Old School Review: WWF WrestleMania 14 PPV

Welcome to yet another addition of the old school review and this time out it's WWF wrestlemania 14. On this addition we take a look at the evolution of the vince McMahon and stone cold steve austin characters, mike Tyson involvement, embracing attitude and getting a little extreme and was it really true undertaker threated to beat Shawn's ass for real if Shawn didn't do the job to austin as well as a quick look at d generation x. So sit back and enjoy because this time out I think I'm actually going to enjoy doing this review. 

The Austin Has Begun 

Last time out we reviewed the WWF survivor series 97 and looked at vince McMahon and his obvious playing of both Bret hart and Shawn Michaels to get the best out of both men due to the fact WWF at the time where locked in a war with wcw on Monday nights. Now vince has screwed Bret and Bret is off to wcw (a mistake and shame personally, as I would have loved to see Bret stay with the WWF into 98 and through to 99), HBK and hunter as DX made raw a little more edgier and cruder with there humour and vince McMahon cut the now famous Bret screwed Bret promo. In fact Vince at the time was simply trying to kill off any momentum Bret had going to wcw and to encourage the marks to view Bret decesion not to do a job (something Shawn had stated backstage in front of the entire lockeroom) to Shawn in Montreal but in reality fans printed Bret as the sympathetic figure and McMahon into the evil promoter who had screwed a loyal and hard working employee who was idolised by millions of wrestling fans. Even though Vince's ramble backfired he saw how the people reacted to him and run with it and began taking advantage of the monsterous heat he was getting on tv from fans and decided if these marks want to boo me then dammit I'm gonna give them something to boo me for. Meanwhile stone cold steve austin (someone Bret was willing to lose the WWF title too) got hotter and hotter thanks to his on/off feud with rocky miavia over the IC title. Even though austin was legit hurt at the time, after suffering a stinger in his summer slam 97 outing with Owen hart austin continued to gain popularity on national tv 'not by wrestling matches but by raising as much hell as possible on WWF tv week in week out. It all lead to steve winning the 98 royal rumble but this wasn't his launching point into mega star yet as that would happen the next night on raw thanks to boxing draw iron mike Tyson. Tyson had agreed to join the WWF to help pop a few extra buys onto wrestlemania 14 and take a lot of attention away from wcw which by this point was beginning to look and fill a little stale thanks to the ongoing nWo angle. Tyson was an immidiate draw for WWF drawing more mainstream eyes (I.e. The media) to the WWF product and after eric Bischoff had declared WWF was all but dead. On this fateful night on raw vince announced that Tyson was going to be at WWF wrestlemania 14. Stone colds glass broke and he came out to the ring to challenge mike tysons ass to a match on the grandest stage. Telling Tyson he might be a somebody in boxing but while in a wrestling ring he (austin) was the toughest son of a bitch. Austin then proceeded to flip off Tyson and the two had an intense pull apart which lead to vince kicking out at austin and screaming 'you ruined it damn it 'in Vince's distinctive growl. Austin was now super hot and the companies newest number one baby face. Meanwhile Shawn was back feuding with taker for a makeshift match at that years rumble. That night during Shawn's title defence against taker in a coffin match. Shawn suffered a legit injury after the small of his back hit the coffin as the show stopper sailed over the top rope. Shawn didn't think nothing of it at the time as he recalled on a rf video shoot interview (filmed in 2000) but the next morning Shawn could barley walk. He continued on the shoot interview saying I couldn't move and had to be helped to the local hospital where I was told I needed to retire (Kama is a bitch mate). Shawn stopped wrestling but by this point he wasn't needed as much thanks to mike Tyson who by now had joined DX (in a strange booking choice but Tyson had heat with his audience so why not roll with it was probably Vince's thinking at the time) in there battle against austin. Around this time there was even rumours HBK was telling vince he couldn't do the job for austin because he was in a little world of his own and was trying desperately to cling onto his spot as WWF champion regardless of the injury. It's a wrestling urban legend that the day of the show Shawn told vince he wouldn't put austin over until taker (who by this point like everyone else had probably had enough of Shawn's ego) told Shawn go do the fucking job or I will come out there and beat your ass for real and make you lay down. Word is taker then went and wrapped his fists ready for a fight and sat poliently backstage watching the WM14 main event and waiting for Shawn if he didn't drop the title that night (great rumour if true). The success of WWF sudden change in 1997 could be down to a little unknown promotion called ECW. WWF called it attitude but let's be fair vince would never have found his attitude if it wasn't for ECW. In 1995 Paul Heyman's ECW changed pro wrestling for the better or worst depending your view on it. ECW was realistic with more realistic characters like the sandman who wasn't the most technically gifted of pro wrestlers but watch his entrance to enter sandman in the ECW arena and you get why he was so loved and did I mention he had a fondness for beer and smoking the guy looked like the guy who sat in the local boozer who said he could do that and was in fact doing it. Meanwhile the WWF and wcw in 95 period was still more gimmick heavy but that would change come 96 for wcw and 97 for the WWF. WWF in my opinion copied a lot of what ECW was and applied to there show and embracing attitude. It was a smart move as Paul Heyman's little promotion simply never had the resources to gain mainstream attention that it should have due to tv exposure and lack of funds to get a national television deal during it's peak from 94 to 97. So there is my crazy theory so let's get onto the show itself and review this bitch (I'm getting a little edgier myself now) already. 

