Raw History: Episode 212 and Reliving Nitro: Episode 90

Raw History
Episode #212
June 2nd, 1997 | Huntington Civic Center in Huntington, West Virginia

WWF Champion: The Undertaker (2) since 3/23/97
WWF Intercontinental Champion: Owen Hart (1) since 4/28/97
WWF European Champion: British Bulldog (1) since 3/3/97
WWF Tag Team Champions: Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels (1) since 5/26/97

The show opened with a recap of Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels winning the Tag Team Titles last week, as well as Austin’s attack on Bret. It then focused on Undertaker bowing to Paul Bearer.

Vince McMahon and Jim Ross were on commentary.

The Undertaker made his way to the ring for an interview with Vince McMahon. Vince asked why Undertaker returned to Paul Bearer and he said it was due to blackmail. He was protecting the ones he loves. He understood that nobody will fully get why he did what he did, but he’ll live with that. Taker said he wouldn’t go to hell after he dies, because he’s already there. Paul Bearer came out to put Taker in his place. He said that with Undertaker doing his bidding, he’ll be the ruler of the world. Upset that Bearer took his nickname, SYCHO SID returned and joined the ring! FIRST OF ALL FAT MAN, YOU DON’T RULE NOTHING! I love Sid. He said he ruled the WWF until Undertaker beat him at WrestleMania. Apparently, there was no reason to ask for a rematch because Undertaker wore the title with honor, but now he’s not. Sid wanted his rematch tonight and Undertaker granted it. The Nation of Domination theme hit, as they came to the stage. Faarooq said that regardless of who won tonight, a black man will rule the WWF next week. He called Undertaker a coward for getting blackmailed, so the champion went after him. The NOD left to the back to wrap up the segment. Fast moving stuff. In about fifteen minutes, they fit a fair amount in and brought back Sid.

Scheduled to face Faarooq tonight, Ahmed Johnson shouted about taking him out, in the backstage area.

Ahmed Johnson vs. Faarooq
Jim Ross did voiceover work for a video recap of the rivalry between these two. It’s a trip hearing JR talk about the “Blood street gang.” We’re nearing a year of this feud, by the way. Faarooq attacked at the bell. JR got more into his comfort zone by putting over Faarooq’s football accomplishments. He just HAS TO get that in. Ahmed turned it around on Faarooq, bringing Crush, D-Lo and Savio Vega back to ringside. To help even things out, Undertaker showed up. He brawled with all four NOD members. Somehow, this was not a DQ. Taker threw Faarooq into Ahmed, sending him into the steel steps. Faarooq slid Ahmed back in for the cheap win at 3:10. This was a nothing match. They just killed time until the Taker spot. [½*]

Faarooq tried whipping Ahmed with a belt, but Undertaker ran him off. A pissed Ahmed confronted the Undertaker. Taker had no time for this midcarder’s BS and chokeslammed him.

LAST WEEK ~ Steve Austin attacking Bret Hart was shown again.

Vince McMahon got back in the ring, this time to interview the Hart Foundation. Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels joined in via Titantron, though in different locker rooms. Bet said that Austin reinjured his leg and his doctors advised him not get back in the ring yet, so the match with Michaels at KOTR is off. Shawn wasn’t happy that Austin cost him a chance to rid the United States of Bret. Austin didn’t care, because he’s trying to take Bret out for good. They bickered for a bit and Austin dared HBK to come find him. Shawn obliged, found him and they argued in person. In the ring, Bret whispered something to Pillman. Pillman then offered to give up his match with Austin at KOTR, so he could face HBK instead. Austin agreed, loving the chance to wrestle his partner, which the Foundation liked. But then, Austin added that he’d kick Pillman’s ass the night after KOTR and Pillman’s expression was priceless. It’s redundant to say at this point, but these segments are always high quality.

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Owen Hart [c] vs. Bob Holly
This stemmed from Holly beating Owen in a non-title match two weeks ago. Maybe he shouldn’t have jobbed last week. The Foundation stayed atop the stage. Holly started hot, firing off punching and getting a near fall on a powerslam. Holly was getting pretty jacked by this point. Owen snapped of a belly-to-belly suplex to swing the momentum. Holly retaliated with the big dropkick, but Owen blocked a rana with a powerbomb. The Sharpshooter ended things at 3:18. With more time, this probably would’ve been a solid little title defense. It was alright, just too short. [**]

Backstage, Shawn Michaels stumbled through a promo where he accepted the match with Steve Austin.

We got a preview of the next part in the Mankind interview saga.

