WWFvWCW 1999 - Royal Rumble 24/01/99

[/i][/color]
The show's usual opening video package plays over the titantron before we cut to the live Shotgun arena, which is just a typical RAW is WAR stage with Shotgun logos replacing Raw logos alongside the red lights on the sides of the tron being traded in for yellow lights, shining down on both towers with 'WWF Attitude' at the top. We are briefly introduced by announcers Jim Cornette and Kevin Kelly before we go live to the opening match.


Too Much [Scott Taylor and Brian Christopher] def. Hardy Boyz [Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy] (74%)
This match was a decent opener and despite the two young talented Hardy brothers being curtain-jerkers or jobbers, the match got a pretty good reaction on their part. This could of been the wake-up call for the WWF that the Hardy Boyz needed to give them a push. The match went fairly long though could of used another four or five minutes. Christopher finished Matt off with the Tennessee Jam [Diving Legdrop].


Ken Shamrock and Big Bossman Interview (71%)[/i] [/color]
We then headed to a pre-taped interview from the WWF Tag Team Champions, Corporation members Big Bossman and Ken Shamrock, who simply had a little joke directed at the current state of the tag team division. They then got mucho grande serious at D'Lo Brown and Mark Henry, their opponents for tonight.


Duane Gill def. George Steele (38%)[/i][/color]
The two men had a little chemistry in there, but both men were still extremely sloppy. It seems as though Steele should retire, as he is well past his sell-by date, so to speak. At the moment, there is no competition for Gill or, ahem, Gillberg in the Light-Heavyweight Championship ranks. The fans hardly knew Gillberg and were shocked that a curtain-jerker pulled up the victory over a veteran mid-carder in George the Animal Steele. Soon after the match had finished however, it was Luna Vachon who tried to get retribution for Steele only to get shoved down.

Christian def. Al Snow (78%)[/i][/color]
This was a good match for your average edition of late-night WWF Shotgun. Both men pulled off a great affair and went an even amount of time. Snow came out in his JOB Squad attire as usual alongside Head and Bob Holly [who was then sent to the back prior to the contest]. Christian and Snow shared offense throughout the technical wrestling match before Gangrel got involved. He threw his golden cup to Christian before whacking Snow with it while the referee was with Edge and got the three. After the match however, while Edge and Gangrel helped Christian team up on Snow, out came Bob Holly [with Head] and Scorpio who then cleared house [Holly whacked all three of the Ministry of Darkness members with Head].

The Undertaker Interview (86%)[/i][/color]
This interview was originally taped and aired on WWF's flagship show, RAW is WAR to hype up for his match against the Rock on January 4th RAW. Undertaker made death threats to anybody who got involved in his WWF title match. He went on to promise that he would take in another two members into the Ministry of Darkness.

Non-Title: Bossman and Shamrock def. Mark Henry and D'Lo (68%)[/i][/color]
This match wasn't as good as everybody expected it would of been. Though Shamrock, Bossman and D'Lo Brown all gave it their all, Mark Henry let the match down and killed it off with his refusal to sell maneuvres. And the extra bad part was that Shamrock was the one who was supposedly going to go to work on Mark Henry but Henry got stubborn. The match went back and forth, also taking shots to the backstage area where the Legion of Doom as well as Owen and Double J were watching on seperate monitors [it was also announced during this match that it'd be Owen and Double J taking on the Legion of Doom for the title shot at the Royal Rumble. Bossman sneaked the Bossman Slam on D'Lo while Shamrock held off Mark Henry and Bossman covered.[/center]
[/size]

[/i][/color]
The opening video package for HeAT aired on the titantron before we cut to the live arena where fireworks exploded on the entrance stage. After the smoke cleared, the stage was shown to be the usual RAW is WAR arena with the Sunday Night HeAT logo being in place of the Raw logos and the lights shining on the sides of the stage replacing the red lights with orange lights. We got an introduction from announcers, Michael Cole and Kevin Kelly before getting set for the opening match.


Royal Rumble Qualifier: The Acolytes vs. The Headbangers (77%)[/i][/color]
A decent match to kick off the first edition of Sunday Night HeAT in 1999. The Acolytes though stiff, had excellent chemistry in there against the two rulers of the mosh pit, so to speak. The match went just over ten minutes long and it is easy to believe that the fans enjoyed this contest fairly. Nobody however believed that the Headbangers were to win against the two members of the Ministry of Darkness; mainly due to the fact that the Acolytes were larger, stronger and tougher than a preverbial two dollar steak. Faarooq ended the match with a Dominator on Thrasher.


