Wednesday 30 September 2020

WWF In Your House 2: The Lumberjacks Review

 


Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that offends more than a Jim Cornette Podcast Rant! It’s WWF in Your House 2, the WWF second crack at more pay per views than the usual five throughout the year. A smaller card once more but it’s absolutely stacked. From The Allied Powers against Owen Hart & Yokozuna, Shawn Michaels vs Jeff Jarrett for The Intercontinental Championship and a Lumberjack match for the WWF Championship as Diesel defends against Sycho Sid. King of The Ring 1995 was awful so anything will be better and I have a good feeling for sure with this smaller card. Oh God, do not let me be wrong as we are ready to kick things off!

 

The 1-2-3 Kid vs The Roadie


Kid jumps Roadie to kick us off, Roadie bears down on the neck with kicks. It’s stated that Roadie injured Kid’s neck, shoulder block from Roadie. Kid leapfrogs and rolls through, tripping up Roadie. Kid kicks Roadie in the corner, Roadie reverses the Irish whip. Kid lands the headscissors which leads Roadie to the floor, Roadie has no clue where he is as the referee begins counting. Slingshot kick from Kid, Roadie is tossed back in the ring. Jumping kick in the corner, hard whip to the buckle and a crossbody splash. Another whip, Roadie counters with a powerslam. Roadie lands an apron diving clothesline, Roadie sends Kid into the ring-post by the groin. Roadie whips Kid, flapjack from Roadie into a big leg drop. Make it two, Roadie bows for the fans.

 

 

Back body-drop from Roadie, Roadie begins dancing from the middle rope. Boot from Roadie, two for Roadie. Shoulder claw from Roadie, Roadie tries a top rope splash and ends up eating the canvas. Roadie misses two rights, Kid lands two rights before a spinning heel kick floors Roadie. Two for Kid, Roadie is sent to the buckle. Corner dropkick from Kid, Frog Splash from Kid for a close two. Kid misses a clothesline, attempting a hurricanrana but Roadie counters for a powerbomb. Two for Roadie, Roadie sends Kid to the buckle hard. Roadie tries a spear, Kid dodges and Roadie hits the ring-post hard. Kid is crotched on the top rope, Middle Rope Piledriver and this is over.

 

 

Well that’s a spectacular finish especially when someone’s neck is their weak point. Eat your heart out Rhino, I can’t believe Roadie absolutely smashed Kid like that. Kid bumping around like a maniac makes all of his opponents look good and makes for entertaining matches for sure. Good choice of opening match for sure, can’t help but feel Kid deserves more due to the quality of his work and how Kid makes everyone he works with, look fantastic.

 

Winner: The Roadie over The Kid via Top Rope Piledriver!

 

Men On A Mission vs Razor Ramon & Savio Vega


Ramon’s ribs are still taped up but The Bad Guy is here for revenge against King Mabel who attacked Ramon following his victory over Ramon’s friend Savio Vega. Mo slaps Ramon to kick us off, Sir Mo takes the arm before Ramon buries shoulders into Sir Mo. Fallaway slam and slap from Ramon, tag to Savio. Big right hand from Savio, Irish whip reversed by Sir Mo. Chops and right hands from Savio, clothesline from Savio. Sir Mo knees Savio and clubs down Savio, tag to King Mabel. Mo whips Mabel into the corner but Savio dodged, superkick to Mabel. Irish whip but Mabel reverses for a sidewalk slam, Mabel is fired up now. Savio is dumped to the floor, Ramon and Mabel are jaw-jacking with the referee breaking that action up as Mo attacks Savio.

 

 

Savio is whipped to the buckle hard, and an enzuigiri from Mabel. Cover for two, in comes Sir Mo. Clothesline for two, snap suplex from Mo for two. Mabel comes in, clubbing blows to Savio. Irish whip and elbow from Mabel, Savio is reaching out for Ramon. Scoop slam from Mabel, snap-mare into a shoulder claw. Savio chops back at Mabel before trying a scoop slam, Mabel falls on top of Savio. Two for Mabel, huge toss from Mabel. Tag to Sir Mo, double elbows from Men On A Mission. Mo knocks down Ramon who is irate, Mabel gives Savio a hot-shot using the top rope. Sir Mo chokes Savio before tagging Mabel, drop toehold and leg drop combination from Men on A Mission.

 

 

Mabel tags Mo, scoop slam. Sir Mo is on the middle rope, make that the top rope. Savio dodges the moonsault, Savio manages to tag Ramon. Right hands and a discuss punch to Sir Mo, Sir Mo begs off which leads to a super back suplex from The Bad Guy. Ramon calls for the finish, Mabel is cracked in the face. Sir Mo knees Ramon, eye rake from Sir Mo. Tag to Mabel, scoop slam on Ramon, Mabel is on the top rope. Ramon plays possum and pulls Mabel off the top rope for a close two. Ramon lands a clothesline, Sir Mo nails Ramon with a knee from the apron. DDT from Mabel, Ramon dodges the splash. Sir Mo attacks Ramon which leads to Savio clotheslining Mo to the floor. Ramon pummels Mabel with right hands, Ramon is sent to the buckle, splash from Mabel. Belly to belly suplex and Mabel pins Ramon.

 

 

Talk about sucking the life out of a building, cannot believe that Ramon was the one to eat the pin! I am guessing they will talk about how the injured ribs were a factor but another shocker as Mabel continues to beat some of the biggest names in the WWF. Solid tag match, Sir Mo does well as an antagonizing little shit who beats on Savio, Savio plays a decent face-in-peril who builds well to the hot-tag to The Bad Guy. Talk about putting someone over though, big win for Mabel!

 

Winners: Men on A Mission over Razor Ramon & Savio Vega via Belly To Belly Suplex!

 

Henry O Godwinn vs Bam Bam Bigelow


Since turning babyface, it seems Bigelow has been reinvigorated as Bigelow has new tights, new entrance gear and a new attitude. Godwinn wants to be part of The Million Dollar Corporation so these two will now battle it out in this match. Godwinn back suplexes Bigelow to no effect, Bigelow lands his own back suplexes and a DDT before Godwinn low-bridges Bigelow. Scoop slam on the floor, Bigelow is rammed into the steel steps. Bigelow sends Godwinn to the buckle, Godwinn dodges the splash. Clothesline from Godwinn for two, reverse chin-lock from Godwinn. Bigelow fights back but Godwinn is too strong, Bigelow is choked on the middle rope. Scoop slam from Godwinn, massive elbow for two.

 

 

Boot to the face, Bigelow is sent to the buckle hard but Bigelow explodes out with a clothesline. Headbutts by Bigelow, big boot from Bigelow. Godwinn dodges Bigelow’s diving headbutt, elbow drop from Godwinn. Godwinn goes to the middle rope, the knee drop misses and Bigelow pins Godwinn.

 

 

Little bit of an odd ending for me, was not expecting it to end off a missed knee drop. Happy for Bigelow to be picking up the wins he needed as the monster heel push never came, a nothing match for sure though.

 

Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow over Henry O Godwinn via Roll-Up!

 

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Jeff Jarrett © W/ The Roadie vs Shawn Michaels


Moving on from the fiasco that was King of The Ring, Shawn Michaels is in a match worth watching and for a championship that Michaels had done so well to make important during his own reign. Jarrett has beaten the man that took it from Michaels and took it from his former friend Diesel, that being Razor Ramon. Jarrett and Ramon had great chemistry and I think that this will be no different. Jarrett and Michaels lock-up, right hand by Jarrett leads to right hand from HBK.

