Monday Night Raw, November 18th, 1996:
In the aftermath of Survivor Series, several challenges still awaited both the Hart Foundation and their opponents. First and foremost of this was the arrival of Shawn Michaels making a return to the WWF, coming down the aisle at the start of a show microphone in hand “Well they huffed and they puffed but they couldn’t blow the Heart Break Kid down!” He announced triumphantly to the World “It’s been a long while but I’m back in the WWF and first order of business for Shawn Michaels is to bring down the Hart Foundation. Now while the WWF has done its best against Bret Hart and that bunch of groupies of his, they need someone who has actually beaten Bret on their side. And who better than HBK?”
Smirking in a superior manner, Michaels went on “You see, while Vader’s a monster and Austin’s a tough son of a gun, neither of them has beaten Bret. Who else can really say that they’ve gone toe to toe with Bret for over an hour and come out on top? Oh, and Bret? The crowd didn’t stab you in the back; they just didn’t want to cheer for a whiny loser who runs after being beat once. They want a true Champion. And once I reclaim my gold, they’ll have him. So, Bret, why don’t you come down here and we can settle this man to man?”
Shawn glared down the aisle, giving every indication that he wanted Bret to come and confront him now. A challenge that was answered in full when the entire Hart Foundation made their way down to the ring, Bret leading them with the title draped over his shoulder. As he reached the ring, Kavana went over to fetch a microphone for Bret, handing it over with some reverence before Bret started talking “Well look at what the cat dragged in. At least you’ve managed to recover from your little boo-boos there Shawn.”
A look of rage went across Shawn’s face, unchanged as Bret went on “You know, I’m glad you’re back in a way. It means I can beat you down once again and there’ll be no bias to help you this time Shawn! I’ll take pleasure in breaking you in half.”
As the two men got into each other’s faces, tension rose throughout the arena as many expected a brawl to kick off then and there, something that was only stopped as Gorilla Monsoon appeared at the end of the aisle, microphone in hand “Now wait just a minute! Shawn, while I’m glad you’re back, I cannot, in good conscience, send you straight into the lion’s den with a match against Bret Hart. Nor can I overlook any claim Vader might have to the title.”
“Don’t give me that Monsoon!” Michaels exclaimed “Five months I’ve been sitting at home! Five months since Bulldog forced me to lay back and watch him and his little group run this place into the ground! I need this shot! After five months of being out because Davey Boy gave me a cheap shot, I’m owed that much damnit!”
Monsoon waited until Michaels was done, and, after a moment’s pause answered “I can see your point Shawn. You are owed a shot, the WWF owes you that much at least. However, I cannot send you straight into the fight. So, to make sure you are ready for the main event once more, you shall take on every last member of the Hart Foundation except Bret over the next few weeks. If you win all of your matches, you shall have a shot at the number one contender spot at In Your House against Bret Hart!”
Waiting for the crowd to calm down, Monsoon carried on “And you start tonight with a bout against Bulldog!” The announcement was cheered and as Raw went to commercial, the last sight was Shawn and Bret glaring at each other, both eager for the other’s blood. When Raw came back onto the air, only Kavana was left in the ring, a microphone in his hand and looking fierce.
“Now before this show goes on and you people cheer for the fat slobs you seem to love instead of the true athletes in this business, I’ve got something to say.” Kavana paced around the ring, looking obviously agitated as he went on “Now as you all know, last night at Survivor Series, I was ambushed from behind by an old drunk and he managed to get a cheap win!” A small cheer started throughout the crowd that Kavana quickly shot down “You people can shut up right now! It was a cheap win! Just after I took care of a 6’11 giant ape who couldn’t tell a bodyslam from his ass, I was stunned by the smell of cheap liquor and the funk of someone who hasn’t changed his tights since I was born! And while I was reeling from the septic smell of that geriatric old fool, he puts me into a DDT, further weakening me from the stench of whatever in the Hell oozes out from his armpit before slamming me to the ground! Now when I protested this turn of events, this ambush on all five of my senses, he then had the audacity, the audacity! The slap in my face! Me! Flex Kavana, third generation superstar and soon to rise to the top! I’m not just here to challenge, I’m here to demand to Jake right now, come down to this ring right now so I can give you the beating I should have given you last night!”
Looking down the aisle, Kavana licked his lips before going on “Now I didn’t want the Hart Foundation out here with me for two reasons. First of all, those two nobodies I spent my first three weeks beating post to post would still be able to beat you; even if they would wear a gas mask to fight off the fumes you give out! Second of all, I’ve heard what the people are saying, what the nobodies in the back are saying. That I can’t beat you. That I’m too young, too inexperienced to go toe to toe with the Jake Roberts. Well I’m saying right here and now that that’s a bunch of crap! I will not leave this ring until I have proven everyone wrong! That I am the better man! So, Jake, get your drunken self out into the ring so we can settle this!”
Kavana once more started to pace the ring, waiting for Jake to come. After a moment, the veteran’s music started and Jake came down the aisle, something different about him. This didn’t seem to be the old, tired Jake that crowds had seen recently, an old glint was in his eye that hadn’t been seen for some time. As he entered the ring, Kavana went on another tirade “Oh! You’re here! About damn time! You want me to go get you a Zimmer frame so you make it to the ring faster? Come one old man! I’ve got other things to do tonight.” By now Jake had gotten face to face with Kavana and was giving him an evil eye as the younger man went on “And don’t you try any of your lame little tricks! You think you can get the better of me? Well I’ll tell you-!”
The words were cut short however as Jake snapped his hand up and slapped the microphone right out of Kavana’s hand, sending it skidding across the mat. His eyes bugging out, Kavana took a step back as Jake raised his own microphone to his mouth and started to speak “You talk far too much for a man who has so little to say. You come out here, you run your mouth, you say how you’re a third generation wrestler, that you deserve the best.” A sneer crossed Jake’s face at that “How about instead of whining about what you think you deserve, you go out and earn it.”
Before Kavana could make any sort of answer, Jake went on “You say how your father and grandfather helped build this industry, how they were greats. I fought your father; I met him in this ring. He was a decent man; he didn’t rely on contacts to get him anywhere. So why do you? You come in here, with your sense of entitlement, trying to take the easy way to the top. Your ambition blinded you, led you astray into the arms of a pack of wolves where they use the talent you honed for their own gains. You really think Bret wanted you on because he was impressed? He wanted you because he was terrified of the threat you might become! Turn away from those who would hold you back, you can become great without them.”
