Rebooking WWF/WWE: from 1985 to now

[SirEdger]

WWF In Your House 4: Great White North

October 22, 1995

Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This In Your House is headlined by a 6-Men Tag match between The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels & Ahmed Johnson against King Mabel, Yokozuna & IRS. Yoko pulls double duty as he & Owen Hart defend the tag titles they won from the Phenom & Kama the night after IYH 3 against Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow. Diesel also pulls double duty, defending the WWF Championship against Psycho Sid. Razor Ramon regains the Intercontinental title from The British Bulldog and defends it against Jeff Jarrett while the Bulldog takes on the bizarre Goldust. Also on the card: The Smoking Gunns battle the Blu Brothers


Card & Results:



Pre-Show Match:

The 1-2-3 Kid vs. Mantaur

Result: The 1-2-3 Kid scores a clean pin after a moonsault, setting the tone for the night.



Main Card:



1. Intercontinental Championship Match

Champion: Razor Ramon vs. Challenger: Jeff Jarrett



Match Highlights:

Jarrett exploits his cunning and outside interference, but Razor Ramon fights back with his trademark power and resilience. The match ends with Razor hitting the Razor's Edge for the pin and retaining his title amidst a raucous Canadian crowd.



2. Tag Team Match

The Smoking Gunns (Billy & Bart Gunn) vs. The Blu Brothers (Brad & Brian Blu)



Result: The Smoking Gunns dominate and secure the victory with a Side Russian Legsweep on Brad Blu.



3. WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Champions: Owen Hart & Yokozuna vs. Challengers: Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow



Match Highlights:

Yokozuna and Owen use their size advantage but Diesel and Bigelow work cohesively to turn the tide. Ultimately, Owen hits a quick roll-up on Diesel with a handful of tights, retaining the titles in a controversial finish.



4. Special Attraction Match

Goldust vs. The British Bulldog



Result: Goldust wins via DQ when British Bulldog refuses to break a chokehold, furthering their heated feud.



5. WWF Championship Match

Champion: Diesel vs. Challenger: Psycho Sid



Match Highlights:

A brutal, back-and-forth contest with both men showcasing their power. The match culminates with Diesel hitting a Jackknife Powerbomb for the win, retaining his title in front of the passionate Canadian crowd.



6. Main Event – 6-Man Tag Team Match

The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels & Ahmed Johnson vs. King Mabel, Yokozuna & IRS



Result:

In a chaotic and hard-hitting match, The Undertaker pins IRS after a Tombstone Piledriver, sealing the victory for his team and ending the night on a high note.

Attendance: Approximately 14,500 fans

Broadcast: Pay-per-view, available across North America and internationally

 

[SirEdger]

Survivor Series - November 19, 1995​

Venue: USAir Arena, Landover, Maryland
Attendance: 14,500

***Note: the eliminations here aren't listed in chronological order. My apologies as I switched the template of this show a couple of times***


As it is usually the case for Survivor Series every year, several talents work multiple matches on the card. Mabel wins the Intercontinental title shortly after IYH 4: Great White North and defends it against Savio Vega. The Smoking Gunns reclaim their tag titles and defend them against The Roadie & Jeff Jarrett. With the emergence of Extreme Championship Wrestling in the Tri-State area, WWF counters by creating a Hardcore Championship. The British Bulldog is the inaugural champion and defends it against Ludvig Borga



Card & Results:

Pre-Show Match:



Tag Team Match: The Smoking Gunns (Billy & Bart Gunn) vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray)

Result: The Smoking Gunns win after a double-team finisher on Prichard.

Main Card

1. Intercontinental Championship Match

Mabel (c) vs. Savio Vega



A hard-fought match with both competitors showing resilience.

Result: Mabel retains the title after a splash from the top rope.

2. 4-on-4 Tag Team Elimination Match

The Undertaker, Yokozuna, King Mabel, and IRS vs. Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, and 1-2-3 Kid



A chaotic match with multiple eliminations, showcasing the ongoing power struggle between the dark side and the outsiders.