They ran another Sunny Super Soaker ad. Having her say “Wetter is better” in a kid’s toy commercial probably wasn’t the best idea.

Number One Contender’s Match: Hunter Hearst Helmsley w/ Chyna vs. Goldust w/ Marlena
I hate this feud. Like Ahmed/Faarooq, it happened a million times and was never any good. This was not the formula to beat Nitro. Goldust started with fire, as he typically did in these matches. By the way, the winner gets a shot at British Bulldog’s European Title next week. HHH took control to bore the fans. Chyna attempted to get involved, but Marlena grabbed her foot and pulled as hard as she could. HHH went for a high knee, Goldust avoided it, and he knocked Chyna off the apron. Goldust rolled him up to win in 3:50. At least they kept it short this time. [¾*]

Bad camerawork completely missed Chyna tossing the referee outside.

SEGA SLAM OF THE WEEK ~ Shawn Michaels hitting British Bulldog with a hurricanrana last week.

Backstage, the Legion of Doom got a short promo to say they’ve never had the problems that Austin and Michaels have when it comes to getting along.

WAR ZONE!

WWF Tag Team Championship: Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin [c] vs. The Legion of Doom
JR dropped some good knowledge, reminding fans that HBK had a successful team with Marty Jannetty, while Austin had one with Brian Pillman. LOD are the only team to win the NWA, AWA and WWF Tag Titles. The four men brawl, with LOD coming out on top and sending the champs outside. While the champions argued, the Hart Foundation strolled down the ramp. After a break, Austin was in trouble, with LOD taking turns to beat on him. Austin used a low blow to make the tag to Shawn. Shawn didn’t fare too much better. Animal accidentally ran Earl Hebner over, allowing Austin to hit Hawk with a title. Hawk still kicked out, because he never sold a thing in his life. Animal got a hot tag after a double clothesline spot, and ran over everyone. Shawn was dumped out by the Hart Foundation, so Austin tried bringing him back in by his hair. That led to them brawling and getting counted out at 7:06. This was solid. LOD was better than usual, while Austin and HBK guaranteed a hot crowd and lots of energy. [**¾]

Part three of the Mick Foley interview aired. They focused on his time as Cactus Jack and the wild stuff he used to do. He said that it was dangerous, but the fans adored him, unlike in the WWF, where they spit on him. He talked about his scars and injuries. When he looks in the mirror, he sees a life fulfilled.

King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Mankind vs. Savio Vega w/ The Nation of Domination
Mankind got a positive response, which Vince made sure to note on commentary. Jerry Lawler joined the booth since he meets the winner in the next round. Mankind got a pop for busting out the Cactus elbow. He heard Lawler being a jerk, so he pulled him over the announce table to another positive reaction. Inside, Crush inadvertently hit Savio with the Heart Punch, giving Mankind the win at 3:03. The finishes tonight have not been any good. The match was kind of just there, though it was nice to see the early stages of babyface Mankind. [*]

Crush and Savio argued and got into a brawl until Faarooq came to stop them. They didn’t listen, so he just left.

Non-Title Match: WWF Champion The Undertaker w/ Paul Bearer vs. Sycho Sid
Sid implied this was a title match in the opening promo, but I guess not. Their match at WrestleMania is widely considered one of the worst main events in Mania history. This was just as slow, but thankfully not as long. Sid dominated early and hit the chokeslam for two. Undertaker got free of a chinlock and hit the big flying clothesline. A Tombstone put Sid away at 4:47. Dull and lifeless. [¼*]

The Nation of Domination, who were just fighting in the previous segment, all hit the scene to jump Undertaker and Sid. Nobody came out to help, even with the fans chanting “LOD.” Faarooq whipped on the Undertaker with a belt until officials finally broke things up.

Reliving Nitro
Episode #90
June 2nd, 1997 | Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Hulk Hogan (2) 8/10/96
WCW United States Champion: Dean Malenko (1) since 3/16/97
WCW World Tag Team Champions: The Outsiders (1) since 10/27/96
WCW Television Champion: Steven Regal (4) since 5/18/97
WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Syxx (1) since 2/23/97
WCW Women’s Championship: Akira Hokuto (1) since 12/29/96

Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko host hour number one.

Things began with the nWo theme playing. Scott Hall and Syxx were already in the ring, saying they’re there because fans aren’t seeing enough of the nWo. They talked about beating Kevin Greene, Ric Flair and Roddy Piper at Slamboree. Syxx said Flair has lost a step. JJ Dillon came to the ring, saying he just spoke to Flair, who was on his way to Dayton. Dillon booked Hall vs. Flair for tonight, saying Hall booked himself into a verbal contract. To make sure it goes down, Dillon promised to strip the Outsiders of the Tag Team Titles if Hall decided to no-show. Solid opening segment. It was short, to the point and set up an interesting main event.