For a moment, Kavana paused, actually thinking about what Jake was saying before taking a hold of Jake’s hand and pulling it and he microphone to his mouth “You want to get away from a beating old man? You’re going to have to a lot better than that!” With those words he unleashed a strike to Jake’s face and the brawl was on. Taken by surprise, Jake was forced back into the corner under a flurry of blows, only to reverse the momentum when Kavana attempted an elbow that was dodged as the rookie drove his arm into the turnbuckle. Jake wasted no time as he landed blow upon blow on Kavana, not stopping at all as his attack continued with punches to Kavana’s body and head.
When it seemed that Kavana was in deep trouble, his saving grace came in the form of the Hart Foundation, Bulldog leading the charge back down to the ring. Jake was soon overpowered as Owen, Savio and Bulldog struck him from behind, taking the Snake down as quickly as possible. Assaulted on all sides, Jake went down fast, assailed by fists and boots. As his foe was assaulted, Kavana got to his feet, looked at the three Foundation members as they invited him to join in. Surprising everyone, Kavana merely shook his head and stepped between the ropes to get out of the ring, the beating stopping as the Foundation looked on, more than a little mystified at this attitude.
The action on Raw was just beginning however as Vader finally arrived in the arena later on, the camera focusing on him as he made his way backstage, his face full of thunder at his loss. Before he could make it to Monsoon to make his case for a rematch against Bret Hart however, a brown blur barrelled into him from behind, Vader stumbling as Mankind once more assaulted him from behind, this time with a chair as he hammered down on the big man. Beating him senseless, Mankind screamed out “I’M THE MONSTER!! I AM!! WHY DIDN’T YOU LOSE TO ME!!? I SHOULD BE CHAMPION!!! I SHOULD BE CHAMPION!!!!!!”
By the time Mankind had been pulled away, still screaming protests about he should have been Champion, Vader was a battered mess. It appeared that not only would his challenge against Bret Hart would have to wait, but also that a new threat had arisen...
At the end of the night, the main event of Raw began as a returning Shawn Michaels went against his first challenge against the man who had sent him home for five months. Bulldog himself came down to the ring with the Foundation in tow, a calmed down Flex Kavana by their side as Bulldog got into the ring with Michaels. The match started with both men locking up while the Foundation prowled around the ring like vultures, waiting to strike. The presence of the Foundation unnerved the referee so much that he got out of the ring and ordered them to leave as Bulldog pressed his advantage.
While the argument continued outside, inside the ring Bulldog hit Michaels with a low blow and threw him into the corner, using whatever advantage he could against his opponent. Just as it seemed that Bulldog’s dominance was secure however, Austin came out from the crowd and slipped into the ring, twisting Bulldog around and nailing him with a Stone Cold Stunner before exiting the ring and out through the crowd, the Hart Foundation breaking rank and chasing after him while Michaels quickly made the pin as the referee slipped back into the ring, making the three count.
Celebrating his first victory back in the ring, Michaels still had a long slog ahead of him in the run up to In Your House and any shot at the Championship.
Monday Night Raw, November 25th, 1996:
In the aftermath of last week’s Raw, several questions still remained unanswered. From Kavana’s actions with Jake to the attack by Mankind on Vader, everyone wanted to know what the impact would be. They didn’t have to wait long as the first question answered was Vader arriving in the arena and tearing it apart looking for Mankind. After working up the courage, Doc Hendrix managed to get to Vader to ask him what he was doing.
“What does it look like I’m doing?!” Vader yelled, making Doc jump back “Two times that little freak has jumped me! He puts away the Undertaker and he thinks that gives him the right to get in my face?! Well he’s got my attention! Mankind, you know where I am! And if I have to tear through everything to get at you, you can bet I’ll do it!” With that, Vader resumed his destructive search throughout the arena for Mankind.
As Raw and its matches continued, a bout between Jake Roberts and Goldust was interrupted as Flex Kavana made his way down the aisle and into the ring, making both men pause as they considered what Kavana was going to do. This was answered when Kavana suddenly kicked Goldust in the gut, grabbing his head in a DDT position before leaping and doing a full 180 degree turn before slamming his head down into the mat. Rising up soon after, Kavana glared at Jake, as if daring him to criticise the move. Jake remained silent however, although looking mildly impressed despite being disqualified.
Getting a microphone from outside Kavana spoke, his eyes continuously on Jake throughout “First things first, I didn’t come out here to save you from some golden freak. No, I came out here tonight to make one thing clear. The reason why I didn’t give you the beating you deserved last week is because I don’t need the Foundation to do that. When I get round to kicking your ass, it’ll be on my own. I don’t help against you!”
With that, Kavana threw the microphone down to the mat and got out the ring, shouting back promises to get Jake when he was good and ready only to be met with an evil grin from Jake, his old spirit flaring up once again. It seemed that the challenge was going to be eagerly accepted.
The main event of the night, Shawn Michaels vs. Savio Vega got off to an interesting start as Michaels brought down an ‘old friend’ to the ring, Sycho Sid. Following them was a very nervous Hart Foundation that remained determined to end the threat of Shawn Michaels before it could truly begin. The Hart Foundation found it difficult to press their advantage however as Sid kept moving around the ring to even the odds as Savio was forced onto the defensive in the ring. Events came to a head when from out the crowd burst Steve Austin, chair in hand which soon bounced off the head of British Bulldog. Going to town on the Foundation, Austin was soon joined by Sid as they beat the group down, not noticing that in the ring; Savio ate a Sweet Chin Music and was pinned for the three count. As Raw ended, the Hart Foundation was beaten and bruised inside and outside the ring and Michaels was on a role.
Monday Night Raw, December 2nd, 1996:
Those expecting the revenge of the Hart Foundation against their attackers didn’t have long to wait as a match between Steve Austin and Bodydonna Skip was interrupted by Bulldog coming down the aisle and laying into Austin with a steel chair. A protest from Skip about being disqualified earned him a chair shot for his troubles. After half a dozen hits from the chair, Bulldog grabbed a microphone and stood over the prone body of Austin “You think you’re so tough you bald sod? You’re going against the strongest man in the WWF! I want you and your title sunshine, if you honestly think you can take me!” With that challenge, Bulldog flung down the microphone, it bouncing off Austin as Bulldog left the ring.
