Raw - February 2nd 1998

Raw opens with a "special report" from Degeneration X (WWF Champion - Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Chyna). In a presidential address parody, Michaels and Triple H announce the standards and practices they will adhere to. From the hours of 9:00-10:00 PM, they will only use the words, "ass", "damn" and "hell". A lot of words they say they will not use are bleeped out. They will not use sexual or racial slurs. From 10:00-11:00 PM they will only use the words, "ass", "damn", "hell", and a word that is bleeped out. The bleeped words are repeated, as is the no sexual and racial slurs pledge. Michaels and Triple H then start swearing at each other and are bleeped out. Triple H then says they will have less references to their "enormous genitalia." Well, in Chyna's case, as anyone who has seen her porn will attest; "enormous" is an apt description. Michaels then mocks Bill Clinton, saying "I did not sleep with that young intern. As a matter of fact, I was up all night!" Juvenile and mildly amusing.

The Raw opening sequence plays.

Raw is in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jim Ross, Michael Cole and Kevin Kelly are on commentary.

DX make their way to the ring in Uncle Sam outfits. Jim Ross announces that WrestleMania tickets sold out this morning in 90 seconds. Red, white and blue balloons fall from the roof.  Chyna is carrying a sign that reads "Tyson VS Austin."

It takes Michaels a few seconds to get his microphone working. When he does, he addresses Mike Tyson and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Michaels says Tyson and Austin want each other so "let them fight." Apparently, they're campaigning for this.

Austin's music plays. Michaels and Triple H strip off their hats and jackets as Austin makes his way to the ring. It's nice to see him appearing early in the show in a change from recent weeks. Austin squares up to Michaels.

Jim Ross wonders if Michaels really wants to see Tyson VS Austin, or if he is just trying to avoid facing Austin at WrestleMania. Gee, I wonder.  Austin says he "appreciates" Michaels promoting Tyson VS Austin, because Austin can "damn well beat the living crap out of Mike Tyson." Huge pop. Austin says that because he won the Rumble, whether Austin fights Tyson or not, Michaels "ass belongs to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin." Another huge pop. Michaels tears his shirt off and tries to look tough. Austin says whether or not it happens at WrestleMania, he is going to take the WWF Title from Michaels. Austin says he can "beat anybodies ass in the world." Austin then rips off his shirt, jaws at Michaels and Triple H, and leaves. Michaels holds the WWF belt up to Austin, and Austin gives Michaels the finger. Michael Cole wonders where Tyson fits into this situation. I liked this segment. The Tyson VS Austin thing is of course very interesting, but it was never realistic. It's time to start building towards Michaels VS Austin at WrestleMania.

Tonight, Austin will take on co-holder of the WWF Tag Team Titles, "Road Dogg" Jesse James. Owen Hart will defend the European Title against the other co-holder of the WWF Tag Team Titles, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn. Two interesting matches, but why is a tag team wrestler challenging for a singles title? Cactus Jack takes on Chainsaw Charlie next.

A video package plays, shilling the Raw Is War varsity jacket. Raw is brought to you by the U.S. Army.

Chainsaw Charlie makes his way to the ring with a dumpster filled with weapons. Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie's match with the New Age Outlaws on last week's Raw is recapped. In a pre-recorded interview, Jim Ross asks Mick Foley and Terry Funk why they are facing each other tonight. Cactus says he is concerned about his legacy. Foley says that 10 years ago Ric Flair (who he refers to only as the World Heavyweight Champion at the time) told him no one cares about his hardcore style, that he will be in a wheelchair by the time he's 30 and no one will care. Foley says when people mention Mick Foley, he wants them to remember what they see in the ring tonight. This match would need to be a classic then. Foley says if he was meant to be in a wheelchair by age 30 then he is on "borrowed time." Funk says whoever wins this match will be "king of the hardcores" and that's what he wants to go out as. Funk and Foley shake hands. Funk tells Foley he loves him like a son, but not tonight. Back live, Cactus's voice comes over the speaker, saying, "Terry, that's not a garbage can. Here is a garbage can." Cactus Jack enters with a bigger dumpster filled with weapons.

