WWE St. Valentine's Day Massacre
Since we're heading toward the final PPV before Wrestlemania 35, I figured I'd look back at another go-hone PPV before Wrestlemania, this one being the last before Wrestlemania XV. Been a good while since I've seen this PPV in full, but we have Austin vs McMahon in a cage, Rock and Mankind in Last Man Standing, and more so let's see how it holds up.
I love this opening video package, black and white set to some old timey music, highlighting the McMahon/Austin rivalry to this point, the Makind/Rock rivalry and a bit of Chyna and HHH mixed in.
We're live from the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. Michael Cole and the King are on commentary tonight. Crowd with a loud Jerry chant before we get to our first match.
Goldust vs Bluedust (Blue Meanie)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: This all started when Goldust stole Head from Al Snow, and Meanie stole it back, leading Goldie to deliver Shattered Dreams to Meanie. Meanie comes out with Goldie's music, even wearing his own blonde wing and robe. What a bizarre way to start this show. We also see Bluedust costing Goldie a match against Gillberg the previous night on Raw Saturday Night, giving Giiberg his first win.
Goldie wastes no time and nails a spinebuster before laying in right hands. Bluedust into the corner, Goldie with kicks to the midsection and more with hands. Out of the corner, Goldie off the ropes and a right hand as Bluey bends over, sending him out of the ring, while commentary talk about Jerry looking to be mayor of Memphis.
Bluey mocking Goldie, finally going after him with a right hand before tossing him back in the ring, Bluey going after the left leg. A spinning toe hold ass shake combo before Goldie tosses him off, giving him a wedgie and spanking him. Into the corner, Goldie sets him up for Shattered Dreams but Bluey gets a boot up, onto the top rope but misses a moonsault. Goldie nails the Curtain Call for the victory in 3:08. Not much of a match really.
Goldust hypes up the crowd and he sets Bluey up for Shattered Dreams, crowd goes nuts as it connects.
We go to footage of Vince calling out Austin, alongside Shawn Michaels. Vince did his best to provoke Austin, because Austin would be fired if he laid his hands on Vince, even going so far to spit in Austin's face.
Onto our next match.
Hardcore Championship: Al Snow vs Bob Holly of the J.O.B. Squad
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: This is the one match I remember vividly just for how bizarre and fun this match becomes. The title was vacated after Road Dogg got injured the night before. Holly's music sounds like he's still Sparky Plug. We see footage of Holly coming out to talk sense into Al the night before, who was having a hardcore match with himself, but it just ended with them fighting with each other. Bell rings mid footage to get this thing started.
Al with right hands before sending Holly to the outside. Al to the outside and grabs a chair and nails Holly right in the head. Holly jabbed with the chair and they go over the barricade into the crowd. Holly with a chair to the gut, a fire extinguisher to the face and it looks like a beer bottle over Al's head. Al with the extinguisher to Holly's face now before they fight their way to the backstage area.
Holly with a wet floor sign across Snow's head, then into some trash cans, one across the back. Snow grabs a pay phone and hits Holly in the head with it, then another trash can as they fight through a pair of doors. Al throws a can at Holly before they trade some right hands. Now Holly smashes some floor tiles just laying around across Snow's head, then a beer cooler as they fight to the parking lot.
Al breaking some brooms across Holly's, then a pin attempt but Holly kicks out. Holly bounced face first off a production truck a couple times with some right hands mixed in, back and forth as they fight outside the arena. Snow tossed into a street sign, slammed across his back, Holly with a pin and a near fall.
Snow with some right hands before tossing Holly into a wall, Snow tossed into a chain link fence. Al with barbed wire across Holly's neck from another fence, then a stop sign across Snow's back. Holly pulls out a wheelbarrow but Snow hits him with some wood,, tries to put him in the wheelbarrow but they end up fighting their way to the Mississippi River.
Holly with a... something off Al's head as they fight along the riverbank, Al choking Holly. Holly gets tossed into the river and Snow dives in after him. Holly dunking Snow face first into the icy water before they fight their way out. Al finds a roll of chain-link and goes to unroll it, but Holly breaks a big stick across his back, then a near fall. Holly unraveling the chain link now, or at least trying to as Snow comes to shots to the kidneys. So hard to see anything,
Holly with another stick to Snow as they fight. Holly knocks Snow back down on the chain link and uses it to wrap up and trap Al, allowing him to cover him and win the Hardcore Championship in 10:05. It was a fun match for the most part, like any other Hardcore Title match, but they took way too long building up to the finish of that. Not to mention with as little light as they had, it was hard to tell what was going on most of the time.
Holly and the ref make their way back to the arena, leaving Al by the riverbank. Crowd gives him a nice pop as he re-enters the arena, getting awarded the championship as we get another shot of Al wrapped up in the chain link. Holly celebrates with the title before leaving the ring.
We see some footage of Taker with his Ministry, surrounded by a fire, saying that the massacre tonight will be nothing compared to what they do going forward. He says Mideon will fight Boss Man, and their purpose in life begins tonight.
Big Boss Man of the Corporation vs Mideon of the Ministry of Darkness
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Commentary talk about Boss Man beating up Austin the night before during a Gauntlet match, allowing Vince to get the pin. Mideo out with jar of formaldehyde, and an eye ball inside, setting down at the commentary desk.
Mideon starts out with a side headlock but Boss Man fights out, hitting a shoulder as he sends Mideon off the ropes. Right hands on Mideon, choking him in the corner with his boot. Boss Man whipped into the corner and a clothesline, right hands by Mideon but Boss Man with a shot to the gut, tossing Mideon to the outside.
Bossman grabs a chair but nails the ringpost instead, Mideon biting the fingers and slam his hand on the steps. Mideon gets on the apron but gets pulled down throat first on the top rope. Back in the ring, Boss Man suffocating Mideon a couple times before he get whipped into the corner, another clothesline by Mideon before biting him and more choking. Right hands by Bossman into the corner, whipping Mideon into the opposite corner and a splash, Mideon flopping to the mat.
Mideon across the middle rope as Boss Man runs at him, a leg across the back, then a right hand as he slips out. Crowd with a boring chant, which they aren't wrong. Boss Man with a full nelson but Mideon fights out and nails a back suplex and a cover, but Boss Man kicks out. More right hands and a stomp to the chest, Boss Man comes with right hands in the corner, then a headbutt. Bossman calls for a piledriver (I think) but Mideon fights out with a back body drop, then a double clothesline.
Right hands back and forth as they get to their knees, then Bossman off the ropes into an elbow. Mideon off the ropes and Bossman nails the tilt-a-whirl slam (or Black Hole Slam if you prefer) for the win in 6:21. Not worth the watch.
Bossman grabs the nightstick but the Ministry surround the ring, before the lights go out and Taker's music hits and makes his way out with Bearer. Mideon and the Ministry apparently attack Boss Man while the camera stays on Taker. Lights finally come on and the beatdown goes on, holding Boss Man down for Viscera to nail a few splashes off the ropes. They drag Boss Man out and carry him off to the back.
