WWF Survivor Series 1998
I had been planning on doing a review of the Raw and Nitro from Jan 4 1999, but seeing as we have Survivor Series coming up on Sunday, why not get into a classic, memorable edition of Survivor Series? This one of course featured the night long Deadly Game Tournament for the vacant WWF Championship, where the People's Champion would win his first WWF Championship in controversial fashion. How did the rest of the PPV fare? Let's find out.
We get a pretty good video package highlighting the participants of the tournament, before opening the PPV to a pretty apt theme song. We're live from the sold out Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri, with J.R. and the King on commentary. They talk about a brawl that took place on Heat prior to the PPV before showing us the brackets, showing Kane and Taker getting a first round bye, who will face off one on one in the second round.
We see Vince, the Stooges, Commissioner Slaughter and Big Boss Man at ringside. Vince guarantees us a new champion, and a PPV we will never forget. He does the introductions for our first match.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: Hardcore Champion Mankind vs Mystery Opponent
Mick is oddly out in a tuxedo, who at this point is looking at Vince as his father figure, doing what he can to please him. Commentary mention that Mick has a mystery opponent, while Vince hypes up and talks up his accomplishments. He calls him a legend, that he made his debut in 1990, a one loss record, and set new standards in WWF. He said this man jumped ship to "Dubya See Dubya", but has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for 2 years, fighting with resilience and dreaming of his return to the ring tonight. The coach of the Pasadena Chargers. It's... well we know him better as Gillberg, but he's introduced as Dwayne Gill, who even gets his own Titantron video and pyro.
J.R. mentions how the Chargers are a high school football team and the match starts as Foley unloads on Gill on the apron and Vince and co head to the back. Mick pulls him in, stomps his head a couple times, then hits a Double Arm DDT, gets Gill in a roll up and gets the win in 31 seconds.
Some strange happy go lucky music plays as opposed to his usual music as Mick celebrates to little fan fare.
We go to a replay of what happened on Heat earlier, Marc Mero and Sable in the ring as Jacqueline attacks from behind. We see Kevin Kelly with Sable backstage, nursing her neck with an ice pack. She says all Jacqueline did was piss her off and she guarantees she will walk out the new Women's Champion.
Let's move on with the tournament.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: Jeff Jarrett (w/ Debra McMichael) vs Al Snow
Winner of this match will go on to face Mankind in the Quarter Finals. Al Snow of course carrying head with him, and Mr. Socko wrapped around its head for some reason. Commentary mention how Al Snow cost Jarrett the IC Title in October, so there's some history here.
Al Snow gets distracted by Debra as Jarrett follows. Snow hits a somersault off the steps onto Jarrett before they go in the ring to start the match.
Snow launches over the ropes with a leg drop, goes to launch Jarrett off the ropes but eats a Stun Gun. Snow of course smiling as Jarrett takes him to the corner with some right hands, Snow with a poke to the eye and some chops. Jarrett send Snow into the opposite corner, flips over the ropes and a clothesline on Jeff from the apron, before a reverse hangman over the top rope. Snow climbs to the top rope for a leg drop but Jarrett moves, following with another right hand. Snow off the ropes for a dropkick from Jarrett and a near fall.
Snow off the ropes again but avoids an elbow, goes for a crucifix pin for a near fall. Series of pin attempts by both with more near falls. Jarrett off the ropes then Snow, going for a spinbuster but Snow counters into a DDT for another near fall. Jarrett off the ropes and through the legs, but Snow follows with an atomic drop, heads collide as Jarrett hits the ropes. Debra distracts the reg, Snow and Jarrett go for the guitar and Head respective but Snow gets clocked. The ref takes the guitar out of the ring, and Snow takes advantage to clock Jarrett with Head to pick up the victory in 3:33, moving to the Quarter Finals.
Snow celebrates as he carries Head to the back, talking to it as he heads up the entrance way.
Wasting no time as we already get to our next match.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: Big Bossman vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
Bossman representing the Corporation here tonight, who wastes no time meeting Austin on his way to the ring, but Austin lays in shots and throws Bossman into the steel steps before they roll into the ring to start the match.
Austin lays in with right hands before throwing Bossman into the ropes. Cut to Vince and co backstage as Austin hits a Lou Thesz Press, then an elbow for a near fall.
Austin gets Bossman in the corner, who hits a low blow right in front of the ref, giving Bossman the advantage. Choking Austin in the corner before some knees to the chest and neck, then more choking. Vince picture-in-picture enjoying this as Bossman gets a near fall, following with a rest hold. Austin breaks out with some right hands and a clothesline, Bossman off the ropes with a kick knocking Austin against the ropes, dropping a leg over the back of the neck, sliding out of the ring with a right hand of his own and a near fall. Another rest hold with more picture-in-picture of Vince loving this.
Austin gets Bossman in the corner with shoulders to the midsection, before some stomps. Bossman slides out of the ring and grabs the nightstick, nailing Austin to give him the DQ win in 3:21.
Bossman starts assaulting a grounded Austin as the ref tries to pull him off. More cuts to Vince laughing and enjoying this as Bossman celebrates of sorts, before walking away... only to return and continue the assault.
We cut to Michael Cole talking to Vince who asks if he's concerned about Austin of advancing, but he's not worried after what just happened, saying there's plenty more to come.
Right into our next tournament match.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: European Champion X-Pac vs "A Real Man's Man" Steven Regal
Winner will go on to face Stone Cold in the Quarter Finals. J.R. brings up how X-Pac took a fireball from Kane and how he's kucky he can see right now. Regal walking out to his "Real Man's Man" music in a hard hat and flannel. You can hear Lawler singing along to the song.
X-Pac tells him to suck it, and J.R. brings up how Regal assaulted X-Pac on Raw a few weeks back for not being European. Pac in with a spinning heel kick, throwing Regal in the corner followed by a back suplex for a near fall. Running leg drops and another near fall. Throwing Regal into the corner again but Regal moves. J.R. starts to call him Blackman for some reason saying it a couple of times actually, Lawler correcting him. Regal with a pin attempt and a near fall.
Regal works Pac in an abdominal stretch on the mat. Fans chant "Regal sucks" as he sends some knees into Pac's face. Whipped into the corner, Pac gets a roll through, before Regal catapults across the ring.
Chinlock into a surfboard by Regal working the back. Pac fights out of it, but Regal releases before he's back on the attack with a gutwrench into another near fall. Neck scissor by Regal, Pac fights out and counters, clubbing the back of the head and neck before they stand, some right hands Pac charges Regal in the corner, but Regal moves. Pac lifted up to the top rope for a double arm suplex off the top and another near fall.
