Million Dollar Mania: An Alternate WWF Timeline
- Thread starter Demon SpaceCat
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- pro wrestling wrestling wwe wwf
- Posted August 17, 2015
Welcome to WWF Exposed!, a look behind the scenes at the industry’s biggest name.
Where we expose the secrets Vince McMahon doesn’t want you to see…
Back in the early 80s when Vince first took over the company from his father, his wife Linda implemented a wellness policy for the company. Knowing the inherent risk of injury to the performers, Vince was keen to keep everyone as healthy as possible. Also knowing the drinking and drug use that came with being on the road and living this kind of lifestyle, Vince was hopeful to curtail the worst of that type of behavior. Over the years, several wrestlers had to be let go, or suspended at the least, in an effort to keep the company healthy. (This is one of the reasons Jake Roberts was stripped of the IC title – he couldn’t be trusted to show up to work sober.)
So this wellness policy was in effect right from the start. But in reality, it wasn’t enforced nearly as much as it is today. Vince understood the demands of the business and wasn’t too concerned if certain guys had to do certain things in order to put on a good show. As long as no one was getting hurt, everything was kept relatively quiet. Note: the Jimmy Snuka case was quite different. Check out the details of that article here.
Steroids were used by lots of guys in the industry for a long, long time. Now keep in mind that, prior to 1991 when the government began cracking down on steroid use, anabolic steroids were perfectly legal. So long as a doctor prescribed them, you could use them with no legal ramifications. However, after several NFL stars came forward about the side effects of steroid use and abuse, the USDA starting looking at the dangers associated with the drug. Naturally, these investigations led to the wrestling industry and to the WWF specifically. Keep in mind, as soon as the government made steroids illegal, Vince used the pre-existing wellness policy to enforce daily testing. That didn't go over too well in the locker room, but Vince was the boss, after all. So it was either test negative or say goodbye.
Knowing that all his muscle-bound top wrestlers had been using, and that their physiques would noticeably deteriorate, Vince began to seek out other guys like The Undertaker, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels (hell, even Yokozuna!) to take top positions in the company. While Hulk Hogan had taken time off in the late 80s to make a couple of movies, his disappearance from tv in 1993 was tied directly to the steroid “scandal.” I use that word lightly, because there really was no scandal. Several reporters tried to tie Vince to a certain doctor (George Zahorian) that had been prescribing the drugs. But again, nothing illegal had taken place as the steroids were legal at the time. So while a few investigators alleged misdeeds on Vince’s part, no prosecutor would touch the case because the evidence simply didn’t exist.
Still, a public relations nightmare could have led to the downfall of the whole company. Vince quickly sent Hogan (the biggest name in the business) back to Hollywood for a few months while the whole thing blew over. By December 1993, Vince had smoothed things over by publicly announcing his drug-testing policy and declaring his company drug-free. Now, if a certain wrestler was able to fool the tests, I guess he could potentially avoid disciplinary action. But, again, this is all just allegations on my end. I’m not trying to imply that Hogan (or anyone else) skated past the drug-testing. Not by any means.
But 1993 was definitely a year of transition for the company. Gorilla Monsoon retired and Bobby Heenan left the announce booth to return to managing (really just a way to reduce his working hours). No significant change in broadcasters had occurred since Jesse Ventura's departure over unpaid royalties and the resulting civil case. At that time, Heenan seamlessly replaced Ventura as the heel commentator. But in 1993, Jim Ross was hired away from WCW to replace the retiring Monsoon. And after years of bitter antagonism, Jerry Lawler amazingly joined the company. The nastiness with Lawler all started when Lawler defeated Andre the Giant in Memphis. The problem stemmed from how Lawler promoted the victory in his territory. Vince Sr. was pissed because Lawler insinuated Andre was an easy victory, making him look less intimidating to WWF fans in New York. The acrimony grew and grew over the years, with Lawler repeatedly claiming he would never join the WWF. Well, I guess May of 1993 was “never,” because Vince Jr. introduced “The King” and even tied in his newest pay-per-view to Lawler’s debut. Vince knew that fans love tournaments, and being the businessman that he is, decided to use a tournament to give the undercard talent a push. Thus, King of the Ring joined the four older pay-per-views as annual events.
Another reason 1993 stands out as a breakout year is due to the roster changes that occurred. In addition to Ross and Lawler (full-time announcer and part-time wrestler), we saw lots of new faces in the WWF. In particular, Shawn Michaels had been asking Vince to hire his buddy. And we all know what that led to, don’t we? According to sources, when Vince and his team met to plan the 1993/94 season (ending with WrestleMania 10), Eric Bischoff was the first to say, “I have an idea…”
Next time out, we’ll dig into the details of how that stable completely changed the landscape of the industry…
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How can you not know William Regal.
