[narrator] The World Wrestling Entertainment,
for over 50 years,
the revolutionary force in sports entertainment.
[thunder rumbling]
[narrator] Tonight, the World Wrestling Entertainment title
will be declared vacant.
Thus, this Sunday's Final Four winner
will become the new World Wrestling Entertainment Champion.
Tonight, live, Shawn Michaels will forfeit
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
[rock music playing]
[narrator] Thursday Raw Thursday.
Thursday Raw Thursday.
-[upbeat music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] Welcome, everyone, to Thursday Raw Thursday action.
We're just about ready to get underway for the Intercontinental Championship.
Here comes number one contender at least for tonight, Rocky Maivia.
-[bell ringing] -Yes. Welcome again, everyone,
Vince McMahon here, along with Good Ol' JR,
and Jerry "the King" Lawler.
We said that anything could happen here in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Surely, no one ever thought we could see what we're gonna witness later on
with Shawn Michaels forfeiting
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
He was first scheduled to face Sycho Sid for the WWE title.
Sycho Sid will be here,
but Sid will be squaring off against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin here tonight
on Thursday Raw Thursday.
Plus, ladies and gentlemen, you got to see Bret "The Hitman" Hart
attempt to settle a score with The Man They Call Vader.
But let me tell you, Vader is ready to go.
[Lawler] Yeah. Well, we're gonna see
if The Undertaker can bury an entire nation.
He'll have that opportunity when he goes against Savio Vega
and the Nation of Domination tonight.
[Mr. McMahon] And here we are, ladies and gentlemen,
on his way to defend the Intercontinental Championship,
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley.
[Howard] …Hunter Hearst-Helmsley!
["Ode To Joy" playing]
[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley scheduled to square off
this coming Sunday night in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
In Your House, ladies and gentlemen,
against the former Intercontinental Champion
who is here with us tonight
in reference to Ahmed Johnson and Helmsley.
And mind you, JR, taking quite a, uh, a risky step here
in defending the championship against the newcomer, Rocky Maivia.
[JR] You know, you can consider it risky,
you can consider it overconfident, uh, but anywhere you look at it,
it's a dangerous move for Helmsley to take on an athlete
that has been on a real role.
Rocky Maivia has, uh, almost been unscathed thus far in the WWE
and Rocky is focused.
Rocky's not thinking about this Sunday.
Rocky's only thinking about tonight here on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[Lawler] Let me ask you something, Jim Ross.
Do you ever exercise your right to remain silent?
I'm tired of all of this buff about Rocky Maivia.
Yeah, he's been on a roll but his feet's to come to a screeching halt tonight
at the hands of that man right there, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley.
The Champion. Let's talk about him a little bit.
[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, obviously more experience,
and Hunter Hearst-Helmsley is full of himself.
Mr. Helmsley, very confident.
And Mr. Helmsley against Rocky Maivia for the championship
and conspicuous by his absence as we speak, JR,
is the butler of Mr. Helmsley although he--
Who knows he might show up. Here we go.
Off the rope hip toss, wisely executed,
-Hunter Hearst-Helmsley. -[Lawler laughs]
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, there's a little in your face.
[Lawler] Where are all those blowing words of praise
for Rocky Maivia right now, huh?
-He landed flat on his butt. -[JR] I don't think,
if this match is determined by one hip lock.
The last I looked, it was for the intercontinental title
with no time limit here.
[Mr. McMahon] Rocky Maivia with an opportunity
to become a champion here tonight on Thursday Raw Thursday
here in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Hammerlock applied. Rocky Maivia.
Nice takedown there by Hunter Hearst-Helmsley,
drop toehold and a front face lock.
Sit-out nicely executed and back in control
as this young, uh, man who really
has been doing exceedingly well for himself.
[Lawler] And you know how many of--
You know his stomach has got to be full of butterflies.
I heard he's so nervous.
He's got this big title match here on worldwide television
on Thursday Raw Thursday. And he's got to be a nervous wreck.
-He'll never make it. -[crowd chanting] Rocky!
[JR] You think he's as nervous as Michael Jackson
has been the last 24 hours?
[Mr. McMahon] I don't know about that if that's nervous
but nonetheless, Rocky Maivia with an opportunity
to be the Intercontinental Champion here tonight on Thursday Raw Thursday.
And you can bet watching from Tampa, Florida.
Uh, it'll be Rocky Johnson, the father of Rocky Maivia.
[Lawler] Oh, look at this. [laughs]
[Mr. McMahon] Former WWE Tag Team Champion Superstar
as was the grandfather of the young man in the ring, Rocky Maivia.
High Chief Peter Maivia, the grandfather.
[Lawler] Yeah. Where's he watching from?
[Mr. McMahon] Let's be nice.
[JR] One thing about this matchup,
Helmsley obviously trying to get inside Rocky Maivia's head to frustrate him.
Helmsley has a huge edge in experience here
even though Helmsley's a very young man
and many say that Helmsley is the most cerebral Intercontinental Champion
since The Honky Tonk Man.
[Mr. McMahon chuckles] The most cerebral?
[Lawler] For you morons, that means he's a thinking man's champion.
[Mr. McMahon] That's it.
[JR] Trained by former WWE great and Hall of Famer "Killer" Kowalski,
so, uh, Helmsley knows what to do inside the ring,
let nobody be fooled by that.
[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley for the ride, coming off the rope,
and down goes Rocky Maivia.
Helmsley over him now, criss-crossing ropes, and nice hip toss.
-[Lawler] Whoa. Look out. -[Mr. McMahon] And a drop kick.
Got quite a bit up as Hunter Hearst-Helmsley
slides to the outside.
-Breaking the momentum as a veteran would. -[Lawler] Right.
[Mr. McMahon] The all-important momentum that Rocky Maivia will pick up.
[JR] Obviously, Helmsley is attempting to frustrate the young man,
Rocky, 6'5", 270, maybe around 275.
Rocky just got to keep his cool.
He's not taking any unnecessary chances against a cagy competitor,
uh, the caliber of this great Intercontinental Champion.
[Lawler] Before, I was in the dressing room
with Hunter Hearst-Helmsley.
He said he could take Rocky in less than ten minutes.
Matter of fact, he will show me on his--
You know, he's got a Rolex that cost $20,000.
-[Mr. McMahon] So what? -[Lawler] Well, I know.
[Mr. McMahon] Any of you who've just joined us,
we are coming to you live from Lowell, Massachusetts,
this is Thursday Raw Thursday on the USA Network.
[JR] Intercontinental Championship at stake right here,
it's certainly gonna be an emotional night for all us
here in the WWE, considering if you just joined us
as Shawn Michaels will forfeit the WWE Championship
right here, live tonight.
[Mr. McMahon] And Gorilla Monsoon,
President of the WWE here to explain what's going to happen
as a result of that forfeiture.
He's gonna explain the championship this Sunday night.
[JR] You know, we're beginning a very important weekend
for the WWE Superstars tomorrow night in Cincinnati, Ohio
and on Saturday night back in Saint Paul, Minnesota,
for the first time in a long time for the WWE.
-[Lawler] Oh! -[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley
-over the top to the outside. -[JR] It caught him on the nose.
[Lawler] Look out, Hunter.
-Now, look at this. -[Mr. McMahon] Coming outside now.
Rocky Maivia. Oh, my goodness.
Face first into the apron and look out.
-Up against that ring post. -[Lawler] Look out. Look out. Oh, yeah.
[Mr. McMahon] And Rocky pell-mell into the ring post
and clotheslined that ring post
and that could've done some damage to the arm.
[JR] Big mistake there by Rocky Maivia.
[Lawler] That can happen to anyone, but it happens to the stupidest first.
-[laughs] -[Mr. McMahon] Oh!
-[Lawler] Here you go. -[JR] Armbar takedown,
trying to dislocate the shoulder there and hyperextend the elbow,
was Hunter Hearst-Helmsley.
[Mr. McMahon] Helmsley now… Get momentum off the rope
-and plants that knee squarely… -[Lawler] Yes.
…into the shoulder separation.
Look at this. In complete control at the moment is the veteran,
the reigning Intercontinental Champion, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley
who, at this moment, is teaching this young man a lesson.
[Lawler] Speaking of moments,
you didn't seem to be impressed by his $20,000 Rolex.
How old were you when you first got your first $20,000 Rolex?
[Mr. McMahon] Believe me--
What's that have to do with the action in the ring?
[Lawler] I'm just telling you what a worldly man
and what a great champion Hunter Hearst-Helmsley is.
You don't wanna know the time that bad, do you?
You carry around a pocket full of quarters and call for the time.
-Cheapskate. -[crowd chanting] Rocky, Rocky!
[Mr. McMahon] This capacity crowd here, sold-out for days here.
Certainly behind the youngster, Rocky Maivia
hoping that, uh, well, that there'll be an upset here tonight.
-Off the rope-- Uh-oh. -[Lawler chuckles] Yes.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, no. Armbar takedown, nicely done.
[JR] Second time that has happened, Rocky taking his eyes off his opponent.
-Big cardinal mistake here. -[Mr. McMahon] Cover and two--
Oh, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley looking good on this very determined young athlete.
Rocky Maivia in an uphill battle thus far,
being taught a wrestling lesson to a certain extent by the veteran,
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, the reigning Intercontinental Champion.
Rocky Maivia, nonetheless with an opportunity to be the champion.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley laying them in.
We'll be right back as we continue.
[Mr. McMahon] We're back, everyone. Yes, we are live, Thursday Raw Thursday.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley on the right portion of your screen,
hammering away on Rocky Maivia.
Here's some action that took place during the break.
Devastating neckbreaker
-certainly taken its toll. -[Lawler] Look at this!
-[Mr. McMahon] I see. -I've heard the praises
for Rocky Maivia, but I can guarantee you
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley has been taken-- Hey, look at this.
[Mr. McMahon] Honky Tonk Man is out here.
[Lawler] The Honky Tonk Man.
[Mr. McMahon] Hey, wait. Hunter Hearst-Helmsley
has noticed The Honky Tonk Man.
And of course, Honky claims to be the greatest
Intercontinental Champion of all time.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley would take exception to that.
-Hunter sends up Rocky Maivia now… -[Lawler] Look at this, Honky.
…oh, what a suplex.
[Lawler] The end could be near for Rocky.
[Mr. McMahon] The Intercontinental Championship up for grabs.
-Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, the Champion… -[crowd booing]
…against the challenger tonight, Rocky Maivia.