Further on through the night, Vader finally found Mankind in the back of the arena, chasing after the mad man and starting a brawl that had to be interrupted by over a dozen officials pulling the two men apart, Vader screaming for his shot at revenge against Mankind whenever he got his hands on the little freak while Mankind himself screamed defiance, claiming that he had killed the Undertaker and would kill Vader in turn.
The excitement of the night wasn’t over however as Shawn Michaels made his way down to the ring with Sid in tow for his match against Flex Kavana. A camera backstage revealed that the Hart Foundation was preparing to go when Austin barrelled into Bulldog from behind, landing a few punches before running off. As the Foundation began to chase after him, Bret shouted behind them for Kavana to head towards the ring and they’d be there later, much to the rookie’s consternation.
Going out to the ring alone, an increasingly nervous Kavana was unable to bring his top game to the match as Sid prowled the ring, grinning like a madman towards the younger wrestler. Michaels soon had the advantage and pummelled away on Kavana, finishing it with a striking Sweet Chin Music, securing him the victory. As Michaels and Sid left the ring, Kavana unsteadily got to his feet to see Jake Roberts facing him from down the aisle, an expression all but saying ‘I told you so’.
Monday Night Raw, December 9th, 1996:
With In Your House only days away, the pay per view’s matches seemed largely secure as Flex Kavana’s challenge to Jake Roberts had been answered, Steve Austin had proven all too eager to get his hands on Bulldog, Sid prepared himself for a Handicap match against Owen Hart and Savio Vega, Vader prepared himself for a rematch with Mankind, while the main event bout all depended on the outcome of the night’s bout between Owen and Shawn Michaels.
Tensions were high throughout the night as clashes between the Hart Foundation and their opponents were felt in the back of the arena, even those not involved found themselves on the receiving end of a Hart Foundation beating with attacks on the Godwinns and Marc Mero being discovered as the night went on. Vader’s own vendetta against Mankind gained a whole new level as the big man managed to land an attack on Paul Bearer during Mankind’s bout with Goldust, setting the fat man to the ground. It looked as the situation was set to explode even before the pay-per-view began.
By some small miracle the competing athletes and faction managed to keep things from exploding and the main event of the evening went on as planned. Owen was accompanied by the Foundation while Shawn brought Sid with him. As Owen squared off against his opponent, true worry was seen on the face of Bret as his brother went toe to toe with his hated rival. Owen kept up with Michaels for the most part, steadily gaining an advantage with a liberal use of straining the rules to their limits. An attempt at the Sharpshooter was denied however as Michaels kicked out of the move before it was locked on, shifting the momentum directly to him.
As Michaels gained the upper hand, Bret gave a signal to the Foundation and Bulldog and Savio rushed round to the side, attacking Sid from behind as he cheered on Michaels. The ensuing brawl captured the attention of the referee who leant over the ropes to try and command the wrestlers to break it up, allowing Bret and Kavana to get into the ring to interfere. Bret got a Sweet Chin Music as he clambered through the ropes while Kavana managed to exchange some blows with Michaels before being tossed out to the mat. On the outside, Sid managed to overpower Savio and Bulldog in time for Owen to eat the end of a SCM and get Michaels the victory.
As Raw ended with Michaels celebrating in the ring, the Hart Foundation retreated down the aisle, Bret glaring daggers at his rival at the fact that their match was only days away...
Excerpt From ‘A Backstage History of the WWF’ (2006):
“The return of Shawn Michaels had fulfilled everyone’s worst fears regarding his prima-donna attitude and demands to be in the spotlight. The roster had enjoyed being without his attitude for a full five months and enjoyed it. With Michaels back and his paranoia increasing over losing his top spot in the company, even Vince McMahon began to find it unbearable. A threat from Michaels that he would ‘go south’ if he didn’t get his place back in the Sun during the PPV seemed to bring McMahon down to agreeing to the demands while other arrangements were made...”
In Your House, Foes Once More, December 15th, 1996:
The Hart Foundation had been through its triumphs and losses over the last few months and now seemed to be on the cusp of collapse or greatness as a concentrated assault on and by their foes had come to head. The return of Michaels, Bulldog’s grasp for the Intercontinental Championship and the repeated attempts of Jake Roberts to pull Kavana away from the Foundation threatened to come to a head in a spectacular way.
Opening up events was Kavana’s match against Roberts, something the younger man had eagerly looked forward too. When Jake got into the ring, the two faced off with each other, staring down for several moments as they measured the other up. Finally, Kavana unleashed a strike onto Jake and the match started properly as the two traded blows that eventually saw Kavana gain the upper hand, using blows to push Jake into the corner. Taking punch after punch, Jake was weakened enough for an Irish whip into the opposite corner although he dodged the oncoming clothesline and gained the advantage with a series of blows onto Kavana.
Dragging out his opponent to the middle of the ring, Jake unleashed a series of slams and blows that kept Kavana from making any kind of assault. Keeping the younger man on the defensive, Jake managed to use his experience to outwit any attack that Kavana made and reversed it into one of his own. When he went to the finish the match with his DDT however, Kavana managed to slip and turn it into a spinebuster, giving him several moments to recover.
With the momentum switched, Kavana took his boot to Jake, stomping on him before dragging him up and unleashing his own series of moves that contrasted with Jake’s. Kavana’s moves were quick and a little flashy, moving fast to hurt Jake and put him down. Jake signalled for the end after several minutes of this and planted his newly patented 180 DDT. Covering Jake, Kavana gained the three count and the win. Leaving the ring in celebration, Kavana paid no mind to Jake as he got to his feet slowly, receiving applause from the crowd as they acknowledged his effort.
The next match on the card was the handicap bout between Owen, Savio and Sid that saw the Foundation members bicker over who would go first before Savio was sent out as Sid grabbed him and pulled him over the ropes. What followed was Sid powering through both men as they tried to match him but physically ran into a brick wall. So badly were they performing that Flex Kavana made his way down the aisle to help, still looking a bit worse for wear from his previous match.
