Raw - January 26th 1998

Raw opens with a screen cap honouring Hall Of Famer, Bobo Brazil, who had died on January 20th at the age of 74.

A video package on Mike Tyson airs. Tyson is shown ripping up a sign that says "WCW sucks." Wouldn't it be better if he just ripped a sign that said "WCW"? We are told that at Royal Rumble, Tyson was "pulling for his favourite Superstar," "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Last Monday's events between Tyson and Austin are then recapped. The media coverage that Tyson has netted the WWF is hyped and it is announced that the initial plan for Tyson, which was for Tyson to be a guest referee at WrestleMania; has been scrapped because Tyson now wants Austin "one on one." Don King will appear tonight, and Shawn Michaels will also have an announcement regarding Tyson.

The Raw opening sequence plays.

Raw is in Davis, Calfornia. Jim Ross, Michael Cole and Kevin Kelly are on commentary.

Mark Henry enters with The Nation Of Domination (Faarooq, Intercontinental Champion - The Rock, D'Lo Brown and Kama Mustafa). The Rock and Faarooq niggle each other in the ring, trying to get the focus of the camera. The Rock ends up in the background, not saluting with his stablemates. Ken Shamrock enters to a huge pop. Jim Ross announces that at No Way Out, the entire Nation will face Shamrock, Ahmed Johnson and the Disciples Of Apocalypse (Chainz, Skull and 8-Ball) in a Ten Man Tag Team Match. Ahmed Johnson and the D.O.A. enter as backup for Shamrock.

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

Shamrock attacks a distracted Henry before the bell rings, but Henry quickly reverses things with a shoulder charge before clotheslining Shamrock with the top rope. Henry hits a big powerslam for a two count. Henry is firmly in control with a backbreaker followed by a bear hug. Shamrock fights out with punches. Henry hits a slam and reapplies the bear hug. The commentators recap how Henry turned on Shamrock to join the Nation, and that his joining was a gift to Faarooq from The Rock. Henry catches Shamrock attempting a cross body and hits another backbreaker. Back to the bear hug. Shamrock fights out with a headbutt. Shamrock lands kicks on Henry's legs before taking Henry off his feet with a spinning heel kick. Shamrock sells a back injury before landing a belly to belly suplex. Predictably, all the wrestlers outside the ring pile in for a mass brawl, to end the match at around 4 minutes. For some reason, rather than a end it as a no contest, the referee awards Shamrock a disqualification win. I guess it's because The Rock attacked Shamrock a millisecond before the rest started brawling. Of course the heels leave the ring with the faces standing tall.

ANALYSIS: I quite liked this match. Henry looked dominant and it played to his strengths. The non-finish was predictable but it sets the stage for the Ten Man Tag Team Match at No Way Out. *1/2

Don King's appearance is hyped again. I wonder if they taped this at the same time as King's prior announcement a few weeks ago. Shawn Michaels announcement is also hyped again, as is Triple H's European Title defence against Owen Hart tonight. We are told that Steve Austin is here and that next we will be shown footage of what happened with Undertaker's burning casket after Royal Rumble went off the air. Raw goes to a break.

A video package airs recapping Undertaker's feud with Kane. Man, Paul Bearer was the standout performer in all of this. This was a long and masterfully produced video. We are then treated to the Coliseum Video footage that showed Undertaker's casket was empty when it was opened after Royal Rumble. We then are reminded of Paul Bearer's claim last week that he and Kane had rid the WWF of the Undertaker forever. The commentators wonder if "we will ever see the Undertaker again."

Tyson, Austin and Don King are all are all hyped again.

The Western Union Rewind is Shawn Michaels descending into the ring dressed as Undertaker last week.

The NWA North American Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Jarrett and Barry Windham enter with Jim Cornette and The NWA World Tag Team Champion, The Rock 'N' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson). We are shown a video of Barry Windham talking about his NWA heritage. He says that he was "the greatest NWA Champion that there ever was" and that in this "Sports Entertainment business he got tired of being a clown." He mocks Bradshaw and says "it's time for some real wrestling" and "real sport." Jeff Jarrett says he's the man "to lead the NWA into the 21st century." Boy, he didn't know how right he was. He says he's "the man with the gold that means anything around here." The Legion Of Doom (Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal) enter.

