EinBebop
01-03-2003, 04:26 PM
These seem to take a little longer to do with each one out. At this point, I'm only guaranteeing I'll finish 2000. I may do 2001, I probably won't do 2002. These are just more time-consuming than I thought they would be starting, and only seem to grab the attention of a few of us. :)
January 1999
Terri Runnels, pregnant with Val Venis’s unborn child, “miscarries” when D-Lo accidentally bumps her during a match. D-Lo became PMS’s slave to make up for what he’d done. At some point, Val had declared he couldn’t be the father because he’d had a “Valsectomy” (my word); I don’t recall who the father supposedly was. But of course, it turned out that Terri was lying anyway.
Chyna, who’d been dating Mark Henry, until Henry screwed around with PMS, forgave Henry and even introduced Henry to her friend, “Sammy”. After a little backstage action with Sammy, Henry realized that Sammy was a man.
Mankind asked for a title shot at the Royal Rumble and was flat refused, so he took Shane McMahon hostage and threatened to break his shoulder if he didn’t get a match THAT VERY NIGHT. Vince made the match no dq, so that the Corporation could stay involved and keep Mankind from winning, but Mankind received help from DX and then Steve Austin came out to deliver a chairshot to Rock and give Mankind the win! The only thing that tarnished this moment was that Jim Ross was not there to shout “Mankind wins!” He had suffered a bout of Hodgkin’s disease at the end of last year.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/mick.jpg
"At the risk of not sounding very cool, I'd like to dedicate this match to my two little people at home and say - BIG DADDY-O DID IT!"
Val Venis picks up on Ken Shamrock’s sister, Ryan, much to his chagrin. The ensuing movie? “Saving Ryan’s Privates”
Undertaker and the Acolytes took Dennis Knight, bound him to the symbol, and then (supposedly) slit his wrists and made him drink his own blood. He declared Knight to from then on be Midian, and carved his symbol in Knights chest. “The reckoning is upon us - the day that the Ministry of Darkness seizes the land, destroys all that you hold dear, make plaything of your heroes, and devour your innocence.”
The Brood delivers their first “bloodbath” on Raw to Road Dog (though they’d been doing it on Heat for about three weeks. Just mention it because I thought the bloodbaths were cool.
A “Corporate Royal Rumble” was held between DX and the Corporation, to decide who would get the #30 spot in the real Rumble. (What’s so great about that spot anyway? Has #30 ever won?) Vince McMahon, trying to get out of the #1 spot that Shawn Michaels (who had discovered that his contract was so iron-clad that he even had power over Vince!) had put him in. And Vince reigned supreme! Wait… DX still has one more participant? Chyna(!) eliminates Vince and takes the #30 spot.
February – March 1999
Viscera joins the Ministry of Darkness, as does the Brood.
Paul Wight debuted, as Vince’s secret weapon against Austin. They originally called him “Big Nasty” Paul Wight before settling on the Big Show.
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Big Nasty
Ivory and her purple scarf debut as the manager of D-Lo Brown.[/
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/ivory.jpg
Ivory's just GLOWing
On the same night… Val Venis defeated Ken Shamrock for the Intercontinental title. When Ryan Shamrock tried to say “We did it,” Val kicked her to the curb. Why was Val always the good guy? Shane McMahon pinned X-Pac in a tag match where X-Pac’s European title was on the line.
Your WWF Women’s champion, Sable, begins playing the arrogant role. She dismisses her “stalker”, Tori (the original, not Torrie Wilson), who later stands up for herself and challenges Sable, in what I swear was the most painful interview in the history of the WWF.
Jim Ross makes his return to the WWF, managing Steve Williams. Okay, that was all a mess. But heel Jim Ross was pretty funny, and I have to share his heart-to-heart with Michael Cole.
"Now Michael I got a couple things I'd like to address with you - when you first came here to the WWF, who was the guy, the first guy that went to you and said 'if there's anything I can do to help you, let me know?'"
"You did, JR."
"Who was the guy who worked overtime - we looked at tapes and we got you all ready to go to do your work on television, who did that?"
"You, did JR..."
