WWF Monday Night Raw Results
January 8, 1996 (Taped December 18, 1995)
Newark, Delaware (Bob Carpenter Center)
Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
Video: Tonight, we’ll see highlights from Shawn Michaels’ press conference, where he will make a major announcement about his career. We’ll also see if Billionaire Ted is planning another “Raw Rip-off.” They will also air the Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog match from In Your House 5 in full. Plus, we’ll have a special appearance from “Scheme Gene.”
Video: A new and improved WWF Raw intro video plays.
Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler welcome us to the show. Hakushi is already in the ring, ready to face Jeff Jarrett. We’ll also find out who the Million Dollar Champion is. Goldust will also be in action.
Video: As Jeff Jarrett heads to the ring, we see footage of Jeff Jarrett’s vicious attack on Ahmed Johnson at In Your House 5.
Hakushi vs. “Double J” Jeff Jarrett
Referee: Tim White
The bell rings, and Hakushi rolls across the ring. They lock up, and Jarrett wrenches the arm before backing him to the corner. Hakushi reverses a whip to the corner, but Jarrett slingshots over him and hits a scoop slam before doing his strut. Jarrett kicks Hakushi before sending him into the ropes. Hakushi blocks a kick and takes Jarrett down. Hakushi charges, but Jarrett hits a back body drop over the top rope. Hakushi lands on his feet, but Jarrett doesn’t see because he’s strutting in the ring. Hakushi goes to the top rope and hits a flying shoulder tackle. Hakushi sends Jarrett into the ropes for a dropkick. Hakushi sends him back into the ropes, but Jarrett holds on and pulls himself out of the ring. Jarrett has had enough and waves off the match. The referee is counting him out, so he has second thoughts. Jarrett sweeps Hakushi’s feet and gets in the ring. Jarrett hits a short-arm clothesline. Jarrett stomps Hakushi and splashes him against the ropes.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, Jarrett is applying an abdominal stretch. Jarrett holds the top rope for leverage, but the referee soon catches him. Hakushi counters with a hip toss, but Jarrett quickly fights back with a swinging neckbreaker. Jarrett sends Hakushi into the ropes, but Hakushi ducks a clothesline and hits a spin kick. Hakushi sends him into the ropes for a dropkick, but Jarrett holds the ropes to avoid it. Jarrett covers for a two-count. Jarrett sends him to the corner, so Hakushi goes for a springboard crossbody. Jarrett ducks and covers for a two-count.
Jarrett applies a rear chin lock. Hakushi fights up and twists out before hitting an uppercut. Hakushi hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline, and slides through his legs before hitting a spin kick to the midsection. Hakushi uppercuts him and sends him to the corner. Hakushi connects with a handspring back elbow, followed by a flying forearm smash. 1… 2… Jarrett kicks out. Hakushi hits a scoop slam and heads to the apron. Hakushi goes for a springboard splash, but Jarrett gets the knees up. Jarrett signals for the end and applies a Figure Four Leglock. Hakushi yells in pain and submits.
Winner by Submission: “Double J” Jeff Jarrett
Jarrett reaches outside and grabs his guitar before posing with it.
Mike’s Thoughts: Just a match with Jeff Jarrett and Hakushi. Nothing special. It was crisp, but devoid of drama. The Jarrett gimmick is really dull at this point… and he just returned a few weeks back.
WWF Slam Jam
Jim Ross is in Doc Hendrix’s merchandise pit. Ross says that Hendrix was impacted by “Old Man Winter.” We’ll also be hearing from “Scheme Gene.” An actor dressed as a caricature of “Mean” Gene Okerlund is shown. The Royal Rumble is less than two weeks away on pay-per-view. The winner of the Royal Rumble will be guaranteed a WWF Championship match at WrestleMania XII.
New entrants for the 1996 Royal Rumble include Doug Gilbert of the USWA, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Fatu, and Isaac Yankem, DDS. Last week, we heard about Vader.
Video: Vader is shown in a highlight reel. Vader growls, “From the power of the Rocky Mountains, I bring you the Prince of Power.” Vader is shown lifting weights and doing flips. “It’s time! It’s time! It’s Vader time!”
We’ll also see Marty Jannetty, Henry Godwinn, Kama, Skip, and Takao Omori of All Japan Wrestling.
Video: “Scheme” Gene says superstars are coming out of the woodwork. He can’t tell you now, but he’ll tell you later. This is a play on Okerlund’s WCW hotline, where you have to pay to listen to non-scoops.
