WWF Monday Night Raw Results
April 29, 1996
Sioux City, Iowa (Civic Auditorium)
Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“The World Wrestling Federation: for over fifty years, the revolutionary force in sports entertainment.” The WWF video leads us into the show.
Video: Last night, after In Your House ended, The British Bulldog told WWF President Gorilla Monsoon that Shawn Michaels wanted to sleep with his wife. Bulldog stormed to the ring as Shawn Michaels celebrated in the ring after defeating Diesel. We’ll see what happened later tonight.
We go live into the Civic Auditorium to see a fireworks display. Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler welcome us to the show. Lawler says Jim Cornette will get to the bottom of what could be the biggest scandal in WWF history with that philandering Shawn Michaels. He’s a homewrecker! McMahon also announces that the Ultimate Warrior will battle Isaac Yankem, DDS, in Warrior’s first Raw match ever.
Replay: Four weeks ago on Raw, Mankind made his debut and viciously attacked the Undertaker. We haven’t seen the Undertaker since.
Bart Gunn vs. Mankind
Referee: Mike Chioda
The bell rings, and Mankind stands huddled in the corner. Mankind approaches Gunn and punches away at him before bouncing him off the top turnbuckle. Mankind kicks Gunn in the midsection twice before bouncing him off the top turnbuckle. Gunn elbows Mankind back, but Mankind punches and kicks him. Mankind is somehow busted open near his right eye. Mankind rips at Gunn’s face before pulling his own hair out. Gunn fights back, but Mankind rakes the eyes. Mankind sends him to the corner and charges, but he hits the ring post shoulder-first. Gunn wrenches the arm and elbows away at the deranged Mankind. Mankind fights out and starts to work on Gunn’s arm. Gunn fights back and pulls on his arm, but Mankind surprises him with a Mandible Claw attempt. Gunn quickly drops down and rolls out of the ring to save himself.
Mankind pulls more of his hair out before exiting the ring. Gunn attacks him as he leaves the ring, but Mankind fires back with some right hands. Mankind rolls Gunn into the ring and continues to punch away at him. Gunn fights back, but Mankind quickly catches him with a scoop slam. Gunn avoids an elbow drop and wrenches the arm. Gunn gets Mankind in the corner, but Mankind fires back with forearms to the head before stomping him down. Mankind then hits a baseball slide to knock him out of the ring. Mankind sets up for a suplex on the floor, but we go to commercial before anything happens.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, Gunn hits the ropes and shoulder tackles Mankind. Mankind then catches him charging and sends him over the top rope. Mankind goes to the ringside area and rips at Gunn’s face before clubbing away at him. Mankind boots him in the head and gets back in the ring. Gunn is looking dazed and confused at ringside. Mankind pulls him into the ring by his hair and punches him down in the corner with some vicious forearms. Mankind charges and smashes him with a knee to the face. Mankind rips at Gunn’s face before going to the apron to kick him.
Mankind catches Gunn lying across the bottom rope with a leg drop. Mankind smashes his own head off the barricade before elbowing Gunn in the chest. This is wildness. Mankind rakes the back before putting Gunn back into the ring. Gunn starts to fight back with some left hands. Gunn hits the ropes and takes Mankind down with a big forearm to the head. Gunn heads to the top rope as Mankind pulls himself up. Gunn hits a big missile dropkick for a two-count. Gunn quickly hits a scoop slam and goes back to the top rope for a diving elbow drop. 1… 2… Mankind kicks out. Mankind quickly reverses a whip to the corner and elbows him in the face. Gunn quickly takes him down and punches away at him. All of a sudden, Mankind catches him with the Mandible Claw. Mankind digs his bloody fingers into Gunn’s mouth, and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner by Referee Stoppage: Mankind
Mankind falls into a trance as peaceful piano music plays.
Backstage Interview
Jim Ross is backstage with Bart Gunn, who is struggling to catch his breath. Ross asks him what that Mandible Claw felt like. All of a sudden, Mankind attacks Gunn and puts the Mandible Claw back on!
Mike’s Thoughts: This was not great. I have no idea how Mankind got busted open in this one, but all of a sudden, there was blood everywhere. Honestly, it looked really fake. It was pinkish and all over his hands, like he was rubbing it onto the spot. This went way too long, kind of like the Bart Gunn match with Steve Austin a few weeks back. Mankind really should have run through him quickly, especially as he is gearing up for a confrontation with the Undertaker. He should look as strong and vicious as possible, without competing in matches with guys who are waiting for their tag partners to return from injury.
-Commercial Break-
Replay: Moments ago, Mankind attacked Bart Gunn backstage and put him in the Mandible Claw. WWF officials struggled to pull Mankind off Gunn.