Grabbing a chair from ringside, Kavana waited until Sid ran against the ropes before striking him in the back with the metal chair. Distracted by Savio from the apron, the referee didn’t notice until he turned around and saw Owen pull the big man into a small package, getting the victory with the three count. As he left the ring to celebrate and Savio dropped down from the apron to join the other two Foundation members, Sid recovered slowly in the ring, eventually stepping down to ringside without the three noticing until he planted a big boot into Kavana as he turned around. Rather than help their friend, both Owen and Savio turned tail and ran in the face of Sid’s wrath, ignoring the plight of their comrade.
Sid continued to beat Kavana around the ring, throwing him into the barricades and slamming him into the steps before grabbing the same chair Kavana had hit him with and lifted it over his head. Before he could continue with his attack however, Jake Roberts had come down the aisle and stepped in front of Sid, pleading with him to break off the attack. Sid looked at Jake in confusion, wondering what he was doing. A sentiment that allowed Kavana enough time to crawl down the aisle before getting up and running to safety, Jake ignoring Sid bellowing in his ear as he watched the younger man go.
The next match on the card saw Bulldog make an attempt on Austin’s Intercontinental Title and continue the grudge that had started when Austin had been eliminated at Survivor Series. Cornette in tow, Bulldog made his way down to the ring, eager for a chance to reclaim some gold. Austin himself entered to a huge applause and was eager for an ass kicking on his opponent. Barely waiting for the bell to ring, Austin got stuck into attacking Bulldog, forcing him back into the corner with a series of punches before laying the boot into him with a host of stomps.
Determined to make Bulldog hurt, Austin let loose with his brawling style, beating Bulldog from one end of the ring to another as he tried to put him down fast. Bulldog fought back however and showing off his technical skills, reversed an attempt at a back body drop into a snapmare and quick dropkick. With momentum now in his favour, Bulldog dominated Austin with a series of powerful slams and suplexes that kept the rattlesnake down. An attempt to put Austin down with a suplex from the top rope was reversed into a series of punches that sent Bulldog down to the canvas and was followed by an elbow off the top rope, earning a beaten Austin a two count. Both men slowly got to their feet and traded blows back and forth, Austin’s attempts for a Stunner were reversed into a back drop while an attempt at a Running Powerslam by Bulldog only ended with Austin escaping and slamming his head into the turnbuckle.
Panicking from the outside, Cornette slid his tennis racket into the corner, before jumping up onto the apron to gain the attention of the referee. With the official’s attention elsewhere, Bulldog grabbed the racket, turned, and walked right into a Stone Cold Stunner. Austin made the cover but with Cornette’s histrionics on the apron, there was no one to make a count. Getting up, Austin made his way over to the apron, grabbed Cornette by the tie and unleashed a devastating blow that sent the small man down to the ground. As the referee looked over the ropes to check on Cornette’s condition, Austin turned to finish off Bulldog, not realising he had managed to crawl over and grab the racket, hiding it under his body and as the Champion leant over to pick Bulldog up, the racket was raised, and Austin received a blow right between the eyes.
Quickly covering Austin, Bulldog shouted for the referee who ran over, got down and counted out three on the mat. The crowd hurled down jeers as Bulldog and a shaken Cornette celebrated outside of the ring where Davey Boy held the gold above his head in triumph while walking down the aisle. Back in the ring, a furious Austin rose to his feet, realising he’d been cheated out of his title and victory and as a means of venting, planted a Stunner onto the referee before leaving, swearing vengeance.
With most of the undercard out of the way, only two matches remained with the penultimate one promising to be particularly brutal as Vader took on Mankind in a grudge match. Neither man waited until the bell rang as Mankind attacked the big man as he made his way down the aisle, hammering away in his usual mad fashion. Vader stumbled back to the ring but delivered his own attacks to Mankind before finally driving him into the steel steps. With the match having even started, the two men continued to brawl around the outside of the ring, hammering each into the ring and barricades as they made their way to the announcing tables. Showing speed that was unexpected but strength that wasn’t, Vader picked Mankind up and slammed him through the Spanish announcer’s table. With Vader still pounding away on Mankind, a surge of referee’s and officials enter the arena, pulling the big man away, ending the match before it had even truly begun. Even as he’s carried away though, Vader continues to shout back at Mankind, promising that he hadn’t finished yet.
The main event, a match that many had been looking forward too had now arrived and as Bret made his way down to the ring, he looked less than happy at his current predicament. Likewise, Michaels forewent his usual capers to make his way to the ring in a business like fashion before facing Bret in a stare down right in the middle of the ring. Then tension was rife between the two and only answered when Bret lashed out with the first blow which was reversed in turn by Michaels and the Champion was peppered with a series of shots to the head and torso.
What followed was a see-saw battle between the two as neither man would lay down for the other. Bret’s technical prowess and Michaels’ own high flying skills clashed throughout the match and would see both men battered because of it. Hopes were raised when Michaels landed an elbow drop and set Bret up for some Sweet Chin Music only for the leg to be caught and Shawn tripped up, sending him onto his back and vulnerable to a Sharpshooter that Bret quickly locked on. The referee quickly got to Michaels asking if he wanted to submit only for Michaels to shake his head and crawl forward towards the rope, reach for the bottom one and...
The referee leapt up and signalled for the bell, Bret Hart gaining the victory by submission. Slipping out of the ring and celebrating, Bret didn’t stick around to watch as Michaels rose from the mat and confronted the referee, insisting he hadn’t submitted only for the protest to be ignored. His face clouding with fury, Michaels got out of the ring and started to stalk down the aisle, ending the pay-per-view with a camera inadvertently catching an audible “Vince you bastard!” Before it switched off.
Excerpt From ‘A Backstage History of the WWF’ (2006):
“In words that would come back to haunt him, Michaels’ first words when coming back to the WWF from his injuries were regarding Bret Hart ‘It’s either him or me Vince’. After a month of repeated complaints, tantrums and threats to go south if he didn’t have his way from Michaels, Vince McMahon chose Bret. In a backstage clash after the ‘Western Screw job’, Vince calmly told Michaels that his contract threat of resigning had been accepted and that he had been mistaken in ever thinking that he’d regain the title. Finding that he was without support from anyone except Paul Levesque and denied a chance to even get some physical revenge against McMahon as he was flanked by people getting in the way, Michaels left the arena, in humiliation, allegedly added too by the applause he received as he left. With a ninety day no-compete clause in his contract, the run up to WrestleMania was now able to focus on a product without Michaels as the WWF once more focused on putting Austin and White (Vader) back into the limelight.”