Regal continues working Pac in a submission, J.R. bringing up how there's a 10 minute time limit, Pac fights out and whips Regal back into the corner, but catches him with an elbow. European uppercut as Pac sends him off the ropes with a spinning heel kick and a near fall. Dropkick sends Regal down in the corner allowing Pac to hit a Bronco Buster, then a suplex. Pac goes up top but Regal crotches him on the top rope, knocking him outside.
Regal goes for another double arm suplex but hits a suplex of his own, hammering at Regal, but the ref has reached the count of 10 rather quickly, ending the match in a double count out in 8:10. Longest match so far, but not much to it. Austin gets a bye to the Semi Finals as a result.
Vince calls for Slaughter to go out and have it go into five minute overtime. The referee starts to walk Pac to the back as Fink makes the announcement, Pac collapsing in the aisle way. Referee rings the bell again as X-Pac heads to the back and Regal chases after him. Austin will get the bye.
Moving on.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: Intercontinental Champion "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock vs Goldust
Commentary brings up the issues surrounding Goldust and his pregnant and estranged wife Terri.
Shamrock with a knee and some right hands to start, slamming Goldust to the mat, keeping the offense with some stomps. More shots as he wrenches on the neck around the top rope. Dust with some shots of his own, Dust off the ropes with a clothesline.
Scoop slam followed by a knee drop to the face, taking Shamrock into the corner. A right hand, whips him to the opposite corner, Shamrock coming out with a clothesline, then a near fall. Goldust into the corner, then some knees to the gut back in the center, before Ken locks in a chinlock, club to the face as he releases, then some kicks to the chest on a kneeling Goldust.
Russian leg sweep and another near fall by Shamrock, with a reverse chinlock now. Knee to the chest as he pulls Dust down. Goldust up with some shots, whips Shamrock into the corner but hits the turnbuckle with a splash. Shamrock with more shots on a grounded Goldust.
Shamrock goes for a suplex but Goldust hits one of his own. Shamrock up before he is, right hand,, gets whipped into the opposite corner, Goldust goes for a monkey flip but gets pushed off, but connects with a drop toe hold.
Goldust goes for a powerbomb but Ken stops it with some right hands, then another near fall. Goldust off the ropes and takes Shamrock down with a bulldog. Back in the corner, Goldust sets up for Shattered Dreams, but the ref gets in the way to avoid DQ, Shamrock coming off the second rope with a hurricanrana. Belly to belly by Shamrock into an Ankle Lock and Goldust taps in 5;58.
Cole is in the back, and says Austin has refused medical attention.
Last match of the 1st round is next.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: The Rock vs Triple H of D-Generation X
Well it's supposed to be HHH, but Patterson and Briscoe come down instead.
J.R. mentions that HHH has been recuperating from knee surgery. Briscoe mentions that HHH is not there tonight, despite Vince sending him tickets to the show, and Briscoe will fine him heavily for now showing. Patterson informs him though that there won't be a forfeit, Vince having found a last minute replacement.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: The Rock vs Big Bossman
Rock wins immediately with an inside cradle.
Rock exits quickly from a pissed off Bossman and heads to the back. Bossman yells at Patterson as they head to the back shortly after.
Time to start the Quarter Finals.
Deadly Game Tournament Quarter-Final Match: The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs Kane
J.R. mentions that this was the same arena that Kane debut in October the previous year. 15 minute time limits for the Quarter-Final matches.
Taker unloads with punches in the corner, whipping Kane into the opposite corner but stops him with an elbow. Kane unloads with his own punches, Taker off the ropes into a big boot, Taker sits up only to be clotheslined to the outside.
Kane follows suit with a club to the back, slamming Taker face first on the apron, followed by more shots. Taker into the barricade, Kane running at him only to be lifted and dropped on top of the barricade.
Kane shoulder first into the steel steps, then a headbutt by Taker then back in the ring. Arm twist followed by a side kick, then back into the corner for Kane. More kicks to the gut and right hands by Taker, Kane off the ropes then reversed, into the powerslam. Kane goes for an elbow but Taker sits up.
In the corner again with more right hands by Taker, gets whipped into the opposite corner and a chop block into the left knee of Kane, as Taker starts to work it now, Bearer clearly pleased.
Kane manages to kick him off but Taker gets Kane back into the corner, working the knee some more.
Back into another corner as Taker chokes. Taker keeps scaring the referee off as he does 5 counts. Kane blocks a shot in the corner, but Taker back with some more shots, not seeming to phase Kane anymore. Taker goes to whip Kane but holds on, kneeing Kane in the midsection before being whipped into the corner, Kane catching him with a clothesline into the corner.
Kane off the top with a clothesline on Taker. Kane with the cover and a near fall. Back and forth shots, Taker off the ropes, grabbing each other by the throat, but Kane breaks Taker's grip to connect with the Chokeslam. Bearer on the apron and distracting Kane, allowing Taker to take Kane up for the Tombstone. Taker makes the cover while Bearer holds Kane's foot to get the victory in 7:16 Pretty much what you would expect from these two match wise, nothing special.
Taker quickly rolls out as him and Bearer head to the back, then Kane soon after.
And already time for our next match.
Deadly Game Tournament Quarter-Final Match: Hardcore Champion Mankind vs Al Snow
We get replays of Snow's match with Jarrett as Snow starts the match with shots in the corner. Choking Mankind in the corner with more shots, whipping him into the opposite corner as Snow comes off the ropes with a clothesline, then dropkicks Mankind out of the ring.
Mick going for a chair but Snow stops him, then rams it into his gut. Misses a swing to the head but kicks him down. Snow jumps off the barricade but Mick catches him, then drops him face first onto the chair before he rolls back in.
Stomps to Snow as he rolls in followed by more choking. Mick with more shots in the corner, whipping Snow to the opposite corner but he stops himself, catching Mick with an enzigri.. Snow grabs Head but Mick ducks, hitting a back suplex.
Foley realizes where his missing Socko has been and takes it off of Head, stomping and hitting Head before being dropped with a clothesline. Snow with shots against the ropes, Foley off the ropes but gets caught by a clothesline. Snow with a sitout powerbomb for a near fall.
Snow with a headbutt, Foley off the ropes and connects with a Double Arm DDT on Snow. Foley puts Mr. Socko on his hand and gets Snow in the Mandible Claw, getting the submission win in 3:58.
Foley leaves the ring, reunited with Socko as we go to replays. He will face Stone Cold in the semi-finals.
Let's finish the Quarter-Finals.
Deadly Game Tournament Quarter-Final Match: Intercontinental Champion "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock vs The Rock
Winner will face Taker in a Semi-Finals. We get replays of Shamrock tapping out Goldust and Rock beating Bossman in 4 seconds... well 4 according to J.R., it seems it was a bit longer than that, but whatever.