We get a commercial for Wrestlemania XV before cutting to D'Lo, Henry and Ivory with Kevin Kelly. We see footage from Heat of Debra and Ivory going at it. Kelly asKs if Ivory is the key to their victory tonight to keep Debra in check, and they basically say that she will.
WWF Tag Team Championship: D'Lo Brown & "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry (w/ Ivory) vs Jeff Jarrett & Owen Hart (c) (w/ Debra)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Ivory helped D'Lo picked up a victory the night before on Raw over Jarrett. Henry grabs a mic and gives Ivory some chocolate for Valentine's Day before the champions make their way out.
Owen and Henry start things out, Owen starts out with a slap as he tries to get around Henry, but he gets thrown into the corner, nailing shots to the mid section before sending Owen off the ropes into a clothesline. D'Lo tagged in and Owen off the ropes again into an elbow. Owen in the corner as D'Lo with a right hand, Owen off the ropes and over D'Lo with a bulldog, tagging Jarrett in who nails a dropkick. Jeff off the ropes into a powerslam and a pin, but Owen breaks it up, taking a scoop slam before Henry comes in with a double clothesline.
Debra on the apron trying to woo Henry, D'Lo off the ropes in Jeff's corner, Jarrett hits an armbar takedown and goes after the shoulder now. Owen tagged in for a double clothesline. Crowd starts a... I think a nugget chant, it might be an Owen chant though. Jarrett back in as Owen nails a spinebuster and Jarrett nails a knee off the top. D'Lo choked across the middle rope, D'Lo caught with a clothesline from Owen before he tags back in. Owen countered with a clothesline by D'Lo who catches a kick, only for Owen to nail an enziguri for a near fall.
Jeff tagged in again as they keep D'Lo isolated with a double elbow and another near fall. Seated headlock on D'Lo who fights his way back to his feet, Jeff off the ropes who reverses, D'Lo off the ropes as Owen's tagged in who nails a spinning heel kick. Right hands in the corner and D'Lo off the ropes who finally nails a splash off the ropes for another near fall.
Owen with shoulders to the midsection in the corner and a 10 punch but D'Lo fights out, nailing a Sky High but can't capitalize as the ref starts his 10 count. D'Lo makes the hot tag as Jeff gets tagged in, Henry cleaning house as he whips Jeff into the corner, then Owen into him but they move, D'Lo with some kicks and nails Jeff with a nice Sky High off the ropes, and for some reason the ref goes to make the 3 count? Did I miss a tag? Anyways, Owen breaks it up in time. D'Lo with a scoop slam and a leg drop on Owen as D'Lo climbs up top but Debra walks up the steps to distract, but Ivory pulls her down and they argue, D'Lo stepping in to break them up.
Referee gets distracted by them as Henry lifts Jeff over his head, but Owen comes in with the guitar, nailing him across the back of the knee allowing Jeff to apply the figure 4, Henry taps almost immediately, allowing the champs to retain in 9:35. Things are finally picking up on this show.
Champs celebrate as D'Lo and Ivory check on Henry, before she starts to rip off Debra's clothes, only for the men to break them up. Champs make a quick exit before we cut to Kevin Kelly.
He's in the back with Mankind, and we see Rock attacking Mankind on Heat, going after the knee with some kind of metal canister. He hypes up the title match tonight and puts over Rock, talking about how serious he's taking this before going back to the arena. Commentary plug some kind of photo magnet that viewers at home can get.
We get a video package for Venis/Shamock which started when Val had Ken's sister in one of his pornos, and I guess has started to date her too?
Intercontinental Championship: Ken Shamrock (c) vs Val Venis (w/ Ryan Shamrock), Billy Gunn as Special Guest Referee
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Billy Gunn comes out doing Road Dogg's shtick, apparently he's the referee for this match. Apparently he volunteered for this the night before for... some reason. They also failed to mention the IC Title in the video package, so I guess it's secondary to this feud. Cole mentions that someone tried to bribe Billy with money, and Ryan bribed him something better. Val takes the mic and does his usual shtick. Shamrock wastes no time going after Val as the bell is rung.
Billy stays impartial for most of the match, while commentary better explain him being in this, saying senior official Hebner wasn't going to put the refs in harms way in this match, after Ken went after them the night before. Shamrock dominates for most of this match, until Val counters a suplex with one of his own, then an inverted atomic drop. Rake of the eyes before choking Ken across the middle rope.
Ken off the ropes into an elbow, then an elbow drop as Billy takes his time to make the count, Ken kicks out. Val nails a tiger suplex but Ken fights back with some right hands, Val rakes the eyes and nails a backbreaker, bending Ken across his knee. Val with some right hands and sends Ken into the corner, then out of the ring.
Val sending Ken back first into the ring post before tossing him back into the ring for a modified camel clutch, working the back. Apparently Shieky was around earlier along with Backlund helping Mankind prepare. Shamrock fights back with right hands and knees before Val rakes the eyes again. Ken back in the corner before Val hits a snap mare, Val with a neat pin, and I guess Billy is confused because it takes him a minute to realize it, even does a fast count for a near fall.
Val with a grounded headlock, Billy and Val argue about what Billy is supposed to ask Ken, he fights his way back to his feet. Shamrock off the ropes but Val nails a knee to the gut, and a near fall for Val. Val with a stun gun before choking Ken with his boot, using the top rope for leverage. Right hands in the corner from Val, a knee to the gut before Ken goes off the ropes, a kick to Val and Ken nails a DDT spiking Val on his head. Billy starts the count, and would've made three but decides to stop. Val from behind with a sleeper but Ken counters with a back suplex.
Ken with a slam as Val charges from the corner and another near fall. Val with right hands and off the ropes but Ken takes a forearm as he comes off the ropes, into a fisherman suplex and Billy... makes the fair count? Um, OK.
Ken back up with a roll up and Val kicks out. Ken off the ropes into some knees to the gut and a side Russian leg sweep. Val standing over Ken with some hip swivels and some right hands and Billy steps in. Val up top but Ken throws him off, more right hands and Val off the ropes into a spinning heel kick. Ken off the ropes into a hurricanrana and a belly to belly on Val. Ken applies the ankle lock and Ryan grabs Val's hand, helping him to the ropes. Ken goes out and argues with Ryan, then shoves Billy who steps in, right hand for Ken and rolls him back in. Val with an inside cradle and a fast count, and Val wins the IC Title in 15:53. This match was just weird.
Billy makes a quick exit and Ken goes after him, right hands as they fight near the entrance way. Val celebrates with the title, before Billy runs in and nails Val with right hands. Val off the ropes into a clothesline from Billy. Billy tells Val to suck it before he makes his exit again. I'm so confused right now. We get a replay of the closing moments, and the post match attack from Billy as Val and Ryan head to the back.