Interesting update I'm guessing the NWO 2 years early and I'm assuming Hall, Nash and HBK?
Stay tuned for future ppv events...
Things will become a little more clear with tomorrow's post.
Late 1993: The Invasion Begins...
August 30, 1993
SummerSlam
Jeff Jarrett beats The 1-2-3 Kid
Tito Santana defeats The Mountie
Papa Shango, Kamala and Men on a Mission defeat Tatanka, Rikishi and The Smoking Gunns
Owen Hart and Rick Martel put on an exhibition of classic mat-wrestling skills, fighting to a time-limit draw
Bob Backlund defeats Davey Boy Smith
For the Intercontinental Championship:
Shawn Michaels defeats Bret Hart to win the title
Ted DiBiase and Mr. Perfect defeat Roddy Piper and Brutus Beefcake
The Undertaker beats Randy Savage
For the Tag Team Championship:
Champions The Steiner Brothers defeat Demolition
For the World Heavyweight Championship:
Yokozuna successfully defends his title against Bam Bam Bigelow
In a surprising move, Yokozuna’s manager Mr. Fuji issues an open challenge to anyone in the WWF. WWF Superstar Bret Hart comes to ringside and accepts Yokozuna’s challenge! Hart is determined to prove that has the drive to earn the sport’s biggest title. Already a former Tag Team and Intercontinental champion, Hart becomes the first triple-crown winner as he pins Yokozuna to win the WWF Championship! After the match, Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart and Davey Boy Smith all come to ringside to celebrate. Jerry Lawler indicates a look of jealousy on the face of younger brother Owen.
September 6, 1993
Monday Night Raw
On this particular night, as the camera pans the crowd, a large man sitting in the front row stands out. Though he appears innocuous at first, as the weeks pass, his persistent presence causes Jim Ross to question the man’s motives.
One night in October, the mysterious man from the crowd climbs over the ringside barricade and takes the microphone. He says, “You might not know who I am, and you might not know why I’m here. I’ve been watching the WWF for weeks, and I think it’s pathetic! You all are a joke!” Then he leaves, as mysterious as ever.
Over the next few weeks on Raw, the mystery man is joined in the crowd by another big man. As Survivor Series draws near, a third man begins to accompany them.
November 25, 1993
Survivor Series
In the first match of the night, Tatanka, The Headbangers and The 1-2-3 Kid are joined by Justin Credible. They take on Papa Shango, The Nasty Boys and Men on a Mission. Mabel is eliminated first, followed by Thrash, Mosh, Credible, Mo, Knobbs, Sags, and Tatanka. The Kid surprises everyone with his victory over Shango. Sole Survivor: The 1-2-3 Kid
Next, The Steiner Brothers team with Roddy Piper, Bam Bam Bigelow and Rikishi to face Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect, Kamala and The Natural Disasters. Bigelow and Earthquake are both counted out at the start of the match. Kamala goes next, followed by Rikishi, Rick Steiner, Typhoon and Piper. Scott Steiner is then pinned. Survivors: Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect
The third match features Brutus Beefcake, Tito Santana, Jim Duggan and The Smoking Gunns taking on Shawn Michaels, Rick Martel, Big Bossman, Bryan Clark and Jeff Jarrett. Bart and then Billy Gunn are eliminated first. Next to go are Jarrett, Bossman, Duggan, Clark and Martel. Amazingly, Michaels then defeats both Santana and Beefcake to win. Sole Survivor: Shawn Michaels
The fourth match of the evening features Randy Savage and The Hart Foundation, Bret and Owen, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart. They face Yokozuna, The Undertaker, Farooq and Demolition. Crush is first to go out, followed by Neidhart. Smash and Owen are the next two wrestlers pinned. Then Farooq is taken out by Savage. Yokozuna then pins Davey Boy Smith before Bret pins The Undertaker. Savage and Hart utilize effective tag-team tactics to keep Yokozuna off his feet, and they eventually wear the big man down for the victory! Survivors: Bret Hart, Randy Savage
The Survivor’s Match features WWF Champion Bret Hart along with Randy Savage and The 1-2-3 Kid facing off against Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels, Ted DiBiase and Mr. Perfect. Perfect is eliminated, followed by Ted DiBiase. Michaels then easily defeats The Kid. At this point, the unthinkable happens. The three mystery men rush into the ring and beat down everyone! The referee calls for the bell, ending the match in a “no contest” decision. However, the trio of invaders assaults the ringside officials as well as the participants in the match. Finally, The Undertaker arrives at ringside! He makes his way into the ring and joins Hart, Michaels and Savage in the fight. The melee continues as Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious maintain the upper hand. Once they have cleared the ring, Hall takes the microphone and says, “You want a war? You’re gonna get one!” As the pay-per-view comes to a close, the heroes begin to retaliate until all hell has broken loose! Announcer Jim Ross claims this is a battle for the very soul of the WWF!