Rock with some right hands immediately, launching Ken off the ropes with a clothesline. Choking Ken across the second rope before taking him to the corner, whipping to the opposite corner and Ken moving out of the way, shots of his own then a suplex and a near fall.
Back in the corner, whipping Rock for a clothesline into the corner, whipping him again only to eat a clothesline by Rock, stomping Ken out of the ring. Rock bounces Ken off the announce table before going to whip him into the steps, but Ken reverses and Rock goes down. Ken breaks the count before slamming Rock onto the floor. Back in the ring they go.
Ken lays in some right hands before launching Rock off the ropes for a side kick knocking Rock down, then a Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Knees to the gut by Shamrock, coming off the ropes for a knee to the face into a rear headlock. Rock fights out with some more right hands as Bossman makes his way out, Ken knocking Rock down again into another headlock. Bossman roaming around ringside watching the match go on as fans chant that he sucks.
Ref checks on Rock as he raises the arm but Rock fights out again with some more right hands, off the ropes as Ken hits a hurricanrana, locking in the Ankle Lock as Rock tries to reach the ropes and succeeds. Ken goes after the leg as he launches Rock off the ropes, knocking each other down with a clothesline as the ref starts the count.
Rock gets the arm over for a pin attempt but Shamrock kicks out. Shamrock off the ropes and Rock hits a floatover DDT. Low blow as Bossman distracts the referee, Rock slams Ken down and hits the People's Elbow, but Shamrock kicks out. Rock off the ropes for a clothesline, but Shamrock ducks. Rock tries for a Rock Bottom but Ken reverses into a belly to belly. Ken asks for Bossman, who distracts the referee, tossing the nightstick in the ring for Ken but is intercepted by Rock, clocking Ken in the head to get the victory in 8:21. Pretty good match to go into the Semi-Finals.
Bossman walks away clearly pissed while Rock celebrates, heading to the back not far behind. We get a replay of the closing moment, then a view of the brackets. Ken kicks over the steps in frustration as he yells at fans, making his way to the back.
We go to Cole backstage with Bearer, saying the only Rock Taker likes is the tombstones he carves the names of his victims on, and guarantees Taker is walking out the champion.
Now we take a break from our tournament for a championship match.
WWF Women's Championship: Sable vs Jacqueline (c) (w/ Marc Mero)
We get replays from 2 months ago, showing Mero screw Sable out of the title on Raw. Shane O'Mac is reffing this, who had been demoted by Vince after Shane rehired Austin, Another replay of Jacqueline attacking Sable earlier that night on Heat.
Mero distracts Sable allowing Jackie to attack from behind once more as the bell is rung. Kicks to the chest on Sable as Jackie taunts her, Sable off the ropes, reversing a hip toss into one of her own. Jackie off the ropes and eats a kick to the face. Sable takes Jackie up and hits a TKO, going for a pin but Mero pulls her off. Sable low blows him, then hits a Sable Bomb on the floor.
Jackie attacks from behind taking advantage, rolling Sable back in, taunting Sable with more kicks to the ribs, taking her to the second rope to choke her. Sable face first into the turnbuckle, more kicks to the ribs by Jackie, going for a powerbomb but Sable escapes. Jackie follows close behind as she goes to the second rope for a Tornado DDT, but Sable connects with a Sable Bomb to regain the Women's Championship in 3:14. Not a bad match with what little time was given.
Mero pulls Jackie out as Sable celebrates in the ring. We get a replay of the closing moments as Sable heads to the back.
Time for the Semi-Finals.
Deadly Game Tournament Semi-Final Match: Hardcore Champion vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
20 minute time limit for the semi-final matches. We get replays of Mankind beating Gill and Al Snow. Austin makes his way out, clearly still feeling the effects of Bossman's attack earlier in the night.
Austin waits no time with right hands and kicks and stomps in the corner, pulling Mankind's jacket and shoes off as he continues the assaut nailing Foley in the head with the shoe. Austin with a leg over the back of Foley draped over the second rope. Vince and co make their way out as Austin takes Foley to the corner, Foley bouncing Austin's head off the turnbuckle.
Foley choking Austin seated in the corner, before hitting him with a running knee to the face. Foley takes his shoe now and nails Austin. Austin off the ropes as Foley goes for an elbow, but ducks and gets him with a Lou Thesz Press and an elbow. Foley off the ropes as Austin tries for a Stunner but Foley escapes and runs off near the entrance. The Stooges talk some sense into him as they walk back, Austin knocks Briscoe and Patterson's heads together, tries for a piledriver on the aisleway but Foley back drops him instead.
Foley whips Austin into the steps as Foley rolls back in the ring, letting the referee start his chant, Vince yelling to count faster. Foley back out with rights hands, tossing him over the barricade, but Austin knocks him back over. More right hands by Austin, but Foley bounces his face off the steps. Foley rolls Austin back in for a pin attempt, but Austin kicks out. Foley with a chinlock now.
Slaughter yelling at Austin to give it up but he fights out, elbows to the gut, trading blows but Austin launches him off the ropes, only to knock each other down with a clothesline, ref starting the count.
Austin with right hands into the corner, Foley whipping him into the other corner and Austin comes out with a clothesline. Back in the corner as Austin stomps Foley, grabbing Foley by the legs as her tries to pull him into the post, but pulls Austin face first into the post.
Foley rolls Austin back in as he grabs a chair from ringside, but Austin gets the boots up and kicks the chair in his face, Austin trying to hit Foley as he's draped over the ropes but Foley moves, following up with the Double Arm DDT onto the chair. Foley rolls him over for a pin, but Austin kicks out. Foley goes for a piledrive next but Austin back drops him onto the chair instead, Austin hitting a Stunner but Vince jumps out of his wheelchair to pull the ref out and knock him out. Foley takes advantage of a distracted Austin, Foley with his tuxedo pants around his Ankles.
Foley goes for the Mandible Claw, Austin with a low blow and a Stunner. Shane runs in as Austin makes the cover and... doesn't make the count? He flips Austin the bird and gets out of the ring before Austin can get his hands on him. Commentary are baffled as Austin gets whipped into the corner, then a clothesline bu Foley. Briscoe nails Austin with a chair and Foley makes the cover, Shane slides in and makes the 3 count in 10:28. Good match, interesting finish to keep the story going.
Vince, co and Foley quickly head to the back, as J.R. notes they "skip gayly away". Austin follows suit pissed off, but the McMahons, Stooges and Slaughter get into Vince's limo and leave the arena before Austin can get to them. Austin hijacks a car and drives off after them.
