World Wrestling Federation: It's SHOWTIME

The ScapeDubb · Apr 4, 2024

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WWF's Stars & Stripes Challenge
July 4, 1993
The U.S.S. Intrepid

Independence Day.
1993.

The largest competitor in World Wrestling Federation, Yokozuna, stood seemingly victorious along side his manager Mr. Fuji. The challenge had been issued - could any American show up and do the damn near impossible - bodyslam the nearly 600 pound Sumo Wrestler?

Many had shown up - both WWF superstar and pro athletes alike. Among them: Peter Taglianetti of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Scott Burell of the Charlotte Hornets, Keith Sims of the Miami Dolphins, Gary Baldinger of the Buffalo Bills, Bill Frallic of the Detroit Lions, Bob Backlund, Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner and Crush. The penultimate competitor, the Hawaiian Crush, actually got Yokozuna's legs off the mat but it was all for naught.

It had appeared that WWF had one last chance on the back of former WWF Champion, "The Macho Man" Randy Savage. Savage, dressed in his Independence Day best - an outfit only The Macho Man could pull off - decked in red, white and blue stars and stripes both across his pants and long sleeved shirt, decked with red and white streamers coming off his arm, capped off with his red, white, and blue Macho Man hat.

A face off between "Macho USA" and Yokozuna ended with Yoko shoving the Macho Man back to the mat. An infuriated Savage popped back up to his feet and immediately went in for the scoop...but Yokozuna barely budged!

An upset and embarrassed Savage tossed away his hat in frustration and it seemed like the day had been lost. It appeared that, in fact, Yokozuna had humiliated America.

Mr. Fuji triumphantly waved the flag of Japan, taunting the fans in attendance aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. Todd Pettingale seemed ready to admit defeat as he thanked the competitors and fans for coming out...

But then...something else happened aboard the Intrepid.

"Something happened on America's birthday," Vince McMahon said with his emphatic growl.

"ONE MORE COMPETITOR WOULD ARRIVE"

One more competitor would step forward, arriving aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid by way of a chartered helicopter. One more competitor would step forward and attempt to save what "had indeed been an embarrassment for America."

Yokozuna and Mr. Fuji stood in he ring, staring as the helicopter made its landing. Wondering along with the fans in attendance and the rest of the world of just who, in Vince McMahon's words, had the "gall" and "audacity" to step forward at the very last possible moment.

A sea of people swarmed around the helicopter...the camera zoomed in to try and get a look. Finally the crowd parted and Yokozuna, Mr. Fuji, and the world would meet the hero stepping forward to redeem America.

This is...

WWF in 1993 - It's SHOWTIME

The ScapeDubb · Apr 4, 2024

Those from WrestlingClique may recognize this as it was my main BTB during that time period and I'm looking to bring it back. I don't plan on doing a full repost, but more recaps/highlights with some full shows thrown in (mainly PPVs).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue: Something Happened Aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid

Chapter 1: Three Months Earlier

[Road to King of the Ring]
-A Disputed Championship-
-An Indecent Proposal-
-Everybody Has A Price-
-Not Just Smoke & Mirrors-
-The Royal Competitors-
-The 1993 King of the Ring-

RDT · Apr 4, 2024

The BTB that inspired me to get back into BTB writing! I'm super excited for this to be back!

BattleTank · Apr 5, 2024

Ohh man I can’t wait for this. Might have to dust off some old graphics for you haha. I’m ready for the nostalgia!

The ScapeDubb · Apr 5, 2024

Three Months Earlier

Yeah, I know what you're thinkin' - I reeled you, built up the reveal and now we're getting a flashback?

Yep. We are. Because our story doesn't begin at The Stars and Stripes Challenge. Oh no, to properly tell this story we need to start at Wrestlemania IX.

That's right, the WrestleMania that regularly somewhere on the "Top 5 Worst" lists anytime someone wants to make one of those things.

But for our story, we're not messing with it. We're leaving this baby as is and working with it. So yes, that means Yokozuna still goes over Bret Hart for the WWF Championship only to immediately lose it to everyone's favorite red and yellow savior, Hulk Hogan seconds later. Yep...that still happened, baby.

And yes, Giant Gonzalez is still a thing. For now anyway.

On the plus side, it means that 2 Doinks is also still a thing.

Well without further a due, let's look back at perhaps the worst WrestleMania of all time.

WrestleMania IX
April 4, 1993
Caesars Palace - Las Vegas, NV

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match: Tatanka (w/Sensational Sherri) def. Shawn Michaels (c) (w/Luna Vachon) by countout

Built up to this one was that Tatanka was in the midst of an undefeated streak and had pinned the champion Michaels twice during the leadup to WrestleMania, once in a non-title match and another time in a six-man tag match. Meanwhile, Michaels' former manager Sherri had taken to Tatanka's corner after Michaels used her as protection when Marty Jannetty tried to hit him with his own mirror causing her to leave him at the Royal Rumble.

Tatanka would go on to pick up the win but by countout, so unfortunately for him it means that while he remains undefeated - Michaels remains champion. Post match, Luna viciously attacked Sherri both in the ring and backstage after Tatanka had helped her to the back.

The Steiner Brothers def. The Headshrinkers

A match with little to no build as the Steiners probably should've been challenging for the tag titles, but we'll get to that in a bit. Instead they get this match with the Headhrinkers. Still a relatively competitve match with the Steiners looking impressive in the ring. It was a Scott Steiner Frankensteiner to Samu that won the match for the Michigan born brothers.

Doink the Clown def. Crush

Unfortunately for BattleTank, Crush spent the real 1993 losing to Doink the Clown, not winning the Intercontinental Title. Doink and Crush had been feuding since January when Crush confronted the evil clown for his dastardly act of htorwing a ball at a child in the audience. Doink would feign injury following Crush grabbing him by the arm - to the point where Doink actually beat Crush with a prosthetic arm and actually kept him from competing in the Royal Rumble. Doink would continue to prank Crush in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania once he had returned.

