July 1994 Week 3: Monday Night Raw & Superstars

Week 3 July, 1994
Richmond Coliseum--Richmond, VA (Mid Atlantic region)

12, 907 fans in attendance

Dark:  IRS & Nikolai Volkoff defeat Men on a Mission

Dark: Todd Pettengill peddles merchandise (66)

Dark: The Powers of Pain w/ Luna defeat The Rock n’ Roll Express (62)

Dark: Johnny Polo defeats Jacques Rougeau after Pierre interferes (55)

Dark: Tony Chimel counts down until we go live... (30)

Raw opening video package featuring The Superstars of the WWF: Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Razor Ramon, Diesel, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Shawn Michaels (78)

Jim Ross and Randy Savage, tonight’s commentary team, discuss tonight’s Main Event: Bret Hart will face the big, intimidating Bam Bam Bigelow and the WWF Championship will be on the line! Also,by order of “interim president” Gorilla Monsoon, Monday Night Raw has been extended by 30 minutes, starting next week on the USA Network!  (75)

Lex Luger comes out and grabs a mic. He wants Owen Hart, and he wants Owen Hart now! Owen comes out with the Anvil and says that the only way he will get in the ring with Luger is if Luger puts his no. 1 contendership for next week on the line. Gorilla Monsoon comes out. He asks Luger what Luger wants to do. Lex says he will do it. Gorilla announces next week that Luger will meet Owen Hart for the no.1 contendership and will face either Bam Bam Bigelow or Bret Hart--depending on how tonight’s title match goes… (69)

Razor Ramon, the clear favorite and superstar defeats veteran jobber “Iron” Mike Sharpe in a short match, quality match designed for Razor to shine. (64)

Vince McMahon is in the ring with Mr. Fuji and the giant,Yokozuna. Fuji begins to recap Yokozuna's list of impressive victories, including wins over The Undertaker, Bret Hart and Lex Luger. Fuji insists that it should be Yokozuna competing for the WWF Championship. Yokozuna can defeat anyone in the WWF. In response, the arena speakers begin playing the music of the ultimate underdog, the 123 Kid...(70)

123 Kid immediately brings all of his energy and heart against the much bigger Yokozuna. After a series of quick punches and kicks, the big man is wheeling much to the surprise of commentators, Jim Ross and Randy Savage. The kid comes off the ropes with a high-cross body which seems will finally knock the big man down. Yokozuna counters by catching The Kid and putting him down with a giant slam! The Kid is obviously winded and hurting. He's clearly outmatched and undersized in comparison to the former WWF Champion. Eventually the Kid slides to the floor to try and get his breath. After a few moments of taunting in the ring, Yokozuna comes to floor and begins stalking the much smaller Kid. Yokozuna is clearly in no rush at all and slowly walks behind the scrappy underdog as the Kid crawls along the ground, ringside. Yokozuna finally picks the youngster up and reaches back for a giant overhead chop, but the ever quick 123 Kid ducks and darts behind the big man. Yokozuna spins his giant girth around to catch the The Kid but is too late as he's counted out! The 123 Kid shocks the world again by gaining a count-out victory of the mammoth Yokozuna! (63)

A video vignette highlighting Jeff Jarrett plays. In the video, Double J shows some of favorite concert venues in Nashville, TN where he claims he brought down the house as "the greatest country singer of all time!" Being the greatest wrestler in the WWF is only a natural career choice. After the video plays, we cut to the commentary table where The Macho Man can't help but comment on the video he just saw: "You know something Jim Ross, I'm not saying that this guy isn't a good wrestler...but his attitude really rubs me the wrong way. Yeah. I think someone needs to shut this guy up! Yeah."(73)

The Main Event: Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (with Ted DiBiase in his corner) face off the WWF Championship. The match is pretty open, with neither man gaining a clear advantage in the early minutes.