Commentary try to make sense of Shane's actions considering recent events, but Foley is now in the finals of the tournament. Lawler asks for replays of the closing moments and we get just that.
Let's find out who he faces.
Deadly Game Tournament Semi-Final Match: The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs The Rock
We get a replay of Taker beating Kane. Lawler as usual flip flops with his pick to win the WWF Title. J.R. mentions how it's unlike Vince will have influence in this match since he's left the arena, then we see a replay of Bossman inadvertently giving Rock the win over Shamrock.
Rock and Taker trade right hands, Rock takes Taker into the corner with more right hands, whipping him to the opposite corner but Taker takes him down, rolling him onto the apron for an elbow to the face. Throwing Rock into the steps but he comes back with more right hands, slamming Taker face first into the apron, whipping him into the barricade but Rock eats a clothesline. Headbutt by Taker and more right hands, before rolling Rock back in.
Right hand knocks down Rock, and a near fall for Taker. Taker takes Rock to the corner, whipped into the opposite one but Rock gets a boot up and another clothesline, but Taker sits up. More right hands by Rock, Taker off the ropes then Rock into an elbow. Taker with a knee across the throat on Rock , more choking. Rock gets trapped in the ropes as Taker lays in some right hands, Rock finally frees himself and launches Taker to the outside.
Taker face first off the announce table, Rock knocking Taker over the barricade with more right hands, Rock face first off the barricade. Taker and Rock back over the barricade as Rock gets rolled back in.
Kick to the ribs by Taker as he takes Rock to the corner, more right hands and kicks to the face and ribs. Bearer with a cheap shot as Taker distracts the referee. Rock whipped into the corner and Taker charges, but Rock moves. Trading right hands, Rock gets the advantage but Taker with a knee to the ribs Taker off the ropes into a Samoan Drop as Hebner starts the count.
Bossman is out again as Taker and Rock get up, Rock off the ropes and hits a DDT as Taker bends over, Rock trash talking Bearer, then a low blow as he distracts Hebner. Rock slams Taker onto the mat and sets up for a People's Elbow, but Bossman trips him up, Taker takes him down with a clothesline and an elbow, then knocks Bossman down.
Taker catches Rock by the throat as he stands up, but now Kane is out, catching Rock and nails a Chokeslam, giving Rock the DQ win in 8:26. A bit slow, but an alright match. Ending keeps both guys looking strong and keeps Taker and Kane's feud going.
Taker looks around confused before knocking Hebner down, Kane and Taker go at it at ringside now. They brawl through the crowd as Rock's music hits. Rock and Hebner head to the back.
Cole is backstage with Mankind backstage, and says lady luck is on his side tonight, saying he has one more hill to climb to get to the title.
One match to get through before our main event.
Triple Threat Tag Team Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles: New Age Outlaws (c) vs The Headbangers vs D'Lo Brown & "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry
We get footage from Heat where all three teams brawl backstage. Lawler brings up how Headbangers won a regular Triple Threat on Raw and hope to win again tonight.
This isn't the kind of match where only two guys start, and can tag in anyone. One guy from each team in the ring at the same time, and commentary make a point of saying the "Outlaw Rule" is in effect, where partners can't pin partners to win the match.
It's a bit of a nightmare to try and write up everything going on, so I'm not gonna write it all up. Nice tag team action, heel teams of Headbangers and D'Lo/Henry teaming up against the Outlaws obviously.
Billy hits a Fame Asser on Mosh, Henry hits Mosh with a Splash as Billy goes to make a cover, Mosh kicks out of a pin attempt. Thrasher and Henry fight as Billy hits a piledriver on Mosh and gets the win in roughly 10:10. Outlaws retain in a nice buffer match.
Billy moons the crowd as they celebrate. We go to a replay of Austin getting screwed in the Semi-Finals, then the McMahons and co. leaving the arena with Austin close behind.
It's time to crown a new champion with our main event.
Deadly Game Tournament Finals for the WWF Championship: Mankind vs The Rock
No time limit on this match, Fink announcing "one fall to a finish". We cut backstage where it turns out Vince and Shane have arrived back at the arena, talking with Bossman, intent on having a presence in this match.
Hebner's officiating, can't imagine that will have any effect on this match. Foley out of his tuxedo and wrestling in his regular attire, although still sporting a bow tie. Rock and Foley lock up as they go to the corner, Foley getting out as Rock goes for a right hand. Foley with a right hand of his own but Rock blocks and lands another. Rock with a kick to the gut and more right hands, driving Foley into the corner, choking him with his boot as Foley sits in the corner. Foley reverses a whip into the opposite corner as Rock drops him with a clothesline, then a near fall.
More right hands and kicks to the chest in the corner before Mick rolls out, leading Rock up the aisle with more right hands, slamming Rock face first into the steps. Mick with more right hands, Mick looking toward the entrance hoping for "dad" to come down for the match. Both roll in the ring as Mick gets Rock in a seated headlock.
Vince and Shane make their way down as Mick keeps Rock grounded. Rock starts to work his way back to his feet, fights out and hits a back suplex. Rock with a right hand knocks Mick out of the ring as Rock follows. Mick goes for a suplex but Rock blocks and hits one instead on the outside. Rock heads towards the McMahons but Mick comes behind, eating some right hands, before Rock lifts him over the barricade. Fight their way into the crowd, Rock hitting Foley over the head with a garbage can, lifting him up and back over the barricade.
Back in the ring as Rock gets Mick in a seated headlock, Vince and Shane whispering about something at ringside. Mick fights his way back up with shots to the kidneys, right hands from Rock until Foley sends a knee into the ribs. Rock against the ropes as Foley sends them both over the ropes back to the outside..
Foley grabs a chair and cracks it over Rock's back before, Mick grabs the steel steps, lifting it over his head before Rock uses the chair to knock Mick down, stairs landing on top as Rock continues to use the chair, then cracks Mick over the head with it as her stands.
Back in the ring with a pin attempt but Mick kicks out. Right hands by Rock in the corner, but Mick lands a low blow, going back with a choke on a grounded Rock. Elbow to the back of Rock's head as he lays on the apron. Foley climbs onto the apron and drops an elbow as Rock lays on the floor. Rock face first on the announce table, Mick hits Rock with the table cover. Mick with blows to t face as they climb the table, plus a leg drop that looks like it completely missed Rock as they fall behind the table.
Back in the ring once more as Mick goes for the pin, but Rock kicks out. Mick with another headlock on a seated Rock, he fights back to his feet with more shots to the gut, trading right hands, Rock off the ropes as Mick lifts him over the ropes to the floor. Foley follows out and they quickly roll back in.