Savio Vega makes his way to the commentary table. Vega high-fives the Spanish commentary team before sitting next to Vince McMahon. Vega says he’s here to issue a challenge to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at In Your House for a Caribbean Strap Match.
Replay: Last week on Raw, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin smashed Savio Vega in the face with the Million Dollar Championship, costing Vega the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Goldust.
Non-Title Match
Scott Taylor vs. Million Dollar Champion “Stone Cold” Steve Austin w/ “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase
Referee: Jack Doan
They lock up, and Austin powers Taylor to the corner before stomping him down. Austin connects with a vertical suplex before giving him a big swing. Austin stomps his midsection before going to the second rope for a diving forearm. 1… 2… Taylor kicks out. Austin sends Taylor into the ropes for a back elbow. Austin chokes Taylor on the middle rope before going to the apron and dropping an elbow on him. Austin pulls him into the center of the ring and stomps his midsection again before applying an STF. Austin releases the hold and locks him in the Million Dollar Dream. Taylor loses consciousness.
Winner by Referee Stoppage: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Savio Vega immediately gets on the microphone and challenges “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to a Caribbean Strap Match. Vega asks if he accepts, but DiBiase waves Vega off. Vega gets in the ring and whips Austin as he leaves the ring.
Mike’s Thoughts: Man, I love watching how aggressive “Stone Cold” Steve Austin could be early in this character. He really took it to the future Scotty 2 Hotty, who I don’t think got a single piece of offense in here. Savio Vega was fun getting into it with Jerry “The King” Lawler on commentary, who was going way too far by today’s standards with racial jokes against him. I’m not exactly sure why Vega and Austin hate each other so much (maybe that was told on an episode of WWF Superstars), but they’re going to have a Caribbean Strap Match at the next In Your House. Even Vince McMahon (who booked this stuff) was asking what’s in it for Austin to accept such a match. Good question!
-Commercial Break-
The British Bulldog addresses his allegations against WWF Champion Shawn Michaels
Vince McMahon is in the ring with The British Bulldog, Diana Hart-Smith, and Jim Cornette. McMahon mentions there have been some outlandish allegations made against the man he’s about to introduce. He is the leader of the New Generation. He is the World Wrestling Federation Champion. He is Shawn Michaels.
WWF Champion Shawn Michaels heads to the ring with his trainer, José Lothario, in tow. McMahon says HBK had an incredible victory last night against “Big Daddy Cool” Diesel. It seems like it doesn’t matter about the style. Shawn Michaels rises to the occasion. HBK says that one month ago, everyone said there was no way that his style would last for 60 minutes against the Excellence of Execution, so he adapted to his style. They not only danced for 60 minutes. They danced for 63 minutes, and Michaels came out on top. Then, last night, everyone said that there was no way that the Heartbreak Kid and his style could hold up to “Big Daddy Cool” in a No Holds Barred match. Michaels took an “ass-kicking,” but he gave one right back. If you want to dance, waltz, jitterbug, or twist, the Heartbreak Kid can adapt to any style. Michaels and the Kliq are ready for the best that the World Wrestling Federation has to offer.
Jim Cornette says he wants to get down to business. Last night was a great victory in the ring, but he wants to talk about what happened outside of the ring. Cornette calls Michaels a pervert and says he tried to sleep with the British Bulldog’s wife.
Video: Footage from last night’s In Your House event shows a WWF producer allegedly telling Diana Hart-Smith that Jim Cornette was in trouble. Hart-Smith left to check.
Cornette claims Shawn Michaels was waiting instead. Michaels put his arm around Diana, pulled her into a dark corner, and propositioned her. Cornette gets in Michaels’ face. Michaels thinks he’s God’s gift to women and the Heartbreak Kid. Cornette shouts, “What kind of stinkin’ animal, while he had a main event title match on pay per view, would be in the back in a dark corner cozying up to somebody else’s woman? I want to know what kind of sexual deviant would think of causing somebody to break their matrimonial bonds? I want to know what kind of pervert would grab a woman, an innocent woman like this, who has never done anything out of the way in her life, and I want to know how you would try to corrupt her and sully her and desecrate her. She’s not a Jezebel. She is not a scarlet woman, but you, sir, are a sleazebag.”
Cornette makes Diana look into the eyes of that “sexual deviant” and shouts that Michaels is a fornicator. McMahon says he can’t believe this. McMahon asks if Diana has anything to say. She says she knows Michaels wants her. Michaels says, “Mrs. Smith, with all due respect, please do not flatter yourself.” The crowd cheers, and Diana slaps Michaels in the face. McMahon says this has gone far enough.
Michaels says, “Well, I guess we know who wears the pants in the Smith family.” The British Bulldog attacks Michaels, and they brawl as we go to commercial.
