he was put in for the tag team Hell in a Cell match tonight. He tells Vince that he damn well knows that this is not going to be good for him, six days before a big WWF Championship match. And without him, there'll be no money! And without no money, the troops in Atlanta won't be able to come home and it'll all be on Vince's head! Vince tells Hunter to calm down, stating that he has an idea that might just work.

-- Commercial Break --

In the backstage area Michael Cole is standing by with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the "Texas Rattlesnake" is asked on his thoughts with the fact that the WWF Champion will compete tonight in Hell in a Cell with six days before he faces Triple H from D-Generation X with the WWF Championship on the line. Steve Austin tells Cole that D-Generation X are a group of queers that really just like to get ahead of themselves. He talks about how he's dealt with every single member of DX, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, the New Age Outlaws and even Chyna. And on Sunday night, Triple H will learn what it's like to be in the big time when he gets his teeth knocked down his throat courtesy of the "Texas Rattlesnake"! Austin mentions that he doesn't care if it's a cage match or a Hell in a Cell match, just the more reason to kick Hunter's ass!

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This was the last night of quarter-final round matches in this year's King of the Ring tournament, and what an encounter this was between two men that the WWF crowd does not appreciate in the slightest. X-Pac was accompanied by Chyna whilst the NWA North American Heavyweight Champion was by Jim Cornette, but the announcers played the fact that apparently Vince McMahon had security on watch in the event of an assault from the South faction. X-Pac was actually cheered in this one, some high-angle kicks to "Double J" as he set up for the Bronco Buster and nailed it to a loud applause, it was amazing the reaction he got here. Jeff then attacked X-Pac and worked the leg, applying the Figure-Four Leglock but Chyna grabbed Cornette at ringside in sight of Jarrett! Jarrett went to rescue him, and turned around to get the X-Factor!

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Winner: X-Pac @ 5:30 [**1/2]

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X-Pac celebrated his win as the crowd cheered, the theme of Dan "the Beast" Severn then playing! Severn made his way down to the ring to attend to Jeff Jarrett and Jim Cornette, but X-Pac and Chyna escaped through the crowd in time, thankfully as the South weren't able to get in any attacks.

We cut to the backstage area as the three Dudley Family members from ECW were making their way to the ring, and they will be confronting the New Age Outlaws next!

-- Commercial Break --

An advertisement aired, promoting the King of the Ring pay-per-view this Sunday from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

We return to RAW as the Dudley Boyz were making their way to the ring, Big Dick leading Buh Buh Ray and D-Von to the ring. Big Dick got into the ring with them as the Dudley Boyz talked about how ECW had reached Austin, Texas tonight! Buh Buh Ray tries to speak but seems to stutter, D-Von slapping him in the back of the head to get Buh Buh to talk properly, mentioning how they're hunting, hunting rabbits, and those rabbits are going to made into cat food if they get in the ring with the damn Dudleys! D-Von talks about how justice will be served, and karma will be paid out and dished to those New Age Outlaws! Everywhere they turn they see this Bad Ass Billy Gunn with a feminine hairstyle and obnoxious coloured trunks, and Road Dogg Jesse James in sweats, and they look at them as white trash! Buh Buh talks about how they're tri-state born and raised in Dudleyville, New York, and they would really love to see James and Gunn confront them tonight! The crowd cheered as the theme of the Outlaws hit, Road Dogg walking out with a microphone, talking in rhyme about how there's only three of them in the WWF because they couldn't afford to fly out the other members of the Dudley Family. Billy mentions some Dudleys names, such as 'Dances with hehs Dudley', 'Sword Dudley', 'Sign Dude Dudley', 'Diddly-Van Dudley', 'Tiny Dick Dudley' and 'Blubber Dudley'. The Dudleys asked them if they wanted to continue talking trash as Gunn and James talks about how they haven't got a problem, since they're the best damn tag team in the United States! Big Dick sets up a match for the King of the Ring for the WWF Tag Team Championships! Road Dogg yells that they'll sanction it and it will be great! The crowd cheer as the Outlaws leave, making sarcastic gestures towards the Dudleys.

-- Commercial Break --

We are here on the War Zone as shots of the Hell in a Cell above is shown, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler promoting what's still to come in the second hour of RAW is WAR, Dan Severn against Val Venis in the final quarter-final match; TAKA Michinoku taking on Mr Aguila and Shoichi Funaki in a number one contender triple threat contest; the four members of the Nation taking on Owen Hart and three members of his choosing; and in the main event, a Hell in a Cell tag team match with Stone Cold teaming with The Undertaker to take on Triple H and Mankind!

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Owen Hart played the team captain against the Nation, as the Nation have been getting more and more obnoxious as of late. Owen Hart will now be going into the semi-final round of the King of the Ring tournament to face X-Pac, whereas The Rock will also be there in the semi-finals, facing either Dan Severn and Val Venis this Sunday on pay-per-view. Owen wanted to raise some new talent tonight, and he did by introducing Jeff Hardy to Monday nights, Hardy having lost various matches on Shotgun Saturday Night in recent weeks to Gangrel and Justin Bradshaw. Meanwhile Steve Blackman wanted another opportunity at the WWF Intercontinental Champion, D-Lo Brown. Fatu returned from Japan in this outing, seriously throwing lefts and rights at the "Brahma Bull", Rock and D-Lo mastering the group as "Sexual Chocolate" and "The Godfather" aided work over the body of Hardy, Hardy having some tenacity for a rookie and getting the tag to the "Lethal Weapon". Owen wasn't given a tag at all in this, always coming in whenever another member of the Nation tried to come in illegally. Near the end, all eight men brawled in the ring as Fatu suddenly gave Blackman a super kick! Fatu left as Rock zipped into the ring and nailed the People's Elbow for the win!

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Winners: The Nation @ 7:26 [**]

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The crowd booed as The Rock celebrated his win with the WWF Intercontinental Champion, "The Godfather" and "Sexual Chocolate", the Nation standing tall as Fatu suddenly returned to the ring, nailing a big Banzai Drop on the "Black Hart"!? Fatu grinned at the Nation as they stood united.

In the backstage area we see Triple H as he is with X-Pac, the two talking about how D-Generation X will have the advantage over the World Wrestling Federation as WWF Champion and King of the Ring winner, and WWF Tag Team Champions all in the same faction. And it happens after Sunday. X-Pac then asks Hunter about his thoughts on Shawn Michaels after last week. Triple H tells us that he knows that Shawn isn't here tonight, but he's looking forward to seeing if he shows again, because he's a hasbeen. He's the "Main Event" now.

-- Commercial Break --

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The winner of this match would go to face the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion in six days at the King of the Ring pay-per-view, Yoshihiro Tajiri definitely going to have to watch out for either TAKA Michinoku or Mr Aguila. Shoichi Funaki definitely was out to protect Michinoku from the contenders, Kai En Tai still strong despite the lacking of Mens Teioh and Dick Togo tonight. Funaki tried to stay low and hang at ringside whilst Aguila and Michinoku went at it, taking the opportunity to swipe the victory whenever he got the chance or saw fit. Aguila got the better of Funaki though, nailing a crazy corkscrew dive right out onto Yamaguchi and Shoichi, Michinoku following up with the springboard plancha onto the Japanese men. Michinoku and Aguila went at it again in the ring, Aguila trying a hurricanrana but Michinoku reversed it into a Michinoku Driver, getting the three count!

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Winner: TAKA Michinoku @ 6:21 [**1/4]

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TAKA Michinoku celebrated his win before Yoshihiro Tajiri came out of nowhere, the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion with the green mist to Michinoku! TAKA then turned around to get kicked in the face, Tajiri leaving with Shoichi Funaki and Yamaguchi.

We go to the backstage area as Kevin Kelly is trying to catch a word with Edge, but Edge just reminds sat there, still and silent as though Kelly isn't there. Kelly sends us away.

Val Venis was shown in the backstage area as the "Big Valbowski" was asked about Dok Hendrix his thoughts before going into the final quarter-final match of the King of the Ring tournament against Dan "the Beast" Severn. Val talks about how Dan looks like a member of the Village People, and we all know that the Village People always got more of a...male demographic in their system. He laughs as he tells the women out there that he'll be pleasuring them gently.