Rock off the ropes but connects with a DDT on a bent over Foley, as Hebner starts his count. Foley up first, but Rock lays in with right hands, off the ropes and is sent back over the ropes to the floor. Mick climbs the middle rope from the apron but crashes through the Spanish announce table as Rock moves. Rock takes the table cover and slams it down on Mick before they roll back into the ring.
Rock catches Foley and slams him to the mat, setting up for the People's Elbow and connects, but Mick kicks out of a pin attempt. Rock frustrated as he sends Mick off the ropes, but he hits a Double Arm DDT. Foley pulls out Mr. Socko instead of the pin and gets the Mandible Claw on Rock, bringing him to a knee, ref raising his arm to see if he responds, but Rock hangs on, pulling back to his feet.
Rock pulls Mick in for a Rock Bottom, but can't capitalize, as Hebner starts his count. Rock rolls over and gets an arm over, but Foley kicks out again.
Here's our finish. Rock turns to the McMahons at ringside before... locking in a sharpshooter? And just like they did at Survivor Series the previous year, Vince calls for the bell, and Rock gets the submission(?) win in 17:18, despite Mick not tapping. Rock wins his first WWF Championship.
So what the hell is going on? Commentary and Hebner are just as confused as everyone else. Shane raises Rock's hand as Vince enters the ring with the title, and they all hug. Well that's one hell of a swerve. Vince gets a mic from ringside, and says seeing is believing. He says Vince didn't screw the people, but the people screwed the people, saying they're as stupid and gullible as Mankind. He says he'll elaborate further on Raw the next night.
Vince says that the McMahons are so proud for tonight, since Austin was royally screwed, and that if there's anyone who has more contempt for Austin and the people than him, it's The Rock. He congratulates Rock and says Shane's performance was Academy Award winning. Shane takes the mic and says he told everyone that he's just like Vince.
Rock takes the mic and says just like when he said on Heat that he'd rather be the people's ass than to kiss Vince's, he says it's time for all those fans to kiss the Rock's ass. Mick takes the mic confused to what's going on, since he didn't submit. Rock clocks him in the back of the head with the belt before stomping on him, then another Rock Bottom. Shane announces the Rock as the new WWF Champion, and Corporate Champion as Rock's music hits. Little reaction from fans, probably still in shock as the McMahons and Rock raise their arms.
Austin is back though as he stares them all down from the entrance way and runs into the ring, Rock stomping away as Vince and Shane leave. Austin with right hands and nails a Stunner on the new champion before tossing him out of the ring, grabbing the title belt and throwing it down on Rock. He gives a Stunner to Foley too for good measure as his music hits and poses in the corner. Austin follows out with some more right hands and stomps to the chest before he heads to the back, and fade to black.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Most of these matches went way too short, but were pretty decent for the most part for what they were. Had a couple good title buffer matches in between to round it out, a good paced main event with a hell of a swerve and a new champion.
So what happens from here? Well, Austin's new contract guaranteed him a future WWF Title shot, and he'd get one the following night on Raw, only for Taker to take him out with a shovel. They'd go on to Rock Bottom, Austin victorious in a Buried Alive Match with Kane's help, Austin would win a title shot in a Cage Match at St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and win back his title at Wrestlemania against Rock.
Rock and Mankind would feud for the next few months leading into Wrestlemania. Foley would be screwed out of the title again at Rock Bottom, getting his big moment the first Raw of the new year, which I'll be covering soon. They'd have their brutal I Quit Match at Royal Rumble, Mick losing the title, an Empty Arena Match on Halftime Heat for Mick to win it back. They'd go to a draw at St. Valentine's in a Last Man Standing Match, but Rock would win it back on Raw in a Ladder Match with help from the Big Show sometime later, facing Austin for the title at Mania. Foley would get a match at Mania against Show, winning by DQ to get the guest ref job for the WWF Title match and go on to aid Austin in winning the title.
On the fence on whether this PPV is worth the watch, so I'll let you decide if you haven't seen it already.
Shamrock with a knee and some right hands to start, slamming Goldust to the mat, keeping the offense with some stomps. More shots as he wrenches on the neck around the top rope. Dust with some shots of his own, Dust off the ropes with a clothesline.
Scoop slam followed by a knee drop to the face, taking Shamrock into the corner. A right hand, whips him to the opposite corner, Shamrock coming out with a clothesline, then a near fall. Goldust into the corner, then some knees to the gut back in the center, before Ken locks in a chinlock, club to the face as he releases, then some kicks to the chest on a kneeling Goldust.
Russian leg sweep and another near fall by Shamrock, with a reverse chinlock now. Knee to the chest as he pulls Dust down. Goldust up with some shots, whips Shamrock into the corner but hits the turnbuckle with a splash. Shamrock with more shots on a grounded Goldust.
Shamrock goes for a suplex but Goldust hits one of his own. Shamrock up before he is, right hand,, gets whipped into the opposite corner, Goldust goes for a monkey flip but gets pushed off, but connects with a drop toe hold.
Goldust goes for a powerbomb but Ken stops it with some right hands, then another near fall. Goldust off the ropes and takes Shamrock down with a bulldog. Back in the corner, Goldust sets up for Shattered Dreams, but the ref gets in the way to avoid DQ, Shamrock coming off the second rope with a hurricanrana. Belly to belly by Shamrock into an Ankle Lock and Goldust taps in 5;58.
Cole is in the back, and says Austin has refused medical attention.
Last match of the 1st round is next.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: The Rock vs Triple H of D-Generation X
Well it's supposed to be HHH, but Patterson and Briscoe come down instead.
J.R. mentions that HHH has been recuperating from knee surgery. Briscoe mentions that HHH is not there tonight, despite Vince sending him tickets to the show, and Briscoe will fine him heavily for now showing. Patterson informs him though that there won't be a forfeit, Vince having found a last minute replacement.
Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match: The Rock vs Big Bossman
Rock wins immediately with an inside cradle.
Rock exits quickly from a pissed off Bossman and heads to the back. Bossman yells at Patterson as they head to the back shortly after.
Time to start the Quarter Finals.
Deadly Game Tournament Quarter-Final Match: The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs Kane
J.R. mentions that this was the same arena that Kane debut in October the previous year. 15 minute time limits for the Quarter-Final matches.
Taker unloads with punches in the corner, whipping Kane into the opposite corner but stops him with an elbow. Kane unloads with his own punches, Taker off the ropes into a big boot, Taker sits up only to be clotheslined to the outside.
Kane follows suit with a club to the back, slamming Taker face first on the apron, followed by more shots. Taker into the barricade, Kane running at him only to be lifted and dropped on top of the barricade.