[JR] McMahon, why don't you say "The greatest of all time
just joined the announcers' table?"
-[Mr. McMahon] Yes, and-- -[JR] Uh-oh, look out. Look out.
[Lawler] I'm gonna tell you this, Honky Tonk Man.
All McMahon and Jim Ross wanna do
is sing the praises of this, uh, Rocky Maivia punk in there.
I've been staying in the backstage and I've been listening to all these
and I've had enough with that Rocky Maivia.
I don't think he fits the category of what The Honky Tonk Man is looking for.
[Mr. McMahon] What about Hunter Hearst-Helmsley?
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley is a good champion, but he's not great by far.
The Honky Tonk Man casts his giant shadow in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
[Mr. McMahon] Just who is it, Honky Tonk Man?
[Honky Tonk Man] When the time comes, I'll let you and the world know,
but right now, I'm not going to let them know.
-[Lawler] Yeah. -[Mr. McMahon] Running knee
by Hunter Hearst-Helmsley.
You're gonna be impressed with that maneuver.
Here's a cover. Quick count at this time-- No.
[Honky Tonk Man] I'm not impressed with anything I've seen, I can tell you.
[Mr. McMahon] I think you could be hanging around.
[Honky Tonk Man] Every man I've looked at in the WWE,
so far, has let me down.
They've done everything the wrong way.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, what about The King?
-I know he can't play the guitar. -[Honky Tonk Man] Well,
when it comes to The King, he's for the royalty.
-[JR] There you go. -[Mr. McMahon] Wait…
[JR] He's full of something.
[Mr. McMahon] Sleeper hold applied, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley.
And this could be enough to put the upstart, Rocky Maivia,
down on the canvas.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley applying that sleeper
and unfortunately, this is one of the more embarrassing things
that can happen to you as a competitor, to be put to sleep by your opponent.
[Lawler] Yeah. Put him out like Rip Van Winkle on Sominex.
[Honky Tonk Man] It's not as bad being shaken around and roll,
and you know what that feels like. The Honky Tonk Man almost did it to you.
[Lawler] Oh, I wish you've have him.
[Mr. McMahon] And Rocky trying to battle the sleeper hold
applied by Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, trying to turn into it.
[crowd chattering]
[Lawler] Listen to them, Honky. Rocky this, Rocky that.
I'm sure Rocky will give you a run for your money,
-but so approves, big deal. -[Honky Tonk Man laughs]
It made me sick to stand back there and listen.
McMahon, why don't you talk about something other than Rocky?
[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley--
-[Lawler shrieks] -[Honky Tonk Man] Oh!
-Hunter Hearst-Helmsley in the grasp of-- -[Lawler chuckles] Oh!
[JR] Helmsley seems-- Helmsley seems to be
one move ahead of the rookie throughout this contest.
Helmsley is dictating the pace, he's controlled the matchup,
and quite frankly, he's far ahead on points as we speak.
[Mr. McMahon] Yet to come tonight,
as the tempo in this matchup picks up, we have, indeed,
Sycho Sid, who was to have faced the WWE champion, Shawn Michaels.
Sycho Sid one-on-one tonight live against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
And what about The Undertaker?
[JR] It's gonna be a challenge for The Undertaker,
he's gonna meet Savio Vega who's been red-hot.
and no doubt, the entire Nation of Domination will be on hand
to, no doubt, to challenge The Undertaker.
-[Lawler] Look out. Oh. Look at this. -[Mr. McMahon] Rocky.
Rocky now, exceptional right hands…
-[JR] There we go. -…what a shot that was.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley felt that one.
[Lawler] Come on, ref. Get in there, do your job.
[Mr. McMahon] Rocky Maivia sets up Helmsley.
-Back body drop, nicely done. -[Lawler shrieks]
[Honky Tonk Man] He's obviously still trying to impress The Honky Tonk Man,
but he's fighting a losing battle right now.
I am not impressed and neither is The King and neither is Helmsley.
[Mr. McMahon] The momentum of this match has turned around in Rocky Maivia's favor
-if he just won't make a mistake. -[Lawler] Come on.
[JR] Top rope, crossbody…
-[Mr. McMahon] Oh, no. -[JR] Hunter's on takedown.
-[Lawler] He got him. -[Honky Tonk Man] How was that…
-[Mr. McMahon] Two and a half. -[Lawler] That was a three-count.
Of course it was.
[Mr. McMahon] So many near-falls, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley on Rocky Maivia.
You wonder whether or not Helmsley is getting frustrated.
-[Lawler] Look out. -Off the rope-- Uh-oh.
-And did you see that? -[Lawler] Ooh.
[Lawler] I loved it. [laughs]
-[Mr. McMahon] That was a very-- -Watch this.
-[Mr. McMahon] Here we go. -[Honky Tonk Man] Bye-bye.
-[Lawler] Ooh! -[Mr. McMahon] That should do it.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley with the victory over this.
-Oh, Rocky… -[JR] Well, Rocky is not gonna quit.
He's not gonna quit. He's got that great fighting spirit.
That's a part of his heritage.
[Lawler] The reason he won't quit
is because he's a little bit short on gray matter.
He's a few fries short of a Happy Meal if you ask me.
He ought to just go ahead and submit now.
[Mr. McMahon] You wonder, Ahmed Johnson who is here tonight.
You wonder if he's watching this matchup,
knowing fully well that Ahmed will face Hunter Hearst-Helmsley
for the championship assuming, of course, Mr. Helmsley
is victorious here tonight or at least hangs on to the title.
It'll be Ahmed against Helmsley this Sunday.
-[Honky Tonk Man] It's over now, McMahon. -[Mr. McMahon] Here we go.
-Piledriver coming up. -[Lawler] Yes!
-[Mr. McMahon] Oh! -[Lawler] He told me
he was gonna do that, just for me.
[Honky Tonk Man] I think he broke his neck.
[Mr. McMahon] One, two… That's surprising.
-[Lawler] Got him. -Wait a minute.
[JR] I can't believe and Helmsley can't either.
-[Mr. McMahon] Rocky kicked out. -[crowd chattering]
[Mr. McMahon] And Hunter Hearst-Helmsley is getting frustrated,
although he might be frustrated
-with the officiating. -[Lawler] I don't blame you.
That slapped the taste out of the mouth of that referee.
[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley has done
just about everything he can do thus far,
but he is unquestionably wearing down Rocky Maivia.
[Lawler] Uh-oh, here we go.
Watch this, Honky. This may impress you.
[Honky Tonk Man] This will impress--
I think Helmsley is gonna try to impress The Honky Tonk Man.
[Lawler] Uh-oh, look at this.
[Mr. McMahon] And Hunter Hearst-Helmsley with an uppercut on Rocky Maivia
who's almost out
as Helmsley has him perched up there on the--
-Look at that. -[Lawler] That probably
slapped the taste out of his mouth.
-[JR speaks indistinctly] -Give him some more.
[Lawler] Uh-oh, this is gonna be good.
-Take him home, baby. -[Mr. McMahon] Oh, no.
-[Lawler] Watch this. -[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley…
-[Lawler] Let's see how he does. -…with Rocky Maivia
trying to get him up now, trying to suplex him from way upstairs,
-gets underneath… Oh! -[Lawler] Look out!
-[laughs] -[JR] Tremendous impact on the spine.
[Mr. McMahon] And a great effort by Rocky Maivia.
Wow. Oh!
-[Lawler] What's the deal? -[Mr. McMahon] Wait, another kickout.
[JR] Helmsley's gotta be getting frustrated here,
can't quite put Rocky Maivia away,
a testament to the attitude--
The never-say-die attitude of this youngster.
[Mr. McMahon] He does get it out of the crowd and from his dad,
he gets it from his grandfather, the first three-time--
Uh-oh, wait a minute.
[Honky Tonk Man] This is what I wanna see.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, the Pedigree. Here it comes.
-And Rocky's out. -[Lawler] He's already out.
Just roll him over, pin him.
[Mr. McMahon] Again, give credit where it's due.
Rocky Maivia has given everything he possibly could give here tonight
live on Thursday Raw Thursday.
-[Lawler] Look at this. -[Honky Tonk Man] He's finished.
[Lawler] He's limp as a dishrag. Hunter getting the Pedigree.
Just roll him over and pin him.
[Honky Tonk Man] Roll him over, Hunter.
[Lawler] He looks like a slinky.
-[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley… -Roll him over.
…completely in control of the match.
-Come on. -And look at this.
And now, what a psychology as Hunter Hearst-Helmsley…
-[Lawler] Gotta gloat a little bit. -…set to polish off--
[Lawler shrieks]
[Honky Tonk Man] That's what happens when you don't…
[Lawler] No, no, no. What?
-[bell ringing] -[JR] A new champion.
[crowd cheering]
-[JR] Rocky did it. -[Lawler] What?
[Honky Tonk Man speaks indistinctly]
["Destiny" playing]
-[Lawler] Wait a minute. -[Howard] …Rocky Maivia!
[JR] Wait a minute, have we seen--
-Dok Hendrix-- -[Lawler] No way.
-[JR speaks indistinctly] -[crowd cheering]
Rocky, Rocky, congratulations.
You are the new Intercontinental Champion.
How does it feel?
I can't believe it.
I can't believe this happened.
He's one of the best Intercontinental Champions.
But I guarantee you and all the people,
I'm gonna give the best that I can give all the way.
Rocky, I got to admit. I thought you were out of that match.
Your resiliency was amazing.
Your parents have to be proud.
Congratulations, Rocky.
Dad, my grandfather, my whole family, thank you.
And I'll make you and all of my fans proud.
[Dok] All right, Vince, back to you.
That's one of the things I love about this sport.
[Mr. McMahon] You never can tell what's gonna happen.
That much is for certain. How about it? What an upset here, ladies and gentlemen.
Rocky Maivia kicking off Thursday Raw Thursday.
Rocky in an upset wins the Intercontinental Championship.
[narrator] Hart, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
The Undertaker, Vader,
four men linked by controversy, four men with the history of bad blood.
Now, these four Superstars engage in one epic winner take-all battle.
Who will become the new World Wrestling Entertainment Champion?
WWE In Your House: Final Four.
There can be only one, live this Sunday on pay-per-view.
[Mr. McMahon] Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that will be this Sunday
and it will be for the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
More on that later tonight with Gorilla Monsoon,
the President of the WWE.
-But, King, on Thursday Raw Thursday. -[Lawler] Woo-hoo!
