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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 12:55:28 GMT 1
 MICHAELS LOSES HIS SMILE, ATTACKED BY SYCHO SID. TERRY FUNK TAKES MICHAELS'S PLACE AGAINST BRET HART IN A STEEL CAGE MATCH.
February 13. 1997
On a Thursday Night Edition of RAW. Shawn Michaels made a stunning announcement, There was supposed to be a Steel Cage Match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart for the WWF Championship at No Way Out, but at a live event. Shawn Michaels was injured during a No Disqualifaction Fight against Vader injuring his ankle. Michaels said that the injury was much more serious than last time, he never had a doctor look at him in the face that he may never be able to wrestle again. And he was fortunate that he had to have 2 WWF Championship Reigns. But the fact is it's something he's got to deal with. Time has taken a toll off of his body. McMahon said that Shawn had to be disappointed about not facing Bret Hart at No Way Out in a Steel Cage Match for the title and no one has taken on any challengers for the WWF Championship like Shawn Michaels in 1995 and 1996. Michaels said that the WWF fans will have more superstars cheer for him and what people think about him and what he's wanted for all these people and to enjoy themselves. Michaels said that he's had a lot of talk of people having bad attitudes and he doesn't know where he is at. He has to have everything checked, He could have reconstructive surgery, but he might or might not be able to fix it, but he cannot perform half ass. He has to rump and stomp, and toss people around. Because he wanted to do everything, he wanted to enjoy his life as a 2-time World Wrestling Federation Champion. He wanted all the opportunities when he was the WWF Champion twice. And if nothing else, they're in the middle of a time where toughness is real big in the World Wrestling Federation. All he's got is a lot of sorrow, tears and emotion. He doesn't have toughness for anyone and what he is going to do is go back home and see what is left of the Heartbreak Kid. Whether be in or out of this ring, over the last 2 years. He's lost a lot of things and one of them has been his smile and it doesn't mean a lot to the fans, but it means a lot to him and he has to go back and fix himself and find his smile because he lost it. And he doesn't care if it's unpopular or people wanted to make fun of him cause he's an emotional guy. Over the last 2 years he had fun and if he never got to do it around, it would be okay, because he got to be the top guy for the last 2 years by becoming the 2-time WWF Champion and he has Vince McMahon, Gorilla Monsoon and other fans to think and that he's going to go home now. Michaels left the ring, but later on. Michaels was beaten up and attacked by Sycho Sid backstage in where The 2 had troubles since the 1996 Survivor Series and when Sycho Sid had attacked Shawn Michaels's mentor Jose Lothario and almost cost Shawn Michaels the WWF Championship at the 1997 Royal Rumble as well. Sid powerbombed Michaels on the windshield of a car. But the status remained on who the #1 Contender was. That question would be revealed when Terry Funk faced off against Bret Hart in a non-title match that was originally advertised and with help from Stone Cold Steve Austin. Terry Funk got the big win over Bret and Gorilla Monsoon rewarded him with a match at No Way Out for the WWF Championship in a Steel Cage Match.
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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 13:18:53 GMT 1
WWF IN YOUR HOUSE: NO WAY OUT - UTC Arena - Chattanooga, TN - February 16, 1997
WWF Intercontinental Championship Match: Rocky Maivia D. Hunter Hearst Helmsley to capture the WWF Intercontinental Championship
WWF Tag Team Championship Match: Owen Hart & British Bulldog D. The Headbangers to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship
Sycho Sid D. Jake Roberts
Crush, Mabel & Kama D. The Godwinns & Goldust in a 6-Man Tag Team Match
WWF Women's Championship: Jacqueline D. Akira Hokuto to retain the WWF Women's Championship
Leather Strap Match: Faarooq D. Ahmed Johnson with interference from Savio Vega
WWF Championship Steel Cage Match: Bret Hart D. Terry Funk with interference from Jerry Lawler, Rob Van Dam & Brian Christopher
#1 Contenders Fatal 4-Way Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin D. Mankind. The Undertaker & Vader in a Fatal 4-Way Match to keep his spot at WrestleMania 13!