November 29, 1993
Monday Night Raw
Scott Hall arrives at Raw with one goal: to challenge top WWF stars Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage and The Undertaker to a match at Royal Rumble. He claims that he has a mystery partner who will join with him, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious. And he then states, “When we’re through with you, the WWF will never be the same!”
December 27, 1993
Starrcade
Newcomers Harlem Heat upset Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard, taking the Tag Team belts in the process
Ric Flair proves his mettle in a steel cage match against Ricky Steamboat, winning the World title for an impressive sixth time
SummerSlam
Jeff Jarrett beats The 1-2-3 Kid
Tito Santana defeats The Mountie
Papa Shango, Kamala and Men on a Mission defeat Tatanka, Rikishi and The Smoking Gunns
Owen Hart and Rick Martel put on an exhibition of classic mat-wrestling skills, fighting to a time-limit draw
Bob Backlund defeats Davey Boy Smith
For the Intercontinental Championship:
Shawn Michaels defeats Bret Hart to win the title
Ted DiBiase and Mr. Perfect defeat Roddy Piper and Brutus Beefcake
The Undertaker beats Randy Savage
For the Tag Team Championship:
Champions The Steiner Brothers defeat Demolition
For the World Heavyweight Championship:
Yokozuna successfully defends his title against Bam Bam Bigelow
In a surprising move, Yokozuna’s manager Mr. Fuji issues an open challenge to anyone in the WWF. WWF Superstar Bret Hart comes to ringside and accepts Yokozuna’s challenge! Hart is determined to prove that has the drive to earn the sport’s biggest title. Already a former Tag Team and Intercontinental champion, Hart becomes the first triple-crown winner as he pins Yokozuna to win the WWF Championship! After the match, Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart and Davey Boy Smith all come to ringside to celebrate. Jerry Lawler indicates a look of jealousy on the face of younger brother Owen.
September 6, 1993
Monday Night Raw
On this particular night, as the camera pans the crowd, a large man sitting in the front row stands out. Though he appears innocuous at first, as the weeks pass, his persistent presence causes Jim Ross to question the man’s motives.
One night in October, the mysterious man from the crowd climbs over the ringside barricade and takes the microphone. He says, “You might not know who I am, and you might not know why I’m here. I’ve been watching the WWF for weeks, and I think it’s pathetic! You all are a joke!” Then he leaves, as mysterious as ever.
Over the next few weeks on Raw, the mystery man is joined in the crowd by another big man. As Survivor Series draws near, a third man begins to accompany them.
November 25, 1993
Survivor Series
In the first match of the night, Tatanka, The Headbangers and The 1-2-3 Kid are joined by Justin Credible. They take on Papa Shango, The Nasty Boys and Men on a Mission. Mabel is eliminated first, followed by Thrash, Mosh, Credible, Mo, Knobbs, Sags, and Tatanka. The Kid surprises everyone with his victory over Shango. Sole Survivor: The 1-2-3 Kid
Next, The Steiner Brothers team with Roddy Piper, Bam Bam Bigelow and Rikishi to face Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect, Kamala and The Natural Disasters. Bigelow and Earthquake are both counted out at the start of the match. Kamala goes next, followed by Rikishi, Rick Steiner, Typhoon and Piper. Scott Steiner is then pinned. Survivors: Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect
The third match features Brutus Beefcake, Tito Santana, Jim Duggan and The Smoking Gunns taking on Shawn Michaels, Rick Martel, Big Bossman, Bryan Clark and Jeff Jarrett. Bart and then Billy Gunn are eliminated first. Next to go are Jarrett, Bossman, Duggan, Clark and Martel. Amazingly, Michaels then defeats both Santana and Beefcake to win. Sole Survivor: Shawn Michaels
The fourth match of the evening features Randy Savage and The Hart Foundation, Bret and Owen, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart. They face Yokozuna, The Undertaker, Farooq and Demolition. Crush is first to go out, followed by Neidhart. Smash and Owen are the next two wrestlers pinned. Then Farooq is taken out by Savage. Yokozuna then pins Davey Boy Smith before Bret pins The Undertaker. Savage and Hart utilize effective tag-team tactics to keep Yokozuna off his feet, and they eventually wear the big man down for the victory! Survivors: Bret Hart, Randy Savage
The Survivor’s Match features WWF Champion Bret Hart along with Randy Savage and The 1-2-3 Kid facing off against Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels, Ted DiBiase and Mr. Perfect. Perfect is eliminated, followed by Ted DiBiase. Michaels then easily defeats The Kid. At this point, the unthinkable happens. The three mystery men rush into the ring and beat down everyone! The referee calls for the bell, ending the match in a “no contest” decision. However, the trio of invaders assaults the ringside officials as well as the participants in the match. Finally, The Undertaker arrives at ringside! He makes his way into the ring and joins Hart, Michaels and Savage in the fight. The melee continues as Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious maintain the upper hand. Once they have cleared the ring, Hall takes the microphone and says, “You want a war? You’re gonna get one!” As the pay-per-view comes to a close, the heroes begin to retaliate until all hell has broken loose! Announcer Jim Ross claims this is a battle for the very soul of the WWF!