The Legion Of Doom (Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal) VS Jeff Jarrett & Barry Windham (with Jim Cornette, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)

Jim Cornette of course joins commentary and espouses the virtues of the NWA and traditional wrestling. The commentary team recap that L.O.D. lost to The Rock 'N' Roll Express on Shotgun Saturday Night. Jim Ross is confused as to why Windham has sided with Cornette. Animal and Windham lock up to start it out, but Windham quickly knees Animal in the gut. Animal ducks a lariat and lands a shoulder tackle followed by several weak clotheslines. Windham rolls out to the floor for a breather. The crowd are very hot for the eternally over L.O.D. Windham tags in Jeff Jarrett, who walks into a kick, followed by an armlock. Animal tags in Hawk who hits a neckbreaker. Jarrett ducks a punch, slides through Hawk's legs, and lands a nice dropkick. Hawk still only has one mohawk. Jarrett gets caught strutting and is hoisted up for a gorilla press slam. Cornette leaves commentary, vowing to bring the "outlaw organization", the WWF, back into the NWA fold. As The Rock 'N' Roll Express distract the referee, Windham clotheslines Hawk from the apron. Windham tags in and hits axehandles, a slam and an elbow drop for a two count. Jarrett tags in for some double teaming. Jarrett lands a suplex for a two count. Jarrett collides with Hawk in the corner, leaving both men down. Both Animal and Windham tag in and Animals takes control with a powerslam. Jarrett breaks up a pin attempt. All four men are in the ring fighting. Hawk fights The Rock 'N' Roll Express off the apron as Cornette throws his tennis racket to Windham. Windham nails Animal on the back (which he has recently injured, nice touch) for the three count at around 4 minutes.

ANALYIS: Some very old school tactics which were an enjoyable change from the norm. *1/4

Tyson and Austin are hyped again, as is Triple H VS Owen Hart. Shawn Michaels is next. Degeneration X (WWF Champion - Shawn Michaels, European Champion - Triple H, and Chyna) are in their locker room, performing their usual juvenile hijinks as Raw goes to a break.

Shawn Michaels is shown appearing on the game shown 'Pictionary'. Last week's Mike Tyson-Steve Austin confrontation is recapped. We go to DX's locker room. Triple H kisses Shawn Michaels ass before addressing Owen Hart. He tells Owen Hart he is more of a man than Owen even at 50% condition, while selling how sore his knee is while Chyna wraps it. Triple H says he's going to send Owen where he belongs which is "that cesspool in the south." Michaels calls Steve Austin a "bad apple" ands says he's willing to "forego" his WWF Title Match at WrestleMania to allow Steve Austin and Mike Tyson to fight. Triple H kisses Michaels ass some more and tells Michaels he has to be at WrestleMania. Michaels wonders what he can do at WrestleMania while he removes his jacket to reveal a referee's shirt. Michaels says he could referee the Tyson-Austin match. Michaels says he's not only the world's greatest wrestler, but he's also the world's greatest referee, "just ask the Undertaker", which a reference to when Michaels refereed Undertaker's WWF Title defence against Bret"Hitman" Hart at SummerSlam 1997 and cost 'Taker the title.

Austin and Don King are hyped again. The Slam Of The Week is Cactus Jack suplexing Chainsaw Charlie into two set up chairs in the Royal Rumble Match. Technically, wasn't that over a week ago? Michael Cole shills tickets for next weeks Raw.

TAFKA Goldust enters with Luna Vachon. Goldust is supposedly dressed like Vader and has Vader's entrance music mixed with his own. Apparently Goldust has demanded a rematch with Vader to avenge his loss at Royal Rumble. Vader enters. He is hugely over. We are treated to a replay of Vader Vaderbombing Goldust with Luna on his back.

Vader VS TAFKA Goldust (with Luna Vachon)

Goldust plays the sneaky heel, intimating that he's trying to sneak attack Vader while Vader is playing to the crowd. Vader takes control early on with fists to the upper boy, while Jim Ross calls Goldust a "sick, deprived human being."  Vader hits a big splash in the corner, followed by a big back body drop and a suplex. Goldust low blows Vader with a kick while Luna distracts the referee. I'm noticing how much they overdo it with the heel referee distractions. The referees comes across as gullible idiots. Goldust takes control, choking Vader on the top rope and, yes, once again, distracting the referee while Luna cheap shots Vader. Goldust hits a clothesline for a two count. Vader fights back into it with fists and forearms, but Goldust cuts him off with an eye rake. Goldust blocks a charging Goldust and floors him with a clothesline. Vader hits a powerbomb followed by a Vaderbomb. The lights go out and Kane's music hits. Kane enters with Paul Bearer. I guess this match is over as a no contest at 3 minutes. Vader attacks Kane with punches and a piledriver. Goldust distracts Vader, while Kane sits up.  Kane shows great strength to Tombstone piledrive Vader. Kane does his fire from the ring posts bit.