 Rocky Maivia kicked off No Way Out by regaining the Intercontinental Title against Hunter Hearst Helmsley with interference from Goldust.
 Bret Hart and Terry Funk battled in their first ever encounter for the WWF Championship inside of a Steel Cage Match.
 A match that Funk was close to winning as he had the Champion's number after he shockingly defeated him in a non-title match. Funk had taken the place of Shawn Michaels after announcing that he was going home to find his smile and after being attacked by Sycho Sid. But Jerry Lawler, Rob Van Dam & Brian Christopher all came out to distract Terry Funk. Funk attempted a moonsault off the top of the cage but RVD climbed up the cage and superkicked Funk off the top of the cage allowing Bret to get the victory and retaining the title.
 Fresh off his win at the Royal Rumble. Stone Cold needed to face off against 3 of the toughest competitors who wanted his title shot badly, Mankind, Vader & The Undertaker.
![Magazine Quickie: "Vader, Bloody Vader!!" - WWF RAW [1997] - WCW Worldwide](https://wcwworldwide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/vaderwwf-005.jpg) Later in that match, Vader busted himself open when The Undertaker struck him with a violent, vicious steel chair shot.
 However it would be The Rattlesnake that defied the odds.
 And he would get the deciding pin by hitting The Undertaker with a Stone Cold Stunner and thus keeping his title match dream alive at WrestleMania 13 against Bret "The Hitman" Hart!
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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 13:28:16 GMT 1
 PAUL HEYMAN CALLS OUT JERRY LAWLER
February 17. 1997
During an episode of Monday Night RAW. Jerry Lawler, Rob Van Dam & Brian Christopher were celebrating with what they did to Terry Funk with Lawler badmouthing fans and grabbing an ECW Rules Sign saying that 99 Percent of the people have never heard of ECW. Lawler said that just like the Movie Escape From New York where Manhattan Island was turned into a prison for misfits and thugs and that a bunch of has beens that couldn't make it to the World Wrestling Federation and that he was sick and tired of ECW coming to the WWF. So that's why at Survivor Series that he made a deal with Rob Van Dam to try to get him to the WWF. Lawler said that if ECW was so tough, they could come out next week at the Manhattan Center. Then suddenly ECW's Paul Heyman appeared on the video wall and said that unlike Vince McMahon, he doesn't need to hide behind representatives and said that he would see Lawler at the Manhattan Center along with all the athletes in ECW who Lawler claims to have never heard of. Lawler said that if Heyman was going to bring in the big boys and said that he doesn't have respect for ECW. The only person that left ECW to migrate to the WWF was Rob Van Dam because Van Dam was tired of ECW. Heyman said as long as police, security and a neighborhood watch doesn't have to be enforced. He would see Lawler face to face in the Manhattan Center. |
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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 13:32:07 GMT 1
 ECW INVADES WWF
February 24. 1997
True to Paul Heyman's word. ECW invaded the World Wrestling Federation in the Manhattan Center. Terry Funk came out and demanded that ECW & WWF settle this thing once and for all. Funk would team up with The Sandman & Tommy Dreamer against Jerry Lawler. Brian Christopher & Rob Van Dam at WrestleMania 13 and they would make this match Hardcore Rules. Lawler accepted.
