The Grimpact Zone: Rebooking WWE History

[Grim]

Holy shit man another awesome write up. Love this version of Camp Cornette's push and also how you did the 6-man match instead of a final four like real life for the IYH before WM 13.

And VADER TIME ACTUALLY CAME IN THIS UNIVERSE

What did you think of Shawn's story arc in this version? :

I actually had a completely different idea for how I wanted to run '96, but this came to me last night and I just couldn't stop.

 

[Chris]

Tbh might prefer real life Shawn better, but the way everyone else was brought up makes up for it.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Can I say I love how the nWo more or less forms in the WWF first with Shawn as the quasi Hulk leader before they get "fired" and sent to WCW.

Which honestly in turn only leads more credence to the idea Vince and WWF had sent them to takeover since we've seem in the WWF first.

And rule roughshod over the WWF and use their Clique connections to stay on top and be relevant and then they're supposedly "fired?"

And then they show up the very next night on Nitro doing the exact same angle and gimmick they just left WWF over? It smells!

If that was how it was, I'd kinda be sad to see them go as I'd probably prefer Shawn and the Bad Guys to nWo Hollywood.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I also like Camp Cornette being the resistance so to speak against the Bad Guys since Yoko and Owen had that run with Two Dudes with Attitude in '95.

 

[Grim]

Part 9:
The Rise of Attitude
1997

As we left off from WrestleMania 13, The Undertaker became WWF Champion for the second time in his illustrious career by defeating Sycho Sid in the main event. Bret Hart and Steve Austin had one of the most legendary matches of all time with their Submission match, which saw Hart defeat Austin, and then turn against the crowd and everybody by continuing to attack him after the match. Shawn Michaels had defeated Vader for the final time in a grudge match that afterwards saw Shawn needing to take some time off with a knee injury. As an additional aside, Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith, whom had held the Tag-Team Championships since In Your House 7, lost the titles to The Legion of Doom at WrestleMania.

With this as our starting point, where does The Undertaker look for a challenger? Well the answer is pretty simple. He goes back to his old rival, Mankind. Much akin to real life, Paul Bearer would attempt to trick Taker into taking him back, but the Deadman had none of it, and it led to the infamous Mankind fire-ball angle. At In Your House: Revenge of the Taker, in a very similar match to real life, table spot and all, The Undertaker would stand victorious over Mankind, and set fire to Paul Bearer's face.

After this, Undertaker would be attacked by Stone Cold Steve Austin, who had not only won the 1996 King of the Ring, but also the 1997 Royal Rumble, and had never been given his proper WWF Championship title opportunity. During this time as well, Bret Hart officially formed the Hart Foundation with Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith (who won the Tag Titles back at IYH), Jim Neidhart, and Brian Pillman. WWF President Gorilla Monsoon officially decided that Steve Austin would be granted a title opportunity against The Undertaker at In Your House: A Cold Day in Hell. This infuriated Bret Hart, who felt he deserved a title shot since he defeated Steve Austin at WrestleMania. As Monsoon pointed out, however, Austin actually defeated Bret Hart clean as a whistle at Revenge of the Taker. Out comes Shawn Michaels, who had finally returned, and he himself wants a piece of the WWF Championship picture.

At In Your House: A Cold Day in Hell, Austin and Taker would battle it out, but with very conspicuous appearances from The Hart Foundation and Shawn Michaels. Austin and Taker were very much unwilling to play host to such distractions, but continued to wrestle, because this was for the WWF Championship! The ending of the match sees Taker and Austin on their last legs, and the gentlemen watching outside growing more restless... Austin escapes to the outside to jaw jack with Bret Hart, because he can't leave well enough alone! TAKER DIVES TO THE OUTSIDE AND ALMOST ALL OF THE HART FOUNDATION IS TAKEN OUT! Steve Austin and Bret Hart escaped the carnage, and Shawn Michaels was on the other side of the ring. Austin immediately takes the opportunity to attack Bret, clocking him in the face by surprise, and then throwing Taker inside the ring.

AUSTIN HITS THE STUNNER! AUSTIN HITS THE STUNNER! HE'S GOING TO WIN! BUT THERE'S BRET! BRET HART JUST SCREWED AUSTIN! Hart is viciously attacking Steve Austin, forcing the ref to call for a disqualification and thus costing Austin the championship. Shawn Michaels hits the ring and NOW IT'S A BRAWL! Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Steve Austin and The Hart Foundation are all going at one another as the show goes off the air! What the hell is going to happen next!?

The next night on RAW we see Gorilla Monsoon assess everything that happened in the main event of In Your House. Just as he's about to make a decision, all the usual suspects show up (Austin, Taker, Hart Foundation, Shawn) to hear what Gorilla Monsoon has to say, and to plead their case. Taker says that he doesn't care what Gorilla says, because whether it's Steve Austin, Bret Hart, or Shawn Michaels he has to face, he'll put them both down. Steve Austin says he wants Bret Hart's ass on a silver platter, either that or a championship rematch against Undertaker. Bret Hart declares he's the only man truly deserving of a title shot, and it's high time he gets it. Shawn Michaels also mentions that he should get a title match, and makes a case that he beat a former champion in Vader at WrestleMania.

However, Monsoon throws a curveball in everyone's direction. For not only has Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels had problems with Bret Hart, but by extension the rest of the Hart Foundation. Monsoon gave Shawn and Austin an opportunity... they will be facing Davey Boy Smith and Owen Hart at King of the Ring for the WWF Tag Team Championships... Bret Hart will face The Undertaker in the Main Event. Bret Hart is so cocky though, that he declares that, "If I don't win the WWF Championship, I'll never wrestle in America again." Shawn Michaels butts in and yells to Bret, "That can be arranged, pal-o!"

Monsoon, quick on the take, laughs and points to Shawn. Shawn has an additional assignment at King of the Ring. Monsoon mentions that no reasonable ref is willing to take on this particular match, and thus Gorilla is conscripting Shawn Michaels to referee the main event of King of the Ring. Monsoon then declares, "Shawn, if you don't call this *right* down the middle, you will also never wrestle in America again."

We come to King of the Ring, and Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin, the most unlikely of allies, defeated Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith for the WWF Tag Team Championships, a big omen for the Hart Foundation. But the story remains in the Main Event. Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker for the WWF Championship with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. Shawn would desperately try to keep his composure as Bret needled and annoyed the hell out of him, stretching the rules near their breaking point but never over the line. However, the ending to the match would be that point... Taker goes for a diving clothesline on Bret, BUT BRET DUCKS!!! SHAWN WAS RIGHT BEHIND BRET! Bret has eaten the entirety of Undertaker's clothesline!

