WWF Monday Night time Uncooked ResultsJanuary 1, 1996 (Taped December 18, 1995)Newark, Delaware (Bob Carpenter Heart)Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” LawlerResults by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
Video: The USA Community proudly presents the 1996 Uncooked Bowl. Persons are excited in regards to the Uncooked Bowl. Coach Blassie has given his remaining pep speak. Dandy Dok is strolling the lot. Jimbo Jim is ready for interviews. The Uncooked Bowl Queen has been topped. A galaxy of stars has been assembled. Diesel, King Mabel, and Goldust are right here. We even have The Nacho Man, The Huckster, Scheme Gene, and Billionaire Ted.
Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler welcome us to the present. They discuss all of the Bowl Video games this present isn’t earlier than saying that is the Uncooked Bowl. Lawler is sporting a customized Cleveland Browns jersey.
WWF Tag Group Champions The Smoking Gunns run by way of a paper Monday Night time Uncooked signal. They’ve soccer tops and eye black on.
As Yokozuna and Owen Hart come to the ring, we see a video of Brother Love speaking to somebody within the locker room.
Whereas Razor Ramon and Savio Vega head to the ring collectively, Goldust’s usher comes as much as Ramon with some gold gilded flowers. Ramon assaults him and pushes him away. Goldust is seen close to the “finish zone” and blows a kiss.
Mike’s Ideas: It must be famous that Razor Ramon/Scott Corridor completely hated this rivalry with Goldust. It was round this time that he started complaining loudly to anybody who would hear backstage in regards to the angle. The Kliq additionally started to take their frustrations out on Dustin Rhodes. I’m wondering if this angle was a catalyst behind Ramon leaving the WWF in only a few months.
Uncooked Bowl Tag Group Battle RoyalWWF Tag Group Champions The Smoking Gunns (Billy Gunn and Bart Gunn) vs. Yokozuna and Owen Hart w/ Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji vs. WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon and Savio Vega vs. The 1-2-3 Child and Sycho Sid w/ “The Million Greenback Man” Ted DiBiase
Referee: Earl Hebner
Listed below are the principles for the match:
— One timeout per group can be utilized at any time— Group is eradicated when a teammate is pinned, disqualified, counted out, or submits— Any participant could also be tagged in at any time— As soon as tagged, bodily contact should be made with the opponent earlier than tagging out
The ring canvas has a pseudo-football-field look. Earl Hebner is dressed up like an NFL Referee.
Owen Hart and Bart Gunn will begin the match. They get within the three-point stance and cost. Bart hits Hart with a drop toehold earlier than hitting a hip toss and a dropkick. Bart follows up with a pair of arm drags, so Hart pops up and tags Billy Gunn in. In keeping with the principles, Billy should make bodily contact with Bart earlier than he can tag out. It’s teammate towards teammate. The Smoking Gunns shrug and lock up. Bart hooks a aspect headlock, however Billy whips him off, drops down, and does a leapfrog. Bart goes for a hip toss, however Billy twists out. The Smoking Gunns then double tag Owen Hart and Yokozuna. They need to now struggle one another! Jim Cornette is irate.
Yokozuna and Owen Hart are flipping out. Referee Earl Hebner threatens to throw a flag for delay of sport. Hart hits the ropes and geese two photographs from Yokozuna earlier than sliding by way of his legs. Yokozuna then shoulder tackles Hart down. Hart pops up and rapidly tags in Savio Vega. Vega punches away at Yokozuna. Yokozuna reverses a whip. Vega geese a again elbow, however Yokozuna catches him with a shoulder deal with. Vega avoids an elbow drop, however Yokozuna rapidly fires again with a scoop slam. The 1-2-3 Child tags in. The referee stops Razor Ramon from coming in. Vega grabs Child, however Child holds the ropes. Vega geese a spin kick and clotheslines him down for a two-count. Vega catches him with a wheel kick for a two-count. Child tags Hart in. Vega hits Hart with a hip toss and a pair of clotheslines. Hart rapidly pops up and hits a spinning heel kick for a two-count. Vega rapidly tags his companion Ramon in.