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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 13:35:40 GMT 1
 BULLDOG AWARDED EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP TO BRET HART
March 3. 1997
In a promo with the Hart Foundation in where Bret talked about his match with Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 for the title in an I Quit Match. And Owen & Bulldog talking about their Tag Team Title Defense against The Legion of Doom at WrestleMania 13. Bret Hart said that he and Owen wanted to give British Bulldog a very special present. Bret pulled out a new Championship Belt and declared this the European Championship Belt!. Bret said that he knows he's not a WWF Commissioner or Owner, but he was given approval by Gorilla Monsoon and officially The British Bulldog is now considered as the European Champion. |
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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 13:42:25 GMT 1
 RAW CHANGES TO RAW IS WAR
March 10. 1997
WWF Monday Night RAW has officially gone a new makeover as officially RAW has now become RAW IS WAR!. RAW has now a staging area and entrance videos as well. |
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Post by underjohnking on Dec 31, 2023 14:27:42 GMT 1
 WWF WRESTLEMANIA 13 - Comiskey Park 2 - Chicago, IL - March 23. 1997
1997 WWF Hall of Famers: Frank Gotch, Lou Thesz, Pedro Morales, Classy Freddie Blassie, Arnold Skaaland, Fabulous Moolah, Stan Stasiak & Pat Patterson
WWF Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat Match: Rocky Maivia w/Rocky Johnson D. Hunter Hearst Helmsley w/Chyna & Goldust w/Marlena in a Triple Threat Match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship
Mankind D. Jake Roberts
WWF Women's Championship: Jacqueline D. Leilani Kai to retain the WWF Women's Championship
Hardcore Rules Tag Team Match: Terry Funk. The Sandman & Tommy Dreamer D. Jerry Lawler. Rob Van Dam & Brian Christopher
Unsanctioned Match: Shawn Michaels D. Sycho Sid
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal 5: Flash Funk wins the Battle Royal by last eliminating Crush, Other participants featured Kama, Mabel, The Godwinns, Jesse James, Bradshaw, Billy Gunn, Bart Gunn, Savio Vega, The Headbangers, Doug Furnas & Phillip Lafon, Marc Mero, Fatu, D-Lo Brown, The Honky Tonk Man & Tiger Ali Singh
WWF Tag Team Championship Match: Owen Hart & The British Bulldog D. The Legion of Doom to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles
Chicago Street Fight Match: Ahmed Johnson D. Faarooq
The Undertaker D. Vader
WWF Championship Submission Match: Bret Hart D. Stone Cold Steve Austin to retain the WWF Championship
 WrestleMania 13 kicked off with the Intercontinental Title at stake as the rookie Rocky Maivia made his first WrestleMania appearance by retaining the Intercontinental Title over Goldust & Hunter Hearst Helmsley with his father Rocky Johnson managing him to victory.
 ECW Survived the Brutal Hardcore War with Tommy Dreamer, Terry Funk & The Sandman defeating WWF's Jerry Lawler. Rob Van Dam & Brian Christopher
 Despite losing his smile weeks ago. Shawn Michaels returned to WrestleMania 13 with vengeance on his mind and that was to get his hands on Sycho Sid who almost once again put him out of action. The Heartbreak Kid got his revenge once again on his now former friend who betrayed him twice.
 Flash Funk had something to dance about as he won the fifth Andre The Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 13!
Ahmed and Faarooq went one on one again at WrestleMania but this time in a Chicago Street Fight with Ahmed winning the match.
 Once again, The Deadman's WrestleMania Streak would be tested as the former WWF Champion Vader wanted his hand at The Undertaker, Paul Bearer guaranteed that The Undertaker's WrestleMania dominance would come to an end.
 This was a scientific back and forth match between these two super heavyweights.
 Vader had almost everything in his power by powerbombing The Undertaker not once but twice,
 But the Deadman continued to fight on hard as he tried to hang on to his WrestleMania Streak.
 In this hard back and fourth war. With Vader and The Undertaker throwing everything they had at one another. The Man From The Darkside was able to get the win by putting Vader down with the Tombstone Piledriver and extending the streak to 6-0.![WWF Raw, PPV's 1997 Reviews | Wrestling Forum - Wrestling News, Views & Reviews | WrestlingSmarks.com]() However, After The Contest. Paul Bearer attempted to throw something on The Undertaker, however. It would come back to bite him in the end as The Undertaker grabbed the object Paul Bearer used, it turned out it was a fireball to burn Paul Bearer that was meant for The Undertaker!.
 The headline of WrestleMania 13 so Bret Hart headline his fourth WrestleMania Main Event against the Texas Rattlesnake Stone Cold Steve Austin in a I Quit Match for the WWF Championship.
