In Your House: It’s Time

(All screen captures are the property of World Wrestling Entertainment)

In Your House: It’s Time

December 15, 1996

West Palm Beach Auditorium

West Palm Beach, Florida

News & Notes: Bret Hart won the right to face Sid by beating Austin at Survivor Series. This was his chance to regain his WWF championship. Sid had words for Bretman about his return to the world federation wrestling federation. (No, those aren’t typos. Sid had another half a brain moment.) Bret responded. He said when Sid snapped, people called him psycho. But when Bret snaps, people will call him WWF champion. Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels had issues with both men. They announced Shawn will face the winner at the Royal Rumble. He wants revenge on Sid. But Shawn also took offense to Bret’s comments about him. Bret questioned why Shawn posed for Playgirl and did stripper dances around children. Michaels didn’t care for Bret judging him. All three men brawled on the Superstars before this PPV.

Speaking of the Royal Rumble. It takes place at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. Vince struck a deal with AAA in Mexico as a play for the Hispanic market. Some of their talents appear on this show and take part in the Rumble. Konnan already took the top names to WCW, so Vince got the leftovers. Also, this led to WCW signing their Mexican talent to full-time contracts. They worried about them leaving.

The show opens with a video about the Bret/Sid match. Bret spent a long time thinking about becoming the WWF champion again. Sid is tall, but he will be excellently executed. Bret wants the title and Sid is standing in the way. Sid retorts with laughter. He says he’s the man and the ruler of the world. They play the sound bites over black and white footage of both men and ominous music. It’s time—for Milton Bradley’s Karate Fighters to present In Your House. (Does the WWF not have any other sponsors?)

Vince welcomes everyone to West Palm Beach. There is bad audio feedback underneath his introduction. It clears up while Lawler makes idle threats toward Shawn Michaels. HBK will join the commentary for the main event. Lawler says he’s not responsible for what he might do. McMahon then introduces the Spanish announce team. After that, Ross predicts Bret will win the title by submission.

Flash Funk vs. Leif Cassidy

Notes: Marty Jannetty left the WWF. Leif Cassidy is on his own. He works as a singles star for a few months before heading to ECW for a gimmick change. There is no build for this match. It’s a chance to get both men on the PPV and give them exposure. Flash Funk dances to the ring with the Funkettes, but they leave after the entrances. Also, Vince dances with Flash. Ross mocks him, so McMahon tells him to loosen up.

The Match: They trade takedowns, reversals, and mat holds. Then Flash stumbles on a springboard, but he lands a diving crossbody. Leif counters a head scissors into an inverted powerbomb and sends Funk over the ropes. Cassidy follows with a springboard somersault and a running clothesline. He tries wearing down Flash, but Funk kicks Leif in the face. Funk also evades another powerbomb. But Cassidy nails a sit-out spinebuster. Funk regains control when Leif misses a moonsault. Funk uses a handspring gamengiri, a flying crossbody, and a moonsault. This leads to them trading pin attempts until Funk hits an enziguri. Flash then gives Leif a suplex and a 450 splash for the win.

Thoughts: It started rough, but became a fun match. The fans didn’t care at first. But they won them over by the end. It was a good showcase for both men. Turning the crowd is a testament to their talent. I see why Vince never gave up on Al Snow, despite early misfires with his gimmicks.

Winner: Flash Funk (10:34)

Next, they show a commercial for the Royal Rumble. It’s footage of last year’s event. Jim Ross says it will emanate from the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. He also plugs the home video release.

“Razor” & “Diesel” enter the arena. Meanwhile, Kevin Kelly interviews Owen, Bulldog, Clarence Mason, and a random arm from off-screen. (Is that Owen & Bulldog’s new mascot, Handsy? She could hold Owen’s Slammy award.) Kelly questions their continuity as a team. He says Bulldog can’t focus because of Stone Cold. Davey doesn’t care if Steve Austin is there. He has his eyes on Razor & Diesel. But he’ll take care of Stone Cold if he’s anywhere around. Kevin tries asking another question, but Owen interrupts. He tells Kelly to stop stirring up trouble. They’re focused on their opponents. Owen claims Stone Cold isn’t on Bulldog’s mind. (Was he listening to Davey’s promo?) Owen also tells Kevin to stop wrecking their game plan. Bulldog says they have the World Wrestling Federation titles and they’re keeping them. (Somewhere, Sid is confused.)

