Judgment Day: In Your House

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

Judgment Day: In Your House

October 18, 1998

Rosemont Horizon

Chicago, Illinois (Rosemont)

News & Notes: After Breakdown, Vince kept the smoking skull belt as a trophy. He held a championship ceremony with the old title. McMahon hired police to keep Austin at bay, but Stone Cold crashed the party on a Zamboni machine! He beat up Vince, so the cops arrested Austin. Then McMahon restarted the festivities. However, he refused to crown Taker or Kane. They didn’t hold up their end of the bargain! If they wanted the gold, they had to fight each other at Judgment Day. McMahon even made Austin the special referee! Vince looked to humble Steve by making him raise the hand of his successor. Then Vince called Kane and Taker, mentally handicapped. Taker threatened Vince for his disrespect, but Vince pressed his luck. The Undertaker caught him flipping the bird. Taker and Kane punished McMahon by breaking his ankle with the ring steps.

With Vince in the hospital, Austin vowed to make his life a living hell. First, he cut the satellite feed to McMahon’s room with an ax. Then Stone Cold invaded the ER, dressed as a doctor. He clobbered Vince with a bedpan and shoved an enema tube up Vince’s butt. Next, Austin destroyed Vince’s prized white Corvette. He drove a cement truck into the arena and filled the car until the windows exploded! Because of Austin’s antics, Vince hired a security guard. It was a large man in swat gear and a ski mask. He carried a nightstick and used guard dogs. Austin fought the guard and unmasked him to reveal—The Big Boss Man! An undeterred Austin promised he wouldn’t raise Taker or Kane’s hand at the PPV. He’d only lift his own. Vince said if Austin didn’t follow his orders, he’d fire him in front of everyone!

In other news, Owen Hart is having a crisis. He wrestled Dan Severn and gave him a sit-out Tombstone. It seemed Owen broke Dan’s neck as he did to Austin. Owen spent the next two weeks too distraught to wrestle. He let X-Pac roll him up for a win and forfeited a bout with Edge. It was too much. Owen left the building. However, someone in Owen’s old Blue Blazer outfit appeared the following week. He attacked Steve Blackman on RAW and again on Heat. (Oh, boy. It begins.)

The opening video is all about Vince wanting to humble Steve Austin. Stone Cold violated him and made his life hell! Now McMahon will give Austin the indignity of raising either Taker or Kane’s hand. They’re in this match because they didn’t hold up their end of the bargain. If Austin doesn’t do as he’s told, Vince will fire him! The unholy shall stand before Vince. He will humble the wicked at his feet! Judgment Day is upon us! Then the package ends with a CGI scene of a rocket launch. (Is the WWF nuking us?)

JR welcomes everyone to an emotionally charged night in Chicago. There are five title matches tonight, but all pale in comparison to the WWF championship. It’s The Undertaker vs. Kane with Austin as the ref! Lawler believes Austin will humble himself and raise the victor’s hand. Otherwise, Vince will fire him.

Al Snow arrives for his match with Mero. Snow says it’s double coupon night at the Sack & Save. What does everybody want, need, and love? The fans answer head. Then Mero and Jackie join Al. Jacqueline has the new women’s title belt, but she isn’t defending it tonight. The crowd chants Sable at them. Meanwhile, Jeff Jarrett interrupts. He demands the bout instead of Mero. Jeff argues with the ref, so Mero jumps Al Snow during the chaos.

Al Snow (w/ Head) vs. Marvelous Marc Mero (w/ Jacqueline)

Notes: Al Snow and Sgt. Slaughter continued to be a pain in each other’s sides. Sarge tried to stop Al’s Head antics. He succeeded when Snow fought Jeff Jarrett. But this only goaded Al into becoming a bigger nuisance. Snow focused on Jarrett. First, Al opened Jarrett’s guitar case and replaced the instrument with Head. Then Snow distracted Jeff with more Head shenanigans. It allowed Scorpio to roll Jarrett up for a victory. Meanwhile, Mero once more took a backseat to a focus on Jackie. Jacqueline cut off Sable’s hair extensions and weaved it into her own locks. She attempted to do the same to Starla Saxton (Molly Holly), but Sable chased Jackie into the crowd. Again, why did Mero get the PPV bout when Jackie got the TV time? And why didn’t they book Snow vs. Jarrett?