Jerry Lawler is interviewing the Uncooked Bowl Queen, who says this match is wild. Ramon wrenches Hart’s arm, however Hart twists out and applies a aspect headlock. Ramon whips him off and punches him down. Hart tags Bart Gunn in. Ramon hooks a aspect headlock, however Bart shoves him off. Ramon shoulder tackles him for a two-count. Vega tags in and wrenches Bart’s arm earlier than tagging Sid in. Sid is available in and factors on the crowd. Sid goes after Bart, however Bart sidesteps him. Sid rakes the eyes and kicks him within the midsection earlier than choking him on the highest rope. Sid golf equipment the again and sends him into the ropes. Bart geese a clothesline and hits a clothesline for a two-count. Bart hits Sid with a delayed vertical suplex for a two-count. Sid avoids an elbow drop and kicks Bart again. Vega tags in off Bart. Sid indicators for a check of energy earlier than attacking Vega with punches. Vega fights again and goes for a scoop slam, however he falls again below Sid’s weight. Sid picks up a two-count. Sid tags Hart in. Hart takes it to Vega and takes him down with an enzuigiri for a two-count. Yokozuna tags in, and he chops Vega’s chest.
-Industrial Break-
Again from the break, Yokozuna is thrashing on Vega earlier than Hart tags again in. Hart goes for a Sharpshooter, however Vega kicks him away. Hart tags Child in. Child kicks Vega and sends him into the ropes for a spinning again kick. Yokozuna tags in and assaults Vega’s ribs.
We see a video of Brother Love nonetheless speaking within the locker room together with his eyes closed. Child sends Vega to the nook and fees, however Vega strikes. Sid rapidly tags in and stomps Vega. Sid tags Child in and holds Vega up for Child to kick him. Child hits Vega with a scoop slam earlier than making an attempt an elbow drop, however Vega strikes.
Ramon tags in and squares off towards his main rival, the 1-2-3 Child. Ramon catches him and hits a fallaway slam earlier than signaling for the top. Child requires a timeout, which the referee grants him. Ramon disregards the timeout and hits Child with a Razor’s Edge. Ted DiBiase will get on the apron, so the referee throws a flag. Sid runs in and assaults Ramon from behind earlier than placing Child on prime of him. The referee counts the pin to get rid of Ramon and Vega.
WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon and Savio Vega have been eradicated from the Uncooked Bowl.
-Industrial Break-
Again from the break, Jerry “The King” Lawler reveals highlights on the telestrator from what simply occurred, which noticed Ramon and Vega get eradicated.
Again to stay motion, The 1-2-3 Child is taking it to Bart Gunn. Sid tags in and wrenches the arm earlier than tagging Hart in. Hart golf equipment Bart down earlier than bouncing him within the nook. Hart hits some shoulder thrusts earlier than hitting a vertical suplex for a two-count. Hart sends Bart into the ropes, drops down, and hits a kitchen sink knee to the midsection. Hart stomps the midsection and pulls him to his ft. Bart comes again with a roll-up for a two-count. Hart headbutts Bart down and hits a scoop slam. Hart heads to the highest rope and dives for a splash, however Bart strikes.
Billy tags in and punches Hart earlier than attacking Sid and Yokozuna. Bart takes it to everybody, together with punching Jim Cornette off the apron. Billy hits the ropes, however Child kicks him behind the pinnacle. Hart hits Billy with a neckbreaker and tags Yokozuna in. Yokozuna goes to the second rope. Bart yanks Billy away, knocking Hart down. Yokozuna by chance hits Hart with the Banzai Drop! Bart dropkicks Yokozuna out of the ring as Billy covers. Yokozuna requires a timeout, however the referee doesn’t see it. 1… 2… 3.
Yokozuna and Owen Hart have been eradicated from the Uncooked Bowl.
