WWFATTITUDE1998: RAW is WAR 11/23!

Following the opening WWF signature a replay aired taking us back to Survivor Series eight nights ago, where Mankind fought tooth and nail to defend the WWF Championship against Ken Shamrock - but in the end, at stacked odds Mankind was disqualified for using a steel chair - but after the match came worse, when the "World's Most Dangerous Man" shattered the ankle of the WWF Champion by jumping on a chair positioned over his ankle. But despite this, Mankind refused to relinquish the title - defeating Big Bossman in a hardcore match to retain the title last Monday night. But after the match, he suffered a beating from Ken Shamrock once again targeting the champ's broken ankle. Fast forward to last night on HeAT, Mr McMahon ultimately vacated the World Wrestling Federation Championship, revealing plans for four WWF Superstars to fight it out for the title at Final Four II: In Your House next month! The opening video package aired for RAW is WAR, and we cut to the Schottenstein Center where pyrotechnics went off; Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcoming us to the show, hyping up the Final Four qualifying matches tonight - one of them revealed in a graphic as the "Black Hart" Owen Hart takes on his brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith!

The glass shattered to kick off, as the Columbus crowd exploded at the seams, Stone Cold Steve Austin seem pacing down to the ring! Austin marched into the ring and taunted the crowd on each corner; the Schottenstein Center chanting Austin's name before dying down. Austin, mic in hand got right to business, addressing that he was now a WWF Superstar again. Austin explained that eight nights ago at the Survivor Series, he whooped Mike Awesome's ass, and now he's legally employed again. And now that he's done with the crap that got in his way, he wants one thing: and that's the World Wrestling Federation Championship back on his shoulder! Stone Cold reasoned that last Monday night on RAW is WAR he arrived late, and what did he see? The WWF Champion Mankind taking a beating from Ken Shamrock and The Rock - and he couldn't hold back, so he went out there and wanted to whoop some ass - but they ran from him. Austin then talked about how he may not like Mick Foley, but he sure as hell respects Mankind. Austin said that Vince McMahon took Mankind's title away, and he doesn't like it. Mankind deserved to be WWF Champion - so that Austin and him could tear the building apart fighting over it. But right now that title is vacant, and with the WWF Championship at stake at Final Four, the "Texas Rattlesnake" declared entry into the Final Four!

But that's when instead, the theme of the "World's Most Dangerous Man" hit. Out to the rampway stepped the new WWF Intercontinental Champion, twenty-four hours after winning the title on Sunday Night HeAT. Ken Shamrock glared at Austin, and Austin glared back - and that's when Ken Shamrock decided to take a walk down to the ring to confront Austin! Shamrock came down to the ring with the title in hand and an evil glare on his face - and he got in the ring and got right in Austin's face, the two intensely facing off and bumping heads. Then, Shamrock snatched the microphone from Austin and backed off. "Keep your bald head out of my business", spoke Shamrock, as he went on to talk about how he deserves the WWF Championship - having broken Mankind's ankle twice now. Shamrock talked about how Austin has had his shot in the sun - but he got fired, he's been busy - and now it's time to show the world who the new toughest SOB in sports entertainment is. The WWF Intercontinental Champion seemed confident, but that's when Stone Cold snatched the microphone back and smirked, telling Ken that he was really p*ssing him off. Austin told Shamrock that if he would stop prancing around, he would be kick his ass all around Columbus right here and now. At that point Shamrock put his title on the canvas and took a fighting stance: but a familiar voice was heard: "Now hang on a minute".

It was the Chairman Mr McMahon, who was met with loud boos as he stepped out onto the rampway. He told Austin and Shamrock to calm down, uncharacteristically telling Austin that he can accept that he was the better man and was reinstated for his win back at Survivor Series - so maybe he is back in line for a WWF Championship shot: however, Ken Shamrock has done so many good things for the Corporation - he's the reason the title was vacated, and last night on HeAT he won the WWF Intercontinental Championship! And he would love nothing more than to see Shamrock enter the Final Four...which is why tonight, in a qualifying match, he's going to let Austin and Shamrock tear each other apart! Austin turned to Vince and told him that he doesn't know what's got into him, but he's finally talking sense - and that's when Stone Cold kicked Shamrock in the gut and dropped him with the Stunner! Shamrock was left lying, and Austin taunted the crowd - but all the while, Vince McMahon was smiling about it!