Ahmed Johnson makes his way to the ring. Later on, we’ll find out on The Brother Love Show who the Million Dollar Champion is.
-Commercial Break-
Ahmed Johnson vs. Jeff Brettler
Referee: Jack Doan
Jeff Brettler is wearing some ridiculously oversized Zubaz pants. It looks absurd. Brettler tries to clothesline Johnson before the match starts, but he bounces off Johnson and hurts his arm. Johnson felt nothing. Johnson hits a DANGEROUS head-and-arm suplex before sending him into the ropes for a clothesline. Johnson crushes him with a scissor kick before hitting a boot to the skull. Johnson sends him into the ropes for a spinebuster. Johnson then hits the Pearl River Plunge for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Ahmed Johnson
Jeff Jarrett runs in with his guitar and swings wildly, but Johnson avoids it and chases him off. Johnson grabs the guitar left in the ring and destroys it against the ring post. Johnson angrily walks off.
Mike’s Thoughts: Man, Ahmed Johnson just exuded intensity. That had to be terrifying to be a fan in the front row as he destroyed the guitar over the top of the ring post. No doubt fragments of the instrument had to fly everywhere. I’d be running for cover. For as intense as he was, Johnson was also supremely green. That weakness is showing in a lot of his matches, even though he’s only really been against enhancement talent or put in spots where he’s heavily protected. That suplex on the jobber in this match was flat-out scary. The kicks are scary. It’s such an unpolished presentation, but despite that, desperate times call for desperate measures. No one was looking or acting like him on the WWF or WCW roster. If they played their cards right, they could have a huge star. Unfortunately, as we’ll find out as this series goes on, Johnson is a few years too early… but he also didn’t exactly improve either.
Video: Next week on Raw, in preparation for his WWF Championship match at the Royal Rumble, the Undertaker will battle Isaac Yankem, DDS. We’ll also see Marty Jannetty take on Owen Hart.
The Brother Love Show
Special Guest: “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase
Brother Love is in the ring with “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. DiBiase is holding the Million Dollar Championship, which hasn’t been seen since it was deactivated on February 7, 1992, nearly four years earlier.
DiBiase says he searched for the entire year of 1995 for who exemplified what a Million Dollar Champion should be. DiBiase searched in vain and in frustration until finally he found him. Without any further ado, DiBiase presents The Ringmaster.
The Ringmaster makes his way to the ring with a short blond crew cut, green trunks, one elbow pad, two black knee pads, and white boots. DiBiase calls him a physical specimen. Even though you haven’t seen him wrestle, when you do, you’ll know why he is the Million Dollar Champion. DiBiase hands the Million Dollar Championship to the Ringmaster, putting it around his waist. Brother Love shouts, “Behold, brothers and sisters, behold the Million Dollar Champion, Brother Ringmaster.”
The Ringmaster says, “I’m gonna go out on a limb here, man. Back up a little bit, brother. Everybody out there in TV Land, I’m gonna give you a chance to be somebody.” The Ringmaster puts his hand up. “Come on, get the camera on that hand right there. I want everyone out there in TV Land to touch your screen and feel what it’s like to be destined for success. Feel what it’s like to be born a champion, man. I didn’t come out here just to run my mouth, Brother Love. I’m here to prove every single thing I say. Me and The Million Dollar Man talked. I’m in the Royal Rumble, man. I’m gonna prove how good the Ringmaster is after I toss every single one of the WWF Superstars over that rope right there, man. I’ll be the one getting the shot at the World Wrestling Federation Championship. It doesn’t mean anything compared to the Million Dollar Belt, of course. But at WrestleMania, man, I’m gonna do it all, and you’re gonna see what The Million Dollar Man and the Million Dollar Champ are gonna accomplish. And then I’ll have every single thing that I want out of the WWF. And why is that?” DiBiase says, “Because everybody’s got a price for the Million Dollar Man.” DiBiase cackles and poses with the Ringmaster.
Mike’s Thoughts: And just like that, the most consequential wrestler in the history of the genre debuts in the company he would throw on his back, helping to make it into a billion-dollar empire. Armed with a going nowhere gimmick, terrible name, and a forgettable look, The Ringmaster would see the writing on the wall and begin to change this persona into what would become a worldwide phenomenon: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
It’s not like they didn’t see anything in him. They dusted off the Million Dollar Championship after nearly four years in the WWF archive and put him over big, but that promo, which was, um, a promo if I’ve ever heard one, along with the entire concept, was pretty much DOA. How anyone could think otherwise is beyond me. Still, this is an extremely important moment in the history of professional wrestling (in my opinion, at least) because the whole war, as well as the future of the WWF as a company, is going to turn around based on the character development and incredible personality of this one man. I can’t wait to recap this growth through even just 1996. The 180 he does is incredible.
