My Take On The Monday Night Wars 1.03.08: Raw vs. Nitro (5.05.97)

Posted by Larry Csonka on 01.03.2008

The n.W.o runs wild on WCW in another shortened episode, while over on Raw the newly reformed Hart Foundation tries to assert their dominance!



Introduction:
Welcome back to the latest edition of My Take On! With the addition of WWE 24/7 to my cable system, I have decided to have some fun and do some columns on "The Monday Night Wars." I plan to work this similar to the "My Take on MMA" columns, where it isn't a recap as much as it is an analysis piece. I will provide the ratings of the two shows, my breakdowns of each segment that aired and then give an overall final grade so to speak of the show. At the end I will give the winner a point for the ratings win and a point for the show I thought was the best. The goal is to run through as many of these as I can as they air. I think it will be a fun adventure to embark on. Sit back and relax, as I relive The Monday Night Wars!

WWE RAW IS WAR (5.05.97)~!:
RATING: 3.2

Match/Segment: Recap of Last Week
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 9.0
Final Thoughts: While I would normally skip this part, this was a long and involved recap of last week's show. It shows you all of the important actions with the Hart Foundation, Steve Austin, Owen winning the IC Title, Neidhart returning and Austin being tossed off of the stage. That's the way you start the show. Everyone knows what happened, what is important, what to care about and what the show will be about.

Match/Segment: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Hart Foundation 1997
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0
Final Thoughts: After the great opening video, all of the Hart Foundation make their way to the ring (Bret, Owen, Davey, Jim and Pillman.) Bret thanks his fans in South Africa, Germany, England, the Middle East and especially in Canada. The genius of the hart heel run was that while America hated him, they really did love him everywhere else, which worked into his "I am a hero" persona. Bret goes through a long thank you session to all of the members of the group, including paining Neidhart as the hero for saving him and injuring Steve Austin. Bret assumes that the US fans are jealous because they have most of the gold. Pillman then enlightens us with his version of the golden rule, while Hart says that this is the greatest human mass ever assembled. And since they destroyed Austin, they will destroy HBK next. This was a well-done promo and a great follow up to last week's show.

Match/Segment: Ahmed Johnson vs. Rockabilly w/The Honky Tonk Man
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 3.0
Final Thoughts: Ahmed has changed to the black pants, because he is embracing his gang roots. Ahmed is looking to run the nation Gauntlet at In Your House, if he wins, the Nation will be disbanded. Farooq does a screen in screen interview, stating he is not impressed with Ahmed. He recruited THREE HUGE GHETTO MEN for Crush to roll through later tonight. A painfully boring match that Rockabilly wins via DQ when Ahmed uses the guitar. Jesus that was a nasty shot Billy took.

Match/Segment: The Search for HBK/Shamrock Video Package
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Final Thoughts: The Hart Foundation stalks HBK, and finds the locker room filled with SPARKY PLUG AND JERRY LYNN~! The search continues. We then get another very well put together Ken Shamrock video package, which does make him appear to be completely awesome. We see Ken's adopted Father and Ken training others. He faces Vader at the upcoming PPV. A good continuation of the Hart Foundation stuff as well as building Shamrock vs. Vader. It is odd hearing WWF hyping a UFC PPV, that would not happen today at all.

Match/Segment: Vader vs. Goldust w/Marlena
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.5
Final Thoughts: Ken Shamrock joins us for commentary. I used to be such a Goldust mark, and now, for the most part, cannot stand the man as Black Reign. Funny how those things work out. Mostly it is a good match, including Vader talking shit to Shamrock on the floor. Shamrock and Lawler bickering was actually enjoyable as it was all to put over the match at the PPV. Vader wins a surprisingly competitive match that I have no problems with. Vader challenges Shamrock to get into the ring after the match, and they brawl! Mankind enters the fray and Goldust is back to help Shamrock as Vader bails. Fine match, solid build for the PPV, good segment.

Match/Segment: Meet Dustin and Terri Runnels
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 9.25
Final Thoughts: They play the history of Dustin, showing that he is Dusty's son and that he was in WWF previously. Dustin loved being Dusty's son, but wanted his dad's respect and to get put of his shadow. We then see the reinvention of himself, Goldust. He explains that he was scared, and knew he would shock people. He put everything into Goldust and did it all to gain respect. I remember when this first aired, and remembered how new, cool and fresh it was. It was an odd mix of kayfabe and shoot, even calling Razor "Scott Hall" and basically asking for Dusty's approval. I still think this was cool shit, even 10-years later. We get even more next week.