No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match:

Cactus Jack VS Chainsaw Charlie

Charlie and Cactus meet on the stage with weapons. Cactus takes control with chair shots. Jim Ross plugs these two men teaming with Steve Austin and Owen Hart against DX and the N.A.O. at No Way Out. Cactus DDT's Charlie on the stage for a two count. It was only now that I learned that this was a Fall Count Anywhere Match. If it was mentioned before, I missed it. Cactus attempts to suplex Charlie on the ladder, but Charlie counters it with an inside cradle. The two roll down to ringside which is a funny spot. Charlie takes control with fists and then throws trash cans into the ring. Inside the ring Cactus beats Charlie over the head with a garbage can. Charlie does his drunken stumbling routine. Cactus hands Charlie a trash can and requests that Charlie hits him. God, I hate this crap. This isn't wrestling. Charlie apparently has an attack of conscience and can't hit Cactus. Uh, what? Cactus turns away and Charlie smashes him with the trash can numerous times. So much for conscience. Cactus fights back and places a trash can over Charlie's head. Cactus lays kicks into the can before piledriving Charlie in it. Admittedly this is a sight to see, but it made me wince at the danger Funk's neck must have been in. Raw goes to a break and returns with Charlie and Cactus back on the stage. Charlie hits Cactus with a windmilling ladder, before throwing the ladder on him. Jim Ross says the N.A.O. must be happy watching this.  Charlie tries to set Cactus up for a piledriver on a table, but Cactus sunset flips Charlie into the dumpster that Cactus brought out with him. cactus applies the Mandible Claw. Cactus climbs a ladder onto the bottom of the big screen. Cactus elbow drops Charlie in the dumpster, from the big screen. A faint "ECW" chant can be heard. The N.A.O. emerge and lock Cactus and Charlie in the dumpster. They push the dumpster off the stage. Jim Ross is apoplectic.

ANALYSIS: I just don't like this stuff. There's no psychology to it at all. I don't care how "hardcore" Mick Foley and Terry Funk are. Admittedly, Foley would later win me over with some spectacular bumps and punishment absorption, but it was always in the context of good match psychology and story telling. There were, admittedly, a couple of spectacular moves here, but Funk at this point earned no respect from me. He's a sad old man doing ridiculous things, trying to stay relevant. The ending was a shocking moment and raised Cactus and Charlie's feud with the N.A.O. to a higher plateau. It was also a huge step for Gunn and James as their stock rises. 1/4*

Officials and wrestlers, both faces and heels; emerge to try and open the dumpster. We are shown that the dumpster is filled with foam packing material. Everyone is furious at Gunn and James. This "you've gone too far" bit is well done. We are treated to a few replays of the incident.

Jim Ross admonishes anyone watching who thinks "they learn how to fall." Cactus and Charlie are still in the dumpster. They're not moving. Vince McMahon is speaking with the N.A.O. James says it "didn't turn out as planned," while Gunn says they "didn't mean to hurt them." James says "you know me better that that." Vince looks disgusted. Sunny is crying. Terry Funk's hand is shown to be trembling as Raw goes to a break.

Raw returns with everyone still crowded around the dumpster. An ambulance has arrived. Funk and Cactus are in neck braces and are being attended to by medical personnel. Jim Ross admonishes Gunn and James, saying they did this to try and get "over." It certainly helped. Flash Funk tries to attack James and Gunn, but is restrained by officials. Ross says the N.A.O. "went into business for themselves." The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) attack James and Gunn. Other wrestlers get shots in. Funk looks like he's convulsing. Sunny is holding his hand.

Foley and Funk are stretchered to the ambulance. This was a great angle that the WWF really milked. Jim Ross has a dig at Foley, Funk and ECW, when he says that "this is what hardcore gets you, it gets you in an ambulance." It was an interesting dig, which kind of removed sympathy from Funk and Foley. We are shown more replays of the incident. Kevin Kelly says that the area the dumpster landed in is a crew area, and that that crew members could have been down there, but thankfully weren't. The ambulance's siren blares and Funk and Foley are taken to hospital.

A replay is shown of the N.A.O. celebrating what they did, which Ross says is the worst thing off all. Kelly says, "both those men have children." He wonders if the children are "proud of their daddies." Raw goes to a break and returns with another replay of the dumpster incident.