-- Commercial Break --

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This was the fourth and final quarter-final match as these two bulls went at it, Val Venis making it pretty clear to Dan "the Beast" Severn that he was not here for Severn to allow to throw him around, not at all. Severn soon gained offense and tossed Venis around the ring like a ragged doll; impressive as Venis is 265lbs. Venis soon tried to go for the finish, a Money Shot that Severn got his knees up for, Severn proceeding to follow up with a cross armbreaker, working away at the shoulder and trying to dislocate it. Venis fired back and tried getting the three in a small package, Severn trying the Beast Choker but Dustin Runnels got into the ring with a kendo stick, nailing Venis getting Severn disqualified!

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Winner: Val Venis @ 4:31 by disqualification [*3/4]

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Val Venis was down as Dustin Runnels struck Dan Severn repeatedly with the kendo stick, smart logic by Runnels as Severn fled to Jim Cornette at ringside! This Sunday we will see eight man tag team match as Runnels, Faarooq and the DOA take on the South!

We go to the locker room of the Nation as The Rock was talking to Dok Hendrix about why Fatu joined the Nation. He talked about how the Nation was the frat club, the place to be and everybody wants to be in their faction. The "Great One" the Rock, the WWF Intercontinental Champion D-Lo Brown, the "Godfather" Kama Mustafa, "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry, and now Rikishi Phatu! Rock talks about how this electricity will never be seen again, and he knows how Owen Hart will want an opportunity to bust some Nation asses, but he will not, because he's just not good enough if you smell what the Rock is cooking.

We return to the arena as "Marvelous" Marc Mero's theme hit, the crowd booing as Mero and Jacqueline came out with Luna Vachon, Luna looking moderately more natural tonight. Mero talks about how he finally got his wish last week on RAW is WAR. Luna and Jacqueline did it; they got rid of Sable and humiliated her! Luna talks about how Sable doesn't want to show her ugly face out here anymore and who would blame her! Jackie talks about how they are the hottest, and they are not threatened by Sable's blonde bimbo looks any longer! Mero talks about how he doesn't expect to see Sable around for a long long time now. Mero tells everybody that this will mark a new start, and he can't wait to make a new rise to the top here in the World Wrestling Federation.

-- Commercial Break --

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What a match this was made out to be, as this was a straight up example of what to expect this Sunday live at the King of the Ring pay-per-view. The "Texas Rattlesnake" seemed to have a truce with the "Lord of Darkness", although it was clear that both men did not seem happy being teamed with each other. The Undertaker and Mankind went at it throughout, but Mankind and Triple H actually seemed to work together, Triple H letting Mankind do more work. Mankind and 'Taker soon brought their fight to ringside, both men ramming each other into the cell face-first, Mankind's mask luckily protecting it but a cut becoming clear through the leather. The WWF Champion and the leader of DX went at it in the ring, both men relentless and not planning on giving up the fight, Triple H being thrown a steel chair by Mankind and he slammed it into Austin's skull! Hunter followed with the Pedigree, pinning the WWF Champion!

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Winners: Triple H and Mankind @ 9:12 [**1/4]

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The crowd booed as Triple H stood tall, the leader of D-Generation X victorious after pinning the WWF Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin! But there won't be any weapons involved, or interference, or cell involved on Sunday when the two face for the title! The War Zone goes off the air.[/font][/center]

THE BRIT REPORT[/color][/size]
Presented by Mike Potter on Thursday 25th June 1998[/size]

-- You can see my review of this week's WWF RAW is WAR here.

-- WWF RAW beat WCW Nitro with a 4.3 rating to 4.1 rating.

-- The WWF are currently looking to employ another female model that has wrestling knowledge. We suspect that this is to even things up for Sable in this new situation against Luna Vachon and Jacqueline.

-- Mens Teioh and Dick Togo requested their releases last Tuesday morning, after several no-shows due to other commitments. We suspect we will see them in All Japan again very soon. More releases are on the way.

-- Fatu returned from All Japan to wear what may as well be speedos. Three or four years ago, this would have been suitable (he was in the shape to wear trunks). But since then he has gained about 150lbs and is around 350-400lbs. Nonetheless, his turn to join the Nation has been coming for several months. Expect him to gain a cocky personality like the other Nation members.

-- With the loud crowd reactions that heels, D-Generation X have been receiving lately, it wouldn't surprise us to see a face turn coming up in the Summer. However, with the rivalry with Shawn Michaels, it will be pretty intriguing to see who is more over. In addition, rumor has it that DX will feud the Nation this Summer.

-- The WWF has King of the Ring this weekend. The current card is:
- Steve Austin vs Triple H for the WWF Championship
- Mankind vs The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match
- King of the Ring Finals
- The Rock vs Val Venis in a King of the Ring Semi-Final match
- Owen Hart vs X-Pac in a King of the Ring Semi-Final match
- The New Age Outlaws vs The Dudley Boyz for the WWF Tag Team Championships
- Dustin Runnels, Faarooq, Skull & 8-Ball vs Jeff Jarrett, Bart Gunn, Bob Holly & Dan Severn
- Al Snow & Marty Jannetty vs Too Much
- Yoshihiro Tajiri vs TAKA Michinoku for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship

-- In results from RAW is WAR on 06/22/98:
- Al Snow & Marty Jannetty def. Mens Teioh & Dick Togo
- Dustin Runnels & Faarooq def. The Mid-South Connection
- X-Pac def. Jeff Jarrett in a KOTR Quarter-Final match
- The Nation def. Owen Hart, Jeff Hardy, Steve Blackman & Fatu
- Val Venis def. Dan Severn by DQ in a KOTR Quarter-Final match
- Triple H & Mankind def. Steve Austin & The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match

-- In results from Monday Nitro on 06/15/98:
- Disco Inferno def. Len Denton
- Yuji Nagata def. Tokyo Magnum
- Public Enemy def. Horace & Sick Boy
- Goldberg def. Rick Fuller
- Alex Wright def. Eddie Guerrero
- Konnan def. Riggs
- Steve McMichael def. Stevie Ray by count-out
- Bret Hart def. Chris Benoit
- Kevin Greene def. The Giant by DQ

-- The King of the Ring tournament line-up currently consists of:
06/28/98 King of the Ring
- The Rock vs Val Venis
- X-Pac/Jarrett vs Owen Hart
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Raw is War
Looking froward to King of the Ring, you sig stealin' son of a gun. Great promo to kick off the show. Not sure about giving Hell in a Cell away for free though, only days before Foley/Taker. Ugh, The New Rockers is a disappointment. It's a good win for them, though. A lot of tag matches tonight. The faces going over is good, but I expect The South to get the win this Sunday. No surprise to see X-Pac win. I still expect Hart to go over him, only for The Rock to beat Owen in the finals. I would have no problem with that, though. Great promo with The Dudleys and The Outlaws. Random that our feuds start at the exact same time. Expecting a good match at King of the Ring. Good main event to close out Raw. Strange to call Hardy up without Matt. Nice to see Fatu join The Nation of Domination. Good twist there. For a second I thought it was strange how their was no War Zone, but I remembered how it started to fade out around then. TAKA Michinoku winning there was a bit obvious. Hopefully you give the match enough time to be great. Glad that Val Venis is moving on in the King of the Ring. Smart way to end it to make sure Dan Severn looks strong. Great to see Fatu change his name. Hopefully this Sable/Mero stuff is done soon. Excellent main event, good to see Triple H get the pin fall. Not a bad show, expecting King of the Ring to be great.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Civic Center

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[tr][td]1)[/td][td]The Headbangers def. Phil LaFon and Doug Furnas after the Stage Dive by Thrasher on Furnas.[/td][td]4:22[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]2)[/td][td]Rikishi Phatu def. Jeff Hardy after the Phatu Driver; Phatu was accompanied by Kama Mustafa.[/td][td]2:30[/TD][/TR]
[tr][td]3)[/td][td]Edge def. Mark Henry after the Downward Spiral[/center][/td][td]4:51[/td][/tr][/TABLE]

The WWF Attitude signature aired, and we cut to a video package focused around the bad blood between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H; Austin in the game for the affection of the fans, to drink beer and disrespect authority, Triple H here for the popularity and the rebellious behavior of D-Generation X. It also shows the rivalry between The Undertaker and Mankind, tonight both men putting their careers on the line in Hell in a Cell. And of course, the King of the Ring tournament, and one man tonight will be crowned victorious. The opening King of the Ring graphic aired as we cut to the live Pittsburgh Civic Center in Pennsylvania for the 1998 King of the Ring pay-per-view! The crowd cheered as Jim Ross and Jerry "the King" Lawler introduced us to the show.