[JR] But we've got a new Intercontinental champion.
That's the bottom line.
Rocky Maivia shocked us all.
He shocked Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, quite an upset.
Rocky Maivia, a first time to wear the gold.
[Lawler] Please quit talking about Rocky Maivia.
-Let's talk about Sunny. -["I Know You Want Me" playing]
♪ You want to do things You never discuss ♪
♪ I know you think… ♪
[Mr. McMahon] My goodness, my goodness, Sunny.
♪ I know you're dreaming What you do with me ♪
[Lawler] She must have a fever, McMahon. She looks really hot from here.
[crowd cheering]
I had something to say to you but I can't remember what I did with it.
[Lawler] Oh, my, oh!
-Here it is. -[Mr. McMahon] Oh, she found it.
[Lawler] I don't know what the Seven Wonders of the World are,
-but Sunny's got two of them. -The following tag team contest…
is scheduled for one fall.
-Introducing first… -["Bangers" playing]
…at a total combined weight of 492 pounds,
Mosh and Thrasher, The Headbangers.
[Lawler] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] The most unusual tag team, ladies and gentlemen.
-You have never seen The Headbangers in-- -Look out, Sunny.
[Mr. McMahon] Uh, I think you're gonna be in for a treat.
Mosh and Thrash-- Thrasher in there.
[Lawler] They don't look good in that dress as Sunny does.
[Mr. McMahon] Still to come tonight,
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin goes one-on-one against Sycho Sid.
[Lawler] Yeah. And The Undertaker takes on Savio Vega,
and the Nation of Domination.
[JR] Bret Hart attempts to settle the score
with The Man They Call Vader.
[Mr. McMahon] And of course, Shawn Michaels will forfeit
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship here tonight,
ladies and gentlemen, live on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[narrator] And now, M&M's Slam of the Week.
[woman] Wait a minute.
-[crowd cheering] -[indistinct shouting]
[narrator] The Slam of the Week was brought to you by M&M's.
[Mr. McMahon] We're back, everyone, live Thursday Raw Thursday.
[Sunny] And introducing their opponents,
at a combined weight of 456 pounds,
the man with the sexiest Portuguese accent I've ever met,
The "Portuguese Man O' War" Aldo Montoya.
And a man that could make my heart race,
Bob "Spark Plug" Holly.
[Mr. McMahon] All right. Thank you very much.
[Lawler] I'd like to have Sunny over to my place
and feed her some of those green M&M's.
[Mr. McMahon] Well, can you give me any of that?
-[bell ringing] -[Mr. McMahon] Always nice
to have Sunny around.
[Lawler] I like it when she dresses more like a lady though.
Lady Godiva. Woo, woo, look at her.
[JR] Tell you what. Can we get back to business here?
We got a lot more in hand though.
-[Mr. McMahon] We do. -[JR] The Undertaker gets Savio Vega
and probably the entire Nation of Domination.
Sycho Sid and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin right here tonight live.
Uh, not to mention, the WWE Tag Team titles on the line.
And what about Bret Hart and Vader and, of course, the huge news,
the blockbuster news involving Shawn Michaels
forfeiting the WWE title?
-That, all and more here tonight. -[Mr. McMahon] Yeah.
As a matter fact, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next will be Shawn Michaels
and what has to be a most emotional moment-- Now, look at this.
Bob Holly really taking it to Mosh.
Mosh and Thrasher, The Headbangers,
the most unusual-- What a clothesline.
And Bob Holly, since returning to action here
to World Wrestling Entertainment, has really been coming into a zone.
And-- Oh!
[Lawler] I gotta say, McMahon.
Speaking of Shawn Michaels, I was really looking forward to it.
I've been looking forward all week
to see the showoff get shown up here at the showdown with Sycho Sid.
But then when the news broke about Shawn Michaels,
uh, I mean, it's-- You know, that's a crushing blow
to anybody, even Shawn Michaels.
I mean, I gotta even maybe feel for the guy.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, here is someone who--
Whether you like him or you don't like him,
whether you like long hair or you don't like long hair
or earrings or whatever it is he has in his belly button
or doesn't have in his belly button,
one thing you can give Shawn Michaels is
that more than any other WWE Superstar,
perhaps in history, he gives you his all,
whether you like him or you don't.
[JR] Speaking of great matches, in '96 he had with Vader,
his classic in September against Mankind for the WWE title,
I mean, this kid gave it a 100-- 110% each and every night,
no matter where he was around the world.
[Mr. McMahon] The match with Bret Hart at last year's WrestleMania
-was nothing short of extraordinary. -[Lawler] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] I mean, match after match,
whenever you think about some of the best matches
in the World Wrestling Entertainment ever in history,
a lot of them, if not most of them would include Shawn Michaels
whose career could very well come to a brusque halt
as a result of this knee injury.
And I might add, this is not an injury, ladies and gentlemen,
that, uh… happened all of a sudden.
This is-- When you-- If you're Shawn Michaels
and you put your body through what… Through what he puts his body through,
on a given-- There's a cover here.
On a given night, that has to take its toll.
And unfortunately, apparently that is what has happened.
The toll has just been too much for Shawn Michaels.
He is slated for a knee surgery,
and we just don't know the extent of the damage done to the knee.
He may, God forbid, not return to action.
[JR] Well, until the doctor opens him up,
and that's what's gonna happen, we're not gonna know
the severity of the situation.
And if it's gotta be completely reconstructed-- Oh, my.
If it's got to be completely reconstructed,
uh, he may never be back, number one.
He may never be the same, number two.
Uh, we just don't know.
It's just a heartbreaking situation for a young kid in his prime
just realizing his dream, you know, to be--
Uh, to be debilitated as he has.
[Lawler] Well, you guys don't need to soft--
I mean, try to soft pedal it.
Tell the people what his doctor said.
That a complete reconstructive surgery needs to be done on his knee
and most likely, it's a career-ending injury.
[Mr. McMahon] Not necessarily.
Again, as JR said,
no one will really know until they get inside the knee
but again, Shawn Michaels, ladies and gentlemen can't give you 99%.
He has to give you 100% every night when he goes to the ring,
more than any other WWE Superstar perhaps.
And look at this, The Headbangers trying to make it a favorable impression here
before this capacity crowd on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[Lawler] Let me ask you and Ross something, McMahon.
Do you guys, in any way at all, feel responsible
for what's happened to Shawn Michaels?
When you guys are out here constantly talking about him
being the most resilient,
the most flamboyant, the most charismatic,
naturally, he feels obligated every night to put his body at risk.
Hey, he's not Superman. Nobody is.
And now, this is what's happened.
[Mr. McMahon] As a matter fact, I certainly feel partially responsible
considering the schedule.
No one's ever been on the schedule like Shawn Michaels has been,
from a promotional standpoint or from an athletic standpoint.
Here we go from the top. Watch this now.
-[JR] Look at this teamwork. -[Lawler] Look.
-[Mr. McMahon] Oh! -[JR] Oh, very impressive.
These Headbangers are very impressive.
[Mr. McMahon] Not as impressive as Saturday nights on USA,
ladies and gentlemen.
That's right. Saturday night, seven o'clock,
6:00 Central at USA's Forbidden TV comedies.
Oh, are they ever forbidden?
We've got-- Whoa, Lost on Earth.
And that's gonna be followed by your favorite, JR.
[JR] You bet. I'm a Duckman man.
Duckman, Saturday nights following Lost on Earth.
Perfect.
[Mr. McMahon] There you go.
And, uh, from the looks of things,
it looks like Thrasher just about lost his lunch there
on that last attempted maneuver.
Here comes Mosh and here comes Aldo Montoya.
Aldo Montoya setting up Mosh often.
[JR] You know, how would you like to be Brett Favre
just winning the Super Bowl
at the peak of your career and somebody tells you,
"Maybe all season we will rebuild your knee
and you may not play again?"
I mean, it's a heartbreaking situation. That's exactly the analogy we have here.
Shawn Michaels without a doubt is the most valuable player in the WWE.
[Mr. McMahon] And a cover here and a kickout.
[JR] At least that's my opinion. I'm sure that could be arguable.
He may not be the most popular guy in the locker room
but, you know, who cares?
[Mr. McMahon] Again, one thing Shawn Michaels will consistently do
-and has done is giving-- -[Lawler] Oh, whoa.
[JR] That's a magnificent move.
[Mr. McMahon] Is that enough to polish off Bob--
-Yes, a win. -[bell ringing]
[Mr. McMahon] And I might add, an impressive one by The Headbangers,
-Mosh and Thrasher. -["Bangers" playing]
I'll tell you what, we got a-- This is a tremendous--
And the winners of this match, Mosh and Thrash,
The Headbangers!
[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] Yes, ladies and gentlemen, The Headbangers victorious.
Yet to come tonight,
well, we've got Sycho Sid one-on-one with Stone Cold.
That and a whole lot more.
However, coming up next, Shawn Michaels will join us.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Mr. Gorilla Monsoon, Hall of Famer.
[crowd cheering]
And now would you please welcome
the most flamboyant, the most charismatic…
[crowd cheering]
…WWE Champion, perhaps of all time.
[crowd chattering]
Here, ladies and gentlemen, to surrender
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen, the one and the only Shawn Michaels.
-["Sexy Boy" playing] -♪ I think I'm cute ♪
♪ I know I'm sexy ♪
♪ I got the looks That drives the girls wild ♪
♪ I got the moves that really move them ♪
♪ I send chills up and down their spine ♪
♪ I'm just a sexy boy, sexy boy ♪
[JR] Shawn Michaels walking very gingerly.
He had an MRI done yesterday in San Antonio.
Doctors recommending reconstructive surgery
as we have told you,
whether you love him or you hate him.
If you're a wrestling fan, you have to respect him.
♪ …whenever I'm around ♪
♪ They see me walk ♪
-♪ They hear me talk ♪ -[Lawler] I'll tell you this.
I don't care for him at all, professionally.
But I gotta admit, this is a stand up thing to do.
As soon as he gets the words from the doctor,
I think I would've hung on to the belt as long as I could.
[JR] It's gotta be gut-wrenching and heartbreaking.
♪ I'm not your boy toy ♪
♪ Boy toy ♪
-[song fades] -[crowd cheering]
This comes obviously as a shock.
It's a shock to WWE fans all over the world.
Maybe it really shouldn't be,
considering what you give.
Obviously, Shawn Michaels,
what you bring to the World Wrestling Entertainment
has taken its toll on you,
specifically…
your knee.