"Absolutely. And what thanks did I get for it, Michael? You've got the little mousse on your hair, and your little narrow ass - you're a pretty boy, that's all well and good - I can't be that way, that's ok. But you went to the boys, you went to the office, you went to the executive producer, you went to everybody and said 'well, you know ol' JR is never gonna be back - look at his face! Hell, old JR would scare small children and animals,' isn't that what you said?"
"JR--"
"That's exactly what you said so don't try to lie about it, so what I want you to do - I want to leave you with something that you will remember me forever and ever here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania..." kick to the nuts! "Now Michael, just like everybody else, you are going to learn to respect JR...now drag your Yankee ass outta here to the back, 'cause I'm gonna go back to work where I belong at ringside!"
Not being allowed at the regular commentary table, Ross actually has his own built the following week in front of the regular one:
Cole: "I have a big cowboy hat in my face and I can't see a damn thing--" Ross: "You're gonna have a cowboy boot in your ass if you don't shut up."
Funny as it was, Jim Ross hated it, and noone was buying Steve Williams, so the angle eventually dried up.
Road Dog beats Val Venis for the Intercontinental Title, and Billy Gunn beats Hardcore Holly for the Hardcore championship. Each Outlaw was supposed to be contending for the opposite title.
April – May 1999
The Undertaker goes after Vince McMahon personally stalking his home and making threats that only Vince seems to understand, all at the backing of the “Greater Power”. Raw being near Vince’s home that night, Vince needed Stephanie to deliver Austin’s old belt. While there, the Ministry struck and kidnapped her. The fearless Ken Shamrock was able to find her by the end of the show, however. Vince begins doing interviews talking about how “Mark” has become completely deranged and is actually starting to believe that he’s his character. McMahon forgets all about wrestling and becomes concerned for his family, incurring the ire of Shane McMahon. Shane assumes control of the company, firing Patterson and Brisco in favor of his own stooges, Rodney and Pete Gas. Undertaker recaptures Stephanie, and they have an unholy wedding led by Paul Bearer. Why didn’t Undertaker protest the wedding that came up in December? Shane actually united the Corporation and the Ministry, into the Corporate Ministry.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/steffie.jpg
Daddy's sweet, innocent little angel.
Mankind counters the Corporate Ministry with the Union of People You Oughtta Respect, Shane (UPYORS), or the Union for short. (Shamrock, Test, and Big Show- all four former Corporation members).
Kane and X-Pac defeat Owen and Jarrett for the tag titles. Godfather defeats Goldust for the Intercontinental title. I’m suddenly remembering that silly storylines wasn’t the only problem in 1999, as title changes became a regular occurrence.
May 1999
Sable defeats Debra in an evening gown match… no, wait, Commisioner Michaels says that his rules for an evening gown match are that the person who is stripped is the winner! This was really a Bret Hart-style screw job to get the belt off Sable, because WWF had all but given up on her ego at this point. Sable’s last Raw appearance, if I’m not mistaken.
Patterson and Brisco vs Mean Street Posse, loser leaves WWF match. This was actually an exciting match, because everyone hated the posse and was glad to see the old-timers kick some ***. But much like Hogan a few years later, WWF thought the cheers meant we wanted to see MORE Patterson and Brisco. And the Posse didn’t stay gone very long.
“Meat” makes his Raw debut, managed by PMS (with whom Ryan Shamrock was now a member). Meat got fired for taping wrestlers in the locker room or something; he joined WCW and returned in the Invasion, and just got released a second time, but now, Shawn Stasiak already claims he’s coming back.
May 24, 1999: Owen Hart tribute show.
Jeff Jarrett wins the Intercontinental title from the Godfather; Acolytes defeat Kane and X-Pac for the tag titles.
After weeks of anticipation, Beaver Cleavage makes his debut. Droz’s body piercer, Prince Albert, makes his debut.
June 1999
Beaver Cleavage, in the middle of an interview, suddenly drops character, disgustedly throws his beanie on the ground, and walks off set. He late explains how he hates the new gimmick WWF gave him, and that he's just Chaz, a guy from Jersey.
Vince McMahon was revealed to be the Greater Power behind the Ministry! Of course, this made no sense at all, but that’s Vince Russo for you. But the Corporation begins to disintergrate as Rock, Undertaker, and Triple H cannot all three coexist.
The Union are told they can have whoever they want in the ring on Raw, and Test picks… Stephanie? Oh… he just wanted to ask her on a date.