Steve Austin Arrives at the Arena (98%)[/i][/color]
As the Acolytes beat down the Headbangers, we cut to the outside of the arena where the Texas Rattlesnake pulls up in his jet black pick-up truck and made his way through the front door, passing one or two fans on the way. And he did this while sipping on his beer can. This segment killed a minute and a half, we then went to the commercial break.


Royal Rumble Qualifier: Val Venis def. Tiger Ali Singh (63%)[/i][/color]
This match was thought to of been a good match but obviously it was Tiger Ali Singh who was having an off day. While Venis tried to make things work out well, it was Ali Singh who had to ruin everything with his refusal to sell moves. Despite the shabby match quality however, the crowd were as into it as they were the tag team show opener. Venis was dominated slightly, but eventually Venis' size advantage got the better of Singh and before long, Val was destroying Tiger Ali Singh with the russian legsweep and eventually, the Money Shot. The match didn't go as long.


Interview with Tiger Ali Singh (64%)[/i][/color]
After getting demolished in nearly ten minutes, and after Venis was on his way out, headign up the ramp and to the back; Tiger Ali Singh was given a microphone and cut a promo right on the canvas. Singh looked up at the official who was by his side and dissed them because they were too America-based. He called the official a racist fat oath before shoving the black and white shirt-wearer on his ass. Singh then left the arena.


Steve Austin in the Ring (94%)[/i][/color]
The theme of the Texas Rattlesnake played in the arena and Steve Austin charged to the ring. He dissed the Corporation and everything they stood for, taking all the fun out of the Vince McMahon. He then told the viewing audience that this time in three weeks, that he'd be throwing twenty-nine asses over the top rope and winning the Royal Rumble. However then Vince McMahon appeared on the titantron and told Austin that he'd have to fight to gain entrance to the Royal Rumble. He decided to put Austin against the Big Red Corporate Monster, Kane on January 24th with only the winner entering the Rumble match.

Interview with Vince McMahon and Kane (98%)[/i][/color]
As Austin looked appauled at what Vince had said, we went to a commercial break. When we returned, we was treated to a rant from the leader of the Corporation, Vince McMahon who was with the Big Red Corporate Monster, Kane. Vince laid the SmackDown [hope the Rock doesn't sue me for that] on Steve Austin before Kane reluctantly stared at the camera, only saying with his robotic voice that justice will prevail and the evil will be eliminated at the Royal Rumble.

Hyping the Main Event (89%)[/i][/color]
A hype video aired for the main event of Sunday Night HeAT tonight; a singles match featuring Kane taking on the leader of D-Generation X, Triple H. And it was up next.

Kane vs. Triple H (83%)[/i][/color]
This was a hot main event here. While the match quality was good, it still wasn't pure wrestling technical action, but it was almost there. But it was safe to say this was like UFC wrestling minus the submission and with more brawling. The crowd were into it however, so that made up for it. The match went nine minutes. We presume that if this show had another hour on it, then the bout would of gone on longer as this seemed to be slightly rushed. Eventually, it was Kane who connected with the Chokeslam but luckily, X-Pac was at rightside to prevent his fellow DX comrade from losing. X-Pac distracted the official before Triple H hit the Pedigree for the win. After the match however, Intercontinental and one half of the Tag Team Champions, Ken Shamrock ran X-Pac and HHH out of the ring as the show ended.[/size][/center]

EPW? You mean EWR? And yes of course I do. That's why I'm here lol.

PW Insider

- WWF Sunday Night HeAT received a 5.17 which is a good rating and USA Network continues to be impressed.

- Duane Gill has been released as the Light-Heavyweight Championship has been vacated.

- While Duane has left, the following light-heavyweight stars have been signed... Stevie Richards, Hayabusa & Chris Candido, Little Guido, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Super Crazy and Chris Chetti from ECW [to open contracts], this means the WWF won't be using them on any house shows during Thursdays, Fridays or Tuesdays. WWF have also signed and sent to development... Air Paris, AJ Styles, Essa Rios, Kaz Hayashi and Kid Kash. A tournament will take place between all of WWF's lightweights leading into St Valentine's Day Massacre.