 

 

Arm-drag from Jarrett, Jarrett struts around the ring proud of his work. Arm-wringers from both men, Jarrett grabs the hair but misses the right hand. Michaels whips Jarrett to the corner, Jarrett leaps over Michaels and waffles HBK with a right hand. Michaels takes a breather on the floor, Jarrett poses on the corner just like Michaels did at the start of the match. Lock-up, side headlock from Double J. Shove off, Michaels blocks the hip-toss but Michaels lands the eye poke. Right hands from HBK, Michaels is sent to the buckle and leaps over Jarrett. Right hand and hip-toss, clothesline to the floor and Michaels skins the cat before strutting around the ring. Jarrett thinks about running away but Michaels won’t let that happen.

 

 

Michaels tries a diving axe handle, gut punch from Double J. Knee attack across the back from Double J, Michaels regains control though as Roadie is on the apron. Roadie misses a clothesline and Michaels eye pokes Roadie and tosses Jarrett into Roadie on the floor. Michaels climbs to the top rope and dives onto both with a crossbody. Michaels lands a baseball slide too, pulling Jarrett into the ring. Jarrett is faked out by Michaels who lands a middle rope sunset flip for two, Michaels charges at Jarrett who back-drops Michaels over the ring-post and to the floor. That looks like a brutal bump! Jarrett rams Michaels into the steel steps over and over, front suplex from Double J for two. Irish whip and abdominal stretch from Double J, Jarrett continues squeezing Roadie’s hand for added leverage.

 

 

Michaels lowers his head off an Irish whip, DDT from Double J. Jarrett chokes Michaels with his boot on the middle rope, Roadie chokes HBK behind the referee’s back. Roadie tries it again but Michaels drags Roadie into the ring, Jarrett attacks Roadie by mistake. O’Connor roll from Michaels for two, Jarrett whips Michaels to the floor by way of the corner buckle. Jarrett distracts the referee as Roadie lands another apron diving clothesline on Michaels. Michaels makes it into the ring at the count of nine, Jarrett goes to the top rope. Diving Crossbody but Michaels rolls through for a close two, Jarrett uses a crucifix to get a sunset flip but Michaels nails Jarrett with a right hand.

 

 

Both men trade pin-fall attempts before Jarrett nails a dropkick for two, sleeper from the champion. Michaels does not fade in the sleeper, belly to back suplex takes down Jarrett. Michaels covers for two before landing a massive flying forearm, kip-up from Michaels. Whip to the buckle and another flying forearm, stomp to the face. Diving top rope axe handle for two, scoop slam as HBK climbs to the top rope. Diving Elbow Drop connects for two, Michaels sends Jarrett to the buckle. Jarrett puts the feet up but Michaels slides under and Jarrett has his special parts pulled into the ring-post. Michaels climbs the top rope, Roadie shakes the rope and Michaels is crotched. Jarrett clubs Michaels, superplex connects in the middle of the ring.

 

 

Jarrett tries a Figure Four but Michaels counters for a small package, two for Michaels. Shin-breaker from Jarrett, Jarrett tries again but Michaels shoves off Jarrett into the referee. Roadie surveys the scene, Michaels is measuring Double J. As Michaels readies to kick off the head of Double J, Roadie smashes Michaels with a chop block. Michaels clutches his hamstring, diving crossbody from the champion for two. Irish whip, Roadie grabs the leg of Double J which allows Sweet Chin Music to take place, Roadie turned his back and grabbed the foot without looking. Roadie has cost Double J his championship!

 

 

Excellent match from these two, Jarrett is his usual self here with some solid heel work mixed in with spots and selling that makes his opponent look credible inside of that ring. Roadie is a constant annoyance at ringside, getting involved to rile up the fans at all the right times and Michaels is Michaels. Michaels takes an incredible bump to the floor, I would have liked to have seen a bit more in terms of back-breakers and such to sell the story of Michaels destroying his back off the bump but take nothing away from these two. This is a really entertaining and fun match from two great workers in the WWF. Michaels is starting to put it all together inside of the ring, the comeback needs a bit more work but we are close, looking forward to things developing as the year progresses.

 

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Jeff Jarrett via Sweet Chin Music!

 

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) Owen Hart & Yokozuna © W/ Jim Cornette & Mr. Fuji vs The Allied Powers (British Bulldog & Lex Luger)


I found myself questioning whether WWF was even in the WWF anymore due to how Luger has been booked as 1994 turned into 1995. Also, I feel like British Bulldog vs Owen Hart really never happened despite it being teased so heavily during Bob Backlund vs Bret Hart. I mean, Davey Boy eliminated Owen from the Rumble, the issues were there so why have they not met for months since?

 

 

Luger and Yokozuna to kick us off, they lock-up with Yokozuna landing a headbutt and throat thrusts to thwart Luger’s attempts to get started. Luger dodges an elbow drop after a scoop slam, Luger grabs an arm-wringer. Yokozuna pushes Luger to the buckle, Luger sends Yokozuna into the buckle over and over. Right hands from Luger, Yokozuna is staggering and falls into the buckle with Yokozuna falling on the boot of Owen. Owen shoves Yokozuna, Yokozuna shoves back at Owen. Owen and Luger reset the match, shoulder block and hip-toss from Luger, arm-drag and tag to Bulldog. Diving axe handle from Bulldog, Owen flips out of the arm-wringer. Owen pulls down Bulldog by the hair, Bulldog kips-up and twists out of the hold, they continue to counter one another. Flapjack by Bulldog, catapult to the buckle. Luger lands a few shots too, clothesline by Bulldog for two. Bulldog lands a shoulder block before Yokozuna clubs down Bulldog from the apron.

 

 

Owen lands a kick to the groin and a wishbone-split, Yokozuna is legal now. Falling headbutt from Yokozuna, shoulder claw from Yokozuna. Owen comes in, landing a spinning heel kick on Bulldog. Two for Owen, Owen wants a back drop but Bulldog lands a sunset flip for two. Enzuigiri from Owen for two, Owen whips Bulldog to the buckle and Bulldog dodges the attack of Owen. Bulldog tags in Luger while Owen tags in Yokozuna, Luger pummels everything in sight. Owen is yanked off the top rope, corner shots to Yokozuna. Luger throws Owen on top of Yokozuna, double clothesline to Owen and then Yokozuna. Luger covers for two, Owen makes the save. Owen and Bulldog begin brawling, forearms to the face. Yokozuna tries a corner splash, Bulldog dodges. Double belly to back suplex on Yokozuna, Luger has the cover but Owen comes off the top rope with a diving elbow to the back of Luger’s head. Yokozuna covers after a leg drop and the champions retain their championships!

 

 

Well I suppose we could do a rematch at Summerslam because I cannot see the purpose of either team apart from a big championship change to get Bulldog & Luger back on track. Yokozuna was fine in the tag setting, Yokozuna needs to lighten the load quite a bit as the former WWF Champions is blown up far too easy now. Owen and Bulldog were fantastic when allowed to do their thing in a one vs one setting, I would much rather see those two wrestle and settle their Family Feud than this tag team match. It’s hard to see how this Tag Team Championship angle with Owen and Yokozuna will end, only time will tell I guess?