Bret sees the opportunity! He grabs a chair from out of the ring and he reels back... SPLAT! TAKER just got flattened by chair shot from Bret Hart! He casually tosses the chair aside and goes to wake up Shawn, and finally goes to pin Taker... Shawn notices the chair! He grabs the chair and Bret, asking him, "What the hell is this, Hitman!?" Bret has just about had enough of Shawn, HE JUST SPIT IN HIS FACE! Vince McMahon on commentary has just jumped out of his seat and is running up to ringside! DON'T DO IT SHAWN! Taker has just sat up and is ready to kill Bret! SHAWN REELS BACK! BRET DUCKS! TAKER HAS BEEN KILLED WITH A CHAIR SHOT! Vince McMahon is screaming, "What the hell, Shawn!?" Mass confusion as Bret immediately pins Taker! Shawn *has* to count the pin! He has no choice! 1... 2... 3!!! Shawn has accidentally screwed The Undertaker! Bret Hart is the WWF Champion for the 5th time! Bret Hart has joined the "5+ Club" (alongside the only other member, Hulk Hogan)!

The aftermath sees Vince McMahon looking disgusted and walking away as Bret Hart is crowned the WWF Championship. The other big thing is Shawn Michaels backing up the entrance way from a *very* displeased Undertaker, who has not taken kindly to being fucked over by Shawn Michaels. Shawn is backing the hell up, trying to escape from the very angry gentleman. The Hart Foundation is coming out of the woodwork to congratulate and celebrate Bret's victory!

The RAW after King of the Ring sees Undertaker in the ring with Gorilla Monsoon and Vince McMahon. In a surprise twist, Taker talks directly to Vince, demanding a match with Shawn Michaels at Canadian Stampede. Bret Hart and The Hart Foundation would move on from Undertaker and this time, they would ramp up their anti-American sentiment. This would lead to the famous Canadian Stampede tag match between Steve Austin, Goldust, Ken Shamrock, and The Legion of Doom vs. The Hart Foundation. After the victory by the Hart Foundation, we see a shot of Vince McMahon again looking disgusted and walking off shaking his head.

Let's instead talk about Shawn vs. Undertaker to determine the #1 Contender for the WWF Championship. By this time, Shawn had grown to be more slimy and willing to do anything it took to won, but when faced with The Undertaker, Shawn fled for his life. It was a one-sided beatdown for much of the match, aside from Shawn bouncing back and hitting a few big moves in-between. The big story of the match though was at the end, after Undertaker hit the Tombstone Piledriver on Shawn...

What is Chyna doing here!? She gets up on the ring apron and jaw-jacks with the referee. Taker looks slightly confused, and wanders over to the ref and Chyna... FROM OUT OF NOWHERE COMES HUNTER HEARST HELMSLEY! HE JUST SMASHED TAKER OVER THE HEAD WITH A FOLDING CHAIR! NO REACTION! Taker is pissed! He starts stalking a terrified Hunter, BUT SWEET CHIN MUSIC! TAKER IS DOWN! Shawn clamors to get a pin on Taker. The ref finally notices! Chyna and Hunter Hearst Helmsley just helped Shawn Michaels beat The Undertaker! What the hell is going on here!? This Canadian crowd is livid!

The Undertaker would disappear for a time, but the picture was clear, SummerSlam was set: Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart for the WWF Championship. Shawn had developed sort of a group with Hunter Hearst Helmsley (now referred to as Triple H) and Chyna, calling themselves "D-Generation X" after Bret called them "a bunch of degenerates". Steve Austin had by that time moved onto a feud with Owen Hart, whom pinned him to win the tag-match at Canadian Stampede.

At SummerSlam, we would see on one corner, The Hart Foundation, and on the other, Chyna and Triple H... While the Hart Foundation had the numbers advantage, Trips and Chyna had equalizers by the name of brass knuckles. Shawn and Bret would have a classic match that went back and forth, with surprisingly minimal interference from either side. However, trouble was just-a-brewing... as the lights kept flickering. The Hart Foundation and D-X grew more concerned with the lighting situation. Shawn readies himself for a Sweet Chin Music... BUT BRET GETS OUT OF THE WAY! THE REF GOT SMACKED INSTEAD!!! The referee is down! The Hart Foundation and D-X are now in the ring ready to fight! ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOOSE!

Out goes the lights! DONG!!! IT'S THE UNDERTAKER!!! He's here at SummerSlam! Taker jaunts down to the ring and now, like the parting of the Red Sea, everything has stopped in time. Both The Hart Foundation and D-X are staring at Taker... Owen launches himself at Taker... BIG BOOT! Neidhart next! Thrown out of the ring! THE UNDERTAKER IS CLEARING HOUSE, AND HE HAS ANNIHILATED ALMOST EVERY MEMBER OF THE TWO FACTIONS! He grabs Triple H for a chokeslam, but is hit by Chyna... NO REACTION! He grabs her too! DOUBLE CHOKESLAM! Everyone is out cold, and Taker is standing tall above all... Bret gets to his feet... HE'S HIT WITH A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!

Shawn is now alone with this very pissed off Deadman! Shawn can't run away in time... TOMBSTONE ONTO SHAWN! Taker has damn near killed the entire field! He angrily and reluctantly throws Bret onto Shawn and is walking out of the ring. Vince McMahon jumps to his feet on commentary and just before he can get the headset away completely, he shouts, "You're ruining my pla--!!!" The referee is finally aware enough to count the pin... 1... 2... 3... Bret Hart just defeated Shawn Michaels thanks in part to The Undertaker! Taker walks up the ramp, leaving behind a pool of carnage in his wake. Both The Hart Foundation and D-X are out cold on the outside, and only Bret is beginning to stir.

The next night on RAW, The Undertaker explains his actions, that he believes that revenge is very cold... "You see, Shawn Michaels, you reap what you sow. When you fuck with The Deadman, the Deadman will return the favor 100 times. Hunter Hearst Helmsley, what you experienced at SummerSlam is but taste of what's to come. At Ground Zero, you will rest in peace, because I will tear your limbs from your body, and beat you to death with them." He then mentions, "Bret... we all know that the WWF Championship belongs to The Undertaker. That Tombstone you felt, was a very clear message. I want my championship back." However, before Taker can finish... out comes Paul Bearer!? Paul Bearer is back after being gone for months!

Paul Bearer then proceeds to tell Taker that Bearer has come to reap his revenge, by revealing the greatest secret of Undertaker's life... that he had murdered his parents by burning down his childhood home! Taker is not pleased one bit, grabbing Bearer and threatening to end Paul's life if he doesn't admit that it was a lie... until Bearer screams that "Kane told me! Your brother Kane told me!" Thus begins a new story for Taker...

Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels demands from Vince McMahon (and not Gorilla Monsoon) a rematch for the WWF Championship against Bret Hart at Ground Zero. Due to "injury" however, Bret would not be able to compete at Ground Zero... instead, Shawn Michaels will face off against The British Bulldog for the WWF European Championship in the Main Event.

At Ground Zero, Triple H absolutely gets blasted by The Undertaker. He gets his ass whooped pillar to post, up and down the ring. Hunter would have the last laugh though, as Shawn Michaels would fly into the ring after Taker hits a Tombstone, ending the match in disqualification with a big Sweet Chin Music to Taker!

After the match, Shawn and Hunter start attacking the downed Taker... BUT IT'S NOT ENOUGH! He's back on his feet and he is going right after the both of them! He wants Shawn Michaels! He wants Hunter! He grabs both of them and tries to go up for a double chokeslam, but SHAWN RAKES TAKER'S EYES! SWEET CHIN MUSIC! DX is not done yet, because Hunter hits THE PEDIGREE! The Undertaker is down and out! DX heads to the back quickly before Taker can awaken and hunt them down...