We get a commercial for Mr. Soclo t-shirts, cut with footage of Mankind using Mr. Socko on people. Then, a video package of Chyna turning on HHH to join the Corporation and costing him the WWF Title in the process, doing it for the money, then weeks of Chyna and DX going at it with Kane by her side.
European Champion X-Pac & Triple H of D-Generation X vs Chyna & Kane of the Corporation
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: It's announced as a mixed tag match, but it's clearly an intergender tag match. HHH gets a mic to do his usual DX crowd hype, and tells Chyna to come out and get her ass kicked, calling her a big jacked up bitch. Just to show the incompetence of Cole, he says this is the first time a woman will be involved in a match with men in WWF history, while also bringing up her appearance in that year's Rumble match. Way to go.
HHH rips off his Chyna shirt and throws it at her. Shane has made his way out to join commentary, Kane and HHH start things out. HHH with right hands backing Kane to the corner, only to be nailed with a clothesline. Right hands by Kane in the corner, whipped into the opposite corner and Kane nails a big boot. Kane off the ropes for an elbow but HHH rolls out of the way and tags in X-Pac. Kicks in the corner on Kane only for Kane to throw him into the corner. Shane becomes quickly unbearable on commentary and Chyna gets tagged in. Right hand and a shoulder block on X-Pac, only for X-Pac to send her face first into the top turnbuckle. He goes for a Bronco Buster but Chyna rolls out. Kane tags himself in as she slides into the ring, arguing and allowing Kane to attack.
Right hands on Kane and a dropkick to the knee, more right hands before Kane picks him up, HHH from behind and right hands before sending him to the corner, X-Pac tagging out. HHH up top with a forearm. More right hands, Kane sends HHH off the ropes and clocks HHH in the back of the head. He grabs hold of her, only for Kane to nail him from behind.
Scoop slam by Kane before he climbs up top with a clothesline on HHH. HHH pulled up and Chyna tags in with a forearm on HHH and tries for a suplex, but HHH blocks, lifting her for one of his own but she slips out, a forearm and a scoop slam, off the ropes for an elbow but HHH rolls away. X-Pac tags in with an arm ringer, but Chyna fights out and tags in Kane, missing a splash in the corner and X-Pac with right hands and kicks, HHH in and they go for a double suplex, then Kane, then they hit it. Kane sits up as Kane goes up top, HHH tossing her into Kane and he catches her, then takes a double DDT.
Kane sent to the outside and pulls X-Pac out with him, pushing him against the steps but runs into them, X-Pac going after Shane while he has the chance, knocking him on his ass. Back in the ring, X-Pac gores for a spinning heel kick but Kane catches him and slams him on his back. Kane choking X-Pac on the mat then into the corner. Chyna tags in and nails a running powerslam and gets a near fall. Kane tagged back in and sends X-Pac into the corner, whipped into the opposite corner and into a clothesline. Chyna tags in again with a kick to the midsection, nails HHH with a right hand before crotching X-Pac on the top rope, Kane with a shot to the back of the head. Chyna gets a near fall. X-Pac with shots to the mid section and comes off the ropes, but Chyna catches him with a sleeper hold. X-Pac fights his way out of it and hits a back suplex.
X-Pac tags out and HHH nails Chyna with a right hand. Right hands for Kane, more for Chyna. X-Pac in and fights Kane before HHH sends him over the ropes. X-Pac sent into the barricade off a missed dropkick and he and Kane go at it. HHH with a high knee oto the face of Chyna. HHH off the ropes by Kane pulls the top rope down and they go up the aisle way, X-Pac in the ring and nails a Bronco Buster. With the ref occupied with Kane and HHH, Shane comes from behind and nails X-Pac and they run off to the back.
Kane sent into the steps by HHH and nails Chyna with a facebuster, goes for a Pedigree but Kane is back and nails a Chokeslam. He pulls Chyna on top and the ref finally comes back to the ring to make the count. Chyna and Kane win in 14:47. It was a pretty good match, and would've been a pass if it weren't for Shane on commentary. Jesus Christ, that was horrible to listen to. He just yelled crap for the most part instead of actually offering anything meaningful.
Kane helps Chyna back to her feet and out of the ring as we go to replays.
Commentary hype up the WWF Title match, as we see ambulances waiting in the back. We get a video package of Rock and Mankind's history, from Mankind getting screwed at Survivor Series, to getting screwed at Rock Bottom, to his emotional title win on Raw, their brutal I Quit Match at the Royal Rumble match, their Empty Arena Match during Halftime Heat and everything in between. We also see footage of Rock's attack on Heat that we saw earlier, a bit extended though from before.
Last Man Standing Match for the WWF Championship: The Rock vs Mankind (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Rock is out in his track suit get up. Cole says he spoke to J.R. earlier, which only makes me wonder why he isn't in Cole's spot.
Foley starts out turning his back to Rock and he obviously takes advantage, nailing him from behind with some right hands, into the corner with more right hands. Rock going after the legs again, then more right hands in the corner. Foley nails Rock with the title as Rock argues with Hebner and he starts the count. Rock back to his feet at 8.
Foley after Rock in the corner as Cole mentions Foley had a dislocated knee this morning, Foley and Rock heading up the aisle way. Rock sent face first into the steel entrance set up as they trade right hands. Rock whipped into the steel girders before fighting near the stands. More right hands by Foley, but whips Foley into the steel, back of his head cracking against it. Rock now being sent into a tech table and Foley pulls him on top, sending Rock through it with a DDT as Hebner starts the count. Foley is up at 7, and Rock at 9.
Foley with a case into the ribs of Rock as they fight by a seating area. Rock nails a back suplex onto the concrete floor as Hebner starts the count again. Rock back up on wobbly legs at 5 and Foley seconds later. Rock with right hands up the aisle as Foley clutches at the leg. Rock sent into the steps shoulder first while Foley rolls into the ring. Hebner starts the count again but Rock is up at 5.
Rock in the ring with Foley now who nails a scoop slam, setting up for the People's Elbow, but Rock rolls out of the way. Rock with stomps and right hands and sends Foley back to the outside. More right hands as Rock nails a suplex on the thin padding, then another, and a third. Hebner starts his count as Rock goes over to commentary to talk some trash, Foley back to his feet.
Foley launches himself over the table into Rock with some right hands, hammering away before sending Rock face first into it. Foley climbs the apron and launches off, nailing Rock across the back and Hebner counts again. Foley is back up at 7 as he pulls out some chairs, Rock up just barely in time.
Foley favoring his knee again, seemingly hurting it off that dive, sending Rock off the steps then back into the ring. Foley grabs the steps and tosses them into the ring before sliding in. Rock in the corner trying to catch his breath as Foley hoists the stairs up, but Rock kicks them back into Foley's face. Rock after the knees again before he goes out and tosses a chair in. Rock with a chair now and swings it repeatedly into the bad knee. Rock goes for the head but Foley moves, chair bouncing off the ropes and nails himself in the head in the process, Foley sends them both over the ropes to the outside as Hebner starts his count again.
