WWF August 1996 - ?????????

[jeff5819]

For the sake of ease and allowing time for me to write and plan things out my WWF 1996 will begin the night after SummerSlam 1996. Therefore everything that happened up to and including SummerSlam 1996 WILL stand exactly as it was, also any Raw's that were pre-empted will also be pre-emptied in my timeline. 

So my WWF will begin on Monday August 21st 2023 (August 19th 1996)

Champions Roll Call

WWF Champion - Shawn Michaels (Since March 31st 1996, Wrestlemania 12)

WWF Tag Team Champions - Smoking Gunns (Since May 26th 1996, Free For All - In Your House 8)

WWF Intercontinental Champion - Vacant (Since August 12th 1996 - Raw)

[jeff5819]

Monday Night Raw
August 19th 1996 (August 21st 2023)
Civic Center, Wheeling, WV

The current WWF Champs were as follows:
World Champion: Shawn Michaels (3/31/96)
Intercontinental Champion: Vacant (8/12/96)
World Tag Team Champions: The Smoking Gunns (5/26/96)

Show starts with stills from SummerSlam recapping Paul Bearer’s betrayal and Shawn Michaels vs Vader. 

Show Opening

Your hosts are Vince McMahon, Jim Ross, and Jerry Lawler. They welcome us to the show and give us a quick run down of tonight’s card as well as informing us that there will be no RAW next week due the US Open. We then see the brackets for the IC Title Tournament that starts tonight.

We hear from WWF President Gorilla Monsoon, who announces that Razor Ramon will return to the WWF as part of the Intercontinental Title Tournament and that Goldust will be taking on the returning Ultimate Warrior in a Number 1 contenders match tonight with the winner facing Shawn Michaels for the WWF Title on Raw Championship Friday. Gorilla also confirms that Vader will have to earn his shot at the WWF title as due to his loss last night.

WWF Intercontinental Title Tournament Quarterfinals: Owen Hart (w/Jim Cornette) vs. Savio Vega

The tournament came about when Ahmed Johnson’s kidney injury happened a couple of weeks ago. Speaking of injuries, Owen’s still wearing the cast on his arm. Lawler thinks it’s because he’s still competing and hasn’t taken any time off to let the initial injury heal and praises Owen for been fighter. Owen tries to pearl harbor Savio by nailing him from behind with the cast, but ref Tim White stands in his way. I don’t think it’s any surprise that Savio goes after the arm to start – slamming the cast onto the turnbuckles and such. Savio tries to keep Owen stuck in an armbar, but Owen kicks off an O’Connor roll and sends Vega shoulder-first into the ringpost. Now it’s Owen with an armbar. Owen whiffs on a dropkick, but then both men whiff on Spinning Heel Kicks. Crossbody from Savio gets two, but then Owen nails Vega with an enziguri for two. As Owen argues with the ref, Vega schoolboys him for 1-2-NO! Enough of that, Owen connects with the Spinning Heel Kick. Cover, 1-2-NO! Savio catches Owen with a spinning back kick out of the corner. HERE COMES SAVIO! Owen cuts off his comeback with a reverse neckbreaker. Missile Dropkick connects for 1-2-NO! Savio crotches Owen up top and brings him down with a Back Superplex. Cornette gets up on the apron, distracting Savio. Owen’s playing possum and once Savio comes over, Owen takes off the cast, Savio ducks and nails Owen with a right sending the cast in the air catching it and nails Owen with it The ref completely missed everything, thanks to Cornette. Savio nails Cornette and covers Owen for the 3 count and the win.

Winner and advancing to the Semi Finals - Savio Vega

We see the up to date bracket as Lawler complains about how Savio cheated to get the win.

Clips are shown to remind us of Faarooq kicking Ahmed Johnson’s kidneys causing the injury. JR informs us that Ahemd has had surgery and is now on the road recovery and we hope to have an interview with him in the coming weeks.

Todd Pettingil is backstage with Jim Cornette and Vader. Todd asks Cornette about what happened last night and Cornette says that WWF President Gorilla Monsoon is more corrupt then Jack Tunney was. Cornette also says that Vader is going to destroy everyone on his way to another shot at the WWF Title.