Jim Ross interviews James and Gunn, who are backstage; asking them what they were thinking. James is wearing an "Armstrong Pro-Wrestling Tours" t-shirt. James says they haven't had much of a chance to get over, so that maybe when you see a chance you take it; but maybe they went too far. DX arrives and blames Vince McMahon, saying that they, the wrestlers, are asked to go out and do more and more each week. He asks, "where does it end?" Triple H tells the N.A.O. it was Foley and Funk or them and that they need to "smarten up." Michaels tells them they're "getting ratings and that's what matters." I don't really know what to make of this pseudo-shoot stuff. I liked the realism of the angle and how they milked it, and had both heels and faces come out showing concern; but I don't like the use of insider terms.

We are shown the incident again. Ross says they will keep viewers updated on Foley and Funk's condition. Michael Cole has left to follow the ambulance to the hospital.

The PlayStation Slam Of The Week is Kane Tombstone piledriving Vader on last Monday's Raw.

We move into the War Zone. Jerry "The King" Lawler replaces Kevin Kelly and Michael Cole on commentary.

The New Age Outlaws make their way to the ring to a chorus of boo's. The dumpster incident is replayed. The European Champion, Owen Hart enters and attacks first James, and then Gunn.

European Title Match:

(C) Owen Hart VS "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn (with "Road Dogg" Jesse James)

Owen hits a big sunset flip early on and then clotheslines Gunn over the top rope. As Gunn confers with James on the floor, Owen manages to drop kick them both through the ropes, followed by a springboard plancha onto Gunn. Owen Irish whips Gunn into the steel ring steps and suplex's him on the floor. The European Champion lands some nice European uppercuts. Owen was so good, I find it hard to believe this was coincidence. Back in the ring, Owen lays in kicks in the corner. Gunn manages to turn the tide by snapping Owen's throat into the top rope. Gunn distracts the referee, while James takes a cheap shot at Owen. Gunn hits a neck breaker for a two count. Gunn misses a dropkick when Owen hangs onto the ropes. Owen goes for the Sharpshooter, but Gunn thwarts it with a thumb to the eye. Owen takes a front turnbuckle Bret-style, and Gunn hits a side suplex for a two count. Time for a rest hold as Gunn applies a head lock. After a little rest, Owen fights out with fists. Gunn hits a swinging neck breaker. Owen avoids taking another front turnbuckle, by leaping to the second rope and hitting a cross body for a one count. Owen reverses a sunset flip into a Sharpshooter. James enters the ring, Owen breaks the Sharpshooter on Gunn and nails James with a spinning kick to the midsection. The referee calls for the disqualification to give Owen the win at around 6 minutes.

ANALYSIS: This was all Owen who was, without a doubt, one of the best in the world at this point. *3/4

DX make their way to ringside, as Gunn and James attack Owen. Owen is thrown to the floor, where DX attack him. They beat up Owen all the way up to the stage. Triple H DDT's Owen on the stage. Shawn Michaels turns to the camera and says, "you want ratings? You want to raise the bar? Here's your ratings." Triple H tells Gunn and James that if they want to prove themselves they have to throw Owen off the stage. Gunn and James pick Owen up and start swinging him. Officials rush out and break it up. This is actually uncomfortable viewing given what happened to Owen later.

Michaels screams at Gunn and James to "push the envelope" and "do what ever it takes." They then recap the dumpster incident and Jim Ross says Michael Cole will have a report from the hospital. The No Way Out pay-per-view is advertised.

The N.A.O., DX and Owen Hart incident is recapped again. Jim Ross says DX and the N.A.O. wanted to end Owen's career. The dumpster incident is recapped again. Michael Cole is on the phone. He says medical personnel are working on Foley and Funk, but there has been no official statement from a medic or doctor. Cole says he understands Funk and Foley were rushed to the emergency room on arrival. Cole says he'll get back to us when he finds out "something concrete." This was a nice touch and increases the feeling of the gravity of the situation.