Eliminations:

IRS eliminated by Razor Ramon with a Razor's Edge

King Mabel eliminated by Shawn Michaels with Sweet Chin Music

Yokozuna eliminated by Diesel with a Jackknife Powerbomb

The Undertaker eliminated by Diesel after a Big Boot and Jackknife Powerbomb

Razor Ramon eliminated by The Undertaker with a Tombstone

1-2-3 Kid eliminated by Yokozuna with Banzai Drop

Winning Team: Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, and 1-2-3 Kid

3. WWF Tag Team Championship Match

The Smoking Gunns (c) vs. The Roadie & Jeff Jarrett



The Gunns defend their titles against a surprise team.

Result: The Gunns retain after a Gory Bomb on Jeff Jarrett.

4. Special Match: WWF Hardcore Championship

The British Bulldog (c) vs. Ludvig Borga



A brutal, no-disqualification match featuring weapons and high-impact moves.

Result: The British Bulldog retains with a Running Powerslam.

5. 5-Man Survivor Series Elimination Match

Team Bret (Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Bob Backlund, and The 1-2-3 Kid) vs. Team Yoko (Yokozuna, Vader, King Mabel, The Roadie, and Ludvig Borga)



A grueling battle with multiple eliminations.

Eliminations:

The 1-2-3 Kid eliminated by Vader

Bob Backlund eliminated by Vader

Shawn Michaels eliminated by Vader with a Splash

Vader eliminated by Diesel with a Jackknife

Yokozuna eliminated by Diesel with a Jackknife

King Mabel eliminated by Bret Hart with a Sharpshooter

Ludvig Borga eliminated by Bret Hart with a Sharpshooter

The Roadie eliminated by Diesel after a Jackknife Powerbomb

Winning Team: Team Bret (Bret Hart & Diesel)

Main Event: WWF Championship Match

Champion: Diesel vs. Bret Hart



A highly anticipated match with technical excellence and brawling.

Result: Diesel retains the title after a Jackknife Powerbomb.

 

[SirEdger]

WWF In Your House 5: Seasons Beatings

Date: December 17, 1995

Location: Civic Center, Providence, Rhode Island


The show is headlined by Shawn Michaels against Sycho Sid for the #1 contendership to the WWF Championship and facing the winner of Diesel vs Bret Hart. Razor Ramon defends the Intercontinental title against Jeff Jarrett; The Smoking Gunns defend the tag titles against the Heavenly Bodies; Paul Bearer introduces the WWF fans to The Undertaker's brother, Kane as he debuts to take on Mankind (Paul Bearer justified this move by claiming that the Undertaker needed help after his recent battles with Kama and the Million Dollar Corporation). The WWF also introduces a Light Heavyweight Championship, with Taka Michinoku as the inaugural champion. The title is mostly defended overseas but he defends it against Canadian indy worker Jason Sensation

Card & Results:

Pre-Show Match:

The Bushwhackers vs. The Bodydonnas

Result: The Bushwhackers pick up the win after a double team assault, setting an energetic tone for the night.



Main Card:

1. WWF Intercontinental Championship: Razor Ramon (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett

Result: Razor Ramon retains after a Razor's Edge finisher. The match showcases Razor's resilience against Jarrett's cunning tactics.



2. WWF Tag Team Championship: The Smoking Gunns (Billy & Bart Gunn) (c) vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray)

Result: The Gunns retain with a Gunstamp on Del Ray. The match is a hard-hitting affair emphasizing tag team chemistry.



3. WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Diesel (c) vs. Bret Hart

Result: Diesel retains via pinfall after a Jackknife Powerbomb, with interference from Shawn Michaels at ringside, hinting at future conflicts.



4. Special Attraction Match – Kane's WWF Debut:

Kane vs. Mankind

Result: Kane debuts with a dominant victory, planting the seeds for his future as a main-eventer.



5. WWF Light Heavyweight Championship: Taka Michinoku (c) vs. Jason Sensation

Result: Taka retains with a Michinoku Driver, showcasing the emerging division's exciting style.



6. Main Event – WWF Championship #1 Contender's Match:

Shawn Michaels vs. Sycho Sid (with Ted DiBiase)

Result: In a shocking upset, Sycho Sid wins the #1 contendership for the WWF Championship by pinning Shawn Michaels after interference from DiBiase.