Eventually, the bigger, more menacing challenger, Bigelow, begins overpowering the Hitman. He whips Hart from corner to corner punishing the back but can get nothing more than a 2 count on the fighting champion.

After a fallaway slam and bit of taunting of the Richmond faithful, Bam Bam looks to drop one of his signature headbutts on the downed champion.

But Hart must have been playing possum because he rolls out of the way and gets the opening he needs to take over the match. After a punishing bulldog, The Excellence of Execution begins targeting the lower back and legs of the large Bigelow, clearly setting up for the Sharpshooter.

It's almost textbook from there. After 20 minutes of quality action, the Hitman gets Bam Bam Bigelow to submit in the Sharpshooter and Bret Hart retains the WWF Championship. (84)

Raw goes off the air with Bret Hart celebrating his win in the ring and posing for the fans as Jim Ross and The Macho Man wonder if it will be Owen Hart or Lex Luger stepping up to challenge the Hitman next... (76)

Overall Show Rating: 78  

TV Ratings: 5.71 USA; .94 Sky; .12 RTL

***

Spartanburg Auditorium--Spartanburg, SC (Mid- Atlantic Region)

3,831 fans in attendance

Dark:Headshrinkers defeat Reno Riggins & Tony Devito (46)

Dark: Pierre defeated PJ Walker (42)

Dark: The Heavenly Bodies defeated Koko B Ware and Duke Droese (53)

Dark: Bob Backlund defeated Kwang (61)

Superstars Open Video shows featuring WWF Superstars: Bret Hart, Owen Hart, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage, and Diesel (76)

Jim Ross and Jim Cornette welcome fans and announce tonight's main event: Shawn Michaels and Diesel vs. The Smoking Gunns and hype next week's Raw's Main Event: Lex Luger vs. Owen Hart with the number one contendership to the WWF Title at stake...(72)

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart defeats “Sparky Plugg” Holly (62)

The King’s Court features Harvey Wippleman and Kwang who promo on Adam Bomb (62)

Crush defeats Virgil (54)

Vince McMahon interviews Paul Bearer. Bearer says DiBiase is parading around an impostor and "the real" Undertaker will be returning soon…(56)

The IRS defeats Barry Horowitz (52)

Replay of events between Diesel, HBK, Razor Ramon and Tatanka (79)

HBK and Diesel defeat The Smoking Gunns (72)

Overall Show Rating: 70 

.33 Rating US Medium Syndication

July 1994 Week 2: Monday Night Raw & Superstars

Week 2 July, 1994

Rosemont Horizon--Rosemont IL (Great Lakes Region)

12,143 People in attendance

Dark: Heavenly Bodies (Bruce Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray) defeat The Bushwhackers (45)

Dark: Adam Bomb defeats Duke "The Dumpster" Droese (44)

Dark: Jacques Rougeau defeat Nikolai Volkoff (57)

Dark: The Smoking Gunns defeat Rick "The Model" Martel & "Sweet" Stane Lane (64)

Raw opening video package featuring The Superstars of the WWF: Bret Hart, Diesel,The Undertaker, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels (79)

Jim Ross and Randy Savage, tonight’s commentary team, discuss tonight’s Main Event: By order of Interim President Gorilla Monsoon, Bam Bam Bigelow will meet Lex Luger tonight to determine the no. 1 contender to Bret Hart's WWF Championship. We know Owen Hart is in the building… (80)

Ted DiBiase’s music hits and he introduces the world to HIS Undertaker. No matter what Paul Bearer thought, everybody has a price for The Million Dollar Man! (76)

The energetic veteran, Koko B. Ware, comes out to take on The Million Dollar Corporation's newest monster. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough to get the job down and Ted DiBiase's "Undertaker"easily squashes  the Birdman in short one-sided match. (42)


When we come back from a commercial break, Jeff Jarrett is in the ring. He grabs a microphone and introduces himself as the greatest country singer of all time! Just as he's conquered Nashville, he's going to the WWF! (63)