Ivory wins the Women’s Championship from Debra. Involvement from Nicole Bass. I haven’t mentioned Nicole Bass? I really didn’t want to remember. Nicole Bass wanted Val Venis. Val Venis was horrified at the thought of being with her. Bass actually made some disturbing comments about wanting Val’s slide trombone in her brass section or something.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/nicolebass.jpg
"I asked for puppies, and got a dog!" - Jerry Lawler
The Corporation begins to disintergrate as Rock, Undertaker, and Triple H cannot all three coexist.
July – August 1999
Hardy Boyz, managed by Michael Hayes, defeated the Acolytes to win their first tag team titles.
Who owns DX? Triple H claims to own the rights, with Billy Gunn and Chyna on his side, but X-Pac and Road Dog think Triple H is a sellout, and that they are true to the spirit of DX.
Shane McMahon is disgusted that Test would date his sister, and sends the entire Mean Street Posse after him! Test is willing to fight for her; it must be love! Test proposes, and Shane still protests! Steffie needs time to think about it.
D-Lo Brown defeats Jeff Jarrett for the Intercontinental championship; Kane and X-Pac defeat the Acolytes.
The Millenium Clock hit zero, the lights went out, there was an explosion. The music started, and one word came up on the screen: JERICHO.
"Welcome to RAW ... is ... JERICHO! And I am the new Millennium for the World Wrestling Federation! Now for those of you who don't know me, I am Chris Jericho - your - your new hero, your party host and most importantly the most charismatic showman to ever enter your living rooms via a television screen! And for those of you who DO know me, well, all hail the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah!
Now when you think of the new Millennium, you think of an event so gigantic that it changes the course of history. You think of the dawning of a new era. In this case, the dawning of a New Era in the WWF! Thank you - thank you. A new era is what this once proud and profitable company sorely needs! What was once a captivating, trendsetting program, has nowdeteriorated into a cliched - let's be honest - BORING SNOOZEFEST that is in dire need of a knight in shining armour! And that's why I'm here! Chris Jericho has come to SAVE the WWF!
Now let's go over the facts. Television ratings - downward spiral. Pay-per-view buyrates - plummeting. Mainstream acceptance - nonexistent. And reactions of the live crowd - complete and utter silence! And I know why you're silent! You're silent because you're embarrassed to be here! And quite honestly, I'm embarrassed for you! And the reason why you're embarrassed is because of the steady stream of uninteresting, untalented, mediocre 'sports entertainers' where you're forced to cheer for and care for - no wonder you're not cheering! You could care less about every single idiot in that dressing room...and especially this idiot in the centre of the ring. You people have been led to believe that mediocrity is excellence. Uh uh...JERICHO IS EXCELLENCE.
And now, for the first time in WWF history, you have a man who can entertain you! You have a man who is good enough for you! You have a man who can make you jump up off your chairs, raise your filthy fat little hands in the air and scream 'Go Jericho Go! Go Jericho Go! Go Jericho Go!' Thank you. The new Millennium has arrived in the WWF - and now that the Y2J problem is here - this company, from the front office idiots to all the amateurs in the dressing room (including this one) to everybody watching tonight, will never - e-e-e-ever - be the same - agayn!"
Rock vs Billy Gunn, and there’s a lot of *ss comments being made. Billy Gunn claims his bottomside is scarred forever after the Rock replaces Billy’s herbal medicines with poison ivy.
In a #1 contenders match, Chyna pins Triple H! A woman is the #1 contender for the world title! But Mankind beat Chyna, but then Mankind had to put up the #1 contendership against Triple H. When the match was inconclusive, BOTH were declared #1 contenders and the Summerslam title match (with Jesse Ventura as special referee) became a Triple threat!
Hardcore Holly, feeling the WWF has backed him into a corner, introduces his cousin, Crash.
In order to get the attention of Mankind, the new world champion, Triple H puts Jim Ross in an armbar and threatens to break his arm if he doesn’t get a title shot. Mankind accepts, and Triple H breaks his arm anyway. Triple H then defeated Mankind for the world title that night.
Lillian Garcia debuts as YOUR new Raw ring announcer, butchering wrestler’s names for months. I miss the Fink. Actually, he became Jericho’s new lackey for a few weeks.