November 29, 1993
Monday Night Raw
Scott Hall arrives at Raw with one goal: to challenge top WWF stars Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage and The Undertaker to a match at Royal Rumble. He claims that he has a mystery partner who will join with him, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious. And he then states, “When we’re through with you, the WWF will never be the same!”
December 27, 1993
Starrcade
Newcomers Harlem Heat upset Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard, taking the Tag Team belts in the process
Ric Flair proves his mettle in a steel cage match against Ricky Steamboat, winning the World title for an impressive sixth time
I'm loving every damn bit of this. The NWO in WWF in 1993? Sign me up!
Good job so far. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Good job so far. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Good thing Vince has final say in creative. Otherwise the NWO would suffer the same fate as OTL, taking the WWF with it
See it's a good thing this started at Summerslam otherwise Sid would have left halfway through cause ya know Softball season.
1994: A New World Order
January 23, 1994
Royal Rumble
This year’s event features only two matches, the Royal Rumble and the big eight-man tag team match.
The Royal Rumble match:
1 and 2 Scott Steiner and Typhoon
3 Rick Steiner, who helps his brother eliminate Typhoon
4 Earthquake
5 Owen Hart, who during his time in the ring begins sneaking around to avoid elimination
6 Koko B. Ware
7 Jeff Jarrett, who tosses Rick Steiner over the top
8 Bushwhacker Butch
9 Bushwhacker Luke
10 Bryan Clark, who eliminates Ware
11 Billy Gunn
12 The 1-2-3 Kid
13 Road Dogg
14 Papa Shango, who eliminates Scott Steiner
15 Bam Bam Bigelow
16 Mabel
17 Bob Holly, who works with The Bushwhackers to eliminate Earthquake – who then pulls both Bushwhackers over the top rope from outside the ring, eliminating them
18 King Kong Bundy, who quickly eliminates The Kid
19 Mo
20 Rikishi
21 Tatanka, who eliminates Jarrett
22 Farooq, who eliminates Road Dogg
23 Davey Boy Smith, who eliminates Papa Shango
24 Yokozuna, who eliminates Gunn
25 Mr. Perfect
26 Rick Martel
27 Roddy Piper, who tosses Mabel over the top
28 Brian Adams
29 Brutus Beefcake, who eliminates Farooq and then Clark
30 Ted DiBiase, who eliminates Holly and Rikishi (with help from Perfect and Martel)
The final thirteen combatants:
Rick Martel, eliminated (18th) by Smith
Brian Adams (19th) by Piper
Mo (20th) by Smith and Beefcake
Tatanka (21st) by DiBiase and Perfect
Bigelow (22nd) by Bundy
Smith (23th) by Perfect
Yokozuna (24th) by Piper and Beefcake, quickly aided by all the remaining wrestlers
Bundy (25th) by Piper and Beefcake, again aided by the remaining wrestlers
Owen Hart (26th) by DiBiase
Beefcake (27th) by DiBiase and Perfect
Perfect (28th) by Piper
Piper (29th) by Ted DiBiase, who earns a title shot at WrestleMania 10!
The main event is highly anticipated. Ring announcer Howard Finkel first announces Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious. Jim Ross questions the absence of the mystery “fourth man” on the team. Finkel then announces the opponents, Randy Savage, The Undertaker, Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels and World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart.
Michaels and Hall begin the match. Though Hall has the height advantage, Michaels’ experience keeps the pair evenly matched. Hall tags in Nash, who inflicts some damage against Michaels. When Savage tags in, he is quickly overpowered by Nash and then Vicious. While Hall distracts the referee and taunts his opponents, Nash and Vicious double-team Savage outside the ring and he begins bleeding profusely. Ringside officials escort him to the backstage area. The match continues three-on-three, with Hall, Nash and Vicious making frequent tags and inflicting pretty heavy damage against each of the opponents. Fans are intrigued when Vicious and The Undertaker come face to face in the middle of the ring.