In the Main Event of Ground Zero, we see Shawn Michaels facing off against British Bulldog for the European Championship. Of course, as with all things, DX gets involved in the match and the other Hart Foundation members (Owen, Neidhart, Pillman) show up and get involved as well. Unfortunately, Shawn takes advantage of the chaos to take out some brass knuckles... HE CLOCKED BULLDOG! Down goes Bulldog! Shawn applies the Figure Four Leglock on Bulldog, but Davey Boy Smith is out cold! The ref counts the pin (Bulldog's shoulders are on the mat) and awards the victory to Shawn Michaels!!! Out comes Bret Hart, who reveals himself as not actually injured! HE ATTACKS SHAWN FROM BEHIND AND IS LOCKING IN THE SHARPSHOOTER!!! Shawn is desperately tapping but Bret refuses to let up!

OUT COMES TAKER! Taker is back! Bret sees Taker coming and immediately gets the hell out of dodge, leaving Shawn to the wolf! TOMBSTONE! The Undertaker puts a foot on Shawn's throat, and is pointing and shouting, "Badd Blood, you son of a bitch, I've got something for you!" before leaving Shawn behind to be collected by Hunter and Chyna.

The next night on RAW, Vince McMahon announces that things are getting too out of control, and that Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker will face off one more time at Badd Blood, this time in a special match... "Hell in a Cell". For Bret Hart who lied about being hurt, he and Hunter Hearst Helmsley will face off at Badd Blood for the WWF Championship, with a small smirk on his face as he says this; he then adds, if *anyone* interferes in this match, they will be fired on the spot.

At Badd Blood, Bret Hart is facing off against Triple H, and the two have a somewhat underrated match in the grand scope of things. Hunter gets in a few shots at winning, but in the end, Bret Hart uses the rules that Mr. McMahon set against him... because he starts to jaw jack with Chyna, setting her off and getting her on the apron... she isn't doing anything though but shouting at Bret! The ref intervenes and tells her to get off the apron... Vince McMahon sees what's coming on commentary and is screaming, "Look at what Bret is doing, ref!!!" Bret pulled a roll of silver dollars out of his trunks! HE JUST SMACKED HUNTER WITH THE SILVER DOLLARS! Bret quickly pins Hunter and it is all over! Vince McMahon is livid!

We arrive at the Main Event of the evening... Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker in the legendary Hell in a Cell match. The Grimpact Zone would like to make it plain that this particular match will never change from real life. Not one bit. Shawn will be fighting for his life, attack the cameraman, escape the cage, get bloodied... all of that will happen as in real life. The Undertaker will beat Shawn within an inch of his life. But just when things look like it's all over...

WHO IS THAT MAN!? THAT'S-- THAT'S KANE! PAUL BEARER IS WITH KANE! PAUL BEARER HAS JUST SHOWN KANE! Kane saunters down to the cell, ripping the door off its hinges! The Undertaker is beyond shocked and unable to muster any emotion other than surprise. Standing before him is the biggest monster ever seen, his own brother, Kane! TOMBSTONE! KANE JUST FLATTENED TAKER WITH A TOMBSTONE! Kane stares down at Taker's body before walking away, leaving Shawn Michaels to death crawl his way onto Taker... 1... 2... 3... My god, Shawn Michaels has just won Hell in a Cell. Thanks to help from Kane.

Finally, the stage is set, the time has come. Vince McMahon officially announces the main event of Survivor Series, live from Montreal, Quebec, Canada... Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart. The Undertaker is nowhere to be seen, not just the next night, but for weeks afterwards. Kane is running rampant on RAW until Taker would accept his challenge. So for weeks, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart would go at one another with barbs, digs, and insults.

Three weeks before Survivor Series, Bret Hart would make a declaration... if he loses at Survivor Series, he'll leave the WWF... Vince McMahon on commentary could be heard saying, "Is he serious? Hmm..." Shawn Michaels agreed to this proposal and looked at Vince McMahon. McMahon made it official... If Bret Hart loses the WWF Championship at Survivor Series, he will be forced to leave the World Wrestling Federation.

Survivor Series has arrived... Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels... perhaps for the last time. The two tear at each other and have themselves a good old fashioned fight. During the match, Vince McMahon comes out from the back, alongside his advisor Pat Patterson. Vince appears to try and look stoic, but he has a small smile when Shawn dominates, and a hidden scowl when Bret controls the match.

But the ending is coming... The sacrifice of honor is ready. Shawn Michaels catches Bret flying from the second rope... SHARPSHOOTER!!! Bret immediately starts fighting out of it... DING DING DING... what? Vince McMahon is shouting for the bell, "Ring it, god damn it!" Confusion in the ring! Bret doesn't know what happened! Shawn doesn't know what happened! Vince McMahon can barely even contain his contempt. Bret and Vince are staring each other down... it has just dawned on everyone... BRET HART GOT SCREWED!!! Shawn Michaels grabs his new WWF Championship and begins wandering to the back, trying to get away from the shit-show that's about to go down. Bret spits in Vince's face! Vince angrily storms off, leaving Bret in the ring alone. The rest of the Hart Foundation come out to console a pissed off Bret. Owen Hart appears to be the most angry of them all, staring up the ramp at Vince McMahon, fists clenched...

Why Vince, why? Why did you do this? What could have led to this series of shocking events? We will delve to find out the next time we re-enter The Grimpact Zone... but one thing is for certain, the future of the WWF must continue without Bret Hart...

Next Time:

Part X
The Rise of Austin
1997-1998
​

Spoiler: WWE Championship Reigns

Buddy Rogers - 4/11/1963 - 5/17/1963 [36 Days]
Bruno Sammartino - 5/17/1963 - 1/18/1971 [2,803 Days]
Ivan Koloff - 1/18/1971 - 2/8/1971 [21 Days]
Pedro Morales - 2/8/1971 - 12/1/1973 [1,027 Days]
Stan Stasiak - 12/1/1973 - 12/10/1973 [9 Days]
Bruno Sammartino (2x) - 12/10/1973 - 4/30/1977 [1,237 Days]
Superstar Billy Graham - 4/30/1977 - 2/20/1978 [296 Days]
Bob Backlund - 2/20/1978 - 12/26/1983 [2,135 Days]
The Iron Sheik - 12/26/1983 - 1/23/1984 [28 Days]
Hulk Hogan - 1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
Andre The Giant - 2/5/1988 [<1 Day]
Vacant - 2/5/1988 - 3/27/1988
Randy Savage - 3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]
Mr. Perfect - 8/29/1989 - 1/21/1990 [146 Days]
Hulk Hogan (2x) - 1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
The Ultimate Warrior - 4/1/1990 - 6/24/1990 [80 Days]
Rick Rude - 6/24/1990 - 8/27/1990 [64 Days]
The Ultimate Warrior (2x) - 8/27/1990 - 11/22/1990 [87 Days]
Earthquake - 11/22/1990 - 3/24/1991 [132 Days]
Hulk Hogan (3x) - 3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]
Jake Roberts - 8/26/1991 - 11/27/1991 [93 Days]
Randy Savage (2x) - 11/27/1991 - 12/3/1991 [6 Days]
Jake Roberts (2x) - 12/3/1991 - 1/19/1992 [47 Days]
Hulk Hogan (4x) - 1/19/1992 - 4/5/1992 [77 Days]
Ric Flair - 4/5/1992 - 6/21/1992 [78 Days]
Randy Savage (3x) - 6/21/1992 - 8/29/1992 [70 Days]
Ric Flair (2x) - 8/29/1992 - 11/25/1992 [89 Days]
Randy Savage (4x) - 11/25/1992 - 1/24/1993 [61 Days]
Ric Flair (3x) - 1/24/1992 - 4/4/1993 [71 Days]
Hulk Hogan (5x) - 4/4/1993 - 6/13/1993 [71 Days]
Yokozuna - 6/13/1993 - 8/30/1993 [79 Days]
Lex Luger - 8/30/1993 - 1/22/1994 [146 Days]
Yokozuna (2x) - 1/22/1994 - 3/20/1994 [58 Days]
Bret Hart - 3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
Owen Hart - 8/29/1994 - 11/23/1994 [87 Days]
Bret Hart (2x) - 11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
Diesel - 1/22/1995 - 4/2/1995 [71 Days]
The Undertaker 4/2/1995 - 8/27/1995 [148 Days]
Razor Ramon - 8/27/1995 - 10/22/1995 [57 Days]
Bret Hart (3x) - 10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]
British Bulldog - 12/17/1995 - 1/21/1996 [36 Days]
Bret Hart (4x) - 1/21/1996 - 3/31/1996 [71 Days]
Shawn Michaels - 3/31/1996 - 8/18/1996 [140 Days]
Vader - 8/18/1996 - 1/19/1997 [154 Days]
Shawn Michaels (2x) - 1/19/1997 - 2/16/1997 [28 Days]
Sycho Sid - 2/16/1997 - 3/23/1997 [35 Days]
The Undertaker (2x) - 3/23/1997 - 6/8/1997 [77 Days]
Bret Hart (5x) - 6/8/1997 - 11/9/1997 [154 Days]
Shawn Michaels (3x) - 11/9/1997 - Current

Spoiler: 3+ Club

Hulk Hogan:

1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]

(4 Years, 7 Months, 26 Days)

Randy Savage:

3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]
11/27/1991 - 12/3/1991 [6 Days]
6/21/1992 - 8/29/1992 [70 Days]

(1 Year, 7 Months, 20 Days)

Ric Flair:

4/5/1992 - 6/21/1992 [78 Days]
8/29/1992 - 11/25/1992 [89 Days]
1/24/1992 - 4/4/1993 [71 Days]

(7 Months, 26 Days)

Bret Hart:

3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]

(9 Months, 8 Days)

Spoiler: 4+ Club

Hulk Hogan:

1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]

(4 Years, 10 Months, 11 Days)

Randy Savage:

3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]
11/27/1991 - 12/3/1991 [6 Days]
6/21/1992 - 8/29/1992 [70 Days]
11/25/1992 - 1/24/1993 [61 Days]

(1 Year, 9 Months, 20 Days)

Bret Hart:

3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]
1/21/1996 - 3/31/1996 [71 Days]

(11 Months, 18 Days)

Spoiler: 5+ Club

Hulk Hogan:

1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]
1/19/1992 - 4/5/1992 [77 Days]
4/4/1993 - 6/13/1993 [71 Days]

(5 Years, 21 Days)

Bret Hart:

3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]
1/21/1996 - 3/31/1996 [71 Days]
6/8/1997 - 11/9/1997 [154 Days]

(1 Year, 4 Months, 21 Days)

Spoiler: 500+ Club

Bruno Sammartino - 5/17/1963 - 1/18/1971 [2,803 Days]
Pedro Morales - 2/8/1971 - 12/1/1973 [1,027 Days]
Bruno Sammartino (2x) - 12/10/1973 - 4/30/1977 [1,237 Days]
Bob Backlund - 2/20/1978 - 12/26/1983 [2,135 Days]
Hulk Hogan - 1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
Randy Savage - 3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]

 

[Dirk Dickbutt]

Loving the booking choices. Is the Rebooking gonna only be for the WWE Championship, or will you do stuff like the IC Title, TT Titles, and other stuff

 

[Chris]

Thank you for leaving all the good parts mostly the same

 

[Sky]

Shoot screwjob? Work screwjob? Perhaps we shall never know

 

[Grim]

Part X
The Rise of Austin
1997-1998

We return with many unanswered questions, perhaps the most important one was why Vince McMahon screwed Bret Hart at Survivor Series? The next night on RAW, we see Vince McMahon come out with a massive black eye, a dark mark on his face, but he is filled with contempt for this pissed off crowd. In the ring is Jim Ross who demands answers as to why Vince did what he did.

"You want to know why!? I'll tell you why I did what I did! For years, Bret Hart was a loyal soldier. For years, Bret was the best wrestler in this company. For years, Bret *was* the WWF! So now you ask why, Vince McMahon, how could you do that to one of your most loyal employees? Bret Hart screwed Bret Hart! It all started at Survivor Series last year. Bret Hart defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin, and he was about to be back on top of the world! Then he started complaining, then he started losing. He cried and cried about being screwed; and then he has the *gall* to put his hands on me, the owner, right before WrestleMania!? No sir, I will not have that.

When Bret started winning again, I decided to use The Undertaker as my wrath. I thought The Undertaker would hurt Bret Hart and put him down for good. I not only wanted Bret gone, I wanted Shawn gone too. Two birds with one stone. However, I never imagined that Shawn Michaels would screw up and give the match to Bret! So at SummerSlam, I gave the match to Shawn, because I'd rather have a degenerate as my champion than someone like Bret Hart.

It was all going according to plan too, but The Undertaker just *had* to show up, didn't he! So Bret Hart retained. Months passed, and I plotted of a way to get rid of Bret Hart, and finally, an opportunity presented itself; I took it, when Bret Hart declared he would leave the WWF if he lost in Montreal. I did what I had to. So here we are now, the WWF is without Bret Hart, because Bret Hart screwed Bret Hart."

LOOK! IT'S OWEN HART AND HE'S PISSED! He grabs Vince McMahon by the collar and stares him down menacingly. Vince has a terrified look on him, knowing that Owen Hart may just kick his ass... It's an intense stare-down as security is hopping into the ring. Vince calls back the security and talks to Owen, "Now Owen, I know you're angry... but let's not do anything hasty here..." Owen cuts him off, "Hasty!? What you did to my brother Bret at Survivor Series is hasty, Vincent. What I'm gonna do to you... it's payback--" Vince quickly pleads with Owen, "Alright dammit, if you're gonna hit me, hit me, I've already been hit by Bret; you can't do anything worse than him, since you're his *little* brother." Owen pauses and his stare at Vince turns from menacing to a smug grin. He releases his grip on Vince's collar, and gently fixes it, "No Vince, this is just what you want anyways. I'll get you when you least expect it... for now though, I want Shawn Michaels. Once I'm done with him, I'll deal with you the old fashioned way." Vince laughs and says that Owen's going to have to do better than that if he wants the WWF Championship... Owen replies, "I don't want the WWF Championship, Vinny. I want *Shawn*. You're going to give me what I want too. Whether you like it or not."