With Edge and Christian out of the fold, Gangrel makes the Hardy Boyz his “New Brood”. And thus begins the first full-blown Edge/Christian vs Hardy Boyz fued. The Corporate Ministry had kind of faded out of memory between July and August.
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Through hellfire and brimstone, it's... the Hardyz?
September 1999
It’s the Rock and Sock connection! Winning the world tag titles from Big Show and Undertaker! Then X-Pac and Kane! The tag titles are like hot potatoes.
Jeff Jarrett, in preparation for his Intercontinental title match with Chyna, begins wrestling women.
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The Dudley Boyz make their Raw debut.
Chaz is apparently beating his girlfriend, so all of the Superstars want to beat him, and since this angle went somewhere between tasteless and boring, noone really cared.
Jericho (fueding with Ken Shamrock during his last WWF weeks) introduces Mr. Hughes as his new, shortlived lackey.
WWF champion Vince McMahon vacates his World title and declares a new champion will be decided in a six-pack match at the next PPV.
The most watched segment in the history of wrestling: This is your life, Rock! As Mankind tries to make up for giving Rock the mandible sock the night before at the PPV. I am more certain that we will see this on the 10th anniversary show than anything.
October 1999
Triple H again attacks Jim Ross, this time to get him to deliver a message to Austin.
Stevie Richards borrows the Dude Love gimmick from Mankind.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/steviedude.jpg
Stephanie had accepted the wedding proposal, but got knocked silly in the middle of a backstage brawl, and lost all of her memory. Stephanie regains it, though. But seems to act a little funny afterward.
Jim Ross teams with Steve Austin against Triple H and Chyna! I could’ve sworn that wasn’t Ross’s first time last week.
Chris Jericho, embarrassed that the Intercontinental champion is a woman. I mean, just the thought of you as a credible and believable champion is an idea even more ridiculously enhanced than your breasts are.” And the challenge is on.
Triple H costs Rock and Sock the tag titles to the Hollys.
DX reforms, screwing Austin and the Rock in match against the Outlaws.
November – December 1999
Paul Wight’s father passes on. Big Bossman reads a beautiful poem he wrote in tribute to Big Show’s father. 'With the deepest regrets, and tears that are soaked / I'm sorry to hear that your dad finally croaked / He lived a full life on his own terms / Soon he'll be buried and eaten by worms / But if I could have a son as stupid as you / I'd have wished for cancer so I would die too / So be brave, and be strong, get your life on track / 'Cause the old bastard's DEAD and he ain't never comin' back!' It gets even more fun when Bossman reveals that the Big Show is really illegitimate.
Who hit Steve Austin the night before at the PPV? It’ll be another year before we find out.
After weeks of vignettes, Kurt Angle makes his Raw debut, defeating the Godfather! He even turns down the ho’s, because he has Integrity!
Raw is Love! The wedding of the year! Test and Stephanie are finally going to tie the knot, but there’s an objection! It’s Triple H, and he thought we should know that he drugged Stephanie and married her already last week in Vegas! Triple H to Vince: I know that you can only have one question on your mind...DAD. And that is...not DID we, but HOW MANY TIMES times did we consummate the marriage?" Once it’s revealed that the two are really in cahoots, Vince leaves for weeks in embarrassment, and the McMahon-Helmsley era begins.
Al Snow turns on Mankind when Mankind refuses to face up to the fact that none of the fans care about him or his book; they just care about what he’ll do to entertain them next. Snow even tricks Mankind into thinking that Rock threw away his copy of Mankind's book.
Stephanie and Triple H order a “Pink Slip on a Pole” match between Mankind and the Rock. Rock takes the match, and Mankind says his goodbye, leaving the ring to a standing ovation.
For the last Raw match of 1999, Big Show retains the world title against Triple H when Triple H takes a chairshot from Mankind.
These seem to take a little longer to do with each one out. At this point, I'm only guaranteeing I'll finish 2000. I may do 2001, I probably won't do 2002. These are just more time-consuming than I thought they would be starting, and only seem to grab the attention of a few of us, judging by the votes. :) I'm hoping to plow through 2000 tomorrow, and we'll see where it goes from there.