WWF Wrestle Mania 14 March 29th 1998, Boston Massachusetts Fleet Centre Att:19,028 PPV Buy Rate: 2.30 (730,000)

Again I'm watching this on VHS video tape so we go right into the free for all, Dox Hendrix welcomes us for the pre show and he says he was meant to be joined by sunny and here she comes to kick off the free 4 all show. They plug tonight's main event and mike Tyson is announced and he gets monster heat from this Boston crowd as sunny mentions they obviously don't like iron mike here in Boston. Micheal cole is in the back standing outside DX lockeroom and he can't get his interview with the group. We go to Kevin Kelly who talks about bill Clinton and his so called relationship with wrestlemania celebrity guest jennifer flowers (yep it's the attitude era) and a video is shown on flowers talking secductivley about her appearance tonight at mania. Another awesome video package airs on Kane and undertaker and it's back to sunny and Dox who throw us back to another video package on Kane and takers feud 'your not the phenom anymore. After the video package jerry the king Lawler is in the back with uncle (Paul) bearer and for some reason lighting and thunder explode in the back ground as Paul cuts his promo and the lights flicker as well. Some more video packages air on Kane vs taker and stone cold vs HBK. Back to sunny and Dox who run down the entire card for tonight's show which means more hard selling by the two to watch tonight's show on pay per view. Michael cole is still outside DX lockeroom but still no interview so it's right into another long and very good video package on stone cold vs HBK. It's talks about how Shawn is mr wrestlemania who is on the verge of losing it all while steve talks about his working class routes and how he does this for the common man (dusty reference) and is a working class hero. Cole finally gets his interview and mike Tyson says stone cold your going down baby while hunter talks about wrestlemania being x rated. The baddest man, the baddest man vignette airs and it receps mike tyson joining DX and mike being made the special in enforcer 'you will heartbreak. Another Kane and taker video package airs and by this point I was getting a little annoyed with all these video packages. Now the free 4 all is over and Howard Finkel introduces the DX band (the lead singer is hunters brother) who sing there rendition of America the beautiful, which is booed heavily due to how disrespectful it is as well as how horrible it is. The opening video package talks about how tradition and wrestlemania has changed over the years. 15 Team Battle Royal LOD 2000 Hawk&Animal/with Sunny Vs The Nation Mufusta & Faarooq vs The New Midnight Express Bart Gunn&Bob Holly vs The Headbangers Mosh&Thrasher vs Truth Comission Sniper&Recon Vs Too Much Brian Christopher&Scott Taylor vs the Godwinns Phineas and Herny Vs The Rock N Roll Express Ricky Morton&Robert Gibson vs Chainz&Blackjack Bradshaw Vs Steve Blackman&Flash Funk Vs The Nation D'lo Brown&Mark Herny Vs DOA Skull&8Ball Vs Los Boricuas Savio Vega&Miguel Perez Vs The Quebecers Jacque Rougeau&Pierre Carl Ouellet Vs Los Boricuas Jesus Estrada Jr &Jose Castillo 

The new repackaged LOD 2000 are announced as the mystery team for this contest (say what you will about LOD 2000 but it's essentially the same team and I have no problem with that). This matches main rule is that if your partner is thrown over the top rope you are also eliminated. There is so many bodies and you can't really tell what's happening early on. Another repackaging for Barry windham (who is now 3 for 3 on dud gimmicks given to him by the fed) who runs in and Windham eliminates Chainz (Crush, BRAH) of DOA who was blackjack bradshaws partner and he's pissed at his former partner barry. Ricky Morton is spotted and is eliminated, I wonder if he popped that town that night. Kurrgan shows up and attacks his former truth Comission team mates sniper and recon. The final four is LOD 2000, the godwinns, the new midnight express and DOA. Phineas is eliminated and the godwinns are gone then LOD 2000 eliminate DOA to no response. The godwinns return armed with buckets and attack LOD 2000 leaving them laying for the new midnight express. Bob and Bart tease eliminating hawk but LOD 2000 recover and eventually eliminate billy and Bart and are now the number one contenders for the WWF tag team titles. Your Winners LOD 2000. Jr and the king talk about the wrestlemania weekend including stone cold on Kathy lee&regis, a super stars dinner and some fan is shown ignoring merc mero and going