Suddenly, out comes DX, who look mighty pleased with themselves over what happened last night at Survivor Series. Shawn Michaels holds the WWF and European Championships over both shoulder, a smug grin on his face. He hands the European title to Triple H and grabs a mic, "Owen, if you think you really got what it takes, I'll gladly take you on. As for you Vin-man; I always knew you were a snake, but I never knew you'd be so low as to try and bite on the Heartbreak Kid's d.i.c.--"

"Fine, at the next pay-per-view, D-Generation X, Shawn Michaels, you're gonna defend the WWF Championship against Owen Hart." cries Vince McMahon, pissed off at Shawn already. With this, the match is set for D-Generation X: In Your House 19. Owen Hart nods his head and chuckles, leaving the ring and out to the crowd. Shawn and Vince stare each other down, Shawn more smug than Vince. However, Vince's frustrated and angry demeaner grows more coy by the second.

At the Pay-Per-View, we get Owen Hart and Shawn Michaels go after one another in a massive brawl between the two. Triple H and Chyna watch on, blocked by security. Vince McMahon sits at ringside to make sure this match goes down fairly. Owen is walking Shawn across Texas throughout the match; Shawn is selling like he's going to the electric chair (to borrow a phrase from Ernie Ladd). At spots throughout the match as well, Owen and Vince make eye-contact.

The finish is here, we see Shawn and Owen bloody and battered, but still not giving up. Shawn gets Owen down and out... he's setting up for the Sweet Chin Music! Owen's up... DUCK! REF IS OUT! (Why do so many refs have to be in that exact spot!?) Owen has something in his tights! IT'S BRASS KNUCKLES! HE JUST SMASHED SHAWN ACROSS THE FACE!!! TRIPLE H AND CHYNA ARE FIGHTING WITH SECURITY TO GET TO OWEN! Owen isn't done just yet! He gets out of the ring and looks at Vince McMahon! Vince stands up and stares back... and he... steps aside!? Owen takes Vince's chair, staring back... HE'S GOT A SMILE ON HIS FACE! VINCE IS SMILING TOO!? OH MY GOD! Owen gets back in the ring and he is GOING TO TOWN ON SHAWN WITH THE CHAIR! This crowd doesn't know how to even react to this, they cannot believe that Owen is doing something so dastardly as to align himself with the man that screwed his brother!

Finally, Chyna and Triple H make it to the ring, but Owen is still wielding the chair, and he is swinging wildly at the two. He dares Triple H and Chyna to come on in. Shawn Michaels is coming too though! Shawn, through sheer force of will is struggling to get to his feet! Owen notices though! He turns around and reels back the chair! WHAM! OWEN HART JUST KILLED SHAWN MICHAELS WITH THAT CHAIR SHOT! This crowd can't believe what is happening and don't know what to make of it. All they know is that Owen is killing Shawn out there!

Triple H gets in the ring while Owen is distracted, but it was a trap! Owen wheels around with his brass knuckles! and knocks out Triple H! This is a complete demolishment of DX on their own show! Chyna is just about to get in the ring, but Vince McMahon is holding down her legs! Owen wakes the ref and is getting atop the broken Shawn Micheals! 1... 2... 3...!? Owen Hart just shocked the world by screwing over not just D-X, but spitting on his brother's downfall and siding with the man who fucked him over! The show ends with Owen and Vince McMahon shaking hands with one another.

On RAW the next night, Owen Hart enters the arena to a chorus of hatred, followed by Vince McMahon. Owen tells everyone, "Why, Owen, why? Did you ever think for one second I enjoyed playing second fiddle to my brother for a year? Hell no. I did it for the family though. I did it for Bulldog, for Jim... for Brian... but I sure as hell never did it for Bret. I always hated Bret's guts, and that never changed throughout this year. None of them are here anymore, it's just me, Owen Hart. The Last Hart. The Black Hart. So I took the opportunity, I took the initiative and Vince McMahon gave me the title match. I knew all along about Vince screwing my brother Bret. I kept my mouth shut because it was best for *my* career. As you can see, I'm *your* WWF Champion. I am *Vince's* WWF Champion." DONG...

THE UNDERTAKER IS BACK! He's coming down to the ring and he is now between Vince McMahon and Owen Hart! The Undertaker is none too pleased to have heard that Vince McMahon *used* him to beat down Bret Hart. Owen and Vince stand back from Taker, who angrily demands that he deserves a WWF Championship Match at the Royal Rumble. Owen turns to Vince and protests this, asking, "What about Kane? *His* brother?" The Undertaker declares that nothing Kane can do will make him ever fight his brother. He wants *his* WWF Championship back, and he wants it *now*; or else... Vince gulps and nods his head, grabbing Owen's shoulder and giving him a look.

Before Owen can say "yes", SHAWN MICHAELS COMES OUT OF NOWHERE AND SWEET CHIN MUSIC'S OWEN! DOWN GOES OWEN! Shawn is attacking Owen viciously, a massive stitched scar across his head where Owen busted him open the night before! The Undertaker grabs Shawn by the hair! Undertaker has not yet forgiven Shawn, because HE SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A CHOKESLAM! A statement has been made to Vince McMahon! Shawn wants revenge on Owen! The Undertaker wants his WWF Championship back! The Undertaker still hates Shawn! Shawn is scared of Undertaker! Vince formulates a plan inside his head as he drags Owen out of the ring with the WWF Championship in hand.

The next week, Vince McMahon announces that at the Royal Rumble... The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels will face one another in a #1 Contender's Match for the WWF Championship. There is one other stipulation as well... A CASKET MATCH! For Owen Hart though? He'll be facing off against Triple H at the Royal Rumble. Vince declared Triple H as the "#1 Contender" because he's "tough competition" for Owen, a *real* WWF Champion. Owen looks mighty pleased with himself...

Look! It's Jim Neidhart, and he looks displeased! He gets into the ring and stares down Owen. "Owen, what the hell!? How could you turn your back on your family? I thought I knew you better than this... I thought we let bygones be bygones." Owen backs up with the WWF Championship and quickly whispers to Vince. "Woah Jim, relax, relax. Think about it, Jim. What did Bret ever do for any of us? He may have united us, but he never gave you any opportunities to win championships, he kept us all down. I and Bulldog were former WWF Champions and not once did *we* ever get a WWF title shot while he was the leader! Now Vince McMahon and I have discussed it, and-- and we're willing to give you an opportunity to join the two of us and I'll guarantee you a title shot for yourself! You have until the end of the night, Jim. Think about it!"