Raw in Review 98 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61427)
A Raw Memorial (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60617&highlight=raw+memorial)
Raw in Review 97 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60511&highlight=raw+review)
Raw in Review 96 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60188)
Raw in Review 95 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59701)
Raw in Review 94 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59422)
Raw in Review 93 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59113)
January 1999
Terri Runnels, pregnant with Val Venis’s unborn child, “miscarries” when D-Lo accidentally bumps her during a match. D-Lo became PMS’s slave to make up for what he’d done. At some point, Val had declared he couldn’t be the father because he’d had a “Valsectomy” (my word); I don’t recall who the father supposedly was. But of course, it turned out that Terri was lying anyway.
Chyna, who’d been dating Mark Henry, until Henry screwed around with PMS, forgave Henry and even introduced Henry to her friend, “Sammy”. After a little backstage action with Sammy, Henry realized that Sammy was a man.
Mankind asked for a title shot at the Royal Rumble and was flat refused, so he took Shane McMahon hostage and threatened to break his shoulder if he didn’t get a match THAT VERY NIGHT. Vince made the match no dq, so that the Corporation could stay involved and keep Mankind from winning, but Mankind received help from DX and then Steve Austin came out to deliver a chairshot to Rock and give Mankind the win! The only thing that tarnished this moment was that Jim Ross was not there to shout “Mankind wins!” He had suffered a bout of Hodgkin’s disease at the end of last year.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/mick.jpg
"At the risk of not sounding very cool, I'd like to dedicate this match to my two little people at home and say - BIG DADDY-O DID IT!"
Val Venis picks up on Ken Shamrock’s sister, Ryan, much to his chagrin. The ensuing movie? “Saving Ryan’s Privates”
Undertaker and the Acolytes took Dennis Knight, bound him to the symbol, and then (supposedly) slit his wrists and made him drink his own blood. He declared Knight to from then on be Midian, and carved his symbol in Knights chest. “The reckoning is upon us - the day that the Ministry of Darkness seizes the land, destroys all that you hold dear, make plaything of your heroes, and devour your innocence.”
The Brood delivers their first “bloodbath” on Raw to Road Dog (though they’d been doing it on Heat for about three weeks. Just mention it because I thought the bloodbaths were cool.
A “Corporate Royal Rumble” was held between DX and the Corporation, to decide who would get the #30 spot in the real Rumble. (What’s so great about that spot anyway? Has #30 ever won?) Vince McMahon, trying to get out of the #1 spot that Shawn Michaels (who had discovered that his contract was so iron-clad that he even had power over Vince!) had put him in. And Vince reigned supreme! Wait… DX still has one more participant? Chyna(!) eliminates Vince and takes the #30 spot.
February – March 1999
Viscera joins the Ministry of Darkness, as does the Brood.
Paul Wight debuted, as Vince’s secret weapon against Austin. They originally called him “Big Nasty” Paul Wight before settling on the Big Show.
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Big Nasty
Ivory and her purple scarf debut as the manager of D-Lo Brown.[/
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/ivory.jpg
Ivory's just GLOWing
On the same night… Val Venis defeated Ken Shamrock for the Intercontinental title. When Ryan Shamrock tried to say “We did it,” Val kicked her to the curb. Why was Val always the good guy? Shane McMahon pinned X-Pac in a tag match where X-Pac’s European title was on the line.
Your WWF Women’s champion, Sable, begins playing the arrogant role. She dismisses her “stalker”, Tori (the original, not Torrie Wilson), who later stands up for herself and challenges Sable, in what I swear was the most painful interview in the history of the WWF.
Jim Ross makes his return to the WWF, managing Steve Williams. Okay, that was all a mess. But heel Jim Ross was pretty funny, and I have to share his heart-to-heart with Michael Cole.
"Now Michael I got a couple things I'd like to address with you - when you first came here to the WWF, who was the guy, the first guy that went to you and said 'if there's anything I can do to help you, let me know?'"
"You did, JR."
"Who was the guy who worked overtime - we looked at tapes and we got you all ready to go to do your work on television, who did that?"
"You, did JR..."
"Absolutely. And what thanks did I get for it, Michael? You've got the little mousse on your hair, and your little narrow ass - you're a pretty boy, that's all well and good - I can't be that way, that's ok. But you went to the boys, you went to the office, you went to the executive producer, you went to everybody and said 'well, you know ol' JR is never gonna be back - look at his face! Hell, old JR would scare small children and animals,' isn't that what you said?"