right to sable for an autograph. WWF Light Heavyweight Title Match Taka Michinoku (Champion) Vs Agulia. The two exchange some fast paced back and fourth action to start off the contest. Early on Taka does a moonsualt and tope dive onto the outside onto agulia. Taka with a swinging DDT gets a two count while agulia follows it up by back dropping Taka from the ring to the outside. Agulia then does a corkscrew planca out onto Taka which pops the crowd, who have been a bit quiet so far. Taka misses a moonsault but agulia hits his for a near fall. Taka goes back up top but is cut off by agulia but Taka pushes agulia off of him and agulia hits the mat. Taka jumps off the too but agulia gets his knees up and agulia pins Taka for a two. Tilt a whirl head scissors by agulia he then has his huancanrana countered into a powerbomb by Taka. Agulia goes up top and dives off into a drop kick from Taka and Taka scoops up agulia into a Michinoku driver for the 1,2 and 3. Your Winner and still WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Taka Michinoku. Were thrown right into a video package where jennifer flowers conducts a sit down interview with the rock. The rock comes of as a complete jerk to jennifer who he was clearly trying to woo rocky, A silly segment with lots of dick and sex jokes. WWF European Championship Title Match Triple H (Champion) Vs Owen Hart. The stipulation for this one is chyna must be handcuffed to WWF legend and comissionier SGT slaughter, this is made into a huge deal and a lot of time is wasted and eventually after a few minutes serge handcuffs himself to chyna and jr mentions she has been naturalised. Owen is out next and I marked out a little to much seeing Owen knowing business has just picked up. Owen attacks hunter before the bell and gives hunter a back body drop then gives hunter the ten punches in the coner spot and an huancanrana. Back elbow by hunter who then throws Owen to the outside where chyna Takes a swing at Owen but slaughter pulls her back. Back in the ring Owen teases the sharp shooter but hunter rakes Owens eyes to break the hold. High knee by hunter who then gives Owen a clothesline while jerry makes some stu and Helen jokes. Hunter works over Owen ankle which was injured in the build up to mania by hunter. Suplex by hunter to Owen who then crotch chops at the crowd to massive heat from the crowd (DX is super over here). Owen battles back but it's only his hope spot as hunter cuts Owen off in the corner with an elbow and gives Owen a DDT for a two count. Hunter goes to work on the knee now which is strange considering he was working over the ankle moments ago. Hunter goes back to the ankle now which made sense by twisting the ankle and stomping at it. The crowd start an Owen chant as hunter works over Owen in the corner. Owen's nose is bleeding they show a replay of Owen running face first into hunters boot ouch. Owen battles back with a missile drop kick for a two count then gives hunter a belly to belly for another two count. Enzuigiri by Owen to hunter but the move hurts his ankle and it takes him a few seconds to recover and pin hunter for the two. Hunter takes advantage with a chop block (back to the knee) then the two battle up top. Owen then pushes hunter off and hits a cross body for a two. Hunter goes for a pedigree out of nowhere but Owen counters it into a sharp shooter but hunter fights it off and Owen drops his knee into hunters family jewels. The two exchange left and rights then hunter goes for the pedigree again but again Owen counters into the sharp shooter and this time he turns hunter over and has the hold on tight on hunter. On the outside chyna helps hunter to the ropes as slaughter can't hold her back on the outside. Chyna throws powder into slaughters eyes there is some confusion and she low blows Owen and hunter gives Owen the pedigree to pick up the win. Your Winner and still WWF European champion Triple H. Afterwards DX celebrates and chyna beats the hell out of slaughter on the outside as the crowd goes wild. A video package is shown plugging stone colds new t-shirt. More than a few ECW signs are seen as the camera man pans the crowd. A video package is shown on the strange relationship between sable and Marc mero and his jealously towards his very real life wife (some say this was a semi shoot, mero was very much jealous of sable and her popularity and push within the WWF) and the feud between mero, sable, Goldust and Luna. Mixed Tag Team Match The Artist Formely Known As Goldust and Luna Vs Marc Mero and Sable. I fill sorry for