Alex Wright vs. Glacier
Wright was still being the cocky little shit he’s been in recent weeks. He jumped Glacier from behind and hit a spinning heel kick. Wright stopped to bust out the dance, so Glacier hit the Cryonic Kick to win at 1:38. [NR]

James Vandenberg strolled to ringside, while Wrath and Mortis cam in through the crowd. Glacier spotted them and readied for a fight. The numbers were too much though, and even Alex Wright got involved. However, Mortis accidentally kicked Wright, opening the door for Glacier to rally. They rang the bell during this entire thing, to the point where I had to mute the TV.

Buff Bagwell w/ Scott Norton vs. Joe Gomez
VICIOUS AND DELICIOUS! I’m still waiting for the day Gedo finally books a Vicious and Delirious return for the World Tag League. Buff got insert promo time to put over nWo Japan and the beating Lex Luger and Giant got while over there. Buff did a bit too much posing, giving Gomez the chance to get in some offense. Norton slammed Gomez into the ring post behind the referee’s back. Buff then won via Blockbuster in 3:08. Two for two in squashes tonight. [NR]

Hugh Morrus vs. Prince Iaukea
During Morrus’ entrance, Konnan attacked him from behind with a weapon. After Konnan was pulled away, Morris continued to stumble towards the ring. He wanted the match to go through with the match. Morrus (I just realized I’ve been spelling it wrong on a weekly basis) regrouped enough to do a bit, but got rolled up to lose in 0:48. [NR]

Mean Gene interviewed JJ Dillon, who confirmed that Scott Hall has agreed to face Ric Flair tonight. They moved to discussing the tag team division, looking for new contenders after the Outsiders/Piper and Flair match at the PPV. Dillon said a committee reviewed the records and the Steiner Brothers were the most impressive. This brought out Harlem Heat and Sherri, who disagreed. Dillon said the Steiners’ success doesn’t diminish Harlem Heat, before saying that if the Steiners won tonight, it would solidify their spot. Didn’t he just say they were already chosen? Oh well.

VIGNETTE ~ We got a special look at DDP, where he talked about how people doubted him throughout his career. He lost his first 79 matches, but worked hard to get to where he is. People didn’t think he’d beat Randy Savage, but he did, and he said he could do it again.

The Great Muta and Masahiro Chono vs. The Steiner Brothers
Scott started with Muta, overpowering him. He tagged in Rick, who chased Muta around the ring like a dog. The crowd was red hot for everything. Rick spat on Chono’s nWo shirt and caught his leap frog into a powerslam for a bit pop. Finally, the Japanese duo got something going and worked a short heat on Scott. Rick got the hot tag and threw a bunch of suplexes. Chono accidentally hit Muta with the Mafia Kick, leading the Steiners to set up for the bulldog. Harlem Heat ran down and pulled Rick off the top. They hit him with a chair and sent him back inside, where Muta applied leg lock. Why not just pin him? The referee counted Rick’s shoulders down for three at 8:56. A fine little tag with an awesome crowd. It started slow but certainly picked up. [**½]

JJ Dillon was immediately interviewed about what just happened. He admitted the Steiners lost, but said that things would be under review because of Harlem Heat’s interference. Dillon told Harlem Heat to focus on their match tonight.

HOUR TWO! Bobby Heenan replaced Larry Zbyszko on commentary.

After a recap of the start of the show, Mean “WOO” Gene brought out Ric Flair for an interview. He shouted a bunch about Scott Hall. He doesn’t know if he can beat Scott, but he wants to fight out.

WCW United States Championship: Dean Malenko [c] vs. Michael Wallstreet
Wallstreet was still in his anti-WCW gear. What ever happened to Dean wanting the Cruiserweight Title back from Syxx? Anyway, with Nick Patrick as referee, this had the expected arguing between him and Wallstreet. It dominated the match. Wallstreet brought his brand of dull offense. He got caught cheating in the abdominal stretch, causing more arguing. Jarrett and Debra came to ringside and Jarrett tried to help Wallstreet win. They botched putting Dean’s foot on the ropes and it came off awkwardly. Dean turned things around and applied the Texas Cloverleaf. Patrick stood in the way of Wallstreet reaching for the ropes, so Wallstreet submitted at 6:25. Bobby Heenan rightfully chastises Patrick for his actions. Completely boring match. Those are the only kind Rotunda had. [*]

Mean Gene interviewed Jeff Jarrett, who wanted a rematch for the US Title. Dean accepted to prove his win at Slamboree wasn’t a fluke. Mongo showed up, wanting to know why he wasn’t informed of this Horsemen activity. Jarrett said he was looking out for number one only. He told Debra to leave with him, but Mongo stopped that. Mongo shifted focus to Kevin Greene, saying he made his career relevant. Somehow, Mongo saw Greene’s actions as being stabbed in the back, but Greene was just retaliating for Mongo doing that to him.

