[1997-04-28-WWF-Raw] The Undertaker vs Davey Boy Smith

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Loss]

Looks like the sequence of things got randomly mixed up, as this is the ending of RAW that randomly had a Nitro thrown in the middle. Owen runs in for the DQ and attacks Undertaker. It's not right to say Austin made the save. He was just going after the Harts. He grabs the WWF title and starts posing with it in the ring and Undertaker has a problem with that. Austin responds with a kick and a stunner then mugs for the crowd. Undertaker sits up in a great moment and chokeslams Austin. It was about time they got around to hyping this match at least a little.

 

On the way to the back, Austin sees Bret sitting there in his wheelchair. It looks like Austin is going to finish him off when JIM NEIDHART shows up out of nowhere and attacks Austin. The Hart Foundation is at full strength. Bret ends up hitting Austin with his crutch to knock him off the entrance ramp then has this great smirk on his face to close things out.

[Kevin Ridge]

The timing of the Undertaker/Austin was curious to me. They might have been trying to use Austin recent hot streak but you are putting your next big baby face against the current baby face champion. Plus you still have Austin focused on the Harts and now Pillman too. Austin hits a Stunner on Undertaker to show he doesn't care about anyone but Undertaker responds with a chokeslam. Instead of continuing that fight, Austin prefers to confront Bret Hart who is now all alone. Neidhart! Our stable is full and Austin gets knocked off the apron by a crutch hit by Bret.

[soup23]

Timing of Austin/Taker was suspect but their interaction here got a ton of heat and I thought it was the best way they could hype the match up against each other. This finish just kept developing as you knew something would happen. Neidhart ambushing Austin on the ramp was well done and Bret sends him over the ledge with a crutches shot. The show ends with Pillman at his maniacal best.

[PeteF3]

I think their hands were a little tied with regard to the PPV main event, between injuries to Sid, Bret, and Shawn, and Vader's troubles. They already had plans to run Taker vs. Ahmed that summer, but it was too early for that as well. Austin did technically win the main event at Revenge of the 'Taker, so he's as good of a pick as anyone. This is a great closing segment, as usual by this point. Neidhart's reappearance was a legit shock but it makes perfect sense, and his role as the Hart Foundation's heavy is a good one for him. A great closing shot of Pillman going from his head bowed to bolting up, grinning like a maniac. The Hart Foundation did indeed fulfill their promise in sending Austin to the hospital.

[Exposer]

Not much of a match. This is here for the hot ending. Owen jumps Taker & causes a DQ leading to Austin running out to clean house with Taker. Austin takes the WWF Title belt & starts celebrating with it in a funny moment. Taker takes exception but Austin gives him the stunner. Austin gets in Taker's face but Taker grabs a hold of Austin in a great moment & chokeslams him. The moment when Austin realizes Bret is by himself on the stage is amazing. Austin charges after Bret but then Jim Neidhart returns & attacks him from behind! Bret breaks a crutch over Austin's back which sends him flying off the stage. Austin is carted out of the building on a stretcher. Pillman closes the show with a maniacal smile on his face. Amazing. I can't say enough great things about this feud. This is legitimately compelling television. Every week is must see.