For the most part, this match was all Crush and it seemed like he was on his way to victory, locking in the Cranium Crunch to Doink but unfortunately for the Hawiaaian, Doink was able to make it to the ropes to break the hold and then took out the referee. With the referee down, a second Doink showed up and attacked Crush with a prosthetic arm allowing Doink to pick up the win.

Razor Ramon def. Bob Backlund

Razor Ramon continued to showcase why he was one of the top up and coming stars of WWF - unfortunately after feuding with two of the top stars in WWF in Bret Hart and Randy Savage, but instead of getting a high profile Mania match - he was put in this filler match with no build to it with the legendary Backlund. At least Ramon looked strong here as he would win the match in less than 4 minutes.

WWF Tag Team Championship Match: Money Inc. (Irwin R. Schyster and Ted DiBiase) (c) defeated The Mega-Maniacs (Brutus Beefcake and Hulk Hogan) (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualification

In 1990, Brutus Beefcake was put out of action for 3 years due to a parasailing accident that forced him into reconstructive surgery on his face. He returned in February of 1993 in a match against Ted DiBiase which ended with both members of Money Inc. attacking him and IRS nailing Beefcake in his reconstructed face with a briefcase. Money Inc's manager, Jimmy Hart, actually wanted to "do the right thing" and tried to stop the attack but ended up being hit with the briefcase as well. Jimmy Hart began to manage Beefcake and soon a returning Hulk Hogan would return to help his friend and challenge Money Inc to this match for the titles.

During the actual match, Beerfcake wore a protective titanium facemask. Hogan and Beefcake dominated most of the match until Money Inc got themselves counted out only to have referee Earl Hebner threaten to strip them of the titles if they didn't continue the match. Money Inc was able to finally take control after removing Beefcake's facemask though Beefcake would battle back to lock in his sleeper only for a referee bump to prevent the match from ending. Hogan would take Beefcake's mask and knock out both DiBiase and IRS with it before going for the pin - but there was no referee. For some reason, Jimmy Hart's jacket was reversible into a referee jacket and he made the three count and declared the Mega-Maniacs the champions. This was, of course, in no way legal so referee Danny Davis came out and reversed the decision, disqualifying Hogan for using the facemask as a weapon. Overbooking at it's finest.

Lex Luger def. Mr. Perfect

Back in 1992, Mr. Perfect was managed by Bobby Heenan along with Ric Flair. But eventually Perfect would turn on Flair and Heenan when he joined the opposing side of a Survivor Series tag team match. The Flair/Perfect feud was unfortunately cut short when Flair left WWF to return to WCW. This is when Lex Luger made his official WWF debut at Royal Rumble 1993 as Heenan's latest client and picked up the feud in Flair's place.

Possibly one of the better matches on the show, Perfect and Luger had a solid back and forth match with Perfect focusing on Luger's knee while Luger worked on Perfect's back. Unfortunately for Perfect, he would come up on the losing end after Luger scored a pin using the ropes as an advantage. Post-match, Luger attacked Perfect while he was arguing with the referee - knocking Perfect out cold with a forearm shot leading to much speculation about a possible loaded elbowpad...

After recovering, Mr. Perfect had a confrontation backstage with Shawn Michaels that lead to Michaels attacking Perfect with a trash can.

The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) def. Giant Gonzalez (w/Harvey Wippleman) by disqualification

Undertaker had been in a long feud with manager Harvey Wippleman. Undertaker had defeated Wippleman's client Kamala at Summerslam of 1993 and then againt at Survivor Series in a Coffin match. Wippleman vowed revenge which lead to him introducing Gonzalez at Royal Rumble 1993, attacking and eliminating The Undertaker from the Rumble match.

This one...wasn't pretty and that's probably an understatement. Gonzalez could barely move in the ring and clearly had no business being out there much less at the grandest stage. After 7 and a half dreadful minutes, this one would mercifully end with Gonzalez using a chlorform rag to knock out The Undertaker but also get disqualified - which only meant this wasn't over.

WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match: Yokozuna (w/Mr. Fuji) def. Bret Hart (c)

Yokozuna debuted in 1992 and had been absolutely unstoppable and showed his dominance in the Royal Rumble by winning the first Rumble match that gauranteed the winner a title shot at WrestleMania. Along the way, Yokozuna showed how vicious he could be by performing 4 Bonzai Drops to "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and putting him on the shelf for two months. Meanwhile, Bret Hart had been a fan favorite, fighting champion since picking up the title back in October of '92.

Bret worked his ass off to try and make this a decent match but the crowd was certainly invested (though chanting U-S-A in support of the Canadian Bret Hart is certainly a choice). Yokozuna overpowered Bret for a good portion of the 9 minute match, but Hart fought his way back - eventually taking advantage of an exposed turnbuckle to take the big man down and lock in the Sharpshooter. Unfortunately Mr. Fuji used his Fuji Dust to blind Hart and allow Yokozuna to get the pin and win the title.

After the match, our beloved hero Hulk Hogan arrived to plea with the referee about Mr. Fuji's cheating. Hogan, who had foreshadowed this moment in a pre-Main Event interview by saying he wanted the first title shot at whoever won, was then challenged by Mr. Fuji on behalf of new champ Yokozuna. The crowd ate it up and Hogan accepted...uh oh...

WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match: Hulk Hogan def. Yokozuna (w/Mr. Fuji)

In a mere 21 seconds, Hogan would be World Champion once again. Yoko had grabbed Hogan from the bell as Mr. Fuji went to toss the Fuji Dust, only for Hogan to duck and it got in Yokozuna's eyes instead. Clothesline to Yokozuna took him down and the Legdrop of Doom was enough to end Yokozuna's reign of terror as WWF Champ.

Mach · Apr 5, 2024

I remember this project from back in the day on WC and super excited to see it back and honestly Sting would’ve been the perfect face of the company for the WWF in 93 - Vince really signed the wrong half of the Luger/Sting tag team if you ask me. You’re keeping Mania 9 the same which is fair enough interesting to see the next steps.