Tag Team Title Match: Owen Hart & The British Bulldog (c) (w/ Clarence Mason) vs. “Diesel” & “Razor Ramon”

Notes: There is dissension in the ranks. Bulldog stopped Steve Austin from Pillmanizing Bret Hart. Owen took offense to this action. Owen also grew frustrated with Davey’s obsession to beat Stone Cold. Bulldog wants a piece of Steve Austin. But Owen wants Davey to focus on the tag titles. Meanwhile, Coy & Vance used the opening to attack Owen & Bulldog. (Oops, I mean Fake Razor & Diesel.) This led to the WWF signing a tag title match between the teams. Jim Ross toned down his heel antics. But he still doesn’t understand why people boo these fine young athletes. He claims they’re younger and better looking than the originals. (On a side note, Pierroth and Cibernetico from AAA scout this match. They distract Bulldog and throw a t-shirt at him.)

The Match: Diesel shoves Owen around and out of the ring. Owen kips up and throws punches, but they aren’t enough. Then Bulldog and Razor face off until Stone Cold wanders to ringside. Bulldog attacks Austin, so the officials separate them. When Davey returns to the ring, Razor attacks. Owen then tags and uses a missile dropkick. But Diesel low-bridges Hart and the double-teaming begins. Razor & Diesel focus on Owen’s back and ribs. Diesel hits a side slam. Razor uses a pumphandle fallaway slam. (Did Scott Hall ever do that?) Diesel also gives Owen a big boot and they attack Hart in their corner. Both men tag after Hart nails an enziguri. The match becomes a brawl and Owen and Diesel tumble to the floor. Owen sends Diesel into the post while Razor attempts a Razors Edge. Owen stops it with a wheel kick and Bulldog wins with a jackknife pin.

Thoughts: This was a solid match, but it was a backdrop for extracurricular activities. It did more to further the Bulldog/Austin story than anything. The action was fine, and both teams looked good. “Razor” & “Diesel” aren’t fully comfortable in their roles. But they aren’t bad wrestlers. Plus, Jim Ross’s commentary was amusing. He favored “Razor” & “Diesel”.

Winners: Owen & Bulldog (10:45)

After the match, Austin attacks Bulldog again. He chop blocks him and laughs about it. The officials escort Stone Cold from the ring. But Austin flips off Davey as he leaves. Then they show The Nation of Domination in the AOL room. This includes their newest member, Crush. (He joined because Clarence Mason manages both him and the Nation.) The Nation has their entourage doing the typing. PG-13 whispers what to say in their ears.

Meanwhile, Vince is in the ring. He welcomes Ahmed Johnson for an interview. Johnson wears a tracksuit and a fanny pack. (What a fashionable look!) Vince says Ahmed is back with a big announcement. He’s counting the days until the Royal Rumble. Ahmed will face Faarooq. Johnson says this goes beyond anything you can imagine. Ahmed claims he lost his house, car, and girlfriend in this mess. (Wait, he’s homeless? That might explain the outfit.) Then Ahmed promises Faarooq will feel his pain TOHISFACE!! (I think that’s what he said. He ran it together as one word.) Next, Vince asks for an update on Johnson’s kidney. Ahmed says his life was over a long time ago. The people are all he lives for. Before Ahmed continues, The Nation of Domination interrupts. But they don’t enter through the set. The Nation stands on the balcony. Faarooq insults the crowd and addresses Ahmed. He says, “You’re the reason your people is behind fifty years. They’re not mine. I’m gonna form my own race of people!” (Um, what?) Faarooq also calls Ahmed an Uncle Tom. He promises to beat Ahmed at the Rumble. When people say promised land, they will say Faarooq. Faarooq finishes by saying, “By any means necessary!” He then raises his fist into the air. Johnson dares Faarooq to come down and face him. Johnson chants you’re going down until the crowd joins him. Faarooq continues saluting and then leaves.

Then they recap the Hunter Hearst Helmsley/Marc Mero feud. Music by Enigma plays over the video. (I’m surprised they still have the rights.) Todd Pettengill says the Intercontinental title is more than a blue-chip stock in Hunter’s portfolio. They follow this with a clip of Vince saying he can’t stand arrogant people. (Oh, really?) Todd also talks about Marc. For Mero, there’s no greater honor than being called champion. Next, they recap the history of Hunter and Mero’s rivalry. They show clips of WrestleMania and Mero winning the IC title. (It’s footage of the Goldust match, not the tournament finals. They didn’t want to show Faarooq’s old gimmick.) Then we see Hunter winning the title and attacking Mr. Perfect. Todd says it’s time to find out who will hold the gold.

Intercontinental Title Match: Wildman Marc Mero (w/ Sable) vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley (c)

Notes: Hunter kicked Mr. Perfect to the curb. He no longer needed his services. (In reality, Perfect left the company. He tried joining WCW. But the WWF contested the move. They believe he’s still under contract. This delays Perfect’s debut with the competition.) However, Hunter’s feud with Mero continues. Hunter has a roaming eye for the ladies. He harassed both Sable and Marlena. Both rebuffed his advances. Hunter also had a match with Goldust and burned him with Marlena’s cigar. Then Hunter made another pass at Marlena on the Free For All. Goldust isn’t pleased. Also, I want to point out Hunter’s new music. He switched to “Ode to Joy” as his theme. It’s much more fitting.