The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) enter. "Marvelous" Marc Mero enters with Sable. Jim Ross says "boy, they are quite the pair... Mero and Sable." Very good. Mero admonishes Sable for not wearing "his" robe. He makes her put the robe on, then then orders her to disrobe him. She does. Ross hypes up Mero's jealousy and insecurity. Somebody then gives Sable some chocolates in a red love heart. Mero snatches it off her and says he's sick of Sable "trying to steal his spotlight." He throws the chocolates away and orders Sable to "get out of here" because she "makes him sick." He calls her pathetic. Sable leaves. As she does, Mero tells her to "get back on that stair master, looks like you gained a few pounds." Probably all that silicone. Sable picks up the chocolates on her way to the back. Mero says he wants to bring out someone "that will watch his back", some of the "beautiful people." Mero introduces "Marilyn." TAFKA Goldust enters, dressed as Marilyn Manson; while Mero shouts, "the beautiful people, the beautiful people."

Mosh (with Thrasher) VS "Marvelous" Marc Mero (with TAFKA Goldust)

Mero takes control early on. He throws Mosh out to the floor and distracts the referee; while Goldust attacks Mosh. Thrasher chases off Goldust. Back in the ring, Mero hits a sloppy sitout powerbomb. Mero goes into his boxing routine. Mosh catches Mero coming out of the corner with a powerslam, and then hits a sunset flip, followed by a dropkick. Mosh shouts at Goldust, "what the hell are you doing?" Funny, considering Mosh's attire. Goldust climbs onto the apron but is knocked off by Mosh. Thrasher clothelines Goldust and attacks him. While Mosh and the referee are distracted by what's going on outside the ring, Mero low blows Mosh and cradles him for a three count at around 2 minutes 30 seconds.

ANALYSIS: Throw away match to promote the Mero and Goldust alliance. Nothing of any real quality, but it served it's purpose. 1/4*

Jim Ross plugs the Superstar Line. This week he'll tell you what WWF Superstar was rushed to hospital this morning.

Now we are shown a split screen. On the left hand side is Jim Cornette, the NWA North American Heavyweight Champion - Jeff Jarrett, Barry Windham and the NWA World Tag Team Champions - The Rock 'N' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson). On the right hand side is Bradshaw. Jim Ross asks Windham when he will be "man enough" to face his former partner, Bradshaw, "all alone." Windham, sporting his old blonde hair and sans mustache, says he's man enough now. Windham blames Bradshaw's temper for why they lost matches, calling him "out of control." Windham says he has a better partner now in Jeff Jarrett. Bradshaw yells and says he'll do anything he has to do, including teaming with a broom handle, to get Windham in the ring. He then proves Windham's point about his temper by trashing his locker room. Windham challenges Bradshaw to find himself a partner to face him and Jarrett.

We are treated to a video package hyping possibly the most boring wrestler of all time, Tiger Ali Singh. Singh calls himself "the Messiah."

The Nation Of Domination (Faarooq, Intercontinental Champion - The Rock, Kama Mustafa, D'Lo Brown and Mark Henry enter. Unlike last week, The Rock stands in line and salutes with his stablemates; although he is the last to join the line.

The Disciples Of Apocalype (Chainz, Skull and 8-Ball), Ken Shamrock and Ahmed Johnson enter. Jim Ross hypes the "War Of Attrition Match" between all ten men at No Way Out.

Faarooq (with The Rock, Kama Mustafa, D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry VS Chainz (with Skull, 8-Ball, Ken Shamrock & Ahmed Johnson)

Faarooq attacks Chainz before the bell. Chainz reverses things with a clothesline and a poorly executed powerslam for a one count. Chainz telegraphs a sunset flip, allowing Faarooq to take control with a snap suplex for a two count. Faarooq applies a camel clutch. Jim Ross says Mark Henry is 420 pounds. That's a five pound increase in a few weeks. Faarooq tells a fan to "shut the fuck up" and as he's distracted, Chainz lifts him on his shoulders and drops him on his back. Faarooq gets his knees up to block a splash and hits a clothesline for a two count. Michael Cole reports in and says Vince McMahon is at the hospital. Terry Funk has regained consciousness, Mick Foley is drifting in and out of consciousness. Cole hopes to have more information "within the hour." Faarooq goes to the top rope but misses a dive. Chainz hits a big boot. Chainz reverses an Irish whip and Kama grabs Faarooq's foot, apparently meaning to grab Chainz's foot. Faarooq exits the ring, furious with Kama. The Nation argue with each other as Faarooq is counted out at around 3 mins 30 seconds.