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We returned to RAW is WAR with a replay of what went down moments ago, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock were about to square off when Mr McMahon came out and, very strangely, allowed Austin to face the new WWF Intercontinental Champion in a Final Four qualifying match tonight!

In the backstage area, Mr McMahon was shown with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco as Pat asked the Chairman why he allowed Stone Cold Steve Austin a chance to get in the Final Four match for the WWF Championship. Vince simply responded: "The times are changing, guys. I'm clearing the slate with Steve Austin. I think he deserves a fair chance like everybody else". McMahon then told the Stooges that what he wasn't happy about was Commissioner Shawn Michaels authorizing Owen Hart facing Davey Boy Smith in a qualifying match for tonight, telling them that he was going to go talk with the "Heartbreak Kid". After McMahon left, Patterson and Brisco just looked at each other puzzled by the Chairman.

Back in the Schottenstein Center, the theme of the New Age Outlaws hit to a loud ovation; the former WWF Tag Team Champions Billy Gunn and Road Dogg seen making their way down to the ring. Road Dogg had his microphone in hand as always, as he and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn began their weekly introduction to hype up the crowd - but then stopped. Billy asked Jesse James what was wrong, to which Road Dogg then told Billy that he wanted to let it be known that after what happened to them, especially Chyna last week - that D-Generation X was now at war with the Ministry of Darkness. And tonight, it's all business for the Outlaws! Road Dogg seemed serious, as the two prepared for tag team action.

1) The New Age Outlaws def. Jeff Jarrett & Steven Regal (w/Debra) by disqualification - Despite the Road Dogg's intentions to get their hands on the Ministry of Darkness, the New Age Outlaws were not members of the Ministry, but rather members of the Corporation - as "Double J" with the "Lord of Lords" and Debra squared off for action with D-Generation X. In an ironic twist, it was last week before the attack from the Ministry where Triple H declared war against the Corporation! Road Dogg was hot off the start, taking Jeff Jarrett to school before clearing him of the ring. Debra meanwhile watched on as Road Dogg then continued the offense, taking it to ringside where he was blind-sighted by Steven Regal - allowing a double-team attack to go down as Road Dogg was weakened. Back inside, Jarrett and Regal went to work on the Road Dogg; Regal working the legs by stretching Jesse James before tagging in "Double J" for some more work. Jarrett aimed to set up for the Figure-Four Leglock, but Road Dogg managed to twist him off; as Billy Gunn attempted to fire up the crowd for Road Dogg to make the tag - and he did, "Bad Ass" running in and taking charge with dropkicks for both Corporation members, as well as a stalling suplex - but when Billy Gunn aimed to go for the Fame-Asser, the Acolytes suddenly hit the ring taking Gunn down forcing the referee to call for the bell! (4:43, **)

Boos overcame the Columbus crowd as Bradshaw and Faarooq pounded away on "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn - and their manager Paul Bearer could be seen from the rampway watching on with an evil scowl on his face! Road Dogg tried to slip into the ring and make the save, but instead Bradshaw nearly took his head off with a Clothesline From Hell! The Acolytes stood tall over the New Age Outlaws, much like last week with the Ministry of Darkness and D-Generation X: but meanwhile Steven Regal and Jeff Jarrett had decided they wanted no part of the Ministry, backing up the rampway with Debra!

In a locker room, Commissioner Shawn Michaels was shown hanging out with Mike Awesome, the "Heartbreak Kid" debating with the "Gladiator" about what Awesome wanted to do tonight. Awesome was about to say he wanted in on the Final Four match, but that's when Mr McMahon walked into the room. Vince told Shawn that he wanted to talk about the Davey Boy Smith and Owen Hart qualifying match, asking him why he made that match - which is when Mike Awesome stood up and asked Vince why he wasn't booked for any of the Final Four qualifying matches tonight yet his rival Stone Cold Steve Austin was! Awesome seemed ticked as Vince told Mike that he didn't deserve it, being he lost at the Survivor Series. Awesome told Vince that he wasn't happy about that, demanding he put in - and that's when Vince got angry: "You want to be considered a contender? You go out there, and you PROVE yourself!" At that point, Awesome backed down, the Chairman telling Mike that he thinks he's everything but Awesome - but if the "Gladiator" wants fame, he has to go out there and prove to the world that he is Awesome. McMahon relaxed a little, then telling Shawn that he wanted to go talk. Awesome was left contemplating what to do to prove himself tonight. 