Match/Segment: More Search for HBK/Crush vs. THREE BIG, BAD GHETTO MEN!
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.0
Final Thoughts: The Harts stalk the bathroom and end up beating down a dud with long hair. Farooq sets the stage, and we will see Crush run through THREE BIG, BAD GHETTO MEN! The first guy is a small white man that Crush kills. The second guy is, a clapping Indy geek. He springs in and Crush gets a sloppy belly to belly, and he kills him. The crowd hates this to a large degree. Crush uses the heart punch though and makes me happy. The third guy is a guy in a Packers Jacket and mask, Pearl River Plunge and Crush loses. I am SHOCKED to learn that is was, indeed, Ahmed Johnson. The crowd popped for that, so it wasn't a total loss and did, of course, build for the PPV. The Foundation is now searching production trucks, barrels and under trucks for HBK. Glorious.

Match/Segment: HBK Talks/Neidhart vs. HBK
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Final Thoughts: We see Austin and HBK brawling from two weeks ago to set up the line that they need each other to survive the Harts. Vince makes a mention of HBK finding his smile, which warms my heart. Hw throws down the gauntlet and says he is right here, in the herd that is the KLIQ, the most powerful faction in wrestling. INSIDER INFO~! HBK defending America seems odd, and the promo really falls flat on me, but the live crowd loves it. HBK celebrates as Pillman and Hart appear on the screen. Bret lays out a challenge for HBK to face Neidhart, which turns this segment around for me. Owen and Bulldog hit the ring and they lay the beat down on HBK, until the LOD make the save. They are sporting some odd singlets, which I seem to have purged from the memory banks. They stand tall and everyone is happy!

Match/Segment: Furnas and Lafon vs. the LOD/Austin Arrives
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 4.0
Final Thoughts: You know, it isn't a "bad match," but it isn't all that exciting. I love both teams, they work well enough together and all, but even I had issues getting into the match. It was more exciting seeing the screen in screen deal where HBK was charging into the Hart's locker room, which considering the guys that bailed him out were in the ring, not a smart move. Bulldog would make his way to the ring, distract Animal and Owen would appear and get a stun gun off the ropes on Hawk, leading to Lafon and Funas winning. The whole stun gun deal was horribly executed, Hawk's fault actually. I take back my earlier comments; the match did get bad. Austin arrives as HBK brawls with Pillman and Neidhart and more craziness ensues.

Match/Segment: Taker wants his Title
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.0
Final Thoughts: Through out the show there had been mention that someone had stolen the Undertaker's title from his locker room. Taker blows Vince off and says the belt belongs to him and his creatures of the night. Taker explains that someone is playing a deadly game that they cannot win, this is a bad time to cross him and that it will be a cold day in hell when Austin wins the title from him. Good promo, good build for the PPV build, no real complaints.

Match/Segment: Non-Title Match: The British Bulldog vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 9.0
Final Thoughts: Bulldog is strangely by himself as he comes to the ring. This was a good main event that got time, something we hadn't gotten on these shows thus far. Some stuff that needs mentioned is Jim Ross' great job on commentary, putting over just about everything and Austin trying to use the sharpshooter again to make his point. It's always fun to go back and watch Austin before his knees and neck were complete trash. Don't get me wrong, he adapted extremely well and made the brawl style work, but some just don't know that he was a damn fine wrestler. It also needs mentioning how poor the execution of the stunner was back in the day. Owen and Neidhart rush the ring and beat down Austin as Pillman and Hart watch on. Owen actually has the WWF Title belt and is beating Austin with it, until the LOD come out to even things up, Furnas and Lafon rush the ring to NO reaction, and end up fighting with everyone. HBK gets a good pop, but nothing like Taker gets as the lights go down and then he appears. Austin and Taker are left, and Austin makes the mistake of picking up the belt. They brawl the crowd loves it and this was more great hype for the PPV match.

The Overall:
Best Match/Segment: Meet Dustin and Terri Runnels 9.25
Worst Match/Segment:: Ahmed Johnson vs. Rockabilly w/The Honky Tonk Man 3.0
Final Thoughts: Once again Raw is rolling and they are feeding off of the previous week's show very well, as well as building to the PPV. Austin vs. Taker is hot, HBK vs. THF is hot, Austin vs. THF is hot and they are pulling in LOD and Furnas and Lafon into the mix. Overall this was a stronger show than the previous week, which was a good show itself.
Show Score: 7.8

WCW MONDAY NITRO (5.05.97)~!:
Due to the NBA Playoffs, Nitro was one hour on this night.
RATING: 2.8

Match/Segment: Piper's Explanation
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.0
Final Thoughts: Roddy Piper, Kevin Green and Ric Flair start the show at the announce table as "Tradition Bites" banners drop by the table, enraging Piper. As the three head to the ring the propaganda falls once again, stating that "Tradition Bites." Piper explains that he isn't in this for the money, and that he felt Flair could handle the n.W.o 3 on 1. This brings out JJ Dillon, who explains that Eric Bishoff made sweet deals for the n.W.o, and if Piper doesn't show up he lets down WCW and breaches his contract. Piper promises to show up and hugs Flair, which leads to Flair saying that he will deal with Syxx. He has no regrets about his career, and promises that there will no longer be potholes in the road of tradition. This was a good opening to the show, following off of last week, building the PPV and featuring solid mic work.