ANALYSIS: Boring match with some sloppy moves, particularly from Chainz; but it helps set up the "War Of Attrition" at No Way Out and furthers the story of dissension among the members of The Nation. 1/4*

Faarooq and Kama want to fight but are held apart by the other members of The Nation. Faarooq storms off on his own. The rest of The Nation eventually follow. Faarooq orders the rest of The Nation members to line up on the stage, telling them he's the boss. The Nation do as he says and they salute.

Jim Ross announces that Bradshaw has found a partner. The Western Union Rewind is Kurrgan applying The Paralyzer on Michael Modest on Shotgun Saturday Night, and dragging him up the entranceway with the hold still applied. This did look pretty cool.

Jeff Jarrett and Bradshaw enter with Jim Cornette and The Rock 'N' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson). Jim Ross mocks Jeff Jarrett's entrance gear. Bradshaw enters with his partner, Flash Funk; who Jim Ross calls "one of the most under appreciated and under valued athletes in the WWF." He was right. Bradshaw is apparently going by his Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw name again. Two Hawks in one promotion?

Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw & Flash Funk VS Jeff Jarrett & Barry Windham (with Jim Cornette & The Rock 'N' Roll Express)

Bradshaw makes a beeline for Windham, but is attacked by Jarrett. Bradshaw reverses an Irish whip and hits a big boot to the face. Bradshaw tags in Flash Funk. Jarrett reverses a slam, but as he struts he is caught with a dropkick. Funk hits a flying clothesline before making the tag. Bradshaw goes for Windham again, but Windham flees from the apron to the floor. With the referee distracted, The Rock 'N' Roll Express double team Funk on the floor, dropping him throat first across the security railing. In the ring, Bradshaw is in control with some decent brawling. Officials arrive to attend to the injured Funk. Bradshaw hits an elbow drop for a two count. Jim Ross compares Bradshaw to Stan Hansen. Flash Funk is helped to the back, unable to continue, as Raw goes to a break. Bradshaw "is by himself with the NWA," according to Ross. Back from the break, Bradshaw hits a pump handle slam on Jarrett. Jim Cornette distracts the referee so The Rock 'N' Roll Express can interfere. Jarrett knocks Bradshaw out of the ring.  Windham clothelines Bradshaw on the floor, and The Express throw him back into the ring. Finally, Jarrett tags Windham. Windham cockily lands punches, followed by a sunset flip. Jarrett tags back in for some double teaming. Bradshaw telegraphs a sunset flip and Jarrett nails a swinging neck breaker. Lawler says Windham is trying to hark back to his glory days by joining the NWA. Jarrett and Windham telegraph a double sunset flip. Bradshaw kicks Windham, and hits a vicious lariet on Jarrett for a three count at around 4 minutes.

ANALYSIS: Bradshaw looked good here. He really looked like a big, powerful monster. They kept him and Windham apart well, leaving scope for their feud to progress. Bradshaw's match winning lariet on Jarrett was brutal. It's also nice to see Windham doing something. *1/2

Bradshaw fights all members of the NWA, until Cornette nails him in the back with his tennis racket. Bradshaw no-sells it and attacks Cornette. The NWA members jump Bradshaw. All four men combine for a neck breaker, before Windham hits two big splashes on Bradshaw's legs, while The Rock 'N' Roll Express hold Bradshaw's arms, and Jarrett has a figure four leg lock applied. This was some nice teamwork. Jim Ross hypes up the problems Bradshaw has had with his knee.

We are shown the dumpster incident again. Michael Cole is on the phone from the hospital again and says that "all hell has broken loose." Police have been called in and "the condition is grave." Cole breaks up and loses his connection. Jim Ross says, "why are police in the emergency room?" We see the incident again as we go to a break, with Ross saying they will try and get in touch with Cole again.

Countdown to WrestleMania - 8 weeks left.

Jim Ross promises that as soon as they can reestablish a connection with Michael Cole they will let us know. Jerry Lawler is doing his best solemn face. Ross plugs a WrestleMania press conference this Thursday featuring Mike Tyson, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon and Don King.