mero as he looks like he genuinely fills that the pop him and sable recieved was for him or was it to do with the deluded character mero was playing at the time. Mero and Goldust start out but very quickly Goldust tags Luna and mero tags sable and the two run around the ring to massive cheers. The guys are back in and mero gives Goldust a DDT and tags in sable who decks goldy with a karate kick and is begging for Luna to get in the ring but she won't. Goldy and mero are back in and very a awkward exchange which is meet to silence. These two seem to be secondary to the ladies here, oh those attitude era crowds. The hot tag eventually happens the crowd explodes when sable and Luna lock up. The two have a routine ECW style cat fight, sable is so over with this crowd. She then nails goldy and botches a clothesline to Luna who throws herself to the outside. Mero and goldy are back in and mero low blows goldy and goes for a TKO but Goldust counters it into a DDT for a two count. Curtain call attempt by Goldust but mero counters and hits a high knee and a spring board moonsualt for a two count on goldy. Goldust gets crotched on the top rope and is given an huancanrana by mero for another two count. Goldy runs into Luna and mero rolls up dustin For another near fall. Luna attacks mero by jumping on his back and sable tags mero she pulls Luna off of mero. Goldy attacks sable but she battles back and Luna dives from the top but lands on Goldust and sable gives her a sable bomb but she doesn't pin her. Luna battles back but sable recovers and gives Luna the TKO to pick up the win for her and mero. Your Winners Sable and Marc Mero. A graphic is shown for the next match which is the dumpster match, well the dumpster isn't next as Tennessee Lee (Col Robert Parker/Robert Fuller) is out in the ring and he introduces Jeff Jarrett who has jennifer flowers on his arm. Ms flowers is the guest ring announcer for the actual match that is next the IC title match. WWF Intercontinental Title Match The Rock/ With The Nation (Champion) Vs Ken Shamrock. Shamrock marches to the ring in a hurry and the two go at it as the bell rings exchanging left and rights. The brawl heads off into the aisle way as the rock tries to get himself counted out. The rock low blows shamrock on the outside and rams his head into the ring steps. Back in the ring shamrock counters rocky Irish whip and runs over rocky with a clothesline. Shamrock is tossed to the outside by the rock who then throws shamrock into the steel steps at ringside. Back in the ring again rocky body slams shamrock and gives him the peoples elbow to boo's. Rocky sails over the top rope when shamrock side steps him and the fight is back on the outside again. They brawl back into the ring and shamrock introduces a chair to the match but the referee takes it away from him but the rock grabs it and nails ken right in the head with it. Shamrock battles back and hits the rock with a belly to belly and applies the ankle lock and rocky taps out. Your Winner and new WWF IC champion Ken Shamrock. Afterwards shamrock refuses to break the hold and the nation attack shamrock but he whips them out with belly to belly suplexes and goes back to the hold. Faarooq who didn't accompany the rock runs out but refuses to save rocky and leaves. Meanwhile back In the ring shamrock takes out some referees as the  rock cuts himself to draw some blood. Eventually the referees and agents calm shamrock down while the rock is taken away on a stretcher. Then the fink (who initially botched the announcement) announces that the referee has reversed the decesion. Your Winner and still WWF intercontinental champion The Rock. Shamrock snaps again and goes after the rock who is still being strecthered away in the aisle way and ken tosses rock off the stretcher then celebrates with the IC title but why shamrock didn't win anything. After the this the dumpster is brought out to ringside and cactus jacks music hits. WWF World Tag Team Title Match The New Age Outlaws Billy Gunn and Road Dogg (Champions) Vs Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie (Terry Funk). During the cactus and funk entrance you can hear the roadie saying 1,2 on the house mic. The outlaws talk some trash on there way to the ring then all four start brawling on the outside. JR mentions that this ain't going to be pretty folks while the king laughs. Gunn works over funk in the ring while Dogg nails cactus on the outside with a trash can lid. Cactus flies off the ring apron and goes into the side of the dumpster back first 'that looked