The Match: They fight back and forth until Mero threatens to punt Head. Snow answers this disrespect with a DDT and a moonsault, but Jackie distracts him. It allows Marc to nail a low blow. He then occupies the ref’s attention for Jacqueline’s interference. Mero also uses a knee-lift and a Merosault. Snow rallies with trapped headbutts, an enziguri, and a sit-out spinebuster. However, Jackie pulls Mero away from another moonsault. Marc capitalizes with a roll-up and a Samoan Drop, but he misses the Marvelocity! Snow covers. Mero puts his foot on the ropes. Next, Mero attempts a TKO. Snow blocks it and finishes Mero with a Snow Plow.

Thoughts: It was a decent but basic encounter. They received a reaction, despite having no build. But they should have booked Snow vs. Jarrett. It was the pairing with a story behind it. Like last month, TV feuds aren’t manifesting as PPV bouts.

Winner: Al Snow (7:12)

Then they show a clip from Heat. The Stooges made Austin change in the referee’s locker room. It was nothing more than a closet. JR called it humiliating. Austin found Mike Chioda inside and threw him out.

(LOD 2000) Hawk, Animal, & Droz vs. (The DOA) Skull, 8-Ball, & Paul Ellering

Notes: Hawk took two weeks off to get his head straight. He returned on the go-home RAW and did commentary while Animal & Droz wrestled. Hawk admitted he had a pain pill addiction, but he was trying to fix it. They announced Hawk would team with Animal and Droz against Skull, 8-Ball, and Ellering at the PPV. Since Animal and Droz were busy wrestling, The DOA jumped Hawk at the announcer’s desk.

The Match: Hawk does well in the early action. The teams exchange powerslams. Hawk nails a neckbreaker and a fist drop. Then Droz enters and gets in trouble. The DOA cheap shot Drozdov and use ref distractions. Ellering chokes Droz in the corner. Skull & 8-Ball control things with strikes and a side slam. Paul even tags in for a quick drop toe hold and kicks. But Droz catches one twin ducking and scores a DDT. It leads to Hawk’s hot tag. He throws punches and clotheslines and sends Ellering out of the ring. Next, Animal hits a shoulder tackle and sets up the Doomsday Device. They nail it, but Droz shoves past Hawk to cover for the win. It annoys Hawk. He stares at Droz in disbelief.

Thoughts: It was dull and uninteresting. Little happened in it until the finish. The ending would be fine if I cared about this storyline, but I hate it. I’m no fan of this or the Last Call Scott Hall angle. I find them tasteless. This nonsense is about to hit its apex, but I’ll discuss it in another review.

Winners: LOD 2000 (5:04)

Light Heavyweight Title Match: Christian (w/ Gangrel) vs. Taka Michinoku (c) (w/ Yamaguchi-san)

Notes: Edge competed in a Four Corners Elimination contest for a Euro title shot. The mysterious blond man appeared again and distracted Edge to cost him a victory. Afterward, JR and King learned he was Edge’s brother, Christian. But why did Christian associate himself with Gangrel? Edge wondered the same thing. He confronted his brother during Gangrel’s match with Val Venis. The vampire spotted Edge at ringside and jumped him. Christian joined Gangrel in beating Edge. They left him lying with an Impaler DDT. Naturally, these actions somehow earned Christian a Light Heavyweight championship opportunity. We’re lucky the WWF remembered the belt existed.

The Match: They exchange punches and reversals while Edge watches in the crowd. Taka nails his springboard plancha and a flying knee to a draped Christian. Christian answers with a reverse DDT and rolling suplexes into a sit-out front suplex. Taka rallies until Christian low-bridges him. Christian continues with a triangle jump plancha and a powerbomb. But he misses a flying splash. It leads to Taka’s Asai Moonsault and a flying crossbody. Christian rolls through the latter for a two-count. Then they block each other’s moves until Christian hits a Russian Leg Sweep. But Taka rebounds with a tornado DDT. He tries the Michinoku Driver next. Christian turns it into a roll-up for the win.

Thoughts: It was solid and had some good spots. But the fans didn’t care. Even Chicago was quiet for this one. Having no build didn’t help. I enjoyed the action, but the lack of heat hurt it.

Winner: Christian (New Champion) (8:35)

Next, they recap the Goldust/Venis feud. JR says it could have originated on the Jerry Springer Show. The video starts with the same package from Breakdown. Then Goldust interrupted Val and Terri’s make-out session. He told Val he was coming! When Goldust returned, he shattered Venis’ dreams. Lawler called it severe shrinkage.

