WWF In Your House IX: International Incident Review

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that retires more times than Terry Funk! It’s WWF In Your House IX: International Incident where our main event is a high-stakes six man tag team match as Camp Cornette take on Shawn Michaels, Ahmed Johnson and Sycho Sid (Originally Ultimate Warrior was planned for this match). We also have Mankind vs Henry Godwinn, Undertaker vs Goldust and Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Marc Mero. Let’s keep the momentum going right? Well I mean a six-man tag match doesn’t fill me with hope but let’s see what the WWF does tonight!

 

The Smoking Gunns W/ Sunny vs The Bodydonnas

Skip and Zip are the babyfaces which is interesting to say the least, Billy eats a double back body-drop from Bodydonnas. Bart gets dropped with a right hand, The Smoking Gunns stall. Zip and Bart reset, boot and chops from Bart. Irish whip from Bart, Zip leapfrogs Bart and chops to no effect. Shoulder block from Bart, hip-toss from Zip. Arm-bar from Zip, Bart cannot shake off Zip. Tag to Skip, diving axe handle and arm-wrench. Quick tags and diving axe handles, Bart continues to have his arm worked by the Bodydonnas. Skip eats a forearm to the head and a clothesline for good measure, tag to Billy. Scoop slam and boot to the head from Billy, Irish whip but Skip counters with a headscissors takedown. Right hands from Skip, Skip lowers his head off an Irish whip and Billy lands a fameasser.

 

Skip dodges a splash and works the arm, Billy lands a right to the head. Skip lands a shoulder block, Sunny looks hurt who falls on the ground. Skip checks on Sunny, Sunny slaps Skip and The Gunns land a clothesline. Billy tags Bart, knee to the ribs from Bart. Bart whips Skip hard in the corner, make it two. Skip sends Bart to the buckle, Skip tries a crossbody but Bart lands a massive powerslam. Tag to Billy, Billy and Bart fuck up their spot. Billy spits at Zip, Billy and Bart stomp Skip. Skip fights out of the corner before Bart knocks down Skip. Bart steps on the throat of Skip, Billy lands elbows to the throat behind the referee’s back. Rope guillotine from Bart, tag to Billy. Billy shoves Skiip to the corner, eye rake from Billy who tags in Bart.

 

Bart whips Skip to the buckle, another blown spot. O’Connor roll from Skip for two, middle rope crossbody before Bart fires back with a clothesline. Tag to Billy, Billy is on the top rope. Diving double axe handle is countered with an inverted atomic drop, Skip tags in Zip. Right hands from Zip, Billy is tossed to the floor. Irish whip reversed by Bart, Billy trips Zip who was running the ropes. Bart whips Zip, sidewalk slam but Bart is looking for Billy and Sunny is arguing with Billy. Skip lands a missile dropkick with Zip landing on top of Bart for the win.

 

That was rough, few blown spots and The Gunns look to be figuring themselves out inside of that ring. Sunny is the best part of that tag team by a country mile, Sunny looks like a star compared to everyone in that ring, how is she not with a main eventer? Anyways, the cameramen miss the most important part with Billy and Sunny arguing which leads to the finish, they don’t even play it up afterwards so yeah, this match dragged.

 

Winners: Bodydonnas over Smoking Gunns via Missile Dropkick!

 

Henry O. Godwinn W/ Hillbilly Jim vs Mankind

Mankind attacks Henry from behind, punch after punch from Mankind. Stomps from Mankind, Irish whip and headbutt from Mankind. Henry answers with a right hand, Mankind is rocked. Powerslam from Henry, clothesline to the floor. Mankind re-enters the ring, rocking Henry and choking the hog-farmer. Henry fights back from his knees but Mankind headbutts and knees Henry. Henry takes down Mankind, right hand after right hand. Low blow from Mankind, Mankind is on the back of Henry. Henry rams Mankind into the buckle twice, Mankind headbutts and face-busters Henry. Running elbow drop from Mankind, running knee in the corner from Mankind. Leg drop while Henry is draped across the bottom rope, Mankind exposes the concrete.

 

Henry is tossed to the floor, neck-breaker on the concrete. Henry fights back from his knees in the ring, Mankind reverses the Irish whip and lands a corner clothesline. Henry dodges the corner clothesline, Mankind hits the ring-post hard. Henry scores with right hands, massive clothesline. Mankind lures in Henry, throwing Henry to the floor. Henry catches Mankind on the apron, gorilla press slam to the concrete. Slop Drop is blocked as Mankind holds onto the ropes, Mandible Claw from Mankind and this match is over.

 

A nothing match to put over Mankind, Henry hit some meaty looking clotheslines and right hands while Mankind took a bump to the floor on exposed concrete for Henry bloody Godwinn. Ridiculous but that’s Mick Foley torturing himself for the fans.

 

Winner: Mankind over Henry O. Godwinn via Mandible Claw!

 

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Marc Mero W/ Sable

Rematch from King of The Ring, Austin went through Mero to get to the finals. Austin knees and batters Mero, big right hands from The Rattlesnake. Mero blocks the punches, Mero shows his superior boxing skills. Austin and Mero ducks clothesline, big crossbody from Mero for two. Arm-drag and arm-bars from Mero, Mero lands a leg drop to the arm. Austin reverses for a side headlock, takedown for a close two. Both men trade pin-falls attempts, Austin knees and punches Mero to block the backslide. Austin eats a boot though, rights and lefts from Mero. Austin is down, Austin rolls to the floor.

 

Austin stalks Sable, Mero lands an apron axe handle to cut that off. Austin tries a suplex but Mero goes for a rolling prawn pin for a close two. Austin fakes holding his lip, eye poke and clothesline to the floor from Austin. Austin drags Mero to the timekeeper’s area, catapult into the ring-post. Austin chokes Mero against the top rope, Mero is bounced off the apron into the guardrail. Snap-mare and a middle rope elbow from Austin for two, Austin is furious about the referee’s officiating. Irish whip from Austin, elbow from Austin. Camel clutch variation from Austin, Sable cheers on Mero from ringside.

 

Austin chokes Mero on the middle rope, Austin slaps Mero’s head again and again. Austin fakes out Mero but Mero crotches Austin on the top rope, Austin is down. Austin is rammed off the buckle, Mero is whipped. Boot from Austin, Austin’s variation of the stun-gun is countered. Mero hurricanranas Austin to the floor, apron somersault from Mero. Marlena gives Lawler a gold envelope, what does it mean? Apron moonsault from Mero, slingshot splash for a close two. Right hands in the corner from Mero, Mero wanted a hurricanrana but Austin crotches Mero on the top rope. Austin talks trash to Sable, Mero holds onto the ropes to avoid the stunner. Slingshot leg drop for a close two, Austin chop blocks Mero though. Stone Cold Stunner and it’s over!

 

What an abrupt finish, doesn’t do any favours for Mero who’s WWF run is looking a lot worse than when it started. However, I do enjoy these two working with one another, Mero continues to work well with The Rattlesnake. Some spots look nasty, Austin’s offence looks great no matter the occasion but I just wish Austin had worked the leg of Mero at some point. Things were setup with the catapult into the ring-post but it went nowhere to be honest, why take such a great looking bump to not play into the finish?

 

Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin over Marc Mero via Stone Cold Stunner!