Kane shoulder first into the steel steps, then a headbutt by Taker then back in the ring. Arm twist followed by a side kick, then back into the corner for Kane. More kicks to the gut and right hands by Taker, Kane off the ropes then reversed, into the powerslam. Kane goes for an elbow but Taker sits up.
In the corner again with more right hands by Taker, gets whipped into the opposite corner and a chop block into the left knee of Kane, as Taker starts to work it now, Bearer clearly pleased.
Kane manages to kick him off but Taker gets Kane back into the corner, working the knee some more.
Back into another corner as Taker chokes. Taker keeps scaring the referee off as he does 5 counts. Kane blocks a shot in the corner, but Taker back with some more shots, not seeming to phase Kane anymore. Taker goes to whip Kane but holds on, kneeing Kane in the midsection before being whipped into the corner, Kane catching him with a clothesline into the corner.
Kane off the top with a clothesline on Taker. Kane with the cover and a near fall. Back and forth shots, Taker off the ropes, grabbing each other by the throat, but Kane breaks Taker's grip to connect with the Chokeslam. Bearer on the apron and distracting Kane, allowing Taker to take Kane up for the Tombstone. Taker makes the cover while Bearer holds Kane's foot to get the victory in 7:16 Pretty much what you would expect from these two match wise, nothing special.
Taker quickly rolls out as him and Bearer head to the back, then Kane soon after.
And already time for our next match.
Deadly Game Tournament Quarter-Final Match: Hardcore Champion Mankind vs Al Snow
We get replays of Snow's match with Jarrett as Snow starts the match with shots in the corner. Choking Mankind in the corner with more shots, whipping him into the opposite corner as Snow comes off the ropes with a clothesline, then dropkicks Mankind out of the ring.
Mick going for a chair but Snow stops him, then rams it into his gut. Misses a swing to the head but kicks him down. Snow jumps off the barricade but Mick catches him, then drops him face first onto the chair before he rolls back in.
Stomps to Snow as he rolls in followed by more choking. Mick with more shots in the corner, whipping Snow to the opposite corner but he stops himself, catching Mick with an enzigri.. Snow grabs Head but Mick ducks, hitting a back suplex.
Foley realizes where his missing Socko has been and takes it off of Head, stomping and hitting Head before being dropped with a clothesline. Snow with shots against the ropes, Foley off the ropes but gets caught by a clothesline. Snow with a sitout powerbomb for a near fall.
Snow with a headbutt, Foley off the ropes and connects with a Double Arm DDT on Snow. Foley puts Mr. Socko on his hand and gets Snow in the Mandible Claw, getting the submission win in 3:58.
Foley leaves the ring, reunited with Socko as we go to replays. He will face Stone Cold in the semi-finals.
Let's finish the Quarter-Finals.
Deadly Game Tournament Quarter-Final Match: Intercontinental Champion "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock vs The Rock
Winner will face Taker in a Semi-Finals. We get replays of Shamrock tapping out Goldust and Rock beating Bossman in 4 seconds... well 4 according to J.R., it seems it was a bit longer than that, but whatever.
Rock with some right hands immediately, launching Ken off the ropes with a clothesline. Choking Ken across the second rope before taking him to the corner, whipping to the opposite corner and Ken moving out of the way, shots of his own then a suplex and a near fall.
Back in the corner, whipping Rock for a clothesline into the corner, whipping him again only to eat a clothesline by Rock, stomping Ken out of the ring. Rock bounces Ken off the announce table before going to whip him into the steps, but Ken reverses and Rock goes down. Ken breaks the count before slamming Rock onto the floor. Back in the ring they go.
Ken lays in some right hands before launching Rock off the ropes for a side kick knocking Rock down, then a Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Knees to the gut by Shamrock, coming off the ropes for a knee to the face into a rear headlock. Rock fights out with some more right hands as Bossman makes his way out, Ken knocking Rock down again into another headlock. Bossman roaming around ringside watching the match go on as fans chant that he sucks.
Ref checks on Rock as he raises the arm but Rock fights out again with some more right hands, off the ropes as Ken hits a hurricanrana, locking in the Ankle Lock as Rock tries to reach the ropes and succeeds. Ken goes after the leg as he launches Rock off the ropes, knocking each other down with a clothesline as the ref starts the count.
Rock gets the arm over for a pin attempt but Shamrock kicks out. Shamrock off the ropes and Rock hits a floatover DDT. Low blow as Bossman distracts the referee, Rock slams Ken down and hits the People's Elbow, but Shamrock kicks out. Rock off the ropes for a clothesline, but Shamrock ducks. Rock tries for a Rock Bottom but Ken reverses into a belly to belly. Ken asks for Bossman, who distracts the referee, tossing the nightstick in the ring for Ken but is intercepted by Rock, clocking Ken in the head to get the victory in 8:21. Pretty good match to go into the Semi-Finals.
Bossman walks away clearly pissed while Rock celebrates, heading to the back not far behind. We get a replay of the closing moment, then a view of the brackets. Ken kicks over the steps in frustration as he yells at fans, making his way to the back.
We go to Cole backstage with Bearer, saying the only Rock Taker likes is the tombstones he carves the names of his victims on, and guarantees Taker is walking out the champion.
Now we take a break from our tournament for a championship match.
WWF Women's Championship: Sable vs Jacqueline (c) (w/ Marc Mero)
We get replays from 2 months ago, showing Mero screw Sable out of the title on Raw. Shane O'Mac is reffing this, who had been demoted by Vince after Shane rehired Austin, Another replay of Jacqueline attacking Sable earlier that night on Heat.
Mero distracts Sable allowing Jackie to attack from behind once more as the bell is rung. Kicks to the chest on Sable as Jackie taunts her, Sable off the ropes, reversing a hip toss into one of her own. Jackie off the ropes and eats a kick to the face. Sable takes Jackie up and hits a TKO, going for a pin but Mero pulls her off. Sable low blows him, then hits a Sable Bomb on the floor.
Jackie attacks from behind taking advantage, rolling Sable back in, taunting Sable with more kicks to the ribs, taking her to the second rope to choke her. Sable face first into the turnbuckle, more kicks to the ribs by Jackie, going for a powerbomb but Sable escapes. Jackie follows close behind as she goes to the second rope for a Tornado DDT, but Sable connects with a Sable Bomb to regain the Women's Championship in 3:14. Not a bad match with what little time was given.
Mero pulls Jackie out as Sable celebrates in the ring. We get a replay of the closing moments as Sable heads to the back.
Time for the Semi-Finals.
Deadly Game Tournament Semi-Final Match: Hardcore Champion vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
20 minute time limit for the semi-final matches. We get replays of Mankind beating Gill and Al Snow. Austin makes his way out, clearly still feeling the effects of Bossman's attack earlier in the night.