 

Winners: Owen Hart & Yokozuna over The Allied Powers via Leg Drop!

 

(WWF Championship Lumberjack Match) Diesel © vs Sycho Sid W/ Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase!


Sid jumps Diesel but Diesel fires back, no elbow trouble for Big Daddy Cool. Forearms send Sid to the floor, the babyface lumberjacks throw Sid back into the ring. Sid crawls out into the sea of his heel lumberjacks and there is no problem, Sid sends Diesel to the floor and the heels stomp the life out of Diesel. Michaels and Razor Ramon begin brawling with the heels to save Diesel, Sid covers for two. Sid kicks at Diesel, big clothesline floors the champion. Diesel is battered by Sid, some heel lumberjacks gets some shots in as Diesel’s head was a little too close to the outside of the ring. Diesel begins fighting back though, blocking the rights of Sid. Clothesline from Diesel, elbow drop from Diesel.

 

 

Make it two, Diesel dives onto the heels and starts battering everyone who is dumb enough to swing at the champion. Diesel drives his knee into Sid’s back, snake eyes for Sid. Diesel was about to run the ropes before Mabel squishes Diesel against the ring-post, scoop slam on the floor. Babyfaces and heels are brawling as Mabel lays out the WWF Champion. Sid covers Diesel for a close two, Sid applies a reverse chin-lock. Sid looks for The Powerbomb, Sid drops Diesel and begins high-fiving everyone at ringside. 1…2… Diesel manages to kick out of the powerbomb, Sid wants to try it again but Diesel back-drops Sid. Sid instigates a brawl on the floor, Shawn Michaels dives onto Sid with a diving axe handle. IRS is in the ring, Godwinn and Tatanka are down. Sid eats a big boot and it’s over!

 

 

What? A boot after all that? One of the softest boots I have ever seen? Why would you do that? If you are going to put Diesel over Sid, why no Jacknife Powerbomb? Very anti-climatic end to the pay per view, I will say that I did enjoy the lumberjack stuff though. They made it feel important with Sid securing control because of the lumberjacks assaulting the champion. We also had a nice build to Mabel vs Diesel due to their altercation during the match so that’s all good but what a flat end to this feud and pay per view, I wish things were better going into Summerslam!

 

Winner: Diesel over Sycho Sid via Big Boot!

 

That was WWF’s In Your House 2, another solid showing from the WWF in 1995. In Your House continues to blow away the regular PPVs due to the smaller number of matches and the shorter run-time. We kick things off with Roadie vs The 1-2-3 Kid, a match that blows away anything they would do 4 years later at Summerslam. Kid bumps around and we have a sick finish with a piledriver delivered to someone with a bad neck, vicious and fitting which is far more than I could have hoped for from these two. Things continue with Men on A Mission vs Razor Ramon & Savio Vega, a good match considering who was involved. Ramon brings a lot of fire, Mabel is strong while Savio sells as a babyface-in-peril, it’s all good stuff. Bam Bam Bigelow vs Henry O Godwinn is fine, could have been worse and that’s for the best.

 

Michaels vs Jarrett is incredible, they have a great match with a fast pace that kicks so much ass. Love a lot of the elements of the match and the finish has the fans going ballistic, it’s hard to ignore what the fans are saying when it comes to HBK. This match is a lot of fun, it’s worth searching out and arguably Jeff Jarrett’s best match in the WWF. Allied Powers vs Owen Hart & Yokozuna is another fun tag match, there is nothing wrong with this match I am just as always really interested to see where things end up between Owen Hart & Yokozuna The main event is disappointing for sure, a flat end to a big feud that I was definitely interested in, things went wrong with King of The Ring and this climax to Sid vs Diesel is just the worst. I do not want to see these two anywhere near one another, I am interested in Sid vs Michaels though, it has to be coming considering what Sid did to HBK. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!


WWF King Of The Ring 1995 Review

 


Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that has a better Twitter game than a Retribution member! It’s WWF King of The Ring 1995, we continue to roll through the year of 1995 with one of the bigger PPVs of the year. Headlined by Tatanka & Sycho Sid vs Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow, I am a little shocked that this will be the main event but it’s a nice way to build upon the end of WWF In Your House #1! We also have The King Of The Ring tournament itself with the likes of Mabel, Savio Vega, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. All sorts of excitement and unpredictability right there and we cannot forget the Kiss My Foot Match between The Hitman Bret Hart and Jerry The King Lawler! Card looks light when looking at the tournament and the only PPV which did well in my eyes was In Your House so let’s see if something good comes out at King Of The Ring 1995!

 

(KOTR Qualifying Match) IRS W/ Ted Dibiase vs Savio Vega W/ Razor Ramon


God damn not more IRS, IRS tries to scoop slam but Savio gets a small package for two. Sunset flip for two, IRS takes control with right hands. Hard Irish whip, Savio dodges the splash and schoolboys IRS for two, side headlock takedown from Savio. IRS tries to roll over but Savio is not letting go, shoulder block from Savio. IRS eats a hip-toss and a dropkick for two, Savio grabs the headlock once more. Off camera, IRS sends Savio to the floor. IRS stomps on the head of Savio on the floor, scoop slam from IRS. IRS goes up to the top rope and dives into the boot of Savio, right hands from Savio. Irish whip, elbow from Savio. Snap suplex for two, IRS powders off an Irish whip. Savio chases IRS, IRS is thrown into the ring but IRS stomps on Savio. Savio reverses an Irish whip and lands his Spinning Heel Kick for the win.

 

 

Not much of a match, happy to see an IRS match end early though. With Ramon at his side, Savio could have a very good year in the WWF.

 

Winner: Savio Vega over IRS via Spinning Heel Kick!

 

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Yokozuna vs Savio Vega


Savio with Razor Ramon is here, Yokozuna is here with Cornette & Fuji. No tag team championship match shows that this team of Owen Hart & Yokozuna is a waste of both men’s talents. Side headlock from Savio, shoulder block from Yokozuna. Savio tries again, Yokozuna rakes the face and chops Savio. Savio ducks a clothesline but Yokozuna lands a big elbow. Savio dodges the elbow drop, arm-wringer and right hands from Savio. Yokozuna backs Savio to the corner but Savio rams Yokozuna’s head into the buckle ten times. Savio tries his spinning heel kick but Yokozuna manages to dodge. Yokozuna pummels Savio in the corner, Savio is down. Yokozuna is thinking Banzai, Savio rolls out of the way.

 

 

Headbutts from Yokozuna, Razor cheers on Savio while Yokozuna chokes Savio with the top rope. Snap-mare into a shoulder claw from Yokozuna, Savio fights out of the hold but Savio is side-stepped and is sent tumbling over the top rope. Ramon helps Savio into the ring, Yokozuna slaps Savio but Savio begins teeing off on Yokozuna. Throat thrust from Yokozuna, corner choke from Yokozuna. Scoop slam from Yokozuna, Savio dodges the leg drop. Right hands and a clothesline from Savio, three clotheslines do not topple Yokozuna. Spinning Heel Kick on Yokozuna, Cornette is decked by Savio. Owen Hart attacks Razor’s injured ribs, Savio is not happy. Savio and Yokozuna brawl on the floor, Yokozuna runs into the ring-post and loses by count-out.