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We returned to RAW is WAR to see Mr McMahon and Shawn Michaels walking down a corridor, the Chairman telling Shawn that he wanted to know why the Commissioner had made the match we're about to see. Shawn answered bluntly, talking about how both men are more than deserving, and that Davey wanted to get his hands on the "Black Hart" - so he booked the match. Vince told Shawn that as Commissioner he should have ran this by him because he disagrees - but that's when Shawn told Vince that he didn't need to, because as Commissioner it is in his contract allowing him to be the Sheriff in the World Wrestling Federation. Shawn then told Vince that he's pretty tired of Vince yelling at him, yelling at the Corporation, yelling at even his protegé Mike Awesome. Michaels told Vince that the World Wrestling Federation was corrupt, and it needed to be saved - so from now on Michaels was going to do exactly what he wanted! Shawn stormed off, as the Chairman was left in an angered state.

2) Owen Hart def. Davey Boy Smith in a Final Four Qualifying match - The "British Bulldog" was screwed out of a match for the WWF European Championship eight nights ago at the Survivor Series against his brother-in-law in similar fashion to what happened to Bret Hart last year; and therefore has been striving for an opportunity for revenge ever since. The "Black Hart" meanwhile has taken on a radical change - it was a month ago when the "Black Hart" broke the neck of Val Venis, and shortly after the WWF European Champion turned his back on Davey. The former WWF Tag Team Champions have been rivals since, and last night on HeAT the unlikeliest man made this match official with the opportunity at the Final Four match at stake: Shawn Michaels himself. The "Black Hart" tried to cower from Davey early on, but Smith quickly got his hands on him and began to drill him with several rights and lefts in the ring; the "British Bulldog" on offense until Owen suddenly nailed his brother-in-law with an enzuigiri! Owen began to stomp away at Davey immediately, particularly the documented knee as Jerry commented on how he always said Owen was the better Hart. The "Black Hart" set up for a Sharpshooter once, but Davey got out of it and returned to his feet, picking up Owen and launching him across with a big military press slam for two! Davey wanted to get Owen done once and for all, aiming to take Owen for a ride in the Running Powerslam, but Owen slipped out and nailed Bulldog in the leg with a chop block. Hart wanted the Sharpshooter again, but Bulldog once again flicked Owen across the ring; Bulldog nailing Owen with a clothesline in the corner! Hart was dazed, and Davey was angry; the "British Bulldog" getting Owen ready yet again for a Running Powerslam - but Owen landed on his feet, then picking up Davey and dropping him with the same sit-out Tombstone Piledriver he broke the necks of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Val Venis with! Bulldog wasn't moving, and Owen covered Davey for three! (8:15, **1/2)

Owen Hart's hand was raised in victory among boos from the Columbus crowd; the "Black Hart" grinning despite the danger of the Tombstone Piledriver. Meanwhile, the referee had noticed that Davey Boy Smith hadn't moved since being spiked on his head; but the "Black Hart" this time wasn't even phased unlike when he hit Val Venis with it last month! Owen simply celebrated with the WWF European Championship before leaving - and then the fans hushed as more referee approached the ring to attend to Davey - not long after came two EMTs with a stretcher, as the "British Bulldog" was shown moving his arms in a positive sign - but nonetheless the EMTs and referees helped place the Brit on a stretcher.

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Returning to RAW is WAR we were met with the "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith being taken up the rampway on a stretcher, the fans applauding as Davey was wheeled to the backstage area, as Jim Ross talked about the Tombstone Piledriver that Owen Hart hit him with - before stating that Davey Boy Smith did move during the commercial break and would be okay, but still needed the assistance of the stretcher. 

Cut to the backstage interview area, where Michael Cole was standing by with the WWF European Champion Owen Hart. Kelly asked the "Black Hart" about what just happened - where his compassion was when he nailed Davey Boy Smith - his own brother-in-law - with a Tombstone Piledriver. Owen laughed, as he told Kevin that he saw the "British Bulldog" moving - and he knew he could take it. He's not a weakling like Val Venis was, or like Stone Cold Steve Austin was. Owen told Kevin that what matters here is that Davey can no longer mess with him - and more importantly, the "Black Hart" finally gets his shot - and he's going to Final Four, where he WILL win the World Wrestling Federation Championship! Owen walked away, as Jim Ross commented on how arrogant and disrespectful the WWF European Champion is.

