Post by John Laurinaitis on Mar 7, 2012 6:31:59 GMT -6
Live! From The America West Arena In Phoenix, Arizona!
March 12th, "1998"
As the intro fades into the Compaq Center, fireworks come shooting down from the ceiling and exploding across the stage. With "Thorn in Your Eye" blaring through the arena, the camera pans the crowd, catching the excitement and anticipation for the return of Raw Is War! As the camera pans over to the announce table, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcome us to the show!
Jim Ross: Welcome to Raw, ladies and gentlemen! I'm Jim Ross...
Jerry "The King" Lawler: And I'm Jerry "The King" Lawler!
Jim Ross: Last week Raw Is War made its way back to television, and what a night it was!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: It sure was, JR!
Jim Ross: Mr. McMahon started off the night with a bombshell announcement, stating that every title in the WWF is now vacated!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: And just as soon as McMahon got that out of his mouth, it seemed like everybody wanted their shot at the WWF Championship!
Jim Ross: That they did, but it was only six men who were chosen by Mr. McMahon to compete for a chance at the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: We found out one of 'em last week! Undertaker defeated the Rock and Cactus Jack to earn the right at the title at the Rumble!
Jim Ross: And tonight we're going to find out who will be joining Undertaker in that match! It could be one of three men, King. It could be Shawn Michaels... Kane... or Sto...
The familiar sound of glass shattering echos throughout the arena! The crowd immediately erupts into a deafening burst of cheers, as the Rattlesnake steps through the curtains in an Austin 3:16 t-shirt and jeans. He walks down the ramp with a purpose, a serious look on his face. Stone Cold approaches the ring and proceeds to climb up steel steps and into the ring.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: What's he doing out here? He better be watching his back after all those Stunners he dished out last week!
Jim Ross: It looks like we're about to find out!
With the crowd roaring at a deafening level, Austin paces around the ring, as he motions for a microphone. As someone hands a microphone to him, Austin snatches it away. Austin paces for a moment longer and finally stops before speaking.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: Last week... McMahon said the WWF Championship was vacated. And just like every other sumbitch in the back, I decided to come down to this ring and tell McMahon's sorry ass to his face exactly how Stone Cold plans on winning the damn thing!
"Austin! Austin! Austin!"
With the crowd chanting his name, Austin slowly walks around inside the ring.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: I told McMahon that it didn't matter who he put in my way or what he put in my way! There ain't a damn thing he can do to stop me from making it to the Royal Rumble and whooping Undertaker's sorry ass for the title! If McMahon or anyone else in the back for that matter have got a problem with what Stone Cold has got planned... you just bring your ass down to the ring, and I'll solve your problems! Last week just about every single damn one of you got what was comin' to you, and you damn sure don't want anymore of an asswhoopin' opened up on ya'! Tonight... McMahon's got me in a match with Kane and Shawn Michaels, and neither one of...
As an erie music lingers through the building, flames shoot up from the stage, heating up the arena. As a red glow covers the stage, Kane emerges from the curtain along with Paul Bearer. With the urn in hand, Bearer leads Kane down to the ring, yelling orders at Kane and pointing to Austin. As Kane reaches the ring, he grabs the top rope, pulling himself up onto the ring apron. with one massive step, he clears the ropes, entering the ring. Austin stares Kane down, ready to strike at any instant. Kane stands across from Austin, staring hell bent right through him. Kane turns his head from side to side, as Bearer stands on the apron.
Jim Ross: It's Kane! Kane is in the ring!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: I have a feeling Austin has hell to pay considering what he did lst week, JR!
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: Well, are you gonna do something, or just stand there looking like a dumbass?
Austin drops the microphone, as he swings, Kane catches his punch! Kane uppercuts Austin, rocking him back!
Jim Ross: It looks like our main event is getting started early!
Kane wraps his hand around Austin's throat, as security guards suddenly come running down the ramp. Security slides into the ring, breaking Kane's grasp from Austin's throat. With what looks to be nearly 15 security guards in the ring, the separate the two men. Austin, coughs, catching his breath and dares Kane to try him again.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: Come on, ya sumbitch! Come on!
As security maintains order, someone suddenly comes jumping over the guard rail.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: It's Michaels!!!
Shawn Michaels slides into the ring behind Austin... Michaels dives at Austin, pummeling him to the mat! Michaels begins hammering away, paying Austin back for what he did last week. As security pull on Michaels, Kane begins to fight them off, slinging them out of the ring one by one. As the last security guard is thrown out of the way, Kane grabs a hold of Michaels, pulling him up!