 

 

The crowd react big to Savio winning the match, shame it was a very different look on my face. Yokozuna at this stage is just not watchable, some might say Yokozuna was never that good but this looks sloppy and plodding. Does little for Savio and I mean if you are going to push Savio, let him have a big win instead of a count-out over Yokozuna. Quite boring opening match, I think this might be a rough night for me.

 

Winner: Savio Vega over Yokozuna via Count-Out!

 

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) The Roadie vs Bob Sparky Plugg Holly


What universe am I living in? These two are competing, not Double J. Bob Holly is a bizarre babyface not to mention a mullet that does not work for the man. Jim Cornette managed Mantaur? Holly slams Roadie for two, scoop slams and shoulder blocks for two. Roadie is lost, sunset flip for two. Small package for two, Roadie is on the floor with Double J. Roadie slaps Holly, cheap shot as the referee was protecting Holly. Irish whip reversal from Holly, Roadie eats another shoulder block. Roadie is arm-dragged for good measure, hip-toss from Holly. Scoop slam for two, Roadie leapfrogs Holly and lands a powerbomb. Roadie dances, big kick to the head from Roadie. Forearm from Roadie, hard Irish whip from Roadie.

 

 

Roadie bites the head of Holly, Double J is talking massive trash at ringside. Another Irish whip which sends Holly down, Roadie struts and dances all over the ring. Elbow drops from Roadie, snap-mare and a reverse chin-lock. Holly escapes and schoolboys Roadie for two, clothesline from Roadie. Snap-mare into another rest-hold, not feeling two of these back to back. Holly escapes, eats a boot and Roadie is back-dropped by Holly. Irish whip by Roadie, headscissors takedown from Holly. Holly ducks a clothesline and lands a massive dropkick, Holly fires up big time. 3 Hard right hands from Holly for two, powerslam from Holly for two. Roadie begs off, knee to the ribs. Roadie wants a superplex, Holly knocks down Roadie. Holly tries something and Roadie boots Holly in the face and this match is over, fucked-up referee count and all.

 

 

Very average, it’s incredible to see Roadie work like that considering the man has nearly bored me to tears when working without Bad Ass Billy Gunn. Holly is a babyface, some babyface for sure. These two try and I appreciate it for sure but this was not that entertaining, best part was Roadie’s dance moves.

 

Winner: Roadie over Bob Holly via Boot!

 

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Kama Mustafa W/ Ted Dibiase vs Shawn Michaels


The Supreme-Fighting Machine is here, Kama looks like he’s straight out of Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. You want to talk about favourites, you have to talk about Shawn Michaels. While the WWF is in turmoil, Michaels is a pillar of consistency along with the likes of Ramon and The Hitman. These two lock-up, hammerlock from Michaels. Kama counters, Michaels jabs Kama who missed two punches of his own. Lock-up, Kama out-powers Michaels. Kama is too slow though, Michaels continues to sting Kama with right hands. Lock-up, side headlock from Michaels. Kama tries to push Michaels off, Kama succeeds. Michaels is sent over the top rope but Michaels skins the cat and back-drops Kama to the floor.

 

 

Dibiase talks strategy with Kama, arm-wringer from Michaels. Shots to the arm, arm-bar from HBK. Kama lands a huge kick to the gut, clotheslining Michaels to the floor. Dibiase gets some kicks in, Kama slams Michaels into the ring-post. Kama kicks and clubs Michaels in the ring, Kama works the back with massive kicks. Hard Irish whip to the buckle, Kama waffles Michaels in the jaw. Kama stomps on the head of Michaels, vicious kicks to the head and neck. Single leg Boston crab, shots to the ribs while using the hold. Michaels tries fighting back but Kama cuts that crap right out. Michaels is placed on the top turnbuckle, massive gut shot from Kama. One more kick leaves Michaels down on the canvas, Kama smiles admiring his handy work.

 

 

Argentine Back-breaker from Kama, Micheals is kicking to escape. Michaels kicks off the buckle and reverses the hold for two with a back-drop. Kama is back in control, Kama flips Michaels to the floor. Dibiase kicks at Michaels behind the referee’s back, Kama talks shit to Michaels who is not moving on the floor. Michaels has to beat the count, Michaels makes it into the ring at nine. Kama lands a rib-breaker, make it two. Three from Kama, Kama stretches Michaels across the ring. Michaels clubs Kama with right hands to escape the hold, Kama whips Michaels to the buckle. Kama misses a corner splash, Michaels lands a middle rope forearm. Michaels dodges Kama’s fists, lefts and rights from HBK.

 

 

Michaels dodges the scoop slam attempt from Kama and lands a huge forearm. Michaels kips-up, stomp to the face and right hands from HBK. Michaels is almost DQ-ed for his attacks, diving axe handle for two. Michaels lands ten punches in the corner, Irish whip is reversed to the opposite buckle. Kama rolls through the crossbody from Michaels for two, Kama lands big knees to the ribs. Small package from HBK for two, Irish whip and sunset flip from Michaels but Kama does not go down before the time limit expires!

 

 

Well you took arguably your most popular wrestler and had him eliminated from this tournament. Why would you do this? Why would you have Michaels go 15 minutes with someone who is a lamb to the slaughter aka Undertaker’s next play thing? Will this elevate Kama? Obviously not so what does this accomplish? The action was fine though, Michaels helps with his selling for sure and Kama does an alright job I suppose, it did not feel like 15 minutes which is the nicest thing I can say about this match.

 

Both Men Have Been Eliminated!

 

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Mabel W/ Mo vs The Undertaker W/ Paul Bearer


The bell rings, Taker pummels Mabel with ease. Throat thrusts rock Mabel, big Irish whip to the buckle. Clothesline from Taker, make it two. Mabel is on his feet before a third clothesline floors Mabel, Old School from Taker. Mabel is choked in the corner, Irish whip but Mabel reverses and lands a terrible slam. Taker sits-up, clothesline to the floor. Taker is on the apron, stun-gun from The Deadman. Mabel clubs Taker who was entering the ring, Taker is caught in the rope. Paul Bearer tries helping The Deadman but Taker cannot be freed as Mabel stomps on Taker over and over. In the ring, Taker chokes Mabel but Mo distracts The Deadman. Belly to belly suplex from Mabel, camel clutch from Mabel.

 

 

Taker fights back but Mabel sends The Phenom to the floor, Taker is hurled into the steel steps. Mo stomps on Taker, Mabel stands on Taker as Taker crawls into the ring. Hard Irish whip to the buckle, big suplex from Mabel for two. Right hands from Mabel, headbutt too. Scoop slam and cover for two, Mabel misses a corner splash as Taker boots Mabel. Clothesline knocks down Mabel, Taker ducks his head off an Irish whip. Piledriver from Mabel for two, both men bang heads. Mabel misses an elbow drop, throat thrusts from Taker. Corner splash from Taker, boots and chokes from Taker. Mabel whips Taker into the referee, Taker whips Mabel but Mabel reverses. Taker ducks the clothesline and lands his flying clothesline. Chokeslam from Taker, Mo is decked too. Kama sprints down massive head kick from Kama, Running Leg Drop from Mabel and Mabel pins The Deadman.

 

 

So you have Michaels and Taker in The King of The Ring Tournament and both men are eliminated and not near the final? That’s ballsy but also incredibly disappointing because they were infinitely more interesting scenarios than what we are going to be left with, Roadie vs Savio and the winner faces Mabel. Mabel and Taker were just dull here, they didn’t do much at all. Just throat thrusts from Taker while Mabel slowly clubs away at The Deadman. Although, beating The Undertaker is a big endorsement for Mabel, can Mabel live up to the hype?