And as you are facing a knee operation,
I wonder if you would share what's…
Millions of your fans all over the world, what's going through your head.
Well, it seems, uh, like we've done this before.
And, uh, this time,
unfortunately, for me, it's, uh, much more serious
than it was last time.
Uh, I've never had…
um, a doctor look me in the face
and say, uh, that I may never be able to wrestle again.
And I was, uh…
I was told that the other day.
Of course, you know, I-- It's not something that I believe,
um, but the fact is it's something that I have to deal with.
Time has taken its toll on my body
and…
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
I know you're just as disappointed more so than anyone else
that you are not defending the WWE Championship against Sycho Sid,
for that matter, who never would've been stacked up against you.
And no one has taken on more challengers,
no one in the history who's ever won this championship belt
as ever had the schedule--
Has ever had to endure the kind of schedule
that you have so readily taken upon yourself.
Well, there's, uh, one thing about me, is that I can't do anything halfway.
And I-- You know, I come here and I hear the people and they chant,
uh, Sid's name, or they chant Bret's name and they chant a lot of people's name.
And one thing is for sure.
You're gonna have all of that in the future.
Um, and that's what I want for the World Wrestling Entertainment fans.
In spite of, um, what people may think about me,
what I've always wanted for all these people
is for them to have a good time and to enjoy themselves.
I've always tried to be the one to provide it,
whether it was on the good side or the bad side,
um, but what's--
What was always most important to me
was the performance--
Was the performance so that these people,
each time they reach in their pocket and they pay to get a WWE ticket,
they didn't regret it because they knew that if they saw my name on the card,
they could-- Uh, they could come and they could cheer, and they could boo,
and they could do whatever what they wanted as long as they had a good time.
Over the last couple of months,
uh, there's been a lot of talk of people having bad attitudes
and a lot revolving around this belt.
Uh, all I know today is that one thing that's not gonna revolve around this belt
for a long time is going to be Shawn Michaels.
I don't know where I'm at right now.
I have to-- Uh, I have to have everything checked.
I may have-- I may be beyond reconstructive knee surgery.
I may or may not be able to fix it.
But if I can't come back and perform at the level
that I performed at before,
I can't… I can't perform.
Uh, I can't come out here and just go half ass.
I have to come out here
and I have to romp and stomp and I have to get tossed around.
I have toss people around. I have to have fun.
Uh, the schedule over the last year I took on
because I didn't feel like I could say no.
I wanted to do everything.
I wanted to enjoy my life as the WWE Champion.
I wanted to-- I wanted to ride in Learjets
and, uh, I wanted to ride in limousines, and I wanted to be on TV shows,
and I wanted to do autograph sessions, and I got to do every bit of that.
And if nothing else, I have all of that stick with me.
But again-- And I know right now we're in the middle of a time
where toughness is real big here in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
And unfortunately, all I've got right now for you is a lot of sorrow,
a lot of tears, and a lot of emotion.
I don't have any toughness for anybody.
Um, so I guess, you know, here you go.
Here's your belt.
And, uh…
[crowd cheering]
…what I'm gonna do is go back home
and see what's left for me,
whether it be in this ring, whether it be out of this ring.
I know that over, uh, the last several months
I've lost a lot of things and one of them has been my smile.
And I know it doesn't mean a whole lot to everybody else,
but it means a lot to me.
So, I have to go back
and fix myself and take care of myself.
And I have to go back and I have to find my smile
because somewhere along the line, I lost it.
And I don't care really-- I don't care if it's unpopular.
I don't care if, uh, people wanna make fun of me
because I'm an emotional guy,
um, but this is… This is all I've ever wanted to do.
And, uh, over the last year I got to do it.
And whether you like me or not, I just wanna tell you that,
uh, last year was the most wonderful year of my life.
And, uh, if I never do… Get to do it again,
it'll be okay because I got to live one full year
as being the number one guy in this business
and it was the single most greatest year of my life.
And I have you to thank and I have everybody here to thank.
And it means a lot to me.
And, uh, I wanna go home now, okay?
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen,
Shawn Michaels!
["Sexy Boy" playing]
♪ Oh, Shawn ♪
♪ I think I'm cute ♪
♪ I know I'm sexy ♪
♪ I got the looks That drives the girls wild ♪
[JR] Well, I'll tell you, folks, 25 years I've been doing this
and I have never--
I have never had a pain in my gut I've got right now.
One more time around the ring.
I hope it's not the last time.
Thirty-one-year-old athlete with a career-threatening--
Perhaps a career-ending knee injury,
completely out of the blue,
completely unexpected,
how do you prepare…
for the loss of a franchise player?
♪ I make them feel Like they're on Cloud Nine ♪
[Lawler] Well, Ross, I think that--
I think that you know and probably McMahon knows,
and most importantly probably all of these people realize
that Shawn Michaels has been the most resilient champion ever,
and--
[crowd chattering]
[JR] Good luck to you. Best of luck to you.
[crowd chattering]
[Lawler] And I'd say, Ross, if had to bet,
I'll bet that he can come back from this too.
[JR] Well, I'll tell you, I saw him as a rookie at Shreveport, Louisiana,
the Irish Male Boys Club.
I knew the kid about 18 years old had it.
He still got it.
My heart's breaking.
♪ I'm not your boy toy ♪
♪ Boy toy ♪
♪ I'm just a sexy boy ♪
[JR] It takes a man's man to do what he just did, folks.
♪ I'm not your boy toy ♪
♪ Boy toy ♪
[JR] Goodbye, Shawn, Godspeed.
♪ I'm not your boy toy ♪
[JR] Tonight, Thursday Raw Thursday live is brought to you by
Western Union. The fastest way to send money worldwide.
We're back with more Thursday Raw Thursday.
And, uh, I couldn't hear your reaction with what Shawn Michaels had to say.
Mine certainly-- Reaction is that the World Wrestling Entertainment
owes Shawn Michaels.
Uh, we owe Shawn Michaels a debt of gratitude
we'll never ever be able to repay for all of his contributions.
And we certainly hope that Shawn Michaels will return
to action after the knee surgery.
Then again, you just don't know when you have an injury like that.
[Lawler] There were tears in the ring.
There were certainly tears throughout this entire arena.
Uh, but like you said, nothing is certain.
But if-- I told Jim Ross when, uh, Shawn was walking around here,
if I was a betting man, I would bet that Shawn Michaels,
out of anybody in the World Wrestling Entertainment,
would be able to come back at some point in time.
But he said himself, if he can't come back as he was, he won't comeback.
Right.
Nonetheless, we said before that anything can happen here
in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
This is one of the more tragic occurrences, uh,
a young man, peak of condition,
to have this happen
and there's nothing short of tragic as we've said many times before.
And we will be, ladies and gentlemen, bringing you the development
-surrounding Shawn Michaels' operation. -Savio Vega. Turn on the music.
[Mr. McMahon] And we'll consult with his physician
and bring you the news as we have it.
However, right now as we have it,
we have the Nation of Domination.
Savio Vega joining the Nation of Domination.
JR, you were there at Madison Square Garden
when that occurred.
[JR] Uh, one thing I wanna say
in regards to Savio joining the Nation of Domination.
This puts, uh, a total new spin on the Final Four this Sunday.
Uh, and Gorilla Monsoon will be back with us, folks,
to give us a complete update of the decision that he made
and why he's made it and how it is affecting the top Superstars in the WWE.
That is still to come here tonight.
I know you wanna know that information
and we will certainly bring it to you with Gorilla Monsoon
here tonight on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[Mr. McMahon] Whoever wins the Final Four match this Sunday
will be the WWE Champion.
-But there's more to it than that. -[bell tolling]
-And you want more? -[crowd cheering]
Here he comes, ladies and gentlemen.
-[crowd cheering] -["Graveyard Symphony" playing]
[Lawler] Oh, where is he?
[crowd chattering]
[Howard] From Death Valley,
weighing 328 pounds,
The Undertaker!
[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] The most phenomenal athlete in the history
of the World Wrestling Entertainment,
The Undertaker, to take on the Nation of Domination
on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[crowd cheering]
[JR] Boy, this is gonna be something.
This is gonna be something.
[Mr. McMahon] Stay with us, ladies and gentlemen.
We'll kick the match off when we return.
[Mr. McMahon] We're back, this match is just underway.
Savio Vega attacking-- Oh, my goodness, look at The Undertaker.
-Oh! -[Lawler] Oh, wow!
-[JR] What power. -[Mr. McMahon] Unbelievable.
Look at this, The Undertaker going to work on Savio Vega
-from the Nation of Domination. -[Lawler] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, my goodness. And if you're just joining us,
you're watching Thursday Raw Thursday on USA.
The Undertaker one-on-one against Savio Vega
of the Nation of Domination.
Yet to come tonight as well, Sycho Sid goes one-on-one
with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
And, JR, what about "The Hitman" Bret Hart against The Man They Call Vader?
[JR] It's gonna be a great matchup. Bret Hart and Vader one-on-one.
Vader is one up on The Hitman and that match still to come.
I'll tell you, Savio Vega jumped The Undertaker
right before the bell sounded and tried to get the early advantage.
The street gang on the outside.
-Anything is apt to happen here. -[Lawler] Yeah, anything is apt to happen.
We already saw the Intercontinental tittle change hands
and WWE Tag Team titles are gonna be at stake later on, too.
[Mr. McMahon] If you're just joining us, we have a new Intercontinental Champion.
[Lawler] I still can't believe it.
[Mr. McMahon] And his name, well, let's just say that,
uh, he's the first third generation WWE Superstar
to ever join us, ladies and gentlemen.
Indeed the grandson of the "High Chief" Peter Maivia,
the son of Rocky Johnson,
of course, making reference to Rocky Maivia,
defeating Hunter Hearst-Helmsley in an upset earlier on,
as a matter of fact, the first match on Thursday Raw Thursday tonight.
And then Shawn Michaels forfeiting
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
Oh!
[Lawler] That maybe a bigger shot than Michael Jackson becoming a father.
[Mr. McMahon] Uh, unfortunately, yeah, I think you're probably right.
[Lawler] I heard that Michael wanted a boy, the other wanted a girl.
They're both satisfied.
[Mr. McMahon] All right, now.
[crowd chattering]
[JR] Can you imagine what kind of weekend it's gonna be?
The intensity we've all-- The emotion,
the intensity of seeing WWE live just like tomorrow night in Cincinnati
or Saturday night in St. Paul.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, look at this. Going into top rope, ladies and gentlemen,
-The Undertaker. -[Lawler] Yeah. The outside.