Foley goes for a piledrive but Rock fights out, Foley opting for a swinging neckbreaker instead. Rock face first off the steps before they go back to the commentary desk. Foley pulls Rock on top, aiming for a piledriver but Rock back drops him, the back of Foley's knee hitting the timekeeper's table, head off the announce table. Rock back in the ring and he throws the steps down on top of Foley as Hebner starts his count, but Foley manages to get up.
Rock with another chair as they re-enter the ring, a scoop slam on Foley and Rock nails the Corporate Elbow. Hebner starts his count again as Rock grabs a mic, but Foley manages to get up in time. Rock threatens Hebner and talks some more trash, while stomping away at Foley. Rock sings Smackdown Hotel but Foley gets the Mandible Claw on, Rock nailing Hebner as he flails around. Rock falls to the mat and is seemingly out cold, but Hebner's been taken out, Foley goes out and rolls Hebner back in, doing half the count for him but Rock just barely gets up and hits a low blow.
Rock nails a DDT and Hebner with the count again. Rock with the chair and swings, but Foley ducks and nails a double arm DDT onto the chair. Hebner with the count but Rock makes it up at 9, while Foley pulls out Socko, down the throat of Rock but he nails a low blow again, then Socko again, but Rock hits the Rock Bottom. Hebner with the count on both of them now, they both grab a chair and back up in time. They swing and nail each other simultaneously across the head. Neither of them make it up or even barely stir as Hebner counts them out. This match ends in a draw, and Mankind retains the WWF Title in 21:53.
Foley tried to get back up, and Rock has barely moved at all. Officials have come down as we go to replays of the closing moment of the match. I think the crowd has a small bullshit chant, but it's hard to make out. They take a while stretchering both to the back and into waiting ambulances.
We get a video package of what's happened since the Rumble between Vince and Austin, with Vince winning the Rumble and trying to screw Austin, however with taking himself out of Wrestlemania, the title shot would automatically go to Austin, the runner up in the Rumble Match. Austin would propose to face Vince at this PPV with his title shot on the line in a cage, and Vince accepts, all played behind Ode to Joy. Austin promises bloodshed, and we see footage of Austin running the Corporate Gauntlet the previous night, only for Vince to pin him in the end with help from Boss Man's nightstick.
Commentary hype up the match some more while crew set up the black bar cage. Lawler seems to be losing his voice at this point.
With that, it's time for our main event.
Steel Cage Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Mr. McMahon
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: No pin falls, no submissions, win by escape only. Vince climbs up the cage from outside and taunts Austin before climbing back down. Vince teases entering the cage but bides his time, making Austin wait. Teases again then bides more time. Austin gets tired of waiting and chases after Vince around the ring. Vince gets in the door of the cage who kicks at Austin as he tries to get at Vince, walking around the side of the cage and climbs up, Vince taunting and swatting at him, even gets a right hand in on Austin. Austin drops to the floor and seemingly tweaked the knee. Vince of course exits the cage and makes his way over, and Austin nails a clothesline, playing possum.
Vince thrown over the announce table and nailed in the head with a fan. Vince face first into the cage, Austin starts to choke him with a cable while talking some trash. Vince over the table a second time and a right hand, tossing Vince into the crowd. Austin stomping away before he hops back over, a right hand as he pulls Vince back over the barricade. Austin pulling Vince around and sends him into the steps next. Vince manages to send Austin into the cage now, taunting Austin as he hops over the barricade and they fight their way through the crowd, reminiscent of the Rumble match. Vince tries to run after a rake to the eyes, but gets tossed back to ringside.
Vince off the steel barricade on the aisle way then face first into the cage once more. Vince tries to climb but Austin pulls him back down, nails a right hand as Vince walks around the other side, tries to climb and gets pulled down, face first into the cage once more. Austin with a stomp to the chest before more right hands. Over by the announce tables, Vince and Austin start the climb, trying to kick Austin off and Austin with right hands. Austin bounces Vince's head off the cage a couple times and Vince gets launched backwards, bounces off the Spanish announce table and it collapses under him. God damn, Vince went spine first on the edge of that table, and that bounce...
Austin's climbed into the cage now as officials have rushed to ringside to check on Vince. EMT's roll a stretcher out and load Vince onto it. Fink enters the ring to announce Austin as the winner but he takes the mic, saying the match never rang and the match never started, and Vince won't lose that easy. Austin asks Hebner's still breathing, and since he is, Austin leaves the cage as they try to stretcher Vince out, but Austin pushes them all away, pushing Vince into the cage. Austin nailing Vince across the back with the stretcher's back board, then in the ribs as Chioda yells at him to get in the cage. Austin finally gets Vince in the cage follows him in, Chioda locks the door and calls for the bell, and the match officially starts.
Austin with a clothesline, ripping off Vince's neck brace, stomping away at Vince. Austin with an elbow off the second rope, then a second. Austin already calls for Chioda to open the door, and gives Austin the finger as Austin is steps away from winning, Austin taking the bate and re-locking the door as he enters. Right hands and stomps in the corner. Vince gets Austin with a low blow and even tosses him into the cage, before trying to climb out of the cage.Vince makes it to the other side but Austin gets him in time, pulling him back in after slamming his face into the cage a few times.
Vince sent face first into the cage, busting him open. Into the cage again. Austin starts to climb again and nearly drops to the floor, but Vince gives him two more fingers. Austin takes the bait again and gets into the cage. Vince tries to escape, and Austin lets him climb a bit, but sends him face first into the cage some more. Austin with a right hand and calls for the door to be opened. Austin nails a Stunner and taunts Vince some.
Then of course we have Paul Wight rip his way through the mat, throwing Austin into the cage a couple of times and helps Vince to his feet. Vince talks some trash to Austin before Wight picks him back up, Vince directing him to throw Austin into the cage. The cage wall flies open as Austin hangs on, allowing Austin to drop to the floor and win the match, bell to bell, in 7:57.
Vince looks on in shock and despair as the crowd pops, realizing Austin is going to Wrestlemania. Wight looks on pissed as Austin talks some trash and heads to the back. Vince lays there as Wight looks on, Vince a mess, and we go to replays of the closing moments. Lawler in shock and despair of his own as him and Cole talk about what just happened. Wight helps Vince back to his feet and out of the ring as the show fades out.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As an overall show, it wasn't all that great. Hardcore match was alright until the last few mintues that dragged on, and the other two matches before and after it were just unnecessary. Tag title match was good, and the IC Title match could've been alright, but Billy being added in just made it weird and awkward, especially the post match shenanigans. I can't give the intergender match a pass, unless it's watched on mute. WWF Title match was entertaining to watch, and for what it was, the main event was good too. Worth the watch for everything else though? I don't think so.
Although commentary would insist Foley is going to Wrestlemania to face Austin, he'd lose the title to Rock in a ladder match on Raw, thanks to Wight. They'd have a match at Wrestlemania to determine the referee for Rock/Austin, which Foley would win by DQ. Austin would of course win the WWF Title from Rock and hold it until I believe Summerslam, where Mankind would win it in a Triple Threat match with HHH involved.