 

Winner: Mabel over The Undertaker via Leg Drop!

 

(KOTR Semi-Final Match) Savio Vega W/ Razor Ramon vs The Roadie W/ Jeff Jarrett


Two Road Dogg singles matches in one night sounds like torture, these two lock-up. Roadie is bashed by Savio, whip to the buckle and a hip-toss. Clothesline to the floor, arm-wringer in the ring from Savio. Clubbing blows from Savio, arm-bar. Roadie lands a knee and a neck-breaker for two, Roadie chokes Savio in the corner. Middle rope choke from Roadie, Double J thought about a cheap-shot but Ramon protects his buddy. Boot to the face from Roadie, big right hands in the corner. Snap-mare and middle rope headbutt for two, Roadie stomps on the back of Savio. Savio starts shaking off the attacks of Roadie, chops from Savio. Hard Irish whip from Roadie, Roadie steps on the throat of Savio.

 

 

Savio dodges the middle rope headbutt, crowd seems distracted by something. Right hands by Savio, back elbow from Savio. Scoop slam, two for Savio. Irish whip, massive big boot for two. Another whip, Roadie reverses the Irish whip and Double J grabs the boot of Savio. Savio whips Roadie into Jarrett on the apron, Roadie puts on the breaks in front of Jarrett. Dropkick from Savio and a roll-up which leads to Savio in the final!

 

 

Mercifully short, I didn’t want to see a long match between these two because Roadie is never going to carry a match while Savio is not over at the level WWF want to establish him at for this to work. The man’s comeback was a right hand and a scoop slam, hard to get invested in all of that. Things are more difficult for Savio as the fans are pissed they were robbed of Michaels and Taker, fans also would rather see Razor tearing it up in the ring so Savio just cannot win on this night.

 

Winner: Savio Vega over Roadie via Schoolboy!

 

(Kiss My Foot Match) Bret Hart vs Jerry The King Lawler


From 1993 to 1995, we will finish this feud once and for all. Lawler was suspended before the feud could end in 1993 but here we are in 1995 to end the feud. Lawler had insulted the family of Bret and used Hakushi to cost Bret big matches, Bret batters Lawler with right hands. Lawler meets the guardrail and the buckle, Lawler is on the floor. Headbutt to the spine from Bret before Lawler sends Bret into the steel steps. Bret holds his elbow in extreme pain, Burger King chants ring throughout the arena. Lawler sends Bret into the guardrail, Lawler is very happy with his work. Bret meets the buckle hard, Lawler is smiling in the ring. Lawler wants the piledriver, Bret is planted with a devastating piledriver. Lawler wastes time though, no pin-fall attempt from Lawler. A second Piledriver plants The Hitman, Lawler jaw-jacks with the regular ECW fans. Third piledriver connects on The Hitman, Lawler is smiling like a mad man.

 

 

1…2… Bret manages to kick out of the third piledriver, Bret is rammed off the buckle. More Burger King chants, Bret goes low and starts firing back with right hands. Lawler rakes the eyes and throws Bret to the floor, Lawler undoes his boot and we can see his smelly sock. Lawler cracks Bret with his boot, how did Earl not see that right in front of his face? 1…2.. Bret manages to kick out again. Lawler chokes Bret with his boot, Lawler takes off his boot. Bret blocks the smelly boot, leg-trip and headbutt to the groin from Bret.

 

 

Lawler is in intense pain, let’s go Bret rings out in the arena. Lawler is trying to crawl away, Bret elbows Lawler in the nose three times before Lawler decks Bret with the boot. Lawler lands a middle rope Fist Drop for two, Lawler is getting upset now. Lawler pulls Bret’s leg toward the ring-post, Bret uses his legs to pull Lawler into the ring-post. Gut shots on the floor, here comes Hakushi to distract Bret. Hakushi nails Lawler with a throat thrust by mistake, Bret ducked the blow. Irish whip, gut punch and Russian leg-sweep from Bret, back-breaker and Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop. Sharpshooter from Bret as the arena comes alive, Lawler gives up. Hakushi comes down and fails to save Lawler again as Lawler has no choice but to kiss the foot of The Hitman.

 

 

Well that was fine, considering what I have seen on this show it was amazing. Lawler cheated as much as possible, had Hakushi and all the bells and whistles but Bret comes off on top, good way to cap off the feud that was 2 years in the making. Lawler is so good at comedy, shame we had to sit through Piper and Doink matches to get to an interesting Lawler match against Bret. Anyways, best match on the card so far but it’s not saying much.

 

Winner: Bret Hart over Jerry Lawler via Sharpshooter!

 

(KOTR Final Match) Mabel W/ Mo vs Savio Vega W/ Razor Ramon


Nobody would have predicted these two in the final but that’s what we have, Mabel shoves away Savio. Mabel misses a corner splash, Savio unloads with right hands on Mabel. Chops rock Mabel, ten punches in the corner. Irish whip but Mabel reverses, Savio ducks the clothesline. Knees and rights before Mabel rakes the eyes. Scoop slam, Mabel misses the leg drop. Savio clotheslines Mabel to the floor, Savio is grabbed by Mabel. Savio sends Mabel into the steel steps, Mabel manages to send Savio into the steel steps. Mabel chokes Savio with the top rope, hard Irish whip from Mabel. Bearhug from Mabel, I hate this move so much especially when the smaller wrestler is not lifted into the air. Looks silly, why doesn’t Savio just use his hands and fight out of the hold?

 

 

Eventually, Savio escapes before an Irish whip and another bearhug. Jesus Christ two of these back to back? Big ear clap from Savio, Mabel clubs Savio down. Sidewalk slam from Mabel for two, reverse chin-lock. Mabel misses a corner splash and Savio gets a close two off a schoolboy. Spinning Heel Kick from Savio, Savio gives an exhausted cover and Mabel survives with a close two. Mabel reverses Savio, falling slam from Mabel for two. Splash from Mabel and we have a King of The Ring! Mabel gets more heat by destroying Razor Ramon as well as The 1-2-3 Kid.

 

2 Bearhugs of enormous length back to back, the rest-hold master Mabel. This was a shit-show, huge ECW chants in the middle of the match tells you all you need to know. This was rough, Mabel vs Diesel is going to be some match for sure, how lucky we all are to witness that take place. Anyways, this match is boring, I feel for Savio for sure but there is no excuse for Mabel’s lack of work in this match. Rest-holds galore and just slow, terrible match and terrible tournament.

 

Winner: Mabel over Savio Vega via Splash!

 

Sycho Sid & Tatanka W/ Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase vs Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow


Sid is a monster who took out Shawn Michaels and sold his soul to the devil himself, that devil being Ted Dibiase. Bam Bam Bigelow was kicked out of The Million Dollar Corporation which leads us to this tag match. Sid just looks out at the fans and I am all in on Sid, what an awesome force. We start off hot with Diesel and Bigelow cleaning house, Sid and Tatanka powder.