"Now wait just a damn minute! Cut it out! Stop it!"
A roar of boos fills the arena, as Mr. McMahon appears on the stage. With several security guards by his side, McMahon slowly walks down the ramp. Austin, Michaels, and Kane separate, as McMahon climbs into the ring with his security guards surrounding him.
Mr. McMahon: I'm not going to put up with this crap! You understand me? If you three morons want to rip eachother to shreds, then you can wait until later tonight!
All three men look around at eachother, ready to kill one another for a chance at the WWF Championship.
Mr. McMahon: Now... if you idiots can contain yourselves, I have an announcement to make. Not only will we be crowning a WWF Champion at the Royal Rumble, we will also be crowning a number one contender for the WWF Championship at Wrestlemania! So... whichever two of you three don't win tonight... you still get your chance. But you'll have to beat 29 other men to get it! That goes for Cactus Jack and the Rock as well! The other twenty-six spots will be awarded as I see fit. So let this be a warning to everyone in the back. If you want your chance to headline Wrestlemania... you better impress me. Now you three get the hell out of my ring!
As "No Chance In Hell" blares through the arena, McMahon drops the microphone. With his security by his side, McMahon exits the ring. As Michaels, Austin, and Kane all exit the ring, the security guards no further fighting breaks out.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Did you hear that, JR? Along with the Rock and Cactus Jack, the two men who don't win tonight will be getting spots in the Royal Rumble match!
Jim Ross: That's huge, King! The Royal Rumble match is a great opportunity to prove yourself. While it may seem like a difficult task, the reward is definitely worth the fight.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Do you think McMahon would give me a spot in the Royal Rumble match, JR?
Jim Ross: I don't know about that, King, but what I do know is that we'll be right back with more Raw Is War after this commercial break!
Jeff Hardy vs. Edge
Still feeling the effects of his match against the Godfather last week for the Hardcore Championship, Jeff Hardy did not look at his best. Edge made quick work of him, nailing him with the Spear to pick up the victory!
Winner: Edge
As Edge's music blares through the arena, he makes his way up the ramp, looking to head to the back. Jeff Hardy slowly pulls himself up, using the ropes.
Jim Ross: Is Edge impressive, or what, King?
Jerry "The King" Lawler: He sure is, JR! He came so close to winning the European Championship last week, and tonight, he definitely impressed me again!
Jim Ross: It seems like ever since Edge decided to break off from the Broo...
The lights in the arena suddenly go out...
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ahh! Not this again, JR!
Jim Ross: Have the come for more blood, King?
The eerie music of the Brood suddenly begins to play, as red strobe lights begin to go off all over the arena. Flame slowly rise from the stage, blocking Edge from getting to the curtain. As red lights begin to flash through the arena, it can be seen that Jeff Hardy is being attacked. As the lights slowly flicker back to normal, Gangrel and Christian stand over Jeff Hardy, who is covered from head to toe in blood. As Edge looks on from the ramp, Gangrel grabs the ropes and flashes his fangs to Edge, almost daring him to come to the ring. Knowing what is smart, Edge simply smiles, backing away from what would be a one sided fight.
Jim Ross: Once again the Brood has given someone a blood bath! This time the victim was Jeff Hardy, who's only crime was having a match against Edge, who turned his back on the Brood last week!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Edge better hope they don't get him next! These freaks are relentless!
Jim Ross: We'll be right back, folks!
As Raw Is War returns from commercial, a funk tune suddenly blares through the arena! Realizing who's music it is, the crowd starts to cheer. The Godfather struts through the curtain in his bright lime green suit, with gold chains around his neck, and a bright lime green hat with a orange feather sticking out on his head. Godfather struts to his music with his Hardcore Championship on his shoulder and fans cheering him on. Behind him is his long line of hoes stutting their stuff and dancing behind him.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Look, JR, look! It's the hooooooe train! Haha!
Godfather climbs up the steel steps with his hoes following behind. He steps through the ropes and puts his foot on the bottom rope and pulls up on the top one for his hoes to enter the ring.
Godfather motions for a microphone. As one of the hoes grabs the microphone, she hands it to Godfather.
The Godfather: Pimpin ain't easyyyyy! But the Godfather's been pimpin'... since pimpin'! Haha. It's that time again. Time to come aboard the Hooooooe Traaaaaain!!!! Hah! Now now, good 'ol Mr. McMahon put me in a match facin' Cactus Jack here tonight! For my Hardcore Championship! Well, let me tell you somethin'... There ain't nothin' pimpin' 'bout Cactus Jack, playa! Haha. Cactus got anotha' thing comin' if he thinks he's gonna pick up a win and take my Hardcore Championship. It aint that easy, Jack!