[Mr. McMahon] The Undertaker, tremendous balance.
[JR] But then you talk about Sunday,
Chattanooga, Tennessee is the place to be ladies and gentlemen.
It'll be in the UTC Arena live.
The roundhouse is gonna be rowdy and you can be a part of it.
Tickets available at UTC Arena box office or you could call
for information at 615-266-6627.
-[Mr. McMahon] That hurts. -Front seats still available.
[Mr. McMahon] That is for the Final Four.
And the winner of the Final Four will be the WWE Champion.
And we might be looking at him right now.
Do you think The Undertaker will defeat Bret Hart, The Man They Call Vader,
and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin?
[Lawler] I'll tell you something-- Uh-oh. That's a low blow.
I was gonna say it depends on how all those men
leave on Thursday Raw Thursday.
If they can leave in one piece.
And The Undertaker got an ambitious schedule.
The Undertaker's gonna be in Cincinnati and St. Paul leading into Chattanooga.
Anything apt to happened in the next 24 to 48 hours.
[Mr. McMahon] What a very volatile situation here
in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Never has it been as volatile as it is now.
Shawn Michaels due to injury forfeits
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
Gorilla Monsoon declared that the winner of the Final Four match now
will be the WWE Champion.
However, one individual this is not fair to-- Oh, great move by Savio Vega.
Another one.
-[JR] Spinning heel kick by Savio Vega. -Here he comes off the rope and--
Underneath the roundhouse. Savio Vega--
He takes The Undertaker down to the canvass.
[JR] It took three but-- A cover and count.
[Mr. McMahon] And a kick out by The Undertaker.
Again, reference to the unfairness of Gorilla Monsoon's decision
of the Final Four becoming the WWE Championship match this Sunday.
Sycho Sid who was scheduled to meet Shawn Michaels here
for the title and a rematch
from the Royal Rumble sure gets the shot.
[Lawler] Sycho Sid's got to be upset
because had Shawn Michaels gone ahead and wrestled tonight,
Sycho Sid would without a doubt been the new WWE Champion.
[Mr. McMahon] I think he saw Michaels, he can hardly make his way into the ring.
Clearly they no longer allow him to wrestle tonight.
-[Lawler] I wouldn't let him. -Look at this.
Nation of Domination on the outside looking on as Savio Vega
is really taking it to The Undertaker.
[JR] I'll tell you one thing.
The folks in the Deep South like Birmingham, Huntsville,
Alabama, Knoxville, Tennessee.
They know what this Nation of Domination is all about.
There's some showdown confrontations coming up in those great cities.
[Mr. McMahon] Talking about a showdown confrontation,
Savio Vega hammering away on The Undertaker.
Many think that Savio Vega is really coming into his own
as a member of the Nation of Domination.
And remember, if you were on hand in Madison Square Garden…
-One, two, three, four… -…several Saturdays ago,
we saw Savio turn his back on his tag team partner, Ahmed Johnson,
and joined the Nation of Domination and that was none too pleased,
-if you're Ahmed. -[Lawler] And, folks,
if you're wondering if Faarooq and Crush in the house, yes, they are.
They will challenge Owen Hart and The British Bulldog
for the WWE tag titles live right here tonight, so--
[Mr. McMahon] We got one championship change already.
[JR] Could happen. Lightning could strike twice
as the old cliché goes.
[Mr. McMahon] Head butt by Savio Vega.
And Savio Vega really pouring it on The Undertaker.
[JR] Got to be impressed with the physical toughness of Savio Vega.
I'm very disappointed that he's joined the Nation of Domination.
But you certainly have to admire his tenacity.
[Mr. McMahon] I think really everyone has
although he was certainly one of the more underrated WWE Superstars.
Now, we get to see that he's rated all right.
Oh, look at that-- Look at that man.
[JR] Opportunistic, like sniffing dogs.
-He's sniffing at somebody. -[Lawler] When--
[Mr. McMahon] The official turns his back, the Nation jumps to gain the advantage.
[Lawler] That's a part of being a Nation. You know, they're all united.
By any means necessary is what they preach.
I mean, these guys are gonna all help each other.
They watch each other's backs. Wait a minute.
[crowd chanting] Rest in peace!
[Mr. McMahon] Listen to the chants, "Rest in peace."
-[Lawler] Huh? -But right now,
it's Savio Vega who continues to chip away on The Undertaker--
There a right hand and another one.
[JR] I thought there was American Airline pilots
saying right now, "Rest in peace."
-[chuckles] -[Lawler] "We ain't working."
[JR] The Undertaker taking it Savio Vega.
Pulls him out, whips him to the corner.
Here comes the Under-- Look at him, he did a spinning heel kick,
drives The Undertaker backwards
and he collapses in the middle of the ring.
Cover.
One count, we have two and--
-No. -[Lawler] He got him.
[Mr. McMahon] No. Not even close.
And Savio Vega going pull out a victory here against The Undertaker
and that is-- Oh, my goodness, a tremendous act of momentum
in his favor and for that matter the whole Nation of Domination.
[JR] Ladies and gentlemen, can you imagine the intensity
and the athleticism when four men, a magnitude of an Undertaker,
of a Bret Hart, of a… Of a Vader who's 450 pounds
and then you add that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin element
in there, four men in one match.
And one will definitely leave Chattanooga, Tennessee this Sunday
with the WWE title around their waist.
You're guaranteed to see a new champion crowned this Sunday
on pay-per-view from Chattanooga.
[Mr. McMahon] And ironically, watching probably on pay-per-view
from San Antonio will be Shawn Michaels and that--
It is a huge loss for the World Wrestling Entertainment
and for fans all over the world.
Undertaker now with an uppercut.
Undertaker hammering right on the back of the head of Savio Vega.
And another one.
The Undertaker sets up Vega now for the Ride.
Coming off-- No, but-- Nope. Oh, look out.
Savio Vega with a neck breaker.
Savio Vega with another cover.
-And another pending-- -[Lawler] Can he make it?
-[Mr. McMahon] No. Uh-oh. -[JR] No.
-[Lawler] Whoa! -[Mr. McMahon] Uh-oh.
-The Undertaker-- -[JR] This has just picked up.
[Mr. McMahon] I think-- I have to agree with you there, JR.
Savio Vega won't let The Undertaker up.
He is to make-- Whoa, look at that.
Look at Vega collapsing as The Undertaker came down with that leg across his body.
[JR] Hellacious athleticism and flexibility by a man that's 6'10".
[Mr. McMahon] Off the rope and-- What a clothesline.
[Lawler] Hey, are you watching this, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, back there, huh?
See a glimpse of your future.
[Mr. McMahon] You can bet Vader is watching.
You can bet he's right,
that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is watching in,
-but look out… -[crowd cheering]
[JR] That Death Valley Chokeslam
-and Undertaker caught him. -[Mr. McMahon] Oh, my.
-We got one, we got two, we got-- -[JR] Oh!
-[bell ringing] -["Graveyard Symphony" playing]
[Mr. McMahon] Here they come.
[JR] Undertaker wins the match, but he may not win the war.
[Mr. McMahon] The Undertaker
being attacked by the Nation of Domination--
-Hold on, there's Faarooq. -[JR] Oh, come on.
-[Mr. McMahon] There's Faarooq. -[bell ringing]
They are a street gang. A bunch of thugs.
[Lawler] They call in the reinforcements.
-[JR speaks indistinctly] -[Mr. McMahon] Look at this.
Faarooq, just hammering away on The Undertaker.
-Undertaker -[Lawler] Look at this!
[Mr. McMahon speaks indistinctly]
[JR] Assault and battery…
-Ahmed Johnson. -[bell ringing]
[Mr. McMahon] Ahmed Johnson, trying to clean house.
[crowd cheering]
Ahmed and Savio over the corner.
Triple team on Ahmed Johnson.
[bell ringing]
And The Undertaker is still down.
-Look at this entire-- -[JR] No, he's not down.
[Lawler] No, he's not down.
-[crowd cheering] -[Lawler] Retreat, retreat.
[Mr. McMahon] The Undertaker with two members of the Nation of Domination.
-[Lawler] Look at this. -[JR] Oh!
-[bell ringing] -[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] Undertaker with Crush and Savio Vega,
hammering away on Faarooq.
And Ahmed Johnson and The Undertaker.
A clean house of the Nation of Domination.
[crowd cheering]
["Graveyard Symphony" playing]
Ahmed Johnson
and The Undertaker right here in the Thursday Raw Thursday.
We'll be right back.
[Mr. McMahon] This Sunday, Western Union, the fastest way to send money worldwide,
present WWE In Your House: Final Four
for the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship
live only on pay-per-view.
-Welcome back. -["Glass Shatters" playing]
Oh, my goodness, here he comes.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
-[bell ringing] -[JR] Are you ready for this fight,
get down and dirty?
[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to go one-on-one with Sycho Sid.
[Howard] In the ring from Victoria, Texas,
weighing at 252 pounds,
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
[Mr. McMahon] This man no doubt will get in your face.
[Lawler] He's in a bad mood all the time. He's no--
[Mr. McMahon] Sycho Sid next, ladies and gentlemen.
However, standing by, I believe with Gorilla Monsoon, Dok Hendrix.
-Dok? -[Dok] Thanks, Vince.
President Monsoon, a heart-wrenching time for the World Wrestling Entertainment
in particular for WWE-- Ex-WWE Champion Shawn Michaels.
Now, the title is vacant, could you explain us your reasoning
for this Sunday in Chattanooga, the Final Four Match.
Now being a Final Four Match for the World Wrestling Entertainment title.
Well, I did what I thought would be fair to everybody concerned,
all parties concerned.
Of course when a champion forfeits the title,
you know, that's a very disheartening thing for everyone.
-[Dok] Yeah. -You know, nobody wants to see anyone
come into those circumstances,
but I think it's a golden opportunity for everyone involved in the Final Four
because in that Final Four Match, whomever is crowned victorious now
will be the new World Wrestling Entertainment Champion.
All right. Let me ask you this, President Monsoon,
that seems a very fair decision, those four men top contenders,
where does this lead Sycho Sid, the former WWE Champion?
I'm trying to be fair to everyone
and Sid also comes into that consideration as well.
Sid will get his chance. He was lined up for a title shot.
He's still gonna get that title shot,
only it'll occur this Monday night in Nashville on Raw
against whomever out of the Final Four is crowned
new WWE Champion.