In the aftermath of Survivor Series, several challenges still awaited both the Hart Foundation and their opponents. First and foremost of this was the arrival of Shawn Michaels making a return to the WWF, coming down the aisle at the start of a show microphone in hand “Well they huffed and they puffed but they couldn’t blow the Heart Break Kid down!” He announced triumphantly to the World “It’s been a long while but I’m back in the WWF and first order of business for Shawn Michaels is to bring down the Hart Foundation. Now while the WWF has done its best against Bret Hart and that bunch of groupies of his, they need someone who has actually beaten Bret on their side. And who better than HBK?”
Smirking in a superior manner, Michaels went on “You see, while Vader’s a monster and Austin’s a tough son of a gun, neither of them has beaten Bret. Who else can really say that they’ve gone toe to toe with Bret for over an hour and come out on top? Oh, and Bret? The crowd didn’t stab you in the back; they just didn’t want to cheer for a whiny loser who runs after being beat once. They want a true Champion. And once I reclaim my gold, they’ll have him. So, Bret, why don’t you come down here and we can settle this man to man?”
Shawn glared down the aisle, giving every indication that he wanted Bret to come and confront him now. A challenge that was answered in full when the entire Hart Foundation made their way down to the ring, Bret leading them with the title draped over his shoulder. As he reached the ring, Kavana went over to fetch a microphone for Bret, handing it over with some reverence before Bret started talking “Well look at what the cat dragged in. At least you’ve managed to recover from your little boo-boos there Shawn.”
A look of rage went across Shawn’s face, unchanged as Bret went on “You know, I’m glad you’re back in a way. It means I can beat you down once again and there’ll be no bias to help you this time Shawn! I’ll take pleasure in breaking you in half.”
As the two men got into each other’s faces, tension rose throughout the arena as many expected a brawl to kick off then and there, something that was only stopped as Gorilla Monsoon appeared at the end of the aisle, microphone in hand “Now wait just a minute! Shawn, while I’m glad you’re back, I cannot, in good conscience, send you straight into the lion’s den with a match against Bret Hart. Nor can I overlook any claim Vader might have to the title.”
“Don’t give me that Monsoon!” Michaels exclaimed “Five months I’ve been sitting at home! Five months since Bulldog forced me to lay back and watch him and his little group run this place into the ground! I need this shot! After five months of being out because Davey Boy gave me a cheap shot, I’m owed that much damnit!”
Monsoon waited until Michaels was done, and, after a moment’s pause answered “I can see your point Shawn. You are owed a shot, the WWF owes you that much at least. However, I cannot send you straight into the fight. So, to make sure you are ready for the main event once more, you shall take on every last member of the Hart Foundation except Bret over the next few weeks. If you win all of your matches, you shall have a shot at the number one contender spot at In Your House against Bret Hart!”
Waiting for the crowd to calm down, Monsoon carried on “And you start tonight with a bout against Bulldog!” The announcement was cheered and as Raw went to commercial, the last sight was Shawn and Bret glaring at each other, both eager for the other’s blood. When Raw came back onto the air, only Kavana was left in the ring, a microphone in his hand and looking fierce.
“Now before this show goes on and you people cheer for the fat slobs you seem to love instead of the true athletes in this business, I’ve got something to say.” Kavana paced around the ring, looking obviously agitated as he went on “Now as you all know, last night at Survivor Series, I was ambushed from behind by an old drunk and he managed to get a cheap win!” A small cheer started throughout the crowd that Kavana quickly shot down “You people can shut up right now! It was a cheap win! Just after I took care of a 6’11 giant ape who couldn’t tell a bodyslam from his ass, I was stunned by the smell of cheap liquor and the funk of someone who hasn’t changed his tights since I was born! And while I was reeling from the septic smell of that geriatric old fool, he puts me into a DDT, further weakening me from the stench of whatever in the Hell oozes out from his armpit before slamming me to the ground! Now when I protested this turn of events, this ambush on all five of my senses, he then had the audacity, the audacity! The slap in my face! Me! Flex Kavana, third generation superstar and soon to rise to the top! I’m not just here to challenge, I’m here to demand to Jake right now, come down to this ring right now so I can give you the beating I should have given you last night!”
Looking down the aisle, Kavana licked his lips before going on “Now I didn’t want the Hart Foundation out here with me for two reasons. First of all, those two nobodies I spent my first three weeks beating post to post would still be able to beat you; even if they would wear a gas mask to fight off the fumes you give out! Second of all, I’ve heard what the people are saying, what the nobodies in the back are saying. That I can’t beat you. That I’m too young, too inexperienced to go toe to toe with the Jake Roberts. Well I’m saying right here and now that that’s a bunch of crap! I will not leave this ring until I have proven everyone wrong! That I am the better man! So, Jake, get your drunken self out into the ring so we can settle this!”
Kavana once more started to pace the ring, waiting for Jake to come. After a moment, the veteran’s music started and Jake came down the aisle, something different about him. This didn’t seem to be the old, tired Jake that crowds had seen recently, an old glint was in his eye that hadn’t been seen for some time. As he entered the ring, Kavana went on another tirade “Oh! You’re here! About damn time! You want me to go get you a Zimmer frame so you make it to the ring faster? Come one old man! I’ve got other things to do tonight.” By now Jake had gotten face to face with Kavana and was giving him an evil eye as the younger man went on “And don’t you try any of your lame little tricks! You think you can get the better of me? Well I’ll tell you-!”
The words were cut short however as Jake snapped his hand up and slapped the microphone right out of Kavana’s hand, sending it skidding across the mat. His eyes bugging out, Kavana took a step back as Jake raised his own microphone to his mouth and started to speak “You talk far too much for a man who has so little to say. You come out here, you run your mouth, you say how you’re a third generation wrestler, that you deserve the best.” A sneer crossed Jake’s face at that “How about instead of whining about what you think you deserve, you go out and earn it.”
Before Kavana could make any sort of answer, Jake went on “You say how your father and grandfather helped build this industry, how they were greats. I fought your father; I met him in this ring. He was a decent man; he didn’t rely on contacts to get him anywhere. So why do you? You come in here, with your sense of entitlement, trying to take the easy way to the top. Your ambition blinded you, led you astray into the arms of a pack of wolves where they use the talent you honed for their own gains. You really think Bret wanted you on because he was impressed? He wanted you because he was terrified of the threat you might become! Turn away from those who would hold you back, you can become great without them.”