1) King of the Ring Semi-Final Match The Rock (w/Kama Mustafa) vs Val Venis

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This was a cracker of an opening contest, as the "Great One", the leader of the Nation, The Rock went toe to to and head to head with the "Big Valbowski" and the "Sexual God" himself, Val Venis in the first of two King of the Ring semi-final matches tonight. The crowd in Pittsburgh really dug their claws into the "Brahma Bull" as Rock was chanted 'Rocky sucks' at him, Kama Mustafa at ringside with a cigar in his mouth, shades and a pimp hat, interesting addition to his "Godfather" nickname. Rock and Venis mat-wrestled early on, but Val got the better of Rock and began to get in some serious offence on the former WWF Intercontinental Champion, however Rock managed to fire back with a spinebuster and a floatover DDT. Rock got overconfident as he tried to go for the People's Elbow just for Venis to move at the last second. Venis nailed the spinning inverted spinebuster slam, going up for the Money Shot but Kama knocked him off the apron! Venis landed on his feet and swung for Kama, Rock then attacking from behind, going after the face of the beautiful Val. Venis soon fired back, both men hanging on a thread as both men wanted to advance to the finals, Venis clotheslined Rock and then knocked "The Godfather" off the apron, Rock springing up in Shawn Michaels-like fashion and nailing the Rock Bottom for the three!

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Winner: The Rock @ 7:23 [**1/4]

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The crowd boo as The Rock celebrated his victory, "The Godfather" climbing into the ring to join the Nation leader in victory, as Rock will now be going to the finals of the King of the Ring tournament to face either X-Pac or Owen Hart.

We go to the parking lot as a limousine pulled up, Michael Cole standing by as he was in a hurry, talking about how we are scheduled to have Shawn Michaels in attendance tonight, the limousine opening as Vince McMahon stepped out with his associates, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco, Brisco telling Cole that they are not concerned about tonight whatsoever. Patterson tells Cole that tonight we witness Mr McMahon's way finally have power over the World Wrestling Federation once again. McMahon tells Cole that tonight he will watch Steve Austin lose the WWF Championship and be embarrassed, and will also watch in pleasure as Mankind decimates The Undertaker in Hell in a Cell. The trio head for the arena as Cole sends us away.

A replay from last Monday night on RAW is WAR aired, as Too Much had repeatedly gotten in the way of Al Snow in recent weeks, challenging Snow to a match at the King of the Ring tonight with a partner of his choosing; his partner, Marty Jannetty of the former New Rockers!

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The New Rockers came together tonight to take on the obnoxious Too Much duo of Scott Taylor and Brian Christopher, Christopher and Taylor definitely wanting to take down the old lion, Marty Jannetty and outwrestle and embarrass Al Snow once again. Al was too good though, as he managed to take down both Christopher and Taylor in the opening moments, even attempting to use Head against Too Much just for the official to threaten the demented Snow with disqualification. Marty Jannetty soon got the tag and he went in there with armdrags and dropkicks, even setting up for some sort of missile dropkick just for Taylor to dodge it. Taylor kicked away at Jannetty and kept him down, working the right foot of Jannetty and keeping him away from the fresh Al Snow. The fans started to chant 'Head' as Pittsburgh was hot for Snow to get the tag. The New Rockers soon regained composure as Snow got the tag, rushing in to a great ovation and Snow and Jannetty double-teamed Taylor with a double dropkick and a double hiptoss to Christopher, Jannetty then nailing a big dive through the ropes onto Christopher! Taylor tried to go for the tornado DDT meanwhile in the ring but Snow threw him down, nailing the Snowplow for the win!

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Winners: Al Snow and Marty Jannetty @ 6:24 [**1/4]

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The crowd cheered as Al Snow celebrated his win, Marty Jannetty returning to the ring as the New Rockers had their arms raised in victory, Snow then cracking Jannetty across the skull with Head! Snow celebrated alone, waving Head away to the sound of affection from this crowd!

We see Triple H in catering, as tonight he will have a big opportunity ahead of him when he faces Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship, an opportunity where the leader of D-Generation X could join his former colleague and idol Shawn Michaels in the club of WWF Champions. Triple H was confronted by Chyna as Chyna wishes Hunter luck tonight, then mentioning to him that Shawn Michaels is intending on being here tonight, but nobody knows his agenda. Triple H tells Chyna that it honestly doesn't concern him too much. Tonight he concretes himself in history.

We see Owen Hart in the backstage area with Kevin Kelly, the "Black Hart" asked about why the Nation attacked him last Monday night on RAW is WAR and his thoughts. Owen mentions how he seems to always be belittled by enemies here in the World Wrestling Federation, but no longer. Owen talks about how he's now got himself into a grudge towards the Nation, and he looks at the Nation as if they're a group of idiots. D-Lo Brown, such a cocky son of a bitch. Kama Mustafa, a dude that thinks he is a pimp of various women. Mark Henry, a fat freak that is sexually aroused by Caucasian women, their cool rich guy leader The Rock, and their newest freak of nature addition, Rikishi Phatu. He says that once upon a time he had respect for Fatu, when he was a Headshrinker, up until he turned his back on his last week and almost broke his rib. But if he wants to get to The Rock, he must go through a former foe, X-Pac.

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These two fought four weeks ago at Over the Edge: In Your House as both men feuded in a match that featured X-Pac not at 100%, X-Pac still recovering from his leg injury that got him fired from WCW. X-Pac targeted Owen Hart in the opening moments with some agile kicks, throwing some high-flying moves in there as well, definitely using his educated feet to his advantage, different half-crescent kicks coming in handy against the "Black Hart". But the member of D-Generation X seemed too fast for the more experienced Owen Hart, Owen attempting to re-capitalise on the leg injury of X-Pac that once plagued his career and kept him out of action until Unforgiven two months ago. X-Pac was in trouble as Chyna arrived at ringside to boos, Owen reversed a superplex into a powerbomb from the top rope, and the "Ninth Wonder of the World" suddenly became the target of Owen, his focus taken away by the distraction of Chyna. Owen chased her and tripped her up on the floor at ringside, applying the Sharpshooter but X-Pac nailed a baseball slide to the face of Owen! Owen was worked over as X-Pac applied a single-legged Boston crab, seemingly trying to fight fire with fire and equal things up, working on the right knee of the "Black Hart". The fans chanted Owen's name as he finally fought back, nailing a big tilt-a-whirl backbreaker on X-Pac! Owen went to apply the Sharpshooter but X-Pac quickly flicked him off, X-Pac with the high-angle roundhouse kick, preparing for the X-Factor, and Owen was in trouble, Owen somehow turning the X-Factor into a northern lights suplex, getting a two count! Chyna tried to grab Owen's foot as he bounced off the ropes, Owen nudging himself off as X-Pac tried a running dropkick but Owen caught him in the Sharpshooter, X-Pac tapping out!

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Winner: Owen Hart @ 9:41 [**3/4]

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The crowd cheered as Owen Hart celebrated his win, Chyna trying to get into the ring but the "Black Hart" applied the Sharpshooter on the "Ninth Wonder of the World"! The crowd cheered as Owen soon let go, Owen quite satisfied with his win but he will have to overcome some odds when he faces The Rock in the Finals of the King of the Ring tournament later on tonight, by the likes of the entire Nation!

We see the Disciples of the Apocalypse in the backstage area, 8-Ball and Skull trying to talk some sense into the concussed Darren Drozdov, Skull and 8-Ball telling Drozdov to stay in the locker room for the eight-man tag team match because they can't afford his condition becoming any worse. They left as Drozdov remained sat down, the Jackyl suddenly appearing! He told Drozdov that he has everything that Drozdov could ever ask for. And all he has to do is hand over his ambitions to him. The Jackyl will fulfil everything Drozdov ever wanted. Drozdov shrugs Jackyl off but Jackyl slaps him! He yells to Drozdov that he has not yet given up and they will not yet!