Vader (w/Jim Cornette) vs. Adam Pearce
Cornette joins the commentary table to plead his case about Vader being screwed out of the WWF title last night at SummerSlam. Vader throws some big hard shots to Pearce and after a couple of VADER BOMBS, gets the quick win. 

Winner - Vader.

We get a promo advertising the debut of a new tag team called Stars & Stripes

Isaac Yankem vs Chris Harris
Nothing Special quick squash match, Isaac wins with a sit out chokeslam.

Winner - Isaac Yankem

We find out the this week on Superstars we will hear from Mankind and Paul Bearer. We also learn that Adam Bomb is on his way back to the WWF.

WWF Title Number 1 Contenders Match - Goldust (w/Marlena) vs Ultimate Warrior

Huge ovation for the Warrior. Goldust tries to run from Warrior, but he’s eventually caught and takes a couple atomic drops back out to the floor. This is just all Warrior as he beats Goldust in and out of the ring. We get a little bit of guardrail action. Goldust eats the ringpost for a nearfall. Goldust punches back and sits down on a chinlock, but Warrior escapes with an electric chair drop. That’s when Goldust decides to leave when Sid comes out and carries him back to ringside but is then attacked by Faarooq. After some commercials, Goldust lures Warrior to the floor and slams his head on the steps. Back inside, Goldust heaves Warrior through the ropes to send him crashing onto the director’s chair. Warrior starts selling his arm a tad, which Goldust wrenches for a few moments. Warrior fires back with a belly to belly suplex (!!) for two. Goldust goes to the eyes and low blows him in the corner while the ref’s back is turned. Goldust applies a chinlock, but Warrior rallies back with a powerslam. After he WARRIORS UP, Goldust bails but is stopped in aisle way by a Warrior lookalike. Goldust looks confused as he backs up in to the real Warrior whoo rolls in back inside and hits a huge powerslam followed but a big splash for the 3 count and the win. Everyone is in shock at what we have just seen. 

Winner and new number 1 contender for the WWF Title - Ultimate Warrior.

Vince and JR inform us that this week on WWF Superstars the IC title tournament wlll continue as Sid takes on Faarooq and next week on Superstars with Steve Austin taking on Marc Mero. They then announce that on the special 90 minute edition of Raw Championship Friday it will be Razor Ramon taking on Davey Boy Smith in the final first round match and that the first Semi Final will take place as Savio Vega will take on the winner of Faarooq and Sid. WWF Tag Team Titles will be on the line as Champions Smoking Gunns take on the New Rockers. As well as ll the WWF Champion Shawn Michaels defends against The Ultimate Warrior and we will hear from the returning Rick Steiner.

They then sign off
 

[Control21]

A great way to start off WWF in 1996! The IC tournament promises to be quite fun and Savio Vega has already made things interesting by beating Owen Hart. Will he face Sid or Farooq? Either will be a formidable opponent. 

The Ultimate Warrior has made a statement by beating Goldust and becoming the new #1 contender for the WWF title! Can the Ultimate Warrior redeem himself and become the top guy for WWF once again? 

Overall, this was very faithful to 1996 WWF and I enjoyed re-visiting all the characters again. Can't wait to see what's next!

[MLB]

To repeat a lot of what @Control21 said, this felt like an authentic 1996 WWF TV show with fresh dream matches we didn't get. I like that Ahmed is recovering from injury and it foreshadows the IC title's first defense. Some massive names are in the IC title hunt and that highlights the value. First round upsets are smart booking to keep fans guessing where a tournament will go. Sid vs. Farooq is a match I didn't know I wanted until now. Warrior vs. HBK is another match we never got to see. Those two super egos in one ring for the championship, I am curious to find out what happens.

[SirEdger]

Definitely a bold move to have Warrior vs HBK on TV right off the bat but I can't wait to see how this unfolds; love having the possibility of seeing the tournament brackets right away. Savio pulling the upset from Owen was massive.