 

 

Diesel wants Sid, Sid allows Tatanka to start. Arm-wringer from Diesel, Tatanka reverses but Diesel lands a short-arm clothesline. Sid kicks the injured elbow of Diesel, Sid stretches the elbow and throws it into the ring-post. Tatanka is on the warpath, tomahawk chops from The Native-American. Boot to the head from Tatanka, Diesel is down to one knee. Arm-wringer from Tatanka, Sid hammers the elbow from the apron. Sid rakes the eyes, knee to the injured elbow. Sid uses the ropes to rake at the arm of Diesel, repeated blows again and again. Scoop slam from Sid and more blows to the arm, Sid misses the leg drop. Diesel tags in Bigelow, clotheslines all around. Tatanka eats an elbow, Tatanka elbow drops Sid by mistake. Tatanka is dropkicked to the floor, Bigelow plants Sid with a DDT.

 

 

Bigelow is on the top rope, Diving Headbutt from Bigelow. Dibiase is distracting the referee, Bigelow has his eyes on Dibiase now. Bigelow covers Sid but Sid is well recovered, Sid hammers Bigelow who was watching Dibiase again. Sid chokes Bigelow on the buckle, chokeslam from Sid. Sid is loving this, Tatanka comes in and gets a two on Bigelow. Right hand from Tatanka, kicks to the ribs from Tatanka. Belly to back suplex from Tatanka, boots to the head of Bigelow. Tag to Sid, big running boot to the ribs. Boot to the head from Sid, stomps from Sid. Bigelow starts firing back with right hands before a boot sends Bigelow to the floor, Bigelow trips up Sid. Bigelow wants a sling-shot splash but Tatanka sends Bigelow to the floor.

 

 

Running boot from Sid on the floor, reverse chin-lock from Sid. Bigelow manages to tag Diesel, forearms and running clothesline. Scoop slam and elbow from Diesel, Bigelow is back in against Tatanka. Tomahaawk chops and crossbody from Tatanka for two, reverse chin-lock from Tatanka once more. Bigelow escapes but eats a massive DDT for two, Bigelow battles back and both men collide with a massive clothesline. Bigelow covers for two, another fucking rest-hold? Bigelow manages to splash Tatanka after Tatanka drops down to avoid a potential crossbody.

 

 

Sid is trying to shut up the fans, Tatanka is waffled with the enzuigiri. Diesel lands massive forearms, sidewalk slam on Tatanka. Tatanka tries an O’Connor roll but Diesel hangs on, big boot from Diesel. Diesel calls for the finish, Jacknife Powerbomb and Diesel says no this is not it. Diesel wants Sid, Sid tells Diesel he wants none of this. Sid decides to walk away, Diesel drops an elbow off camera and pins Tatanka.

 

 

God damn that was trash too! This PPV is unbelievably bad, how could anyone sit through this? It starts off in the right direction but there is so much bad here. Diesel coming in off the hot-tag and hurting himself so immediately tagging out afterwards? Tatanka battling Mabel for master of rest-holds? Diesel coming in at the end for hot-tag part 2 and Sid just not getting involved? Fair enough if they want to save the match but Sid could have at least bumped for Diesel before The Powerbomb. Tatanka defeated by an elbow drop off camera? What was In Your House 1 for? I wanted to see this match and this is what you deliver? Could have done anything better than this!

 

Winners: Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow over Million Dollar Corporation via Elbow Drop!

 

That was WWF’s King of The Ring 1995, the worst pay per view I have covered in quite some time. This is the one they point to when they talk about how bad The New Generation was, no doubt in my mind. It’s incredible to think how lacklustre the King of The Ring Tournament is with the likes of Bob Holly, Roadie, Savio Vega and Mabel. You could have had Owen Hart, British Bulldog, Double J, 1-2-3 Kid, Hakushi and the list goes on and on. You had Undertaker and Michaels in there but both of them fell victim to the God that is Kama who not only went 15 minutes with HBK but also cost Undertaker his match against Mabel. The people at ringside for tournament matches like Double J and Razor Ramon were infinitely more entertaining than the likes of Savio and Mabel. The main event was a horrible tag match with too many rest-holds and not enough flow, it’s just there and the finish takes away everything that I thought was fun about The WWF In Your House 1 PPV. Do not watch this, it’s a gigantic waste of time that is not worth it. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!


Sunday 27 September 2020

WWF In Your House 1 Review

 


Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that takes more shots at the competition than an ex-WWE Wrestler. It’s WWF In Your House #1, shorter pay per views that promise you the action of the big pay per views. What’s on this card? We have Diesel defending his WWF Championship against the number one contender Sycho Sid, I can hardly believe it but these two behemoths are going to lock up already! We also have Bret Hart competing twice in one night to take on Hakushi aka Jinzei Shinzaki and later in the night, Jerry The King Lawler. Razor Ramon takes on Jeff Jarrett & The Roadie in a handicap match while Mabel wants to defeat Adam Bomb in a King of The Ring Qualifier. Some big matches, some interesting matches for sure. The first In Your House, will it be a homerun?

 

Bret Hart vs Hakushi


Bret was being honoured by the Japanese Media before Hakushi attacked, angered that his media would honour a Gaijin like Bret Hart. Hakushi aka Jinsei Shinzaki is a fantastic wrestler who would primarily compete in Michinoku Pro but during the 90s would also venture to FMW to team with Hayabusa and battles the likes of Masato Tanaka and Mr. Gannosuke. Shinzaki would also compete in AJPW with Hayabusa and perhaps most well-known to American wrestling fans, Shinzaki would team with Hayabusa to take on RVD & Sabu at ECW’s Heatwave 1998.

 

 

Side headlock from Hakushi, Bret shoves off Hakushi and Hakushi flips over Bret. Bret admires the athletics of Hakushi, Hakushi yanks Bret down by the hair. Hakushi wrenches the arm, Bret whips Hakushi. Hakushi lands a flying headbutt for two, Hakushi latches on an arm-bar. USA chants for Canadian Bret Hart, Hakushi tries a scoop slam but Bret slips out the back for an O’Connor roll for two. Bret slaps on an arm-bar, shoulder block from The Hitman. Mis-communication and Bret elbows Hakushi hard, hip-toss and arm-drags from The Hitman. Hakushi tries to sneak up on Bret but Bret is too wise to the tactics of Hakushi, throat thrusts from Hakushi. Bret blocks being rammed into the buckle, Hakushi is sent into the buckle.

 

 

Hakushi regains control by sending Bret into the buckle sternum-first, middle rope splash from Hakushi for a close two. Camel clutch from Hakushi, Bret escapes but Hakushi chokes Bret in the corner. Stomps in the corner from Hakushi, bronco buster from Hakushi wipes out Bret. Hakushi poses in front of the fans on the middle rope, Bret has time to recover. Scoop slam is countered again by Bret but Hakushi sends Bret to the floor while Hakushi’s manager stomps on Bret’s chest and throat. Bret re-enters the ring as Hakushi stomps The Hitman, hard Irish whip to the buckle. Hakushi chokes Bret in the corner behind the referee’s back, Hakushi chokes Bret on the middle rope. Hakushi’s manager chokes Bret too behind the referee’s back, Hakushi talks The Hitman.

 

 

Big whip to the buckle, handspring elbow from Hakushi. Hakushi charges in but Bret blocks Hakushi, eye rake from Hakushi to stop Bret. Irish whip reversal from Bret but Hakushi lands a tilt-a-whirl side-slam for two. Diving Headbutt from Hakushi, Bret manages to kick out at two. Hakushi is on the apron, Bret rolls out of the way of the springboard splash. Bret is on his feet, right hands from The Hitman. Gut punch into the Russian leg-sweep, two for The Hitman. Running bulldog for two, back-breaker from Bret. Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop, Bret wants to finish this match here and now, Hakushi’s manager distracts Bret. Bret lands an inverted atomic drop and clothesline on Hakushi, headbutt rocks Hakushi.