ANALYSIS: Vader and Goldust have good chemistry. It's a pity the match was so short. Vader was really over as a face at this point, I'd say he's the number five babyface in the company behind Steve Austin, Undertaker, Owen Hart and Ken Shamrock. He was a good choice to have Kane decimate as it really helped Kane look like a monster. As for the match, it was obvious Vader had it won which would have made it two consecutive clean victories over Goldust, This match did nothing for Goldust. *

We are shown footage of Mick Foley and Terry Funk talking earlier today while the ring is being set up. Foley asks Funk if he likes watching Chainsaw Charlie. Funk says he likes watching Cactus Jack. The two jokingly insult each other. Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie VS the WWF Tag Team Champions, the New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) is next. Don King and Steve Austin's appearances are hyped again, as is Triple H VS Owen Hart.

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

The WWF Tag Team Champions, the New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) enter wearing baseball catcher's masks and vests. Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie enter.

New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James & "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) VS Cactus Jack & Chainsaw Charlie

I presume this is non-title. The WWF weren't very good at clearing this up. The four wrestlers start brawling before the bell. Gunn attempts to suplex Cactus on the entrance ramp, but Cactus blocks and reverses it. Inside the ring, Charlie works James over with punches. Cactus throws Gunn into the steps before entering the ring and low blowing James in full view of the referee. Why that isn't a disqualification, I have no idea. I assume James is wearing a cup because he no sells it. Charlie DDT's James. Gunn breaks up a pin attempt and the N.A.O. double team Charlie. The match settles into an actual tag match as the N.A.O. work quick tags. Jim Ross announces that at No Way Out, Steve Austin, Owen Hart, Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie will team up to face DX and the N.A.O. Ross wonders how the teams will co-exist, particularly Owen Hart and Steve Austin who have had a storied rivalry. N.A.O. dominate Charlie with nothing more then punches and kicks. Charlie fights his way back into it and comically staggers around the ring before being side suplexed by James. Charlie jumps straight up and staggers around some more. This is just annoying to watch. Charlie somehow stumbles into tagging Cactus who takes control with - yup - punches and kicks. James breaks up a pin attempt following a double arm DDT by Cactus on Gunn. Charlie recklessly throws a chair into the ring and it hits Gunn. He throws three more, which miss Gunn and James. Disqualification? No. In the ring, James grabs one of the chairs and charges at Cactus in the corner, but Cactus gets his boot up and the chair goes onto James' face. Charlie continues throwing chairs into the ring. Cactus reaches into James tights and pulls out his cup. He then low blow kicks him before grabbing a chair. Outside the ring, Charlie nails Gunn with a chair on the outside, while Cactus nails James. DQ? No. Cactus jumps off the apron with a chair and nails Gunn who is lying on the floor. Apparently this is enough to make the referee call for a disqualification at 5 minutes. Like I said, the referees of this time period come across as idiots. Cactus puts the Mandible Claw on the idiot/referee. Cactus and Chainsaw continue beating James with chairs. They cover James with chairs and Charlie moonsaults off the top rope onto him.

ANALYSIS: This hardcore stuff just bores me. Terry Funk at this point bored me. Weapons and dangerous spots have their place in wrestling but not gratuitously. These things, combined with the nonsensical refereeing, this match was worthless to me. As the N.A.O. become embroiled fully in this feud, it looks like their feud with the Legion Of Doom is finished. 0*

Don King and Steve Austin are hyped again, as is Triple H VS Owen Hart. The No Way Out pay-per-view is plugged.

A video package airs on the Light Heavyweight Champion, Taka Michinoku. The Light Heavyweight Division was already meaningless so this was quite strange. Are they going to try and push it again.?

The Honky Tonk Man is in the ring. Why is he showing up every week now? He adds nothing. He's the guest ring announcer for the next match. Brian Christopher enters. El Pantera is already in the ring. I guess they are going to try and push the Light Heavyweight Division again.