Later on, we’ll see Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog from In Your House 5.
Video: WWF Referee Earl Hebner says he knew Bret Hart was bleeding badly, but he asked him to say his name and count how many fingers he was holding up, so he knew he was conscious enough.
We’ll also see The Huckster with Billionaire Ted, as well as footage from Shawn Michaels’ press conference.
-Commercial Break-
Goldust vs. Aldo Montoya
Referee: Mike Chioda
Vince McMahon comments on Goldust’s androgynous look. Montoya is not impressed and argues with the referee. Goldust attacks him from behind and whips him hard into the corner. Goldust stomps Montoya and hits a back suplex. Goldust sends him into the ropes for a running clothesline. Goldust grabs Montoya, puts his head between his legs, and jumps down on his neck. Goldust kicks him and stands on his head. Goldust hits the ropes and kicks him in the face. Goldust sends him into the ropes, but Montoya ducks a clothesline and hits a clothesline. Montoya punches Goldust and sends him into the ropes for a back body drop. Montoya sends Goldust into the ropes, but Goldust counters a hip toss. Goldust hits a Curtain Call (lifting reverse DDT) for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Goldust
Mike’s Thoughts: Just a match with Goldust, though he does debut his finisher, the Curtain Call. No Razor Ramon. Just Goldust getting a win, and we move on.
WWF Slam Jam
Jim Ross is in Dok Hendrix’s merchandise pit. Earlier today, Shawn Michaels had a press conference in Fresno, California, the site of the 1996 Royal Rumble.
Video: Shawn Michaels, dressed in a suit and tie, said his doctors and the people around him thought it would be best if he did not compete in the World Wrestling Federation. Michaels apologizes to his friends, family, and doctors, but he’ll be throwing his name into the many names that will be competing at the Royal Rumble in Fresno. At WrestleMania, regardless of who has the title, they’ll be facing him at the show and will give their title to the next man who will carry the World Wrestling Federation on his shoulders into the new millennium, Shawn Michaels. The people applaud.
Ross says that it is great news and hopes Shawn Michaels is making the right decision.
“Scheme” Gene (a ripoff of “Mean” Gene Okerlund) cuts into the shot and says he has another name for the Royal Rumble, but it’s too hot to say on television. If you call him for a price, he’ll tell you. Ross asks him to just give it up on television one time. Okerlund says Vader will be in the Royal Rumble, widely known information by now. Vince McMahon says, “That’s typical, Scheme.”
Mike’s Thoughts: Shawn Michaels ‘ return in the Royal Rumble was obviously always the direction this was going, but they did a great job of holding off on him and building all this sympathy for the past month and a half. This is one of the things the WWF did right at this time. That horrible incident in Syracuse, in a strange way, wound up making Shawn Michaels a bigger star because of what they could build off it. Super sympathetic at this time.
Oh, and that Scheme Gene skit they did right after, while horribly placed after a triumphant payoff to the weeks of questions about Shawn Michaels’ career, was actually hilarious. That got a good chuckle out of me.
-Commercial Break-
Vince McMahon asks Jerry “The King” Lawler talk about Shawn Michaels’ announcement. Lawler says it’s the biggest mistake of Michaels’ life. Your career isn’t worth more than your life.
Video: Diesel says if he crosses paths with Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble, business is business. Diesel wants his belt back, too. Michaels is his best friend, so he wishes him all the best. WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon says he knows Michaels can win the Rumble. Owen Hart says he hurt HBK and will be the first to get his hands on him. Hart will make sure he doesn’t wrestle again.
Replay: The violent and bloody match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and The British Bulldog for the WWF Championship at In Your House 5. A bloodied Hart was able to fend off the onslaught from the Bulldog and retained his championship.
Mike’s Thoughts: In Your House 5 had one of the worst buyrates of any show in WWF’s history, but I can’t imagine the PPV companies were thrilled they were giving away matches on free TV. At least they made a point to say that the Royal Rumble matches would be exclusively on PPV and not shown on television. Still, this Bret Hart vs. Bulldog match was so darn good that it needed to be seen by many more.
Video: The Undertaker is shown with Paul Bearer. Bearer says the Creatures of the Night have been wondering when the Undertaker would get a title shot. Now, it’s time! Undertaker says Bret Hart was a grand champion, but the Creatures of the Night have spoken, and he will deliver.