Austin waits no time with right hands and kicks and stomps in the corner, pulling Mankind's jacket and shoes off as he continues the assaut nailing Foley in the head with the shoe. Austin with a leg over the back of Foley draped over the second rope. Vince and co make their way out as Austin takes Foley to the corner, Foley bouncing Austin's head off the turnbuckle.
Foley choking Austin seated in the corner, before hitting him with a running knee to the face. Foley takes his shoe now and nails Austin. Austin off the ropes as Foley goes for an elbow, but ducks and gets him with a Lou Thesz Press and an elbow. Foley off the ropes as Austin tries for a Stunner but Foley escapes and runs off near the entrance. The Stooges talk some sense into him as they walk back, Austin knocks Briscoe and Patterson's heads together, tries for a piledriver on the aisleway but Foley back drops him instead.
Foley whips Austin into the steps as Foley rolls back in the ring, letting the referee start his chant, Vince yelling to count faster. Foley back out with rights hands, tossing him over the barricade, but Austin knocks him back over. More right hands by Austin, but Foley bounces his face off the steps. Foley rolls Austin back in for a pin attempt, but Austin kicks out. Foley with a chinlock now.
Slaughter yelling at Austin to give it up but he fights out, elbows to the gut, trading blows but Austin launches him off the ropes, only to knock each other down with a clothesline, ref starting the count.
Austin with right hands into the corner, Foley whipping him into the other corner and Austin comes out with a clothesline. Back in the corner as Austin stomps Foley, grabbing Foley by the legs as her tries to pull him into the post, but pulls Austin face first into the post.
Foley rolls Austin back in as he grabs a chair from ringside, but Austin gets the boots up and kicks the chair in his face, Austin trying to hit Foley as he's draped over the ropes but Foley moves, following up with the Double Arm DDT onto the chair. Foley rolls him over for a pin, but Austin kicks out. Foley goes for a piledrive next but Austin back drops him onto the chair instead, Austin hitting a Stunner but Vince jumps out of his wheelchair to pull the ref out and knock him out. Foley takes advantage of a distracted Austin, Foley with his tuxedo pants around his Ankles.
Foley goes for the Mandible Claw, Austin with a low blow and a Stunner. Shane runs in as Austin makes the cover and... doesn't make the count? He flips Austin the bird and gets out of the ring before Austin can get his hands on him. Commentary are baffled as Austin gets whipped into the corner, then a clothesline bu Foley. Briscoe nails Austin with a chair and Foley makes the cover, Shane slides in and makes the 3 count in 10:28. Good match, interesting finish to keep the story going.
Vince, co and Foley quickly head to the back, as J.R. notes they "skip gayly away". Austin follows suit pissed off, but the McMahons, Stooges and Slaughter get into Vince's limo and leave the arena before Austin can get to them. Austin hijacks a car and drives off after them.
Commentary try to make sense of Shane's actions considering recent events, but Foley is now in the finals of the tournament. Lawler asks for replays of the closing moments and we get just that.
Let's find out who he faces.
Deadly Game Tournament Semi-Final Match: The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs The Rock
We get a replay of Taker beating Kane. Lawler as usual flip flops with his pick to win the WWF Title. J.R. mentions how it's unlike Vince will have influence in this match since he's left the arena, then we see a replay of Bossman inadvertently giving Rock the win over Shamrock.
Rock and Taker trade right hands, Rock takes Taker into the corner with more right hands, whipping him to the opposite corner but Taker takes him down, rolling him onto the apron for an elbow to the face. Throwing Rock into the steps but he comes back with more right hands, slamming Taker face first into the apron, whipping him into the barricade but Rock eats a clothesline. Headbutt by Taker and more right hands, before rolling Rock back in.
Right hand knocks down Rock, and a near fall for Taker. Taker takes Rock to the corner, whipped into the opposite one but Rock gets a boot up and another clothesline, but Taker sits up. More right hands by Rock, Taker off the ropes then Rock into an elbow. Taker with a knee across the throat on Rock , more choking. Rock gets trapped in the ropes as Taker lays in some right hands, Rock finally frees himself and launches Taker to the outside.
Taker face first off the announce table, Rock knocking Taker over the barricade with more right hands, Rock face first off the barricade. Taker and Rock back over the barricade as Rock gets rolled back in.
Kick to the ribs by Taker as he takes Rock to the corner, more right hands and kicks to the face and ribs. Bearer with a cheap shot as Taker distracts the referee. Rock whipped into the corner and Taker charges, but Rock moves. Trading right hands, Rock gets the advantage but Taker with a knee to the ribs Taker off the ropes into a Samoan Drop as Hebner starts the count.
Bossman is out again as Taker and Rock get up, Rock off the ropes and hits a DDT as Taker bends over, Rock trash talking Bearer, then a low blow as he distracts Hebner. Rock slams Taker onto the mat and sets up for a People's Elbow, but Bossman trips him up, Taker takes him down with a clothesline and an elbow, then knocks Bossman down.
Taker catches Rock by the throat as he stands up, but now Kane is out, catching Rock and nails a Chokeslam, giving Rock the DQ win in 8:26. A bit slow, but an alright match. Ending keeps both guys looking strong and keeps Taker and Kane's feud going.
Taker looks around confused before knocking Hebner down, Kane and Taker go at it at ringside now. They brawl through the crowd as Rock's music hits. Rock and Hebner head to the back.
Cole is backstage with Mankind backstage, and says lady luck is on his side tonight, saying he has one more hill to climb to get to the title.
One match to get through before our main event.
Triple Threat Tag Team Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles: New Age Outlaws (c) vs The Headbangers vs D'Lo Brown & "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry
We get footage from Heat where all three teams brawl backstage. Lawler brings up how Headbangers won a regular Triple Threat on Raw and hope to win again tonight.
This isn't the kind of match where only two guys start, and can tag in anyone. One guy from each team in the ring at the same time, and commentary make a point of saying the "Outlaw Rule" is in effect, where partners can't pin partners to win the match.
It's a bit of a nightmare to try and write up everything going on, so I'm not gonna write it all up. Nice tag team action, heel teams of Headbangers and D'Lo/Henry teaming up against the Outlaws obviously.
Billy hits a Fame Asser on Mosh, Henry hits Mosh with a Splash as Billy goes to make a cover, Mosh kicks out of a pin attempt. Thrasher and Henry fight as Billy hits a piledriver on Mosh and gets the win in roughly 10:10. Outlaws retain in a nice buffer match.
Billy moons the crowd as they celebrate. We go to a replay of Austin getting screwed in the Semi-Finals, then the McMahons and co. leaving the arena with Austin close behind.
It's time to crown a new champion with our main event.