We are in the interview section with Dok Hendrix as he is standing by with the five members of the South, Jim Cornette stood beside the four men competing in what should be a big brawl tonight. Cornette mentions how Dustin Runnels has become hypocritical, because he once craved the glory that they did, as well as the amazing in-ring expertise. Dan Severn talks about how he came to the WWF for the glory and domination. And "The Beast" to this point is unimpressed! The Mid-South Connection talk about how they were used terribly in 1997 whilst their former partners did greatly (Bob Holly with 1-2-3 Kid/Syxx who went to be a big star in WCW; Bart Gunn with Billy Gunn, the current WWF Tag Team Champion. Jeff Jarrett talks about how much fun he's had with the WWF jabronis, and how he is still the greatest wrestler around, and he will wrestle circles around the South's opposition tonight!

We return to the ring as the crowd boo, the New Age Outlaws heading to the ring as Road Dogg Jesse James rants about how they are facing some hillbilly New Yorkers tonight due to budget cuts by the World Wrestling Federation. Bad Ass Billy Gunn talks about how it's strange how Extremely Crappy Wrestling continues to throw these half-assed teams at them because the New Age Outlaws will always come out on top. They were then interrupted by the theme of the Dudley Boyz, and 'ECW' chants rained through the Pittsburgh Civic Center!

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This was expected to be a bar room brawl proverbially as the Dudley Boyz darted to the ring accompanied by Big Dick Dudley, D-Von and Buh Buh Ray trading heavy shots with the New Age Outlaws, and this title match was interpromotional between the World Wrestling Federation and Extreme Championship Wrestling, the first time since the Outlaws fought Rob Van Dam and Sabu two months ago at Unforgiven: In Your House. Billy Gunn and Jesse James soon went after the smaller D-Von Dudley, pounding at the upper leg of D-Von and tugging at it. D-Von was applied in an STF by Bad Ass as Road Dogg continued yelling abuse at the Dudley Boyz even from the ring apron. Gunn and James double teamed D-Von, but neither seemed to plan to end it with a spike piledriver. Buh Buh got more and more antagonized, and this match had to be hard on the Dudley Boyz, the Dudleys more used to hardcore environments as opposed to standard WWF tag team ruling. D-Von soon reversed a pumphandle slam attempt and nailed a reverse lifting DDT out of desperation, D-Von then making the hot tag to Buh Buh and he ran in taking down both Outlaws quite easily, Buh Buh potentially setting up for the finish as he nailed a full nelson powerbomb on James, the two Dudley Boyz anticipating the Dudley Death Drop just for Gunn to slide out of the ring! The crowd did not like this one bit as the Outlaws just up and left with the WWF Tag Team Championships with them, getting themselves counted out.

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Winners: The Dudley Boyz by count-out; STILL WWF Tag Team Champions the New Age Outlaws @ 8:12 [**]

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The New Age Outlaws simply headed for the locker room as the crowd were not buying this whatsoever. The Dudley Boyz looked annoyed in the ring, as Big Dick Dudley took the microphone and said that these WWF Tag Team Champions that call themselves the 'best damn tag team in the United States today' are p*ssies and the Dudleys demand a rematch before they leave for ECW again! Commissioner Slaughter came out to the aisleway as he told the trio that he was really ticked off by the Outlaws' behavior. And thus, tomorrow night on RAW we will see the Outlaws defend against the Dudley Boyz in a match where there can be no disqualification and no count-outs! The crowd cheered as the Dudleys seemed happier.

An advertisement aired promoting the television debut of WWF Sunday Night HeAT, which will debut next Sunday night on the USA Network at a start time of 6PM Eastern!

We see Mr McMahon in the backstage area, McMahon greeting Commissioner Slaughter hostilely demanding to know why he made that decision for these ECW rejects to take on the New Age Outlaws again, especially in a no disqualification, no count-out match tomorrow on RAW is WAR! Vince asked Slaughter if he was out to try and cripple his drawing WWF Tag Team Champions or not. Slaughter told Vince it was to spite him for all of his stupid decisions lately. He hopes Triple H loses to Stone Cold Steve Austin, and he hopes Vince pays for putting Undertaker and Mankind's lives on the line in a Hell in a Cell match in the name of entertainment. Vince looked angry as Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco arrive to help.

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This was bound to be an interesting match as Kai En Tai were quietly banned from ringside for this match, Yoshihiro Tajiri having been WWF Light Heavyweight Champion for just over a month following defeating Scorpio; who coincidentally was the superstar that took the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship from the athletic TAKA Michinoku. Both Japanese talents put on an extraordinary performance filled with acrobatic moves, Tajiri with the stiff kicks as TAKA matched this with several high-flying moves and hurricanranas. Yamaguchi was at ringside but did little to get involved, watching proudly as Tajiri seemed to manipulate Michinoku. Michinoku was soon worked over, Tajiri having managed to get him down and kept him down, stomping away and jut not letting Michinoku get back up for any more agile offence to take place. But TAKA soon fired back and the challenger almost took the title in three different situations, all within a minute as TAKA tried a small package, a backslide as well as a sunset flip, but Yoshihiro kicked him strongly in the face with a dropkick. Tajiri soon motioned for the Buzzsaw Kick, but TAKA ducked, getting Tajiri on his shoulders seemingly for the Michinoku Driver, but Tajiri managed to turn it into a crucifix roll-up, Tajiri slyly getting the pinfall victory!

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Winner and STILL WWF Light Heavyweight Champion: Yoshihiro Tajiri @ 7:09 [***]

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Yoshihiro Tajiri celebrated his win as the crowd booed, Yamaguchi standing with Tajiri and the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, TAKA Michinoku remaining down. A solid defense made, but another victory by the ever-dominant Kai En Tai force.

Kevin Kelly had Faarooq, the Disciples of the Apocalypse and Dustin Runnels with him in the backstage interview section, Kelly catching a word with the four men moments before their big eight-man tag team match with the South, and the DOA talked about how they come around here like they are the greatest thing in the world, just because they're NWA guys! Darren Drozdov is concussed because of those sons of bitches, and Jim Cornette is uncaring! Tradition is obviously a lie in the South! Faarooq talked about how he's used to fighting factions, and fighting in factions. He knows that betrayals have been taking place recently, and he hopes he can trust his side. But this is his time to stand alone. But tonight he will alongside these gladiators. Dustin Runnels mentioned how he once had a dumb gimmick where he wore gold and acted like a homosexual. Times have changed, and he will regain his dignity by taking out this force of not only superstars, but wrestlers!

Another limousine appeared outside the arena to the intrigue of Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, but it did not open, J.R. and King anticipating the arrival of Shawn Michaels to the King of the Ring!

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This was not expected to be too much of a technical masterpiece, although with how the South are at mat-wrestling and groundwork, you'd think they'd wear their hard-hitting strongman opponents down pretty quickly. This was not the case however as Skull and 8-Ball took out Bob Holly in the opening moments with many double moves, Bart Gunn managing to save his partner from a double powerbomb, the Mid-South Connection then being struck down by the Disciples of the Apocalypse! Faarooq got the tag, and he went in and started roughhousing Gunn before Jim Cornette tried to get involved, Faarooq planning to drag him into the ring but Gunn low blowed Faarooq when the official was with Cornette! Jeff Jarrett got the tag and he came in with some cocky kicks, going after the spine of Faarooq and he tagged in Dan "the Beast" Severn, the former mixed martial-artist just throwing on a cross-armbreaker in no time as Faarooq suffered! Faarooq refused to submit however, the fans cheering for Dustin Runnels to make the tag and meet his fellow NWA alumni just for Faarooq to be dragged back in, and "Double J" soon applied the Figure-Four Leglock just for Faarooq to somehow flip it over! Faarooq tagged in Dustin as he went in there and starting taking down Jarrett, Dustin kicking Cornette with a low blow as he was on the apron! The DOA took out Severn with a double suplex as Faarooq settled it with the Mid-South Connection, the spinebuster on Bart connecting! Dustin nailed the Curtain Call on the NWA North American Heavyweight Champion and that was it!

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Winners: Dustin Runnels, Faarooq, Skull and 8-Ball @ 9:43 [**1/4]

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The crowd cheered Dustin Runnels on as he celebrated his win, Dan "the Beast" Severn then interrupting the victory celebration by nailing a big T-bone suplex on Dustin! Faarooq charged in with the spinebuster as the Mid-South Connection then dove on him, but the Disciples of the Apocalypse cleared house, the South levying back up the aisleway!