 

Goldust W/ Marlena vs The Undertaker W/ Paul Bearer

Looks like a rematch from Beware of The Dog, nobody gets a win over The Deadman and gets away it, nobody! Fingers crossed that Taker works this match like the previous match with Mankind, lots of stalling before the bell. Goldust stares down Taker, Goldust walks up to the face of Taker and eats a throat thrust. Goldust begs off some more, Goldust eventually drags out The Deadman but Taker no-sells and Chokeslams Goldust on the steel steps. Goldust is bounced off the steel steps, Taker has the steel steps but Marlena is protecting Goldust. Taker throws Goldust in the ring, Taker chokes Goldust in the corner. Goldust exposes the top turnbuckle, there is a method to the madness but Taker whips Goldust to the corner and lands a vicious clothesline.

 

Leg drop from Taker for two, Goldust begs off before eye poking Taker, Knees from Goldust, big right hands in the corner. Irish whip to the buckle, Taker stops the throat thrust and Taker begins using right hands and throat thrusts on The Bizarre One. Old school from Taker, scoop slam but Goldust avoids the elbow drop. Goldust clotheslines Taker to the floor but Taker lands on his feet, Goldust kicks away Taker. Rights and lefts from Goldust, Taker hot-shots Goldust. Goldust manages to send Taker into the exposed buckle in the ring, Goldust punches and stomps Taker over and over. Taker is tossed to the floor, Goldust drops the steel steps across the back of Taker. Camel clutch from Goldust in the ring, Taker survives the hold and fires back with rights and uppercuts.

 

Goldust drops to a knee, Irish whip and boot from Taker. Taker wants the tombstone, small package for two. Goldust whips Taker, Taker ducks and lands his flying clothesline. Tombstone Piledriver and Mankind comes through the bottom of the ring and applies The Mandible Claw, Taker has been outsmarted by Mankind once more but smoke emits from where The Undertaker was, what is going on here? Eventually, Taker climbs out of the other side of the ring, hammering away at the deranged Mankind!

 

Much like their Beware of Dog match, I really didn’t care about the match between these two, Goldust stalls just like that awful match with Warrior for the beginning and the action never really gets going. However, the angle is the important part and it seems Taker has finally got the best of Mankind for once, I am looking forward to the next match between those two.

 

Winner: Undertaker over Goldust via DQ!

 

Camp Cornette (Owen Hart/British Bulldog/ Vader) W/ Jim Cornette vs Shawn Michaels/Ahmed Johnson/Sycho Sid

No Ultimate Warrior but what a replacement, an absolute killer in Sycho Sid who was reduced to a sidekick for The 1-2-3 Kid before everything turned with a neck injury. This is a massive match for sure, Vader and Ahmed to start but Vader wants Michaels. Ahmed obliges, HBK comes in to go one on one on Vader. They lock-up, Vader picks up Michaels with ease. Right hands from Michaels before Vader lands a throat thrust, Irish whip but Michaels ducks twice. Hurricanrana doesn’t work until a shove from Ahmed, flying clothesline and crossbody sends Vader to the floor. Baseball slide from HBK, plancha from Michaels. Michaels tries an apron dive but Vader dodges, Michaels smashes his face off the guardrail.

 

Vader lands rights and lefts in the corner, Michaels flips out of a back suplex and tags in Sid. Sid clotheslines all of Camp Cornette, everyone is down. Owen attacks Sid from behind, no effect! Clothesline from Sid, tag to Ahmed. German suplexes from Ahmed, Owen is destroyed. Ahmed misses a big elbow drop, tag to Bulldog who clubs Ahmed over and over. Irish whip but Ahmed reverses, massive fucking spinebuster from Ahmed. Ahmed wants to end this, Pearl River Plunge but Vader elbows the neck of Ahmed. Bulldog tags in Vader, Vader slaps Ahmed in the corner. Ahmed reverses and pummels Vader, Vader eye-pokes Ahmed. Whip to the buckle, corner splash from Vader. Rights and lefts from Vader, Vader tries a corner splash but Ahmed powerslams Vader for a close two.

 

Tag to Owen, stomps to Ahmed. Spinning heel kick from Owen, face-rake from Owen. Shoulder thrusts from Owen, Ahmed sends Owen to the buckle. Military press slam from Ahmed, tag to Sid. Irish whip and boot from Sid, corner right hands from Sid. Owen is sent flying into his buckle, Bulldog tags into the match. Bulldog boots Sid, stalling vertical suplex from Bulldog. Elbow drop from Vader, Sid kicks out at two. Bulldog tags in Vader, Vader clotheslines Sid down. Tag to Bulldog, headbutts from Bulldog. Right hands but Sid is shaking it off, right hand to Bulldog. Sid tags in HBK, diving axe handle for two. Irish whip to the corner but Michaels runs shoulder-first into the ring-post, headbutt from Bulldog. Bulldog is whipped into Vader, Owen elbow drops Bulldog by mistake. Michaels tosses Owen to the floor, HBK covers Bulldog for two.

 

Owen is legal now, HBK brings Owen into the ring. Michaels lowers his head off an Irish whip, rolling cradle from Owen for two. Owen gets caught in a victory roll for two, they trade pin-falls and wrestle excellently before Michaels bridges up. Backslide is countered by Owen for a clothesline, tag to Bulldog. Back body-drop, leg drop from Bulldog. Owen nails Michaels with the cast, Bulldog lands a clothesline and Vader is tagged into the match. Rights and lefts from Vader, whip to the buckle sends Michaels to the floor. Short-arm clothesline from Vader, standing cross-face from Vader. Vader sits in the hold while some dumb fan tries to enter the ring, Michaels fires back with right hands but Vader continues squeezing the life out of HBK.

 

Michaels escapes the hold but Vader clubs down Michaels, massive splash from Vader. Vader stands up with Ahmed clotheslining Vader down, what a clothesline. Michaels is pulled back by Bulldog, Bulldog applies an Argentine back-breaker but Michaels escapes, crucifix is countered into a Samoan drop from Bulldog. Bulldog whips Michaels to the buckle, Bulldog misses the corner splash. Owen comes in, eye-rake from Owen. Owen slaps on a side headlock, shove and drop-down from HBK with both men banging heads in the middle of the ring. Sid attacks Bulldog who was pinning Michaels after his collision with Owen, Michaels looks to make the tag.

 

Michaels tags in Ahmed, the referee did not see the tag? What? Camp Cornette decimate Michaels, Bulldog covers for a close two. Tag to Owen, Bulldog holds Michaels, Owen nails Bulldog with the missile dropkick by mistake. Crowd is in a frenzy, Vader and Sid are in. Sid clotheslines and chokeslams Vader, chokeslam for Owen too. Chokeslam for Bulldog, three chokeslams. In comes Ahmed, double clothesline to Vader. Rocket Launcher with Michaels onto Vader, Bulldog takes out Michaels. Bulldog and Ahmed are brawling, Michaels has Cornette. Vader has Cornette’s racket but Michaels sees it coming. Michaels nails Vader with the racket, two for Michaels. Sweet Chin Music is avoided as Cornette grabbed the foot of Michaels. Jose decks Cornette but Vader corner splashes Michaels and lands the Vader Bomb for the win.