"JR--"
"That's exactly what you said so don't try to lie about it, so what I want you to do - I want to leave you with something that you will remember me forever and ever here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania..." kick to the nuts! "Now Michael, just like everybody else, you are going to learn to respect JR...now drag your Yankee ass outta here to the back, 'cause I'm gonna go back to work where I belong at ringside!"
Not being allowed at the regular commentary table, Ross actually has his own built the following week in front of the regular one:
Cole: "I have a big cowboy hat in my face and I can't see a damn thing--" Ross: "You're gonna have a cowboy boot in your ass if you don't shut up."
Funny as it was, Jim Ross hated it, and noone was buying Steve Williams, so the angle eventually dried up.
Road Dog beats Val Venis for the Intercontinental Title, and Billy Gunn beats Hardcore Holly for the Hardcore championship. Each Outlaw was supposed to be contending for the opposite title.
April – May 1999
The Undertaker goes after Vince McMahon personally stalking his home and making threats that only Vince seems to understand, all at the backing of the “Greater Power”. Raw being near Vince’s home that night, Vince needed Stephanie to deliver Austin’s old belt. While there, the Ministry struck and kidnapped her. The fearless Ken Shamrock was able to find her by the end of the show, however. Vince begins doing interviews talking about how “Mark” has become completely deranged and is actually starting to believe that he’s his character. McMahon forgets all about wrestling and becomes concerned for his family, incurring the ire of Shane McMahon. Shane assumes control of the company, firing Patterson and Brisco in favor of his own stooges, Rodney and Pete Gas. Undertaker recaptures Stephanie, and they have an unholy wedding led by Paul Bearer. Why didn’t Undertaker protest the wedding that came up in December? Shane actually united the Corporation and the Ministry, into the Corporate Ministry.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/steffie.jpg
Daddy's sweet, innocent little angel.
Mankind counters the Corporate Ministry with the Union of People You Oughtta Respect, Shane (UPYORS), or the Union for short. (Shamrock, Test, and Big Show- all four former Corporation members).
Kane and X-Pac defeat Owen and Jarrett for the tag titles. Godfather defeats Goldust for the Intercontinental title. I’m suddenly remembering that silly storylines wasn’t the only problem in 1999, as title changes became a regular occurrence.
May 1999
Sable defeats Debra in an evening gown match… no, wait, Commisioner Michaels says that his rules for an evening gown match are that the person who is stripped is the winner! This was really a Bret Hart-style screw job to get the belt off Sable, because WWF had all but given up on her ego at this point. Sable’s last Raw appearance, if I’m not mistaken.
Patterson and Brisco vs Mean Street Posse, loser leaves WWF match. This was actually an exciting match, because everyone hated the posse and was glad to see the old-timers kick some ***. But much like Hogan a few years later, WWF thought the cheers meant we wanted to see MORE Patterson and Brisco. And the Posse didn’t stay gone very long.
“Meat” makes his Raw debut, managed by PMS (with whom Ryan Shamrock was now a member). Meat got fired for taping wrestlers in the locker room or something; he joined WCW and returned in the Invasion, and just got released a second time, but now, Shawn Stasiak already claims he’s coming back.
May 24, 1999: Owen Hart tribute show.
Jeff Jarrett wins the Intercontinental title from the Godfather; Acolytes defeat Kane and X-Pac for the tag titles.
After weeks of anticipation, Beaver Cleavage makes his debut. Droz’s body piercer, Prince Albert, makes his debut.
June 1999
Beaver Cleavage, in the middle of an interview, suddenly drops character, disgustedly throws his beanie on the ground, and walks off set. He late explains how he hates the new gimmick WWF gave him, and that he's just Chaz, a guy from Jersey.
Vince McMahon was revealed to be the Greater Power behind the Ministry! Of course, this made no sense at all, but that’s Vince Russo for you. But the Corporation begins to disintergrate as Rock, Undertaker, and Triple H cannot all three coexist.
The Union are told they can have whoever they want in the ring on Raw, and Test picks… Stephanie? Oh… he just wanted to ask her on a date.