A graphic appeared, showing a mask. 'He's coming up from Mexico; the first RAW in July! [teaser.]


We return to the ring as the WWF Intercontinental Champion was half way to the ring, D-Lo Brown climbing into the ring and taking a microphone, not dressed to compete tonight. D-Lo talked about how he feels like WWF management underestimated him and didn't expect him to beat Ken Shamrock three weeks ago! He mentions how he's had one title defense since his title win and he's been left off of the pay-per-view? Brown tells us that he's a member of the most badass faction in the World Wrestling Federation, the Nation and he's neglected from the King of the Ring tournament! He tells us that he wants challenge out of the WWF. At that exact moment, the theme of the "World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock hit and the former champion rushed out to a loud ovation, Shamrock running to the ring without a cast on his hand! Shamrock ran into the ring and clubbed at him with various right hands showing off his healed fist, Brown kicking Shamrock in the gut and fleeing! Shamrock stood tall, and it seemed as though he wanted a rematch!

A updated bracket aired, reviewing the routes that both The Rock and Owen Hart came to get to the King of the Ring finals tonight. The Rock defeated Al Snow, The Undertaker and Val Venis to get here, and that is an extremely hard mission to accomplish; whereas Owen Hart got through D-Lo Brown, TAKA Michinoku and X-Pac to get here, also a series of hard-hitting matches. But tonight the two fight in a match where no interference is permitted!

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This was it, the conclusion of the annual sixteen-man tournament, and this was a great battle between two outstanding athletes, one poised with family pride and greatness in what we call an outstanding ring style, the other poised by overconfidence, charisma and overall jerkishness, and the two mixed it up; The Rock having to go into this match without any involvement from the Nation (as earlier tonight perhaps proved that Kama Mustafa was the only reason he made it here to the finals). Owen was still worn out from the battle with X-Pac earlier tonight though, and Rock took advantage, going right to work on the leg of the "Black Hart", confident and stomping away at it. Owen soon fired back, nailing an enziguri out of nowhere, and Owen starting getting back some shots, the "Black Hart" with a spinebuster and going for the Sharpshooter just for Rock to flick him off. Rock nailed a Russian legsweep before nipping back up, the "Brahma Bull" teasing a People's Elbow. Rock seemed too spiteful, instead applying the Sharpshooter himself to a loud ovation of boos through the Pittbsburgh Civic Center. Owen was in pain but refused to give up as he managed to reverse it, applying a Sharpshooter of his own! Rock was stuck in the centre of the ring, nowhere to go and the "Black Hart" was nearing a second King of the Ring tournament victory, unfortunately Rock somehow slowly made it to the ropes, two minutes after it was applied! Rock remained down as Owen continued, nailing a big German suplex and going for the Sharpshooter a second time, Rock slinging Owen into the ropes. Owen sprung onto the apron and went up top with a fast missile dropkick, Rock catching him with a flying clothesline! Rock set up for the Rock Bottom but Owen sprung through with a crucifix of some form, then turning it into a floatover DDT! Owen and Rock remained down, both of these two really wanting this win to become the 1998 King of the Ring winner! Rock and Owen got up at similar times, Rock and Owen trading punches but Owen blocked one of Rock's and clipped him with a dropkick! Owen nailed the tombstone piledriver and hooked the leg, Rock slyly getting the rope break! Owen argued with the referee before Rock slowly returned to his feet, trying the Rock Bottom but Owen kneed him in the gut, Owen trying another tombstone piledriver but Rock landed on his feet and nailed a quick Rock Bottom, scoring a big win!

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Winner and 1998 King of the Ring Winner: The Rock @ 14:27 [***1/4]

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The Rock remained down as the crowd booed, but several still applauded the tenacity of the "Black Hart" Owen! Owen Hart was down and the "Brahma Bull" slowly got to his feet, his arm raised victorious. "The Godfather" Kama Mustafa and "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry came down to the ring as they raised their leader of the Nation high, Rock with his fist raised in the air and this was definitely going to be the year of the Nation it seemed!

We quickly return to the parking lot as the Chairman, Mr McMahon was with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco, McMahon telling his associates that he knew Shawn Michaels was in the limousine that arrived earlier, McMahon opening the door and finding nothing! McMahon looked stunned as he wondered why people were running rapid about the "Heartbreak Kid" being here, but nothing can get in the way of Triple H winning the WWF Championship tonight!

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This was bound to be an adventurous match in Vince McMahon's third pay-per-view attempt at taking the WWF Championship away from the "Texas Rattlesnake". Triple H's opportunity was in the air as the leader of D-Generation X seriously was destined to take the WWF Chmapionship from Stone Cold tonight, amongst the rumours of Shawn Michaels apparently being in the arena somewhere. Steve Austin got in several heavy shots as Triple H kept trying to get away from the World Wrestling Federation Champion as the match began, hiding at ringside but Austin wouldn't have any of it, Triple H soon slamming Austin's head unexpectedly into the ring post. Hunter scoop slammed Austin on the ringside floor, his braced knee hitting the corner of the ring steps, and Triple H soon stomped away at the head of Austin, dropping axe handles and nearing in on victory. Triple H returned Stone Cold to the ring as the WWF European Champion really wanted to go two for two title belts, applying the Indian deathlock on the "Texas Rattlesnake". Hunter refused to let go as Austin even finally reached the ropes, Stone Cold wriving in pain over Hunter's severe working over his knee. Austin got in a desperation flapjack and began to regain offence, Steve Austin keeping off of his bad leg; the "Texas Rattlesnake" hitting a big spinebuster and Austin covered for a near fall. Hunter was not about to lose the title opportunity like this. Chyna remained at ringside, trying to give Austin a forearm shot but Austin grabbed her by the hair! Hunter jumped Austin from behind, a neckbreaker connecting. Triple H's target was the knee again as he stomped away at it, then attempting the figure-four leglock just for Austin to reverse instantly, Austin avoiding using his bad wheel and kicking Hunter for the Stunner, Triple H sending him into the official! Triple H went for the Pedigree but flipped him over, Austin luring for the Stunner on the downed Hunter but Chyna chop blocked him! Triple H nailed the DDT before setting up the Pedigree but Austin nailed Hunter with the Stunner! Triple H went down but the New Age Outlaws hit the ring, X-Pac too! The Outlaws tried the Spike Piledriver on the WWF Champion, this having to be thanks to the Chairman, Mr McMahon! Suddenly the Dudley Boyz then hit the ring again with Vader! Vader had made his return with D-Von and Buh Buh Ray as they cleared house of the Outlaws and X-Pac, Triple H preparing the Pedigree but a camera man struck Hunter with Sweet Chin Music!? The camera man was revealed as Shawn Michaels, as he left the ring, Austin slowly getting up and nailing the Stunner on Hunter for the three!

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Winner and STILL WWF Champion: Stone Cold Steve Austin @ 13:45 [**3/4]

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The crowd cheered as Stone Cold Steve Austin's theme hit, the "Texas Rattlesnake" slowly getting back to his feet as Shawn Michaels helped him up, the "Heartbreak Kid" raising the hand of his one-time rival, Steve Austin looking eye-to-eye with Shawn before HBK left, but Steve Austin had overcame D-Generation X alongside the Dudley Boyz and the returning Vader!

A video package aired, promoting the rivalry between Mankind and The Undertaker, dating back to their original encounter over two years ago, and how Mankind manipulated 'Taker and brought Paul Bearer to turn on his own step-son. Two years later, the Undertaker cost Cactus Jack a WWF Championship opportunity, and the two feuded into a hellacious Hardcore match last month at Over the Edge: In Your House, but up next, we will see some serious hell when Undertaker meets Mankind in Hell in a Cell!