 

[SirEdger]

Royal Rumble - January 21, 1996​

Venue: Selland Arena, Fresno, California
Attendance: 9,600

Razor Ramon regains the Intercontinental title from Diesel at the start of 1996 and defends it against Shawn Michaels at the Rumble. WWF continues to build their Light Heavyweight division by snatching Dean Malenko & Eddie Guerrero from WCW and Malenko wins the Light Heavyweight title in the final Raw of 1995. The Malenko vs Guerrero match was scheduled to take place on the pre-show of the Rumble but an audible is called to put the match on the main card, right before the Rumble


Main Card Highlights:

1. Intercontinental Championship Match

Champion: Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels (with Diesel)



A heated rivalry culminates in a hard-fought contest. Michaels retains after interference from Diesel, setting up further animosity.

2. Tag Team Match

The Bushwhackers vs. The Heavenly Bodies



The Bushwhackers secure the win with their signature humor and brawling style.

3. WWF Light Heavyweight Championship Match

Champion: Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero



A high-flying, technical masterpiece, with Guerrero capturing the title in a shocking upset.

Royal Rumble Match (30 Participants)

Entrants & Moments:



Number 1 & 2: The 1-2 Punch — Lex Luger and The 1-2-3 Kid



Early surprises:



Owen Hart enters at #5, immediately targeting rivals.

The British Bulldog enters at #8, engaging in an early alliance with Luger.

Razor Ramon enters at #10, battling through the pack.

Mid-Rumble Highlights:



Mabel (then known as Viscera) makes a surprise debut at #15, showcasing his size and power.

The Undertaker enters at #20, unleashing his signature sinister presence.

Diesel enters at #25, aligning briefly with Shawn Michaels but soon turning on him.

Notable Eliminations:



Diesel eliminates Michaels, setting up their ongoing rivalry.

The British Bulldog is thrown out by Mabel, leading to a heated exchange.

Owen Hart is eliminated by Mabel after a miscommunication.

Final Four:



Lex Luger

Mabel

The Undertaker

Razor Ramon

Final Moments:



Razor Ramon and The Undertaker face off, with Razor attempting a superkick.

Mabel unexpectedly tosses out Razor after a misstep, leaving Mabel, The Undertaker, and Luger.

In a surprise twist, Mabel eliminates The Undertaker after a choke slam.

Lex Luger and Mabel are left. Luger fights valiantly but is caught off guard when Mabel uses his size advantage to toss him over the top rope.

Winner: Mabel

 

[SirEdger]

WWF In Your House 6: Rage in the Cage

February 18, 1996

Location: Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois

Attendance: Approximately 7,500 fans

Many title changes again in the build to IYH 6: Rage in the Cage. Goldust beats Razor Ramon to claim his first Intercontinental title; The Godwinns win their first tag team titles from the Smoking Gunns; a new title is created in the European title and Leif Cassidy is the inaugural champion. But no surprise is bigger than the re-emergence of Randy Savage in the WWF, winning once again the WWF title. Savage is now set to take on The Undertaker in the main event, but mysteriously, the Million Dollar Corporation is seeking to help the Phenom as Dibiase claims that even the Dead Man has a price....

Card & Results:

Pre-Show Match:

The Smoking Gunns (Billy & Bart Gunn) vs. The Bodydonnas (Skip & Zip)



The Smoking Gunns pick up the victory after Billy Gunn hits the Sidewinder on Skip.

Main Card:

1. WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Goldust (c) vs. Ahmed Johnson



A gritty contest showcasing the power and resilience of Ahmed Johnson.

Winner: Ahmed Johnson via pinfall after a Pearl River Plunge, capturing the Intercontinental Title for the first time.

2. WWF Tag Team Championship Match

The Godwinns (Henry & Phineas) (c) vs. The Bodydonnas (Skip & Zip)



A chaotic match with heavy brawling.

Winners: The Godwinns retain after Phineas Godwinn hits the Slop Drop on Zip.

3. WWF European Championship Match

Leif Cassidy (c) vs. Savio Vega



A technically sound match with high energy.

Winner: Savio Vega via pinfall after a spinning heel kick, capturing the European title.

The Rage in the Cage Match:

Main Event: Steel Cage Match for the WWF Championship

Randy Savage (Champion) vs. The Undertaker



The main event is a brutal, hard-fought contest with both superstars pushing their limits inside the unforgiving steel cage.