The ScapeDubb · Apr 8, 2024

:::A Disputed Championship:::

WrestleMania IX saw not one but TWO title changes for the WWF World Championship as first, Royal Rumble winner Yokozuna picked up a very tainted win over champion Bret Hart thanks to Mr. Fuji's Fujidust. But moments later, Hulk Hogan would show up and was challenged by Fuji, which Hogan gladly accepted and promptly defeated Yokozuna in six seconds after Fuji's Fujidust went awry.

Much of the discussion on Raw and Superstars of Wrestling this week centered around the status of the WWF Championship following WrestleMania IX (well that and why you should order the replays, as well).

On Raw, Mr. Fuji and Yokozuna appeared for an interview with Gene Okerlund, clearly not satisfied with the outcome of WrestleMania.

And sure enough, we would get the news - but would it be the news that Mr. Fuji and Yokozuna were hoping to hear? We found out during the WWF Update on Superstars of Wrestling.

Despite being granted rematch at King of the Ring, Yokozuna was still not pleased to have been embarrassed by Hulk Hogan and he went on a war path in the lead up to King of the Ring. One such victim was jobber Scott Taylor who during a match on Raw was victim of not one, not two, but three Bonzai Drops.

One roadblock on Yokozuna’s Road to King of the Ring came in the form of a returning “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. A man that was put on the shelf months earlier by Yokozuna. With retribution on his mind and heart, Duggan jumped on the opportunity to face Yokozuna again when Mr. Fuji issued a challenge to anyone bold enough to take on his Sumo Superstar. Duggan went even bolder by suggesting that Fuji and Yokozuna even pick the stipulations for the match.

Would that end up being a mistake? Mr. Fuji and Yokozuna threw down the gauntlet by making it a Bodyslam Match.

Meaning the winner of the match will be the first to bodyslam his opponent. According to Mr. Fuji, Yokozuna clocks in at 560 pounds...so bodyslamming him is no easy feet. In fact, it's Herculean!

Sure, Duggan had a warm up match against Kamala where he was able to get the 300 pounder off the mat for a slam, but there's a big difference between even Kamal and Yokozuna.

To this point in his WWF career that started in late 1992, no one has come close to slamming Yokozuna to the mat.

Jim Duggan had hoped to be the first

For Jim Duggan it was not the end of this war with Yokozuna he was hoping for, but at least this time he wouldn't leave on a stretcher as he did in his first meeting with Yokozuna. Meanwhile, with Jim Duggan now in the rear view mirror, Yokozuna had his focus completely on winning back the WWF Championship from Hulk Hogan at King of the Ring.

With just one more week leading up to the event, it was now Brutus Beefcake who had become the target of Yokozuna. While the WWF Champion Hulk Hogan had been off filming a TV movie that was now in discussions to become a TV series (Thunder in Paradise), he hadn’t actually appeared in front of a WWF audience since WrestleMania. The match had primarily been built through on location interviews with Hogan and Jimmy Hart, much like this one..

But on the Memorial Day edition of Raw, it was revealed Hulk Hogan would be on hand for Raw so that he could be in the corner of his old pal Brutus Beefcake when he challenged Yokozuna, less than one week before Hogan would defend the title!

Needless to say, this was heavily promoted on WWF television this week and most of Raw was spent discussing how later that night we would get to see Hulk Hogan!

The two opponents for King of the Ring finally stood face to face on the Raw before the PPV - we wouldn't get to see them go at it that night but it at least gave us a bit of a taste of what was to come this Sunday on Pay-Per-View. Would Hulk Hogan be able to pin Yokozuna once again, this time in a match Yokozuna has had time to prepare for? Or will Yokozuna defeat Hulkamania and walk out as a TWO TIME WWF Champion?

STILL TO COME...

Chapter 1: 3 Months Earlier

[Road to King of the Ring]
-A Disputed Championship-
-An Indecent Proposal-
-Everybody Has A Price-
-Not Just Smoke & Mirrors-
-The Royal Competitors-
-The 1993 King of the Ring-

The ScapeDubb · Apr 16, 2024

:::AN INDECENT PROPOSAL:::

At WrestleMania IX, Shawn Michaels defended the Intercontinental Championship against the undefeated Tatanka. Tatanka would win the match, remain undefeated, but still would not be champion - because Micahels ended up losing by countout. While Tatanka would still be in the title picture for now, he wasn't the only one gunning for Shawn's title.

Mr. Perfect had set his sights on becoming a three-time Intercontinental Champion after Michaels attacked him backstage at WrestleMania.

But in the midst of things starting to heat up between the two, Shawn Michaels would decide to interrupt one fan’s special moment on WWF Raw…

We seemed to be heading towards a collision between Perfect, however, things would take a bit of a turn on the May 17th episode of Raw.

Starting out the show on Raw, we immediately cut in on the parking lot to find Mr. Perfect lying, beaten on the hood of a Black Cadillac. While we don't get to see what happened, he was truly in bad shape. The cameras panned around to reveal the license plate of the car was a vanity plate reading "HBK."

Now clearly, that pointed the finger at one man, but as the show got under way - Vince McMahon revealed on commentary that Michaels had already been questioned by WWF Security and he was adamant that he had nothing to do with this but Vince was clearly skeptical. But he'd get the chance to ask some questions himself when Michaels joined him in the ring.

After a commercial break, Vince McMahon had returned to the booth and confirmed that the match was indeed on for later that night, despite Shawn Michaels arguing extensively backstage. But the "verbal contract" precedent had been set a few weeks ago by President Jack Tunney when he declared the Yokozuna/Hogan match at WrestleMania binding

For Jannetty, this was the chance of a lifetime and an opportunity at retribution.

Marty had been feuding with his former partner to start the year, but actually ended up being released by the WWF due to some allegations of being intoxicated at the Royal Rumble. Ironically, it was his friend Mr. Perfect who got Marty Jannetty a second chance. Granted none of this was talked about on air, but there would be a storyline connection between the now named fan, Chris Candido, and Jannetty - but that's more story to come.

While WWF would use this momentum for weeks and months to come as an illustration of how ANYTHING can happen in the WWF, it was a moment in his career Shawn Michaels would no doubt want to quickly forget as it had to be far be a low point for him. But, after embarrassing Candido two weeks ago in front of his girlfriend and the world watching at home - on that night, Michaels got to experience embarrassment of his own.