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The battle of our lives, and what a dramatic start to this one, as Mankind immediately decided to go to the top of the Cell, right where the source of pain and a matter of life and death occurs, seemingly taunting the "Lord of Darkness" to step up and join him in a duel on the roof, twenty-five feet in the air. The Undertaker took him up on that, and a big fist fight occurred above many's heads, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler standing in shock in the event of a falling. The "Deadman" was given a kick to the gut, and Mankind almost tossed him off of the roof but 'Taker grabbed onto the side of the Cell and Mankind tried to stamp on his fingertips, the "Deadman" managing to lower himself quickly, and Mankind quickly came down the cell after him, diving from at least eight feet in the arm with a crossbody onto 'Taker at ringside! The crowd chanted 'holy sh*t' despite the bell not officially having rung in this chaotic main event. The match continued as both men entered the cell, 'Taker regaining offence and quickly laying Mankind out with a big boot, ripping the mask from Mankind's face, and this match had started getting physical, the "Lord of Darkness" attempting to make Mankind bleed, tossing him to ringside and repeatedly ramming his head into the mesh structure, then grinding his face against it. Mankind soon fought back though, Mankind retaliating with a brutal drop toe hold right onto the steel step surface! Mankind soon attempting to unlock the steel cell door to no avail, shoving it back and forth. Mankind figured he had to go a different way about it, but was met with 'Taker with the steps right into the face of Mankind bouncing off of his now bloody skull! 'Taker slammed Mankind into the padlock several times as he then slingshot him into the cell wall, the match resuming as the "Phenom" found himself being hammered in return, Mankind bringing the fight back to 'Taker and giving him a sidewalk slam onto the bottom set of the steel steps! The fans were loving this encounter as Mankind showed no remorse for the "Deadman", the crowd loving both men for this courageous effort. Mankind whipped 'Taker into the cell but 'Taker reversed it, and Mankind went back first into the unforgiving mesh, the cash sort of dinting a bit! Taker picked up the stairs and went to throw them at Mankind but he dove out of the way, the steps slamming into the dinted cage section, a tiny rip appearing! The Undertaker sent Mankind into the cell in a fireman's carry position, head first as the rip became greater. The padded gloves helped 'Taker as he kept trying to weaken the space, 'Taker soon becoming relentless and giving the official a big right hand! Just like Shawn Michaels in the original Hell in a Cell match, 'Taker gave Mike Chioda a Chokeslam as he motioned that this would soon become the end of Mankind! The Undertaker went after Mankind but he had a black bag in his hands and he slammed it into the head of the "Deadman"! Mankind pulled it out to reveal a brick inside, as he then threw it down at 'Taker, revealing many thumbtacks! He laid them around the ring as Mankind went for the piledriver onto them but 'Taker dropped to his knees, in pain as he had just landed on several of them. The "Phenom" grabbed Mankind by the throat and gave him a thunderous Chokeslam onto them all as Mankind rived in pain on the canvas! 'Taker then grabbed Mankind by his necktie and pulled him towards the open door, officials coming in to aid to Mike Chioda. 'Taker fought through the crowd of officials as him and Mankind got outside, Mankind becoming Mick Foley again as Foley axe handled 'Taker in the head and grabbed a 'KEEP OFF' sign that was on the aisleway, slamming it over 'Taker head. Mankind climbed a foot off the cell (if that) and dove off right onto 'Taker with the sign over his face and chest! Mankind then climbed the cell again, yelling for 'Taker to join him! Mankind took off the neck tie and removed his shirt to reveal a WWF Attitude shirt below, and Undertaker rose, sitting up and beginning to climb the structure, Mankind waiting for him to become securely on top of the cell, when they both went at it again! The "Deadman" won the fight though, giving Mankind the Tombstone Piledriver on top of the cell! 'Taker covered but Chioda had been taken away, Earl Hebner had replaced him and falls could only be counted in the ring! The Undertaker went for another but Mankind took a page out of Cactus Jack's book, Double Arm DDT onto the top of the cell! Mankind noticed that the cell was becoming a bit loose, but he picked 'Taker up and went to throw him just for 'Taker to reverse it and throw him off, Mankind falling twenty-five feet to the floor through the Spanish announce table! The fans chanted 'holy sh*t as 'Taker remained on top, many EMTs rushing out with a stretcher, checking if Mankind was still breathing, and he was placed on a stretcher and carted away to boos, the Undertaker grinning but shaking his head in dissatisfaction. Mankind sat up and shoved down an EMT as he wanted to go back to the ring! The two went at it at ringside, Mankind with a big DDT on the concrete! Both men bloody and broken remained down for moments as Mankind started going up again, the crowd anticipating what was next! 'Taker slowly followed, and the match resumed as Mankind applied the Mandible Claw. After twenty minutes, both men fatigued by the action in this match, 'Taker with a choke grip applied, but Mankind's Mandible Claw was broken, the "Lord of Darkness" with a massive Chokeslam through the cell roof and down to the canvas fifteen feet below! The crowd chanted 'holy sh*t' again as the "Lord of Darkness came down through the ceiling, covering for the final and slow three count.

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Winner: The Undertaker @ 23:42 [****1/4]

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The crowd cheered as the the Undertaker stood over the broken carcass of the demented Mankind, Mick Foley potentially physically effected by this match forever after tonight, in such an amazing encounter between two of the greatest WWF superstars. The lights dimmed as the "Deadman" celebrated, soon heading to the back as the Cell heightened, paramedics coming out with the stretcher again, and the EMTs put Mankind on it as the fans gave him a massive ovation. Mankind's unconscious body was carted away but he found one last way to diss the fans and go out in style, giving them all the middle finger as he left, and the King of the Ring pay-per-view went off the air. [/center][/font]

Spotlight Diary July 2011 - Chosen by WF Simmers via the Ladder to the Spotlight thread.

WWF King of the Ring
The Rock picking up the win over Val Venis in the opener. Not a bad choice to open the show with. Ugh, I still hate that Marty Jannetty is in the match. It just doesn't seem right. At least Al Snow got the pinfall. If Marty had gotten the pinfall, it would've just been horrible. Hopefully Too Much stays relevant. I remember Owen Hart and X-Pac having a pretty good match at King of the Ring, so this should be a lot better without all of the interference from The Nation and Vader. I fully expected Owen Hart to go over. I still think Rock will beat Hart in the finals. This tournament has been pretty predictable besides the Taker/Kane match. The Droz/Jackyl thing actually makes me a little interested in Droz, who use to make me want to "puke." The Outlaws walking out on the match is completely believable. I think that The Outlaws will still retain, though. So happy to see you give the Light Heavyweight Division some Pay Per View time. I'm trying as much as I can to make the division more credible, it's just hard with the best Lightweights being in WCW at the time. No surprise to see Tajiri walk out with the belt. Dustin Runnels, Faarooq, Skull and 8-Ball winning in what would be an entertaining match is okay. Even though I would have preferred to see The South go over. Why does that mask seem so familiar to me. Like I predicted The Rock wins King of the Ring. Can't complain thought, it's a pretty damn good choice. Loved the crazy WWF Championship match. I hope you use Vader right, I have even bigger plans for him once he's ready to return. Stone retaining is the right move and I loved the Austin/HBK stare down. I knew you were going with the crazy spots in the cell match, I would have done the same, to be honest. Ha, loved Foley giving the finger as he was carried off. Great show Dan, very enjoyable besides one or two things I didn't like. Now, where's my cookie?

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Cleveland, Ohio - Gund Arena

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A replay from the King of the Ring pay-per-view aired from last night, as it showed the historical and deadly violent rivalry between the Undertaker and Mankind reach a conclusion last night inside the confounds of Hell in a Cell. Mankind sacrificed himself, taking not one, but two twenty feet drops either off the cell through an announce table or through the cell to the canvas below. Undertaker won the battle, but Mankind was the man valiant enough to keep getting up and fighting. The opening video package for RAW aired, as the Gund Arena roared for the fallout of the King of the Ring! Jim Ross and Jerry the "King" Lawler introduce us to the show, reminding us of what happened last night.