Sid runs in and stomps away at Billy. Sid pulls Billy up and punches him down. Sid stomps him towards the ropes. The referee blows the whistle and backs him up. Child stomps Billy because the referee offers with Sid. Bart runs in, so the referee stops him. Sid and Child ship Billy to the nook. Child hits a operating dropkick, and Sid turns Billy inside out with a clothesline for a two-count. Sid applies a rear chin lock, however Billy elbows out and hits the ropes. Billy geese a clothesline, however he can’t keep away from the massive boot. Sid hits the ropes and drops a leg for a close to fall. Sid pulls Billy up and goes for a scoop slam, however Billy counters with an inside cradle for a two-count. Sid stops Billy from making a tag and punches him. Billy blocks a punch and fires again with some proper palms. Sid reverses a whip, however Billy geese a clothesline. Sid grabs Billy by the throat and hits a chokeslam earlier than posing.
Sid massive boots Bart off the apron earlier than holding Billy up. The referee stops Bart from getting in. Child goes to the highest rope, however Razor Ramon runs down and pushes him off the ropes into Sid. Billy rolls Sid up. Bart pulls Child out of the ring. 1… 2… 3.
Winners by Pinfall: The Smoking Gunns
The Smoking Gunns have gained the 1996 Uncooked Bowl! Ted DiBiase will get within the ring and furiously stomps round. The 1-2-3 Child is livid.
Mike’s Ideas: Properly, you gotta give them credit score for making an attempt one thing completely different. They have been on the backside of the barrel creatively popping out of 1995 (this was additionally taped on the finish of 1995) and needed to strive a goofy little crossover between wrestling and soccer. Did it work? I’d emphatically say no, it didn’t, however they have been making an attempt. This simply went too lengthy, didn’t have a lot thrilling motion, had a couple of too many guidelines, and WAY too many campy soccer references from Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler. This didn’t damage anybody, nevertheless it didn’t precisely assist anybody, both.
Vince McMahon declares that Shawn Michaels may have a press convention subsequent Monday. Jerry Lawler says it gained’t be a cheerful New Yr for HBK followers as a result of he’ll announce his retirement.
Wrigley’s Uncooked Bowl Halftime Report
This report is dropped at you by Wrigley’s Winterfresh bubblegum. Dok Hendrix says this gained’t be a meaningless, boring halftime present like it’s important to endure on NFL broadcasts. It’ll final two minutes. Nonetheless to return, Diesel will battle King Mabel.
“Jumbo” Ross is exterior of Diesel’s locker room. Ross couldn’t get Diesel, however he did say that he was informed Diesel would “kick the king’s can.”
Again to “Dandy” Hendrix, he wonders which king’s can Diesel is speaking about. The Royal Rumble is approaching January 21. For the WWF Championship, Bret “Hitman” Hart will defend towards The Undertaker. We’ll additionally see Ahmed Johnson tackle Jeff Jarrett. Hendrix then explains the principles of the Royal Rumble.
Mike’s Ideas: About the one factor good about this phase was that it jogged my memory how a lot I liked Winterfresh bubblegum.
Replay: The Arkansas Hog Pen Match from WWF In Your Home 5. Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Henry O. Godwinn however quickly suffered the ignominy of being thrown into the pig slop.
Subsequent week on Uncooked, they’ll present the complete Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog match from WWF In Your Home. We’ll additionally see Hakushi tackle “Double J” Jeff Jarrett.
King Mabel is carried all the way down to the ring on a throne held up by stagehands. One in all them is future wrestling legend Jeff Hardy. Mabel will face Diesel subsequent.
-Industrial Break-
Locker Room Section
Brother Love continues to be speaking within the locker room together with his eyes closed, apparently not realizing that nobody is there.
The Uncooked Bowl Queen says she wants a king for the brand new yr. Jerry Lawler is worked up.