[jeff5819]

Thank you for the comments. All I will say is WWF is going to make the most of the 90 minute live Friday special.

[jeff5819]

WWF Superstars

August 25th 1996

Civic Center, Wheeling, WV

Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler are in the booth and they welcome us to the show.

Bob Holly vs Who

Inset promo by Holly saying that he's going to do whatever it takes to make to the top of the winners podium in the WWF. Who overpowers Holly. Holly fights back and sends Who bailing after a pair of dropkicks. Holly now works the arm as Lawler makes fun of Holly for being a dumb hick. Who eats boot on a charge in the corner then Holly hits a flying body press for the cover and gets the win.

Winner - Bob Holly

WWF SummerSlam Report - Todd Pettingil is in the report centre. He recaps all the major happenings from SummerSlam, as we see stills of the action. We hear from Marc Mero and Sable who promise us that the loss to Goldust was just a blip and that it won't stop him from reaching his destiny in the WWF.

Headbangers vs Tommy Cairo/Chris Harris

Headbagers WWF debut. Lawler puts over the Headbangers as been party going brawlers. Mosh pounds on Harris, but a clothesline turn the tide. Dropkick and Harris works the arm. Cairo tags in and  double-team Mosh. A cheapshot turns the tide, and the Bangers gets a double-team clothesline for two. Double suplex, and the Bangers work him over. Sideslam gets two. Thrasher suplexes Mosh onto Harris, but a moonsault misses. Vince puts over the Headbangers unquie offence. Hot tag to Cairo but he quickly falls victim to the Stage Dive for the pin.

Winner - Headbangers

WWF Update - Todd is back. He recaps the IC title tournament match from Raw and previews the rest of the first round including Sid vs Farooq which is coming up later in the program.

Aldo Montoya vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Lockup, and Montoya works a hammerlock. Austin escapes with a back elbow, then pounds away across the neck. Irish whip, and Montoya with a cross body for a one count. Montoya with an arm drag, then to the armbar. Austin takes control and takes Montoya over with a suplex, followed by a snapmare and knee drop for a two count. Montoya mounts a comeback, but Austin plants him with a front drop suplex. Austin hits a Stunner on Montoya for the win.
Winner - Steve Austin

Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Adam Pearce

They lock up and Hunter scores an armbar takedown. They trade waistlocks and Pearce scores a takedown! Helmsley takes firm control with a series of chops and uppercuts. Vertical suplex by Hunter but Pearce stays in it with a sunset flip. Hunter's pride is hurt and he gets nasty, choking Pearce and raking the face. Pearce counters with a backslide for the near upset. The crowd gets behind Pearce as he hits an elbow and Thesz Press for 2. Helmsley cuts him off with the Pedigree for the win.
Winner - Hunter Hearst Helmsley

SummerSlam Report - Todd is back this time looking at the Boiler Room Brawl and WWF Title Match. We hear from both Vader and Michaels bout there respective views on the outcome. With Cornette and Vader promising to destroy everyone in Vaders way till they get the rematch.

Lawler and Vince recap the IC title tournament from Raw,

WWF IC Title Tournament First Round - Farooq (w/Sunny) vs. Psycho Sid
Sid NO-SELLS a powerslam, but then gets drilled with a back suplex. Farooq takes flight with a shoulder tackle, but Sid catches him in mid-air for a powerslam for a 2 count! While Farooq executes some kidney psychology, let’s take a break. When we come back, Sid slips out of the DOMINATOR and Chokeslams Farooq! Knowing her man is in trouble, Sunny gets on the apron to distract the ref. She’s not sexually distracting him, just whining a lot. Farooq grabs a chair and whacks Sid over the back, but Sid kicks out at two! As Sid retaliates with the chair the referee turns around and calls for the DQ. The Smoking Gunns come running out and jump Sid just after the bell rings. All three beat down Sid until The New Rockers make save.

Winner by Disqualification - Farooq.