The crowd roared as the theme of the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels hit, the former multi-time WWF Champion making his way out to the arena, and the original founder of D-Generation X started to prance down the rampway, this capacity crowd quite pleased with his costing Triple H of the WWF Championship last night. Shawn got into the ring and set off his pyrotechnics, Shawn receiving 'HBK' chants for a while before Shawn finally spoke up about how he is glad to be back. And he lost his smile once, he turned his back on everybody once. But he's come back and back again. And he realises that when he was in a hospital bed suffering from what could have been a career-ending spinal injury, his supposed best friends, Triple H and Chyna were disrespecting him! Shawn mentions how Hunter wants to claim himself as the new "Main Event", the new "Showstopper". Then so be it, but if he wants to make things personal, he'd be happy to take Triple H on in the ring! The crowd cheered as Triple H came out on crutches, the theme of D-Generation X playing, and he came out with Chyna talking about how he reinjured his leg last night thanks to Stone Cold Steve Austin, and so he cannot compete, but once he's healed, he will be back to beat Shawn's off, but more importantly, win the WWF Championship! He isn't going to take shortcuts and lose his smile! Shawn got ticked off before X-Pac appeared in the ring behind HBK, a big kick to the bad back, and X-Pac nailed the X-Factor on Shawn! X-Pac joined Hunter and Chyna on the rampway as DX had left their founder!

An advertisement aired, promoting the encore presentation of the King of the Ring pay-per-view, live on PPV tomorrow from 7/8 Eastern!

-- Commercial Break --

We return to RAW as the "Big Valbowski" Val Venis started to make his way to the ring, Venis introducing himself to the ladies in attendance. Venis talked about how Venis was on fire last night, but he was also doing pretty good in the King of the Ring tournament! He calls out the so-called "Godfather" Kama Mustafa, the man that cost him the semi-final match with The Rock, telling him that he can't wait to set him straight.

1) Val Venis vs Kama Mustafa (w/Mark Henry)

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This match was going to be ugly as the "Big Valbowski" shot right into the "Godfather" with lefts and rights, trying to keep the new-found professional pimp off of his feet. But Kama kept getting in several kicks, Val still managing to wrestle Mustafa to the canvas, keeping him down and locked in headlocks before Val started to pummel into Kama. "Sexual Chocolate" was at ringside as Mark Henry kept trying to get involved just for Venis to swing for him. Mark allowed Kama to get in offence as Kama kicked Venis in the spine and nailed a big T-bone suplex, Mustafa seemingly preparing for the Pimp Drop, but Val turned it into a small package, the "Big Valbowski" almost getting the three just for Kama to kick out! Venis continued to be worked over as the "Godfather" applied an abdominal stretch with Val trying to reverse it, Kama soon using the ropes as well as Mark's arm for extra leverage, Val breaking out and hitting a spinning back suplex on Mustafa, then rolling into a clutched rollup, scoring three!

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Winner: Val Venis @ 4:23 [**]

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The crowd cheered as Val Venis celebrated his win, but it went short-lived as Mark Henry dove into the ring, the "Big Valbowski" engaging in a fist fight with "Sexual Chocolate! Kama Mustafa jumped Val but Venis managed to low blow the "Godfaher", Venis with a clothesline to Henry, Venis then getting into a brawl with Rikishi Phatu! Phatu delivering a massive Phat Driver on Venis. The crowd booed as Rikishi attended to his teammates.

Mr McMahon was shown on his way into the arena as Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco confronted him, unhappy looks on their faces. Vince asks them what is wrong as Patterson tells McMahon that D-Generation X were tearing the locker room up earlier, they want a word with him. Vince frowned, as he tells them that he will handle this.

-- Commercial Break --

We return to RAW as Triple H was talking to the New Age Outlaws about how they need to retain the WWF Tag Team Championships tonight, because D-Generation X will still dominate the WWF front by holding title belts. They have the Tag and European Championships, and soon after his leg has healed, the WWF Championship. A knock on the door was heard as Triple H seemed unhappy as Vince McMahon came through the door, telling Hunter he understands his unsatisfaction. Triple H tells Vince that last night was humiliating. All because of those damn ECW invaders, that aren't even under contract! And now tonight the Tag titles are at stake!? Vince tells him that he is sorry for this, but the latter was Commissioner Slaughter's call. Triple H tells Vince that he needs to make it up to him, and he needs to ban Shawn Michaels from WWF shows, because either he goes, or DX go. Vince gulps, then telling Hunter that he hates to tell him but, since he's injured he cannot hold the WWF European Championship, and that is why tonight he will have to vacate the title and a match will be made to determine a new champion. Hunter kicks a chair down, then throwing the title at Vince. He tells Vince to put X-Pac in that match. He doesn't care who the opponent is. D-Generation X will hold the title one way or another.

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The "Marvelous" one had to have picked a short straw as this was Vader's return to RAW is WAR since the episode following WrestleMania XIV, and his new concern was seemingly D-Generation X after getting involved with running the New Age Outlaws from the ring during Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin's match last night at the King of the Ring event. Vader got in many hard-hitting blows as Mero tried some snap jabs, throwing punches back but Vader's bear-like clouts were definitely the winning strikes. Luna and Jacqueline watched at ringside looking beautiful tonight as they laughed when Mero managed to get in a sleeper on Vader, getting the big man to his knees. But Vader fired back, hitting a big Samoan drop for the reversal. Vader splashed Mero in the corner before delivering a big pumphandle slam, Vader going up and nailing the Vader Bomb for the win!

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Winner: Vader @ 4:14 [**1/4]

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The crowd cheered as Vader celebrated his win, Vader back on RAW is WAR quite satisfied with his victory. Jacqueline and Luna Vachon got into the ring and attended to "Marvelous" Marc Mero when suddenly the theme of Sable hit and she started storming to the ring to a loud ovation, Vader leaving whilst Sable tackled Jacqueline down, Luna grabbing Sable by the hair but Sable shoved her through the ropes. Sable delivered a scoop slam on Jacqueline as Sable then delivered a big Sable Bomb on Jacqueline! Luna and Jackie evacuated the ring, Mero still down in the ring. Sable stood tall, asking who the embarrassment was now!

We suddenly hit the Gorilla position as X-Pac was shown with Chyna, the "Ninth Wonder of the World" with a leadpipe, X-Pac with a steel chair and both of the members of D-Generation X were clubbing away at the downed Vader! DX had assaulted Vader as X-Pac and Chyna then fled the scene when security arrived, but Vader was choking from that beatdown on the floor.

-- Commercial Break --

We go to Kevin Kelly with Ken Shamrock, the "World's Most Dangerous Man" being asked about how his hand is now, and what his agenda is being back in the World Wrestling Federation after a month of recovering. Shamrock talked about how he's definitely feeling a lot more confident, and he is still yet to cash in his rematch against D-Lo Brown, but he's not going to reveal any plans just yet. But he has got some unfinished business with a Mr Bradshaw. He talks about how Justin Bradshaw broke his hand, and on Sunday Night HeAT he will get payback.

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This was probably not a good idea to put Darren Drozdov in the ring in his mental state, as Drozdov was on the receiving end of an attack from the South several weeks ago, having some form of head concussion-related problem ever since. Drozdov was sluggish as he stumbled to stay upright, but he just simply couldn't fight against Dan "the Beast" Severn. Drozdov managed to slam Severn several times but Severn started tackling Drozdov to the canvas, then applying a serious submission hold. The Mid-South Connection were just out here for more moral support, and Dan Severn quickly managed to nail four T-bone suplexes, then preparing for the Beast Choker just for Drozdov to mount a comeback. The DOA and the Mid-South Connection soon got involved as Severn's Beast Choker was not seen by the distracted official, Gangrel climbing into the ring and nailing a big Impaler DDT on Severn! Gangrel put the arm back over Drozdov and he got a two count. Gangrel had disappeared through the crowd as Drozdov found himself in a cross-armbreaker, Darren tapping.

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Winner: Dan Severn @ 3:47 [**]

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Dan Severn celebrated his win to loud boos, the "Beast" representing the South in having destroyed the Disciples of the Apocalypse and Darren Drozdov tonight. Dan was sided by Jim Cornette, Bob Holly and Bart Gunn as the South stood in the ring, having made some noise tonight. Gangrel and The Jackyl stood in the far back sections in one of the areas in the Gund Arena. They seemed to be interested in Drozdov once again!

An advertisement aired, promoting the television premiere of WWF Sunday Night HeAT, airing this Sunday night from 6PM on the USA Network.

We cut to the backstage area as the Dudley Boyz were standing by with Michael Cole as Cole asked them their thoughts moments before this no disqualification, no count-out opportunity for these two Philadelpia-based independent workers to become WWF Tag Team Champions. D-Von tells Cole that they take offence to the term 'independent worker' because they are no longer what you call 'local talent'. Buh Buh Ray stutters, talking about how they have hit the big time, and when they are done wiping the floor with the New Age Outlaws, they will do what only Rob Van Dam and Sabu have done before them, and become WWF Tag Team Champions.