Val and Terri arrive for the bout. Venis tries to do his shtick, but his mic stops working. Goldust interrupts and says, “Hello, Val. It’s showtime!” Goldust’s entrance annoys Venis. JR says the bizarre mind games threw Val off his game. He’s usually calm and collected. Also, Ross calls Terri out for still wearing her wedding ring.

Goldust vs. Val Venis (w/ Terri Runnels)

Notes: Venis and Terri continued fooling around backstage on RAW. It was too much for Dustin Runnels. He warned Val he was coming. The man in question was Goldust! This isn’t The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust. It’s an updated take on the original gimmick. Familiar music played after Val’s match. The screen said, “A Shattered Dreams Production.” Goldust’s voice announced his impending return. Then Goldust’s old usher delivered a golden invitation to a world premiere. Val entered the IC title tournament, but Goldust ambushed Val after the bout. He propped Venis in the corner with his legs spread. Then Goldust kicked him square in the balls. He calls the move Shattered Dreams. Next, Goldust taunted Val with a gift. It was a golden athletic cup to protect Val’s Little Valbowskis.

The Match: They brawl in and out of the ring. Goldust uses the barricade and the steps. Venis answers with a flying plancha to the floor. Goldust returns with a Manhattan Drop, a slingshot back suplex, and arm holds. But Goldust crashes into the post on a missed charge. Venis targets the arm and shoulder afterward. He does a Russian Leg Sweep and a powerslam. Then Val climbs the ropes. Goldust surprises him for a superplex and they trade sleeper holds. Goldust also lands a bulldog, so Terri has enough. She gets on the apron and yells at Goldust. Terri says he ruined her life. Venis tries a sneak attack, but he almost hits Terri. It distracts the ref. Goldust takes the opening and nails a low blow for the three.

Thoughts: This was another decent but unremarkable contest. The action wasn’t bad, but it never found its crescendo. The finish was the only interesting part. It was fine, but they didn’t build to it. Val and Goldust wrestled back and forth, and then Terri got involved.

Winner: Goldust (12:05)

Val writhes in agony on the mat, so Terri helps him. As they leave, Goldust blows kisses and presents his butt to Terri. The bizarre behavior annoys Lawler. But JR complains about Terri’s outfit.

Michael Cole shows footage from Heat. Triple H warned Shamrock to wait until he healed from his injury. Ken didn’t want to wait. He jumped Hunter and slammed a car door on Helmsley’s knee. Cole says the attack put Triple H in the hospital. His knee is in serious condition. Then X-Pac interrupts. He doesn’t know what Shamrock’s deal is. Ken acted like a jack-off lately. But Pac will deal with him later. Tonight, X-Pac takes back his European title from D’Lo!

Speaking of D’Lo, he arrives for his bout. Since he’s the Euro champ again, Fink announces he’s from Milan, Italy. Lawler calls it quite the commute. D’Lo looks in the camera and does his head wobble. He says the fans better recognize!

European Title Match: X-Pac (w/ Chyna) vs. D’Lo Brown (c)

Notes: D’Lo won the aforementioned Four Corners contest. He earned another chance at his old belt. During his fight with X-Pac, D’Lo feigned an injury. The distraction allowed Mark Henry to attack X-Pac on the floor. D’Lo then nailed a Lo Down and regained his gold. After his victory, D’Lo wrestled Steve Austin on Heat! It ended how you’d expect. D’Lo and Mark Henry also had other drama happening, but I’ll explain that later. Meanwhile, X-Pac entered the IC title tourney. He made it to the finals. But an enraged Ken Shamrock dashed those hopes. In better news, X-Pac’s eye healed after Breakdown.

The Match: They trade strikes, headlocks, and shoulder blocks. Then D’Lo stops a Bronco Buster with a boot to the crotch. He also argues with the ref and taunts Chyna. Brown follows with a running powerbomb and a chinlock. X-Pac rallies with a crossbody and kicks. D’Lo responds with more chinlocks and a Cloverleaf. However, momentum shifts when D’Lo misses a flying cannonball. X-Pac nails kicks and a Bronco Buster. Chyna even decks Brown. Afterward, D’Lo wipes out the ref on a missed charge. This draws Mark Henry to the ring. While he distracts Chyna, Brown hits Pac with the belt. It only gets a two! D’Lo continues with another powerbomb and climbs the ropes. He flies, but X-Pac surprises him with an X-Factor for the pin!

Thoughts: This was quite good. It was the match of the night so far. They kept a nice pace and built to a hot finish. My only gripe is they reused the same ending from their previous RAW encounter. But it’s a great spot, so that’s fine.