OK here are some things I wanna say, I could not see Hayabusa in the WWF, as he never was to my knowledge, also was AJ even wrestling then?

Oh well Hayabusa is pretty good.

Check out my Chikara, I updated it.

Also which rating do you copy and paste?

RAW is WAR: January 4th 1999

[/i][/color]
The graphic opening for the World Wrestling Federation plays on the titantron, shortly following with the previous happenings on RAW is WAR with Undertaker challenging the Rock for the WWF Championship two weeks ago. The opening video for RAW is WAR gets the crowd pumped up. After the video ends, pyro hits the arena as we are shown to the live arena, packed to the rafter. The stage, just the titantron with a small screen with the WWF logo on. At the sides of this screen and entrance stands two scaffoldings with 'WWF Attitude' written on it, a red light shining down on them. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduce us to the show.


Tag Team Contenders: Legion of Doom def. Owen Hart and Double J (83%)[/I][/COLOR]
This was a magnificent way to kick off the premiere edition of RAW is WAR in 1999 and pretty much set the tone for the entire year. Both sides were extremely even and Owen and Jarrett actually looked like a threat to the most experienced tag team in WWF today. Legion of Doom got the early boost but it was sidetracked momentarily by the combination of technical moves used by Owen Hart and Double J. Debra also looked marvelous if I say so myself, I liked her...erm, panties. After the commotion at the get-go of the match, and show, the actual legal men were Animal and Owen. Owen worked on Animal's leg in this as he cut it down with some kicks and elbows to the ankle region. Owen went for the Sharpshooter but got sent into the corner, Hawk got the tag and before you knew it, one Doomsday Device later, the Legion of Doom had won and were on their way to the Royal Rumble to face Ken Shamrock and Big Bossman. This also meant that Owen Hart and Double J were now going to the Royal Rumble match.


Shawn Michaels promo (83%)[/i][/color]
After the commercial break, we were treated by the arrival of the Commissioner and member of the evil Corporation, Shawn Michaels. Fans booed him as normal, only a small part of the crowd, a group of girls cheering him. Michaels informed everybody of the departure of WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion, Gillberg and showed a comical video package dedicated to Gillberg and his 'uniqueness'. Michaels then unvailed the Light-Heavyweight Championship and announced that now it was vacant, he was setting up a thirty-two man tournament starting tonight. Michaels introduced a new member to the WWF roster also as he introduced a high profile star over in ECW, Chris Candido. Michaels hyped him up and he cut a small promo before the Commissioner introduced his opponent, independent sensation, Kid Kash.


Light-Heavyweight Championship Tournament: Chris Candido def. Kid Kash (64%)[/i][/color]
This match was a pretty good match. Although shortly hyped and impromptu, the quality of the match was decent. Kash seemed like he wasn't ready for the major league yet however and this caused a minor problem in the match. Also, the crowd had heard of the 'Blonde Bombshell', Chris Candido but hadn't heard much from the independent star, Kid Kash. The bout was a little short but enjoyable. Although the crowd found the match a little distasteful from what they had seen prior to this match with Owen Hart and Double J & Legion of Doom. Kash had some offense in and nearly finished things off with a reverse DDT however Candido placed his foot on the ropes. Kash went for a suplex but it was reversed into a suplex of Candido's own but turned it into the Blonde Bombshell powerbomb to end the match. Candido with an impressive debut advances to the second round of qualifying.


The Brood [Gangrel, Edge and Christian] def. The Oddities [Golga, Giant Silva and Kurrgan] (67%)[/i][/color]
This match wasn't as good as the previous two bouts. The match was short and only served place as being a part of the qualifying matches to get into the Royal Rumble match [despite Christian already being advanced]. We can at least be thankful that the Oddities will not be polluting the Royal Rumble this year. Edge and Golga started and the young member from the Brood was easily dominated. This match was also a total mismatch up until the finish. Luna Vachon was also in attendence to see her freaks whip the hell out of the Brood members. All six man got their turn in the ring and Gangrel was actually the only person who got even offense in there, being able to hit Golga with the Impaler DDT. The finish came when Gangrel splashed his 'blood' in Golga's eyes before Christian cradled him for the win. So now it will be Edge and Gangrel joining Christian in the Royal Rumble match.