An embarrassment that he wouldn't soon live down, as we would find out in the coming weeks.

The following week, the hype centered around the debut of The King's Court interview segment hosted by Jerry "The King" Lawler and his first guest would be none other than the NEW Intercontinental Champion, Marty Jannetty.

And with that, the stage would be set for the rematch at King of the Ring. Two out of Three Falls to determine the Intercontinental Championship.

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STILL TO COME...

Chapter 1: 3 Months Earlier

[Road to King of the Ring]
-A Disputed Championship-
-An Indecent Proposal-
-Everybody Has A Price-
-Not Just Smoke & Mirrors-
-The Royal Competitors-
-The 1993 King of the Ring-

KingBoggs23 · Apr 17, 2024

How did I miss this? This was one of my favorite BTBs back in the WC days. I can't wait to see this story continue.

DTP · Thursday at 6:20 AM

As someone who missed this the first time around, I'm interested in following along with this. I do really enjoy the formatting, considering that the television product at this time had very little to be desired (speaking as someone who has endured the rigors of watching RAW from day one in the past twelve months).

It was clearly an experimental time for the company, hoping to get out of the rut left over from the steroid scandal in previous years. The use of chapters to outline the key angles and storylines is a really great way to build to pay-per-views, and this works. There are a few projects that follow this format today, and I can understand why. That said, the television enthusiast in me remains resistant on a personal basis, but I totally get why it is done in progressing stories and through shows in a faster, more timely manner.

The speculation about the rightful WWF Champion made for a fun storyline. There was a lot of that in 1993, between this ongoing controversy and the 1994 Royal Rumble drama. I suppose that is how they were able to lengthen storylines out across the Big Five pay-per-views each year. Brutus Beefcake being a staple of Yokozuna's demolition just made sense, coming after Hulk Hogan's unjust win at WrestleMania IX. I want to say that Hogan retaining makes for the best course of action. Perhaps we'll be seeing that dream match of he and Bret Hart after all...

Shawn Michaels was still in the building blocks period of his career here, and I got a big kick out of the proposal angle being adapted from a real life segment on an early RAW. I suspect this is an origin story for little Chris and Tammy...wonder what they ever went on to do. Mr. Perfect was the right story to go with after their angle the night after WrestleMania IX, which I am glad you stuck with. Marty Jannetty practically had to be featured in the mix here, but I do have to question the idea of a two-out-of-three falls match between the former Rockers at King of the Ring. Hopefully this marks the end of the line for this feud, and perhaps the arrival of a certain Diesel?

The ScapeDubb · 2024-05-07T13:43:15-0400

:::EVERYBODY HAS A PRICE:::

Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster had to count themselves lucky to have gone up against now WWF Champion Hulk Hogan alongside his good buddy Brutus Beefcake at WrestleMania IX and been able to still walk out as the WWF Tag Team Champions. Granted, it was only because of disqualification after Hogan used Beefcake's face shield against DiBiase and IRS - but the point is, they are still tag team champions. However, these champions certainly have a target on their back.

And the one team that has been targeting them hardest even before WrestleMania are the fan favorite Steiner Brothers. Coming off a victory at WrestleMania over The Headshrinkers, The Steiners clearly thought that they deserved the next shot at the WWF Tag Team Titles.

Knowing they were lucky to still be champions with The Steiner Brothers now giving chase, DiBiase and IRS turned to a familiar tactic... money.

The first attempt was a bribe of The Beverly Brothers, a team that just happened to be facing The Steiners on Superstars following WrestleMania. Blake Beverly would stop a German Suplex attempt from Rick Steiner by slamming that steel briefcase across Rick's back, drawing a disqualification. Scott's attempt to save his brother quickly gave in to the numbers and a briefcase across the head from Blake as well. It seemed like money well spent for DiBiase to put the Steiner Brothers on the shelf.

But DiBiase wasn't done with insurance policies to keep their tag titles safe. He had another contingency plan in mind to make sure they kept those tag belts as the prepared for a non title match against The Bushwhackers on Raw.

Backstage, Gene Okerlund was standing by with the tag champs, Money Inc, but alongside them was a beefy looking African American decked out in a white dress shirt, suspenders, and dark sunglasses.

Gene Okerlund:
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, I suppose two of these men I'm standing with need no introduction as they are the Tag Team Champions of the World - but DiBiase, who in the Heck is this?

Ted DiBiase:
Ha, Ha, Ha! Gene, right now Money Inc. has a big ole target on our back - The Steiner Brothers think they deserve a title shot but there's countless other teams in this locker room that would love nothing more than to get their hands on either my money or my titles. And we can't have that - now can we?

Gene Okerlund:
Well, I'm not so sure about that but it really didn't answer my question!

Ted DiBiase:
It's quite simple, Gene! I need to put every contingency plan in place that I can to make sure that we keep these belts! It's lucky for me and IRS that what I've always said is SO TRUE - Everybody REALLY DOES have a price! I showed it last week when I paid off those little country club geeks The Beverly Brothers to do our dirty work for us! Now we may never have to see The Steiner Brothers again!

Gene Okerlund:
If you think that is going to keep The Steiner Brothers down, you have another thing comin'! But again, you have not answered my question!

Ted DiBiase:
Well, the Beverly Brothers worked for last week but I figured Money Inc needed a more long term solution. So allow me to introduce to you our "Problem Solver" if you will, Mr. Hughes! Mr. Hughes is being paid good money to solve any and every problem that Money Inc. may encounter. And tonight our problem is couple of goofs called the Bushwhackers and I have a feeling you'll see that Mr. Hughes' talents were money well spent! Ha! Ha! Ha!

DiBiase gave his new associate Mr. Hughes a pat on the shoulder while Hughes remained emotionless during the entire duration of the interview. Money Inc headed off screen as Okerlund kicked it back to Vince McMahon for the next match.