His spiel is interrupted by the arrival of his opponent, former WWF Champion, Bob Backlund. As Backlund makes his way down the aisle, Randy Savage remarks "You know something Jim Ross, I really hope that Bob Backlund teaches this guy a lesson, yeah. I have have been Nashville, and I'll tell you right now, yeah, that no one knows Jeff Jarrett. Let's hope the former champ puts him in his place." It becomes a classic battle of youth and energy versus wily experience. Every time it seems that things trend in favor of the elder statesman Backlund, the arrogant Double J pulls a cheap trick to gain the advantage and cocky Jarret struts across the ring. Eventually, the self-proclaimed "greatest country singer of all time" puts Backlund away following a Running DDT. (74)

Up next, a video compilation from Raw and Superstars last week plays highlighting the recent history involving Razor Ramon, Shawn Michaels, Diesel, and Tatanka. (73)

In a Wrestlemania 9 rematch, Shawn Michaels, with Diesel in his corner, takes on the Native American Warrior Tatanka. Tatanka was looking for revenge against the Heartbreak Kid following his involvement in his Intercontinental Title match last week, but it was not meant to be as the numbers game eventually cost Tatanka a match for the second time in as many weeks. Shawn Michaels defeated Tatanka following a distraction from Diesel. (67--another opponent that Tatanka had trouble clicking with...)


Following the match, Shawn Michaels and Diesel grabbed a microphone and immediately began responding to Razor Ramon. The big Diesel remarked "Razor, you want to tell us that you're coming from us on Superstars last week? I think you need to hit the history books, chico. I beat you for the Intercontintal Championship. The fact is, you're not in our league!" (80)

WWF Champion, Bret "The Hitman" Hart is introduced as he joins the commentary team for tonight's main event. He makes his way down the aisle slapping hands with fans before giving his sunglasses to a lucky youngster in the first row.(79)

Tonight's Main Event: With the number one contendership to the WWF championship on the line, and WWF Champion, Bret Hart, as special guest commentator, there's certainly a big match feel to the air. The All-American, Lex Luger, takes an early advantage on the behemoth, Bam Bam Bigelow.

With Ted DiBiase coaching from the floor, it isn't long before the man with tattoos on his head reverses the tide and begins building heat in the Rosemont Horizon.


Just as it seems that Bam Bam firmly has the match in hand of the Million Dollar Corporation, Lex Luger bursts out the corner with a giant forearm smash knocking the big man off his feet! The Illinois faithful get to their feet as they cheer on the All-American fan favorite. Luger, with all the momentum on his side, begins calling for the torture rack when....

...seemingly out of nowhere, The King of Harts, Owen Hart, and his brother-in-law, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, hit the ring with steel chairs. Quickly, Owen and Neidhart lay out both Luger and Bam Bam Bigelow causing the referee to throw the match out! (78)

Bret Hart, having seen enough from the commentary table, jumps into the ring to chase off Owen and Neidhart. As Owen and Neidhart retreat back down the aisle way, Owen is shouting out "This is all your fault Bret! This is all your fault! Give me a title shot Bret Be the man that you say you are!" (69)

Overall Show Rating: 76  

TV Ratings: 5.80 USA; .98 Sky; .11 RTL

***

Agoro Theater--Cleveland, OH (Great Lakes Region)

2,000 in attendance

Dark: Jim Powers defeats Chris Kanyon (24)

Dark:  The Barbarian w/ Luna Vachon defeats Virgil (61)

Dark: Pierre and Rick Martel w/ Johnny Polo defeat Men on a Mission (55)

Superstars Open Video shows featuring Razor Ramon, Randy Savage, The Undertaker, and Yokzuna (73)

Jim Ross and Jim Cornette welcome fans and announce that by order of Gorilla Monsoon, next week Bret Hart will defend the WWF championship against Bam Bam Bigelow and the winner will face Lex Luger the following week, the WWF Title will be on the line in both matches!(74)