Winner: X-Pac (New Champion) (14:37)

Cole stresses the following is a rumor. Someone said Paul Bearer entered The Undertaker’s locker room. The Headbangers have no time for rumors. They interrupt Michael to talk about The Outlaws. Thrasher says Road Dogg trashed their boombox with his face! Now how can they listen to Marilyn Manson backward? Thrasher has two words for Billy Gunn. He sucks! Next, Mosh says The New Age Outlaws only tag team each other. Tonight, The Outlaws will do the J-O-B on the P-P-V!

Speaking of The Outlaws, they’re here for the next match. Road Dogg recovered his voice. He begins his spiel, but The Headbangers attack before he finishes. Lawler calls it sacrilege!

Tag Team Title Match: The Headbangers vs. The New Age Outlaws (c)

Notes: They continued teasing dissension in DX. A fed-up Road Dogg clobbered Jarrett with a guitar. When X-Pac and Billy tried to calm him, everyone argued. Billy Gunn walked away after hitting X-Pac’s injured eye by accident. Gunn then took a week off to cool his head. During his absence, Road Dogg used a blow-up doll as Gunn’s stand-in. When he returned, Billy said his place was in DX. He wasn’t leaving. But The Outlaws aren’t the only frustrated tag team. The Headbangers’ issues with The Oddities and ICP escalated. They even fought the clowns and beat them with chairs. It didn’t stop The Oddities from scoring upset wins. The Headbangers unleashed their anger on the biggest target they found. They smashed a boombox over Road Dogg’s noggin. Then The Bangers jumped the ICP once more on Heat. The Outlaws intervened and thwarted The Headbangers’ plans.

The Match: They brawl until The Outlaws take control. Dogg and Gunn use a shaky knee drop, a neckbreaker, and hip tosses. Thrasher begs off, but it leads to Mosh’s blind tag. The Bangers do a diving plancha and a tandem back splash. They also do frequent tags and kicks. But Gunn appears to make a hot tag after Road Dogg’s back suplex. It’s short-lived. The Bangers low-bridge him. Then they maintain the action with double-team moves, chinlocks, and other holds. Gunn rallies with a headscissors, but it’s not enough. The Bangers do illegal swapping and cut off Gunn’s tag attempts. Next, we get traded sleeper holds and suplexes. When The Bangers trade places without tagging again, Road Dogg loses his patience. He breaks a boombox over Mosh for a DQ.

Thoughts: It started hot, but the match dragged to a halt. The heat spots went on too long. Then we had a disappointing finish. The crowd wanted to like this. They chanted for The Outlaws throughout it. But they didn’t live up to the fans’ expectations.

Winners: The Headbangers (by DQ) (14:00)

Cole has an update about Paul Bearer. He also entered Kane’s locker room. They held a caucus or something. This time, Mankind interrupts Cole. He uses Mr. Socko to mock Ken Shamrock. Cole asks if Mankind’s match with Ken will be brutal. Socko believes it will be as brutal as Shamrock’s promos. Mankind calls them the leading cause of teen suicide. (That’s an unfortunate statement.) Mick gives the devil his due. Ken knows many holds, but he won’t make Mankind submit. Then Mankind asks Mr. Socko what color underwear he’s wearing. Socko calls him a perv, so Mankind pulls Mr. Socko off his hand. He reveals black tape around his claw hand. The answer is black underwear! Mankind tells Shamrock to have a nice day. (It wasn’t one of Mick’s better promos.)

Intercontinental Title Match: Ken Shamrock (c) vs. Mankind

Notes: Vince stripped the injured Triple H of his belt and held a one-night tournament. After taking out his anger on his former allies, Shamrock entered the tourney and won it. He defeated a weakened X-Pac with the anklelock. McMahon humbled Helmsley by making him present the title to Shamrock. Ken took it farther. He slammed Hunter’s knee in a car door. Shamrock’s turn to the dark side is complete. Meanwhile, Mankind tried to win Vince’s favor. He offered the injured McMahon a refreshing sip of his Big Gulp. Then Foley visited the hospital with a clown named Yurple and a special surprise. It was a sock puppet called Mr. Socko! He wanted to cheer Vince with a puppet show, but Vince made Mick leave. Mankind even joined the tournament, but Shamrock attacked him with a chair. Now Mick gets his rematch for the gold.