For a moment, Kavana paused, actually thinking about what Jake was saying before taking a hold of Jake’s hand and pulling it and he microphone to his mouth “You want to get away from a beating old man? You’re going to have to a lot better than that!” With those words he unleashed a strike to Jake’s face and the brawl was on. Taken by surprise, Jake was forced back into the corner under a flurry of blows, only to reverse the momentum when Kavana attempted an elbow that was dodged as the rookie drove his arm into the turnbuckle. Jake wasted no time as he landed blow upon blow on Kavana, not stopping at all as his attack continued with punches to Kavana’s body and head.
When it seemed that Kavana was in deep trouble, his saving grace came in the form of the Hart Foundation, Bulldog leading the charge back down to the ring. Jake was soon overpowered as Owen, Savio and Bulldog struck him from behind, taking the Snake down as quickly as possible. Assaulted on all sides, Jake went down fast, assailed by fists and boots. As his foe was assaulted, Kavana got to his feet, looked at the three Foundation members as they invited him to join in. Surprising everyone, Kavana merely shook his head and stepped between the ropes to get out of the ring, the beating stopping as the Foundation looked on, more than a little mystified at this attitude.
The action on Raw was just beginning however as Vader finally arrived in the arena later on, the camera focusing on him as he made his way backstage, his face full of thunder at his loss. Before he could make it to Monsoon to make his case for a rematch against Bret Hart however, a brown blur barrelled into him from behind, Vader stumbling as Mankind once more assaulted him from behind, this time with a chair as he hammered down on the big man. Beating him senseless, Mankind screamed out “I’M THE MONSTER!! I AM!! WHY DIDN’T YOU LOSE TO ME!!? I SHOULD BE CHAMPION!!! I SHOULD BE CHAMPION!!!!!!”
By the time Mankind had been pulled away, still screaming protests about he should have been Champion, Vader was a battered mess. It appeared that not only would his challenge against Bret Hart would have to wait, but also that a new threat had arisen...
At the end of the night, the main event of Raw began as a returning Shawn Michaels went against his first challenge against the man who had sent him home for five months. Bulldog himself came down to the ring with the Foundation in tow, a calmed down Flex Kavana by their side as Bulldog got into the ring with Michaels. The match started with both men locking up while the Foundation prowled around the ring like vultures, waiting to strike. The presence of the Foundation unnerved the referee so much that he got out of the ring and ordered them to leave as Bulldog pressed his advantage.
While the argument continued outside, inside the ring Bulldog hit Michaels with a low blow and threw him into the corner, using whatever advantage he could against his opponent. Just as it seemed that Bulldog’s dominance was secure however, Austin came out from the crowd and slipped into the ring, twisting Bulldog around and nailing him with a Stone Cold Stunner before exiting the ring and out through the crowd, the Hart Foundation breaking rank and chasing after him while Michaels quickly made the pin as the referee slipped back into the ring, making the three count.
Celebrating his first victory back in the ring, Michaels still had a long slog ahead of him in the run up to In Your House and any shot at the Championship.
Monday Night Raw, November 25th, 1996:
In the aftermath of last week’s Raw, several questions still remained unanswered. From Kavana’s actions with Jake to the attack by Mankind on Vader, everyone wanted to know what the impact would be. They didn’t have to wait long as the first question answered was Vader arriving in the arena and tearing it apart looking for Mankind. After working up the courage, Doc Hendrix managed to get to Vader to ask him what he was doing.
“What does it look like I’m doing?!” Vader yelled, making Doc jump back “Two times that little freak has jumped me! He puts away the Undertaker and he thinks that gives him the right to get in my face?! Well he’s got my attention! Mankind, you know where I am! And if I have to tear through everything to get at you, you can bet I’ll do it!” With that, Vader resumed his destructive search throughout the arena for Mankind.
As Raw and its matches continued, a bout between Jake Roberts and Goldust was interrupted as Flex Kavana made his way down the aisle and into the ring, making both men pause as they considered what Kavana was going to do. This was answered when Kavana suddenly kicked Goldust in the gut, grabbing his head in a DDT position before leaping and doing a full 180 degree turn before slamming his head down into the mat. Rising up soon after, Kavana glared at Jake, as if daring him to criticise the move. Jake remained silent however, although looking mildly impressed despite being disqualified.
Getting a microphone from outside Kavana spoke, his eyes continuously on Jake throughout “First things first, I didn’t come out here to save you from some golden freak. No, I came out here tonight to make one thing clear. The reason why I didn’t give you the beating you deserved last week is because I don’t need the Foundation to do that. When I get round to kicking your ass, it’ll be on my own. I don’t help against you!”
With that, Kavana threw the microphone down to the mat and got out the ring, shouting back promises to get Jake when he was good and ready only to be met with an evil grin from Jake, his old spirit flaring up once again. It seemed that the challenge was going to be eagerly accepted.
The main event of the night, Shawn Michaels vs. Savio Vega got off to an interesting start as Michaels brought down an ‘old friend’ to the ring, Sycho Sid. Following them was a very nervous Hart Foundation that remained determined to end the threat of Shawn Michaels before it could truly begin. The Hart Foundation found it difficult to press their advantage however as Sid kept moving around the ring to even the odds as Savio was forced onto the defensive in the ring. Events came to a head when from out the crowd burst Steve Austin, chair in hand which soon bounced off the head of British Bulldog. Going to town on the Foundation, Austin was soon joined by Sid as they beat the group down, not noticing that in the ring; Savio ate a Sweet Chin Music and was pinned for the three count. As Raw ended, the Hart Foundation was beaten and bruised inside and outside the ring and Michaels was on a role.
Monday Night Raw, December 2nd, 1996:
Those expecting the revenge of the Hart Foundation against their attackers didn’t have long to wait as a match between Steve Austin and Bodydonna Skip was interrupted by Bulldog coming down the aisle and laying into Austin with a steel chair. A protest from Skip about being disqualified earned him a chair shot for his troubles. After half a dozen hits from the chair, Bulldog grabbed a microphone and stood over the prone body of Austin “You think you’re so tough you bald sod? You’re going against the strongest man in the WWF! I want you and your title sunshine, if you honestly think you can take me!” With that challenge, Bulldog flung down the microphone, it bouncing off Austin as Bulldog left the ring.