Light Heavyweight Title Number One Contender Match:

El Pantera VS Brian Christopher

Jerry Lawler denies that Brian Christopher is his son, while Jim Ross ribs him about it. Christopher hits a nice German suplex and cackles. Jim Ross announces that the winner of this match will challenge Taka Michinoku for the Light Heavyweight Title at No Way Out. Christopher hits a clothesline after having a hip toss attempt thwarted. This was nice, it came across as quick thinking by Christopher. Christopher then proceeds to lick his biceps which is pretty unique and funny. Pantera takes advantage of Christopher's time wasting with a couple of arm drags followed by a dropkick. Christopher ends up outside the ring and Pantera hits a baseball slide and a tope. Lawler looks concerned but tries to act like he's impartial. He says he'll shake the hand of whoever wins the match. Christopher catches Pantera flipping into the corner and hits a facebuster move which is known today as the Skull Crushing Finale. Christopher mocks Pantera's outfit, which is pretty stupid looking. Christopher throws Pantera to the floor. As Pantera tries to reenter the ring, Christopher sunset flips and then powerbombs him off the apron to the floor. This was a spectacular move. Christopher cackles into the camera. Lawler's commentary is great here - "I taught... he saw that somewhere." Christopher works the crowd well.  Pantera catches Christopher coming off the second rope with both boots to the face. Pantera rolls Christopher up for a two count. Pantera telegraphs a sunset flip and Christopher hits a sitout powerbomb. Pantera avoids a senton from the top rope and rolls Christopher up for the three count at around 5 minutes. Lawler is very upset. Christopher's facials are priceless. Pantera will challenge Light Heavyweight Champion, Taka Michinoku, at No Way Out.

ANALYSIS: Man, Brian Christopher was good. He performed some impressive moves easily and his facials and crowd work were top notch. He's very much a comedy heel, but damn he's good at it. El Pantera looked sluggish. *3/4

Jim Ross challenges Jerry Lawler to shake El Pantera's hand, and Lawler says he will. Brian Christopher kicks the steel ring steps in frustration and hurts himself. Lawler enters the ring and offers his hand to Pantera. Pantera hesitantly shakes Lawler's hand. Predictably, Lawler attacks Pantera before rejoining commentary.

Jim Ross plugs the WWF Superstar Line, plugging a former WWF Superstar wanting to return to the company. What, no big name tease this week?

Backstage Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie are asked by Ross how they would describe their match tonight with the New Age Outlaws. Cactus says it was "fun." DX arrive and mockingly call Cactus and Charlie "hardcore legends". While Cactus and Charlie are distracted, the N.A.O. attack them from behind with trash cans, barrels and a chain link fence. DX join in the beat down. Raw goes to a break.

Raw returns with a recap of the N.A.O and DX's attack on Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie before the break.

The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) make their way to the ring. The Quebecers (Jacques and Pierre) are already in the ring.

The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) VS The Quebecers (Jaques & Pierre)

The Quebecers attack The Headbangers before the bell. I'm noticing a trend here. The Headbangers take control when Thrasher breaks free from being held by Pierre, while Jacques goes for a kick. Jacques ends up kicking Pierre. Pierre thwarts a double team and clothelines Thrasher. The Quebecers double clothesline Thrasher on the top rope. The Quebecers continue to double team, until Thrasher ducks a double clothesline and hits one of his own. Thrasher makes the tag and Mosh first slams, then dropkicks both Quebecers.The Headbangers do some double teaming now, knocking Jacques outside to the floor before double sunset flipping Pierre. Mosh throws Jacques back into the ring and The Headbangers bang The Quebecers heads together. The Quebecers manage to reverse a double Irish whip. Thrasher knocks Pierre off the top rope, while Mosh sunset flips Jacques for the three count at around 4 minutes.

ANALYSIS: Good TV match. The Quebecers served their purpose - they jobbed clean to the team higher up on the food chain, but also got in enough offence to keep themselves strong. *1/2

The Quebecers attack The Headbangers after the match, performing a very impressive move on Mosh - Jacques applies a boston crab, while Pierre leg drops him from the top rope. Excellent tag team move.

Steve Austin's appearance is hyped again. The European Title Match is next.

Countdown to WrestleMania - 9 weeks to go.

Owen Hart enters to a very loud reception. The European Champion, Triple H, enters with Chyna. But wait. What's this? It's TAFKA Goldust dressed as Triple H and Luna Vachon dressed as Chyna.

Luna actually suits the dark wig.