 

That was an action-packed six-man tag team match, the crowd are absolutely bonkers for this match and rightly so, it gives you everything you want from every wrestler in this match. Sid looks like a million bucks chokeslamming and clotheslining everyone, Bulldog and Owen have their moments with Bulldog showing he could suplex Sid. Vader decimates the babyfaces, I just love when Vader is allowed to do his thing, Vader punishes Ahmed and Michaels throughout. Some nice tag team spots too mixed in and that finish sets up Summerslam perfectly with Vader pinning Michaels, Vader needed that after King of The Ring and the half-assed stuff they have been giving us when it comes to Vader. I loved this match, it was everything I could have hoped for and more, I thought Michaels would come away as the only bright spot but everyone looks great after this match and it’s the most fun I had watching WWF in a while, kudos to all involved.

 

Winners: Camp Cornette over Team Michaels via Vader Bomb!

 

That was WWF ‘s In Your House IX: International Incident, a pretty standard if not boring WWF In Your House that has an astonishingly good main event. Things kick off with a sloppy enough tag team match with a finish that is mostly missed by the WWF cameramen, not sure if there will even be any follow up on a breakup between Billy and Sunny. On the other hand, I’m glad I don’t have to watch Phineas be embarrassed and booked poorly. Things do not improve greatly when Henry Godwinn faces Mankind, the match is uneventful with Mankind trying to get a reaction by taking a bump for an opponent who frankly is not worth it. Austin vs Mero is solid but not on par with King of The Ring, Mero takes these cool looking bumps but they don’t play into the finish, I think of his leg buckling and the catapult into the ring-post but neither have resulted in the finish but miles better than the first two matches. Undertaker vs Goldust is all angle, Taker vs Mankind will be good I have no doubts considering they continue to beat the piss out of one another and then the main event just kicks all sorts of ass. Sid looks like a star, Vader looks like the new WWF Champion, HBK is as good as always, Ahmed and Bulldog and Owen all get their shit in, the crowd is alive and they wake up big time, it’s shockingly good and a rollercoaster ride especially with Jose and Cornette’s involvement at the end. One of the best matches of 1996 for me, the WWF is chugging along but still not firing on all cylinders despite the influx of new talent, let’s hope that the momentum continues with Summerslam 1996! Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!

WWF King of The Ring 1996 Review

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is more interesting than a Jim Herd interview! It’s WWF King Of The Ring 1996, where one man can reach the ultimate goal and become King of The Ring which can lead to a WWF Championship match. Also, Shawn Michaels defends his WWF Championship against The British Bulldog after the controversial finish to their match at Beware of Dog. Ahmed Johnson gets his hands on The Bizarre One Goldust and The Ultimate Warrior battles Jerry Lawler! 1996 has been a mixed bag, I’ve enjoyed the work of certain talent while other matches and angles have been as flat and as bad as 1995. There is potential here with Vader possibly winning The King of The Ring, Ahmed destroying Goldust and Michaels having another show-stealing performance but only time will tell! Let’s get it on!

 

(King Of The Ring Semi-Final Match) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Wildman Marc Mero W/ Sable

Austin defeated Bob Holly and Savio Vega to make it to this match, Mero defeated Skip and Owen Hart. Big win for Mero over Owen Hart, surprised that Mero would not be a heavy favourite against Austin. Sable is already overshadowing poor Mero with her outfits, the poor guy never had a chance. Austin and Mero lock-up, side headlock from Austin. Takedown but Mero uses his legs to counter Austin, another headlock from Austin. Mero is in a hammerlock, Mero counters the hold. Austin counters again, tripping up Mero. Mero elbows his way free before Austin elbows Mero in the jaw. Lefts from Mero, shoulder block from Mero. Flying head-scissors from Mero, Austin is on the floor taking a breather.

 

Side headlock from Mero, Austin pulls his hair and breaks free with a big hip-toss. Mero kicks away Austin, arm-drag into a side headlock from Mero. Austin pulls the hair again, shoulder block from Mero. Austin answers with a Thesz press, elbows to the back of the head. Mero whips Austin though, massive back body-drop. Austin asks for a time-out, Austin slowly re-enters the ring. Austin asks for a handshake, test of strength. Austin boots down Mero, Austin assumes control. Mero answers back but Austin side-steps Mero who is wiped out on the floor. Austin rips up the protective padding, military press slam from Austin onto the concrete.

 

Austin poses in the ring, suplex from Austin. Elbow to the back of the neck, Austin is on the floor. Elbow across the throat, Austin does it again on the opposite side of the ring. Mero tries fighting back but Austin scrapes his boot across Mero’s face. Austin is whipped hard across the ring, Austin does it again for opposite buckle. Middle rope elbow from Austin for two, massive back-breaker from Austin for two. Boston crab from Austin, all solid work on the ribs and back of Mero from Austin. Mero desperately reaches for the ropes but Austin drags Mero back to the centre of the ring before Mero uses his leg strength to shake off Austin. Small package for two, Austin whips Mero. Elbow from Austin, stomp to the mid-section.

 

Austin applies the Boston crab once more, crowd is with Mero who reverses using his leg strength for a close two. Austin whips Mero to the buckle, Mero flips out of the suplex, variation of the O’Connor roll from Mero for a close two. Austin kicks out and nails a right hand, Mero reverses an Irish whip and applies a sleeper but Austin counters with a jaw-breaker. Whip to the buckle, Mero jumps to the middle rope and drives his elbow into Austin. Austin eats a massive dropkick from Mero, right hands from Mero. Ten punches in the corner, Austin is bleeding from the mouth. Irish whip, back body drop from Mero. Mero climbs high, diving double axe handle for two. Whip to the buckle, Austin counters with a boot, Irish whip with Mero sending Austin to the floor.

 

Mero takes out Austin with a tope con hilo, Austin is down and bleeding heavily from the mouth. Mero climbs high but Austin rolls out of the ring, suicide dive from Austin. Mero rolls Austin into the ring, missile dropkick from Mero. Two for Mero, Austin is placed on the top rope. Super hurricanrana from Mero for two, Austin catches Mero with a boot. Alley Opp bomb into a stun-gun, close two for Austin before Austin drops Mero with The Stone Cold Stunner!

 

That was the worker match of the night for sure, no surprise that they let these two go out there and tear it up as best as they can. With the right opponent  I do think Mero can get a lot done in the WWF, Austin was solid here and Mero is a much better babyface than Savio Vega so things are looking up for The Texas Rattlesnake. The finish looked great, I thought they shouldn’t have had the kick-out after the modified stun-gun but that’s just nit-picking. I do love Austin’s no nonsense style, really stands out in the WWF since coming in, similar to Triple H. Both men have been a breathe of fresh air in the WWF, cannot wait to see both of them develop over the next two years.

 

Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin over Marc Mero via Stunner!

 

(King of The Ring Semi-Final Match) Jake The Snake Roberts vs Vader W/ Jim Cornette

Vader vs Roberts, Roberts has been born again, recovering from his drug addictions to become a better man while Vader has been built solidly with victories over Razor Ramon and Yokozuna to name a few on his way to this match. Vader works the arm, Fujiwara arm-bar from Vader. Vader clotheslines Roberts down twice, massive splash from Vader for two. Irish whip to the buckle, boot counter from Roberts. Rights and lefts from Roberts, knee-lift downs Vader. Vader counters the DDT, massive hooks from Vader. Roberts fires back though, short-arm clothesline before Vader lands his hammer. Down goes Roberts, Irish whip to the buckle. Roberts dodges the splash, DDT from Roberts but the referee is wiped out by Vader. Vader is disqualified and Vader attacks Roberts after the match.