The Match: They trade hammerlocks, wristlocks, and headlocks. Marc uses axehandles and backdrops to avoid Hunter’s offense. But Helmsley regroups and hides behind Sable. Then Hunter uses the steps and grabs a chair, but Hebner stops the attack. Earl also catches Helmsley using the ropes for leverage, and they shove each other. Mero retakes control and whips Hunter into an upside-down bump. Marc follows with a knee-lift and a head scissors. He even nails a super Frankensteiner. But Triple H pushes Hebner into the ropes to crotch Marc.

However, Mero rallies and blocks another Pedigree attempt. He then catapults Helmsley into the post and lands a Merosault. Then Marc takes out Hebner by accident. Mero prevents Triple H from using the belt as a weapon. He counters with pin attempts, but Earl is still dazed. Next, the fight spills to the floor while Goldust appears. He grabs the belt and tries hitting Hunter. He hits Mero by mistake, but he gets Helmsley on the second try. Hebner makes a ten count and Marc enters the ring at the last moment.

Thoughts: This was a strong match until that disappointing finish. I liked the storytelling of Hunter’s heel tactics. He added an edge to his character. That will grow over time. Plus, the action was good. This is the end of the Mero/Helmsley feud. Why didn’t they use a clean finish? I guess they wanted to protect Mero.

Winner: Marc Mero (by Count Out) (14:03)

After the bout, Mero rolls Hunter into the ring and gives him The Wild Thing. He almost covers him, but he remembers the match is over. Mero leaves while Hunter stumbles to the floor. Then Goldust returns and attacks Hunter. He stomps him until the officials break up the fight.

Dok Hendrix is backstage with Sycho Sid. (Sid has his baseball cap again. It must be softball season.) Dok says Sid is no longer the hunter. He’s the hunted. Hendrix shows a clip from Superstars. Shawn Michaels and Sid brawled outside the arena. Bret Hart joined the fray and punched Michaels. But Bret turned his back to Sid. This allowed Sid to attack him. Then Sid shouts and whispers about sticking your nose in his business. He tells Bret to ask Jose about it. Next, Hendrix says Sid can squelch the critics by beating Bret tonight. (Squelch? What an odd word choice.) It makes Sid laugh. He even mocks Dok’s haircut. (I don’t blame him.) Sid then uses some logic. Shawn beat Bret. Sid beat Shawn. That means Sid is better than Bret. (Well done, Sid. I’m impressed.) Sid finishes by whispering he’s the master and ruler of the world.

Next, they recap the Undertaker/Executioner feud. Todd Pettengill tells us about Paul Bearer’s betrayal. Taker must walk alone because of it. He tried burying his betrayers at Buried Alive. But The Executioner attacked and buried Taker. However, you can find life even in death. Taker was reborn! This metamorphosis kindled a new fire. But The Executioner prevented Taker’s revenge. The power of one may not be enough to overcome the forces of betrayal! (This is far more drama than this match warrants.)

Armageddon Rules Match: The Undertaker vs. The Executioner (w/ Paul Bearer)

Notes: Not much happened since Survivor Series. The Executioner interfered in a Street Fight between Mankind and The Undertaker. The WWF realized the Executioner gimmick isn’t working. They want this match over and done. It’s an Armageddon Rules Match. That means there are no disqualifications. When you pin your opponent, they have to answer a ten count or the match ends. It’s Texas Death Match rules, but without the rest periods. (Thank goodness.) I should also point out The Undertaker tweaked his new look. It’s a similar outfit, but it isn’t leather. It still needs work.

The Match: It begins with numerous Irish Whips. (It’s Irish Whip City, bitch!) They knock each other down. Taker misses a splash. The Executioner misses an elbow. Then they fight to the floor where Paul Bearer taps Taker with the urn. Taker chases him, so The Executioner hits Taker. He rams Taker into the tables and exposes the concrete. Taker rallies until Mankind appears. Poor Mick trips and falls during his attack. Undertaker then fends off both men. They fight to the In Your House set and destroy it. Mankind goes through the screen and the door. Taker almost knocks the set over by ramming The Executioner into it.