like it hurt. Back in the ring billy back drops funk over the top rope and into the dumpster. The outlaws drop the lid of the dumpster onto the funk and cactus's head. The brawl continues on the outside and it looks as if the challengers are down for after being dumped in the dumpster. Cactus comes back to life and applies the maniable claw on both of the outlaws. Funk crawls out of the dumpster and nails billy with a trash can lid shot which draws blood from Billy's nose. Back in the ring all four men brawl, funk spikes Dogg with a DDT and a neckbreaker on gunn. On the outside cactus grabs a ladder while some fans chant EC-Dub. Both cactus and billy gun battle on top of the ladder as road Dogg whips funk into the ladder and both gunn and cactus sail over the top rope and into the dumpster. Road Dogg helps gunn out of the dumpster then the outlaws drill funk with a powerbomb into the dumpster. Cactus crawls out of the dumpster and the outlaws take him into the back. There seems to be a delay going backstage so some replays are shown and jr famous sound bite well some idiot at home is saying they know how to fall is uttered. In the back the outlaws slam cactus into the wall but Terry is back by now (barley). Cactus and funk beat up the outlaws and put them onto a forklift. Terry raises it up and the outlaws roll off the Pilate and into another dumpster (remember that because it's important) and cactus closes the lid to pick up the win for his team. Your Winners and New WWF World Tag Team Champions Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie. There title run wouldn't last long as funk and cactus win was overturned due to cactus and funk putting the outlaws into the wrong dumpster (see I said it was important). A video airs profiling the feud between the two brothers undertaker and Kane. Pete rose is another special guest and gets announced by the fink who isn't exactly over with this Boston crowd,

Pete rose that is. Pete cuts a heel promo on the crowd who boo him some more then Kane's music hits and he makes his way to the ring. Kane the heel gives Pete rose another heel a tombstone which gets a thunderous pop from the Kane. A rather strange move, wouldn't it have made more sense for a baby face like taker to drill rose. Anyway it's a legendary scene which has been played out on wwe grandest stage for three consecutive wrestlemania's. Semi Main Event Kane/with Paul Bearer Vs The Undertaker. As it's mania the deadman gets a grand wrestlemania enterance as the droids come out holding flaming torches and hold them up over there heads, this did look spectacular. After a long entrances the bell rings and were underway, taker takes it to Kane but it has little or no effect. Taker gets Kane into the corner and unleashes a bunch of kicks into his brothers gut. The two go back and fourth slugging it out and then Kane whips out taker with a big clothesline. Kane is all over taker and jr and the king are in shock. Kane continues to beat his brother down in the corner and whips taker from one side to the ring to the other. Kane drops taker onto the top rope and taker falls to the outside while bearer screams 'I warned you dead man. Kane pummels taker some more back in the ring as the crowd falls almost silent. The crowd picks back up as taker makes a comeback but Kane cuts off taker and gives taker a botched electric chair. Back on the outside Kane rams takers head into the security railing and then drives taker into the ring steps. Kane picks up the ring steps and nails taker as bearer has the referee distracted. Kane targets takers ribs and stomps on his chest on the outside. Bearer is back as he hits taker while the referee is tied up with Kane. Back in the ring Kane gives taker a suplex then beats on his chest with left and rights while taker is propped up in the corner. Taker screams come on at his baby brother and Kane gives taker a chokeslam he covers taker but after two picks up takers elbow. Kane slaps on a chinlock as both men need a rest, after a few minutes taker battles back and gets out of the hold. The two battle it out in mid ring and taker counters a side headlock and dumps Kane from the ring out onto the apron. The two exchange left and rights then taker knocks Kane off of the apron and taker goes and dives out onto Kane but Kane side steps and taker goes through the spainish announce team table.  