I love this opening video package, black and white set to some old timey music, highlighting the McMahon/Austin rivalry to this point, the Makind/Rock rivalry and a bit of Chyna and HHH mixed in.
We're live from the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. Michael Cole and the King are on commentary tonight. Crowd with a loud Jerry chant before we get to our first match.
Goldust vs Bluedust (Blue Meanie)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: This all started when Goldust stole Head from Al Snow, and Meanie stole it back, leading Goldie to deliver Shattered Dreams to Meanie. Meanie comes out with Goldie's music, even wearing his own blonde wing and robe. What a bizarre way to start this show. We also see Bluedust costing Goldie a match against Gillberg the previous night on Raw Saturday Night, giving Giiberg his first win.
Goldie wastes no time and nails a spinebuster before laying in right hands. Bluedust into the corner, Goldie with kicks to the midsection and more with hands. Out of the corner, Goldie off the ropes and a right hand as Bluey bends over, sending him out of the ring, while commentary talk about Jerry looking to be mayor of Memphis.
Bluey mocking Goldie, finally going after him with a right hand before tossing him back in the ring, Bluey going after the left leg. A spinning toe hold ass shake combo before Goldie tosses him off, giving him a wedgie and spanking him. Into the corner, Goldie sets him up for Shattered Dreams but Bluey gets a boot up, onto the top rope but misses a moonsault. Goldie nails the Curtain Call for the victory in 3:08. Not much of a match really.
Goldust hypes up the crowd and he sets Bluey up for Shattered Dreams, crowd goes nuts as it connects.
We go to footage of Vince calling out Austin, alongside Shawn Michaels. Vince did his best to provoke Austin, because Austin would be fired if he laid his hands on Vince, even going so far to spit in Austin's face.
Onto our next match.
Hardcore Championship: Al Snow vs Bob Holly of the J.O.B. Squad
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: This is the one match I remember vividly just for how bizarre and fun this match becomes. The title was vacated after Road Dogg got injured the night before. Holly's music sounds like he's still Sparky Plug. We see footage of Holly coming out to talk sense into Al the night before, who was having a hardcore match with himself, but it just ended with them fighting with each other. Bell rings mid footage to get this thing started.
Al with right hands before sending Holly to the outside. Al to the outside and grabs a chair and nails Holly right in the head. Holly jabbed with the chair and they go over the barricade into the crowd. Holly with a chair to the gut, a fire extinguisher to the face and it looks like a beer bottle over Al's head. Al with the extinguisher to Holly's face now before they fight their way to the backstage area.
Holly with a wet floor sign across Snow's head, then into some trash cans, one across the back. Snow grabs a pay phone and hits Holly in the head with it, then another trash can as they fight through a pair of doors. Al throws a can at Holly before they trade some right hands. Now Holly smashes some floor tiles just laying around across Snow's head, then a beer cooler as they fight to the parking lot.
Al breaking some brooms across Holly's, then a pin attempt but Holly kicks out. Holly bounced face first off a production truck a couple times with some right hands mixed in, back and forth as they fight outside the arena. Snow tossed into a street sign, slammed across his back, Holly with a pin and a near fall.
Snow with some right hands before tossing Holly into a wall, Snow tossed into a chain link fence. Al with barbed wire across Holly's neck from another fence, then a stop sign across Snow's back. Holly pulls out a wheelbarrow but Snow hits him with some wood,, tries to put him in the wheelbarrow but they end up fighting their way to the Mississippi River.
Holly with a... something off Al's head as they fight along the riverbank, Al choking Holly. Holly gets tossed into the river and Snow dives in after him. Holly dunking Snow face first into the icy water before they fight their way out. Al finds a roll of chain-link and goes to unroll it, but Holly breaks a big stick across his back, then a near fall. Holly unraveling the chain link now, or at least trying to as Snow comes to shots to the kidneys. So hard to see anything,
Holly with another stick to Snow as they fight. Holly knocks Snow back down on the chain link and uses it to wrap up and trap Al, allowing him to cover him and win the Hardcore Championship in 10:05. It was a fun match for the most part, like any other Hardcore Title match, but they took way too long building up to the finish of that. Not to mention with as little light as they had, it was hard to tell what was going on most of the time.
Holly and the ref make their way back to the arena, leaving Al by the riverbank. Crowd gives him a nice pop as he re-enters the arena, getting awarded the championship as we get another shot of Al wrapped up in the chain link. Holly celebrates with the title before leaving the ring.
We see some footage of Taker with his Ministry, surrounded by a fire, saying that the massacre tonight will be nothing compared to what they do going forward. He says Mideon will fight Boss Man, and their purpose in life begins tonight.
Big Boss Man of the Corporation vs Mideon of the Ministry of Darkness
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Commentary talk about Boss Man beating up Austin the night before during a Gauntlet match, allowing Vince to get the pin. Mideo out with jar of formaldehyde, and an eye ball inside, setting down at the commentary desk.
Mideon starts out with a side headlock but Boss Man fights out, hitting a shoulder as he sends Mideon off the ropes. Right hands on Mideon, choking him in the corner with his boot. Boss Man whipped into the corner and a clothesline, right hands by Mideon but Boss Man with a shot to the gut, tossing Mideon to the outside.
Bossman grabs a chair but nails the ringpost instead, Mideon biting the fingers and slam his hand on the steps. Mideon gets on the apron but gets pulled down throat first on the top rope. Back in the ring, Boss Man suffocating Mideon a couple times before he get whipped into the corner, another clothesline by Mideon before biting him and more choking. Right hands by Bossman into the corner, whipping Mideon into the opposite corner and a splash, Mideon flopping to the mat.
Mideon across the middle rope as Boss Man runs at him, a leg across the back, then a right hand as he slips out. Crowd with a boring chant, which they aren't wrong. Boss Man with a full nelson but Mideon fights out and nails a back suplex and a cover, but Boss Man kicks out. More right hands and a stomp to the chest, Boss Man comes with right hands in the corner, then a headbutt. Bossman calls for a piledriver (I think) but Mideon fights out with a back body drop, then a double clothesline.
Right hands back and forth as they get to their knees, then Bossman off the ropes into an elbow. Mideon off the ropes and Bossman nails the tilt-a-whirl slam (or Black Hole Slam if you prefer) for the win in 6:21. Not worth the watch.
Bossman grabs the nightstick but the Ministry surround the ring, before the lights go out and Taker's music hits and makes his way out with Bearer. Mideon and the Ministry apparently attack Boss Man while the camera stays on Taker. Lights finally come on and the beatdown goes on, holding Boss Man down for Viscera to nail a few splashes off the ropes. They drag Boss Man out and carry him off to the back.