Vince and Lawler recap what we've just seen and run down next weeks show and announce that as of Sunday September 15th with the 10th anniversary episode WWF Superstars will be live each and every Sunday at 6pm ET. They also preview Raw Championship Friday before signing off.

[Control21]

This was a solid episode of WWF Superstars. The main event between Sid and Farooq had an unexpected twist at the end. Definitely curious to see if this leads to anything else. Farooq vs Savio Vega sounds like a solid match on paper and is an exciting semi-final. 

[Autistic Dragon]

The IC title tournament is shaping up nicely. Savio over Owen was a surprise to me as was the Smoking Gunns helping Farooq beat down Sid.

[jeff5819]

Due to Sunny managing the both at the time I thought I'd expand on that a little and see how it goes.

[MLB]

Good show, I like how you're gradually rolling everything out.

I did not expect to see Sid as a babyface, he seems more Justice than Psycho. We didn't really see Sid as a face much, I dig seeing characters go in alternate directions. 

I laughed so hard at Sunny with the referee, "not sexually distracting him, just whining a lot." 

Speaking of Sunny days, HBK is going to be an underdog babyface champion against monsters like Vader and Mankind, with Ultimate Warrior in line as well. We haven't seen Razor or Bret yet, and I like that you're patient while establishing TV first. There's a lot of setup that goes into the early stages of the project. Good to have some basic squashes with Austin and HHH just to give an idea of how their gimmicks will be depicted.  

[jeff5819]

Don't want to rush anything. Razors return as been announced for the live Raw Championship Friday. Bret however is a longer timeline return. I don't want rush anything and risk running out of ideas plus I want to keep the authentic 1996 feel as not everyone was on every week. 

[jeff5819]

WWF Superstars

September 1st 1996

Civic Center, Wheeling, WV

Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler are doing commentary and they welcome us the show and run down today's show 

Justin Hawk Bradshaw vs Aldo Montoya
Basic jobber to the stars for Aldo as Bradshaw is in complete control for the entire match with Aldo just getting the odd shot in until Bradshaw goes for his big Texas Lariat that is ducked by Aldo who quickly rolls him up for a shock 3 count. The crowd goes crazy as Bradshaw looks in shock before taking his frustrations out in Aldo with some vicious slams and sets up again for the Texas Lariat but this time is stopped when Savio Vega comes running to the ring and chases him off.
Winner - Aldo Montoya

WWF Update - Todd Pettingil is in the studio and recaps the IC title tournament so far and previews both tonight's first round match of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin taking on 'Wildman' Marc Mero. As well as the last first round match scheduled for Raw Championship Friday pitting Davey Boy Smith against the returning Razor Ramon.  We hear from Austin, Mero and Davey Boy with Jim Cornette. Cornette and Davey Boy go off about it been unfair that Razor runs off with his tail between his legs following his loss to Vader in April at In Your House not to be seen or heard from to suddenly been entered in the IC title tournament.

Up next Mankind will be in action next but first we get a recap of the Boiler Room Brawl from SummerSlam. We then go to ring as Mankind and Paul Bearer make there way to the ring.

Mankind (w/Paul Bearer) vs Adam Pearce

Mankind takes a cheap shot at Pearce to start and generally beats him down into the corner. Running knee connects and Mankind celebrates by pulling out his own hair. Pearce mounts a comeback and hits the Best Dropkick in the Business. Unfortunately for him, resistance is futile. Pearce flies out to the floor and takes a hotshot on the apron. Back in, Mankind sets up Pearce in the tree of woe and delivers a running elbow on Adam’s face. Mankind applys the MANDIBLE CLAW for the win.

Winner - Mankind

Post Match Jim Ross joins Mankind and Paul Bearer in the ring for an interview and Ross asks Bearer Why did you turn on the Undertaker? Bearer says he was tired of carrying the Undertaker all around the world for the past six years. Well, that would get kind of tiresome, I suppose. Bearer wants you to think that it’s Mankind has the power now. After all, he does have the urn. Bearer says that when the time is right his Mankind will destroy whoever the WWF Champion is and become WWF Champion. The lights flicker and Mankind looks round as Ross speculates that the Undertaker is behind it but Bearer says its nothing to worry about as Mankind has all the power and concludes the interview.