Vince McMahon congratulates Kathy Schreck from Chicago, Illinois. She’s 24 years old, and her favorite star is the Undertaker. She won the Royal Rumble Sweepstakes and will be taking her family to the event.
Next week on Raw, the Undertaker will battle Isaac Yankem, DDS. The new Million Dollar Champion, The Ringmaster, will also be in action. Marty Jannetty will battle Owen Hart.
Billionaire Ted’s Wrasslin’ War Room
Billionaire Ted (Ted Turner) says their company (WCW is not mentioned) needs a new slogan. One executive suggests, “Uncut, uncensored, uncooked.” Ted, with the camera zooming in on the gap in his teeth, says they’ve already stolen that one. Another executive suggests “unbelievable,” as in Ted’s wrestling is not believable. Ted says this isn’t the time to start telling the truth. They suggest, “This is where the Old Boys play.” Ted doesn’t want them to tell the truth.
The Huckster takes exception to being called old. Nacho Man then suggests, “This is where the Big Boys play.” Ted likes it. The Nacho Man suggests they take a legitimate test for steroids. The Huckster says they don’t have to worry about that because they’re not in the WWF anymore. Ted is happy.
A voiceover finishes by saying, “The new WWF Generation: There’s nothing old or artificial here.” A screen tells the viewer to log onto America Online for a WWF Drug Program Advisory.
Mike’s Thoughts: While this actually was a pretty funny debut a week ago, you can see how mean-spirited these segments are going to get with the crack about steroid tests and such. The WWF only stands to lose with these segments. It’s kind of amazing how placated Vince McMahon was by his yes-men at this time that no one seemed to get through to him how bad this idea was. It makes the WWF look bush league and pedantic. They’re funny thirty years later (for now, at least), but at this point in 1996, without a crystal ball to see the future, this looks like a dying company making another stupid decision.
Quick Match Results
— “Double J” Jeff Jarrett def. Hakushi via Submission
— Ahmed Johnson def. Jeff Brettler
— Goldust def. Aldo Montoya
Mike’s Wrap-Up: What We Learned from Raw
This episode of Raw is one of those shows that doesn’t feel massive in the moment, but in hindsight, it’s loaded with turning points. A random Raw on January 8, 1996. Go figure. On the surface, it’s a strange mix of taped matches, goofy parody skits, and uneven pacing. But underneath all of that, you can feel the company quietly shifting directions.
Shawn Michaels ‘ announcement of his return at the Royal Rumble was the emotional anchor of the night. Granted, some of the steam was taken away by having the moment we’ve been waiting for over a month immediately followed by a “Scheme” Gene skit, but it was still impactful. After weeks of uncertainty following the Syracuse incident, this was the payoff fans were waiting for. WWF leaned hard into the sympathy (I wonder who those people really were at the press conference… couldn’t be real press, right?), and it worked. Michaels didn’t just come back as a top star… he came back as the heart of the company, and everything from here through WrestleMania XII is going to revolve around that (much to the chagrin of Bret Hart).
And then there’s the debut of The Ringmaster. At the time, it feels like just another mid-card introduction with a clunky gimmick and a middling promo. But knowing what’s coming, this is one of the most important nights in wrestling history. The presentation may be forgettable, but the man standing in that ring will eventually reshape the entire industry. That contrast is fascinating to watch in real time.
That’s really what this year 1996 on Raw is all about right now. We’ll see flashes of the future buried inside a company still stuck in the past. You’ve got Shawn Michaels emerging as the guy (at least for now). You’ve got Bret Hart carrying the in-ring product and carrying the torch of traditional professional wrestling. You’ve got Kevin Nash trying to redefine what a heel looks like (and perfecting it for a bit in another company). And quietly, you’ve got Steve Austin walking through the door.
WWF in early 1996 wasn’t winning the war yet. In many ways, they’re barely surviving it. But nights like this show exactly why they eventually will.
WWF Raw (USA Network, taped): 3.0 (Record: 8-7-2)
WCW Nitro (TNT, live): 2.8 (Record: 7-8-2)
Winner: WWF Raw (2-week streak)
In kind of a weird omen (talk about me reading too much into things), this is a sign of things to come with Raw winning the night on Steve Austin’s debut. This is also the first time either show has hit 3.0 or above in the ratings for the Monday Night War so far, so that’s pretty neat.
Email – mike@wrestleview.com
X – @MikeTedescoWV
Thanks for reading!
Part of Wrestleview’s Monday Night War: 30 Years Later series, with weekly Raw and Nitro recaps every Thursday.