Deadly Game Tournament Finals for the WWF Championship: Mankind vs The Rock
No time limit on this match, Fink announcing "one fall to a finish". We cut backstage where it turns out Vince and Shane have arrived back at the arena, talking with Bossman, intent on having a presence in this match.
Hebner's officiating, can't imagine that will have any effect on this match. Foley out of his tuxedo and wrestling in his regular attire, although still sporting a bow tie. Rock and Foley lock up as they go to the corner, Foley getting out as Rock goes for a right hand. Foley with a right hand of his own but Rock blocks and lands another. Rock with a kick to the gut and more right hands, driving Foley into the corner, choking him with his boot as Foley sits in the corner. Foley reverses a whip into the opposite corner as Rock drops him with a clothesline, then a near fall.
More right hands and kicks to the chest in the corner before Mick rolls out, leading Rock up the aisle with more right hands, slamming Rock face first into the steps. Mick with more right hands, Mick looking toward the entrance hoping for "dad" to come down for the match. Both roll in the ring as Mick gets Rock in a seated headlock.
Vince and Shane make their way down as Mick keeps Rock grounded. Rock starts to work his way back to his feet, fights out and hits a back suplex. Rock with a right hand knocks Mick out of the ring as Rock follows. Mick goes for a suplex but Rock blocks and hits one instead on the outside. Rock heads towards the McMahons but Mick comes behind, eating some right hands, before Rock lifts him over the barricade. Fight their way into the crowd, Rock hitting Foley over the head with a garbage can, lifting him up and back over the barricade.
Back in the ring as Rock gets Mick in a seated headlock, Vince and Shane whispering about something at ringside. Mick fights his way back up with shots to the kidneys, right hands from Rock until Foley sends a knee into the ribs. Rock against the ropes as Foley sends them both over the ropes back to the outside..
Foley grabs a chair and cracks it over Rock's back before, Mick grabs the steel steps, lifting it over his head before Rock uses the chair to knock Mick down, stairs landing on top as Rock continues to use the chair, then cracks Mick over the head with it as her stands.
Back in the ring with a pin attempt but Mick kicks out. Right hands by Rock in the corner, but Mick lands a low blow, going back with a choke on a grounded Rock. Elbow to the back of Rock's head as he lays on the apron. Foley climbs onto the apron and drops an elbow as Rock lays on the floor. Rock face first on the announce table, Mick hits Rock with the table cover. Mick with blows to t face as they climb the table, plus a leg drop that looks like it completely missed Rock as they fall behind the table.
Back in the ring once more as Mick goes for the pin, but Rock kicks out. Mick with another headlock on a seated Rock, he fights back to his feet with more shots to the gut, trading right hands, Rock off the ropes as Mick lifts him over the ropes to the floor. Foley follows out and they quickly roll back in.
Rock off the ropes but connects with a DDT on a bent over Foley, as Hebner starts his count. Foley up first, but Rock lays in with right hands, off the ropes and is sent back over the ropes to the floor. Mick climbs the middle rope from the apron but crashes through the Spanish announce table as Rock moves. Rock takes the table cover and slams it down on Mick before they roll back into the ring.
Rock catches Foley and slams him to the mat, setting up for the People's Elbow and connects, but Mick kicks out of a pin attempt. Rock frustrated as he sends Mick off the ropes, but he hits a Double Arm DDT. Foley pulls out Mr. Socko instead of the pin and gets the Mandible Claw on Rock, bringing him to a knee, ref raising his arm to see if he responds, but Rock hangs on, pulling back to his feet.
Rock pulls Mick in for a Rock Bottom, but can't capitalize, as Hebner starts his count. Rock rolls over and gets an arm over, but Foley kicks out again.
Here's our finish. Rock turns to the McMahons at ringside before... locking in a sharpshooter? And just like they did at Survivor Series the previous year, Vince calls for the bell, and Rock gets the submission(?) win in 17:18, despite Mick not tapping. Rock wins his first WWF Championship.
So what the hell is going on? Commentary and Hebner are just as confused as everyone else. Shane raises Rock's hand as Vince enters the ring with the title, and they all hug. Well that's one hell of a swerve. Vince gets a mic from ringside, and says seeing is believing. He says Vince didn't screw the people, but the people screwed the people, saying they're as stupid and gullible as Mankind. He says he'll elaborate further on Raw the next night.
Vince says that the McMahons are so proud for tonight, since Austin was royally screwed, and that if there's anyone who has more contempt for Austin and the people than him, it's The Rock. He congratulates Rock and says Shane's performance was Academy Award winning. Shane takes the mic and says he told everyone that he's just like Vince.
Rock takes the mic and says just like when he said on Heat that he'd rather be the people's ass than to kiss Vince's, he says it's time for all those fans to kiss the Rock's ass. Mick takes the mic confused to what's going on, since he didn't submit. Rock clocks him in the back of the head with the belt before stomping on him, then another Rock Bottom. Shane announces the Rock as the new WWF Champion, and Corporate Champion as Rock's music hits. Little reaction from fans, probably still in shock as the McMahons and Rock raise their arms.
Austin is back though as he stares them all down from the entrance way and runs into the ring, Rock stomping away as Vince and Shane leave. Austin with right hands and nails a Stunner on the new champion before tossing him out of the ring, grabbing the title belt and throwing it down on Rock. He gives a Stunner to Foley too for good measure as his music hits and poses in the corner. Austin follows out with some more right hands and stomps to the chest before he heads to the back, and fade to black.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Most of these matches went way too short, but were pretty decent for the most part for what they were. Had a couple good title buffer matches in between to round it out, a good paced main event with a hell of a swerve and a new champion.
So what happens from here? Well, Austin's new contract guaranteed him a future WWF Title shot, and he'd get one the following night on Raw, only for Taker to take him out with a shovel. They'd go on to Rock Bottom, Austin victorious in a Buried Alive Match with Kane's help, Austin would win a title shot in a Cage Match at St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and win back his title at Wrestlemania against Rock.
Rock and Mankind would feud for the next few months leading into Wrestlemania. Foley would be screwed out of the title again at Rock Bottom, getting his big moment the first Raw of the new year, which I'll be covering soon. They'd have their brutal I Quit Match at Royal Rumble, Mick losing the title, an Empty Arena Match on Halftime Heat for Mick to win it back. They'd go to a draw at St. Valentine's in a Last Man Standing Match, but Rock would win it back on Raw in a Ladder Match with help from the Big Show sometime later, facing Austin for the title at Mania. Foley would get a match at Mania against Show, winning by DQ to get the guest ref job for the WWF Title match and go on to aid Austin in winning the title.
On the fence on whether this PPV is worth the watch, so I'll let you decide if you haven't seen it already.
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