Further on through the night, Vader finally found Mankind in the back of the arena, chasing after the mad man and starting a brawl that had to be interrupted by over a dozen officials pulling the two men apart, Vader screaming for his shot at revenge against Mankind whenever he got his hands on the little freak while Mankind himself screamed defiance, claiming that he had killed the Undertaker and would kill Vader in turn.
The excitement of the night wasn’t over however as Shawn Michaels made his way down to the ring with Sid in tow for his match against Flex Kavana. A camera backstage revealed that the Hart Foundation was preparing to go when Austin barrelled into Bulldog from behind, landing a few punches before running off. As the Foundation began to chase after him, Bret shouted behind them for Kavana to head towards the ring and they’d be there later, much to the rookie’s consternation.
Going out to the ring alone, an increasingly nervous Kavana was unable to bring his top game to the match as Sid prowled the ring, grinning like a madman towards the younger wrestler. Michaels soon had the advantage and pummelled away on Kavana, finishing it with a striking Sweet Chin Music, securing him the victory. As Michaels and Sid left the ring, Kavana unsteadily got to his feet to see Jake Roberts facing him from down the aisle, an expression all but saying ‘I told you so’.
Monday Night Raw, December 9th, 1996:
With In Your House only days away, the pay per view’s matches seemed largely secure as Flex Kavana’s challenge to Jake Roberts had been answered, Steve Austin had proven all too eager to get his hands on Bulldog, Sid prepared himself for a Handicap match against Owen Hart and Savio Vega, Vader prepared himself for a rematch with Mankind, while the main event bout all depended on the outcome of the night’s bout between Owen and Shawn Michaels.
Tensions were high throughout the night as clashes between the Hart Foundation and their opponents were felt in the back of the arena, even those not involved found themselves on the receiving end of a Hart Foundation beating with attacks on the Godwinns and Marc Mero being discovered as the night went on. Vader’s own vendetta against Mankind gained a whole new level as the big man managed to land an attack on Paul Bearer during Mankind’s bout with Goldust, setting the fat man to the ground. It looked as the situation was set to explode even before the pay-per-view began.
By some small miracle the competing athletes and faction managed to keep things from exploding and the main event of the evening went on as planned. Owen was accompanied by the Foundation while Shawn brought Sid with him. As Owen squared off against his opponent, true worry was seen on the face of Bret as his brother went toe to toe with his hated rival. Owen kept up with Michaels for the most part, steadily gaining an advantage with a liberal use of straining the rules to their limits. An attempt at the Sharpshooter was denied however as Michaels kicked out of the move before it was locked on, shifting the momentum directly to him.
As Michaels gained the upper hand, Bret gave a signal to the Foundation and Bulldog and Savio rushed round to the side, attacking Sid from behind as he cheered on Michaels. The ensuing brawl captured the attention of the referee who leant over the ropes to try and command the wrestlers to break it up, allowing Bret and Kavana to get into the ring to interfere. Bret got a Sweet Chin Music as he clambered through the ropes while Kavana managed to exchange some blows with Michaels before being tossed out to the mat. On the outside, Sid managed to overpower Savio and Bulldog in time for Owen to eat the end of a SCM and get Michaels the victory.
As Raw ended with Michaels celebrating in the ring, the Hart Foundation retreated down the aisle, Bret glaring daggers at his rival at the fact that their match was only days away...
Excerpt From ‘A Backstage History of the WWF’ (2006):
“The return of Shawn Michaels had fulfilled everyone’s worst fears regarding his prima-donna attitude and demands to be in the spotlight. The roster had enjoyed being without his attitude for a full five months and enjoyed it. With Michaels back and his paranoia increasing over losing his top spot in the company, even Vince McMahon began to find it unbearable. A threat from Michaels that he would ‘go south’ if he didn’t get his place back in the Sun during the PPV seemed to bring McMahon down to agreeing to the demands while other arrangements were made...”
In Your House, Foes Once More, December 15th, 1996:
The Hart Foundation had been through its triumphs and losses over the last few months and now seemed to be on the cusp of collapse or greatness as a concentrated assault on and by their foes had come to head. The return of Michaels, Bulldog’s grasp for the Intercontinental Championship and the repeated attempts of Jake Roberts to pull Kavana away from the Foundation threatened to come to a head in a spectacular way.
Opening up events was Kavana’s match against Roberts, something the younger man had eagerly looked forward too. When Jake got into the ring, the two faced off with each other, staring down for several moments as they measured the other up. Finally, Kavana unleashed a strike onto Jake and the match started properly as the two traded blows that eventually saw Kavana gain the upper hand, using blows to push Jake into the corner. Taking punch after punch, Jake was weakened enough for an Irish whip into the opposite corner although he dodged the oncoming clothesline and gained the advantage with a series of blows onto Kavana.
Dragging out his opponent to the middle of the ring, Jake unleashed a series of slams and blows that kept Kavana from making any kind of assault. Keeping the younger man on the defensive, Jake managed to use his experience to outwit any attack that Kavana made and reversed it into one of his own. When he went to the finish the match with his DDT however, Kavana managed to slip and turn it into a spinebuster, giving him several moments to recover.
With the momentum switched, Kavana took his boot to Jake, stomping on him before dragging him up and unleashing his own series of moves that contrasted with Jake’s. Kavana’s moves were quick and a little flashy, moving fast to hurt Jake and put him down. Jake signalled for the end after several minutes of this and planted his newly patented 180 DDT. Covering Jake, Kavana gained the three count and the win. Leaving the ring in celebration, Kavana paid no mind to Jake as he got to his feet slowly, receiving applause from the crowd as they acknowledged his effort.
The next match on the card was the handicap bout between Owen, Savio and Sid that saw the Foundation members bicker over who would go first before Savio was sent out as Sid grabbed him and pulled him over the ropes. What followed was Sid powering through both men as they tried to match him but physically ran into a brick wall. So badly were they performing that Flex Kavana made his way down the aisle to help, still looking a bit worse for wear from his previous match.