*****

The Bushwhackers vs. Money Inc. (w/Mr. Hughes)

After Luke and Butch comically marched their way down to the ring, DiBiase and IRS slowly made their way out and as promised, Mr. Hughes was right by their side and it was now Hughes garnishing a steel briefcase much like the one given to The Beverly Brothers last week. Before the match got underway, Luke and Butch began playing to the crowd, successfully charging them up only for DiBiase to attack Luke from behind to start the match.

DiBiase kept on the attack with some stomps and some axhandle smashes down onto Luke's back, but Luke battled back, hitting a knee to DiBiase's midsection and taking the tag champ down to the mat with a facebuster. Luke tagged in Butch and the Bushwhackers took charge of the match until IRS snuck in a knee to Butch as he bounced off the ropes, allowing DiBiase to charge in with a clothesline and make the tag to his partner. After a brief double team, the champs had regained control, cutting Butch off in their corner with some quick tags. IRS would eventually lock in Butch to an abdominal stretch, reaching back to grab DiBiase's hand from some extra leverage behind the referee's back!

Having enough of the champions' cheating ways, Luke jumped down off the apron and stomped over to the opposite side of the ring, pulling DiBiase down off the apron! Luke punched (or as Heenan called it, sucker punched) DiBiase, sending the Million Dollar Man down to the ground! The referee began to admonish Luke, ordering him back to his corner...and with his back turned, Mr. Hughes entered the ring and proceeded to lay out Butch with the steel briefcase!

Hughes left the ring as quickly as he entered as IRS went for the pin...When Luke tried to enter the ring to break up the count, it was Mr. Hughes once again intervening as he grabbed Luke's foot, preventing him from making the save as IRS picked up the three count and the win.

While the Bevery Brothers seemed ready to cash in their hefty payment from DiBiase, it would turn out that their attack two weeks prior was only a temporary setback for The Steiner Brothers. Because while the Beverly Brothers would be taking on The Headshrinkers - The Steiner Brothers would return and get their sweet payback on their attackers. Just as it looked like the Beverly Brothers might pull off an upset on the Samoans, the Steiners' music began to play, distracting both brothers allowing Fatu and Samu to take them both out with a double savate kicked followed by a double diving headbutt for the win.

After the match, just when everything seemed safe, the music hit again and this time Rick and Scott Steiner rushed down to the ring! Rick tackled Beau to the mat while Scott unloaded right and hands to Blake! Rick and Scott sent their respective Beverly Brother into the ropes for a pair of dueling Steinerlines! Rick went back to work pummeling Beau while Scott grabbed a recovering Blake - BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX from the Steiner brother to the Beverly Brother! Scott joined his brother and they each picked Beau up off his feet. Scott picked Beau up into a shoulder lift as Rick headed to the trop turnbuckle for a flying bulldog - STEINERIZER!

It was a small amount of retribution for The Steiner Brothers, but they still had their eyes toward the ultimate goal of the tag titles held by Money Inc.

The following week, The Steiner Brothers joined Vince McMahon in the ring for a special interview on Raw.

As Raw came back from commercials, Vince McMahon, was standing in the ring.

Vince McMahon:
Allow me to welcome to the ring at this time, without a doubt one of the most popular tag teams in the world and the team the people want to see getting a WWF Tag Team Championship shot - Rick and Scott - THE STEINER BROTHERS!

The crowd was on their feet as the "Michigan Fight Song" brought out Rick and Scott Steiner - both decked out in their University of Michigan gear. The fan favorites slapped hands with fans at ringside as they made their way out to join Vince in the ring.

Vince McMahon:
Now, Steiner Brothers, three weeks ago right here on Raw, we witnessed you both get attacked by The Beverly Brothers using that steel briefcase. Of course, we all know the reason for the attack as they were paid off by the WWF Tag Team Champions, Money Inc. But from my vantage point, it looks like, maybe, that wasn't money well spent by Ted DiBiase, after all - because you both look like you're doing okay!

Scott Steiner:
You're right about that, Vince! Ted DiBiase was willing to pay a pretty penny to try and keep me and my brother down and out. It's pretty obvious that Money Inc. wants nothing to do with The Steiner Brothers. All these people here in New York and around the world know that The Steiner Brothers shoulda been given a tag title shot A LONG TIME AGO, but DiBiase and IRS continue to duck us. But you know, Vince, there's only so much runnin' they can do before they run outta road. And I got a feelin' we're almost at that dead end!

Rick Steiner:
Beverly Brothers! You tried your best - but as the old sayin' goes - your BEST just wasn't good enough! You guys spent your life with a silver spoon in your mouths but you hafta be pretty dumb to think that you were gonna keep The Steiner Brothers down! And last week, we gave you a taste of your own medicine! If I was you, Beverlies, I'd stay outta the way and let "the big boys" compete for the tag titles. WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

Vince McMahon:
I think most people would definitely agree with that. I mean in the past three weeks we have seen Ted DiBiase pay off the Beverly Brothers and now we have seen him at this so-called "Problem Solver" - Mr. Hughes - to his payroll. Money Inc. is going whatever they can to avoid defending their belts against a very deserving team!

Scott Steiner:
The fact of the matter, Vince, is that it doesn't really make a difference what Ted DiBiase wants to do. He can pay off the Beverly Brothers, he can throw Mr. Hughes at us, he can pay off the whole dang locker room - me and my brother don't care! We WILL get a shot at those tag titles - that's something the Milionn Dollar Man can take to the bank!

"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha"

"All About the Money" began blaring - meaning that The Steiners and Vince McMahon were about to be joined by the men in question, the current WWF Tag Team Champions - Ted DiBiase and IRS with Mr. Hughes joining them as well as they walked out to boos from the crowd. The trio joined them in the ring as Vince McMahon urged coolers heads to prevail.

Vince McMahon:
Let's try to keep things civil, fellas.

Ted DiBiase:
Come on now, Vince, you should know me better than that by now. We come in peace!

Vince McMahon:
What exactly do you guys want anyway, this wasn't your interview time.

Ted DiBiase:
Maybe not, but I couldn't sit back there and listen to my good name get dragged through the mud. Rick and Scott - I'm sure you're familiar with the term slander...oh wait, who am I kidding - you have that University of Michigan education, of course you don't. Hahahahahahahahahaha!