 

 

Bret lands right hands against Hakushi who is stuck in the ropes, Hakushi’s manager grabs the leg of Bret and this leads to Bret landing a suicide dive on the manager. Repeated right hands from Bret to the manager, Bret re-enters the ring. Dropkick for two for Hakushi, Bret blocks two suplexes and suplexes Hakushi to the floor. Both men land hard, both men attempt to re-enter the ring and while Bret threatens the manager, Hakushi lands a sick Asai Moonsault. Could Hakushi win this match by count-out? Bret is on the apron, Hakushi wants the suplex but Bret takes the back. Both men trade counters before Bret counters the German suplex for a victory-roll, Bret squeaks out the win.

 

 

Solid match to kick us off, you cannot go wrong with Bret Hart to kick off a pay per view. Solid work from Hakushi, lots of interesting offence and a breathe of fresh air compared to some of the other athletes who will compete on this show. Good story-telling too with Bret twisting his ankle leaving the ring, how will this factor into Jerry Lawler vs Bret Hart? The Asai Moonsault and the Diving Headbutt looked fantastic, really hoping we can see these two fight again. The kind of opening match you want to have on this type of show, a brief look at what the WWF can do with the right people inside of the ring.

 

Winner: Bret Hart over Hakushi via Victory-Roll!

 

Jeff Jarrett  & The Roadie vs Razor Ramon


After stealing the Intercontinental Championship at The Rumble and getting disqualified at Wrestlemania, Jeff Jarrett has nowhere to run against Razor Ramon in this match. However, The Roadie is competing in this match so it is in the favour of Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett & Roadie are already trying to bend the rules but the referee establishes order and we kick off with Ramon vs Jarrett. Roadie distracts Ramon, Jarrett starts hammering Ramon with big right hands. Ramon reverses an Irish whip and pummels Jarrett with right hands. Discuss right hand sends Jarrett to the floor, Roadie is irate. Jarrett kicks Ramon in the ribs, hard right hands and Ramon is bounced off the buckle. Two times, whip from Double J. Ramon holds onto the ropes and clotheslines Jarrett to the floor with ease, Double J is holding his face once more.

 

 

Jarrett suckers in Ramon but Ramon bounces Jarrett’s face off the ring apron, Jarrett runs from Ramon which leads to Roadie thumping Ramon with a massive axe handle to the back of the head. Ramon is whipped to the buckle twice, enzuigiri from Jarrett. Ramon tries a clothesline, missing but Jarrett dives into a crossbody. Ramon lands his fallaway slam for two as Roadie makes the save, Double J tags in Roadie. Roadie lands a flying clothesline, elbow drops and dances too. Ramon and Jarrett trade pin-fall attempts as Jarrett enters the ring, back elbow from Jarrett to keep down Ramon.

 

 

Small package from Ramon for two, Double J lands a big clothesline. Tag to Roadie, Roadie stomps on the head of The Bad Guy. Big right hands from Roadie, Ramon rocks Roadie with a right hand. Jarrett enters illegally to whack Ramon from behind, Jarrett is in officially. Middle rope axe handle fails for Double J, atomic drop from Ramon. Ramon wants The Razor’s Edge, Jarrett back-drops Ramon to the floor. Roadie climbs to the middle rope, diving clothesline wipes out Ramon on the floor. Jarrett tries a diving crossbody with Ramon rolling through for two, dropkick from Double J keeps down Ramon. Ramon reverses an Irish whip but lowers the head, swinging neck-breaker from Double J. Jarrett chokes Ramon with his knee, Ramon moves out of the way and Jarrett lands groin-first.

 

 

Jarrett and Ramon drop-down and avoid one another before banging heads I the middle of the ring, Jarrett tries a sleeper but Ramon lands a huge belly to back suplex. Jarrett tags Roadie, Roadie is on the middle rope. Massive knee drop for two, Roadie cannot believe the official’s call. Ramon breaks free from the reverse chin-lock and sends Roadie right into the mat, Roadie tags Jarrett though. Ramon fires back with massive right hands, Jarrett is whipped into Roadie. Ramon lands a back superplex on Roadie, Ramon calls to finish it. Ramon blocks the figure four by kicking Jarrett into Roadie, Ramon lands The Razor’s Edge and Ramon wins the handicap match.

 

 

Entertaining match as always from these two, a satisfying pay-off for their previous encounters. Ramon and Jarrett work the crowd into a frenzy with their regular spots, Roadie adding another dynamic by cheap-shotting Ramon at any chance that presents itself. Ramon is so popular with the fans, everything just works and it’s crazy every single time that Ramon calls for that finish. Loved this feud between these two, enjoyable among all the terrible action taking place in the WWF. Great addition to the feud at the end as Jarrett and Roadie attack Razor Ramon which leads to the debut of Ramon’s friend Savio Vega!

 

Winner: Razor Ramon over Double J & The Roadie via Razor’s Edge!

 

Mabel W/ Mo vs Adam Bomb (KOTR Qualifier)


Mabel is here with a new attitude, months of being a punching bag and being defeated in ridiculous fashion, Mabel is here to destroy everything in sight. Can’t tell you much about Adam Bomb, seems Bomb has been in freefall ever since turning babyface and splitting from his manager. Mo distracts Bomb which allows Mabel to land a blow, clubbing blows and corner splash from Mabel. Whip to the opposite buckle, Bomb dodges and lands big right hands. Mabel is staggering, shoulder block and Mabel is down to the floor. Plancha from Bomb, slingshot clothesline from Bomb for not even a one. Bomb climbs to the top rope, diving clothesline for two. Mabel reverses Bomb and lands a spinning heel kick. Bomb ducks a right hand but is slammed to the mat for the pin-fall.

 

 

Not much of a match, not sure if it’s even that impressive of a win. However, Mabel is large and in charge, big things are in-store for Mabel!

 

Winner: Mabel over Adam Bomb via Falling Powerslam!

 

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) Owen Hart & Yokozuna © vs The Smoking Gunns


Rematch from Wrestlemania, the unstoppable Yokozuna with the charismatic Owen Hart vs the former champions, The Smoking Gunns. Billy and Yokozuna start, side headlock from Billy. Shoulder block from Yokozuna, Billy slides through the legs and lands two dropkicks. Arm-wringer from Billy, tag to Bart. Diving axe handle but Yokozuna headbutts Bart after an arm-wringer. In comes Owen, Bart is whipped to the buckle hard. Bart returns the favour for Owen and plants Owen with a military press slam. Beautiful dropkick and a dropkick/suplex combination with Billy for two, Billy is distracted by Fuji. Enzuigiri from Owen, tag to Yokozuna. Double clothesline, Yokozuna chops at Billy.

 

 

Snap-mare and shoulder claw from Yokozuna, tag to Owen after Billy meets the boot. Neck-breaker from Owen for two, Owen ducks the head off an Irish whip, sunset flip from Billy for two. Spinning heel kick from Owen, Billy rolls to the floor. Yokozuna misses a splash on Billy, Owen misses a corner splash. Bart comes in, big scoop slams. Owen hits the buckle sternum-first, belly to back suplex. Belly to back suplex/neck-breaker combination for two, Bart misses a crossbody wiping out on the floor. Yokozuna lands a leg drop on Bart while Billy nails Cornette off the apron, Owen covers and the champions retain.