The odd pairing of Crush and IRS defeat The Rock & Roll Express (66)

As Adam Bomb comes out for his match, Jim Ross and Jim Cornette note that he is without Harvey Wippleman. (65)

Adam Bomb squashes Mike Maraldo (31)

Before the start of his match, Owen Hart gets a mic and says Gorilla and Bret better start taking notice of him! He should be number one contender! "And make no mistake about it...what I did to Lex Luger and Bam Bam Bigelow on Raw is all my brother's fault! Bret, step up and face me like the champion you say you are!" (79)

Johnny Polo joins the commentary team for this one, and eventually makes the difference. Owen Hart defeats Jacques Rougeau after Johnny Polo's distraction of Jacques Rougeau. (72)

The Kings Court is up next and features Yokozuna and Mr. Fuji. Fuji says that his Yokozuna is the best! He destroyed Undertaker at the Royal Rumble! It should be Yokozuna vs. Bret Hart next week for the WWF Championship! He defeated Lex Luger at Summerslam last year! So, to prove that his Yokozuna is the best, he issues open challenge for Raw next week: he will face anyone! Bring on Razor Ramon, 123 Kid, Undertaker, Lex Luger, Bret Hart... It makes no difference! (77)

Good friends Razor Ramon and The 123 Kid team for a victory over The Heavenly Bodies in the night's main event (67)

Overall Show Rating: 70 

.33 Rating US Medium Syndication

July 1994 Week 1: Monday Night Raw & Superstars

Week 1 July, 1994
Hartford Civic Center--Hartford, CT (New England Region)

15,000 in attendance (Sell Out)

Dark: Men on a Mission defeated Well Dunn (45)

Dark: IRS puts himself over and berates the crowd while being interviewed in the ring by Todd Pettengill (51)

Dark: Yokozuna defeats “Sparky Plug” Holly (55)

Dark: Jeff Jarrett cuts an in-ring promo about how great he is (57)

Dark: Jeff Jarrett defeats Virgil (62)

Raw opening video package featuring The Superstars of the WWF: Bret Hart, The Undertaker, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Shawn Michaels (78)

Jim Ross and Randy Savage, tonight’s commentary team, discuss tonight’s Main Event: Diesel defends the Intercontinental Championship against Tatanka! Also Ted DiBiase will make a major announcement concerning The Undertaker on the King's Court! Let's go to the ring! (78)

123 Kid defeats Reno Riggins in a relatively short match designed to warm up the crowd and let Kid to shine. (54)

When we come back from a commercial break, Vince McMahon is in ring. He begins by announcing that in the wake of Jack Tunney's retirement, that the WWF executive board has named an “interim President,” and he's proud to present Gorilla Monsoon! Gorilla comes out to crowd's delight. Monsoon promises big match and and exciting time for “The New Generation.” Vince wants to know what plans are for the #1 Contendership. This question brings out Owen Hart accompanied by Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Owen gets right in Gorilla's face. 

"I beat my brother Bret Hart at Wrestlemania. I won the King of the Ring last night! I should be the number one contender!"

Gorilla replies "Owen, while your certainly a top contender,I don’t like your attitude very much. I'm not inclined to give you anything until you have a major attitude adjustment!" The Hartford Civic Center pops for Gorilla shutting down the whiny younger Hart brother.

Owen and The Anvil sulk their way out of the ring. As he makes his way up the aisle, Owen is crying out in outrage! Gorilla should be fired! (64)

The Smoking Gunns defeat the team of Adam Bomb and Kwang w/ Harvey Wippleman-- The match is pretty even most of the time. Eventually, the heels take control as Kwang and Adam Bomb continue making quick tags while double teaming Billy Gunn. Jim Ross and Randy Savage remark that maybe Harvey Wippleman has smoothed things over after the friction between the two following a disastrous King of the Ring qualifying match.