Mike’s Thoughts: Jim Cornette was awesome in this segment. It’s kind of goofy that Shawn Michaels would just stand there and let these lies be told without refuting them, which makes you wonder if he really did this. Either that, or the story is he sees through what they’re doing and won’t give in to their mind games. Either way, this ended with a great brawl between Michaels and the Bulldog. Very good way to kick off this feud, but it definitely shows off how weak the title picture is with Razor Ramon and Diesel gone. Going back to Bulldog, who lost a few title opportunities a few months ago, shows they are lacking a lot of depth.
-Commercial Break-
Replay: Moments ago, WWF Champion Shawn Michaels and The British Bulldog got into a massive brawl. During the commercial break, WWF officials and producers ran down to separate them.
The New Rockers walk by WWF Champion Shawn Michaels as he heads to the back with José Lothario.
Next week on Raw, “Wildman” Marc Mero will battle The 1-2-3 Kid. The Undertaker will also return to action against Owen Hart. WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust will be on commentary for that match.
Tag Team Match
The New Rockers (Marty Jannetty and Leif Cassidy) vs. The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phinneas I. Godwinn) w/ Hillbilly Jim
Referee: Tim White
The winner of this match will get a WWF Tag Team Championship match against The Bodydonnas.
The Godwinns have a pet pig in the ring. There is a lot of stalling to start the match. Henry O. Godwinn scares off the New Rockers with the slop bucket.
Video: Sunny appears holding the WWF Tag Team Championship. She says the Godwinns smell bad, but she thinks she can get them under control. As for the New Rockers, they’re so dumb they could be dangerous. She might have to come down for a closer look.
Marty Jannetty starts against Phinneas I. Godwinn. They lock up, and Jannetty puts him into the corner before backing up. Jannetty hits a drop toehold before applying a front facelock. Phinneas fights up and puts Jannetty on the top rope. Jannetty pushes him off and jumps over him before hitting an arm drag. Jannetty knocks Henry off the apron. The referee stops Henry from getting into the ring, so the New Rockers double-team Phinneas. Phinneas fights them off and wildly starts doing mule kicks. Henry calms Phinneas down. The New Rockers cowardly run back from the Godwinns.
Leif Cassidy eventually gets in the ring and attacks Phinneas, but Phinneas punches him down. Sunny makes her way to the ring with the WWF Tag Team Championship belts.
-Commercial Break-
Sunny is at ringside to get a closer look at the action. The New Rockers send Henry into the ropes for a double-team hip toss. Cassidy does a goofy celebration. A “Sunny” chant picks up. Cassidy sends Henry into the ropes for a back elbow. Cassidy knocks Phinneas off the apron. The New Rockers double-team Henry as the referee keeps Phinneas back. Jannetty tags in and takes Henry down. Jannetty heads to the second rope and jumps, but Henry boots him in the face.
Cassidy tags in and knocks Henry into Phinneas, allowing him to tag in with little reaction. Phinneas takes it to the New Rockers. Cassidy hits Phinneas with a crossbody, sending them both over the top rope. Sunny comes over to Phinneas, who is smitten with her, and Hillbilly Jim chases her off. The referee counts both men out.
Double Count-Out
Mike’s Thoughts: This was awful. Not much else to say about it.
Boiler Room
Jim Ross finds Mankind in a secluded stairwell heading to the Boiler Room. Ross talks about Mankind’s attack on Bart Gunn and asks about the principles of the debilitating Mandible Claw. Mankind asks if Ross would like to have it demonstrated.
Mankind says, “You know, there are over 740 pressure points in the human body. During the course of an isolated adolescence, I explored them all, searching for the weapon from which there would be no escape. There’s a wonderful nerve running underneath the eye socket, but as you can see, no matter how hard I try, it’s not enough. But underneath the tongue, where the flesh is weak, and the nerves run deep, when enough force is exhibited, there is no escape. Temporary paralysis overcomes the body, and the only hope is Mankind’s love for humanity, and I assure you I have none!”
Ross asks if he fears the retribution of the Undertaker. Mankind isn’t surprised that his fingers were able to destroy the Undertaker, but he is surprised by how easy it was. Mankind says he will destroy that gutless fool whenever and wherever he feels like it. Mankind is becoming bored with Undertaker’s weakness. Have a nice day!
Mike’s Thoughts: A really awesome promo and a great way to continue presenting this truly unique character for the time.
Back in the Civic Auditorium, Isaac Yankem, DDS, heads to the ring.
The Ultimate Warrior runs down to the ring for his first-ever match on WWF Monday Night Raw. The Warrior wildly runs around the ring and then runs to the back. Warrior then returns and runs down to the ring again.
Jerry “The King” Lawler talks strategy with Isaac Yankem.