Rick and Scott both shook their heads, eager to get their hands on the champs but backing down at Vince's request.

Ted DiBiase:
It means I could sue both of you for every dime you're worth for the lies you are spitting out about Money Inc. Fortunately for you both, the pennies you're both worth aren't worth my legal team's time. However, Scott, you mentioned something about being willing to take anything I throw at you, am I correct.

Scott Steiner:
Bring it!

Ted DiBiase:
Hahahahahahahaha, that's what I thought you said. Sure, The Beverly Brothers maybe didn't finish the job three weeks ago...but I'm willing to double my payment to them if they can finish the job...next week.

Rick Steiner:
You gonna sick those bozoos at us again? Thought you could come up with somethin' better than that!

Ted DiBiase:
Don't interrupt me boy, where's your Michigan manners at?! I wasn't done yet. See - you Steiner Brothers are becoming a real thorn in my side...a real problem. And that's exactly why I hired Mr. Hughes here. So, that's why...he's going to be in the match two! That's right - 3 on 2 - Beverly Brothers and Mr. Hughes against you Steiners.

Rick and Scott both seem unamused and unintimidated.

Scott Steiner:
Let me get this straight - we take out all three of your little cronies...we FINALLY get our title shot?

Ted DiBiase:
Hahahahahahaha, that's rich..and I know rich. Sure, why not.

Rick and Scott Steiner:
YOU'RE ON!

DiBiase laughed once again, thinking he had backed Steiners into the ultimate corner...though the Steiners clearly were undeterred.

:::ONE WEEK LATER:::

The Steiner Brothers vs. The Beverly Brothers & Mr. Hughes (w/Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Schyster)

If it wasn't bad enough Rick and Scott Steiner had to deal with the 3-on-2 handicap situation but they also had their rivals, the tag champions Money Inc., at ringside as well! From the announce booth, Bobby Heenan was convinced that the numbers were going to be too much for the Steiners while Randy Savage knew that if there was any team that could overcome these odds, it was The Steiners!

The match started with The Steiners mixing it up with the Beverly Brothers in the ring in a two on two all out brawl. While Money Inc. may be who The Steiners have ultimately want to take on, they certainly looked forward to getting their hands on the two men who tried to put them out of action four weeks ago on Raw. Meanwhile, Mr. Hughes stood solemnly on the apron, just watching from his sunglasses.

The referee eventually gained some control as Scott Steiner and Blake Beverly paired off in the ring as legal men. The fired up Steiner brother quickly took control of Blake, firing off a pair of Steinerlines to the Beverly brother and then took him to the mat with a back suplex. Not wanting to let one man get too winded, the Steiners made quick fresh tags and were to this point not having much of a numbers game to worry about as Mr. Hughes mainly was content just watching from the apron as Rick and Scott were handling the Beverly Brothers with relative ease.

With Blake and Beau getting dismantled by The Steiners in the ring, Ted DiBiase was growing very irritable at ringside - shouting at Blake and Beau to get their acts together if they wanted their next payout. DiBiase would finally look to Hughes and tell him to "show them how it's done", and Hughes would forcefully tag himself in with what amounted to a forearm shot to the back of Beau Beverly!

Hughes entered the ring and showed off his strength as he fended off an attack from Rick Steiner before laying him out with a Big Boot. Hughes would bring Rick to the opposing corner where Blake and Beau snuck in a couple cheapshots to Steiner before Hughes charged in with a corner splash to Rick. Hughes then dropped down and began viciously choking Rick in the corner, causing the referee to step in and break it up..but with his back turned, Blake Beverly began choking Rick as well!

Scott Steiner tried to enter the ring to help out his brother but was stopped by the referee, allowing for a triple team on Rick in the opposite corner! Once frustrated Scott returned to the apron, Mr. Hughes pulled a battered Rick out of the corner and took Rick by the throat again but this time laid him out with a Chokeslam! Hughes dropped down for the cover....

One, Two, SAVE by Scott Steiner!

Hughes confronted Scott, who proceeded to punch Hughes in the face, sending his sunglasses flying! Hughes tried to go after Scott, but the referee quickly separated them as Rick got to his feet. Rick surprised Hughes from behind with a Release German Suplex! Rick followed it up with a pinfall attempt - One, Two, Kickout by Hughes!

Hughes pulled himself up to his feet as Rick Steiner bounced off the ropes and hit a couple of Steinerlines that rocked Hughes before Rick then ran off the ropes and hit a jumping bulldog onto Mr. Hughes to get him down! Rick made another pinfall attempt - One, Two, Blake and Beau both made the save!

Blake and Beau both stomped on Rick before pulling him up as Mr. Hughes got to his feet. Hughes charged in but Rick ducked and Mr. Hughes took out Blake Bevery with a clothesline!

An upset Beau got in Mr. Hughes face, but Hughes was having none of it as he decked Beau with a right hand...while Rick was getting to the corner to tag in Scott! Both Beverly Brothers rolled out of the ring as Scott Steiner came in, full of fire and went straight at Mr. Hughes, rocking him with some right hands before taking him to the mat with a belly to belly suplex! Scott took control, soon sending Hughes to the corner and positioned Hughes on the top turnbuckle, looking for the Frankensteiner! But Blake Beverly jumped to the apron and made a blind tag to Hughes just as Scott hit the FRANKENSTEINER to Hughes! Scott didn't realize Hughes was no longer the legal man as he made the cover...and it was Blake coming in with a running elbow drop to the back of Scott's head!

Blake tried to take advantage, but Scott quickly overpowered him and took him to the mat with a Military Press Slam! Meanwhile, Beau Beverly snatched the steel briefcase from I.R.S. and headed to the ring with it...realizing what was going on, DiBiase jumped to the apron to distract the referee. Beau took a swing at Steiner with the briefcase, but Steiner ducked and Beau NAILED a recovering Mr. Hughes with it!

The "Problem Solver" hit the mat and Scott Steiner grabbed Beau by the hair and tossed him over the top rope to the floor! Scott then charged at DiBiase - STEINERLINING him off the apron to the floor!