 

I was not kidding about that worker match, this was hardly a match it was so brief. Vader gets his heat back after losing, not the best decision to do this to Vader though. I don’t see why Vader was in this tournament to lose, seems like a step back considering how well we were doing. Roberts does well though with the match being so brief, we get exactly what we want as Vader decimates Roberts and then we have a beautiful DDT.

 

Winner: Jake Roberts over Vader via DQ!

 

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) The Godwinns W/ Hillbilly Jim vs The Smoking Gunns © W/ Sunny

So, Phineas was in love with Sunny who manipulated the simple-minded Godwinn boy and The Smoking Gunns are heels because why not? He tag team division is quite brutal at this point anyways, Billy pisses off Phineas which leads to Bart destroying Phineas to kick us off, tag to Billy. Rights and lefts from Billy, Phineas is down. Slaps from Billy, Phineas comes back with right hands on Billy, right hands on Bart too. So, The Bodydonnas have a new manager who is clearly a man because Sunny left The Bodydonnas for The Smoking Gunns. Bart and Henry reset the match, hard Irish whip from Bart. Boot counter from Henry with a clothesline for two, Henry works the arm before tagging Phineas. More shots to that arm of Bart, it’s all on the left arm which is great considering Bart’s a southpaw.

 

Tag back to Henry, arm-breaker from Henry. Bart reveres an Irish whip, Billy lands a cheap-shot from the apron. Henry’s back is now the target, multiple stomps to the spine. Snap-mare with a knee drop for two, Bart is legal now. Knees to the spine from Bart, tag to Billy. Massive right to the spine, Henry counters the Irish whip but Billy lands his Fameasser years before it was a finisher for a close two. Tag to Bart, back-breaker from Bart. Bart stretches Henry across his knee, Henry is in dire straits. Billy whips Henry hard, Henry dodges the corner splash. Bart tags in illegally, back-breaker and elbow drop from Bart. Bart’s on the top rope, Henry dodges the leg drop.Phineas gets the hot-tag, right hands to both Gunns. Godwinns swing around and nail the Gunns, Bart nails Phineas from behind with a boot and just like that, Billy pins Phineas for the win.

 

Well, I definitely don’t want to see that match again. How am I meant to get excited or believe in Phineas again when Phineas cannot even get a hot-tag going, Henry as babyface-in-peril was a tough sell for me, I just had no patience for this match.

 

Winners: Smoking Gunns over Godwinns via Boot to the Head!

 

Jerry Lawler vs The Ultimate Warrior

Lawler blows most of the WWF away on the microphone, it’s a shame his comedy style matches do not pack the same punch in the WWF as they did in Memphis. Anyways, Lawler builds all the hype in this match with his promos just like with Piper and this match starts with Lawler cheating his way into a dominant position. Lawler smacked Warrior with his sceptre and choked Warrior with the referee helpless. Lawler chokes Warrior with his trench-coat, Lawler chokes Warrior with his fist-tape. Lawler runs into a boot, right hands from Warrior. Lawler uses something from his tights to smack Warrior, more choking from Lawler. Lawler wants the piledriver, Piledriver connects but Warrior no-sells it. Three clotheslines from Warrior, flying shoulder tackle and the match is over. What a waste of a match, I do love Lawler used as much cheating as humanly possible to try and defeat Warrior though.

 

Winner: The Ultimate Warrior over Jerry Lawler via Flying Shoulder Tackle!

 

Mankind vs The Undertaker W/ Paul Bearer

Mankind made his presence known at the previous In Your House, costing Undertaker the Intercontinental Championship against Goldust in their casket match. Mankind has continued to torment The Undertaker with his Mandible Claw, will Mankind be like those who came before him though? Will Mankind be like Giant Gonzalez? Like Kamala? Like The Million Dollar Corporation? Undertaker surprises Mankind by starting the match on the top rope, Taker pummels the life out of Mankind with rights in the corner. Mankind thumbs the eye, whip to the buckle but Taker flies out and pummels Mankind with rights and lefts.

 

Mankind is tossed to the floor, Mankind stalks Paul Bearer. Choke from Taker, Taker claws at Mankind’s face. Old School from Taker, hard Irish whip from Taker but Mankind answers with an elbow. Scoop slam from Mankind, Undertaker sits up but Mankind answers with a clothesline. Taker boots away Mankind but Mankind rips at the face of Taker. Stomps and running knee from Mankind, elbow across the throat from Mankind. Mankind has Taker down, Taker answers with right hands. Mankind answers with a clothesline, Mankind throws Taker to the floor. Mankind starts pulling out chairs, Taker boots the chair into the face of Mankind. Mankind is whipped into the apron and back body-dropped onto the chair and concrete.

 

Mankind is in the ring, looking to crawl away. Taker has the chair, Mankind is waffled in the spine with the chair. Taker chokes Mankind through the ropes with a boot, Irish whip and big boot from Taker. Mankind avoids the tombstone and lands a neck-breaker, leg drop from Mankind. Mandible Claw is blocked by Taker, Mankind decides to boot Taker in the ribs and head. Elbow drop from Mankind, Taker sits-up once more before Mankind looks for a nerve-hold on The Deadman. Taker begins to fade though, Paul Bearer is asking the people to come alive for The Phenom. Taker escapes and lands huge rights and lefts, Mankind is clotheslined to the floor.

 

Mankind pulls out Taker, rights and lefts from Mankind. Taker is down by the steel steps, Mankind runs at full-speed and knees Taker into the steel steps. Scoop slam on the concrete from Mankind, Mankind attempts the Cactus Jack elbow but Taker blocks with the chair. Chair-shot from Taker to the head, Mankind is down. Headbutts in the ring from Taker, Mankind is barely able to stand. Mankind reverses an Irish whip but Taker ducks and lands his flying clothesline.

 

Irish whip by Taker, Taker lowers the head and Mankind answers with a piledriver. Two and a half for Mankind, Mankind is angry at the referee and begins ripping out his hair. Mankind steals the urn from Paul Bearer, Mankind is stopped by Paul Bearer, Taker comes back up but Mankind has The Mandible Claw. Taker attempts a Chokeslam, Mankind falls back and Paul Bearer nails Taker with the urn by mistake and Mankind applies The Mandible Claw choking out The Deadman.

 

That was a very good match, I ‘ll call it a great match for Taker because of what I had to sit through for Taker over the last few years. Owen nails it as Owen states this is a new Taker and it sure feels like it. Taker is still slow at times, playing up his gimmick but we get a taste of Taker throwing those rights and lefts, ramping up the violence with the chair and just brawling with Mankind. Mankind more than holds his own, you can feel the hatred and fury behind each attack, Mankind is a great addition to the WWF roster and with Taker, Taker plays to Mankind’s strengths. Mankind takes an incredible beating here, the fans are all into this match and we get a finish that has you wondering did Bearer attack Undertaker or was it a honest mistake? Either way, that is a cleanest win you will see over Undertaker for quite some time.

 

Winner: Mankind over Undertaker via Mandible Claw!

 

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Goldust © W/ Marlena vs Ahmed Johnson

Goldust gave Johnson CPR which led to Johnson murdering everyone in sight, Johnson sprints to the ring and clotheslines Goldust twice, Goldust rolls to the floor. Suicide dive from Johnson, hard Irish whip to the buckle which leads to Goldust powdering. Goldust manages to pull out Johnson but Johnson blocks Goldust’s attacks. Goldust meets the steel steps, Johnson has the steel steps but Goldust dodges. Johnson misses a corner splash, Goldust can finally land some attacks on Johnson. Massive slap from Goldust, right hands from The Bizarre One. Johnson meets the steel steps, Goldust smashes Johnson with the steel steps.

