Fantasy Booking: The WWF Re-Imagined

[Attitudester]

In 1995, wrestling was pretty bad. The WWF was full-on cartoony. The “everyday” gimmicks were running wild at the time, WCW was working on taking the lead in the Monday Night Wars, and ECW was edgier than ever. Good things happened here and there but overall, things were pretty rotten.

What I’d like to do is fantasy book the WWF beginning on the first Monday of 1996… January 1. I will stay loyal to history to some degree, but most everything will change eventually. The roster will be realistic starting off, but there will be some immediate changes. Some things were already in motion in early 1996, but I will change what I can early on, and eventually completely re-write history when the time is right. Hopefully, you’ll stick around long enough to see what I mean.

This will be the recreation of the World Wrestling Federation in 1996. Out with the New Generation, in with a better generation. This is…

The World Wrestling Federation Re-Imagined


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Dave Meltzer with the Wrestling Observer Newsletter writes:

Vince McMahon held an “all hands on deck” meeting at Titan Tower last week to discuss the direction the WWF will be taking going into 1996. Apparently, Vince has decided his product sucks. In order to keep up with the times and a losing battle to Ted Turner, he’s reportedly ready to take the gloves off and pull a complete 180 heading into Wrestlemania season. The last plans I heard were for Bret Hart to drop the title to Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania, and that could still be the plan but who knows at this point. One source told me after the meeting, he’s never seen Vince like this. No one knew what to make of it. Only his closest confidants, which would be Bruce Prichard and Pat Patterson, know what the immediate plans are for creative. Jim Ross was reportedly ordered to secure certain talents, “no matter the cost.” They’re already losing a ton of money at Titan, so whatever his plans are, they’re definitely a huge gamble at this point.



The new World Wrestling Federation Newsletter was just announced for AOL users. The users who sign up for the $1.99/month subscription will receive exclusive news and updates via e-mail. The first edition of the WWF Newsletter was sent out on December 25:

MERRY CHRISTMAS! The World Wrestling Federation is proud to present the WWF Newsletter, exclusive to America Online. As a thank you for purchasing your first month’s subscription, here is your first look at the new, updated talent roster for the World Wrestling Federation, going into the new year. Happy Holidays and thank you again.​

ACTIVE ROSTER

1. 123 Kid
2. Ahmed Johnson
3. Aldo Montoya
4. Avatar
5. Barry Horowitz
6. Bart Gunn
7. Billy Gunn
8. Bob Backlund
9. Bob Holly
10. Bret Hart
11. The British Bulldog
12. Diesel
13. Doink The Clown
14. Fatu
15. Goldust
16. Hakushi
17. Henry O. Godwinn
18. Hunter Hearst Helmsley
19. Isaac Yankem DDS
20. Jeff Hardy
21. Jeff Jarrett
22. Justin Bradshaw
23. Kama
24. King Mabel
25. Marty Jannetty
26. Matt Hardy
27. Mr. Perfect
28. Owen Hart
29. Rad Radford
30. Razor Ramon
31. The Ringmaster
32. Savio Vega
33. Scott Taylor
34. Shawn Michaels
35. Sir Mo
36. Skip
37. Sycho Sid
38. Tatanka
39. The Undertaker
40. Yokozuna
41. Zip

OTHER PERSONALITES

1. Dutch Mantel (Managing Justin Bradshaw)
2. Gorilla Monsoon (President)
3. Harvey Wippleman (TBD)
4. Jerry Lawler (RAW & Superstars Announce Team)
5. Jim Cornette (Leader of CAMP CORNETTE - Managing Yokozuna, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog)
6. Jim Ross (RAW & Superstars Announce Team)
7. Michael Hayes (Backstage Interviewer)
8. Mr. Fuji (Managing Yokozuna)
9. Paul Bearer (Managing The Undertaker)
10. Roddy Piper (TBD)
11. Sunny (Managing Skip)
12. Ted DiBiase (CEO of THE MILLION DOLLAR CORPORATION - Managing The Ringmaster, Tatanka)
13. Todd Pettengill (Backstage Interviewer)
14. Vince McMahon (RAW & Superstars Announce Team)

CHAMPIONS

1. WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION CHAMPION: Bret "Hitman" Hart
2. INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: Razor Ramon
3. TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: The Smoking Gunns
4. KING OF THE RING: Mabel

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January 1, 1996 will be a night to remember. The entire landscape of the World Wrestling Federation will change forever.

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[Attitudester]

WWF RAW
January 1, 1996
Newark, DE
Bob Carpenter Center





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As the original intro to WWF RAW ends, we cut to the ring to see President Gorilla Monsoon standing in the middle of the ring. A capacity crowd is in attendance. Vince McMahon is on commentary, welcoming us to the show. He says tonight will be a landmark night in the history of the World Wrestling Federation. Without wasting any time, we go to Monsoon for a major announcement.