At the end of the night, Owen and Vince wait in the ring to see Jim Neidhart's reply. He comes to the ring and still stares at Vince and Owen... He's opening his arms! OWEN AND JIM ARE HUGGING! The two are celebrating and Vince McMahon is looking smug. Owen tells Jim to talk to Vince; Jim has his back turned on Owen and is chatting with Vince! OWEN'S GRABBING A CHAIR! Vince looks over Jim's shoulder and nods to Owen... Jim turns around, WHAM!!! OWEN HART JUST TOOK OUT JIM NEIDHART WITH A NASTY CHAIR SHOT! Owen is beating the piss out of Neidhart and Vince is laughing maniacally! Vince grabs a microphone and shouts, "Jim Neidhart, you aren't getting any title shot, you're not who I want, and frankly, Jim..? YOU'RE FIRED!" Vince screams the words out gutterally and now this crowd has completely turned on Owen Hart. Owen and Vince laugh and kick Neidhart out of the ring as they celebrate.

Just before the show goes off the air though, SHAWN MICHAELS OUT OF NOWHERE IS ATTACKING OWEN HART! Vince flees the ring, and the brawl is on! THE UNDERTAKER IS COMING AS WELL! Taker grabs Shawn and Owen, simultaneously choke-slamming them both, and HE IS STANDING TALL over the two of them, grabbing the WWF Championship and raising it high! It's going to be a blood-bath at the Royal Rumble, folks!

At the Royal Rumble, we see the legendary casket match with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. Of course, much akin to real life, Kane and Paul Bearer interferes in the match and throws Taker into the casket, lighting it on fire. However, a bigger difference is Shawn Michaels being so hurt that he has to be taken to a medical facility, leaving Triple H and Chyna to fend for themselves.

In the Royal Rumble match, we get ourselves a show. Steve Austin vs. The World. Austin enters at #13, the unluckiest entrant, but he pulls through with the final six being Austin, Mankind, The Rock, Farooq, Vader, and Terry Funk. The Rock and Farooq would fight amongst themselves within the Nation of Domination, Vader (the only former WWF Champion in this Royal Rumble) is fighting with Austin, and Mankind and Terry Funk fight each other. Austin KICKS VADER IN THE BALLS! STUNNER! Vader stumbles... SECOND STUNNER! Vader is up against the ropes... AUSTIN ELIMINATES VADER! Austin waits in the corner... Mankind just eliminated Funk! STUNNER!!! OUT GOES MANKIND!!! Three men left! Farooq and Rock put their differences aside and attack Austin! BUT IT'S A PLOY BY THE ROCK! ROCK THROWS OUT FAROOQ! It's Rock and Austin left, two men who have no love-loss for one another. The Rock almost hits the Rock Bottom, but AUSTIN COUNTERS INTO A STUNNER! OUT GOES ROCK! AUSTIN! AUSTIN! AUSTIN! STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN IS GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA XIV!

The course is nearly set for the Main Event of WrestleMania XIV, but there are just a few matters to take care of... The main event of the Royal Rumble: Triple H vs. Owen Hart. Triple H and Owen have a spirited back and forth and it looks like Triple H is going to win at several points but Owen keeps bouncing back! The finish of the match sees TRIPLE H HIT A SURPRISE PEDIGREE! Owen is down! TRIPLE H MIGHT WIN! BUT VINCE PUT OWEN'S FOOT ON THE ROPES! Triple H is pissed and he goes outside to jaw jack with Vince! Owen is recovering, and he gets to his feet just as Triple H gets back in... BRASS KNUCKLES AGAIN!? BUT THIS TIME IT'S IN FRONT OF THE REF! He's calling for the bell and Owen Hart just retained the WWF Championship off a disqualification!

He's attacking Triple H after the fact and there are a chorus of boos following, with Vince in the ring cheering him on! BUT LOOK! STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN JUST CAME OUT OF THE CROWD! THE 1998 ROYAL RUMBLE WINNER JUST HOPPED IN THE RING! STUNNER! STUNNER! STUNNER! STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN JUST STUNNED OWEN HART, THE MAN WHO BROKE HIS NECK AT SUMMERSLAM! Austin turns to Vince and flips him off! Vince is livid! He cannot believe that Stone Cold Steve Austin just did this to Owen Hart!

The next night on RAW, Vince McMahon makes a *huge* announcement: At WrestleMania XIV, Mike Tyson will be the special guest enforcer for the WWF Championship match! This leads to the legendary Tyson/Austin brawl between the two. The bigger story, however, is Shawn Michaels vs. Owen Hart at No Way Out of Texas: In Your House 20. The question was whether Owen Hart would retain the title at the Pay-Per-View or if Shawn Michaels would get his revenge.

At No Way Out of Texas: In Your House XX, Owen Hart and Shawn Michaels once again brawled against each other, having one of their better. The biggest problem is Shawn being hampered by the back injury that grows more apparent as the match goes on. Owen exploits this and targets the back with nasty back-breakers and neck-breakers. The finish sees Steve Austin (who had been on commentary), rising to his feet as he spots Vince about to hand something to Owen... He runs over and STUNS VINCE MCMAHON BEFORE THE BRASS KNUCKLES CAN BE HANDED OVER! Owen is pissed and hops out of the ring to attack Austin, but he is attacked by Shawn from behind! It's an all-out brawl on the outside!!! Shawn throws Owen back in the ring and jaw-jacks with Austin, who he doesn't have any respect for. Shawn is tuning up the band! THIS IS IT! BUT WAIT! Is that...

WHAT THE HELL IS RIC FLAIR AND ARN ANDERSON DOING HERE!? THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE IN WCW! Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and everyone in this crowd can't believe their eyes. Ric Flair is stylin' and profilin' once more in the WWF! Arn and Flair come down to the ring and now Arn is talking with the ref! The ref is distracted! Flair and Shawn are having a stare-down! BAM! OWEN JUST LOW-BLOWED SHAWN! AND NOW RIC IS ATTACKING SHAWN!!! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!? Austin is diving into the ring to get to Owen but he's cut off by ARN WHO'S LET THE REF SEE WHAT'S GOING ON NOW! DQ! DQ! AND RIC FLAIR HAS THE FIGURE-FOUR LOCKED IN ON SHAWN MICHAELS! IT'S PANDEMONIUM! The show ends with Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Owen Hart standing tall over Shawn Michaels as Steve Austin watches at the rampway with disgust.

The aftermath of this match leads to two separate ways: Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels for the European Championship, and Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart for the WWF Championship. We arrive at our destination: WrestleMania XIV. The past four months had been filled with shock and surprise, twists and turns, and they all end in this hallowed show. The Main Event is Austin vs. Owen with Mike Tyson as the Special Enforcer.

The finish comes after a great 15 minute bout before-hand, with Owen having the opportunity... SPINNING HEEL KICK BUT AUSTIN DUCKS! OUT GOES THE REF! THE REF IS OUT! Owen can't believe what just happened, nobody has ever ducked his Spinning Heel Kick! He turns around... STUNNER! STUNNER! STONE COLD STUNNER! THIS CROWD IS GOING WILD! AUSTIN GOES FOR THE PIN FALL... MIKE TYSON GETS IN THE RING! 1.. 2... 3!!! AUSTIN! AUSTIN! AUSTIN! THE STONE COLD ERA HAS BEGUN!!! Vince looks on from the back in complete dismay while Austin and Tyson celebrate in the ring! Owen Hart gets up and starts jaw-jacking with Tyson... A VICIOUS RIGHT HAND BY TYSON KNOCKS OUT OWEN! The show goes off the air with Austin reigning supreme with the World Wrestling Federation Championship!