As Godfather lowers the microphone for a moment, the crowd cheers, as his hoes begin to dance around him. With a big smile on his face, the Godfather continues to talk.
The Godfather: We got the Royal Rumble comin' up reaaaal soon! And you best believe the Godfather and his Hoe Train will be there! Come the Royal Rumble, my victory is gonna' be pimpin' like pimpin' ain't neva' been befo'! And after I win, we gonna' have ourselves a pimpin' since pimpin' celebration! Haha. Now... enough talkin'. I think it's time for everyone to come aboard the HOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE TRAAAAAAIN!
Godfather's music blasts through the arena once more, as he drops the microphone. His hoes begin to dance around him, grinding on him, as they all make their way to the back, so the next match can get under way.
Smash vs. Bart Gunn
(Singles Match!)
As Smash and Bart locked up, both men looked determine to prove a point tonight. Smash powered through Bart, wearing him down through his strength and power. As the match went on, Bart was able to capitalize on Smash, using his speed and quickness to his advantage. Before Smash could do anything about it, Bart caught him with the left hand, knocking him out cold for the victory.
Winner: Bart Gunn
As Bart Gunn makes his way to the back, the camera cuts over to Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler.
Jim Ross: That was one hell of a match, King!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: You're right, JR, and I think it is only gonna get better as the night goes on.
Jim Ross: Me too, but it seems our resident "King of Harts" or "Black Hart," as I like to call him has a few words for us tonight.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Oh boy! From one king to another, thanks for being here with us, Owen.
As Lawler finishes speaking, we cut to Owen Hart standing backstage. As the fans see him appear on the titantron, they begin to boo.
Owen Hart: Thank you.
Jim Ross: Last week you were irate because you were not in the WWF Championship picture.
Owen Hart: Now I'm gonna keep this short. The first thing is this. McMahon keeps screwing with me. He put me in the Intercontinental Championship Tournament? And then tonight I face the masked slob Vader? I will be the Intercontinental Champion at the Royal Rumble, and I will soon be the new WWF Champion!
Jim Ross: While we have you, I'd like to ask how do you feel about your brother's return to the World Wrestling Federation?
Owen Hart: It's great to see Bret back, but remember this... I never left the WWF. But if I don't get what I want... What I deserve... There will be hell to pay. The King of Harts will be the new WWF champion very, very... soon.
Owen lifts his sunglasses to show he is as serious as he's ever been.
Owen Hart: Because enough is enough and its time for a change!
Jim Ross: Thank you for your time, Owen.
The camera slowly fades back to Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at ringside.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Owen sounds upset, JR. I'd sure hate to be Vader tonight!
Jim Ross: We'll be right back folks after this brief commercial break!
As Raw Is War returns from commercial break, the camera cuts over to the commentary table with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.
Jim Ross: Welcome back, folks! Last week we crowned a Hardcore Champion, as the Godfather defeated Jeff Hardy in what was one hell of a brutal match. Tonight... that title gets defended in just a few moments.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: In fact... I'm hearing the match is getting started a little early backstage!
Cactus Jack vs. The Godfather
(Falls Count Anywhere/Extreme Rules: Hardcore Championship!)
As the camera cut to the back, Godfather and Cactus Jack were seen brawling at the top of some stairs. As Godfather kicked Cactus in the stomach, he sent Cactus Jack tumbling down the stairs. As Godfather made his way down the stairs, he pulled Cactus up and sent him crashing through a set of doors. As the doors swung open, they revealed the arena. Cactus slowly made his way through the crowd, as Godfather followed him. With the referee in tow, Cactus, got his hands on anything he could to use against Godfather. He slammed a chair into Godfather's face. He threw a cup of beer in his eyes. As they neared the ringside area, Cactus sent Godfather flipping over the guard rail. As the two got to their feet, they brawled all over the ringside area. As Cactus Jack looked like he was about to win, Godfather pulled one over on him, shoving him off the top rope and through two tables that were stacked up. Godfather rolled out of the ring and made the cover to retain the title.
Winner: The Godfather
Jim Ross: My god, what a match! These men are nearly killing themselves every week to be known as the Hardcore Champion!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: There's no telling what we'll see next, JR! But I know one thing... Godfather is one tough SOB! He's been through a lot these past two weeks. What will he go through next we...