Unfortunately for The Undertaker, his back is turned toward his opponents and they attack him from behind. The team of villains works masterfully to distract the referee and cause mayhem at every turn. Eventually, Hall is able to perform his signature move, The Razor’s Edge, on Michaels. Nash and Vicious each powerbomb Hart and The Undertaker becomes tied up outside the ring. Hall is working over Hart in the ring while Michaels and The Undertaker are all laid out on the floor. Nash and Vicious rejoin Hall in the ring.
Suddenly, Hulk Hogan appears! As he makes his way to the ring, Jerry Lawler claims that things are about to change. Jim Ross, assuming Hogan is replacing Savage, encourages the long-absent Hogan to join the fight. Hogan enters the ring as the trio of invaders backs off. Hogan sees Hart lying prone on his stomach in the middle of the ring. Hogan pats Hart on the back, turns him over, and delivers his patented leg drop! Jim Ross states, “Oh no! Hell no! Hulk Hogan is the mystery fourth man!?!?” Hulk Hogan has turned villain! The crowd expresses their shock that their hero has betrayed the WWF and joined the invaders! Michaels and The Undertaker attempt to rescue Hart, but are beaten back by Hall, Nash and Vicious.
Hogan then takes the microphone and says, “The first thing you people need to do is shut up if you want to hear what I’ve gotta say! This team right here is the future of wrestling, brother! You can call this the New World Order of wrestling! These three men came from that other place down south, brother. And everybody wanted to know who the fourth man was. Well who knows this place better than me, brother? I am the WWF! For years, I’ve headlined every WrestleMania. I’ve sold out every arena. And when it all came to pass, the name Hulk Hogan got bigger than the WWF! And as far as this whole company goes, I’m bored brother! That’s why these three are the men I want as my friends! They are the new blood of wrestling! And not only are we gonna take over the whole wrestling business, we will destroy everything in our path! So whatcha gonna do when the new world order destroys you?” As the pay-per-view draws to a close, Hogan and his teammates are pelted with garbage.
January 24, 1994
Monday Night Raw
Ted DiBiase enters the ring at the start of the show. He says, “Last night, something unbelievable happened. Last night, at the Royal Rumble, Hulk Hogan turned his back on the World Wrestling Federation! Hogan joined Hall, Nash and Vicious as the final member of the N.W.O. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Hulk Hogan, your hero, has turned his back on you. And you know why, don’t you? Because you turned your backs on him! Last year at WrestleMania, you booed the man. Your champion! Do you know what that does to a man? For months, your betrayal ate away at him. Your betrayal made him angry. It festered, like an open wound. And now he’s out for revenge. And for me, that is the perfect situation!
Like I’ve always said, I always get what I want. Ever since I joined the World Wrestling Federation, I’ve only wanted one thing. And that is the World Heavyweight Championship! I was champion before, and after WrestleMania I’ll have the championship once again! When World Wrestling Federation officials refused to grant me a title match, over and over again, I knew what I had to do. I took advantage of this perfect situation! I told Hogan the truth. I told him that he could never trust you fans again. So I planned out the entire thing! I told him that, working together, we are going to destroy the WWF! And the best way to do that is to bring in the greatest team money can buy! And so I am the one who formed the N.W.O.! Now let me introduce the members of the New World Order: Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious.”
At this moment, the N.W.O. theme debuts and the foursome enter the ring. Dressed in n.W.o. gear, this new stable has come to bring a reckoning to the WWF. Hogan takes the microphone and says, “Let me tell you something, you pieces of trash! I built this company! I made this organization what it is! I made people rich! I made the people that run this organization rich. I nearly broke my back for the past decade. I gave my blood, sweat and tears for you people. All the work I did for the fans, for the charities. And what thanks do I get? Nothing! You people are nothing to me anymore! You make me sick! As far as I’m concerned, you fans can stick it! If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, you people wouldn’t be here. If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, all these pathetic wannabe’s wouldn’t be here. I was selling out arenas when all these johnny-come-lately’s were still bumming gas money to get to high school. So the way it is now, brother, The Million Dollar Man is exactly right! Together, we are the n.W.o. and we’re gonna destroy the WWF! At WrestleMania 10, we’re gonna take all the gold. And then we’re gonna steal your women and spank your kids! So whatcha gonna do when the n.W.o. destroys you?”