Wink Collins is in the ring. Who? I have no idea. This guy, I guess:

Wink announces that all tickets for WrestleMania went on sale this morning, and sold out in 90 seconds, the fastest sell out in WWF history. For those that don't have tickets, they can enjoy it on pay-per-view. The lights go out. Kane's music hits. Kane enters with Paul Bearer. Jim Ross hypes what Kane did to Undertaker at Royal Rumble, and the fact we haven't seen Undertaker since. Lawler says he doesn't think Undertaker is ever coming back. Kane does his fire from the ring posts bit. Paul Bearer addresses "brother Kane." Isn't Kane his son? Bearer says he thinks we should show this "young gentleman" (yes, that guy in the above picture), "a little taste of the hell the Undertaker is going through." Kane grabs Wink by the throat. Vader's music hits and Vader enters. Ross hypes what Kane did to Vader last week. Vader tells Kane he "drew first blood" after sticking his nose in Vader's business. Vader says that at No Way Out, Kane's "big ass" is his. Vader says he's going to put Kane's "fire out." Vader grabs a fire extinguisher and blasts Kane. Kane wants to attack Vader, but Paul Bearer restrains him and leads him to the back.

So Vader is officially done with Goldust I guess. He's a good opponent for Kane to squash in order to build Kane for Undertaker at WrestleMania. Raw goes to a break. "Stone Cold' Steve Austin VS "Road Dogg" Jesse James is next.

The New Age Outlaws enter once again. Billy Gunn does the "Oh, you didn't know" bit. It's not good. Gunn says a lot of people are mad at the N.A.O. tonight, but tomorrow, when the ratings come in, a lot of people at Titan Towers are going to love them. Jim Ross says there are unconfirmed reports that an ambulance has arrive back in the building. He's not sure if it's the same ambulance that took Mick Foley and Terry Funk to hospital. I think we all know what's going to happen, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin enters.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin VS "Road Dogg" Jesse James (with "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn)

Before he gets in the ring, Austin attacks Billy Gunn. When James tries to make the save, Austin throws him, first into the guard rail and then into the ring steps. In the ring, Austin stomps James in the corner. Gunn tries to attack Austin and gets a Stone Cold Stunner for his troubles. The referee calls for the disqualification at about 1 minute.

ANALYSIS: Well, at least Austin looked pretty bad ass.

James attacks Austin as DX enter. Lawler says DX must have called the ambulance for Austin. Austin fights back against James, but DX grab his legs as he runs the ropes and pull him out to the floor. DX and the N.A.O. attack Austin; first on the floor, and then in the ring. Ross says Michaels doesn't want to face Austin at WrestleMania. They tie Austin up in the ropes. Michaels taunts Austin with the WWF Championship belt, saying this is as close as he will ever get to it. Austin's facial expressions here are gold. He really looked like a rabid, wild animal, that would maul you if it broke loose.

Mick Foley enters, dragging an IV with him. He also has a sling on.

DX and the N.A.O flee from Foley who is swinging his IV around like a weapon. Terry Funk enters with his chainsaw. He's dressed in a hospital gown.

Foley can barely stand. Austin chases DX and the N.A.O. to the back. Austin's music hits. Foley and Funk make their way to the back with Jim Ross hyping Austin VS Michaels at WrestleMania. Austin makes his way to the ring again. He has a DX t-shirt which he tears as Raw goes off the air.

FINAL ANALYSIS: This was a good show from the point of view of pushing the envelope. The dumpster incident was sold as being huge, and it came across as such. The stars of the show were undoubtedly the New Age Outlaws; this was a huge night in their careers. Following this they were on the road that would eventually see them join DX and become major stars in their own right.

I'm not fussed on the whole hardcore thing and I'm not sure Foley and Funk should have come back from the hospital the same night, but then again it played into their whole crazy, hardcore gimmick. Personally, I'd have rather they sold the effects for a couple of weeks before competing at No Way Out "against doctors orders."

No Way Out is well and truly set. Bradshaw VS Windham looks likely, and I'm actually a little intrigued to see this match. Credit to the performers, because I never thought that would happen. Vader VS Kane is also set, and although I'm a little disappointed that it's Vader that has to be fed to Kane to build him for Undertaker; Vader is the perfect man at this point to take that spot.

They're now taking the focus off Tyson-Austin, and moving towards Michaels-Austin and, of course, the importance of the WWF Title, while still milking the Tyson involvement for what it's worth. Match quality was poor to average, which was standard for TV at the time; but this was a good show in terms of moving angles forward.