Wow, big news, back to you guys at ringside.
[Mr. McMahon] Thank you.
And I would suggest that that's the fairest thing you can do.
Sycho Sid facing the WWE Champion, the new champion this Monday,
ladies and gentlemen, on Raw, Monday Night Raw.
[Howard] …Sycho Sid!
[JR] Of course this on Monday night,
two hours live from the brand new Nashville Arena.
Sycho Sid will meet whomever the new WWE Champion will be.
I'd say it's gonna be one heck of a weekend,
what a match in Tennessee,
the WWE fans watching on pay-per-view Sunday
and then live here in the WWE Network, two hours live on Monday night.
[Mr. McMahon] Sycho Sid goes one-on-one with the man he just might be facing
as the World Wrestling Entertainment Champion this Monday on Raw.
Right here tonight on Thursday Raw Thursday
will be Sid against Austin for the championship.
It will be Sid against "The Hitman" Bret Hart,
they had a go at it before, and Sid came out the victor.
Would it be Sid versus Vader?
[JR] What about Sid and The Undertaker?
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, my goodness.
Uh-oh.
Have to get out of the building, if that happens.
Sycho Sid against Stone Cold,
and this man is not intimidated by anyone.
Stone Cold-- Wait, watch out.
-You better watch, Sid. -[bell ringing]
[Lawler] Look at this.
I'm telling you, McMahon, if I were a betting man like Howard Mills,
I guarantee you, I'd bet you're gonna see the same matchup next Monday night.
[Mr. McMahon] You could very well-- Slugfest… JR, come look at this.
Sycho Sid hammering away on Stone Cold.
Sets him up now, coming up the rope now.
Is it gonna end right here?
-[JR] No, it's not. -[Lawler] Oh!
[JR] Austin drops Sid.
-[Lawler] I'm telling you, Stone Cold… -[Mr. McMahon] What?
-…he's not intimidated. -[Mr. McMahon] Yeah, well,
look at this, he's mocking Sid now.
-"Stone Cold" Steve Austin… -[Lawler] Whoa, nice.
…against Sycho Sid.
[JR] This is not going to be a catch-as-catch-can classic
here tonight on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[Mr. McMahon] And it's not gonna be a typical,
Bret "Hitman" Hart typical matchup at all and look at-- Oh, no.
-Did you see that? -[Lawler] Pointed at you when he did it.
[JR] The point of the elbow right into the throat of Sycho Sid.
[Mr. McMahon] And a big right hand.
[crowd cheering, chanting]
Austin now, taking advantage--
-[Lawler] Oh! -[Mr. McMahon] That-- Oh,
did you see and hear it?
Sid with another right hand, and Sid laying 'em in.
Sid hammering away on Stone Cold.
Look at this, Sid now sets him up.
How would-- No. Right into the ring post.
[JR] Sid, 6'9", 313 pounds,
slowed down by that steel ring post.
It was very unforgiving, I'll tell you that.
[Mr. McMahon] Sid back in the ring now.
Austin sets him up and off the rope to the other side,
Austin with the elbow.
-[Lawler] I don't know how tall-- -[Mr. McMahon] And a count, two--
[Lawler] Ooh!
I don't know how tall Stone Cold is, how much he weighs.
He is just cold, that's all I can tell you.
[Mr. McMahon] He is that. He will get on it.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
abdominal stretch out onto the 6'9" frame
of the former WWE Champion, perhaps soon to be--
[Lawler] He's getting it all the way, he's trying to.
[Mr. McMahon] Right.
-Sycho Sid. -[Lawler] Oh, look at this.
[JR] Folks, I guarantee you, hope you'll be a part of the excitement
of WWE live wherever it may be, including the Nashville Arena.
Nashville, Tennessee will never be the same
after two hours of Raw live this Monday night,
the WWE debut in a beautiful facility, the Nashville Arena.
There's the number for our tickets and front seats are available
at all the usual locations in Nashville area
including the arena box office.
[Lawler] You're gonna be shocked, you are too, McMahon,
they love me in Nashville.
-[Mr. McMahon] Do they really? -Yeah.
[Mr. McMahon] And we could very well see
-a new World Wrestling Entertainment… -[Lawler] Whoa!
…Champion crowned.
We know we're gonna see a new champion crowned in Chattanooga
this Sunday on pay-per-view.
Whoa! Almost a count of three.
And it wouldn't surprise me if in fact, Sycho Sid defeated whomever
became The Champion this Sunday right here on Raw on USA this Monday night.
[JR] I'll tell you something, I really believe right now,
it's-- Maybe it's Stone Cold's time.
Maybe it's-- He's on that roll.
He's got the disposition of class--
[Mr. McMahon] I think it's Sycho Sid's night.
I've got that feeling about Sid.
[JR] Sycho Sid back to his feet.
Stone Cold-- Oh, and blocked the arm.
-[Lawler] That's why they had a match. -Yes, they do.
[JR] Stone Cold being hammered now by Sycho Sid
and another hand right and a boot to the midsection.
[Lawler] Oh.
[Mr. McMahon] Sid coming out to drop in, no.
[JR] Sid is a dangerous man.
[Lawler] You are talking about whose time it is,
it's always Vader time, you know?
[Mr. McMahon] And that's an excellent point.
And Sid now with a kick out.
What a devastating clothesline, high impact…
[Lawler] Look at him… Stone Cold.
[Mr. McMahon] Stone Cold, setup now, shot to the far side, big boot
and down he goes.
Sycho Sid.
[JR] You know, I think we maybe missed--
-Wait a minute. There's Bret Hart. -[Lawler] What's he doing here?
[JR] Stepping right in the ring and attacking Austin.
-[Lawler] What is the deal? -[bell ringing]
[JR] Bret Hart assists on Sycho Sid.
I would assume a victory here.
[Mr. McMahon] What have you missed?
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin obviously has stuck his nose
in Bret Hart's business so many, many times
and "The Hitman" Bret Hart obviously sitting back
watching this match and just couldn't stand it any longer.
Stone Cold, let's face it,
he's gotten under the skin of Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
-[Lawler] Look at this. -[Mr. McMahon] Oh, no.
-[bell ringing] -[JR] Sid and Bret are gonna get it on.
This could be your matchup Monday in Nashville
if Bret Hart wins the title this Sunday in Chattanooga.
[Mr. McMahon] A slugfest developing between
Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Sycho Sid
in an unscheduled-- This isn't even a match.
And Sid apparently,
is upset on the fact that Bret Hart coming in,
-interfering in this match instead of… -[Lawler] Look out.
…has lost the match that resulted to a disqualification.
Sid is not happy.
He came here to wrestle for The Championship, that didn't happen.
He came here to square off against Stone Cold,
-and now this happened. -[bell ringing]
[crowd chattering]
-[Lawler] Uh-oh. -[Mr. McMahon] Bret--
-And they're back at each other. -[Lawler] Just let him go.
[Mr. McMahon] The intensity here in the World Wrestling Entertainment
for that championship belt has never ever been higher
than it is at this very moment.
[Lawler] I think Sid was out to prove to the world tonight
that he can beat "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
and Stone Cold won the title this coming Sunday,
but Bret Hart was out to prove a point too with Stone Cold.
[crowd chattering]
-[Lawler] Whoa! -[Mr. McMahon] Sycho Sid,
this Monday on Raw,
he would be facing Bret Hart or The Undertaker.
Or Stone Cold, for that matter, if ever.
Standing by right now, ladies and gentlemen,
I believe we have-- Yes, there he is, Mr. Vader.
[Lawler] Get out here, Vader.
[Mr. McMahon] Mr. Vader, can you hear us?
Yeah, I hear you.
[Mr. McMahon] This coming Sunday, Final Four matchup, what about it?
Well, Mr. McMahon, let me ask you one question.
How many wrestlers in the WWE can say in the last six week--
…six weeks, not only taking The Undertaker on
in front of 60,000 fans and put him on his back, one, two, three.
But on two separate occasions, whipped "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's butt
on two separate occasions.
-[Mr. McMahon] Yeah. -Bret "The Hitman" Hart,
on Monday Night Raw right here, now, do you answer that question?
-[Mr. McMahon] Well-- -[Lawler] My bet's on you,
-you're the man. -Who's the man?
-[Lawler] You are. -What time is it?
-[Lawler] Vader time! -[Mr. McMahon] Stay with us,
-we'll be right back. -[rock music playing]
[Mr. McMahon] Welcome back, in this very special edition
of Raw on USA, Thursday Raw Thursday.
Nice to be here along with JR and Jerry "The King" Lawler,
what else is gonna happen here tonight?
Do we have a new Intercontinental Champion?
Shawn Michaels has forfeited
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
We just saw this melee between Bret Hart and Sycho Sid.
And what are you up to, King? What are you doing?
Well, I'm sending a Western Union money transfer.
You know, tomorrow's-- Thanksgiving.
-Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, okay? -[JR] Thanksgiving.
[Lawler] I know what it is. Look at you.
-I'm always thinking about food. -[JR] Oh.
It's Valentine's Day. I'm having to send some money to my mother.
-Wait a minute. -Back in Memphis.
You're sending money to your mom on Valentine's Day?
-Yeah. -It doesn't make any sense.
You got to have something to buy me a Valentine's Day present with, don't you?
-Oh, boy. -Coming your way, Mom,
fastest way to send money.
[JR] Worldwide.
[Mr. McMahon] All right, with that in mind,
we have a great deal of action coming up for you tonight
on Thursday Raw Thursday right now, however,
let's take you back and we will show you one of the comments
that Shawn Michaels said, that he had lost.
And obviously, this is a huge loss to the World Wrestling Entertainment
and fans all over the world,
the fact that Shawn Michaels tonight has forfeited.
He has surrendered to the injury,
the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship.
Let's take you back to an earlier Shawn Michael's comment.
I know that over the last several months,
I've lost a lot of things and one of them has been my smile.
And I know it doesn't mean a whole lot to everybody else,
but it means a lot to me.
So, I have to go back and fix myself,
and take care of myself.
And I have to go back and I have to find my smile
because somewhere along the line,
I lost it. And I don't care really.
I don't care if it's unpopular.
I don't care if people wanna make fun of me because I'm an emotional guy.
But this is-- This is all I've ever wanted to do.
And over the last year,
I got to do it and whether you like me or not,
I just want to tell you that last year was the most wonderful year of my life.
And if I never do it-- Get to do it again,
it'll be okay because I got to live one full year
as being the number one guy in this business.