We get a commercial for Wrestlemania XV before cutting to D'Lo, Henry and Ivory with Kevin Kelly. We see footage from Heat of Debra and Ivory going at it. Kelly asKs if Ivory is the key to their victory tonight to keep Debra in check, and they basically say that she will.
WWF Tag Team Championship: D'Lo Brown & "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry (w/ Ivory) vs Jeff Jarrett & Owen Hart (c) (w/ Debra)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Ivory helped D'Lo picked up a victory the night before on Raw over Jarrett. Henry grabs a mic and gives Ivory some chocolate for Valentine's Day before the champions make their way out.
Owen and Henry start things out, Owen starts out with a slap as he tries to get around Henry, but he gets thrown into the corner, nailing shots to the mid section before sending Owen off the ropes into a clothesline. D'Lo tagged in and Owen off the ropes again into an elbow. Owen in the corner as D'Lo with a right hand, Owen off the ropes and over D'Lo with a bulldog, tagging Jarrett in who nails a dropkick. Jeff off the ropes into a powerslam and a pin, but Owen breaks it up, taking a scoop slam before Henry comes in with a double clothesline.
Debra on the apron trying to woo Henry, D'Lo off the ropes in Jeff's corner, Jarrett hits an armbar takedown and goes after the shoulder now. Owen tagged in for a double clothesline. Crowd starts a... I think a nugget chant, it might be an Owen chant though. Jarrett back in as Owen nails a spinebuster and Jarrett nails a knee off the top. D'Lo choked across the middle rope, D'Lo caught with a clothesline from Owen before he tags back in. Owen countered with a clothesline by D'Lo who catches a kick, only for Owen to nail an enziguri for a near fall.
Jeff tagged in again as they keep D'Lo isolated with a double elbow and another near fall. Seated headlock on D'Lo who fights his way back to his feet, Jeff off the ropes who reverses, D'Lo off the ropes as Owen's tagged in who nails a spinning heel kick. Right hands in the corner and D'Lo off the ropes who finally nails a splash off the ropes for another near fall.
Owen with shoulders to the midsection in the corner and a 10 punch but D'Lo fights out, nailing a Sky High but can't capitalize as the ref starts his 10 count. D'Lo makes the hot tag as Jeff gets tagged in, Henry cleaning house as he whips Jeff into the corner, then Owen into him but they move, D'Lo with some kicks and nails Jeff with a nice Sky High off the ropes, and for some reason the ref goes to make the 3 count? Did I miss a tag? Anyways, Owen breaks it up in time. D'Lo with a scoop slam and a leg drop on Owen as D'Lo climbs up top but Debra walks up the steps to distract, but Ivory pulls her down and they argue, D'Lo stepping in to break them up.
Referee gets distracted by them as Henry lifts Jeff over his head, but Owen comes in with the guitar, nailing him across the back of the knee allowing Jeff to apply the figure 4, Henry taps almost immediately, allowing the champs to retain in 9:35. Things are finally picking up on this show.
Champs celebrate as D'Lo and Ivory check on Henry, before she starts to rip off Debra's clothes, only for the men to break them up. Champs make a quick exit before we cut to Kevin Kelly.
He's in the back with Mankind, and we see Rock attacking Mankind on Heat, going after the knee with some kind of metal canister. He hypes up the title match tonight and puts over Rock, talking about how serious he's taking this before going back to the arena. Commentary plug some kind of photo magnet that viewers at home can get.
We get a video package for Venis/Shamock which started when Val had Ken's sister in one of his pornos, and I guess has started to date her too?
Intercontinental Championship: Ken Shamrock (c) vs Val Venis (w/ Ryan Shamrock), Billy Gunn as Special Guest Referee
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Billy Gunn comes out doing Road Dogg's shtick, apparently he's the referee for this match. Apparently he volunteered for this the night before for... some reason. They also failed to mention the IC Title in the video package, so I guess it's secondary to this feud. Cole mentions that someone tried to bribe Billy with money, and Ryan bribed him something better. Val takes the mic and does his usual shtick. Shamrock wastes no time going after Val as the bell is rung.
Billy stays impartial for most of the match, while commentary better explain him being in this, saying senior official Hebner wasn't going to put the refs in harms way in this match, after Ken went after them the night before. Shamrock dominates for most of this match, until Val counters a suplex with one of his own, then an inverted atomic drop. Rake of the eyes before choking Ken across the middle rope.
Ken off the ropes into an elbow, then an elbow drop as Billy takes his time to make the count, Ken kicks out. Val nails a tiger suplex but Ken fights back with some right hands, Val rakes the eyes and nails a backbreaker, bending Ken across his knee. Val with some right hands and sends Ken into the corner, then out of the ring.
Val sending Ken back first into the ring post before tossing him back into the ring for a modified camel clutch, working the back. Apparently Shieky was around earlier along with Backlund helping Mankind prepare. Shamrock fights back with right hands and knees before Val rakes the eyes again. Ken back in the corner before Val hits a snap mare, Val with a neat pin, and I guess Billy is confused because it takes him a minute to realize it, even does a fast count for a near fall.
Val with a grounded headlock, Billy and Val argue about what Billy is supposed to ask Ken, he fights his way back to his feet. Shamrock off the ropes but Val nails a knee to the gut, and a near fall for Val. Val with a stun gun before choking Ken with his boot, using the top rope for leverage. Right hands in the corner from Val, a knee to the gut before Ken goes off the ropes, a kick to Val and Ken nails a DDT spiking Val on his head. Billy starts the count, and would've made three but decides to stop. Val from behind with a sleeper but Ken counters with a back suplex.
Ken with a slam as Val charges from the corner and another near fall. Val with right hands and off the ropes but Ken takes a forearm as he comes off the ropes, into a fisherman suplex and Billy... makes the fair count? Um, OK.
Ken back up with a roll up and Val kicks out. Ken off the ropes into some knees to the gut and a side Russian leg sweep. Val standing over Ken with some hip swivels and some right hands and Billy steps in. Val up top but Ken throws him off, more right hands and Val off the ropes into a spinning heel kick. Ken off the ropes into a hurricanrana and a belly to belly on Val. Ken applies the ankle lock and Ryan grabs Val's hand, helping him to the ropes. Ken goes out and argues with Ryan, then shoves Billy who steps in, right hand for Ken and rolls him back in. Val with an inside cradle and a fast count, and Val wins the IC Title in 15:53. This match was just weird.
Billy makes a quick exit and Ken goes after him, right hands as they fight near the entrance way. Val celebrates with the title, before Billy runs in and nails Val with right hands. Val off the ropes into a clothesline from Billy. Billy tells Val to suck it before he makes his exit again. I'm so confused right now. We get a replay of the closing moments, and the post match attack from Billy as Val and Ryan head to the back.
We get a commercial for Mr. Soclo t-shirts, cut with footage of Mankind using Mr. Socko on people. Then, a video package of Chyna turning on HHH to join the Corporation and costing him the WWF Title in the process, doing it for the money, then weeks of Chyna and DX going at it with Kane by her side.