King Mabel w/ Sir Mo vs. “Large Daddy Cool” Diesel
Referee: Mike Chioda
Diesel assaults Mabel from behind. The referee requires the bell to begin the match. Diesel sends Mabel into the ropes and hits an enormous boot. 1… 2… 3! Diesel has defeated King Mabel in 9 seconds!
Winner by Pinfall: Diesel
Diesel pulls Sir Mo into the ring the exhausting approach and hits him with a Jackknife Powerbomb. Diesel stands tall within the ring and throws his ring vest on the referee earlier than posing as fireworks go off. Diesel shouts, “I need my belt again!”
Jerry “The King” Lawler will get up from commentary and desires to interview Diesel. Diesel goes over to him earlier than taking the Uncooked Bowl Queen and strolling off. Lawler is livid.
Mike’s Ideas: Properly, aside from one remaining Royal Rumble look and a one-off look on a Uncooked present in 1998, that is the top of King Mabel on WWF tv. He’d additionally lose a Casket Match rematch to The Undertaker on an episode of WWF Superstars. This nine-second loss to Diesel was nothing in need of a complete burial. Keep in mind, this was the primary occasion of SummerSlam.
It is a fairly spectacular fall from grace for the man who gained the 1995 King of the Ring event only a few months again. He had already developed a status as one thing of an unsafe employee, however after hurting Diesel at SummerSlam and cracking the Undertaker’s orbital socket at a home present in October, that each one however sealed his destiny. Plus, perhaps WWF realized they weren’t going to show the nook with WCW on their heel by pushing a man like this as the highest heel. We’ll see him again on these recaps extra persistently a couple of years from now because the mighty Viscera, an outstanding identify.
Moments like this additionally present how determined the WWF was turning into. They wanted credibility on the prime, and so they couldn’t threat their major occasion scene being anchored by somebody they now not trusted. For now, Mabel shall be heading on to WWC in Puerto Rico to feud with the legendary Carlos Colon.
Locker Room Section
The Smoking Gunns are celebrating with Ahmed Johnson, Hakushi, Marty Jannetty, and Savio Vega. The Brooklyn Brawler walks in and desires to interrupt up the celebration. He presents to them the “Lombardi Trophy,” a trophy together with his face on it. His identify is admittedly Steve Lombardi. The Smoking Gunns destroy the trophy, and everybody assaults the Brawler. They then dump a bathtub of Lipton Brisk Iced Tea on him.
We’ll have an announcement for the Royal Rumble subsequent. We’ll additionally have a look at “Billionaire Ted’s Wrasslin’ Struggle Room.”
-Industrial Break-
Introduced for the Royal Rumble to this point are Diesel, Owen Hart, the British Bulldog, Dory Funk, Jr., Savio Vega, King Mabel, Bam Bam Bigelow, Barry Horowitz, Yokozuna, and Tatanka.
Video: Vader will make his WWF debut within the Royal Rumble match. It’s Vader Time!
Mike’s Ideas: That is truly a reasonably nice get for the WWF. Vader was floating round after being fired from WCW following the gorgeous legendary locker room brawl towards Paul Orndorff. He most likely might have ridden out the remainder of his profession in Japan (and by the top of this run, perhaps he ought to have), however Vince McMahon was in a position to make this deal. His preliminary try at an enormous story was to get The Final Warrior to return in for the Royal Rumble, nevertheless it didn’t work out. We’ll speak extra about Vader’s run within the weeks to return as a result of it began off so proper, nevertheless it’ll finish oh-so-wrong.
Subsequent week on Uncooked, Hakushi will tackle Jeff Jarrett. We’ll additionally see Shawn Michaels’ press convention. They’ll additionally present the Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog WWF Championship match in full.
Billionaire Ted’s Wrasslin’ Struggle Room
A satirical portrayal of a fictional WCW Struggle Room is proven. They by no means point out WCW by identify. Billionaire Ted (Ted Turner) desires them to tug out all of the stops. A nerdy TV government says they’ve some strategies. A video of Razor Ramon hitting the Razor’s Edge is proven. Vince Russo makes an look and asks The Huckster (Hulk Hogan) if he might try this. Huckster says, “No approach, brother.”