Meanwhile in another part of the backstage area Triple H was shown arriving at the Schottenstein Center just twenty four hours after losing the WWF Intercontinental Championship. X-Pac was there to meet him, the smaller man apologizing to Triple H about the loss last night to Ken Shamrock. Hunter told X-Pac that it was okay, then telling him that the issue here was The Rock - even after they destroy the Nation at Survivor Series, he's here to ruin his day. Hunter then asked X-Pac how the New Age Outlaws did tonight to which X-Pac responded saying that they were taken out by the Acolytes. Triple H now seemed angrier than before, and that's when his old friend Shawn Michaels appeared! The Commissioner grinned as he asked his old D-Generation X comrade how he was doing. Triple H seemed peeved as he asked what he was doing here. The "Heartbreak Kid" told Hunter to relax for a second - then telling Triple H that he knows he's all bent out of shape right now. Shawn said that he's got a lot of enemies - and he's sure Triple H can handle them all: but until then, to compensate his loss to Ken Shamrock last night in a totally unfair move by Mr McMahon: tonight, he will get a chance to take on the Undertaker! Triple H seemed weary about this, not quite trusting the Commissioner, and with that Shawn Michaels added the stipulation: the winner will enter the Final Four match. Hunter smiled, telling Shawn nonchalantly "thanks", before walking away.

3) Rob Van Dam (w/Sabu) def. Gangrel (w/The Brood) - This match was set up last week when on RAW is WAR, when Rob Van Dam and Sabu unsuccessfully challenged the Brood for the WWF Tag Team Championships; Edge and Christian were assisted in their win when Gangrel got involved distracting Rob Van Dam and leading to a cheap roll-up win. Gangrel tried to brawl with the "Whole F'N Show" right off the bat, hitting RVD with several haymakers whilst Edge, Christian and Sabu watched on from their respective two corners. RVD rolled out of the way of a clothesline attempt, then nailing the vampire with a monkey flip before thrusting Gangrel in the corner; handspringing into a splash of his own on Gangrel. But Gangrel was tougher than that, and sneaky as Edge took RVD's eye off the ball once allowing Gangrel to get in there with several stomps to Van Dam. Gangrel nailed RVD with a trapping suplex, but Van Dam kicked out, and that's when things got bizarre at ringside when Sabu picked up a steel chair and tossed it at the WWF Tag Team Champions! Edge and Christian tossed another chair their way, and meanwhile Gangrel attempted the Implant DDT, allowing Van Dam to slip out and off the middle ropes hit Gangrel with a kick to the jaw! Van Dam then went up high and came off with the Five-Star Frog Splash giving RVD the victory! (4:42, **)

The fans in Columbus cheered whilst Rob Van Dam celebrated in the ring whilst Edge and Christian attended to Gangrel, their fallen leader at ringside. Sabu joined RVD in the ring, signalling that they wanted the WWF Tag Team Championships from the Brood.

Meanwhile, The Rock was shown walking down a corridor, as Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler hyped the next Final Four qualifying match taking place up next.

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Back live on RAW is WAR we were greeted by the theme music of The Rock, triggering loud boos from the hostile Columbus crowd. Rock made his way down to the ring and taunted the audience, whilst the announcers wondered about why the Rock had waited eight nights to explain himself - though needing to after his controversial actions since Survivor Series, including a rumored association with the Corporation. Rock took a microphone and ordered the fans in the Schottenstein Center to know their roles and shut their mouths, which only made them boo him louder. Rock started by explaining that eight nights ago the Nation were forced to disband when they were defeated by D-Generation X. But the fact of the matter is that it was the Rock who fought for that faction. He stated that it was evident when he was left all by himself, the surviving one man of the Nation opposite three members of DX: and it was a fight to the finish, but ultimately, Triple H won. But he didn't win the war. Rock told the fans that as far as the rest of the Nation goes, he couldn't give a crap about any single one of them! "The People's Champ" went on to talk about how he got his revenge last night on HeAT by taking Triple H's WWF Intercontinental Championship away and handing it to Ken Shamrock , and that last Monday night on RAW is WAR, he wanted to take the WWF Championship from a piece of monkey crap Mankind, and put it in the rightful arms of someone more deserving. Rock told the WWF fans that he knows what they're thinking - he's working with the Corporation. But that is simply not true, spoke the Rock. He told the Columbus crowd that he hopes Vince McMahon falls out of a window in Titan Tower before he shakes his hand, because from now on there is only one thing in the Rock's eyes - and that isn't working with the Corporation: it's the vacant World Wrestling Federation Championship. "If you smell what the Rock is cooking". Rock proceeded to warm up awaiting his opponent for the Final Four qualifying match...and the JOB Squad's theme hit!