February 7, 1994
Monday Night Raw
Gene Okerlund interviews WWF President Jack Tunney. Tunney announces that as a result of his investigation into claims of tampering with the official drawing of Royal Rumble participants, he has been forced to rescind Ted DiBiase’s title match at WrestleMania 10. Says Tunney, “Owen Hart has confessed to selling his Royal Rumble entry, number 30, to the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. As such, World Wrestling Federation officials have no choice but to strip Mr. DiBiase of his title match at WrestleMania. Furthermore, I have decided that in the interest of fairness to the other competitors, the final four competitors from the Royal Rumble – excluding Ted DiBiase – will participate in an elimination-style match to determine the new number one contender for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. This number one contender will challenge Bret Hart for the title at WrestleMania 10!” Okerlund confirms that the participants in the bout will be Roddy Piper, Mr. Perfect, Brutus Beefcake and Owen Hart.
February 14, 1994
Monday Night Raw
The main event, a four-way elimination match to determine the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship:
Roddy Piper vs Mr. Perfect vs Brutus Beefcake vs Owen Hart
As Howard Finkel is about to begin introducing the competitors, Jim Ross announces that a cameraman backstage has caught footage of an apparent attack on one of the wrestlers in tonight’s main event. The backstage camera then finds Hall, Nash and Vicious escorting three referees into a dressing room. Upon entering, they find Owen Hart lying unconscious. Hall states that he saw Bob Backlund hanging around that very dressing room earlier in the evening. Nash offers to go look for Backlund so he can be held accountable for his actions. Officials huddle together to determine the best course of action. Over the phone, WWF President Jack Tunney states that, due to his injuries, Owen will be unable to participate in the main event. He declares that Hulk Hogan will replace Hart in the match.
Roddy Piper vs Mr. Perfect vs Brutus Beefcake vs Hulk Hogan
As the match begins, all four wrestlers are in the ring at once. Hogan attacks Beefcake while Piper attacks Perfect. The match continues with tons of action and numerous attempts at pinfalls. Eventually, Perfect throws Piper over the top rope, and Piper lands hard. Perfect and Hogan then double-team Beefcake. As Hogan watches, Perfect gets Beefcake in a sleeper hold. Before the referee can confirm Beefcake is eliminated, Piper enters the ring and blasts Perfect from behind. As Piper tosses Perfect from the ring, Jim Ross describes the action, saying, “Oh, here we go! Piper now follows Perfect out of the ring. These two better be careful as the referee is continuing the count on both men.” Jerry Lawler contributes, “There’s so much bad blood between these two by now. It started at the Royal Rumble when Piper eliminated Mr. Perfect, and it’s just continued here tonight.” Ross adds, “Both men fighting all the way backstage as I believe, yes, the referee has counted both men out. And, oh, by God! Hogan’s gonna win this thing! Hogan’s, yes. Hogan just has to pin Beefcake and it’s all over. Dammit, Hogan’s got the damn title shot at WrestleMania!” Lawler comments, “JR! Can you believe this? Hogan wasn’t even supposed to be in this match!” Ross answers, “Yes, I believe it. Because it’s the damned n.W.o." Lawler injects, "It's crazy!" Ross corrects him, "It’s disgusting is what it is.”
Royal Rumble
This year’s event features only two matches, the Royal Rumble and the big eight-man tag team match.
The Royal Rumble match:
1 and 2 Scott Steiner and Typhoon
3 Rick Steiner, who helps his brother eliminate Typhoon
4 Earthquake
5 Owen Hart, who during his time in the ring begins sneaking around to avoid elimination
6 Koko B. Ware
7 Jeff Jarrett, who tosses Rick Steiner over the top
8 Bushwhacker Butch
9 Bushwhacker Luke
10 Bryan Clark, who eliminates Ware
11 Billy Gunn
12 The 1-2-3 Kid
13 Road Dogg
14 Papa Shango, who eliminates Scott Steiner
15 Bam Bam Bigelow
16 Mabel
17 Bob Holly, who works with The Bushwhackers to eliminate Earthquake – who then pulls both Bushwhackers over the top rope from outside the ring, eliminating them
18 King Kong Bundy, who quickly eliminates The Kid
19 Mo
20 Rikishi
21 Tatanka, who eliminates Jarrett
22 Farooq, who eliminates Road Dogg
23 Davey Boy Smith, who eliminates Papa Shango
24 Yokozuna, who eliminates Gunn
25 Mr. Perfect
26 Rick Martel
27 Roddy Piper, who tosses Mabel over the top
28 Brian Adams
29 Brutus Beefcake, who eliminates Farooq and then Clark
30 Ted DiBiase, who eliminates Holly and Rikishi (with help from Perfect and Martel)
The final thirteen combatants:
Rick Martel, eliminated (18th) by Smith
Brian Adams (19th) by Piper
Mo (20th) by Smith and Beefcake
Tatanka (21st) by DiBiase and Perfect
Bigelow (22nd) by Bundy
Smith (23th) by Perfect
Yokozuna (24th) by Piper and Beefcake, quickly aided by all the remaining wrestlers
Bundy (25th) by Piper and Beefcake, again aided by the remaining wrestlers
Owen Hart (26th) by DiBiase
Beefcake (27th) by DiBiase and Perfect
Perfect (28th) by Piper
Piper (29th) by Ted DiBiase, who earns a title shot at WrestleMania 10!