Next Time:

Part 11:
The Austin Era
1998
​

Spoiler: WWE Championship Reigns

Buddy Rogers - 4/11/1963 - 5/17/1963 [36 Days]
Bruno Sammartino - 5/17/1963 - 1/18/1971 [2,803 Days]
Ivan Koloff - 1/18/1971 - 2/8/1971 [21 Days]
Pedro Morales - 2/8/1971 - 12/1/1973 [1,027 Days]
Stan Stasiak - 12/1/1973 - 12/10/1973 [9 Days]
Bruno Sammartino (2x) - 12/10/1973 - 4/30/1977 [1,237 Days]
Superstar Billy Graham - 4/30/1977 - 2/20/1978 [296 Days]
Bob Backlund - 2/20/1978 - 12/26/1983 [2,135 Days]
The Iron Sheik - 12/26/1983 - 1/23/1984 [28 Days]
Hulk Hogan - 1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
Andre The Giant - 2/5/1988 [<1 Day]
Vacant - 2/5/1988 - 3/27/1988
Randy Savage - 3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]
Mr. Perfect - 8/29/1989 - 1/21/1990 [146 Days]
Hulk Hogan (2x) - 1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
The Ultimate Warrior - 4/1/1990 - 6/24/1990 [80 Days]
Rick Rude - 6/24/1990 - 8/27/1990 [64 Days]
The Ultimate Warrior (2x) - 8/27/1990 - 11/22/1990 [87 Days]
Earthquake - 11/22/1990 - 3/24/1991 [132 Days]
Hulk Hogan (3x) - 3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]
Jake Roberts - 8/26/1991 - 11/27/1991 [93 Days]
Randy Savage (2x) - 11/27/1991 - 12/3/1991 [6 Days]
Jake Roberts (2x) - 12/3/1991 - 1/19/1992 [47 Days]
Hulk Hogan (4x) - 1/19/1992 - 4/5/1992 [77 Days]
Ric Flair - 4/5/1992 - 6/21/1992 [78 Days]
Randy Savage (3x) - 6/21/1992 - 8/29/1992 [70 Days]
Ric Flair (2x) - 8/29/1992 - 11/25/1992 [89 Days]
Randy Savage (4x) - 11/25/1992 - 1/24/1993 [61 Days]
Ric Flair (3x) - 1/24/1992 - 4/4/1993 [71 Days]
Hulk Hogan (5x) - 4/4/1993 - 6/13/1993 [71 Days]
Yokozuna - 6/13/1993 - 8/30/1993 [79 Days]
Lex Luger - 8/30/1993 - 1/22/1994 [146 Days]
Yokozuna (2x) - 1/22/1994 - 3/20/1994 [58 Days]
Bret Hart - 3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
Owen Hart - 8/29/1994 - 11/23/1994 [87 Days]
Bret Hart (2x) - 11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
Diesel - 1/22/1995 - 4/2/1995 [71 Days]
The Undertaker 4/2/1995 - 8/27/1995 [148 Days]
Razor Ramon - 8/27/1995 - 10/22/1995 [57 Days]
Bret Hart (3x) - 10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]
British Bulldog - 12/17/1995 - 1/21/1996 [36 Days]
Bret Hart (4x) - 1/21/1996 - 3/31/1996 [71 Days]
Shawn Michaels - 3/31/1996 - 8/18/1996 [140 Days]
Vader - 8/18/1996 - 1/19/1997 [154 Days]
Shawn Michaels (2x) - 1/19/1997 - 2/16/1997 [28 Days]
Sycho Sid - 2/16/1997 - 3/23/1997 [35 Days]
The Undertaker (2x) - 3/23/1997 - 6/8/1997 [77 Days]
Bret Hart (5x) - 6/8/1997 - 11/9/1997 [154 Days]
Shawn Michaels (3x) - 11/9/1997 - 12/7/1997 [28 Days]
Owen Hart (2x) - 12/7/1997 - 3/29/1998 [112 Days]
Steve Austin - 3/29/1998 - Current

Spoiler: 3+ Club

Hulk Hogan:

1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]

(4 Years, 7 Months, 26 Days)

Randy Savage:

3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]
11/27/1991 - 12/3/1991 [6 Days]
6/21/1992 - 8/29/1992 [70 Days]

(1 Year, 7 Months, 20 Days)

Ric Flair:

4/5/1992 - 6/21/1992 [78 Days]
8/29/1992 - 11/25/1992 [89 Days]
1/24/1992 - 4/4/1993 [71 Days]

(7 Months, 26 Days)

Bret Hart:

3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]

(9 Months, 8 Days)

Shawn Michaels:

3/31/1996 - 8/18/1996 [140 Days]
1/19/1997 - 2/16/1997 [28 Days]
11/9/1997 - 12/7/1997 [28 Days]

(6 Months, 15 Days)

Spoiler: 4+ Club

Hulk Hogan:

1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]

(4 Years, 10 Months, 11 Days)

Randy Savage:

3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]
11/27/1991 - 12/3/1991 [6 Days]
6/21/1992 - 8/29/1992 [70 Days]
11/25/1992 - 1/24/1993 [61 Days]

(1 Year, 9 Months, 20 Days)

Bret Hart:

3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]
1/21/1996 - 3/31/1996 [71 Days]

(11 Months, 18 Days)

Spoiler: 5+ Club

Hulk Hogan:

1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
1/21/1990 - 4/1/1990 [70 Days]
3/24/1991 - 8/26/1991 [155 Days]
1/19/1992 - 4/5/1992 [77 Days]
4/4/1993 - 6/13/1993 [71 Days]

(5 Years, 21 Days)

Bret Hart:

3/20/1994 - 8/29/1994 [163 Days]
11/23/1994 - 1/22/1995 [61 Days]
10/22/1995 - 12/17/1995 [57 Days]
1/21/1996 - 3/31/1996 [71 Days]
6/8/1997 - 11/9/1997 [154 Days]

(1 Year, 4 Months, 21 Days)

Spoiler: 500+ Club

Bruno Sammartino - 5/17/1963 - 1/18/1971 [2,803 Days]
Pedro Morales - 2/8/1971 - 12/1/1973 [1,027 Days]
Bruno Sammartino (2x) - 12/10/1973 - 4/30/1977 [1,237 Days]
Bob Backlund - 2/20/1978 - 12/26/1983 [2,135 Days]
Hulk Hogan - 1/23/1984 - 2/5/1988 [1,474 Days]
Randy Savage - 3/27/1988 - 8/29/1989 [521 Days]

 

[Chris]

This Owen booking

ARN AND NAITCH???? oh my lanta

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Naitch was legally able to leave WCW in February of 1998. I've been telling people a great 1998 idea would be to have him debut in late March after 14 and be Vince's Corporate Champion to take on Austin instead of the double shot of Dude Love. Something I may do in my WCW '98 BTB.

That said, Naitch helping the Corporate Stooges dog on Shawn Michaels? I can see money in that. I assume this after he puts Bret over?

Shawn and Naitch in 1998 would make magic together. Please keep that gravy train rolling.