 With Ken Shamrock as the guest referee, he watched as the two beat the living hell out of each other.
 It seemed like this match was the Match of the Century similar to Bret's last WrestleMania encounter last year for the WWF Title against Shawn Michaels!. Austin almost tried to put Bret down in the match.
 One of these two men were determined not to go down as this was probably the most grueling physically intense title match in the history of WrestleMania 13.
 It seemed like Austin and Bret was going to do this all night long for the title.
Austin made one last ditch effort to try to choke Bret out with a cable cord but Bret used the ring bell to bash Austin's head in busting the Rattlesnake open.
 Bret sensing that Austin was down could smell the Sharpshooter coming as he locked it in on the Rattlesnake.
 A Bloody Austin with all his might attempted to fight out of the sharpshooter, but Bret had it deep locked in.
 Austin had one final gasp to break out of the sharpshooter, but he could not do it. He passed out and that allowed Bret to retain the title. Bret Hart had shafted everyone out of any opportunity that the WWF Championship was going to change hands at WrestleMania. He made sure that lightning would not strike twice again as The American Fans was displeased with Bret Hart winning the match.
 Bret had attempted to put the sharpshooter again on Austin, but Ken Shamrock prevented him from doing so and challenged The Champion to a fight. Owen Hart & British Bulldog came in to attack Shamrock, but Stone Cold still battered and bloodied would have some fight left and him as he delivered stunners to Owen & Bulldog while Shamrock hit Bulldog with a Belly to Belly Suplex.
 Austin may have not looked like a winner at WrestleMania 13, but he made it clear to Bret Hart that this was not over by a long shot as long as Stone Cold said it was!. |
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Post by underjohnking on Jan 1, 2024 15:25:21 GMT 1
 2 Out of 3 Falls Match: Hunter Hearst Helmsley D. Goldust
Tag Team Turmoil: Doug Furnas & Phillip Lafon win a Tag Team Turmoil Match by defeating The Godwinns, Brian Christopher & Rob Van Dam, The Legion of Doom, Kama & Crush, Bart Gunn & Jesse James & The Headbangers.
WWF Intercontinental Championship Match: Owen Hart D. Rocky Maivia to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship
Ahmed Johnson D. Savio Vega
WWF European Championship: The British Bulldog D. Terry Funk to retain the WWF European Championship
WWF Women's Championship: Jacqueline D. Noriyo Tateno to retain the WWF Women's Championship
Mankind D. Sycho Sid by DQ
Steel Cage Match: The Undertaker D. Vader
WWF Championship No Holds Barred Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin & Bret Hart fought to a No Contest
 Hunter and Goldust's feud came to a head when Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Goldust in a 2 Out of 3 Falls Match.
Furnas & Lafon picked up a Tag Team Turmoil Win over the top Tag Teams and earned the right to face Owen Hart & The British Bulldog for the WWF Tag Team Titles the next night on RAW.
 And speaking of Owen Hart, he finally became a Triple Crown Champion and defeated Rocky Maivia to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
 The Phenom and Vader squared off once again inside of a Steel Cage with The Undertaker picking up the win.
![Stone Cold Steve Austin GIFs | Tenor]() In a Come Dressed as You Are No Holds Barred Match. Stone Cold & Bret Hart collided once again for the World Wrestling Federation Championship.
 Just like WrestleMania 13. The two used weapons against one another, they beat the holy hell out of each other. Bret had the advantage though.
 In the middle of the match as Stone Cold mounted a comeback. Owen Hart & British Bulldog interfered to attack Austin, but help came in the form of Shawn Michaels who had not forgotten what happened to him at the Royal Rumble when he was robbed!.
 That gave Austin the freedom to fight back and viciously attack Bret's ankle with a steel chair repeatedly, this was not even a No Holds Barred Fight. Austin didn't care about winning the title now. He wanted to hurt and personally destroy The Hitman just like Bret tried to do at WrestleMania 13.