Gorilla Monsoon: Happy New Year and welcome to Monday Night RAW! Tonight, history will be made in Newark. There will be an over-the-top-rope 20-man Battle Royal to determine your new #1 Contender for the World Wrestling Federation Championship at the Royal Rumble, taking place on Sunday January 21. The World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles will be on the line tonight as The Smoking Gunns defend against The Bodydonnas. The Intercontinental Championship will be defended when Razor Ramon takes on Owen Hart. And the World Wrestling Federation Championship will be up for grabs when Bret “The Hitman” Hart defends against “Big Daddy Cool” Diesel in a No Countout, No Disqualification, No Holds Barred match! There MUST be a winner.

Effective immediately, any outstanding contracts for matches are null and void. January 1, 1996 is hereby considered to be a clean slate in the World Wrestling Federation. All inactive Superstars who have not competed within the last thirty days will be re-evaluated. Talents from across the world are invited to participate in the Royal Rumble match. The first official announcement regarding outside talent for the Royal Rumble match is… the man they call VADER! Superstars from Japan, Germany, Mexico, Canada, as well as the World Wrestling Federation’s newest acquisition in a developmental capacity are invited… and of course I’m talking about Extreme Championship Wrestling! Vince McMahon, back to you!

The crowd is going crazy. Vince McMahon is ringside with a smile on his face at the announce table with Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler. Lawler is shocked and can’t believe the WWF has aligned with ECW.

Jerry Lawler: McMahon, tell me what Monsoon just said isn’t true. We can’t work with those Extremely Crappy Wrestlers!

Jim Ross: It’s a new era in the World Wrestling Federation, King!

Vince McMahon: You’re exactly right, Jim! It’s a new era, indeed! I’m Vince McMahon, alongside Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler. All titles will be on the line tonight here on RAW! And how about that announcement for the Royal Rumble match where we will see the debut of the man they call Vader! What an exciting night of action we have in store for you tonight here on RAW! And without further ado, let’s get back to the ring now for our first of three Championship matches right now!



MATCH 1: WWF TAG TEAM TITLES – THE SMOKING GUNNS© VS THE BODYDONNAS W/ SUNNY

The Bodydonnas are dominated in this match by The Smoking Gunns. The Gunns are now wearing all black and have meaner looks on their faces. As the match progresses, Skip is laid out on the ring apron and Zip takes all the punishment in the late goings of the match. The Gunns hit their Sidewalk Slam/Leg Drop combination for the win and retain the Tag Team Titles.

After the match, Skip checks on Zip. Sunny is concerned for him as well, as Zip seems to be very beat down. As it looks like the Bodydonnas are leaving the ring, Sunny hits Zip with a low blow from behind and Skip nails him in the middle of the ring with a piledriver. Skip grabs Sunny by the hair and plants a big kiss on her while standing over the fallen body of Zip before leaving the ring and we go to commercial.

WINNERS AND STILL WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: THE SMOKING GUNNS



After commercial, “Michael Hayes” is standing by with the World Wrestling Federation Champion, Bret “Hitman” Hart. Hayes is no longer over-the-top like his Dok Hendrix counterpart. He’s talking like a serious journalist, asking Bret Hart what he thinks of the announcements from President Gorilla Monsoon earlier tonight.

Bret Hart: Well you know Michael Hayes, I have a lot of respect for Gorilla Monsoon. He’s been really good to me and my family for a long time now. I think he’s the best President we’ve had in the World Wrestling Federation in a long, long time. If he thinks all these decisions are the right decisions, I trust him. And at the Royal Rumble, I welcome all comers from all over the world. Whether it be someone from All Japan Pro Wrestling, up in Stampede Wrestling where I come from, in the south from CMLL, or from the ECW. I hear Terry Funk is causing quite the stir in ECW again and I’d love to defend the World Wrestling Federation Title against him at Wrestlemania. As for my opponent at the Royal Rumble, there are twenty guys who will compete in that ring tonight for a shot at this belt. And as far as I’m concerned, at one point or another, twenty guys will find out first hands why I am the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. And Big Daddy Cool, in a match with no rules, there will be no more excuses. Tonight will be an execution. And I am the excellence of execution. I’m ready.