4) The Rock def. Al Snow (w/Head) in a Final Four qualifying match - The Rock seemed to be quite confident in this one - but then again when doesn't he? Meanwhile, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler debated the theory that the Rock actually is working with the Corporation - given how Owen Hart qualified into the Final Four match earlier tonight after defeating Davey Boy Smith in a hard-fought match: and then later on we still have Triple H and the Undertaker scheduled to go at it; and in our main event, Ken Shamrock will take on Stone Cold Steve Austin! Hardly fair, as meanwhile Al Snow of the JOB Squad tried to technically outwrestle the "Brahma Bull" just for Rock to take down Al with a spinebuster! Rock stomped away at Snow, whilst the fans chanted for Head to come into play. Rock mocked Head as Snow was down, picking up Head and posing with him; including holding Head close to Snow's head then slamming Snow into a Headbutt from the mannequin! Somehow this wasn't a disqualification, but soon enough Al Snow fired up and took Rock down with an inverted atomic drop: but then Snow went up to the top rope and attempted a moonsault just for Rocky to move out of the way; and that's when Rock put Al Snow down with the ever obnoxious People's Elbow for an easy victory! (2:35, **)

The fans booed the Rock as he picked up Head and dropped him into the abdomen of Al Snow hard, the so-called "People's Champ" arrogantly stepping up to the second rope and raising a fist in the air - and notably Jim Ross still was not convinced that the Rock wasn't working with the Corporation after Al Snow was picked for the Rock's opponent.

We went to the backstage area where the Big Bossman and Test were seen discussing the Corporation's state, with hearing about the tense conversation between Mr McMahon and Shawn Michaels earlier tonight. Test seemed nervous by it when the Chairman himself entered the room before them - telling Bossman that what he did last week has not gone unnoticed. McMahon patted Bossman on the back for weakening the ankle of Mankind even further last Monday night - then telling him that he was going to reward him for this. How exactly? Because tonight, the Big Bossman and Test are going to go out there and beat Edge and Christian of the Brood for their WWF Tag Team Championships: and they better do a good job, because McMahon needs the Tag titles in the camp of the Corporation! Test and Bossman obliged, walking away - and it seemed like Mr McMahon was seeking total domination of the World Wrestling Federation.

Meanwhile, the "Lord of Darkness" was seen lurking down a darkened corridor - the Undertaker was going to have the opportunity to enter the Final Four match by taking on Triple H in a qualifying match next!

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An advertisement aired, promoting Final Four: In Your House, live on pay-per-view on Sunday, December 13.

5) Triple H def. The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) by disqualification in a Final Four qualifying match - Last Monday night on RAW is WAR, Triple H declared war on the Corporation when he and fellow members of D-Generation X were assaulted by members of the Ministry of Darkness: particularly Chyna, who has been out injured due to a legdrop from Viscera last week. Triple H was given this opportunity earlier tonight by old DX running buddy and rival, Commissioner Shawn Michaels - motivating Hunter, the former WWF Intercontinental Champion wanting to avenge his bad week last week by entering the main event of the Final Four! But he had a big fight in the way, as the Undertaker traded blows with him early on - Undertaker proceeding to bring the fight to Triple H with some gruesome lefts and rights - his mistake came when going for a jumping lariat, because Triple H dodged it and caught the "Phenom" with a big high knee! Triple H continued, pounding away on Undertaker, trying to vent all of his frustrations out on the "Lord of Darkness" - which is when Paul Bearer got involved, tripping Hunter as he bounced off the ropes! Undertaker took over, choking Triple H before nailing him with the familiar legdrop, almost rubbing it in the leader of DX's face! Kane's name was brought up on commentary meanwhile, as Jim Ross noted that the Ministry of Darkness abducted Kane back at the Survivor Series, and nobody had heard from the "Big Red Machine" since. Undertaker nailed Triple H with a Chokeslam, but impressively he managed to kick out! Undertaker continued to try and pursue Hunter, but Triple H made a comeback this time; right hand after right hand - and when Undertaker took an uppercut swing Hunter rebounded with a big spinebuster for the "Deadman"! Triple H was weakened, but the DX leader wanted the win here, then pounding on Undertaker some more! Hunter was gearing up, ready to finish Undertaker with the Pedigree, but Undertaker got out of it, then suddenly getting the DX leader up for the Tombstone Piledriver; but Hunter slipped out, and both men went down to a double clothesline! Suddenly, the "Gladiator" Mike Awesome ran down to the ring, Awesome quickly hitting the top rope; Awesome diving off with a big splash from the top rope onto Hunter, the referee forced to call for the bell! (8:25, **1/4)