And it was the single…
most greatest year of my life.
And I have you to thank,
and I have everybody here to thank.
And it means a lot to me.
And I wanna go home now, okay?
[cheering and applause]
Ladies and gentlemen, Shawn Michaels.
["Sexy Boy" playing]
[Mr. McMahon] That is one of the classiest moments
in the history of the World Wrestling Entertainment.
[man] …one nation under Faarooq, with liberty and justice…
[Mr. McMahon] In the ring, at the moment, the Nation of Domination has returned.
However this time, Faarooq and Crush,
JR, are slated to perhaps tonight, win the Tag Team Championship
here on Thursday Raw Thursday.
[JR] Well, one of the mottos of the Nation of Domination is,
"There is strength in numbers."
We saw their dominance against The Undertaker earlier
until Ahmed Johnson was able to intervene.
["Rule, Britannia!" playing]
[JR] This should be quite a matchup.
…the Bulldog and Owen are gonna put the titles on the line
at one of the events.
[Howard] …280 pounds, the World Wrestling Entertainment…
[Mr. McMahon] Perhaps the strongest man, pound for pound,
in the World Wrestling Entertainment, Davey Boy Smith "The British Bulldog",
along with his brother-in-law, the Slammy Award-winning, Owen Hart.
[crowd cheering]
["Rule, Britannia!" playing]
[Mr. McMahon] Ladies and gentlemen,
if you are just joining us, we've already had one
World Wrestling Entertainment title
change hands here tonight in our opening matchup.
Hunter Hearst-Helmsley lost the Intercontinental title
to a young man who has really gotten into his own as of late, Rocky Maivia,
the new Intercontinental Champion, of course, we just heard
previously recorded comments from Shawn Michaels
in forfeiting the WWE Championship
due to that devastating knee injury.
[JR] Takes a tremendous man, with a great deal of character.
And when's the last time you heard an athlete thank the fans?
Thank the fans for their support?
All he ever wanted to do was to entertain people and excite them.
[Mr. McMahon] And he did it like nobody else ever could.
That, I'll tell you.
Owen Hart mowing down at big monster, Crush.
Owen Hart quick as a cat, to the outside now, going upstairs.
Owen Hart and crossbody press.
And the big man goes down and--
Well, a huge kickout there by Crush.
One of the most powerful individuals in the WWE--
-Oh! -[Lawler] Oh, my gosh.
[Mr. McMahon] That's power and strength personified.
[Lawler] And look at the toll that takes on the knees of a man like Owen Hart.
-Watch this. Unbelievable. -[Mr. McMahon] Oh, my gosh.
And again, we had mentioned that awesome…
-[Lawler] Oh! -…strength of Crush
exhibited here, and equally powerful, ladies and gentlemen,
the tag team partner of Crush, Faarooq.
And a quick tag there by Owen.
[JR] Owen was quick to make the tag to see if Bulldog's strength
and agility could neutralize this 6'8",
300-pound monster that has really risen
to the occasion since joining the Nation of Domination.
[Mr. McMahon] We're gonna have to apologize to take this break.
If any action of consequence occurs during this commercial break,
we surely will give it to you on this other side.
Stay with us for the Tag Team Championship.
[Mr. McMahon] We're back, live, Thursday Raw Thursday-- Oh.
-[JR] Oh. -[Lawler] Wow.
[Mr. McMahon] The British Bulldog plowed into…
-[JR] What's happening? -…canvas, the cover.
And he kicked out.
The Bulldog.
Uh-oh. Sent through the ropes to the outside.
Tag titles on the line here.
And here comes Owen Hart.
Earlier on, ladies and gentlemen, during the break,
Owen Hart got in the way inadvertently, of his tag team part--
Oh, no.
Davey Boy Smith, they have not exactly been functioning
as a unit like you would think Tag Team Champions would.
[Lawler] That was not Owen Hart's fault.
[Mr. McMahon] Crush now with an opportunity to finish this off.
Bulldog driven to the steps a moment--
No, and he kicked out pretty easily though, in there,
by the powerful British Bulldog.
[JR] Maybe Bulldog and Owen need Bill Parcells to be in their corner,
-instead of Claire and Stacy. -[Mr. McMahon chuckles]
[crowd chattering]
[Mr. McMahon] Bill Parcells,
not all that popular anymore here in New England, nonetheless.
[JR] Not even much tuna in New England anymore.
[Mr. McMahon] Look at this double team effort on The British Bulldog.
The British Bulldog set up now by the powerful Faarooq,
-and, oh, that was-- -[Lawler] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] Standing by right now, ladies and gentlemen,
Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
Bret, firstly, if you can hear us,
I'd like to ask you about your reaction to Shawn Michaels' announcement.
I found it really saddening now to hear that he's gonna hang them up,
you know, I think that it's a loss for everybody,
including me, and especially for him.
And I know that--
You know, that you can't deny anything about Shawn Michaels,
you know, that nobody ever worked harder than Shawn Michaels, and no one's--
You know, it's a big shock for everybody in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
I just think that, you know, Shawn Michaels thinks that he--
You know, he-- That it's over.
I don't personally think it is over, there's always something
down the line, and I believe he'll be back.
And I know that it was his dream to be the World Wrestling Entertainment Champion
just one time.
Whether it was two times or whatever, to be the champion was his--
It was his big dream, but I believe that he has one more dream left,
and that dream is to come back to the World Wrestling Entertainment,
whether it's to conquer everybody or not,
or-- The fact is, I would love to wrestle the guy.
I have a score to settle with him, but--
Most importantly, I hope that things work out for him in his career
and he gets his knee fixed.
[Mr. McMahon] One quick point, little bit later on as we're watching
this Tag Team Championship Matchup,
on the way to your opportunity to be champion,
once again, at the Final Four this Sunday on pay-per-view,
you're meeting an individual competition,
one of the men whom you'll meeting in the Final Four,
tonight, it's you versus Vader, what about it?
Again, you're talking about somebody that you just can't underestimate.
He's the-- It's like wrestling a cement truck.
That's what it's like. It's just-- There's no way around it.
He's gonna be tough, he always has been tough
and, you know, he's one-upped me one time before,
but this time, things are a little different.
I feel better, I'm looking forward to the match, and I feel 100%.
And I think-- I don't think it's Vader time.
I think it's Hitman time,
-especially tonight. -Thank you. Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
[JR] Against Vader, and that match is next folks, live.
[Lawler] Oh!
[JR] We got a Donnybrook going right now.
[Mr. McMahon] Indeed, we do.
One championship has changed hands, one championship has been forfeited,
and it looks like the way things are going,
the tag team title could very well go to the Nation of Domination.
And they had been dominating.
[JR] Smart move there by Faarooq,
to make the tag, number one and number two,
to not allow the Bulldog to free himself, and make the tag to Owen Hart.
[Lawler] If The British Bulldog would ever get over to Owen Hart,
we could wrap this thing up--
-[Mr. McMahon] Wait a minute. -[Lawler] What?
[Mr. McMahon] Bulldog has made every attempt to tag in Owen Hart.
The British Bulldog in a body scissors.
Talk about body scissors,
how would you like to be body scissored by La Femme Nikita?
Ladies and gentlemen, yes, indeed.
The hot, new show right here on USA
will be coming your way right after Monday Night Raw.
Monday Night Raw, two hours live from Nashville, Tennessee.
You talk hot, and then, right after that, it don't get any hotter than Peta Wilson.
Oh, yes, La Femme Nikita right here on USA.
[Lawler] You got to meet her, didn't you?
-[Mr. McMahon] I did. -[Lawler] When does she meet me?
[JR] McMahon interviews Peta Wilson, I interviewed Paul Bearer.
-[Mr. McMahon laughs] -This doesn't work.
[Mr. McMahon] Whoa! And a count of two there.
[Lawler] She's gonna be my Valentine.
-She is? -[Lawler] Oh, yeah.
[Mr. McMahon] I imagine you're sending your mom money
so she can buy you a Valentine's gift.
[Lawler] Right.
[Mr. McMahon] Crush and Faarooq.
The Nation of Domination, I thought there for a moment
we're gonna see that dreaded Hart Punch.
[Lawler] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] And The British Bulldog.
[Lawler] Last month, my mom asked me to send her money, for food of all things.
Can you imagine? Here I'm working my fingers to the bone up here.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh, cover by Faarooq and a count,
and a kickout by the powerful British Bulldog.
And again, as far as tag team champions are concerned,
we're expecting perhaps a little more teamwork
between the Bulldog and the Slammy Award-winning Owen Hart.
[Lawler] All he's got to do is reach out and tag Owen.
[JR] I think we've seen some disintegrating continuity
in the last several weeks with Owen and Bulldog.
Maybe a-- Maybe so, maybe not,
but at least that's what many of us are speculating.
[Mr. McMahon] Oh. Belly-to-belly, nicely done.
-[JR] A lot of power there by the Bulldog. -[Lawler] Tag, Bulldog. Tag.
[Mr. McMahon] Tag, here comes Crush, Bulldog tries to reach over to-- No.
And look at this. Crush immediately hammering Owen Hart.
[Lawler] Look at Owen,
-he's doing the right thing now. -Get out, Owen. Come on.
[Mr. McMahon] And Crush with the Bulldog.
And-- Whoa, no, no. Get Faarooq out of there.
-Oh, no. -[Lawler] And Owen Hart makes the tag.
Get him, Owen.
[Mr. McMahon] The official did not see.
-[Lawler] Look at this. -[Mr. McMahon] Uh-oh.
Owen Hart, by his shenanigans, he--
He's-- Look what he's costing The British Bulldog.
[Lawler] I'd be upset too.
[JR] Being upset and being stupid are two different things.
Your partner's being dismantled here.
The WWE tag titles are on the line.
Referee can't call what he doesn't see.
He didn't see the tag, can't allow it, it's that simple.
Owen just made things worse.
[Mr. McMahon] Crush now, setting up The British Bulldog
from the other side and, woo,
double clothesline, both men go down.
[Faarooq] Come on.
Come on.
[Mr. McMahon] In the event you've just joined us, ladies and gentlemen,
Shawn Michaels…
forfeiting the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship
due to knee injury.
-Michaels will be out… -[Lawler] There you go.
[Mr. McMahon] …for some time, and may in fact never return,
but hopefully, that is not the case.
[Lawler] Let's talk about Owen. Oh, look out.
[Mr. McMahon] From the other side, underneath the clothesline.
-Owen Hart. -[Lawler] Yes.