The crowd was on their feet as Scott picked up Blake Beverly and made the tag to his brother, lifting Blake up into a shoulder lift as Rick climbed the top turnbuckle - STEINERIZER! Rick made the cover as Scott stood guard in the ring..

ONE - TWO - THREE!

"The Steiners have overcome the odds and picked up the huge victory tonight on Raw!" Vince McMahon declared as the bell rang.

Winners - The Steiner Brothers at 14:31

'

It was certainly a huge night for The Steiner Brothers as they earned their shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships. A match that would later in the evening be confirmed to take place at the upcoming King of the Ring Pay-Per-View.

STILL TO COME...

Chapter 1: 3 Months Earlier

[Road to King of the Ring]
-A Disputed Championship-
-An Indecent Proposal-
-Everybody Has A Price-
-Not Just Smoke & Mirrors-
-The Royal Competitors-
-The 1993 King of the Ring-

The ScapeDubb · 2024-05-07T16:42:28-0400

:::NOT JUST SMOKE AND MIRRORS:::

At WrestleMania, The Giant Gonzales literally knocked out The Undertaker. I mean, it was using a chloroform rag. But he still did it. The match was awful, of course. But his manager, Harvey Wippleman, had been on cloud nine ever since. For weeks following WrestleMania, The Undertaker remained missing in action while Giant Gonzales racked up several squash match victories.

However, as April came to a close, we finally got a sign of a possible impending return of The Undertaker.

After another squash match victory for Giant Gonzales on an episode of Superstars, a casket, something obviously closely associated with "The Dead Man" appeared - sending a not so cryptic message to both Wippleman and Gonzales.

The following week on Superstars, Harvey Wippleman and Giant Gonzales responded to the mind games being played by The Undertaker.

Coming back from the commercial break, Raymond Rougeau was standing by on the interview platform adjacent from the entrance way.

Raymond Rougeau:
Welcome back WWF fans, it's at this time I would like to welcome out by far the largest athlete in professional wrestling The Giant Gonzales and his manager, Harvey Wippleman!

A warm round of boos greeted the larger than life Gonzales as he slowly walked out dressed in his odd human muscle/fur body suit alongside the diminutive, suit and tie wearing Harvey Wippleman by his side.

Raymond Rougeau:
Last month at WrestleMania, Harvey Wippleman, your mammoth of a client - Giant Gonzales - did the unthinkable - he put The Undertaker down with that nasty chloroform. He lost the match by disqualification, of course, but we have yet to see The Undertaker since then!

Harvey Wippleman:
ow see here! You say that Giant Gonzales lost the match...but you take a look at the tape, and you tell me who looked like the winner at Rassle-Mania and it was NOT The Undertaker!

Wippleman laughed as the crowd booed his response loudly.

Harvey Wippleman:
You people can boo all you want, The Undertaker isn't here now is he?

Raymond Rougeau:
That brings me to my next question. Last week we all saw when a casket mysteriously showed up after The Giant Gonzales' match...what are your thoughts on what is clearly a message from The Undertaker?

Harvey Wippleman:
I'll tell ya what I think, Ray-mond. The Undertaker wants everybody to think he's big and bad...but the last few weeks of him not showin' his face shows us all just how yella-bellied he really is! He thinks he can get into the head of my monster with some smoke and mirrors mind games?

To the side of Wippleman, Gonzales remained silent but rubbed his hands together while shaking his head and trying his best to look menacing.

Harvey Wippleman:
So...Uuunnnddertaker, I challenge you to stop being the COWARD that you are....stop hiding out in graveyards....and SHOW YOURSELF! The Giant Gonzales...is...ready to FINISH what he started at WrestleMania!

Giant Gonzales:
UNDERTAKER! COME OUT, COME OUT, WHEVER YOU ARE! HAHAHAHA!

As Vince McMahon on commentary suggested that Wippleman and Gonzales might want to be carewful what they wish for, the camera zoomed in tight on Gonzales as he gave his best snarls heading into break.

But one must wonder if Wippleman will regret his decision to not only call out the Undertaker but insult him at the same time? Not many have survived such actions.

The following episode of Monday Night Raw, Harvey Wippleman doubled down in another interview segment, this time with Vince McMahon.

Coming back from the break, Vince McMahon stood in the middle of the ring.

Vince McMahon:
Welcome back to WWF Monday Night Raw! I have to admit, I'm not too thrilled to bring out my guests for this evening but they have requested some more interview time...so with that in mind, ladies and gentlemen - Harvey Wippleman and The Giant Gonzales!

Met with boos, the sleazy little Wippleman lead out the "menacing" Giant Gonzales. Wippleman stopped to argue with some fans at ringside as Gonzales eventually caught up to him. Wippleman climbed into the ring as Gonzales stepped up onto the apron then over the top ropes.

Vince McMahon:
Now normally I have some comments prepared, but Harvey Wippleman, it's you who requested this time so I'll just give you the floor. I suppose I'm not going out on a limb by suggesting this has something to do with The Undertaker.

Harvey Wippleman:
My, my, my, Vince - aren't you a smart one? Well, OF COURSE, this is about The Undertaker. Last week, we demanded that The Undertaker show his yella belly back here in the W-W-F and once again, I come out here tonight with the question - Where, oh Where is The Undertaker?!

Vince McMahon:
Don't you feel like you may be biting off more than you can chew after what happened at WrestleMania?

Harvey Wippleman:
What happened at WrestleMania?! You mean when Undertaker last left knocked out by The Giant Gonzales?! I am so sick and tired of hearing people hype up The Undertaker as the biggest and baddest man in the W-W-F because just look at this man standing right here! Ain't nobody bigger than him, that's for sure! And that's why The Undertaker has gone into hidin' - he wants nothin' to do with The Giant Gonzales!

The Giant Gonzales:
UNDERTAKER! LET'S GO! I WILL CRUSH YOU!

Harvey Wippleman:
Well said, my friend!

Vince McMahon:
The Undertaker is certainly an enigmatic character, but you can't possibly believe yourself?