European Champion X-Pac & Triple H of D-Generation X vs Chyna & Kane of the Corporation
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: It's announced as a mixed tag match, but it's clearly an intergender tag match. HHH gets a mic to do his usual DX crowd hype, and tells Chyna to come out and get her ass kicked, calling her a big jacked up bitch. Just to show the incompetence of Cole, he says this is the first time a woman will be involved in a match with men in WWF history, while also bringing up her appearance in that year's Rumble match. Way to go.
HHH rips off his Chyna shirt and throws it at her. Shane has made his way out to join commentary, Kane and HHH start things out. HHH with right hands backing Kane to the corner, only to be nailed with a clothesline. Right hands by Kane in the corner, whipped into the opposite corner and Kane nails a big boot. Kane off the ropes for an elbow but HHH rolls out of the way and tags in X-Pac. Kicks in the corner on Kane only for Kane to throw him into the corner. Shane becomes quickly unbearable on commentary and Chyna gets tagged in. Right hand and a shoulder block on X-Pac, only for X-Pac to send her face first into the top turnbuckle. He goes for a Bronco Buster but Chyna rolls out. Kane tags himself in as she slides into the ring, arguing and allowing Kane to attack.
Right hands on Kane and a dropkick to the knee, more right hands before Kane picks him up, HHH from behind and right hands before sending him to the corner, X-Pac tagging out. HHH up top with a forearm. More right hands, Kane sends HHH off the ropes and clocks HHH in the back of the head. He grabs hold of her, only for Kane to nail him from behind.
Scoop slam by Kane before he climbs up top with a clothesline on HHH. HHH pulled up and Chyna tags in with a forearm on HHH and tries for a suplex, but HHH blocks, lifting her for one of his own but she slips out, a forearm and a scoop slam, off the ropes for an elbow but HHH rolls away. X-Pac tags in with an arm ringer, but Chyna fights out and tags in Kane, missing a splash in the corner and X-Pac with right hands and kicks, HHH in and they go for a double suplex, then Kane, then they hit it. Kane sits up as Kane goes up top, HHH tossing her into Kane and he catches her, then takes a double DDT.
Kane sent to the outside and pulls X-Pac out with him, pushing him against the steps but runs into them, X-Pac going after Shane while he has the chance, knocking him on his ass. Back in the ring, X-Pac gores for a spinning heel kick but Kane catches him and slams him on his back. Kane choking X-Pac on the mat then into the corner. Chyna tags in and nails a running powerslam and gets a near fall. Kane tagged back in and sends X-Pac into the corner, whipped into the opposite corner and into a clothesline. Chyna tags in again with a kick to the midsection, nails HHH with a right hand before crotching X-Pac on the top rope, Kane with a shot to the back of the head. Chyna gets a near fall. X-Pac with shots to the mid section and comes off the ropes, but Chyna catches him with a sleeper hold. X-Pac fights his way out of it and hits a back suplex.
X-Pac tags out and HHH nails Chyna with a right hand. Right hands for Kane, more for Chyna. X-Pac in and fights Kane before HHH sends him over the ropes. X-Pac sent into the barricade off a missed dropkick and he and Kane go at it. HHH with a high knee oto the face of Chyna. HHH off the ropes by Kane pulls the top rope down and they go up the aisle way, X-Pac in the ring and nails a Bronco Buster. With the ref occupied with Kane and HHH, Shane comes from behind and nails X-Pac and they run off to the back.
Kane sent into the steps by HHH and nails Chyna with a facebuster, goes for a Pedigree but Kane is back and nails a Chokeslam. He pulls Chyna on top and the ref finally comes back to the ring to make the count. Chyna and Kane win in 14:47. It was a pretty good match, and would've been a pass if it weren't for Shane on commentary. Jesus Christ, that was horrible to listen to. He just yelled crap for the most part instead of actually offering anything meaningful.
Kane helps Chyna back to her feet and out of the ring as we go to replays.
Commentary hype up the WWF Title match, as we see ambulances waiting in the back. We get a video package of Rock and Mankind's history, from Mankind getting screwed at Survivor Series, to getting screwed at Rock Bottom, to his emotional title win on Raw, their brutal I Quit Match at the Royal Rumble match, their Empty Arena Match during Halftime Heat and everything in between. We also see footage of Rock's attack on Heat that we saw earlier, a bit extended though from before.
Last Man Standing Match for the WWF Championship: The Rock vs Mankind (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Rock is out in his track suit get up. Cole says he spoke to J.R. earlier, which only makes me wonder why he isn't in Cole's spot.
Foley starts out turning his back to Rock and he obviously takes advantage, nailing him from behind with some right hands, into the corner with more right hands. Rock going after the legs again, then more right hands in the corner. Foley nails Rock with the title as Rock argues with Hebner and he starts the count. Rock back to his feet at 8.
Foley after Rock in the corner as Cole mentions Foley had a dislocated knee this morning, Foley and Rock heading up the aisle way. Rock sent face first into the steel entrance set up as they trade right hands. Rock whipped into the steel girders before fighting near the stands. More right hands by Foley, but whips Foley into the steel, back of his head cracking against it. Rock now being sent into a tech table and Foley pulls him on top, sending Rock through it with a DDT as Hebner starts the count. Foley is up at 7, and Rock at 9.
Foley with a case into the ribs of Rock as they fight by a seating area. Rock nails a back suplex onto the concrete floor as Hebner starts the count again. Rock back up on wobbly legs at 5 and Foley seconds later. Rock with right hands up the aisle as Foley clutches at the leg. Rock sent into the steps shoulder first while Foley rolls into the ring. Hebner starts the count again but Rock is up at 5.
Rock in the ring with Foley now who nails a scoop slam, setting up for the People's Elbow, but Rock rolls out of the way. Rock with stomps and right hands and sends Foley back to the outside. More right hands as Rock nails a suplex on the thin padding, then another, and a third. Hebner starts his count as Rock goes over to commentary to talk some trash, Foley back to his feet.
Foley launches himself over the table into Rock with some right hands, hammering away before sending Rock face first into it. Foley climbs the apron and launches off, nailing Rock across the back and Hebner counts again. Foley is back up at 7 as he pulls out some chairs, Rock up just barely in time.
Foley favoring his knee again, seemingly hurting it off that dive, sending Rock off the steps then back into the ring. Foley grabs the steps and tosses them into the ring before sliding in. Rock in the corner trying to catch his breath as Foley hoists the stairs up, but Rock kicks them back into Foley's face. Rock after the knees again before he goes out and tosses a chair in. Rock with a chair now and swings it repeatedly into the bad knee. Rock goes for the head but Foley moves, chair bouncing off the ropes and nails himself in the head in the process, Foley sends them both over the ropes to the outside as Hebner starts his count again.