 

Goldust whips Johnson, flying clothesline from the champion. Right hands from Goldust for two, Goldust slaps the head of Johnson, rights and left to the body before applying a camel clutch. Johnson escapes but misses a corner clothesline, rights and lefts to the ribs from Goldust. Goldust chokes Johnson with the top rope, Goldust slaps the ass of Johnson rubbing his back up and down. Snap-mare with a reverse chin-lock, Johnson fights out and avoids a sunset flip, Goldust lands two big uppercuts though and continues to pummel Johnson. Goldust lands a massive piledriver, Goldust suggestively crawls up Johnson for a close two.

 

Camel clutch from Goldust, Johnson escapes with elbows. Three corner clotheslines, Goldust reverses the Irish whip to the opposite corner and drives a knee into the spine of The Bizarre One. Johnson fires back though, Johnson lands two right hands before missing a dropkick. Goldust is frustrated though, sleeper from Goldust. Johnson is out, Goldust wants to give him CPR again. Goldust does just that, Johnson comes back to life though. Johnson beats the piss out of Goldust, spinebuster from Johnson. Pearl River Plunge and we have a new champion!

 

I thought this was a little long, the heat segment on Johnson was lacking for me with Goldust not doing enough to keep it interesting as Johnson does not have what it takes to suck me in with his selling. However, there were little touches I really liked, Johnson is explosive as always so when Johnson lets loose and is allowed to destroy people, it’s fantastic fun. Some of Goldust’s antics were interesting to, large amounts of heat from the homophobic crowd. Big win for Johnson, if they can find the right opponent and the right feud, Johnson will continue to deliver in that role.

 

Winner: Ahmed Johnson over Goldust via Pearl-River Plunge!

 

(King of The Ring Final Match) Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Jake The Snake Roberts

Before the match begins, we have Brian Pillman in the WWF. Pillman had started his Loose Cannon gimmick, turning up in ECW and swearing right here on WWF PPV. Strong interview from Pillman, great look too. Pillman and Austin interact, Hollywood Blondes fans would be happy. Roberts is holding his ribs coming to the ring, Austin stomps the ribs over and over. Middle rope elbow to the ribs, Roberts is doing a fine job of showing how badly Vader damaged The Snake. Austin slaps Roberts, another slap from Austin. Stomps from Austin, Roberts fights back with massive kicks, a right hand floors Austin before Austin goes back to the ribs with a left hand. A stomp sends Roberts down, Austin opens up the injured ribs.

 

Gorilla Monsoon is here, standing inside of the ring as Austin continues decimating the ribs of Roberts. Monsoon is asking Roberts if he wants to continue, Roberts wants to continue fighting. Rights and lefts by Roberts, Roberts calls for the DDT. Austin backs Roberts into the corner, shoulder thrusts in the corner. Austin poses on the buckle, Stone Cold Stunner and we have a new King of The Ring.

 

I am not sure how to feel about this one, I thought they would have given more to Roberts considering how he refused to give up and they even had Monsoon come down and dramatically ask if Roberts wanted to continue the match. However, it’s a brief match and Austin still impresses with the attacks on the ribs, ripping at the ribs and even jumping Roberts to begin the match. 1996 could be a great year for the WWF as things develop, Austin cuts his iconic 3:16 promo after the match. Finally, seeing this for the first time I will be able to tell whether Austin exploded overnight or was it a much slower climb than the WWF narrative will tell you!

 

Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin over Jake Roberts via Stone Cold Stunner!

 

(WWF Championship Match) Shawn Michaels © vs The British Bulldog W/ Diana Hart Smith/Jim Cornette/Clarence Mason

Mr. Perfect is our special guest referee for this championship match, interesting to see Mr. Perfect back again considering how the last time Perfect was a referee we were meant to have a feud between Luger and Perfect but Perfect’s back problems flared up and we did not get that feud. We might get something out of this though, Michaels and Bulldog battled at Beware of The Dog which ended in controversy as both men had their shoulders counted to the mat and both men were declared winners before Gorilla Monsoon declared the match a draw and Shawn Michaels retained his championship so we have this rematch.

 

Monsoon is here at ringside, what is going on here? Mr. Perfect will be the official on the outside of the ring and referee Earl Hebnar will keep charge of things in the ring. Bulldog and Michaels lock-up, Bulldog shoves away Michaels. Lock-up, Bulldog shoves down Michaels too. Michaels takes the arm, Bulldog counters and wrenches the arm. Japanese arm-drag from Michaels, headlock takedowns from HBK but Bulldog counters twice before Michaels has his hair pulled by The British Bulldog. Bulldog escapes but ends up in another side headlock takedown from HBK. Bulldog pushes off HBK, shoulder blocks do not phase Bulldog who side-steps Michaels. Michaels skins the cat after a headscissors leaves Bulldog on the floor. Apron diving hurricanrana from Michaels, Cornette eats a boot and is whacked on the ass with his own racket.

 

Side headlock takedown from Bulldog, Bulldog is pushed off but Bulldog lands a shoulder block. Leapfrogs from Michaels, mis-communication in the middle of the ring. HBK escapes a military press slam, leg trip and arm-drags from HBK. Michaels continues wrenching the arm of Bulldog, Bulldog stomps on the face of HBK to escape the hold. Bulldog whips Michaels to the corner, second sloppy sequence from the two with HBK eventually getting down Bulldog with a Fujiwara arm-bar. Michaels tries a hip-toss, Bulldog misses a clothesline and Michaels clamps on a sleeper. Bulldog drives HBK into the corner, Irish whip to the buckle and down goes Michaels.

 

Two successive hard Irish whips from Michaels, snap-mare into a reverse chin-lock. Michaels escapes and lands a massive diving axe handle, knee-lift from Michaels. Bulldog reverses an Irish whip and military press slams Michaels to the floor, massive bump. Perfect argues with Jose while Bulldog goes after Michaels. Vertical suplex on the floor, Bulldog presses Michaels back into the ring for two. Bulldog clamps on a reverse chin-lock, Michaels sends Bulldog to the buckle with shoulder thrusts but Bulldog reverses an Irish whip. Michaels flips out of the corner and Bulldog annihilates Michaels with a clothesline. Bulldog wants a Romero Special, Bulldog transitions to a pin for a close two.

 

Another chin-lock from Bulldog, Michaels escapes before a Bulldog knee floors Michaels. Back body-drop from Bulldog, leg drop across the neck for two. Reverse chin-lock from Bulldog, Michaels escapes and lands a flying crossbody for two. Clothesline from Bulldog for a close two, Bulldog clamps on another reverse chin-lock. Irish whip from Bulldog, Michaels counters with a crucifix for two. Michaels wanted a powerslam, Bulldog counters but Michaels slides out. Michaels shoves off Bulldog, Bulldog holds onto the ropes to avoid the kick and lands a massive clothesline. Piledriver from Bulldog, Bulldog climbs high and misses a diving headbutt. Michaels did not even need to move, Bulldog jumped nowhere near high enough.