Video promo for Stars & Stripes who debut Raw Championship Friday.

Owen Hart/Davey Boy Smith (w/Jim Cornette) vs Alex Wright/Chris Harris

Owen’s flurry of offense to start. Tag to Wright, Bulldog grabs hold of him while Owen comes in with the chopblock. They work over his knee for a while and then change over to the back as Owen grabs a Boston Crab. Quick tags in and out as they take turns working over the knee and back. Blind tag by Davey Boy as Owen hits an enziguri on Wright who falls into a RUNNING POWERSLAM from Davey Boy for the win.

Winners - Davey Boy Smith/Owen Hart

Raw Report - Todd is back with the Raw report and he previews this coming Fridays special 90 minute Raw Championship Friday. We will see the final first round match in the IC Title tournament as Razor Ramon returns to take on Davey Boy Smith, the 1st Semi Final match as Savio Vega takes on Farooq. Also the WWF Tag champions the Smoking Gunns defend against the new Rockers. We will also see the debut of Stars and Stripes and in the Main Event WWF Champion Shawn Michaels will defend against the Ultimate Warrior.

Vince and Lawler recap the IC Title Tournament so far as we see the brackets, they also talk about the history between these two men and there meeting in the Semi Finals of the King of the Ring Tournament.

WWF IC Title Tournament First Round - Steve Austin vs. Marc Mero (w/Sable)
Jim Ross joins us for commentary. He’s got some news about Bret Hart’s return. Ross says that all the answers concerning Bret Hart will be on Raw Championship Friday. He also says there has been a reconciliation between Bret and Owen. All this talking from Ross take over the feeling-out process. Austin shuts down a comeback by Mero with a stun gun. He misses an elbow drop off the second rope to fire up Mero. Ten count corner punches and a flying double ax handle gets two. Knee Lift scores another two count. Mero slaps Austin down in the corner and goes for the Wild Thing but Austin moves and Mero lands hard. Austin drags Mero to his feet and hits the Stunner for the win. Austin advances to face the winner of Razor Ramon and Davey Boy Smith which takes place this coming Friday on Raw Championship Friday.

 Winner - Steve Austin

We see the updated graphic as Vince and Lawler and a reminder from Vince about the live debut of WWF Superstars coming your way September 15th on the USA Network. Before Vince and Lawler preview Raw and next weeks Superstars as we will see a huge 6 man Tag as Sid and the New Rockers take on Farooq and the Smoking Gunns. Also we will see Savio Vega in action as well as the debut of the 'Belfast Bruiser' Dave Finlay.
 

[Autistic Dragon]

Aldo gets the big upset but Bradshaw makes him pay for it.

I've actually seen the promo from Bearer where he swears Mankind had taken the Undertaker's power. Good stuff, glad you kept it.

Camp Cornette is looking sharp.

Austin advances as I think we all excepted.

[Control21]

Aldo gets a huge win! Didn't see that one coming.

The Mankind promo was very true to the era. Great job recapping that moment. Steve Austin vs Mero was a good match and Austin advances to face either Razor Ramon or Davey Boy Smith. Both will be formidable opponents. The bracket is shaping up to be very interesting. 

[MLB]

I like your willingness to pull the trigger on some early upset wins with Vega and Montoya, emphasizing this is going to be a different WWF.

Bret and Owen's reconciliation could be really compelling material.

Razor vs. Davey is a match I cannot recall witnessing (only a RAW match on quick search) and it was wise to save it for the end of the 1st round.    

The RAW Championship special looks like WWF's first major show of the 96 project with Shawn vs. Warrior headlining. I wouldn't have minded a Shawn promo hyping the match a bit but the names speak for themselves and we've never seen it.

 

[Perfectly Straightedge]

I have been enjoying this version of The WWF I had some questions about the talent but all in all you have done a great in capturing that authenticity that the WWF brings. 

Boy I would love to be a fly on the wall with Vince going over the match between Warrior/HBK.