-[Mr. McMahon] Heel kick. -[Lawler] Slammy time.
-[Mr. McMahon] Owen Hart. -Look at this.
[JR] He's a great athlete.
[Lawler] And singlehandedly whipping the Nation.
[Mr. McMahon] Going upstairs, a high risk maneuver.
Owen Hart trying to impress his brother-in-law, British Bulldog,
and brother-- Perhaps his brother, Bret Hart.
Here we go for the cover.
-Look out now. -[JR] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] Faarooq. Here comes the Bulldog.
And Faarooq goes over the top to the outside.
Owen Hart now, what's he gonna do with--
-No. Over the-- -[Lawler] Look out.
[Mr. McMahon] And Owen Hart goes outside.
Crush sidestepping Owen Hart.
[Lawler] Man, now Owen's knee is hurt.
[Mr. McMahon] Owen Hart grabbing his knee.
[JR] Owen may have jammed his knee as went over the top rope.
[Mr. McMahon] And meanwhile, Faarooq and The British Bulldog
at a slugfest outside the ring.
Forearm now by The British Bulldog.
Owen Hart trying to get back up.
-Ten! Ring the bell! -[bell ringing]
[Mr. McMahon] And unfortunately, Owen Hart has been counted out.
[JR] Look, the Bulldog's being annihilated.
He's being mugged, assaulted here by the Nation of Domination.
[Lawler] Let's get some help for Owen.
His knee is obviously injured. Look at this.
[Mr. McMahon] Owen Hart wants to help his partner British Bulldog.
[bell ringing]
[Lawler] Oh!
[JR] A Dominator on the Bulldog.
[Mr. McMahon] Apparently, reluctant to climb in
as a result of the injury, I don't know.
[Lawler] He's too hurt to help him, McMahon.
♪ We are the Nation of Domination ♪
["We Are The Nation" playing]
[Lawler] Can we get some medical attention for Owen?
[Mr. McMahon] It'll go down as
a victory for the Nation of Domination.
[JR] Where did you jump in bed with Owen, King?
[Lawler] I love Owen Hart.
He's the only Hart that's fit to be in wrestling.
[JR] How come he's not limping right now then?
[Mr. McMahon] Trying to shake it off, I guess.
[Lawler] He's hurt, leave him alone!
♪ Nation of Domination ♪
[JR] I guess the pain just comes and goes.
Owen Hart…
♪ We are the Nation ♪
[JR] …in a world of hurt or so it would seem,
and The British Bulldog…
-Huh? -[speaks indistinctly]
[Lawler] Help him, Bulldog, carry him back.
[Mr. McMahon] Bulldog was pummeled…
and Owen Hart wants a little help.
Well, the Tag Team Championships
still around the waist of Bulldog and Owen Hart.
It can only change with submission or a pin.
[narrator] Bret "The Hitman" Hart, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
The Undertaker, Vader,
four men linked by controversy,
four men with a history of bad blood.
Now, these four Superstars engage in one epic winner-take-all bout.
Who will become the new World Wrestling Entertainment Champion?
WWE In Your House: Final Four.
There can be only one.
Live this Sunday on pay-per-view.
[Mr. McMahon] Someone will be crowned
WWE Champion this Sunday, ladies and gentlemen.
We can guarantee you that.
What time is it?
It is Vader time.
Vader on one-on-one against Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
What a matchup to finish off Raw, Thursday Raw.
[Mr. McMahon] We're back, live Thursday Raw Thursday,
and here comes perhaps the best there is, the best there was,
and the best there will be, here comes Bret "Hitman" Hart.
[Howard] …Bret "Hitman" Hart!
["Hart Attack" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] "The Hitman" Bret Hart, ready to go one-on-one
with The Man They Call Vader.
Two individuals that are gonna be in the Final Four,
ladies and gentlemen, this Sunday live on pay-per-view.
Will Bret Hart once again claim the gold?
Or will it be Vader for the first time as a WWE Champion?
Look at him go, look at this, one happy young man right there.
A happy, young little gal.
Or will it be Stone Cold or--
-[bell tolling] -Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
[Lawler] Hey.
What's the deal?
[Mr. McMahon] The Undertaker, obviously his presence
to be felt here in this matchup.
["Graveyard Symphony" playing]
[The Undertaker] Creatures,
I hate to interrupt
but there seems to be a problem with respect.
The Undertaker, he don't seem to get it anymore.
Well, gentlemen, let me forewarn you now.
In four days' time in Nashville, Tennessee,
you will have to look into the eyes of The Reaper,
along with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
And each of you know, you can't beat me.
So what you have to deal with, Hitman,
and what you have to deal with, Vader,
is that time is at hand.
And you three will…
rest in peace.
[crowd cheering]
-[Lawler] Whoa! -[Mr. McMahon] My goodness.
Vader right way, hammering away on Bret "Hitman" Hart
who was distracted as this entire audience was
with The Undertaker making his presence known,
and Vader really taking it to Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
The Hitman on the outside.
[crowd chattering]
[Mr. McMahon] And Bret Hart against Vader continues.
[Lawler] Hey, here's The Undertaker.
-[Mr. McMahon] What? -[JR] That's Austin.
Steve Austin. What's he doing?
[narrator] And now, the Western Union rewind.
[Mr. McMahon] Hunter Hearst-Helmsley set to polish off.
[JR] That's what happens when you don't know.
[Lawler] No, no, no, no.
-What? -[JR] A new champion.
[Lawler speaking indistinctly]
-[JR] Rocky did it. -[Lawler] What?
[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] We are back, live, Thursday Raw Thursday.
And, yes, on a night when Shawn Michaels
forfeited the World Wrestling Entertainment Championship due to injury.
Rocky Maivia becomes the Intercontinental Champion.
When you talk championships, you gotta be talking about these two
in the Final Four who were jumped by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
as well as The Undertaker.
And speaking of Stone Cold, here's what happened
just as we went to break.
Watch this.
Stone Cold just hammers all over, kicks Bret Hart right in the face.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin all over Bret "Hitman" Hart during the break.
We're back live and here we go now to the buckle.
Oh, what a clothesline.
[JR] Anytime, Vader can slow him down
and he could just methodically start physically dissecting you,
he's gonna beat just about anybody he steps in the ring with.
Bret Hart has gotta be quicker and Bret Hart has got to hope--
-No! -[Mr. McMahon] Oh, there you go.
[JR] Well, that's one-way to counter that size advantage.
And look, the big monster's right back on his feet.
[Mr. McMahon] And maybe not for long.
Single leg there by Bret "Hitman" Hart trying to get the big man out.
"Hitman" Bret Hart knows all the tricks to say the least.
He'll mix it up in a slugfest style, the "Hitman" Bret Hart, of course.
-[Lawler] He'll cheat, too. -Well, he--
Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire,
and that's what Bret Hart probably is gonna do
this Sunday during the Final Four.
To the midsection.
-[Lawler] Look out. -[Mr. McMahon] Here we go.
[JR] Oh. Russian leg sweep there by Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
He shortened that vertical base here.
[Mr. McMahon] And trying to keep Vader down.
I'm impressed by the strength there of "The Hitman" Bret Hart.
[Lawler] How'd he do that?
[Mr. McMahon] The Undertaker, before the match began--
-[Lawler] Look at this. -Here we go now.
Sharpshooter coming up and-- No.
[Lawler] You gotta wear that big man down a lot more
before you get the Sharpshooter on him, Hitman.
[Mr. McMahon] The Undertaker, prior to the match underway,
coming out and obviously, trying to gain a psychological advantage
for this Sunday in the Final Four.
Stone Cold's presence was felt, unfortunately, for Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
Whoa! Good suplex by Bret Hart.
Just before we went to break, anything can happen here
in the World Wrestling Entertainment.
[Lawler] All four of these guys wanna get it on.
They're gonna get their opportunity on Sunday.
I can't wait to see it.
[Mr. McMahon] And Bret Hart is attempting to soften up The Man They Call Vader
to make sure that Vader is not at 100% capacity this Sunday.
[crowd chattering]
And to think, waiting in the wings,
watching the top four individuals perhaps
in the World Wrestling Entertainment beat each other up--
Whoa, this Sunday--
[Lawler] Look out.
…and the big man's down again.
Here we go.
The Hitman stepping out, trying to get…
[crowd cheering]
Here we go, the Sharpshooter,
-climbing it over. -[Lawler] I can't believe it.
[crowd cheering]
[Mr. McMahon] Sharpshooter applied and…
[Lawler] Oh, he's in the ropes.
[JR] The referee's gotta break it.
[Lawler] Come on, make it break.
[Mr. McMahon] And Bret Hart
-holding this hold… -[Lawler] See?
-…as long as he possibly can. -[Lawler] That's how he cheats.
[Mr. McMahon] Not cheating, that's letting Vader know
what it feels like to be in the Sharpshooter.
-[JR] There's Austin. -[Mr. McMahon] Wait a minute.
-[JR] Austin at the back-- -[Lawler] What?
[Mr. McMahon] "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
is trying to get to Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
Look at this. Stone Cold is up in the balcony, look at that.
-[speaks indistinctly] -[Lawler] Oh!
[Mr. McMahon] Vader with the "The Hitman" Bret Hart.
-[JR] Oh! -[Mr. McMahon] Mows him down.
And "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has done what he wanted to do.
He has distracted "The Hitman" Bret Hart.
And look out, here we go. Here comes the Vader Bomb.
-[Lawler] Look at this. -[Mr. McMahon] Here we go.
Going up, all the way up.
Here we go. This will do it.
-[JR] Moonsault. -[Lawler] Moonsault.
[Mr. McMahon] Hitman will be squashed.
[Lawler] Oh, no, no, he didn't.
-[crowd cheering] -[imperceptible]
[Mr. McMahon] "Stone Cold" Steve Austin looking up,
two-- Yeah!
-[crowd cheering] -[bell ringing]
[JR] Vader missed the moonsault and The Hitman definitely took advantage.
[Howard] Here is your winner, Bret "Hitman" Hart.
[Mr. McMahon] "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will get it on
with "The Hitman" Bret Hart, with The Undertaker,
with The Man They Call Vader this Sunday,
and one of those four men will be crowned World Wrestling Entertainment Champion.
You can see it live on pay-per-view.
Look at Stone Cold.
And of course, right now, ladies and gentlemen…
[Lawler] Look, look. He's coming over.
[Mr. McMahon] …on Monday Night Raw,
Sycho Sid takes on whomever the new champion will be.