JOB Squad Interview (76%)][/i][/color]
Two members of the JOB Squad where interviewed [and this interview was then transmitted live to the arena via the titantron] while the three Brood members celebrated in the ring. Bob tells Al that he shouldn't be scared of vampires when they are weaklings that live off of their blood. Bob and Al go through a strategy about killing a vampire. Al doesn't like Bob's idea of murdering them with a wooden spike, so he decides it's better to frame it on the most famous member in the JOB Squad - Head. But then the Brood speaks back to them by a microphone from Gangrel's golden cup [nice invention huh]. They told the JOB Squad to be scared, very scared. That's when Bradshaw and Faarooq drenched the JOB Squad with buckets of blood on either side of them. Al goes crazy and runs away as Holly curses under his breath, in persuit.


Non-Title: X-Pac def. Ken Shamrock (77%)[/i][/color]
This was a decent match and obviously a good way to squeeze European Champion, X-Pac into a feud. The match quality was pretty good as both men competed technically and quickly, relying on alot of high spots to keep the crowd and television audience fresh and excited. The match went just over the ten minute mark and both men really showed the audience what they could do in there. Their effort though decent wasn't exactly one hundred percent great. The bout featured interference from D-Generation X member, Triple H as well as Corporation member, Big Bossman. X-Pac hit Shamrock with the X-Factor midway through the match but unfortunately, Shamrock's foot was placed on the ropes by the Big Bossman, his partner. Shamrock then took over on the offense, powering on X-Pac. Shamrock nailed him with a hurricanrana but X-Pac flipped him out of it and rolled Ken Shamrock for a cheap three count. X-Pac defeated the Intercontinental Champion in a non-title match to join Triple H in the Royal Rumble match on January 24th.


Replay from HeAT: Steve Austin in the Ring (97%)[/i][/color]
The theme of the Texas Rattlesnake played in the arena and Steve Austin charged to the ring. He dissed the Corporation and everything they stood for, taking all the fun out of the Vince McMahon. He then told the viewing audience that this time in three weeks, that he'd be throwing twenty-nine asses over the top rope and winning the Royal Rumble. However then Vince McMahon appeared on the titantron and told Austin that he'd have to fight to gain entrance to the Royal Rumble. He decided to put Austin against the Big Red Corporate Monster, Kane on January 24th with only the winner entering the Rumble match. After the promo from HeAT, we also saw a clip of Vince McMahon and Kane's interview which was right afterwards. But an extra part was featured exclusive to RAW and that was the announcement that Steve Austin was to face Goldust next week on RAW is WAR.


WWF Hardcore Championship: Road Dogg (c) def. Big Bossman (73%)[/i][/color]
This match was a complete change of style from what we had just previously seen with the sudden change from the technical style and high-flying skill to the brawling with weapons. Jesse James and Bossman fought in the ring before Bossman played chicken while Road Dogg was setting up for the Shake, Rattle and Roll. Bossman got some 'toys' to play with as he grabbed a trash can from under the ring. He unloaded four policeman batons from the can and dropped them upside down over Road Dogg's head. Bossman brutalized Dogg several times with shots from the baton. The two brawled around ringside before Bossman went to throw a dart [that's right, a dart] at Road Dogg but he blocked it with a shield saying 'DX 4 life' on it. Dogg nailed Bossman several times with the shield before setting him up for the Pumphandle Slam right on the shield for the cover. After the match as Road Dogg was doing his post-match ramble, the lights flickered between on and red before they returned. When they did come back, Gangrel was standing over a bloody Road Dogg with the Hardcore title in hand.


Interview with Goldust (74%)[/i][/color]
Goldust then appeared backstage, and made comments replied to Vince McMahon and how much he admires him [eventually relating to touching his covered chest]. Goldust then moves onto Kane and how much he wants to help him beat Austin and kick his ass [in some sort of sick, simulating way]. Goldust speaks about Austin and how he hasn't been with a bald guy with roleplaying skills yet. We go to the break.