-- Commercial Break --

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This was the rematch for the Dudley Boyz, to try and take the WWF Tag Team Championships away from the New Age Outlaws as Billy Gunn and Jesse James had been on edge all evening, taking out any opposition that may interrupt this match and perhaps cost them their titles. The self-proclaimed greatest tag team in the United States just kept brawling but these Dudleys definitely had better experience, Buh Buh Ray and Billy Gunn brawling around ringside and soon into the crowd. D-Von and Road Dogg Jesse James started trading fists up the rampway, Jesse almost being scoop slammed off of the stage but he got down and snuck down, the fight engaging at the bottom of the pit beside the stage. The battle continued as Buh Buh Ray stood on a barricade in a tier of the crowd, and he nailed a big powerbomb on Gunn five maybe ten feet down through two tables, the fans chanting 'holy sh*t', but as Buh Buh went down to cover, X-Pac came out of nowhere, striking him with a steel chair over the head, kicking D-Von down the stairway; Billy covering Buh Buh for the three!

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Winners and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions: The New Age Outlaws @ 12:33 [**1/4]

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The crowd booed as X-Pac was chased away by Big Dick, Big Dick Dudley aiding to Buh Buh Ray Dudley as the New Age Outlaws returned to their feet, celebrating in victory as Chyna handed Billy Gunn and Jesse James their WWF Tag Team Championships.

In the backstage area we see the "Texas Rattlesnake" Stone Cold Steve Austin arrive, the WWF Champion seemingly headed for the arena to say something to the Cleveland crowd!

-- Commercial Break --

We kick off the War Zone with the glass shattering, and Stone Cold Steve Austin started to storm out to the ring to a thunderous ovation. The "Texas Rattlesnake" climbed into the ring and saluted the capacity crowd in the Gund Arena, then taking a microphone and talking about how last night was a trainwreck for Mick Foley, in fact he knows how much of a crazy bastard he is but , he's just plain stupid getting into the ring with the "Lord of Darkness". Austin talks about how Vince McMahon wants to keep trying to knock him down off of his podium, and he can try and try again because the "Texas Rattlesnake" isn't going anywhere, not for a long time! Austin mentions how he wants better opposition though, because people like Triple H, he's a silly son of a bitch for trying to knock him down with the entire D-Generation X faction. Austin tells us that Kane was a big, invincible bastard, but when it came down to it the "Texas Rattlesnake" still came out victorious. Austin tells us that he wants the Undertaker right here and now! The fans explode as the "Deadman"s theme hit, and The Undertaker made his way out to the ring, standing face to face with the WWF Champion as Austin asked 'Taker what he thought about it! 'Taker tells Austin that it's what he's wanted for five months. But he doesn't trust Stone Cold, and he knows Austin doesn't trust him. DTA means 'don't trust anybody', and if 'Taker was to ever do something for Austin, it'd be for the WWF Chmpionship. Steve tells 'Taker that he wouldn't exactly save his life either, as Austin tells 'Taker that he wants a match with him, a fair one with no interference at all. They were interrupted by the Chairman though, as the crowd booed, McMahon coming to the rampway and telling them that they cannot do this tonight! Instead, Steve Austin has a match with the leader of the Nation, The Rock! And 'Taker still has to prove himself as WWF Champion to him. The crowd boo loudly as Vince leaves, 'Taker storming out of the ring, limping as well as consequence of Hell in a Cell last night.

Another advertisement aired, promoting the encore presentation of the King of the Ring pay-per-view tomorrow night from 7/8 CT.

-- Commercial Break --

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To this point, the mysterious Edge has been undefeated since debuting on RAW is WAR two weeks ago, and Edge went into this one with plenty of momentum. Scott Taylor and Brian Christopher did not have too good a night last night, losing to Al Snow and Marty Jannetty, and thus Taylor was a lot more enthusiastic in trying to defeat this mysterious Edge. Edge came at Taylor in the opening moments with a spinning wheel kick and plenty of clotheslines, then reversing a running attempt by Taylor into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Taylor soon fired back with some lefts and rights, Taylor with a big bulldog and preparing the tornado DDT, though Edge caught Taylor off-guard with a spear, setting up the Downward Spiral! Brian Christopher cut him off though, climbing into the ring and chop blocking him!

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Winner: Edge @ 3:53 [**1/4]

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The crowd booed as Edge was down, Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor starting to stomp away on Edge but Edge kept trying to make an effort to fire back, Steve Blackman hitting the ring and taking out Christopher! Edge got back up and nailed an inverted DDT on Taylor, then giving the "Lethal Weapon" a spear! Edge left alone, remaining alone despite assistance against Too Much.

We see Triple H in the locker room of D-Generation X, as he talked about how the New Age Outlaws did an outstanding job defending the WWF Tag Team Championships tonight, and X-Pac has done magical all night long. But he needs to defeat whoever his opponent is because the WWF European Championship belongs with DX! X-Pac nods, leaving.

-- Commercial Break --

An advertisement aired, promoting the next pay-per-view event, Fully Loaded: In Your House, live on Sunday 26th July 1998 from Fresno, California.

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This was for the vacant WWF European Championship, the title vacated earlier tonight by Mr McMahon, and McMahon has had a busy night trying to re-organise everybody in the World Wrestling Federation, of course continuing to satisfy D-Generation X. The "Black Hart" came close to winning the King of the Ring tournament last night, falling short in an amazing match with The Rock, but he got there by defeating X-Pac in the semi-final round. Owen tried the Sharpshooter very quickly but X-Pac didn't allow it, on his guard better than he was last night, kicking a mudhole in the abdomen of Owen. X-Pac applied the abdominal stretch for several minutes before Owen fired back, nailing a reverse tombstone piledriver and covering just for Chyna to come to ringside, Owen grinning obnoxiously at her and applying the Sharpshooter but X-Pac launched Owen onto the apron! Owen went up top and nailed the missile dropkick, then applying the Sharpshooter! X-Pac tapped out as the crowd erupted!

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Winner and the NEW WWF European Champion: Owen Hart @ 6:02 [**1/2]

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Owen Hart celebrated as the crowd cheered for the new WWF European Champion! The "Black Hart" stood tall as X-Pac rolled out of the ring, Owen finally getting some glory in championship gold.

We cut to the corridor as The Rock was talking to D-Lo Brown, the King of the Ring winner telling D-Lo that he has definitely hit the big time, because he won the King of the Ring tournament, and quite almost instantly, got a match with the WWF Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin. D-Lo told Rock that one day he hopes to be up there too with him, and Rock tells Brown that he's doing well as WWF Intercontinental Champion, he will. Rock set off for the main event, up next!

-- Commercial Break --

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This was an adventurous main event as the man that won the King of the Ring tournament last night had an amazing opportunity when it came to taking on the WWF Champion tonight in the main event of RAW is WAR. Austin stomped a mudhole in the Rock as the match began, but Rock gained confidence, firing back with a big floatover DDT. Rock started to stomp over the WWF Champion, going after the braced knee of the "Texas Rattlesnake". You had to believe that The Undertaker would be around somewhere keeping an eye on how Rock does and how Austin does as well. Austin was set up for a piledriver but Austin backdropped him, then delivering a flapjack followed up with the Lou Thesz press! Austin dropped the axe handle on the "Brahma Bull" preparing for the Stunner but Rock threw his foot down when Austin tried the toe kick, Rock nailing the Rock Bottom! Rock covered but The Undertaker came to ringside, pulling Rock out and giving him a big right hand!

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Winner: The Rock @ 7:20 by disqualification [**1/2]

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The crowd cheered as The Undertaker climbed into the ring, throwing Stone Cold Steve Austin up against the ropes and telling the "Texas Rattlesnake" that he wanted his WWF Championship match next week on RAW is WAR, Mr McMahon storming onto the rampway and telling him that that isn't possible, because Steve Austin instead will be defending the WWF Championship against The Rock to make up for tonight - inside a steel cage! The crowd roared as 'Taker looked angry, chasing Vince up the rampway; War Zone going off the air.[/font][/center]