Kane gets a near fall on taker back in the ring, Kane and taker battle back and fourth again exchanging big blows with one another. Taker goes for a tombstone but Kane counters it into one of his own and covers taker for another near fall. Kane hammers taker in the corner with left and rights but taker battles back and rocks the big man for the first time in Kane's short WWF career. Taker gives Kane a chokeslam as bearer screams damn you deadman damn you to hell. Back in the ring taker drills Kane with a tombstone and covers Kane only a two again and drops a leg drop onto Kane. Taker gives Kane a second tombstone and Kane kicks out yet again at two. Taker goes up top and hits his flying clothesline as jr wonders how Kane can take so much punishment. A third tombstone and taker finally gets the 1,2 and 3 over his brother Kane. Your Winner The Undertaker. Afterward Paul tries to attack taker but taker recovers and grabs bearer but Kane is up by now and with a chair in his hand. Kane pummels taker with the chair then gives him a tombstone onto the steel chair as bearer looks on gleaming with joy. As Kane leaves taker sits up and jr wonders how in the hell is taker getting up and appluads his efforts here this evening. The classy Freddie blassie wrestlemania video airs plugging WWF attitude. A graphic is shown plugging the main event which is next as jr and king talk about the match. A video then airs 'the baddest man on the plant echoes McMahon, it's time to sell the main event with an awesome video package. The fink announces this is for the WWF championship and introduces the special guest enforcer iron mike Tyson who is flagged by pat Paterson and tony gerea. We then go to the back where stone cold is shown walking in the back into the gorilla position. After Austin's entrance HBK is shown backstage getting ready at gorilla position and dedicates the match to earl (hebner) who he calls his lucky charm. WWF World Championship Title Match HBK Shawn Michaels (Champion)/with triple H and chyna VS Stone Cold Steve Austin Special Guest Enforcer Iron Mike Tyson. There is a massive austin chant as both men circle one another in the ring then the bell rings and where underway. Shawn is cocky an arrogant as ever and austin just flips him the bird then the two exchange boxing like jabs and jr mentions HBK has been learning a little form Tyson. Austin then fires up and is all over HBK and at one point austin pulls down HBK pants and jr says it's a full moon in Boston tonight. Stone cold then back drops HBK up and over top rope and Shawn lands on top of hunter and chyna. Stone cold goes to the outside and hunter and chyna attack austin by throwing him intro the barrier. The referee throws hunter and chyna out from ringside they eventually after austin beats up hunter on the bandstand in the aisle way. HBK and stone cold battle it out in the aisle way and bounce one another off of the dumpster which is also in the aisle way. Back in the ring austin recovers and whips Shawn into the corner HBK does his best ric flair flop into the corner as the king brings up Shawn's bad back. Austin gives Shawn a stun gun onto the top rope for a two count then knocks Shawn off the ring apron and HBK lands face first into jr and kings announce table. Austin and Shawn battle on the outside then once back in the ring austin drops an elbow to Shawn for a two count then applies a chinlock. HBK breaks the hold with a jaw jacker as HBK rolls to the outside he drags austin knee by the post but austin kicks him off. Austin goes after HBK on the outside and both men brawl in and around near the timekeepers table. Back in the ring Shawn nails austin with an axe handle and mounts austin and punches at steves face. Tyson gives Shawn some words of wisdom as jr claims this isn't fair to austin. Snapmere by Shawn to austin and again Shawn mounts steve and unloads left and rights into Austin's face. HBK looks visable hurt (and he is remember) as austin recovers and dumps shawn up and over to the outside. HBK recovers and drills Austin's knee into the ring post over and over as jr and the king argue. Shawn goes to work on Austin's left by ramming it into the ring mat, Shawn gives austin a chop block and kicks at Austin's knee as HBK tells jr he's the toughest son of a bitch in the WWF which jr does not argue with Shawn about. From out of nowhere austin rolls up Shawn for a 2 count. Shawn gets right back up and goes back to work on the knee. Austin rolls out in front of Tyson, he distracts steve as Shawn gives steve a baseball slide sending austin crashing into the announce teams table. Tyson does some crotch chops as Shawn rolls austin back into the ring and gives austin another chop clock and applies the figure four. Some more