 

 

Brief but fun, Owen is cocky and antagonizes both Gunns while Yokozuna tortures both with his awesome power. Thought Bart would have run more wild on the hot tag but they weren’t here to go all out, I liked the finish as it plays to the strengths of the tag team with Yokozuna landing a massive leg drop and squishing Bart, I am sure with the right team there can be some fun tag team matches with Yokozuna and Owen, still waiting for that main event level match from the two as a team.

 

Winners: Owen Hart & Yokozuna over The Smoking Gunns via Leg Drop!

 

Jerry Lawler vs Bret Hart


It looks like we are continuing off from 1993, Bret shows no sign of injury and batters Lawler with right hands. On the floor, Bret rams Lawler into the guardrail. Off the steel steps too, Lawler is hiding behind the referee. Snap-mare and leg drop from Bret, Irish whip and back body-drop from The Hitman. Bret chokes Lawler with the middle rope, another Irish whip and Bret lowers his head. Lawler lands The Piledriver but Bret pops up, right hands from The Hitman. Running bulldog from Bret, Bret drives Lawler into the ground with a piledriver. Lawler lands an eye rake, scoop slam from Lawler. Lawler goes to the top rope, Bret is on his feet. Lawler’s axe handle misses, back elbow from Bret. Headbutt to the groin from Bret, Bret pummels Lawler with right hands. Bret sends Lawler into the referee, gut punch and Russian leg-sweep. Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop, Hakushi is here and lands his Diving Headbutt to the back of the head of Bret. Hakushi lands another one to the chest, make it three.

 

 

More of an angle than a match, Lawler gets the win over Bret to setup their feud once more. Lawler has now beaten Bret on two occasions, once was a DQ but now The King has the pin-fall over The Hitman. Hakushi aids Lawler which could lead to more matches between the two down the line, I am open to that. Hakushi also gets his heat back from earlier, this could be a fun program. Anything is an improvement over Lawler vs Piper or Lawler vs Doink!

 

Winner: Jerry Lawler over Bret Hart via Three Hakushi Diving Headbutts!

 

(WWF Championship Match) Diesel © vs Sycho Sid W/ Ted Dibiase


I don’t know how this match is going to play out, I have an idea for sure and it’s not a positive one. Regardless, Sycho Sid is one of my favourite wrestlers due to his persona inside of that ring and his work inside of it too. Sid walks to the ring and it’s on, Sid looks down on every person inside of that arena and looks as if Sid would kill everyone without a second thought. These two stare one another down, neither man faced by the other.

 

 

Sid is shoved down by Diesel, forearm shots by Diesel. Corner clothesline by Big Daddy Cool, make it two. Elbows in the corner, Sid collapses to the mat and rolls to the floor. Dibiase is having a fit on the apron, Diesel is behind Sid. Axe handle off the apron, forearm shots from Diesel. Short-arm clotheslines from Diesel, Sid eats a flying clothesline from Diesel for two. Sid rolls out of the ring, Dibiase cheers on his superstar. Diesel continues to rock Sid with forearms, Sid is begging off from Diesel. Dibiase distracts Diesel, massive running knee from Sid knocks Diesel to the floor. Sid drops Diesel onto the apron, Sid breaks the count and kicks Diesel in the ribs over and over.

 

 

The champion is picked up and sent spine-first into the ring-post, Diesel is wounded now. Sid takes a run-up and punts Diesel right in the skull, Sid poses in the ring as Diesel looks to find his feet. In the ring, Sid clubs at Diesel. Again and again, Diesel is down to a knee. Big axe handle from Sid, Diesel elbows back at Sid. Whip to the buckle, Sid blocks with an elbow and lands a clothesline. Sid poses for the fans once more, more clubbing blows. Diesel is clubbed down time after time, boot to the spine and Sid clamps on a camel clutch. Sid rakes at the face of Diesel too while in the hold, nice little touch from Sid. Diesel attempts to fight back, surviving passing out but Sid drops his weight on the spine of Diesel. There’s no fighting back for Diesel today, leg drop for two.

 

 

Sid stands over the prone Diesel, Sid clamps on the hold once more. Nothing that Diesel can do, the camel clutch is in deep. Dibiase is applauding the handy work of Sid, Sid’s facial expressions are tremendous here. Diesel fights back with elbows, Sid says no way it’s chokeslam time. Sid gives Diesel the sign of the cross, this could be all over! Powerbomb from Sid, Side celebrates without pinning Diesel. Sid crawls into the cover, 1….2… Diesel manages to kick out! Sid is in shock, Sid goes for the kill. Sid bounces Diesel’s head off the buckle but it’s only making the champion angry. Sid misses a corner splash, snake eyes from Diesel. Irish whip into a big boot, Diesel delivers The Jacknife Powerbomb and Tatanka has interfered and along with Dibiase, they stomp the life out of Diesel. Sid is about to destroy Diesel before Bam Bam Bigelow makes the save, the man who was kicked from The Million Dollar Corporation after his loss at Wrestlemania.

 

 

Well that was a good TV level of championship match from these two, anytime I get to watch Sid is a joy as the man is just awesome. Say what you want about his work but Sid brings a charisma that very few wrestlers will ever reach, the expressions and body language are fantastic throughout this match. Sid selling Diesel surviving the powerbomb was priceless. I am glad they did not beat Sid here, too much money in the man to have him pinned right away on PPV. A lot of elements to add to this match now with Sid destroying Michaels and Bam Bam Bigelow on a quest to take out The Million Dollar Corporation. Interesting to see what this leads to at King of The Ring but a solid end to the show.

 

Winner: Diesel over Sycho Sid via DQ!

 

That was WWF’s In Your House 1, a successful pay per view for me. While you can see empty seats in the arena, I thought the action on this show was hard-hitting and little filler. We kick off with Hakushi and Bret Hart, these two can work and put on an entertaining match. Bret makes Hakushi look devastating and a real threat which adds so much into the way Bret defeats Hakushi with the victory-roll. I am not saying Bret survived Hakushi but Bret certainly had to use all his wits to get the better of The Michinoku Pro star. That finish becomes even better when Hakushi costs Bret against his sworn enemy Jerry Lawler later in the night. Lawler’s mic work is still spectacular, blowing away everyone else in the company at the time and Lawler gets mauled by Bret only to sneak out the win, building heat for their eventual final match. The handicap match is also very entertaining, Ramon and Jarrett have good chemistry with one another and the matches are solid. The antics of Roadie add another dynamic to the match and Ramon gets one over on his rival Jarrett to send the fans home happy. Mabel gets a big win over Adam Bomb, more of an angle than a match, watch where this man goes as the year continues.

 

The tag team championship match was fine, solid finish but it is much more interesting for me to see where this alliance between Owen Hart & Yokozuna goes as the year continues. Surely, they cannot keep these two in the tag division for long? The main event is fun too, Sid and Diesel batter one another around the ring and we get some great fire from Diesel as the match develops, the finish leaves you wanting more and I am eager to see where things go from here. Overall, WWF’s In Your House is a fun and easy to sit through hour and forty minutes of wrestling, possibly the best the WWF has looked in the year 1995 but you cannot overlook how less wrestlers and less time means it should be a more compact and easy to watch card. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!