Midway through, interference from the Million Dollar Corporation (Ted DiBiase's stable) attempts to aid The Undertaker, but Savage fights them off.

After a grueling battle, Savage manages to escape the cage via the door, narrowly retaining his WWF Championship.

The match ends with Savage victorious, but both men leave battered and exhausted, setting up future rivalries.

 

[SirEdger]

WWF WrestleMania 12

Date: March 31, 1996

Location: Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California

Randy Savage's reign is short-lived as Bret Hart takes the WWF Championship from him. With Mabel out of the company, despite having won the Royal Rumble due to health issues, the promotion must pivot and turns to Shawn Michaels to make this Wrestlemania memorable, thanks to a 60-minute Iron Man Match. Elsewhere on the card: Razor Ramon takes on the 1-2-3 Kid; the British Bulldog & Owen Hart battle the Smoking Gunns; Vader squares off with Yokozuna and the Godwinns battle the Bodydonnas

Main Event: Iron Man Match for the WWF Championship

Bret "The Hitman" Hart (c) vs. Shawn Michaels



Duration: 60-minute Iron Man match

Result: After an intense, back-and-forth contest, Shawn Michaels scores the winning pinfall at 30:00, capturing his first WWF Championship. The match is praised for its technical excellence and storytelling.

Under Card Highlights:

1. The Undertaker vs. Mankind



A dark, brutal encounter ending with The Undertaker delivering a chokeslam and Tombstone Piledriver for the victory. Mankind impresses with resilience and chaos.

2. Razor Ramon vs. 1-2-3 Kid



A classic upset as the 1-2-3 Kid pulls off a shocking victory with a roll-up pin, highlighting the unpredictability of the show.

3. The British Bulldog & Owen Hart vs. The Smoking Gunns



Tag team match showcasing tag team action and agility, with British Bulldog and Owen Hart securing the win.

4. Vader vs. Yokozuna



A heavy-hitter match that ends with Vader pinning Yokozuna after a Vader Bomb, emphasizing Vader’s dominance.

5. The Godwinns vs. The Bodydonnas



A comedic yet competitive tag match, with The Godwinns earning the victory.

 

[SirEdger]

WWF In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies

Date: April 28, 1996

Location: Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri

This In Your House is headlined by the return match from Wrestlemania with Shawn Michaels giving Bret Hart his rematch for the WWF Championship and once again a few titles change hands: The British Bulldog wins the Intercontinental title from Ahmed Johnson and defends against Razor Ramon while The Undertaker & Mankind - after beating each other senseless at Wrestlemania - find themselves with tag gold that they took from the Godwinns and defend against the Bodydonnas. European Champion Savio Vega works a non-title match against Stone Cold Steve Austin

Card & Results:

Pre-Show Match

Dark Match:

The New Rockers (Marty Jannetty & Leif Cassidy) defeated The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Ray)



Main Card:

1. Intercontinental Championship Match

The British Bulldog (c) vs. Razor Ramon



Result: Bulldog retains via pinfall after a running powerslam. A heated encounter emphasizing pride and rivalry, Razor comes close with a Razor’s Edge but Bulldog escapes.



2. Tag Team Match

The Smoking Gunns (Billy & Bart Gunn) vs. The Godwinns (Henry & Phineas)



Result: The Gunns win clean with a Sidewinder.



3. WWF Tag Team Championship Match

The Undertaker & Mankind vs. The Bodydonnas (Skip & Zip) (with Sunny)



Result: The Undertaker & Mankind win via disqualification when Sunny interferes, leading to chaos. The match underscores the dark alliance and brewing rivalry between The Undertaker and Mankind.



4. Special Grudge Match

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Savio Vega



Result: Austin wins after a stunner, solidifying his rising dominance. Post-match, Austin taunts the crowd, setting the stage for his “Stone Cold” persona.



5. Main Event - Heavyweight Championship Match

Shawn Michaels (c) vs. Bret Hart



Result: In a highly emotional and technical bout, Bret Hart wins the WWF Championship with a victory via Sharpshooter after a grueling match. The match is a dramatic showcase of friendship turning into rivalry, with both superstars exchanging respect and frustration.