The reaction led to boos as Mike Awesome rose from the carcass of Triple H, the victor in this match; and the "Gladiator" then turned to the Undertaker who was slowly rising to his feet: Mike Awesome picking up the "Lord of Darkness" and delivering a huge Awesome Bomb on the Undertaker! Awesome caused shock, and the fans actually began to cheer him on! "Now am I Awesome, Vince!?" he was heard yelling - but what Awesome hadn't envisioned was the Acolytes quickly being summoned by Paul Bearer! The Acolytes and Viscera all ran down to the ring to go after the "Gladiator", but Mike Awesome was not backing down, the "Gladiator" clotheslining Faarooq and stunning Viscera with one - but the numbers advantage came into play. Moments after, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg and X-Pac of D-Generation X darted to the ring, and DX and the Ministry were trading blows! The Outlaws went at it with the Acolytes, whilst X-Pac spinkicked Viscera causing the big man to fall through the ropes! Gunn and Road Dogg cleared the ring of the Acolytes; and the Ministry were left outside of the ring forced to back down! Mike Awesome and the Undertaker had too rolled out of the ring; surely to cause an uproar from the "Phenom". Meanwhile D-Generation X helped Triple H to his feet in the ring; DX united, and most importantly, Triple H was now going to Final Four: In Your House to challenge for the WWF Championship!

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We returned to RAW is WAR to see D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry outside of a nightclub somewhere in Columbus, as D-Lo told Mark that life has been great since the Nation disbanded! They both seemed drunk as D-Lo put an arm around Mark; Henry noting that the Nation may have disbanded, but they haven't. Brown told Mark that he loved him before two women arrived somewhere close to them. Brown suddenly got the idea that he should go and talk to the two women, and with that he flirted his way between the two ladies. The women seemed put off by him, as they tried to shift away, when Mark Henry in "Sexual Chocolate" mode wandered over, asking the women if they were "Down with the Brown". Mark grinned at D-Lo, and the two women went with him back inside of the nightclub - D-Lo behind following in pursuit!

6) The Brood def. Test & The Big Bossman to retain the WWF Tag Team Championships - This was apparently a reward for the Big Bossman after doing such a good job in combat with Mankind during last week's RAW is WAR main event. But really, it appeared to be Mr McMahon giving a do-or-die situation, hoping for the Corporation's bodyguards to take the WWF Tag Team Championships away from Edge and Christian. The Brood were already out with Gangrel earlier tonight - and they appeared to have contenders in Rob Van Dam and Sabu - who they cheated to defeat last week on RAW: but this was a last minute booking decision made by the Chairman! Test and Big Bossman used their strength early on to work over Christian, both ruthlessly pounding away at him whilst Edge tried to get the tag from him; the fans in Columbus were actually cheering the Brood on in this encounter, showing the blurred lines of this faction war between the Corporation and the Ministry of Darkness. Edge finally made the tag and took down Test, the two blondes going at it with Edge nailing him with a big spinning wheel kick! Edge and Christian then decided to double-team on Test, a double dropkick giving them two. Bossman tried to make a run-in to stop an electric chair double-team superplex by the Brood on Test, but instead Christian sprung off of Edge's shoulders into a crossbody taking the veteran down. Edge then went up to the top rope and came off with a hurricanrana on Test, giving the Brood the victory tonight! (3:43, *3/4)