Ciclope and Damien vs. Harlem Heat w/ Sister Sherri
Cruiserweights against an established tag team? I smell squash. Ciclope got his ass kicked, before tagging in Damien for some basic tandem offense. It didn’t look good. After Damien hit a suicide dive, it was time for Harlem Heat to take over. Just before they could win, the Steiners arrived and whack Booker with a chair. Damien used a splash to earn the upset at 3:17. Basic squash until the finish, which set up Harlem Heat/Steiners for the PPV. [NR]

The Barbarian w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Chris Benoit
I wish this was Meng vs. Benoit. Benoit took it to Barbarian, laying in chops and stomps in the corner. He got caught chasing Hart around the ring, allowing Barbarian to stomp on him. Barbarian spent the next few minutes beating on Benoit, until trying a superplex. Benoit fought him off, sent him to the mat, and hit the diving headbutt. Crippler Crossface got locked in and Barbarian submitted at 3:55. I’d have liked to see that go longer. It was solid for the time we got, though. [**]

Post-match, Jimmy Hart was interviewed and said Benoit’s still not in line for a match with Kevin Sullivan. He’ll have to go through Meng in a Death Match at the Great American Bash. Benoit agreed, saying he’ll go through anyone to get to Sullivan. Hart told him to find out what “step three” is next Monday.

Ric Flair vs. WCW World Tag Team Champion Scott Hall w/ WCW Cruiserweight Champion Syxx
My earliest memory of Scott Hall was him teaming with Flair at Survivor Series 1992. Flair lit him up with chops and short punches to a great reaction. Syxx got on the apron and took a punch as well, with Flair being on fire. He even jumped off the apron onto Syxx, though that gave Hall the chance to nail him. Syxx got in a cheap bronco buster, while Hall had the referee distracted. They did get caught cheating when Syxx assisted on an abdominal stretch. Hall must’ve been training with Wallstreet. Flair rallied, complete with a strut. Syxx tried attacking Flair with a title, but got caught. However, Hall used the title on Flair, resulting in the DQ at 7:48. Neither guy brought their best effort, though Flair was red hot at points. The crowd helped this along. [*½]

Hall and Syxx continued the assault on Ric Flair. The crowd eagerly awaited someone to make the save. Finally, Steve McMichael ran off the nWo guys with his briefcase. Jeff Jarrett showed up quite late.

Instead of ending the show there, Heenan and Schiavone spent time recapping some of the recent nWo angle. The nWo theme interrupted them, as Randy Savage pulled Mean Gene out by his collar for an interview. Elizabeth was by his side. Once in the ring, Savage said he was the best wrestler ever. Gene went off, telling Savage someone needed to bring him down to Earth. Savage challenged him to a fight, until JJ Dillon arrived. Gene left JJ to do the interview. JJ said he was disappointed in Savage, because he used to handle things face to face, but now he addresses things from the stands. Savage shut him up with a right hand. He beat on him until Eric Bischoff ran down to try and pull him off. Instead of getting JJ out of there, medics and security checked on him in the ring. Savage got free and attacked some more, before finally calming down somewhat. After the beating, Bischoff got on the microphone to tell Dillon that he brought it upon himself.

Raw Rating: 2.5
Nitro Rating: 3.3

5.5

The final score: review Not So Good

The 411

Raw: A dip in terms of how good Raw has been lately. I thought the Tag Team Title was solid and there was a short, fun Intercontinental Title match thrown in there. The Sid/Undertaker stuff wasn’t very good, outside of seeing Sid return, and the NOD/Taker feud has nothing going for it. I’m also not keen on watching Ahmed/Faarooq and HHH/Goldust again. Two bad feuds that seem to never end. The Mankind stuff was also solid. 5.0

Nitro: Nitro beats Raw for the first time in a while. Most of the episode did well to build towards the PPV, despite no Hogan, DDP, Luger, Giant or Nash. The Savage segment was a good way to end the show, giving it a chaotic feel. I enjoyed the Benoit match and the Steiners tag. Other things fell flat, the US Title match and the continuation of Konnan/Morrus. 6.0