Ivory wins the Women’s Championship from Debra. Involvement from Nicole Bass. I haven’t mentioned Nicole Bass? I really didn’t want to remember. Nicole Bass wanted Val Venis. Val Venis was horrified at the thought of being with her. Bass actually made some disturbing comments about wanting Val’s slide trombone in her brass section or something.
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ein/nicolebass.jpg
"I asked for puppies, and got a dog!" - Jerry Lawler
The Corporation begins to disintergrate as Rock, Undertaker, and Triple H cannot all three coexist.
July – August 1999
Hardy Boyz, managed by Michael Hayes, defeated the Acolytes to win their first tag team titles.
Who owns DX? Triple H claims to own the rights, with Billy Gunn and Chyna on his side, but X-Pac and Road Dog think Triple H is a sellout, and that they are true to the spirit of DX.
Shane McMahon is disgusted that Test would date his sister, and sends the entire Mean Street Posse after him! Test is willing to fight for her; it must be love! Test proposes, and Shane still protests! Steffie needs time to think about it.
D-Lo Brown defeats Jeff Jarrett for the Intercontinental championship; Kane and X-Pac defeat the Acolytes.
The Millenium Clock hit zero, the lights went out, there was an explosion. The music started, and one word came up on the screen: JERICHO.
"Welcome to RAW ... is ... JERICHO! And I am the new Millennium for the World Wrestling Federation! Now for those of you who don't know me, I am Chris Jericho - your - your new hero, your party host and most importantly the most charismatic showman to ever enter your living rooms via a television screen! And for those of you who DO know me, well, all hail the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah!
Now when you think of the new Millennium, you think of an event so gigantic that it changes the course of history. You think of the dawning of a new era. In this case, the dawning of a New Era in the WWF! Thank you - thank you. A new era is what this once proud and profitable company sorely needs! What was once a captivating, trendsetting program, has nowdeteriorated into a cliched - let's be honest - BORING SNOOZEFEST that is in dire need of a knight in shining armour! And that's why I'm here! Chris Jericho has come to SAVE the WWF!
Now let's go over the facts. Television ratings - downward spiral. Pay-per-view buyrates - plummeting. Mainstream acceptance - nonexistent. And reactions of the live crowd - complete and utter silence! And I know why you're silent! You're silent because you're embarrassed to be here! And quite honestly, I'm embarrassed for you! And the reason why you're embarrassed is because of the steady stream of uninteresting, untalented, mediocre 'sports entertainers' where you're forced to cheer for and care for - no wonder you're not cheering! You could care less about every single idiot in that dressing room...and especially this idiot in the centre of the ring. You people have been led to believe that mediocrity is excellence. Uh uh...JERICHO IS EXCELLENCE.
And now, for the first time in WWF history, you have a man who can entertain you! You have a man who is good enough for you! You have a man who can make you jump up off your chairs, raise your filthy fat little hands in the air and scream 'Go Jericho Go! Go Jericho Go! Go Jericho Go!' Thank you. The new Millennium has arrived in the WWF - and now that the Y2J problem is here - this company, from the front office idiots to all the amateurs in the dressing room (including this one) to everybody watching tonight, will never - e-e-e-ever - be the same - agayn!"
Rock vs Billy Gunn, and there’s a lot of *ss comments being made. Billy Gunn claims his bottomside is scarred forever after the Rock replaces Billy’s herbal medicines with poison ivy.
In a #1 contenders match, Chyna pins Triple H! A woman is the #1 contender for the world title! But Mankind beat Chyna, but then Mankind had to put up the #1 contendership against Triple H. When the match was inconclusive, BOTH were declared #1 contenders and the Summerslam title match (with Jesse Ventura as special referee) became a Triple threat!
Hardcore Holly, feeling the WWF has backed him into a corner, introduces his cousin, Crash.
In order to get the attention of Mankind, the new world champion, Triple H puts Jim Ross in an armbar and threatens to break his arm if he doesn’t get a title shot. Mankind accepts, and Triple H breaks his arm anyway. Triple H then defeated Mankind for the world title that night.
Lillian Garcia debuts as YOUR new Raw ring announcer, butchering wrestler’s names for months. I miss the Fink. Actually, he became Jericho’s new lackey for a few weeks.
With Edge and Christian out of the fold, Gangrel makes the Hardy Boyz his “New Brood”. And thus begins the first full-blown Edge/Christian vs Hardy Boyz fued. The Corporate Ministry had kind of faded out of memory between July and August.