 

Michaels whips Bulldog hard, Bulldog and Michaels are down. Bulldog dropkicks Michaels to crotch HBK. Superplex connects, Michaels kicks out at two. Bulldog wants a super back suplex but Michaels floats over in mid-air, close two for Michaels. They trade right hands, both men collide as they bang heads. Michaels ducks a clothesline and tries a hurricanrana but Bulldog lands the most beautiful sit-out powerbomb for two and a half. Bulldog is whipped to the buckle hard, flipping on impact.

 

Irish whip from HBK, Bulldog reverses but Michaels lands the flying forearm. Kip-up from HBK, scoop slam with the referee being whacked by Bulldog’s legs. Diving Elbow drop from Michaels, Sweet Chin Music with Mr. Perfect looking like he was going to screw Michaels but no, Earl Hebnar keeps on counting and Michaels retains his championship. Owen and Bulldog attack Michaels after the match, Ahmed Johnson comes down and clears house because Ahmed Johnson is intense as fuck. However, here is Vader and Vader don’t care who you are because It’s Vader Time. Camp Cornette destroy Johnson and Michaels before Warrior makes the save to setup a six-man tag team match for In Your House.

 

Solid championship match, the first sequence dragged for sure with Bulldog being a little too reliant on the headlock to wear down Michaels. However, things start going faster after that with Michaels doing what he does best, being the most exciting man in the WWF without anyone coming close as a babyface. Bulldog is dominant and nails some great looking spots in the match, the suplex on the floor and the powerbomb stand-out for sure. Not sure what they wanted to do with the finish, what was the purpose of Perfect? What did that setup? Where was it meant to go? No idea but the action in the ring was solid after the first ten minutes, exciting finishing sequence with the confusion and the blown spots hurting the match’s final impression on me.

 

Winner: Shawn Michaels over The British Bulldog via Sweet Chin Music!

 

That was WWF’s King of The Ring 1996, a step in the right direction for sure for the World Wrestling Federation. Things kick off with Mero and Austin tearing it up, Mero shows a babyface fire that was lacking in his earlier WWF matches while Austin continues to be a menace and a no nonsense brawler who stands out among the talent in the company at the time. They work at a fast pace and get the crowd involved with a match that hits the right spot. Vader vs Roberts is all angle, surprised that Vader would not win the tournament considering where we are going but this fine as it leads into the angle of the final. The tag team championship match was worse than the slop in one of the Godwinn’s buckets, boring action with 2 teams who combined had less than half the personality of Sunny, I say again that Sunny is being wasted in the WWF. Ultimate Warrior vs Jerry Lawler was everything I expected it to be, it was what it needed to be and it was still ok at best.

 

Undertaker vs Mankind is the most interesting match Taker has had in years, it’s intense and Undertaker is working a faster-paced, Mankind is willing to do anything to get a reaction and Mankind goes over on Taker with The Mandible Claw. They brawled and just kicked the crap out of each other, using chairs and the concrete floor, it’s the kind of Taker match I have wanted for years and after suffering through all the lumbering giants, we finally have an interesting feud for The Deadman. Goldust vs Ahmed Johnson was fun in parts but far too long, they could have done much better with less time because Ahmed’s flaws are exposed here, his selling ain’t great and with his size, it’s hard to be sympathetic or believe in someone actually hurting him. However, when Ahmed comes back to life and powerbombs Goldust = Fantastic and underrated moment right there. The main event is a story of two halves, the first half has two mis-communications and blown spots along with a never ending series of headlocks. Part two is action, balls to the wall and both men taking impactful and meaningful bumps. Finish is a little confusing , still not sure what the purpose of Perfect was but I am glad to say that Michaels rose to the occasion again after a subdued performance with Bulldog at Beware of Dog. Things are improving slowly but surely, Austin and Mankind are solid additions to the roster and things could be very interesting as we continue through this year. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWF In Your House 8: Beware of Dog Review!

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is more delusional than Mr. Trump! It’s WWF In Your House 8: Beware Of The Dog! Or Beware of Dog, how does that make sense? Anyways, the main angle going into this show is Shawn Michaels vs British Bulldog for the WWF Championship. Diana Smith proclaims that Michaels made unwanted advances towards here, Michaels is a womanizer and Michaels defends himself which leads to Bulldog wanting to beat the piss out of the man who allegedly went after his wife. We also have The Undertaker vs Goldust for the Intercontinental Championship. The Bizarre One might be in trouble as nobody messes with The Deadman and gets away with it. Also, Yokozuna is back from his leg break which means we will see Vader and Yokozuna go at it inside of the ring. So will this work out? Let’s find out!

 

Wildman Marc Mero W/ Sable vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley

These two have been feuding for a while since Helmsley attacked Mero at Wrestlemania XII, Mero comes down to the ring and pummels Helmsley, Helmsley takes control briefly before Mero unloads with big right hands on Helmsley. Plancha to the floor and slingshot leg drop for two, eye poke from Helmsley to stop Mero’s momentum. Irish whip reversed by Mero, Helmsley takes a corner bump and a massive left hook. Two for Mero, right hands in the corner. Helmsley dodges Mero who rams his shoulder into the ring-post, Helmsley hurls Mero shoulder-first into the opposite ring-post. Sable checks on Mero as Helmsley poses in the ring. Mero fights back with his good arm, Irish whip and boot from Helmsley. Single arm DDT from Helmsley, Helmsley chokes Mero in the corner.

 

Helmsley stomps and pummels Mero who can hardly defend himself. Mero collapses to the mat, Irish whip and knee from Helmsley for two. Arm-bar from Helmsley, Mero fights back with a schoolboy for two. Backslide does not work as Mero’s arm gives out, Helmsley rams the arm of Mero into the ring-post. Helmsley continues wrenching the arm with assaults to the arm, stomps onto the arm as Helmsley talks trash to Sable. Hammerlock throws to the buckle, cross arm-breaker from Helmsley in the middle of the ring. Knee drop onto the arm of Mero, Mero fights back before an eye poke. More arm-wrenching from Helmsley, another hammerlock throw to the buckle. Helmsley attempts the back suplex but Mero flips out and does a beautiful roll-up using his legs for a close two.

 

Helmsley delivers a vicious clothesline to shut down Mero, Helmsley drops all his weight on the arm over and over, Helmsley hangs the arm over the rope. Helmsley is on the top rope, diving axe handle from Helmsley who uses the ropes for leverage when applying an arm-bar. Three times Helmsley uses the ropes, another knee drop to the arm. Hammerlock scoop slam from Helmsley, Helmsley tries going to the top rope. Mero crotches Helmsley and lands a huge super hurricanrana. Helmsley whips Mero but Mero counters with a head-scissors takedown, boot and knee-lift from Mero. Back body drop, Mero is firing up.

 

 

Mero climbs high, diving sunset flip for a close two. Mero is not happy, Mero dropkicks Helmsley to the floor, Mero tries a tope con hilo but Helmsley dodges. Mero’s knee buckles, Helmsley wants The Pedigree but Sable is not looking so Helmsley is like damn woman, you have to watch me hit my finish. Sable is told to watch, Helmsley slaps Mero. Mero catapults Helmsley into the ring-post, Mero wins the match.