The main event is highly anticipated. Ring announcer Howard Finkel first announces Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious. Jim Ross questions the absence of the mystery “fourth man” on the team. Finkel then announces the opponents, Randy Savage, The Undertaker, Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels and World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart.
Michaels and Hall begin the match. Though Hall has the height advantage, Michaels’ experience keeps the pair evenly matched. Hall tags in Nash, who inflicts some damage against Michaels. When Savage tags in, he is quickly overpowered by Nash and then Vicious. While Hall distracts the referee and taunts his opponents, Nash and Vicious double-team Savage outside the ring and he begins bleeding profusely. Ringside officials escort him to the backstage area. The match continues three-on-three, with Hall, Nash and Vicious making frequent tags and inflicting pretty heavy damage against each of the opponents. Fans are intrigued when Vicious and The Undertaker come face to face in the middle of the ring.
Unfortunately for The Undertaker, his back is turned toward his opponents and they attack him from behind. The team of villains works masterfully to distract the referee and cause mayhem at every turn. Eventually, Hall is able to perform his signature move, The Razor’s Edge, on Michaels. Nash and Vicious each powerbomb Hart and The Undertaker becomes tied up outside the ring. Hall is working over Hart in the ring while Michaels and The Undertaker are all laid out on the floor. Nash and Vicious rejoin Hall in the ring.
Suddenly, Hulk Hogan appears! As he makes his way to the ring, Jerry Lawler claims that things are about to change. Jim Ross, assuming Hogan is replacing Savage, encourages the long-absent Hogan to join the fight. Hogan enters the ring as the trio of invaders backs off. Hogan sees Hart lying prone on his stomach in the middle of the ring. Hogan pats Hart on the back, turns him over, and delivers his patented leg drop! Jim Ross states, “Oh no! Hell no! Hulk Hogan is the mystery fourth man!?!?” Hulk Hogan has turned villain! The crowd expresses their shock that their hero has betrayed the WWF and joined the invaders! Michaels and The Undertaker attempt to rescue Hart, but are beaten back by Hall, Nash and Vicious.
Hogan then takes the microphone and says, “The first thing you people need to do is shut up if you want to hear what I’ve gotta say! This team right here is the future of wrestling, brother! You can call this the New World Order of wrestling! These three men came from that other place down south, brother. And everybody wanted to know who the fourth man was. Well who knows this place better than me, brother? I am the WWF! For years, I’ve headlined every WrestleMania. I’ve sold out every arena. And when it all came to pass, the name Hulk Hogan got bigger than the WWF! And as far as this whole company goes, I’m bored brother! That’s why these three are the men I want as my friends! They are the new blood of wrestling! And not only are we gonna take over the whole wrestling business, we will destroy everything in our path! So whatcha gonna do when the new world order destroys you?” As the pay-per-view draws to a close, Hogan and his teammates are pelted with garbage.
January 24, 1994
Monday Night Raw
Ted DiBiase enters the ring at the start of the show. He says, “Last night, something unbelievable happened. Last night, at the Royal Rumble, Hulk Hogan turned his back on the World Wrestling Federation! Hogan joined Hall, Nash and Vicious as the final member of the N.W.O. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Hulk Hogan, your hero, has turned his back on you. And you know why, don’t you? Because you turned your backs on him! Last year at WrestleMania, you booed the man. Your champion! Do you know what that does to a man? For months, your betrayal ate away at him. Your betrayal made him angry. It festered, like an open wound. And now he’s out for revenge. And for me, that is the perfect situation!
Like I’ve always said, I always get what I want. Ever since I joined the World Wrestling Federation, I’ve only wanted one thing. And that is the World Heavyweight Championship! I was champion before, and after WrestleMania I’ll have the championship once again! When World Wrestling Federation officials refused to grant me a title match, over and over again, I knew what I had to do. I took advantage of this perfect situation! I told Hogan the truth. I told him that he could never trust you fans again. So I planned out the entire thing! I told him that, working together, we are going to destroy the WWF! And the best way to do that is to bring in the greatest team money can buy! And so I am the one who formed the N.W.O.! Now let me introduce the members of the New World Order: Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sid Vicious.”