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Through hellfire and brimstone, it's... the Hardyz?
September 1999
It’s the Rock and Sock connection! Winning the world tag titles from Big Show and Undertaker! Then X-Pac and Kane! The tag titles are like hot potatoes.
Jeff Jarrett, in preparation for his Intercontinental title match with Chyna, begins wrestling women.
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The Dudley Boyz make their Raw debut.
Chaz is apparently beating his girlfriend, so all of the Superstars want to beat him, and since this angle went somewhere between tasteless and boring, noone really cared.
Jericho (fueding with Ken Shamrock during his last WWF weeks) introduces Mr. Hughes as his new, shortlived lackey.
WWF champion Vince McMahon vacates his World title and declares a new champion will be decided in a six-pack match at the next PPV.
The most watched segment in the history of wrestling: This is your life, Rock! As Mankind tries to make up for giving Rock the mandible sock the night before at the PPV. I am more certain that we will see this on the 10th anniversary show than anything.
October 1999
Triple H again attacks Jim Ross, this time to get him to deliver a message to Austin.
Stevie Richards borrows the Dude Love gimmick from Mankind.
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Stephanie had accepted the wedding proposal, but got knocked silly in the middle of a backstage brawl, and lost all of her memory. Stephanie regains it, though. But seems to act a little funny afterward.
Jim Ross teams with Steve Austin against Triple H and Chyna! I could’ve sworn that wasn’t Ross’s first time last week.
Chris Jericho, embarrassed that the Intercontinental champion is a woman. I mean, just the thought of you as a credible and believable champion is an idea even more ridiculously enhanced than your breasts are.” And the challenge is on.
Triple H costs Rock and Sock the tag titles to the Hollys.
DX reforms, screwing Austin and the Rock in match against the Outlaws.
November – December 1999
Paul Wight’s father passes on. Big Bossman reads a beautiful poem he wrote in tribute to Big Show’s father. 'With the deepest regrets, and tears that are soaked / I'm sorry to hear that your dad finally croaked / He lived a full life on his own terms / Soon he'll be buried and eaten by worms / But if I could have a son as stupid as you / I'd have wished for cancer so I would die too / So be brave, and be strong, get your life on track / 'Cause the old bastard's DEAD and he ain't never comin' back!' It gets even more fun when Bossman reveals that the Big Show is really illegitimate.
Who hit Steve Austin the night before at the PPV? It’ll be another year before we find out.
After weeks of vignettes, Kurt Angle makes his Raw debut, defeating the Godfather! He even turns down the ho’s, because he has Integrity!
Raw is Love! The wedding of the year! Test and Stephanie are finally going to tie the knot, but there’s an objection! It’s Triple H, and he thought we should know that he drugged Stephanie and married her already last week in Vegas! Triple H to Vince: I know that you can only have one question on your mind...DAD. And that is...not DID we, but HOW MANY TIMES times did we consummate the marriage?" Once it’s revealed that the two are really in cahoots, Vince leaves for weeks in embarrassment, and the McMahon-Helmsley era begins.
Al Snow turns on Mankind when Mankind refuses to face up to the fact that none of the fans care about him or his book; they just care about what he’ll do to entertain them next. Snow even tricks Mankind into thinking that Rock threw away his copy of Mankind's book.
Stephanie and Triple H order a “Pink Slip on a Pole” match between Mankind and the Rock. Rock takes the match, and Mankind says his goodbye, leaving the ring to a standing ovation.
For the last Raw match of 1999, Big Show retains the world title against Triple H when Triple H takes a chairshot from Mankind.
These seem to take a little longer to do with each one out. At this point, I'm only guaranteeing I'll finish 2000. I may do 2001, I probably won't do 2002. These are just more time-consuming than I thought they would be starting, and only seem to grab the attention of a few of us, judging by the votes. :) I'm hoping to plow through 2000 tomorrow, and we'll see where it goes from there.
Raw in Review 98 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61427)
A Raw Memorial (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60617&highlight=raw+memorial)
Raw in Review 97 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60511&highlight=raw+review)
Raw in Review 96 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60188)
Raw in Review 95 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59701)
Raw in Review 94 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59422)
Raw in Review 93 (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59113)