Before Jerry Lawler can finish speaking, Godfather is attacked just as he is about to make it backstage. As Godfather comes stumbling back, it is revealed that Mark Henry is the attacker. As Godfather slowly tries to get up, Henry pulls him up to his feet. He lifts Godfather up... Henry slams Godfather down hard on the steel stage! As Godfather lays there in pain, Henry looks down at the Hardcore Title, eyeing it.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: It looks like that beast Mark Henry wants a shot at the Hardcore Championship, JR! He's going to destroy Godfather next week!
As Raw Is War returns from commercial break, the camera focuses on X-Pac, who is throwing shadow punches and kicks. In his locker hangs his newly won European Championship from last week. As he settles down, Shawn Michaels and Hunter Hearst Helmsley approach him.
Shawn Michaels: Hell of job last week, Kid. We told you to make an impression... and you did just that. I bet it is eating McMahon and his goons alive to see us with gold. And tonight... we're gonna make it even worse. After you retain that precious European Championship... I'm gonna win myself a chance at the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble.
As Shawn pats X-Pac on the back, Hunter reaches into his locker, grabbing his title. He hands it to X-Pac, placing it on his shoulder.
HHH: You go out there and do your thing. If you need us... you know we'll be out there at a moment's notice. Chyna will be out there with you, and if anything funny goes down... she'll signal us if we're needed.
HHH pats X-Pac on the back, as he sends him on his way with Chyna at his side.
Jim Ross: It looks like Degeneration X is keeping a close watch on things. They don't want McMahon or anyone else to screw them out of their matches.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Well, if they know what's smart, they better be watching for more than just McMahon. X-Pac is facing Christian! And wherever Christian goes, Gangrel is sure to be lurking around here somewhere!
Christian vs. X-Pac
(European Championship!)
With Gangrel at Christian's side and Chyna at X-Pac's side, the match was under way! Using his martial arts skills and speed, X-Pac took control of the match, wearing Christian down with series of kicks and punches. As he was finally able to block X-Pac, Christian took control. He started to wear down X-Pac's neck, weakening him for the Impaler. As Christian was about to his it, X-Pac spun out and nailed him with the X-Factor to pick up the victory!
Winner: X-Pac
Jim Ross: X-Pac did it! He managed to escape Chrisitian's Impaler and nail him with the X-Factor!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: X-Pac better watch out, JR!
As X-Pac is handed the European Championship, Gangrel slides into the ring. Gangrel hammers X-Pac across the back, shoving him into the corner. As X-Pac is being stomped away, Christian gets to his feet. Christian and Gangrel begin beating X-Pac down in the corner, as the crowd starts roaring!
Edge's music blares through the arena, as he comes charging down the ramp! As Edge slides intot he ring, Christian turns around... SPEAR! Edge quickly gets to his feet, as he goes after Gangrel! Edge spins him around and clotheslines him out of the ring! As Gangrel flips out of the ring, Edge slide sout after him. Gangrel climbs over the guard rail and takes off through the crowd, as Edge goes after him. As Chyna helps X-Pac to his feet, HHH appears at the top of the stage, making sure nothing further happens. As Chyna and X-Pac join him at the top of the stage, they all three head to the back.
Jim Ross: All hell broke loose for a few moments, folks! As Gangrel and Christian were attacking X-Pac after he defeated Christian, Edge made the save! For all we know, he's still chasing after Gangrel.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: I'm getting something in my headset, JR! Let's go backstage!
As the camera cuts to the back, Edge is seen backstage, looking all around. He searches high and low, looking everywhere for Gangrel. As Edge walks past a set of production cases, he is suddenly attacked from behind by Gangrel with a golden goblet! As Gangrel pummels Edge to the ground, Christian slowly stumbles into the scene, stomping Edge. As Gangrel holds him down, Christian, punches Edge in the head over and over again, finally busting him open. Christian lets the blood trickle down into the goblet, as he and Gangrel switch places.
Gangrel: Edge... you betrayed us. You entered our world. You took on our way of life. And you tried to drive a steak right throigh our hearts. For this... you shall pay. For you are no longer a creature of the night. At the Royal Rumble... you will pay for your sins against the Brood. And you will pay... in blood.
As the goblet finally has enough blood in it, Gangrel brings it to his lips and drinks from it. As his eyes roll into the back of his head, he passes the goblet on to Christian, who also drinks from it. As both Gangrel and Christian stand up, they slowly back away, leaving Edge there to bleed.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: What in the hell is going on, JR? This is insanity!
Jim Ross: It looks like the Brood is making Edge pay for turning his back on them. And by the sounds of it, it seems like Gangrel has challenged Edge at the Royal Rumble!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ah! He better watch out, JR, or he'll be bled to death if they get their hands on him again!
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