Then security arrives to subdue Mankind. They mace him and place him in a straitjacket. Meanwhile, Taker and The Executioner fight into the concourse and out the front door. (The cameraman can’t follow up the stairs. Is he scared?) We get a shot outside the arena and see The Executioner tumble into the water. Taker returns and hits Mankind. But The Executioner joins them. Taker gives him a clothesline. He then nails the Tombstone while water pours out of the Executioner’s boots. (Taker also ripped his new pants in the process.) It’s enough for the pin and The Executioner can’t answer the ten count.

Thoughts: This was a disjointed mess. It was slow and plodding. They added bells and whistles, but they didn’t help. Some visuals were cool. The Mankind stuff was fun. Neither saved this bout. It wasn’t good. However, the fans reacted well to it. It wasn’t a total loss.

Winner: The Undertaker (11:31)

Dok is with Bret Hart. He says he admires Hart for being cool under pressure—except this morning on Superstars. Hendrix shows the same footage from earlier. He asks Bret why he joined the fight. Was Bret worried Shawn would ruin his match? Bret says he wouldn’t put it past Shawn. Bret tries saying more, but Dok interrupts. He asks why Bret turned his back to Sid. Bret says you don’t turn your back on anybody. He thought about the WWF title for eight months. Shawn was on his mind. But Shawn doesn’t matter now. Sid is the champion. Bret continues, but Shawn Michaels’ music plays. Bret explodes with anger. He asks why they’re playing Shawn’s music during his time. Bret is sick to death of Shawn Michaels. After he wins the title, he looks forward to fighting Shawn.

WWF Title Match: Sycho Sid (c) vs. Bret Hart

Notes: Shawn poses in the ring with fireworks and then joins the commentators. Vince says it was a nice reception, but it will be louder when Bret arrives. Shawn disagrees. Michaels calls Bret the self-proclaimed role model of the WWF. He mocks Bret for being high and mighty and pompous. Shawn calls him a bitter jerk. Then Sid arrives. Lawler claims Bret and Shawn combined couldn’t beat him. Shawn disagrees again. He calls Sid the WWF’s most expensive piece of luggage. Everyone carries him. (Wow! Shawn is shooting.) Shawn also decries what Sid did to Jose.

The Match: They exchange strikes until Bret regroups. Bret tries luring Sid into the ring, but Sid catches him. Then the fight spills out of the ring again. Sid rams Bret into the rail and exposes the concrete. But Bret shoves Sid into the post a few times. Bret then focuses on Sid’s back. He uses backbreakers and holds. Bret also exposes a turnbuckle, but Sid avoids going into it. Next, Bret goes into his routine until Sid slams him off the top rope. Sid follows with a big boot, a powerslam, and a short-arm clothesline. Bret tries a Sharpshooter after Sid misses a leg drop. But Sid shoves Bret to the floor. The ref is distracted, so Stone Cold arrives and chop blocks Bret.

The officials prevent a brawl, but Bulldog appears. He fights with Austin. Meanwhile, Bret’s leg injury confuses Sid. Then they stumble through an exposed buckle spot until Sid shoves Bret into it. Sid follows with a chokeslam, but Bret kicks out. They fight to the floor again and Bret grabs Shawn’s chair. Sid stops him, but he shoves Michaels. Shawn climbs onto the apron to yell at Sid, so Sid whips Bret into him. Sid then nails the powerbomb for the victory.

Thoughts: I liked the psychology of Bret working Sid’s back. I even liked the storyline stuff with Shawn. But the match was slow. It wasn’t great, but I didn’t hate it. The bout was decent. It set up what it needed to.

Winner: Sycho Sid (17:03)

Sid celebrates with the belt while Shawn struggles to stand. Bret rolls out of the ring and turns to leave. But then Bret nails Shawn in the face! He pulls Michaels’ shirt over his head and throws wild punches. Vince and Ross beg Bret not to do it. He punches Shawn to the ground and then leaves. It amuses Sid. He holds up the belt so Shawn can see it. Shawn yells at some fans and grabs a headset. He speaks, but the mic doesn’t work. We only hear the last few words. Shawn calls someone a punk and promises to kick their teeth in. Meanwhile, Sid continues celebrating with the fans.

The Good:

• The Funk/Cassidy match was fun.

• The tag title match was solid.

• Most of the IC title match was good.

• They did a good job building storylines for the Rumble.

The Bad:

• Taker/Executioner was poor.

• The finish of the IC title match was disappointing.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to Bret Hart. I liked his psychology in the main event. Plus, he portrays the growing frustration well. We’re heading into some of his best character work.

Final Thoughts:

It wasn’t a great show, but it did what it needed to. December events are notoriously flat for the WWF. This was a transition between Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble. The event had some good story work. Some of the action was good. It’s not a total loss. But it isn’t an outstanding program.

Thank you for reading. My next review is WCW’s Starrcade ’96. Look for it next Sunday!