 

Wow, that was not my cup of tea at all. I do enjoy Helmsley’s work and Mero can be good with the right opponent, there were a lot of Johnny B Badd matches that I thought were enjoyable but this did not work for me. The arm-work was interesting at first for sure but I thought that heat segment went on for far too long. On top of that, I thought Mero’s tope con hilo knee buckle looked brutal and could have been a far more believable sell but with the arm work going roughly nowhere and the tope bump not being worked into the match in the slightest, I was left disappointed when it was over. Also the ring-post bump for a finish is so 1980s wrestling, I am surprised they did that in 1996, what a strange finish to see considering just how much more athletic wrestling has become with the likes of Owen Hart, Shawn Michaels and Bret taking centre stage during this era.

 

Winner: Marc Mero over Hunter Hearst Helmsley via Catapult into The Ring-post!

 

(WWF Championship Match) Shawn Michaels © W/ Jose Lethario vs The British Bulldog W/ Owen Hart & Diana

What is the bombshell? What does Jim Cornette have to tell the world? How can Shawn Michaels be focused going into this match with the idea that the world has been told that HBK is a womanizer who went after another man’s wife. Clarence Mason is on the microphone, berating Michaels for trying to break up the Smith Family. Bulldog jumps Michaels who was reading his court papers, Bulldog pummels Michaels. Irish whip to the buckle, Michaels leaps over and continues to counter Bulldog before attempting Sweet Chin Music. Bulldog powders which leads to a plancha from Michaels, Owen speaks strategy with Bulldog. Side headlock from HBK, Bulldog tries to shove off Michaels but Michaels uses the turnbuckle to score with a big headlock takedown.

 

Michaels continue his headlock control Bulldog tries a back suplex but Michaels flips out and leaps over, Bulldog clamps on a bearhug but Michaels escapes with an ear clap. Enzuigiri for two from Michaels, the champion is in firm control of this match. Hip-toss into a short-arm scissors from HBK, Bulldog has been unable to get started in this match at all. Bulldog lifts up Michaels and electric chair drops HBK down. Two stomps from Bulldog, back body drop from Bulldog. Stomps and right hands from Bulldog, Bulldog yanks out the hair of Michaels with a big slam. Headbutt by Bulldog, reverse chin-lock from the challenger. Michaels elbows his way out but Bulldog lands a massive forearm before applying an Argentine back-breaker. Michaels bridges up and pulls apart the arms, crucifix attempt is blocked as Bulldog lands a massive Samoan drop and leg drop for two.

 

Reverse chin-lock from Bulldog, Michaels fights his way out with right hands. Michaels ends up on the floor trying to avoid Bulldog, Michaels is whipped hard into the guardrail. Michaels is on the apron, two massive shoulderblocks and a hot-shot leaves Bulldog down. Slingshot clothesline from Michaels, both men are slow to their feet. Dropdown from Michaels before both men bang heads inside of the ring, Michaels lands his flying forearm. Kip-up from Michaels, Diana looks on concerned. Scoop slam, foot stomp to the head. Michaels lands a diving axe handle for two, Michaels Irish whips Bulldog and lowers his head. Bulldog boots Michaels but Michaels reverses an Irish whip, dropdown from Michaels. Bulldog wipes out Earl Hebnar the referee, scoop slam and diving elbow drop from Michaels.

 

Michaels calls for Sweet Chin Music, Owen Hart slithers into the ring but Michaels sees Owen coming and lands Sweet Chin Music. Bulldog pummels Michaels with clubbing blows, running powerslam is on Bulldog’s mind but Michaels shoves off Bulldog and lands a German Suplex. 1…2…3! Bulldog is declared the winner, what’s happening here? Earl Hebnar declares Michaels the winner, Mike Chioda declares Bulldog the winner. Gorilla Monsoon steps into the ring and soon will make a ruling, the match is declared a draw and the championship cannot change hands on a draw.

 

Good way to keep the feud going as they felt they had a hot angle here with Michaels defending his honour and Bulldog being a big bastard who batters everyone’s heartthrob Shawn Michaels. I thought the match was a little lacking in the heat department, not the standard I am used to with Shawn Michaels considering how good HBK has been in 1995 and 1996. So, finish leaves things open for the rematch, I hope they do even better for the rematch.

 

Draw!

 

(Caribbean Strap Match) Stone Cold Steve Austin W/ Ted Dibiase vs Savio Vega

If Stone Cold loses, Ted Dibiase will leave the WWF. I suppose it made little sense for Dibiase to stick around considering his Million Dollar Corporation were nothing with Tatanka gone, IRS gone, Bam Bam Bigelow gone and Sid gone too. This is the second time this match is taking place as the lights went out at the first Beware of Dog which meant the PPV had to take place again on a Tuesday night from another arena. Austin and Vega are tied to the strap, you win by touching all 4 corners in quick succession. Hard right hands from Austin, elbows from Austin. Repeated blows to the back of the head, Irish whip but Savio reverses and back body drops Austin who rolls to the floor to avoid his attacks. Savio pulls Austin into the ring apron twice, big chop from Savio.

 

Savio whips Austin repeatedly, Austin is being tortured by Savio. Suplex from Savio, Savio touches two corners before Austin yanks back Savio. Austin whips Savio with the strap over and over, Savio takes down Austin to break Austin’s advantage. They roll to the floor, Austin rams Savio into the ring apron. More whipping from Austin, Savio is tossed into the guardrail. Austin chokes Savio with the strap, apron suplex back into the ring. Austin touches two corners, Savio pulls back Austin and rams Austin into the buckle. Both men end up on the floor, Savio suplexes Austin on the floor. Savio whips Austin on the floor with the strap before Austin rakes the eyes of Savio. Austin tries a double axe handle off the apron, Savio blocks with a massive right hand.

 

Savio touches three corners before Austin trips Savio, Austin whips Savio time and time again. Savio places Austin on the top rope, Austin chops away Savio. Savio lands a kick that crotches Austin, superplex from Savio. Savio staggers towards the buckles, three corners from Savio. Austin spinebusters Savio who ran towards the final turnbuckle. Austin chokes Savio with the middle rope, driving his weight across the neck and back from Savio. Austin continues choking Savio, Austin touches two buckles before Savio eye pokes Austin. Austin looks for a tombstone, Savio counters but Austin counters again, dumping Savio to the floor. Savio kicks away Austin who proceeds to hang Savio as Savio spills to the floor.

 

Austin is on the top rope, Savio yanks down Austin who face-plants into the guardrail. Savio touches two buckles before Austin tries a sunset flip, Savio beats off Austin for three before Austin yanks Savio away from the buckle. Austin looks for a piledriver, it connects. Austin picks up Savio for another, Savio back-drops Austin. Austin has The Million Dollar Dream, Savio touches two buckles with Austin on his back. Savio touches three and kicks off Austin with both men collapsing to the mat. Stun-gun from Austin, Austin ties the strap around the neck of Savio. Austin drags Savio by the neck, Savio touches the buckles after Austin hits the buckles. We are tied with three each, Savio uses his momentum to touch the final buckle and Dibiase is gone from the WWF.

 

Well, both men worked hard and it was super physical, that’s the constant between Austin and Savio’s feud, they come in like two people who absolutely hate one another and just beat one another half to death with the leather strap. It’s vicious and I don’t know if I have seen the stipulation work as well as it did in this match as these two just beat the shit out of one another. However, the finish ends like every other strap match to ever exist with one man touching the buckles, the other touching the buckles without the first man noticing and wham, someone ends up winning 4:3 on buckle touches. Dibiase leaves after being one of my favourite wrestlers to watch during the late 80s, constantly putting on solid performances while this would kickstart the most important moments in Stone Cold Steve Austin’s career. As for Savio, he’s never won me over as a babyface but then again, the WWF rarely give me a reason to care.