The Match: They trade strikes and takedowns. Mankind even tries to mat-wrestle Ken. It doesn’t end well for him. Ken continues with a hurricanrana. Mankind attempts the Mandible Claw. Shamrock blocks it twice and takes Mick outside. Ken rams Foley into the announce table. Mankind returns the favor on the steps. Then Mick grabs a chair, but the ref stops him. Shamrock kicks it into Mankind’s face and nails him with the weapon. (Where’s the DQ?) Next, Ken targets Mankind’s claw hand before nailing a belly-to-belly. Mankind rallies with a Double-Arm DDT, a running knee, a Cactus Clothesline, and a Cactus Elbow. The flurry lands them on the floor, so Shamrock powerslams Mick leg-first into the steps! Back in the ring, Ken grabs two anklelocks. Mick scraps, claws, and fights, but he can’t escape. He doesn’t want to submit, so Mankind puts the Mandible Claw on himself and passes out.

Thoughts: It was an intense and explosive match. I loved the storytelling, and the finish is great. Mankind putting the claw on himself so he wouldn’t submit to the anklelock is a nice touch. Plus, I love Shamrock’s reaction afterward. It’s a shame the crowd wasn’t into it as much as I expected.

Winner: Ken Shamrock (14:36)

The Fink announces Ken won with the Mandible Claw. A confused Shamrock freaks out. He says he used the anklelock. The ref explains what happened, so Ken suplexes him. He then stomps Mankind until more officials arrive. While the refs confront Ken, Mankind retrieves Mr. Socko. He gives Shamrock a Socko Claw, and Mankind’s outro music plays. Mick even speaks with Mr. Socko, so Jerry asks what the sock is saying. JR loses his patience with this comment. Meanwhile, fans throw their own sock puppets at Mick.

Cole seeks a word with Mr. McMahon, but the Big Boss Man stops him. He says he won’t allow unauthorized crews back there. Did Cole think he’d knock on the door of the most important man in the WWF? Everyone goes through Boss Man now! He’s the law and order in the company. Boss Man tells Cole to leave or he’ll stick the nightstick up his ass.

Then Mark Henry enters the arena. Fink says D’Lo is with him, but he’s not there. Upon his arrival, Mark takes Fink’s mic. He has a poem for Chyna. Mark asked for a chance. He loved her long before the implants. Everywhere he goes, he watches the sunrise. He hopes to one day see it in her eyes. (Or their daughter’s.) Then Mark discusses his heart’s confession. He hopes god above will reveal his love. All he’s saying is why is Chyna keeping him waiting? The poem made Lawler cry, but The Rock isn’t impressed.

Mark Henry vs. The Rock

Notes: After almost two years, The Nation collapsed. Mark Henry and D’Lo noticed The Rock focused on other things. They confronted him. Why was Rocky opposing McMahon and fighting Taker and Kane? Rocky agreed to a private meeting, but it fixed nothing. Henry and D’Lo abandoned The Rock during Rocky’s fight with The Undertaker. Then Maivia teamed with Austin against Taker and Kane, so Henry and D’Lo beat him up and left him lying. To cement the Nation’s end, they even jumped The Godfather! The Rock came to Kama’s rescue. But Henry had other problems. He sued Chyna for sexual harassment. She ripped up the legal documents in protest. Henry said the lawsuit was out of his hands. Despite their issues, Mark still wanted a date with Chyna. He’s sending mixed signals.

The Match: They brawl outside and ram each other into the steps and the announce table. Rock scores a surprise clothesline out of the corner. Henry answers with elbows, clotheslines, and choking. Then Mark fends off Rock’s punches and does a leg drop and a chinlock. When Rocky breaks free, he lands a DDT and the People’s Elbow! It lures D’Lo Brown to the ring. The Rock punches Brown, but it leaves him vulnerable. Henry nails a clothesline and a splash. D’Lo holds Rocky’s foot down for the pin, so Henry gains the victory.

Thoughts: It wasn’t good. Henry is still green. His offense isn’t impressive. Plus, the finish was flat. D’Lo barely grabbed Rocky’s foot. It looked more like Henry pinned him clean. I get they want to build Henry and D’Lo and give The Rock sympathy. But it didn’t do either well.

Winner: Mark Henry (5:06)

The result amuses The Rock. He gives D’Lo and Mark credit with a grin and a nod. Rocky does the People’s Eyebrow as they leave. (He repeats it a few times to make sure the camera saw it.)