 Austin in a move similar to WrestleMania used the sharpshooter to Bret Hart. Austin didn't care about winning the match. He just wanted to injure Bret. Austin had the hold locked in on Bret for 3 minutes. Referees & Officials attempted to stop Austin from hurting Bret's leg even further. He eventually let go but the damage was done!.
 As Bret Hart was taken back to the ambulance still with the WWF Championship on his shoulder. Stone Cold who was the driver of the Ambulance attacked Bret Hart once again and damaged his leg. Owen & Bulldog tried to attack Austin but he got away before They could do damage to him.
 Gorilla Monsoon tried calming The Rattlesnake down telling Austin that he was out of control. Monsoon stated that he wanted Austin gone from the building to end Unforgiven!. |
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Post by underjohnking on Jan 1, 2024 15:33:00 GMT 1
 GORILLA MONSOON ANNOUNCES THE WWF TITLE IS VACATED DUE TO BRET HART'S INJURIES.
April 21. 1997
After the brutal heinous Attack by Stone Cold Steve Austin on Bret Hart. Monsoon announced that due to the severity of Bret Hart's injuries. The WWF Championship was officially vacated, but it would be decided in a match later on that night in a Triple Threat Match between 3 former WWF Champions. The Undertaker. Vader & Sycho Sid. And against his better judgment. Stone Cold Steve Austin gets first shot at the WWF Championship at the next PPV!.
UNDERTAKER WINS THE TITLE
April 21. 1997
For the first time in 5 years. The Undertaker finally captured the World Wrestling Federation Championship after 5 years of trying to win it back, after Paul Bearer betraying him at Summerslam 1996. The Deadman finally reclaimed the Gold against Sycho Sid & Vader in a Triple Threat Match. After, Vince McMahon came out to talk to The Undertaker. Undertaker stated that the WWF was welcomed to the Dark Days, the title is not just for himself, but for the fans, and he will fight anyone who tries to oppose them including Stone Cold Steve Austin!.
 PILLMAN RETURNS TO ATTACK AUSTIN
April 21. 1997
Just 6 months after Austin put him on the shelf. Brian Pillman without his "gun" came back on RAW to attack Austin and almost tried to put Austin on the shelf by doing the same thing that Austin did to Pillman in October of 1996. But he didn't get far as Shawn Michaels ran in to chase him off.
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Post by underjohnking on Jan 2, 2024 1:58:52 GMT 1
 WWF IN YOUR HOUSE COLD DAY IN HELL - May 11. 1997 - Richmond, VA
Rob Van Dam D. Brian Christopher w/Jerry Lawler in his corner
If Ahmed Loses: He Joins The Nation, Faarooq D. Ahmed Johnson
The Headbangers D. Terry Funk & Flash Funk
WWF Women's Championship: Jacqueline D. Sunny to retain the WWF Women's Championship
WWF Tag Team Championship Match: Owen Hart & British Bulldog D. Vader & Mankind to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship
Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship: Owen Hart D. Goldust, Hunter Hearst Helmsley & Rocky Maivia to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship
Stone Cold Steve Austin D. Brian Pillman by DQ
WWF Championship Match: The Undertaker D. Sycho Sid to retain the WWF Championship
 After failing to win the WWF Tag Team Titles. Vader attacked Mankind out of frustration and powerbombed him to the mat not once, not twice but three times.
 Two former Best Friends Stone Cold Steve Austin & Brian Pillman faced off with Austin giving up his title shot against The Undertaker to get revenge on Brian Pillman.
 Austin would be attacked by the Hart Foundation, but Shawn Michaels would come out to make the save. After, Austin got in Michaels's face as the two argued with Austin telling Michaels he doesn't need no one's help.
 The Main event saw Undertaker defend the WWF Championship against Sycho Sid.
![The Streak: #6 – The Undertaker vs. Sid Vicious – Wrestlemania XIII - PWMania - Wrestling News]() Taker would continue his dominant run as the WWF Champion.
 But suddenly after, The Undertaker was jumped by The Nation of Domination as Faarooq declared that he was next in line for a title match against The Undertaker.
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