The Brood celebrated their win to a mixed reaction, as Edge and Christian were victorious, all the while without the assist from Gangrel, who was beaten by Rob Van Dam earlier tonight. The Brood were ready to leave with the WWF Tag Team Championships, leaving the ring when suddenly "Double J" Jeff Jarrett and Steven Regal jumped both men from behind; the "Lord of Lords" with a tiger suplex right on the floor on Christian, whilst Jarrett sent Edge careening into the steel steps! The Corporation had made a point that they wanted the WWF Tag Team titles, and it appeared to be under orders of Chairman Mr McMahon!

Backstage, we saw the "World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock shadowboxing when he was interrupted by Michael Cole. Cole started by asking Shamrock about winning the WWF Intercontinental Championship last night on HeAT. Shamrock simply told Michael that he didn't appreciate him just interrupting his warm-up like this. Shamrock told Cole that he should give him respect, because he already broke Mankind's ankle, he will break Stone Cold Steve Austin's ankle tonight for humiliating him earlier, and when all is said and done, everybody will know Ken Shamrock as the toughest SOB walking the planet! Shamrock went to force Cole to leave the empty Corporation dressing room, when Cole stopped and asked Shamrock what he thought of the rumor that The Rock was working with the Corporation! Shamrock's eyes grew wide as he warned Cole as a messenger: "If The Rock joins the Corporation, I'm going to break him".

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Returning to the nightclub setting, several cutaways showing off the busy club before the camera cut to show D-Lo Brown sat down on a couch eagerly drinking a cocktail, and as the camera zoomed out we could see "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry making out with both of the girls that D-Lo had tried to get down with earlier on! Brown tried to interrupt Mark asking if he wanted some of his drink, but Mark raised a hand whilst holding a girl, telling him to be quiet because he was getting busy right now. D-Lo shrugged, going back to drinking his drink through a straw.

Back to the Schottenstein Center, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler were talking about what a ruckus night it had been so far, with the main event of Stone Cold Steve Austin against Ken Shamrock still to come; then changing topics and talking about Sunday Night HeAT coming up this weekend, where in the main event the New Age Outlaws and X-Pac will take on the Acolytes and Viscera after what took place earlier on tonight; but also we will have a medical update on the condition of Davey Boy Smith after receiving a Tombstone Piledriver from Owen Hart earlier tonight.

We went to the backstage interview section where the WWF Women's Champion Sable was shown with broadcast journalist Kevin Kelly about to conduct an interview with her, the champ dressed in a black latex dress and wearing sunglasses. Kelly started by talking about how her title reign was going well so far, Sable winning the title from Jacqueline back at the Survivor Series. But that's when suddenly Debra interrupted, asking Sable for a minute of her time. Sable asked what she wanted cutting into her TV time. Debra told her that last week she issued a challenge to Sable for the WWF Women's Championship, because she knows for a fact that she's hotter, she sexier, and she's better than the "Wildcat" herself. Sable looked down from her glasses at Debra, then telling her that she needs to prove it to get a title shot...which is when Debra smiled at Sable and tackled her, then trying to tear the latex off of the WWF Women's Champion's body! Debra told Sable that her title should be Debra's, as Sable managed to slap Debra away, causing the girlfriend of Jeff Jarrett to scurry away! Sable stood up, the dress now barely hanging from her body. She comically asked Kevin Kelly what he was looking at.

7) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Ken Shamrock in a Final Four qualifying match - This was a match sure to be physical, with both men at the start of RAW is WAR addressing one another, Stone Cold Steve Austin demanding to be in the Final Four match for the vacant WWF Championship - as did the "World's Most Dangerous Man". Ken Shamrock also made a point of calling the "Texas Rattlesnake" out on him claiming to be the toughest SOB walking the World Wrestling Federation today - and that's when the match was made by Chairman Mr McMahon: someone that has been an arch rival of Austin's throughout 1998! But McMahon claimed to have turned a new leaf, which led to this decision: J.R. himself refused to believe that Vince was starting fresh in treating Austin with respect, as Ken Shamrock claimed prior to this match that he planned to break the ankle of Steve Austin. The two locked up furiously, both incredibly focused in their entrances; the WWF Intercontinental Champion quickly taking down Austin and trying to ground and pound the "Texas Rattlesnake" - but Austin was fast paced too, and he switched the offense and took Shamrock down with a fast Lou Thesz press; Austin not letting up on Shamrock, who instead held the ropes causing a break. The two continued to face off numerous times, this Columbus crowd heavily backing the former World Wrestling Federation Champion, who was striving to win this match and enter the Final Four bout alongside Triple H, Owen Hart and The Rock. Shamrock soon gained some more offense, kicking low on Austin's braced knees; then tripping him and attempting to stomp on the ankle if not for Steve kicking Shamrock away. Austin then delivered several haymakers to Shamrock, but when he attempted a back elbow, Shamrock reversed and nailed him with a flapjack; the "World's Most Dangerous Man" going straight back to the ankle! Shamrock dragged Austin's ankle over to the ring apron, slamming it hard against the edge of the ring twice before Austin got out and clobbered Shamrock with a hard clothesline on the floor! Austin was in control, when Jim Ross alerted us that RAW had to take its' final commercial break! (match in progress)

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7) Stone Cold Steve Austin def. Ken Shamrock in a Final Four qualifying match - We returned to RAW is WAR with the match still in progress, the "World's Most Dangerous Man" now stamping on the ankle of the "Texas Rattlesnake". During the break, Shamrock had caught Steve with a shinbreaker, which followed suit with an Ankle Lock applied for just shy of a minute until Austin had gotten to the ropes; since then this match had been all Shamrock. The WWF Intercontinental Champion began to then manipulate the ankle, trying to bend it sideways; his knee laid across it for added pressure; Shamrock elbowed the ankle twice too when Stone Cold tried to rally back; a big right hand knocking Shamrock off of the hold, as Austin followed with a kick to the jaw with his good foot; Austin slowly getting back up with the use of the ropes, a bad sign for sure, as Shamrock approached Austin: Austin attempting a charging elbow but Shamrock countered with the leg lariat; Shamrock then picking up Austin and slamming him down hard with the belly-to-back suplex; Shamrock covering for two. The WWF Intercontinental Champion was now getting desperate for victory, having been on the way to winning the WWF Championship from Mankind eight nights ago: but Austin harshly got back into it again, suddenly nailing Shamrock with a spinebuster, followed by mudhole stomps for the "World's Most Dangerous Man"! "This is about more than who goes to Final Four: In Your House; this is about more than the Intercontinental title; this is about who the toughest SOB in the World Wrestling Federation truly is!" exclaimed Jim Ross, as Austin caught Shamrock with a kitchen sink knee to the gut; Austin then taking Shamrock down with a clothesline; Stone Cold then going up to the second rope and executing Ken with an elbow drop for two! Austin was now looking for the victory, as he prepared a Stunner; but when he attempted it Shamrock caught the foot; twisting it and dropping Austin, now locked in the Ankle Lock! Austin was gasping in pain, on the verge of tapping out, but Austin rolled through escaping the hold! Austin once again went for the Stunner, but Shamrock tripped Austin this time, the Ankle Lock applied again for two! Shamrock wanted the Final Four main event, as he wrenched on Austin's foot. "Maybe he will break Austin's ankle!" commentated Jerry Lawler, when Stone Cold rolled through again, Shamrock this time into the corner head first! The WWF Intercontinental Champion came out of it dazed, and walked right into the Stunner giving Austin the victory! (15:27, ***1/4)

The fans in the Schottenstein Center exploded as the glass shattered, and Stone Cold Steve Austin's hand was raised in victory! Austin used the ropes to get back to his feet; the "Texas Rattlesnake" having gone through a gruelling battle with the "World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock; but Austin had proven tonight why he was the toughest SOB in the World Wrestling Federation! Shamrock remained down, the WWF Intercontinental Champion rolling out of the ring and taking a walk of shame out of the vacant WWF Championship picture; as Austin celebrated with two cold beers inside of the ring! The Chairman Vince McMahon meanwhile arrived onto the rampway, surprisingly pleased as he clapped his hands at his arch rival's victory - and strangely with Austin just beating a member of the Corporation without any shenanigans involved from Vince. And Austin's reaction? He flipped Vince the bird! Austin continued to celebrate with Vince beginning to leave; the main event for Final Four: In Your House cemented! RAW is WAR went off the air.