At this moment, the N.W.O. theme debuts and the foursome enter the ring. Dressed in n.W.o. gear, this new stable has come to bring a reckoning to the WWF. Hogan takes the microphone and says, “Let me tell you something, you pieces of trash! I built this company! I made this organization what it is! I made people rich! I made the people that run this organization rich. I nearly broke my back for the past decade. I gave my blood, sweat and tears for you people. All the work I did for the fans, for the charities. And what thanks do I get? Nothing! You people are nothing to me anymore! You make me sick! As far as I’m concerned, you fans can stick it! If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, you people wouldn’t be here. If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, all these pathetic wannabe’s wouldn’t be here. I was selling out arenas when all these johnny-come-lately’s were still bumming gas money to get to high school. So the way it is now, brother, The Million Dollar Man is exactly right! Together, we are the n.W.o. and we’re gonna destroy the WWF! At WrestleMania 10, we’re gonna take all the gold. And then we’re gonna steal your women and spank your kids! So whatcha gonna do when the n.W.o. destroys you?”
February 7, 1994
Monday Night Raw
Gene Okerlund interviews WWF President Jack Tunney. Tunney announces that as a result of his investigation into claims of tampering with the official drawing of Royal Rumble participants, he has been forced to rescind Ted DiBiase’s title match at WrestleMania 10. Says Tunney, “Owen Hart has confessed to selling his Royal Rumble entry, number 30, to the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. As such, World Wrestling Federation officials have no choice but to strip Mr. DiBiase of his title match at WrestleMania. Furthermore, I have decided that in the interest of fairness to the other competitors, the final four competitors from the Royal Rumble – excluding Ted DiBiase – will participate in an elimination-style match to determine the new number one contender for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. This number one contender will challenge Bret Hart for the title at WrestleMania 10!” Okerlund confirms that the participants in the bout will be Roddy Piper, Mr. Perfect, Brutus Beefcake and Owen Hart.
February 14, 1994
Monday Night Raw
The main event, a four-way elimination match to determine the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship:
Roddy Piper vs Mr. Perfect vs Brutus Beefcake vs Owen Hart
As Howard Finkel is about to begin introducing the competitors, Jim Ross announces that a cameraman backstage has caught footage of an apparent attack on one of the wrestlers in tonight’s main event. The backstage camera then finds Hall, Nash and Vicious escorting three referees into a dressing room. Upon entering, they find Owen Hart lying unconscious. Hall states that he saw Bob Backlund hanging around that very dressing room earlier in the evening. Nash offers to go look for Backlund so he can be held accountable for his actions. Officials huddle together to determine the best course of action. Over the phone, WWF President Jack Tunney states that, due to his injuries, Owen will be unable to participate in the main event. He declares that Hulk Hogan will replace Hart in the match.
Roddy Piper vs Mr. Perfect vs Brutus Beefcake vs Hulk Hogan
As the match begins, all four wrestlers are in the ring at once. Hogan attacks Beefcake while Piper attacks Perfect. The match continues with tons of action and numerous attempts at pinfalls. Eventually, Perfect throws Piper over the top rope, and Piper lands hard. Perfect and Hogan then double-team Beefcake. As Hogan watches, Perfect gets Beefcake in a sleeper hold. Before the referee can confirm Beefcake is eliminated, Piper enters the ring and blasts Perfect from behind. As Piper tosses Perfect from the ring, Jim Ross describes the action, saying, “Oh, here we go! Piper now follows Perfect out of the ring. These two better be careful as the referee is continuing the count on both men.” Jerry Lawler contributes, “There’s so much bad blood between these two by now. It started at the Royal Rumble when Piper eliminated Mr. Perfect, and it’s just continued here tonight.” Ross adds, “Both men fighting all the way backstage as I believe, yes, the referee has counted both men out. And, oh, by God! Hogan’s gonna win this thing! Hogan’s, yes. Hogan just has to pin Beefcake and it’s all over. Dammit, Hogan’s got the damn title shot at WrestleMania!” Lawler comments, “JR! Can you believe this? Hogan wasn’t even supposed to be in this match!” Ross answers, “Yes, I believe it. Because it’s the damned n.W.o." Lawler injects, "It's crazy!" Ross corrects him, "It’s disgusting is what it is.”
Okay, the literal moment I read that, I thought “Oh, goddamnit, Hogan’s still in the NWO ITTL.”
And lo and behold…
Vince running the NWO storyline is better in the long run cause he'll know when to end it and it won't balloon to like 60 guys no one cares about. Vince at this point has the talent backstage to know when to end something and unlike WCW at the time there aren't 20 guys at the TV show telling you what to do at least in the 90s. I gotta wonder with Eric being there does that stop a certain Mr Russo from getting his foot in the door or are we still destined to have to deal with that dumb fuck?