Grabbing a chair from ringside, Kavana waited until Sid ran against the ropes before striking him in the back with the metal chair. Distracted by Savio from the apron, the referee didn’t notice until he turned around and saw Owen pull the big man into a small package, getting the victory with the three count. As he left the ring to celebrate and Savio dropped down from the apron to join the other two Foundation members, Sid recovered slowly in the ring, eventually stepping down to ringside without the three noticing until he planted a big boot into Kavana as he turned around. Rather than help their friend, both Owen and Savio turned tail and ran in the face of Sid’s wrath, ignoring the plight of their comrade.
Sid continued to beat Kavana around the ring, throwing him into the barricades and slamming him into the steps before grabbing the same chair Kavana had hit him with and lifted it over his head. Before he could continue with his attack however, Jake Roberts had come down the aisle and stepped in front of Sid, pleading with him to break off the attack. Sid looked at Jake in confusion, wondering what he was doing. A sentiment that allowed Kavana enough time to crawl down the aisle before getting up and running to safety, Jake ignoring Sid bellowing in his ear as he watched the younger man go.
The next match on the card saw Bulldog make an attempt on Austin’s Intercontinental Title and continue the grudge that had started when Austin had been eliminated at Survivor Series. Cornette in tow, Bulldog made his way down to the ring, eager for a chance to reclaim some gold. Austin himself entered to a huge applause and was eager for an ass kicking on his opponent. Barely waiting for the bell to ring, Austin got stuck into attacking Bulldog, forcing him back into the corner with a series of punches before laying the boot into him with a host of stomps.
Determined to make Bulldog hurt, Austin let loose with his brawling style, beating Bulldog from one end of the ring to another as he tried to put him down fast. Bulldog fought back however and showing off his technical skills, reversed an attempt at a back body drop into a snapmare and quick dropkick. With momentum now in his favour, Bulldog dominated Austin with a series of powerful slams and suplexes that kept the rattlesnake down. An attempt to put Austin down with a suplex from the top rope was reversed into a series of punches that sent Bulldog down to the canvas and was followed by an elbow off the top rope, earning a beaten Austin a two count. Both men slowly got to their feet and traded blows back and forth, Austin’s attempts for a Stunner were reversed into a back drop while an attempt at a Running Powerslam by Bulldog only ended with Austin escaping and slamming his head into the turnbuckle.
Panicking from the outside, Cornette slid his tennis racket into the corner, before jumping up onto the apron to gain the attention of the referee. With the official’s attention elsewhere, Bulldog grabbed the racket, turned, and walked right into a Stone Cold Stunner. Austin made the cover but with Cornette’s histrionics on the apron, there was no one to make a count. Getting up, Austin made his way over to the apron, grabbed Cornette by the tie and unleashed a devastating blow that sent the small man down to the ground. As the referee looked over the ropes to check on Cornette’s condition, Austin turned to finish off Bulldog, not realising he had managed to crawl over and grab the racket, hiding it under his body and as the Champion leant over to pick Bulldog up, the racket was raised, and Austin received a blow right between the eyes.
Quickly covering Austin, Bulldog shouted for the referee who ran over, got down and counted out three on the mat. The crowd hurled down jeers as Bulldog and a shaken Cornette celebrated outside of the ring where Davey Boy held the gold above his head in triumph while walking down the aisle. Back in the ring, a furious Austin rose to his feet, realising he’d been cheated out of his title and victory and as a means of venting, planted a Stunner onto the referee before leaving, swearing vengeance.
With most of the undercard out of the way, only two matches remained with the penultimate one promising to be particularly brutal as Vader took on Mankind in a grudge match. Neither man waited until the bell rang as Mankind attacked the big man as he made his way down the aisle, hammering away in his usual mad fashion. Vader stumbled back to the ring but delivered his own attacks to Mankind before finally driving him into the steel steps. With the match having even started, the two men continued to brawl around the outside of the ring, hammering each into the ring and barricades as they made their way to the announcing tables. Showing speed that was unexpected but strength that wasn’t, Vader picked Mankind up and slammed him through the Spanish announcer’s table. With Vader still pounding away on Mankind, a surge of referee’s and officials enter the arena, pulling the big man away, ending the match before it had even truly begun. Even as he’s carried away though, Vader continues to shout back at Mankind, promising that he hadn’t finished yet.
The main event, a match that many had been looking forward too had now arrived and as Bret made his way down to the ring, he looked less than happy at his current predicament. Likewise, Michaels forewent his usual capers to make his way to the ring in a business like fashion before facing Bret in a stare down right in the middle of the ring. Then tension was rife between the two and only answered when Bret lashed out with the first blow which was reversed in turn by Michaels and the Champion was peppered with a series of shots to the head and torso.
What followed was a see-saw battle between the two as neither man would lay down for the other. Bret’s technical prowess and Michaels’ own high flying skills clashed throughout the match and would see both men battered because of it. Hopes were raised when Michaels landed an elbow drop and set Bret up for some Sweet Chin Music only for the leg to be caught and Shawn tripped up, sending him onto his back and vulnerable to a Sharpshooter that Bret quickly locked on. The referee quickly got to Michaels asking if he wanted to submit only for Michaels to shake his head and crawl forward towards the rope, reach for the bottom one and...
The referee leapt up and signalled for the bell, Bret Hart gaining the victory by submission. Slipping out of the ring and celebrating, Bret didn’t stick around to watch as Michaels rose from the mat and confronted the referee, insisting he hadn’t submitted only for the protest to be ignored. His face clouding with fury, Michaels got out of the ring and started to stalk down the aisle, ending the pay-per-view with a camera inadvertently catching an audible “Vince you bastard!” Before it switched off.
Excerpt From ‘A Backstage History of the WWF’ (2006):
“In words that would come back to haunt him, Michaels’ first words when coming back to the WWF from his injuries were regarding Bret Hart ‘It’s either him or me Vince’. After a month of repeated complaints, tantrums and threats to go south if he didn’t have his way from Michaels, Vince McMahon chose Bret. In a backstage clash after the ‘Western Screw job’, Vince calmly told Michaels that his contract threat of resigning had been accepted and that he had been mistaken in ever thinking that he’d regain the title. Finding that he was without support from anyone except Paul Levesque and denied a chance to even get some physical revenge against McMahon as he was flanked by people getting in the way, Michaels left the arena, in humiliation, allegedly added too by the applause he received as he left. With a ninety day no-compete clause in his contract, the run up to WrestleMania was now able to focus on a product without Michaels as the WWF once more focused on putting Austin and White (Vader) back into the limelight.”