Isaac Yankem, DDS w/ Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. The Ultimate Warrior
Referee: Earl Hebner
The bell rings, and a “Warrior” chant quickly picks up. Jerry “The King” Lawler is in Yankem’s corner while also doing commentary. Warrior hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline, and hits a shoulder tackle. Warrior punches Yankem down and bounces him off the top turnbuckle. Warrior sends him to the opposite corner and hits a corner clothesline. Warrior then sends him over the top rope.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, the Warrior punches him down. Warrior hits a trio of clotheslines, getting the crowd going. Warrior hits the ropes and hits a diving shoulder tackle. Warrior hits a big splash for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: The Ultimate Warrior
The Ultimate Warrior grabs Yankem by the hair and sends him over the top rope. Warrior poses on the turnbuckle. Jerry Lawler says he’s going to take care of the Warrior himself. Lawler then keeps himself from getting in the ring because his headset cord is too short. Warrior continues to celebrate before heading to the back.
Mike’s Thoughts: Not much of a match. It was typical Ultimate Warrior fare, but it was notable as his first-ever match on WWF Raw. This is also notable because it’s the final televised appearance of the Isaac Yankem, DDS character. Don’t worry, Glenn Jacobs will come back with an even worse gimmick in a few months before finally landing something that turned him into a true WWE Hall of Famer.
Vince McMahon promotes what will be on Raw next week. This weekend on WWF Superstars, The Godwinns will have a rematch against The New Rockers.
Video: The show ends with a shot of Diana Hart-Smith slapping WWF Champion Shawn Michaels in the face.
Quick Match Results
— Mankind def. Bart Gunn via Referee Stoppage
— Million Dollar Champion “Stone Cold” Steve Austin def. Scott Taylor via Referee Stoppage (non-title)
— The New Rockers (Marty Jannetty and Leif Cassidy) vs. The Godwinns (Henry O. and Phinneas I. Godwinn) went to a DCO in a Tag Team Match
— The Ultimate Warrior def. Isaac Yankem, DDS
Mike’s Wrap-Up: What We Learned from Raw
This was one of those mixed-bag shows. There are clearly some strong pieces coming together, but the overall show still feels uneven.
On the positive side, the development of new characters remains a bright spot. Mankind is quickly becoming one of the most unique and compelling acts on the roster, and his presentation feels completely different from anything else in the company. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin also continues to build momentum with a more aggressive, no-nonsense style that stands out more each week.
The main event scene, however, feels super shaky. Shawn Michaels is clearly their top star and is getting good reactions, but the direction with the British Bulldog leans heavily on soap-opera elements rather than a true main-event feud. It definitely got a reaction and was really good (Jim Cornette, in particular, was AWESOME), but it highlights the lack of depth at the top of the card, with Diesel and Razor Ramon now gone.
And then there are parts of the show that have little to no consistency. The tag team division feels cold, some matches drag longer than they should (sounds familiar, almost like this happens in modern wrestling as well), and there are still signs of a roster that’s been stretched thin from week to week. They’re also coming off a grueling European Tour that featured some whacky hijinks, such as Sunny and Chris Candido (Skip) experiencing so much hazing that Sunny was sent home for her own protection after someone defecated in her food. Yep, you read that right.
The WWF is trying to find its footing with this New Generation. There’s a lot of emerging talent, but there are still a lot of weaknesses that keep them stuck in place. They really did a masterful job these last few months of preparing Shawn Michaels to be the guy. He had one title defense at the PPV that showed they made the right choice, but there’s no one strong like Diesel to follow up with.
It’s going to be really hard for them to replace two key pieces as they prepare to head over to WCW. Diesel and Razor Ramon will be continuing to have WWF House Show matches, but they aren’t going to do any television jobs on the way out. Kevin Nash is booked for title matches against Shawn Michaels in major markets, so he can’t lose on television because it would hurt the legitimacy in the eyes of the people buying tickets to those events (yes, the title mattered that much back then). As for Scott Hall, he had a doctor’s note to feign a groin injury so he could avoid doing any jobs on the television tapings. Always the master politicker.
Anyway, how’d this show match up going head-to-head with WCW Nitro?
WWF Raw (USA Network, live): 2.9 (Record: 14-14-2)
WCW Nitro (TNT, live): 2.1 (Record: 14-14-2)
Winner: WWF Raw (4-week streak)
The WWF has been on a roll in terms of popularity (not with consistency in their booking of the shows) and has beaten WCW four weeks in a row, pulling the record back to even! They have to be feeling good about that, but with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall heading to their competitor in May, the good times are going to stop rolling pretty soon.
Email – mike@wrestleview.com
X – @MikeTedescoWV
In Your House 7 | Last week’s Raw | Last week’s Nitro
Thanks for reading!
Part of Wrestleview’s Monday Night War: 30 Years Later series, with weekly Raw and Nitro recaps every Thursday.