arguing between king and jr as austin eventually turns the figure four over but Shawn reaches the ropes to break the hold. Austin is back in it with right hands and he slingshots Shawn into the top turnbuckle and rolls up Shawn for a two count. Shawn recover and slaps a sleeper onto austin but austin breaks it by backing Shawn in the corner and referee mike Chioda is squashed in the corner. Both men exchange punches then austin gives HBK a big back body drop. HBK can barley jump as he hits a forearm smash then nips up (that must have hurt, much respect Shawn). Shawn drops a elbow drop from the top rope but still no referee so Shawn tunes up the band. Shawn goes for sweet chin music austin ducks and kicks Shawn in the gut then tries a stunner but Shawn counters and goes for another superkick austin catches his leg and stuns HBK and covers him as Tyson jumps into the ring and he counts the 1,2 and 3. Your Winner and New WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. Afterwards stone cold hands Tyson a austin 3:16 shirt up gets Shawn who argues with Tyson and iron mike nails Shawn. Apparently Shawn is out cold even though he's chewing gum anyway austin and Tyson celebrate as jr utters his immortel line the austin era has begun.  

Round Up&Ratings 

I actually had a hard time watching this show so many things didn't make sense or add up and when I started it I was genuinely looking forward to reviewing this show. It started off very badly as the 15 team battle royal had way to many body's and I missed so many eliminates and so did WWF camera team obviously. LOD 2000 won't be remembered as fondly but it wasn't like it was an entire gimmick overhaul essentially both men are the same as before but with new gear  on. The light heavyweight title match was very good but the crowd really didn't seem to care and without a good crowd reaction this match kind of dead out there in front of the 14,000 plus. The European title match could have been much better but it was saddled with the crappy gimmick of chyna handcuffed to Sgt Slaughter on the outside. So the attention was taken away from in ring action to forcus more on chyna on the outside and as soon as she was cuffed to slaughter you knew she would be involved in the finish of the match, it was just to obvious for my liking. The mixed tag was strange most of the focus for this one was on the women who were a lot more over than the men. Poor old mero and Goldust whatever they did it was meet to silence as this crowd only really wanted to see sable. The IC title match wasn't much better it was a very short match with a quzzling finish. Take this in for intense as WWF had done an identical finish between the two at that years rumble, so why do the same finish in the grandest stage of them all. It made no sense in my opinion to do that finish but that is vince Russo style of booking I guess. The dumpster match was very good and saving grace of this show in my opinion, cactus and funk took some crazy bumps. Espiecally the powerbomb bump funk took from the outlaws looked nasty as hell and much respect to Terry WWF real toughest son of a bitch for agreeing to take that when not many others would have. Kane vs taker was a tremendous match but had trouble topping the Brillant build for this one but it currently is up there as a classic wrestlemania match. if you didn't watch the build like I normally before I do my review and just match then you would have enjoyed but I felt it came no where near the level it had reached during the build or raws leading up to mania. Finally the austin era finally began and steve couldn't have asked for a better match to start off his WWF title regain and i must add much respect to Shawn for actually going out there with such a serious back injury. Three good matches out of eight ain't bad I guess but I'm still going to go with a 5.5 out of 10 rating for this one. Ok so that's another old school review in the bag next time I've decided to take a detour off the current timeline I'm on and reviewing by going back three years to the year of 1995. Because next time out the JWR podcast old school review is going to go to the extreme. Basically id like to make my point about WWF attitude ripping off of ECW. So next time out it's going to be ECW Gangsta Paradise 95. A very underrated show in my opinion it features ECW alumnis sandman, raven, The Dudley's, The Pitbulls and many more as well as some extreme lucha. So until next time as bill apter would say I will see you at the matches. 

By Billy_Jay_222 @billy222me or @RantsWrestle