The Nacho Man (Randy Savage) is requested if he might do Ahmed Johnson’s Pearl River Plunge. Savage shouts, “By no means!” They present him the Jackknife Powerbomb, however The Nacho Man is incapable of doing that as effectively. Billionaire Ted asks what they’ll do. The Huckster and The Nacho Man begin doing their trademark poses.
A voiceover says, “You may’t train outdated canines new tips. The New WWF Era: on prime of the hill, not over it.”
Mike’s Ideas: Is it sacrilege to say I truly thought this phase was sort of humorous? That is goofy, low-brow, and utterly embarrassing to the WWF within the context of its time, however now it’s fairly humorous that they actually thought one thing like this could be useful. How they may assume that’s past me, however they did. It’ll worsen within the coming weeks and actually upset some folks in Atlanta, nevertheless it begins off innocuously sufficient with some goofy camp.
Fast Match Outcomes
— WWF Tag Group Champions The Smoking Gunns (Billy Gunn and Bart Gunn) def. WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon and Savio Vega, Yokozuna and Owen Hart, and The 1-2-3 Child and Sycho Sid to win the 1996 Uncooked Bowl Tag Group Battle Royal— “Large Daddy Cool” Diesel def. King Mabel
Mike’s Wrap-Up: What We Realized from Uncooked
If nothing else, the 1996 Uncooked Bowl (the first-ever… and only-ever) proves that the WWF was prepared to strive something because it limped out of 1995 and right into a brand-new yr. This present was peak mid-90s WWF camp: soccer puns out the wazoo, foolish guidelines, goofy skits, and commentary that leaned so exhausting into the joke that it stopped being humorous nearly instantaneously. The match itself went approach too lengthy and didn’t actually elevate anybody, nevertheless it additionally didn’t do lasting injury. Properly, Sid and the 1-2-3 Child preserve dropping regardless of being teased for a Tag Title match, however no matter. It was a gimmick, nothing extra, nothing much less.
Talking of Sid, this would be the final present we see him on till July. He claims he had a neck damage round this time and took off for a couple of months, so the Sid and Child tag group is over.
The rather more necessary story was every part else across the soccer stuff. Diesel continued to redefine his character, going again to fundamentals, and obliterating what was left of King Mabel’s credibility in 9 seconds. Diesel seems like a man who’s reasserting himself on the prime, rather more targeted and fewer of a stiff, company shell. We bought hype for Vader’s debut, the Royal Rumble card started to take form, and subsequent week guarantees one thing massive: Shawn Michaels’ press convention about his profession. In different phrases, the long run feels prefer it would possibly matter once more.
Subsequent week, we’ll additionally see the WWF debut of probably the most influential wrestler of the Monday Night time Struggle. This man will carry the corporate by way of its hottest and thrilling instances, however he will get off to a reasonably inauspicious begin. Who’s it? Test it out subsequent week… or Google it.
This present wasn’t good within the conventional sense, nevertheless it was fascinating in a approach that a whole lot of the WWF TV in late 1995 simply wasn’t. If Uncooked Bowl was the goofy, awkward get together hat, then every part else tonight hinted that perhaps, simply perhaps, 1996 is the place the WWF begins to develop up.
So, was the Uncooked Bowl sufficient of a draw to crack WCW’s two-week profitable streak?
WWF Uncooked (USA Community, taped): 2.6 (Report: 7-7-2)WCW Nitro (TNT, stay): 2.5 (Report: 7-7-2)
Winner: WWF Uncooked
Sure, it was! I’m stunned they didn’t do a Uncooked Bowl event, on condition that that they had a reasonably profitable present within the rankings. Thank God practically the complete month of January was taped in December, so that they couldn’t do it in the event that they needed to.
Electronic mail – mike@wrestleview.comX – @MikeTedescoWV
Uncooked two weeks in the past | Final week’s Nitro
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