 

Winner: Savio Vega over Stone Cold Steve Austin!

 

Vader W/ James E. Cornette vs Yokozuna

Vader broke Yokozuna’s leg, Yokozuna wants to murder Vader. Yokozuna is at his biggest and looks blown-up after two punches, they take a breather as Vader claims Yokozuna got him in the throat. They stall and stall and stall, they finally charge one another. Yokozuna runs over Vader and clotheslines Vader to the floor, Vader re-enters the ring and hammers Yokozuna with rights and lefts. Clubbing blows before Yokozuna leg-trips Vader, massive elbow to the leg of Vader. Vader rolls to the floor, Vader limps around selling the damage done by Yokozuna. Yokozuna lures in Vader twice, same result. Headbutts in the corner and chops from Yokozuna, Vader eye-pokes Yokozuna. More clubbing blows from Vader, Vader tries a scoop slam but Yokozuna is too heavy.

 

Yokozuna answers with a uranage, corner splash from Yokozuna. Samoan Drop from Yokozuna, Yokozuna wants the Banzai Drop. Cornette distracts Yokozuna, Cornette is pulled into the ring. Cornette begs for mercy, Yokozuna squeezes the hand of Cornette and a massive headbutt. Yokozuna wants to Banzai Drop Cornette, Vader pulls Cornette out of the way. Vader elbow drops and splashes the leg, Vader Bomb and it’s over.

 

Dull, slow and far too long. Vader should have steam-rolled Yokozuna, Vader is your big heel for 1996 and Yokozuna is almost immobile. They were wise to stall but that does not make me entertained or want to cheer Yokozuna or boo Vader, it makes me want to change the channel.

 

Winner: Vader over Yokozuna via Vader Bomb!

 

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Casket Match) Goldust © W/ Marlena vs The Undertaker

Before the match starts, we see Ahmed Johnson bringing Goldust back to the ring for his match against Ultimate Warrior, we then see Owen Hart cost Ahmed Johnson his match against Vader but the key here is Goldust gives CPR to Ahmed Johnson to bring him back to life. So, that all sounds great we have Ahmed Johnson for Goldust right? Nope, we have Undertaker vs Goldust. Why? No reason, no real explanation. Undertaker is in the ring behind Goldust, Goldust slowly turns around and eats an uppercut, Goldust is down on the floor. Taker is in pursuit, Goldust continues to walk away before stomping The Deadman. Irish whip, Goldust ducks the head and Taker yanks Goldust to the mat. Irish whip to the buckle, down goes Goldust. Goldust is bounced off the buckle too, elbow for Goldust. Taker clotheslines Goldust down, Marlena is not happy at ringside. Goldust is thrown onto the casket, Goldust quickly runs away from the casket.

 

Undertaker lands a leg drop in the ring, Goldust tries to fight back before Undertaker wrenches the arm, looking for Old School. Taker connects, Taker chokes Goldust in the corner. Irish whip to the buckle, Goldust elbows away The Deadman. Scoop slam from Goldust, Taker sits right back up. Uppercut from Taker, Irish whip but Taker lowers the head. Goldust manages to nail a tombstone on Taker, Taker sits up again. Strikes to the head from Goldust, low clothesline from the champion. Taker is rolled into the casket, Goldust cannot close the lid as Goldust eats right hands from Taker. Irish whip and boot from Taker, Goldust manages to back-drop Taker to the floor. Goldust chokes Taker with a camera cord, Goldust has Taker down in the ring.

 

Axe handle from Goldust, Taker is staggering around the ring. Taker lands a right hand and a boot, throat thrust knocks Goldust down. Irish whip but Goldust reverses, sleeper from The Bizarre One. Taker goes out, Goldust rolls Taker into the casket. Goldust calls for the finish, Taker’s arm shoots out from the casket. Goldust is in shock, Goldust puts his full-weight on the casket but Taker shoves Goldust to the floor. Irish whip but Taker ducks the clothesline, flying clothesline from The Phenom. Boot and uppercut, Goldust and Taker spill to the floor off Taker’s clothesline. Taker has a chair, Goldust boots Taker away. Big clothesline from Goldust, powerslam in the ring from Goldust.

 

Goldust is climbing to the top rope, Taker sits up though. Diving clothesline from Goldust, Goldust eats a low blow from Taker. Goldust wants to try Old School, Taker yanks off Goldust. Tombstone Piledriver, Taker opens the casket and who the hell is that? It’s Mankind who emerges from the casket, Mankind chokes out Taker with a Mandible Claw and Goldust is your winner. On this night, Mankind has made a statement but The Deadman never forgets!

 

It was ok, I thought Goldust looked decent in there with The Deadman, Taker hasn’t had someone good to work with in what seems like forever at this point. The Bret Hart match was disappointing so hopefully, things will improve with Mankind willing to do anything and everything to get over in the WWF. Strong debut for Mankind, happy that Foley was shining brightly in the WWF in his first major angle. The match did seem pointless based on everything they showed before the match so it made it a lot harder to be invested in the match but it was fine for what it was, hardly a main event calibre match though.

 

Winner: Goldust over The Undertaker via Casket!

 

That was WWF’s In Your House 8: Beware of Dog and technical issues aside, this was a disappointing In Your House. I had come to enjoy these lighter and shorter pay per views but the quality is decreasing despite the trimming of fat. We kick off with Mero vs Helmsley, it looks like a good match on paper with both men having reason to feud and both climbing the card in the WWF with Helmsley being more than solid in ever appearance and Mero coming in off his Johnny B. Badd gimmick in WCW. The heat segment just sucks me out of this match, I get the logic of taking away Mero’s punches but Helmsley is in control for far too long and Mero’s comebacks just don’t work for me. On top of that, the tope bump where it looks like Mero fucks up his leg is better and nastier than any of the arm work I saw, the finish doesn’t work for me in 1996 either. I would have bought a roll-up jacknife style over what took place.

 

Michaels vs Bulldog is of less quality than I would expect from a HBK title defence, this could be due to the fact that they were saving the big match for KOTR 1996 but I’ve enjoyed a lot of Shawn Michaels’ matches on his way to the championship and I don’t see why Shawn Michaels didn’t steal the show here as usual. It just was a little flat to me, not a bad match by any stretch of the imagination but because of the way I view Michaels and hold him so highly, it was disappointing for me. Things do not get better with Vader vs Yokozuna, they rightfully stall to try not expose poor Yokozuna but it does little in the end. It’s brutal and should have been a case of Vader coming in and destroying Yokozuna. Austin vs Savio was physical and intense but beyond that, they are hurt by the awful gimmick and the finish is a variation of the same finish that occurs every time there is a strap match so I would have much preferred a street fight or no holds barred match between the two. Finally, the main event made little sense angle-wise if only to give Taker a new person to feud with for months on end. This is not a bad thing but Taker was in the main event, had no real interaction or reason to go after Goldust who was being setup for a showdown with Ahmed Johnson. So, why have this match? Only for Mankind’s debut which was impactful but maybe could have been done another way? Regardless, this did not feel like a main event but rather an angle to have Mankind go toe to toe with Taker. This was not a rough show to sit through like some of the 1995 pay per views but it’s not an entertaining one, I hope that the quality picks up soon because it seems like the 1995 days are still looming large over the WWF. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!