So, if Triple H arranged this then he was obviously okay with Goldust having a nose like this:

As Owen shouts towards the back looking for Triple H, Goldust attacks Owen. The bell rings. I guess we have a match.

Owen Hart VS TAFKA Goldust (with Luna Vachon)

Goldust hits a big clothesline. Owen takes a great bump. Jim Ross says that DX "have outsmarted us all again." Goldust slams Owen face first into... what do you think? The steel ring steps of course. Owen reverses an attempt to ram his head into the turnbuckle, swiftly leaps to the top rope and connects with a fantastic cross body for a two count. Goldust hits another clothesline, followed by a knee drop for a two count. Ross sells the unfairness os this match, saying that Owen has prepared to face Triple H. What about the fact Goldust has already had a match tonight with Vader? I guess that would make the heel the underdog. Ross also says Goldust "makes you wonder about the Rhodes family." Goldust gets distracted by the crowd and Owen is able to land some kicks to the midsection. Goldust gouges Owen's eyes and applies a reverse chin lock. Luna grabs Goldust's leg for leverage. Owen tries to rally but is caught by a knee to the midsection, followed by an elbow drop for a two count. Owen applies a beautiful cradle for a very near two count. Goldust goes to work on Owen's left leg, as Raw goes to a break. Raw returns as Owen sunset flips Goldust and lands a spinning heel kick. Owen hits a picture perfect enziguri, followed by an equally perfect drop kick from the top rope. As Owen runs the ropes, Luna hits him in the back with a crutch. The referee doesn't see it. Goldust sets Owen up for a pedigree, but Owen counters it into the Sharpshooter for the submission victory at 5 mins. Two defeats in one night for Goldust.

ANALYSIS: What can I say about Owen at this point that I haven't already said? He's just one of those guys you knew could do this in his sleep, and do it better than 90% of the roster at their best. Goldust meanwhile is in a strange position. He's getting a lot of TV time but no wins. *3/4

DX appear on the big screen and mock Owen, calling him an idiot. Triple H says, "how stupid can one family be?" Owen looks furious. The WWF Commissioner, Sgt. Slaughter makes his way to the ring. DX crack jokes about his chin. Slaughter says that since Owen Hart had a sanctioned European Title Match tonight and he won his match, Slaughter is awarding him the European Title. DX are furious. Owen is delighted. Jim Ross says that Triple H can no longer avoid Owen Hart, not if he wants the European Title back.

A video package airs recapping what has happened with Mike Tyson in the WWF so far, as well as the media coverage. Jim Ross once again teases the possibility of Tyson VS Austin at WrestleMania. Don King and Steve Austin are hyped again as Raw goes to a break.

As Raw returns we see the Tyson-Austin shoving match yet again. Now for Don King. He begins to say that Tyson will face Austin at WrestleMania, before remember that the Nevada State Commission won't let Tyson fight. He says he and Vince McMahon must come up with something creative to bring Austin and Tyson together, without violating the rules. He says Mike Tyson and WrestleMania will come together. He then says "so get there and be ready to get this event on pay-per-view." He nearly made it through without saying something stupid.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin makes his way to the ring. Jim Ross plugs WrestleMania tickets. He then plugs next Monday's Raw. He says it could be the biggest night of Raw ever.

Austin says last week on Raw really "pissed him off." He says Tyson pushed him "in front of the world and thought he was going to get away without a payback." Austin says "that ain't happening" and that Tyson will find out "first hand, you don't mess with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin." Austin doesn't give a "rat's ass" if Tyson is a tough boxer. He wants Tyson, so if Tyson wants him, Austin will "whip his ass" anywhere - Austin's backyard, Tyson's backyard or anyone else's backyard. He says he'll give Tyson his phone numbers, beeper number and address so Tyson can get in touch with him and let him know what he wants to do. Austin says he'll knock Tyson's gold tooth out and make it into a necklace for himself. Austin addresses the fact that Don King said they (the Nevada State Commission) can't stop Tyson making a living. Well, in Austin's opinion, "getting your ass beat up by "Stone Cold" ain't much of a living." Austin says he'll be in Houston, Texas on February 15th and dares Tyson to show up. If he does, Austin will "knock his ass out." What a promo. Austin's music hits and Raw goes off the air.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Overall, an okay show. Mostly it coasted off the events of last week and the hype of a potential Steve Austin-Mike Tyson fight. Then again, they were certainly big enough things to coast off. Match quality was okay, and they named some matches and set the ball rolling for No Way Out.