I have to say I am happy that you do run with Owen putting over Austin to start the Austin Era. The history with Owen and Austin is right there.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Owen winning the title on Bret's last official day under WWF contract (Dec. 7) and holding it until Mania to do the job Bret should have to Austin.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

An actual quote from Shawn Michaels being reported on by the Torch when Ric Flair's WCW contract expired in January of 1998:

Regarding Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels told the Charleston Post and Courier: “At 48, the son-of-a-gun is one of the most exciting things they have. He’s still the ‘Natch. I wanted to be the world champion. I did. I wanted to fill up the Alamo Dome. I did it. I’m very content with my wrestling accomplishments. But I tell you what. I had wrestled Flair a long time ago, but I was just a Rocker. To have the opportunity to work with Flair now at this level would simply be a dream come true. To me, he was ‘the man.’ He still is. I have a lot of respect for him. Ric Flair is an asset in any company. No matter what”

Seems like we got a ride coming here, folks.

 

[Grim]

Commemorative Recap:

WWF Championship Matches (1985-1998)​

The Wrestling Classic

Hulk Hogan (c) defeats Roddy Piper by DQ

WrestleMania II

Hulk Hogan (c) defeats King Kong Bundy

WrestleMania III

Hulk Hogan (c) defeats Andre The Giant

Saturday Night's Main Event (February 1988)

Andre The Giant defeats Hulk Hogan (c)

WrestleMania IV

Randy Savage defeats Ted DiBiase

WrestleMania V

Randy Savage (c) defeats Hulk Hogan

SummerSlam 1989

Mr. Perfect defeats Randy Savage (c)

Royal Rumble 1990

Hulk Hogan defeats Mr. Perfect (c)

WrestleMania VI

Ultimate Warrior defeats Hulk Hogan (c)

King of the Ring 1990

Rick Rude defeats Ultimate Warrior (c)

SummerSlam 1990

Ultimate Warrior defeats Rick Rude (c)

Survivor Series 1990

Earthquake defeats Ultimate Warrior (c)

Royal Rumble 1991

Earthquake (c) defeats Ultimate Warrior

WrestleMania VII

Hulk Hogan defeats Earthquake (c)

King of the Ring 1991

Hulk Hogan (c) defeats Earthquake

SummerSlam 1991

Jake Roberts defeats Hulk Hogan (c)

Survivor Series 1991

Randy Savage defeats Jake Roberts (c)

This Tuesday in Texas

Jake Roberts defeats Randy Savage (c)

Royal Rumble 1992

Hulk Hogan defeats Jake Roberts (c)

WrestleMania VIII

Ric Flair defeats Hulk Hogan (c)

King of the Ring 1992

Randy Savage defeats Ric Flair (c)

SummerSlam 1992

Ric Flair defeats Randy Savage (c)

Survivor Series 1992

Randy Savage defeats Ric Flair (c)

Royal Rumble 1993

Ric Flair defeats Randy Savage (c)

WrestleMania IX

Hulk Hogan defeats Ric Flair (c)

King of the Ring 1993

Yokozuna defeats Hulk Hogan (c)

SummerSlam 1993

Lex Luger defeats Yokozuna (c)

Royal Rumble 1994

Yokozuna defeats Lex Luger (c)

WrestleMania X

Yokozuna (c) defeats Lex Luger by DQ
Bret Hart defeats Yokozuna (c)

King of the Ring 1994

Bret Hart (c) defeats Yokozuna

SummerSlam 1994

Owen Hart defeats Bret Hart (c)

Survivor Series 1994

Bret Hart defeats Owen Hart (c)

Royal Rumble 1995

Diesel defeats Bret Hart (c)

WrestleMania XI

The Undertaker defeats Diesel (c)

In Your House 1

The Undertaker (c) defeats Diesel

King of the Ring 1995

The Undertaker (c) defeats Sycho Sid by DQ

Monday Night RAW (1995)

The Undertaker (c) defeats Yokozuna

In Your House 2

The Undertaker (c) defeats Sycho Sid, Diesel, and Yokozuna

SummerSlam 1995

Razor Ramon defeats The Undertaker (c)

In Your House 3: Steel Cage

Razor Ramon (c) defeats The Undertaker

In Your House 4: The Great White North

Bret Hart defeats Razor Ramon (c)

In Your House 5: Seasons Beatings

The British Bulldog defeats Bret Hart (c)

Royal Rumble 1996

Bret Hart defeats The British Bulldog (c)

In Your House 6: Family Feud

Bret Hart (c) defeats The British Bulldog

WrestleMania XII

Shawn Michaels defeats Bret Hart (c)

In Your House 7: Meet Your Maker

Shawn Michaels (c) defeats Yokozuna by DQ

King of the Ring 1996

Shawn Michaels (c) defeats Yokozuna

Monday Night RAW (July 6, 1996)

Shawn Michaels (c) defeats Owen Hart

In Your House 9: International Incident

Shawn Michaels (c) defeats The British Bulldog

SummerSlam 1996

Vader defeats Shawn Michaels (c)

In Your House X: Buried Alive

Vader (c) defeats Sycho Sid

In Your House 11: Mind Games

Vader (c) defeats Sycho Sid

Survivor Series 1996

Vader (c) defeats Shawn Michaels

In Your House 12: It's Time

Bret Hart defeats Vader (c) by DQ

Royal Rumble 1997

Shawn Michaels defeats Vader (c)

In Your House 13: The Final Fight

Sycho Sid defeats Vader, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels (c)

WrestleMania 13

The Undertaker defeats Sycho Sid (c)

In Your House 14: Revenge of the Taker

The Undertaker (c) defeats Mankind

In Your House 15: A Cold Day in Hell

Steve Austin defeats The Undertaker (c) by DQ

King of the Ring 1997

Bret Hart defeats The Undertaker (c) [Shawn Michaels: Ref]

SummerSlam 1997

Bret Hart (c) defeats Shawn Michaels

Badd Blood: In Your House

Bret Hart (c) defeats Triple H

Survivor Series 1997

Shawn Michaels defeats Bret Hart (c)

D-Generation X: In Your House

Owen Hart defeats Shawn Michaels (c)

Royal Rumble 1998

Triple H defeats Owen Hart (c) by DQ

No Way Out of Texas: In Your House XX

Shawn Michaels defeats Owen Hart (c) by DQ

WrestleMania XIV

Steve Austin defeats Owen Hart (c)

World Title Match Appearances:

Bret Hart: 16
Hulk Hogan: 14
Shawn Michaels: 13
The Undertaker: 12
Yokozuna: 10
Randy Savage: 9
Vader: 7
Sycho Sid: 6
Owen Hart: 6
Ric Flair: 6
Ultimate Warrior: 5
The British Bulldog: 4
Diesel: 4
Jake Roberts: 4
Steve Austin: 3
Razor Ramon: 3
Lex Luger: 3
Earthquake: 3
Triple H: 2
Mr. Perfect: 2
Andre The Giant: 2
Mankind: 1
Roddy Piper: 1
King Kong Bundy: 1
Ted DiBiase: 1

 

[Ricky Smarks]

That's a pretty sexy title picture.