Match/Segment: The Public Enemy vs. Konnan and Hugh Morris w/Jimmy Hart
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 3.0
Final Thoughts: This match is stemming from two weeks ago on Nitro. We get a lot of brawling on the floor, including an attempt to put Jimmy Hart through the table. At this point it was the typical PE stuff, Johnny took a big table bump through two tables. Rocco Roc seemed to still be working hard at this point. Roc takes a superplex through a table that had Konnan on it, and Konnan and Morris won the match and a title shot against the Steiner Brothers. It was short, thankfully, but bad.

Match/Segment: Rey Mysterio vs. Syxx
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 5.0
Final Thoughts: Jesus, I am always amazed at how small Rey used to be. This was to be a return title match, but the n.W.o (Hall, Nash and Syxx) all come to the ring, not dressed to wrestle. We have a match anyway with Syxx in his street clothes. Rey runs wild, eats the Outsider's Edge and Syxx wins with the buzz killer. After the match, JJ Dillon and Nick Patrick come to the ring, and then the whole n.W.o follows. They beat down Rey and Patrick, while Bishoff gets the mic and says Dillon cannot do a damn thing about this while Syxx explains that Dillon can't pull the crap he pulled with McMahon here with the n.W.o around. A continuation of the n.W.o power play, heading toward the six man at the PPV.

Match/Segment: Hollywood Hogan Returns
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 5.0
Final Thoughts: Bishoff is on the mic as Hogan poses, and Zbyzko is awesome explaining that Hogan is ruining the WCW Title. Hogan says he has been making money while the Wolfpack is dealing with the dirty work. The WCW crowd is so hot for Sting to come out and stop this. Hogan then demands that Sting comes out to the ring and answer his challenge. When Sting doesn't appear, he declares himself a God. I always hated when they slammed multiple n.W.o segments back to back like this, it always slowed the show for me and ruined the flow.

Match/Segment: Mean Gene Interviews DDP and Kimberly
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 4.0
Final Thoughts: This was off to a great start as Kim about busts her ass. Page explains that Spring Stampede was a defining moment for his career when he defeated Savage. Kim Page was a vacuum of charisma, and she really needed not to talk. Savage, once again, appears in the crowd with Liz and explains that Kim wants him. Savage won't come to the ring due to "being injured." It advances the angle, but wasn't really needed.

Match/Segment: Jeff Jarrett vs. Alex Wright
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 4.0
Final Thoughts: ALEX WRIGHT FTW~! A fine squash match here, nothing to complain about I always thought Wright could have been more in WCW, but he wasn't.

Match/Segment: Glacier vs. Lizmark Jr.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 5.0
Final Thoughts: A 30-second match, fin finish as Lizmark does a moonsault, lands on his feet and eats the KRYONIC KICK. This leads to James Vandenburgh and Mortis coming to the ring, and then the second appearance of Wrath. It was last week when they stole the Helmet from Glacier, which was given to him by his "master." This was a good beat down, unfortunately Bishoff and creative left the angle for dead because it wasn't n.W.o. I liked it, solid story and all, but no one cared because they weren't given a reason to care.

Match/Segment: Harlem Heat w/SISTA SHERRI vs. Lex Luger and The Giant/n.W.o Beat Down
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.5
Final Thoughts: Luger was supposedly injured in Japan, and the Giant comes to the ring on his own for the match. He then explains that he does have a partner in DDP. The problem with this plan is that the n.W.o sets up Page and beats him down, Savage and Hogan specifically. Hall and Syxx join the party and then they all hit the ring and beat down Harlem Heat and the Giant. Flair and Green hit the ring, as does Piper, but they get beat down as well. Nash uses a sleeper on Piper as Syxx uses the figure four on Flair. Hogan and Savage take over the commentary booth and run down WCW.

The Overall:
Best Match/Segment: Harlem Heat w/SISTA SHERRI vs. Lex Luger and The Giant/n.W.o Beat Down6.5
Worst Match/Segment:: The Public Enemy vs. Konnan and Hugh Morris w/Jimmy Hart 3.0
Final Thoughts: While nothing special, I did like it a bit more than the last edition. The return of Hogan, playing off of the Luger injury and angles seemed solid to me. Not a huge improvement or even good wrestling on the show, but it all seemed to try and make you buy the upcoming PPV.
Show Score: 5.5

THE WINNER:
According to the Ratings: RAW Due to the NBA Playoffs, Nitro was one hour on this night.
According to Larry: RAW
Overall Series Score: RAW~4 – NITRO~0