MATCH 2: WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP – RAZOR RAMON© VS OWEN HART

This is a high-paced, back and forth match with Razor Ramon acting as the powerhouse and Owen Hart doing his best to show him up with speed. Late in the match, Razor catches Owen coming off the top with an attempted cross body, and nails him with the fall away slam. As it appears Razor is setting up for the Razor’s Edge, a beautiful black woman jumps onto the ring apron in front of Ramon, taking his attention. She’s wearing a tight, one-piece red latex outfit that’s striking to see. Razor tries to convince her to get off the apron. When she finally does, Razor turns around and is cracked in the head with an acoustic guitar by Jeff Jarrett! The bell rings and Owen Hart has been disqualified. Owen is laid out in the ring, so he doesn’t realize this. Jarrett grabs the Intercontinental Championship belt and poses in the ring with the woman who Jerry “The King” Lawler recognizes as “Ms. Tennessee,” and Jim Ross verifies to be Jacqueline Moore.

WINNER BY DQ: RAZOR RAMON



Up next is a vignette for the upcoming debut of Vader at the Royal Rumble.



MATCH 3: 20-MAN OVER-THE-TOP-ROPE BATTLE ROYAL TO DETERMINE #1 CONTENDER FOR THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Participants: The Ringmaster, Savio Vega, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Owen Hart, Jeff Jarrett, The 123 Kid, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Sycho Sid, Hakushi, Rad Radford, The British Bulldog, Barry Horowitz, Bob Holly, Ahmed Johnson, Tatanka, Yokozuna, The Undertaker, Marty Jannetty, King Mabel, Fatu

During the match, Razor Ramon rushes the ring (selling his head after the guitar shot) and eliminates Jeff Jarrett. Afterwards, there is a big pull apart at ringside between the two.

Fatu eliminates Yokozuna to a huge reaction. Jim Cornette is frustrated with Yokozuna, yelling at him at ringside. Fatu takes notice and watches the interaction for quite some time.

Owen Hart and The British Bulldog are working well as a team, eliminating Savio Vega, The 123 Kid, Barry Horowitz, and Hakushi. Finally, The Undertaker takes care of both of them with a double clothesline over the top rope. Contrary to how he reacted to Yokozuna, Jim Cornette is much more caring towards Owen and Bulldog.

The Ringmaster is eliminated by Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Tatanka attacks Roberts and is joined by The Ringmaster who eliminates Roberts. Ted DiBiase smashes him in the head with the Million Dollar Championship belt at ringside. While his attention is on Roberts, Tatanka is eliminated by Ahmed Johnson.

The final four participants are Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Sycho Sid, King Mabel, and The Undertaker. Helmsley, Sid, and The Undertaker triple team Mabel to eliminate him. Sid presses Helmsley and tosses him out of the ring and onto Mabel. When Sid turns around, he eats a big boot from the Undertaker, sending him over the top rope.

WINNER AND THE NEW #1 CONTNENDER FOR THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE: THE UNDERTAKER

After the match, The Undertaker gets on one knee to salute the urn held by Paul Bearer. Sid is seething at ringside. He’s destroyed the announce table and throwing chairs. The camera goes back and forth between the two scenes and ends with Sid laughing.



Diesel is backstage warming up for his match with Bret Hart in just a few moments. Vince McMahon tries to get a word with him via audio from the announce table.

Vince McMahon: Big Daddy Cool, in just a few moments, you get your rematch with “The Hitman” Bret Hart where there will be no holds barred. Are you ready for your rematch for the World Wrestling Federation Championship?

Diesel: Vin-Man, I carried that belt and this company for over a year. It was taken away from me at the Survivor Series and I haven’t been given a fair shot since then. In the ring, there’s nobody better than “The Hitman,” I’ll give him that. But in a street fight, I’m your guy. I grew up in Detroit – I know how to fight. That belt is coming home where it belongs, to big daddy.

Vince McMahon: The World Wrestling Federation Championship is on the line next!



MATCH 4: NO DQ, NO COUNTOUT FOR THE WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP – BRET HART© VS DIESEL

The match is very physical, and not much different from their match at Survivor Series. Bret fights dirty to try to control the big man, exposing a turnbuckle, using cables at ringside, and even using a chair. Diesel takes Hart to his limit and delivers a Jacknife through the announce table. Diesel gets Hart back into the ring and tries to deliver another Jacknife, but his knee gives out after the punishment it’s taken by Hart. Hart delivers a chair shot to the knee and follows it with the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring for a submission victory.

WINNER AND STILL WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION CHAMPION: BRET HART

After the match, Bret helps Diesel back to his feet, but Diesel gets frustrated and pushes Bret away, exiting the ring. Vince McMahon speculates that perhaps Diesel has reached the end of his road in the WWF. The show ends with The Undertaker’s music playing and he and Bret Hart acknowledging each other from the entrance and the ring, respectively. A tease heading into the Royal Rumble in just a few weeks.



END OF SHOW