Then they recap the main event. Austin’s reckless and careless behavior infuriated Vince. He didn’t care who he hurt as long as he got to McMahon! Vince even blamed Austin for Taker and Kane breaking his ankle. But Austin wasn’t through with Vince by a long shot. He attacked Vince in the hospital and destroyed his Corvette! Vince promised to humble Stone Cold. Austin vowed to only raise his own hand after the bout. So Vince said he’d humble Steve the easy way or the hard way! If he doesn’t comply, Vince will fire him! Austin claimed Vince didn’t have the balls.

Kane enters first. His pyro lights the entrance on fire. Then, during Taker’s introduction, we see he pierced his eyebrow. Once Taker and Kane are both in the ring, The Undertaker confers with his brother. Austin enters last and poses in the corners. Lawler says no referee should do that! Afterward, Austin explains the rules and flips the bird to both men.

WWF Title Match: Kane vs. The Undertaker

Notes: Now I’ll explain Taker and Kane’s side of the main event story. Vince put them in a handicap fight against Rock, Mankind, and Shamrock. Despite Shamrock attacking his own partners, Rocky pinned Taker. It caused an argument between Taker and Kane. Then Kane faced Shamrock. Taker cost him the win, but was it an accident? Next, Taker wrestled Rocky. Kane clocked his brother with a chair and left. Taker won, but he sought Kane afterward for words. Finally, Taker and Kane fought Rock and Austin. Big Boss Man used a nightstick on Austin. It allowed Taker to target Stone Cold’s knee and attempt to injure him. However, Paul Bearer returned during the melee. Taker asked Kane why Bearer was there, but he got no answer. Paul Bearer also appeared on Heat before the PPV. Cole confronted Paul. He claimed he was only visiting old friends and eating catering.

The Match: Taker hits Old School, and they trade strikes. Austin is slow to count for Taker, but he fast counts for Kane. Next, the brothers scuffle outside. Austin offers them a cable to use. Taker glares at him. He chooses a chair instead. It misses. Afterward, Taker works on Kane’s leg for a while. He uses apron attacks and leg holds. Kane rallies with a surprise spinebuster. But he whips Taker into Austin! Then both brothers attack Stone Cold with a chokeslam and stomps. With Austin down, Taker goes after Kane’s leg again, but Paul Bearer arrives! He has a chair and tells Kane to hold Taker. However, Bearer clocks Kane with it! Taker also uses the weapon. Bearer looks pleased. Taker covers, but Austin ignores it. Steve gives Taker a chair shot and a Stunner. He then slaps the mat three times and declares himself the winner.

Thoughts: It was slow and boring. Austin’s antics made it somewhat watchable, but the action wasn’t good. I don’t mind the finish or the Paul Bearer stuff. Those fit the storyline. However, it didn’t save this. I’m fine with where the story is going, but it was a disappointing main event.

Winner: No Contest (17:39)

Austin dares Vince to bring his crippled ass to the ring and fire him. When he doesn’t, Steve heads backstage. He can’t find Vince in the internet room or the locker room. Even Bruce Prichard is no help. So Stone Cold returns to the ring. Then we hear Vince’s voice. The titantron raises to reveal McMahon and Boss Man. You can hear a barking dog with them. Vince tells the fans to take photos. It’s the last time they’ll see Austin. Steve says he can’t hear Vince because the fans are chanting asshole. Despite this, Vince yells, “Stone Cold, screw you! You’re fired!” Austin can’t believe his ears, so he tells Vince to repeat it. Vince obliges.

Austin says he might never step foot in a WWF ring again, but Vince hasn’t seen the last of him. Stone Cold will start hunting season early on Monday. Then Austin promises he won’t cry, but he wants the truck to play his music one last time. Austin drinks beers while JR commiserates about the turn of events. They still have no WWF champion and Vince fired Austin!

The Good:

• X-Pac/D’Lo was good.

• Mankind/Shamrock was fun.

• Christian/Taka was decent, despite little heat.

The Bad:

• More throwaway matches.

• TV feuds once again not manifesting as PPV matches.

• A disappointing main event.

• Henry/Rock.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to X-Pac and D’Lo. They had the match of the night. Then I also want to give an honorary mention to Vince. I felt bad for not crediting his performance in the last review. His work was great here too.

Final Thoughts:

Breakdown was average, but this show was below-average. Again, it wasn’t terrible. Nothing was outright bad, but much of it was flat. Outside of the ending, it was forgettable. It’s a shame. The episodes of RAW between Breakdown and Judgment Day were some of the best of the Attitude Era. But the event didn’t live up to the hype.

Thank you for reading. My next review is WCW’s Halloween Havoc ’98. Look for it next Sunday!