It all changes when Wippleman accidentally clocks the big Adam Bomb. This infuriates the big man. He begins chasing his own manager on the outside while The Gunns hit the Sidewinder on Kwang for the win. It seems pretty clear to JR and "The Macho Man" that Adam Bomb has fired Harvey Wippleman. (58)

Up next, Jerry Lawler is in the ring for another edition of The King’s Court. He reviews the controversy surrounding The Undertaker's disappearance since The Royal Rumble. He reminds everyone that Ted DiBiase has been claiming for the last few weeks that he, and he alone as the ability to bring The Deadman back to the WWF. Ted DiBiase joins Lawler and announces that HIS Undertaker will be in the ring on Raw, next week! 

"Nobody should forget King, I'm the one who brought The Undertaker into the World Wrestling Federation! It was me! Not Paul Bearer! Even Dead Men have a price for the Million Dollar Man!" (85)

VS

Jim Ross and Randy Savage react to Gorilla Monsoon's first act as "Interim President." Next week on Raw: Lex Luger will face Bam Bam Bigelow for #1 Contendership to the WWF Championship! Randy Savage remarks "I like it, I like it! Yeah! But you have to think that Owen Hart might be a little upset with Gorilla...oh yeah!" (74)

"The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the Intercontinental Championship..." 
The Fink continues to introduce the challenger, Tatanka, and the champion, being accompanied to the ring by Shawn Michaels, Diesel. (68)

Diesel (with Shawn Michaels) vs Tatanka--The match begins with Diesel offering to meet Tatanka in show of strength--the classic Greco-knuckle lock! This allows the Big Man to take an early advantage and begin building heat as Shawn Michaels parades around the outside.

Eventually, the Native American warrior begins to mount his comeback. Just as he hits a series of signature moves, Shawn Michaels jumps on the ring apron distracting the challenger. This provides Diesel the opening he needs to put Tatanka away with a Jackknife Powerbomb! (66--these two didn't seem to click)

After the match, the two heels continue to pile on the vulnerable challenger. The Hartford crowd begins to rain "boos!" down on the heels.

The boos turn to cheers when Razor Ramon comes flying out from the back to save Tatanka! Diesel and HBK slither out of the ring and Raw ends with Razor eyeing down Michaels and Diesel (71)

Overall Show Rating: 73  

TV Ratings: 5.82 USA; .96 Sky; .10 RTL

***

Augusta Civic Center--Augusta, ME (New England Region)

3,831 in attendance

Dark: The Rock & Roll Express defeat "Iron" Mike Sharpe & Abe Schwartz (54)

Dark:  Tom Prichard defeats Jim Powers (50)

Dark: The Barbarian defeats Barry Horowitz (56)

Superstars Open Video shows featuring Randy Savage, The Undertaker, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels (80)

Jim Ross and Jim Cornette, our commentators, review Monday's Raw events including new "Interim President" Gorilla Monsoon's decree that Lex Luger will meet Bam Bam Bigelow for the no. 1 contendership to Bret Hart's WWF Championship. Little brother Owen Hart can't be happy about this development. (70)

The WWF Tag Team Titles are up for grabs when The Headshrinkers defeat the team of Johnny Polo and Pierre. The Headshrinkers take the win when Jacques Rougeau distracts his former associates (65)

Ted DiBiase is backstage with his client, Bam Bam Bigelow. Next week's Raw will be great for Million Dollar Corp. Bam Bam will destroy Lex Luger and then Bret Hart to become the next WWF Champion. Plus, HIS Undertaker will be in the ring for the first time since The Royal Rumble.(82)

Crush defeats Koko B. Ware (61)

A music video focusing on Bret Hart plays. (85)

Razor Ramon defeats Rick "The Model" Martel (74)

After the match, Todd Pettengill gets in ring and Razor Ramon promos on HBK and Diesel "Hey Chicos, the bad guy....he's coming for you!" (60)

Overall Show Rating: 76 

.33 Rating US Medium Syndication