Harvey Wippleman:
I am a man of facts, Vince. I live in the real world - not some fantasy land. The Undertaker is all smoke and mirrors to make you think he's somethin' he's not. And the facts are simple - we're standin' here and The Undertaker is nowhere to be seen!

The crowd's attention became diverted to the entrance way as Paul Bearer walked out from the back, cradling the Undertaker's urn in his arms as he made his way down the aisle with no entrance music playing.

Harvey Wippleman:
What's this little creep doing here?

From the commentary booth, Randy Savage piped in "I only see one creep in the ring, right now and it's Wippleman!"

Paul Bearer joined the men in the ring as McMahon welcomed him.

Vince McMahon:
Well, Harvey Wippleman, looks like you may get some answers because if there's one man who can give us insight into the whereabouts of The Undertaker, it's this man - Paul Bearer!

Paul Bearer:
Oooooohhhhh Yeeeeeeessssss, Mister Mac-Mahon. Theeee Undertaker is veeeeryyyyy close, indeeeed. Theeeeeeeee Undertaker has been watching this entire time and Theeeeeeeee Undertaker is...veeeeerrry....angry!

Harvey Wippleman:
Oh come on, no one is buying this. It's all smoke and mirrors again! The Undertaker wants nothing to do The Giant Gonzales so he sends his lapboy out here to deliver some cryptic, ominous message? Fess up Bearer, your Taker is just scared!

Paul Bearer:
Oooooooohhh Noooooooo, Mr. Wippleman - you don't know how wrong you are. But my Undertaker did want a message to be delivered, Ooooooooooooh Yeeeeeeesss. But what you're wrong about...is that he didn't send ME to deliver it!

Before Wippleman could try and figure out what Bearer was talking about, the lights in the arena shut off and the "Grim Reaper" music of the Undertaker began to play as the crowd came alive.

But when the lights came back on, it was still just Bearer, Wippleman, Gonzales, and McMahon in the ring...but now they had been joined at ringside by...a casket!

Harvey Wippleman:
So what - just more mind games? More SMOKE AND MIRRORS?! Stop with the games, boy - GIVE US THE UNDERTAKER!

Paul Bearer:
Oooooooooh Yeeeeees, Mr. Wipple-man, you should be careful what you wish for. Theeeeee casket is the message...go ahead, take a little peak.

Wippleman walked over to the ropes, looking down at the closed casket sitting up against the apron. "Do you think The Undertaker is in there?" Randy Savage posed from commentary. Wippleman reached through the ropes and fumbled with the latch, before nervously sitting back up and instructing Gonzales to join him.

Giant Gonzales walked over and shook his head in agreement, eager to get his hands on The Undertaker he reached through the ropes and threw back the casket lid...

To find a completely empty casket. The looks of nerves quickly left Wippleman's face as he straightened up his shoulders in confidence.

Harvey Wippleman:
Yep, just as I expected...no Undertaker to be found!

Paul Bearer:
Ooooooooh Nnnnooooooo, Mr. Wipple-man - you see, that casket doesn't belong to my Undertaker, Oooooooh Yyyeeeeees, it belongs to YOU - GIANT GONZALES!

The lights began to flicker frantically in the arena and when they finally stabilized...THE UNDERTAKER was now standing in the ring! Wippleman quickly darted to ringside as Vince and Bearer also headed out of the ring as the two giants stared each other down in the ring. Undertaker struck first, attacking Gonzales with right hands as Gonzales tried to fight back.

Like a man possessed, The Undertaker got the upperhand on Gonzales with a flurry of punches before sending Gonzales into the ropes - BIG BOOT from Undertaker!

The Undertaker stood and watched as Giant Gonzales started to try and get up to his feet, but once Gonzales was one his knees, The Undertaker grabbed him by the throat and lifted Gonzales back up to the mat. With his arm extended up, a rare occurrence for The Undertaker when he has someone by the throat, Undertaker mustered the power of the Darkness as he lifted The Giant Gonzales up and drove him into the mat with a CHOKESLAM!

The Undertaker wasn't done with his foe just yet. He pulled Gonzales back up to his feet and now showed off more strength as he lifted Gonzales into position...TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!

Undertaker sat up on both knees, tossing his long black hair backwards out of his eyes, and rolled the mammoth Gonzales across the canvas and into the casket at ringside before SLAMMING IT SHUT!

GONG....GONG....

"Grim Reaper" began to play as Taker knelt one one knee, and lifted one arm up in the air to the crowd who gave Taker a warm reaction....and once again the lights in the arena began to flicker off and on...

And this time, when the lights were restored, The Undertaker and Paul Bearer were gone again. But so was the casket containing Giant Gonzales! Harvey Wippleman was left by himself at ringside...now openly panicking about his client apparently succumbing to The Darkside.

And that my friends, was the last time Giant Gonzales was ever seen on a WWF program ever, ever again.

Yes, the Giant Gonzales saga of The Undertaker story had literally come to a close.

However, Harvey Wippleman was not done in his quest to destroy The Undertaker. While Undertaker was making his return to the ring the following week on Superstars of Wrestling, Vince McMahon on commentary during the squash of Burt Centeno, indicated that Harvey Wippleman was emphatic that this was far from over between him and The Undertaker. He was prepared to scour the entire United States to find the biggest and baddest man he could find to end The Undertaker once and for all.

And while Undertaker does not have a match at the upcoming King of the Ring Pay-Per-View, he did make short work of PJ Walker on the go-home episode which happened to be a Memorial Day episode of Raw. Vince McMahon fielded a phone call on the announcebooth from Harvey Wippleman himself.

Wippleman once again indicated his search to find the biggest and baddest man in the world (an upgrade from just the United States from two weeks prior) to finally destroy The Undertaker.

He had struck out in several states already, but was just handed a huge lead that is taking him right to Dayton, Ohio - the site of the King of the Ring! Wippleman seemed to think that on Sunday, he would be able to reveal to the world his newest client.

STILL TO COME...

Chapter 1: 3 Months Earlier

[Road to King of the Ring]
-A Disputed Championship-
-An Indecent Proposal-
-Everybody Has A Price-
-Not Just Smoke & Mirrors-
-The Royal Competitors-
-The 1993 King of the Ring-

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