Foley goes for a piledrive but Rock fights out, Foley opting for a swinging neckbreaker instead. Rock face first off the steps before they go back to the commentary desk. Foley pulls Rock on top, aiming for a piledriver but Rock back drops him, the back of Foley's knee hitting the timekeeper's table, head off the announce table. Rock back in the ring and he throws the steps down on top of Foley as Hebner starts his count, but Foley manages to get up.
Rock with another chair as they re-enter the ring, a scoop slam on Foley and Rock nails the Corporate Elbow. Hebner starts his count again as Rock grabs a mic, but Foley manages to get up in time. Rock threatens Hebner and talks some more trash, while stomping away at Foley. Rock sings Smackdown Hotel but Foley gets the Mandible Claw on, Rock nailing Hebner as he flails around. Rock falls to the mat and is seemingly out cold, but Hebner's been taken out, Foley goes out and rolls Hebner back in, doing half the count for him but Rock just barely gets up and hits a low blow.
Rock nails a DDT and Hebner with the count again. Rock with the chair and swings, but Foley ducks and nails a double arm DDT onto the chair. Hebner with the count but Rock makes it up at 9, while Foley pulls out Socko, down the throat of Rock but he nails a low blow again, then Socko again, but Rock hits the Rock Bottom. Hebner with the count on both of them now, they both grab a chair and back up in time. They swing and nail each other simultaneously across the head. Neither of them make it up or even barely stir as Hebner counts them out. This match ends in a draw, and Mankind retains the WWF Title in 21:53.
Foley tried to get back up, and Rock has barely moved at all. Officials have come down as we go to replays of the closing moment of the match. I think the crowd has a small bullshit chant, but it's hard to make out. They take a while stretchering both to the back and into waiting ambulances.
We get a video package of what's happened since the Rumble between Vince and Austin, with Vince winning the Rumble and trying to screw Austin, however with taking himself out of Wrestlemania, the title shot would automatically go to Austin, the runner up in the Rumble Match. Austin would propose to face Vince at this PPV with his title shot on the line in a cage, and Vince accepts, all played behind Ode to Joy. Austin promises bloodshed, and we see footage of Austin running the Corporate Gauntlet the previous night, only for Vince to pin him in the end with help from Boss Man's nightstick.
Commentary hype up the match some more while crew set up the black bar cage. Lawler seems to be losing his voice at this point.
With that, it's time for our main event.
Steel Cage Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Mr. McMahon
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: No pin falls, no submissions, win by escape only. Vince climbs up the cage from outside and taunts Austin before climbing back down. Vince teases entering the cage but bides his time, making Austin wait. Teases again then bides more time. Austin gets tired of waiting and chases after Vince around the ring. Vince gets in the door of the cage who kicks at Austin as he tries to get at Vince, walking around the side of the cage and climbs up, Vince taunting and swatting at him, even gets a right hand in on Austin. Austin drops to the floor and seemingly tweaked the knee. Vince of course exits the cage and makes his way over, and Austin nails a clothesline, playing possum.
Vince thrown over the announce table and nailed in the head with a fan. Vince face first into the cage, Austin starts to choke him with a cable while talking some trash. Vince over the table a second time and a right hand, tossing Vince into the crowd. Austin stomping away before he hops back over, a right hand as he pulls Vince back over the barricade. Austin pulling Vince around and sends him into the steps next. Vince manages to send Austin into the cage now, taunting Austin as he hops over the barricade and they fight their way through the crowd, reminiscent of the Rumble match. Vince tries to run after a rake to the eyes, but gets tossed back to ringside.
Vince off the steel barricade on the aisle way then face first into the cage once more. Vince tries to climb but Austin pulls him back down, nails a right hand as Vince walks around the other side, tries to climb and gets pulled down, face first into the cage once more. Austin with a stomp to the chest before more right hands. Over by the announce tables, Vince and Austin start the climb, trying to kick Austin off and Austin with right hands. Austin bounces Vince's head off the cage a couple times and Vince gets launched backwards, bounces off the Spanish announce table and it collapses under him. God damn, Vince went spine first on the edge of that table, and that bounce...
Austin's climbed into the cage now as officials have rushed to ringside to check on Vince. EMT's roll a stretcher out and load Vince onto it. Fink enters the ring to announce Austin as the winner but he takes the mic, saying the match never rang and the match never started, and Vince won't lose that easy. Austin asks Hebner's still breathing, and since he is, Austin leaves the cage as they try to stretcher Vince out, but Austin pushes them all away, pushing Vince into the cage. Austin nailing Vince across the back with the stretcher's back board, then in the ribs as Chioda yells at him to get in the cage. Austin finally gets Vince in the cage follows him in, Chioda locks the door and calls for the bell, and the match officially starts.
Austin with a clothesline, ripping off Vince's neck brace, stomping away at Vince. Austin with an elbow off the second rope, then a second. Austin already calls for Chioda to open the door, and gives Austin the finger as Austin is steps away from winning, Austin taking the bate and re-locking the door as he enters. Right hands and stomps in the corner. Vince gets Austin with a low blow and even tosses him into the cage, before trying to climb out of the cage.Vince makes it to the other side but Austin gets him in time, pulling him back in after slamming his face into the cage a few times.
Vince sent face first into the cage, busting him open. Into the cage again. Austin starts to climb again and nearly drops to the floor, but Vince gives him two more fingers. Austin takes the bait again and gets into the cage. Vince tries to escape, and Austin lets him climb a bit, but sends him face first into the cage some more. Austin with a right hand and calls for the door to be opened. Austin nails a Stunner and taunts Vince some.
Then of course we have Paul Wight rip his way through the mat, throwing Austin into the cage a couple of times and helps Vince to his feet. Vince talks some trash to Austin before Wight picks him back up, Vince directing him to throw Austin into the cage. The cage wall flies open as Austin hangs on, allowing Austin to drop to the floor and win the match, bell to bell, in 7:57.
Vince looks on in shock and despair as the crowd pops, realizing Austin is going to Wrestlemania. Wight looks on pissed as Austin talks some trash and heads to the back. Vince lays there as Wight looks on, Vince a mess, and we go to replays of the closing moments. Lawler in shock and despair of his own as him and Cole talk about what just happened. Wight helps Vince back to his feet and out of the ring as the show fades out.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As an overall show, it wasn't all that great. Hardcore match was alright until the last few mintues that dragged on, and the other two matches before and after it were just unnecessary. Tag title match was good, and the IC Title match could've been alright, but Billy being added in just made it weird and awkward, especially the post match shenanigans. I can't give the intergender match a pass, unless it's watched on mute. WWF Title match was entertaining to watch, and for what it was, the main event was good too. Worth the watch for everything else though? I don't think so.
Although commentary would insist Foley is going to Wrestlemania to face Austin, he'd lose the title to Rock in a ladder match on Raw, thanks to Wight. They'd have a match at Wrestlemania to determine the referee for Rock/Austin, which Foley would win by DQ. Austin would of course win the WWF Title from Rock and hold it until I believe Summerslam, where Mankind would win it in a Triple Threat match with HHH involved.
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