Public Enemy def. The Headbangers (73%)[/i][/color]
This was a short match that is commonly known and referred to as a filler. The action was decent with the audience hyped for the Public Enemy and clapping their hands to the rythym of their theme songs. The Headbangers never really stood a chance in this match. The bout lasted around five minutes and it was almost all one-sided. Johnny Grunge and Mosh started off and Mosh seemed to be the buzzkill of the entire match. Thrasher got tagged in after a few technical holds were thrown from Mosh [mainly hammerlocks]. Thrasher had a tiny comical bit as he got involved in an impromptu dancing competition against the Public Enemy. But while Mosh was about to do his dance, Rocco Rock took him out before the Public Enemy nailed Thrasher with the Drive-By. The Public Enemy advance to the Royal Rumble match.

WWF Championship: The Rock (c) vs. The Undertaker (80%)[/i][/color]
Finally, the main event had come for RAW is WAR. The match quality was pretty solid as the crowd were split unevenly between the Rock and the Undertaker. The top stars of their stables, Rock from the Corporation; Undertaker from the Ministry of Darkness. The fans were chanting for both men but I believe Rock was booed more than cheered. With the Undertaker's penalty of death over somebody getting involved in his match, it also interested the fans on who was going to come and break it up [weird how these fans know so much with little information]. Rock looked to have Undertaker done with at the five minute mark with the Rock Bottom connected however this was only the beginning. The match was choc full of false finishes, and had intense brawling over the one thing that mattered, championship gold. Undertaker dominated from the false Rock Bottom finish and before you knew it, all of the Ministry were out there trying to help before the Corporation got involved. The Ministry ended up brawling with the Corporation [minus Tag Team Champions, Ken Shamrock and Big Bossman] as the match progressed. As Undertaker went for the Tombstone, Rock reversed and hit another Rock Bottom before setting up for the Corporate Elbow. But then it was Mankind from behind who nailed Rock in the back with the steel chair. Mankind nailed Rock in the head before coming face to face with evil Undertaker as we went off the air![/center][/size]

First Round
Chris Candido def. Kid Kash - 01/04/1999 RAW is WAR
Jeff Hardy def. Air Paris- 01/06/1999 House Show
Low Ki def. Kaz Hayashi - 01/07/1999 House Show
Spike Dudley def. Chad Collyer- 01/09/1999 Shotgun
Scott Taylor def. Matt Hardy- 01/10/1999 Sunday Night HeAT
Justin Credible def. X-Pac - 01/11/1999 RAW is WAR
Super Nova vs. Elix Skipper - 01/12/1999 House Show
Chris Chetti vs. Christopher Daniels - 01/15/1999 House Show
Brian Christopher vs. Hayabusa - 01/16/1999 Shotgun
TAKA Michinoku vs. Jerry Lynn - 01/17/1999 Sunday Night HeAT
Stevie Richards vs. Little Guido - 01/18/1999 RAW is WAR
Devon Storm vs. Erin O'Grady - 01/19/1999 House Show
Essa Rios vs. Sho Funaki - 01/21/1999 House Show
K-Krush vs. Mosh - 01/23/1999 Shotgun
AJ Styles vs. Thrasher - 01/23/1999 Shotgun
Super Crazy vs. Yoshihiro Tajiri - 01/24/1999 Sunday Night HeAT


Qualifying Round
Chris Candido vs. Jeff Hardy - 01/25/1999 RAW is WAR
Low Ki vs. Spike Dudley - 01/30/1999 Shotgun
Scott Taylor vs. Justin Credible - 01/31/1999 Sunday Night HeAT
Super Nova vs. Chris Daniels - 02/01/1999 RAW is WAR
Hayabusa vs. Jerry Lynn - 02/06/1999 Shotgun
Stevie Richards vs. Erin O'Grady - 02/07/1999 Sunday Night HeAT
Sho Funaki vs. Mosh - 02/08/1999 RAW is WAR
Yoshihiro Tajiri vs. AJ Styles - 02/14/1999 Sunday Night HeAT

Quarter-Final Round
TBA vs. TBA - 02/15/1999 RAW is WAR
TBA vs. TBA - 02/22/1999 RAW is WAR
TBA vs. TBA - 03/01/1999 RAW is WAR
TBA vs. TBA - 03/08/1999 RAW is WAR

Semi-Final Round
TBA vs. TBA - 03/15/1999 RAW is WAR
TBA vs. TBA - 03/15/1999 RAW is WAR

Final Round
TBA vs. TBA - 03/28/1999 WrestleMania XV