WWF RAW 1/11/1993

Written By: Bob Colling

World Wrestling Federation presents RAW
Date: 1/11/1993
From: Manhattan Center, New York City

Sean Mooney welcomes us to the first RAW edition. Until Bobby Heenan comes into the picture. Mooney tells Heenan that he has been replaced by a comedian. Heenan doesn’t like that and a argument ensues.

Vince McMahon welcomes everyone to the show and he is alongside Randy Savage, and the comedian who replaced Heenan, Rob Bartlett.

Opening Contest: Yokozuna defeated Koko B. Ware: Koko didn’t stand a chance against the much bigger Yokozuna. After just under four minutes of action, Yoko picks up the fairly easy win with the Bonzai Drop.

A Royal Rumble promo is shown.

Commercials

We comeback to Bobby Heenan, via a video tape. The video is directed towards Mr. Perfect. Heenan is putting over “the Narcissist”. Apparently the wrestler in question is the only person who can perfect in this world. This man will be debuting at the Royal Rumble.

Second Contest: The Steiner Brothers defeated the Executioners: During the contest, you can see a clown in the crowd known as Doink the Clown. He appears to be pulling pranks and is really annoying in the crowd throughout the match. The Steiner’s pull off some impressive moves that look very crisp and make this a enjoyable squash match. Rick finishes the match following a top rope bulldog.

We go to Sean Mooney, as we see Bobby Heenan dressed in drag trying to sneak into the building.

Commercials

We comeback and Razor Ramon is in the ring with Vince McMahon. Razor Ramon will be facing Bret Hart at the Royal Rumble for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Ramon starts off by saying he was born ready, and likes the sound of a “golden opportunity”. Ramon says he will win the World Title after 8 ½ months in the WWF compared to the 8 ½ years it took Bret to win the strap. Footage of Razor attacking Owen Hart on WWF Mania is shown. Ramon finishes the promo off by saying that Bret can’t do anything about Ramon walking away with the title at the Rumble.

A promo by Tatanka is shown where he talks about “Headlock on Hunger” program.

WWF Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels defeated Max Moon:
A pretty good back and forth contest that got the crowd into the match near the end. Michaels did use the sidekick but only to set up his weak finisher, the side suplex. Michaels retains the strap in just under eight minutes.

Commercials

Time for the Royal Rumble Report with Gene. Gene goes over several of the matches which include the following. Shawn Michaels defending the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Marty Jannetty. Both men cut a brief promo that each will win the belt at the Rumble and Sherri Martel’s heart. Also on the card is the 30 man battle royal with the winner earning a WWF World Heavyweight title shot at Wrestle Mania IX. Mr. Perfect, Yokozuna and Jim Duggan all cut promos putting themselves over as the winner of the match. Lastly for the PPV, WWF World Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart defends against Razor Ramon.

Sean Mooney is outside with people getting tickets for next week’s show. Bobby Heenan comes over in a disguise. He begs yet again to be allowed entrance.

Commercials

The recent baby face turn of Kamala as he chases off Kimchee and Harvey Wippleman thanks to his new manager Rev. Slick is shown.

Main Event: The Undertaker defeated Damian Demento: Several sloppy moves make this main event hard to watch. Taker obviously controls most of the match before finishing Damian off with the tombstone pile driver.

Commercials

Vince McMahon is standing with Doink the Clown. Doink likes to make children cry, rather than laugh. Crush makes his way out and confronts Doink. As Crush threatens Doink, Doink sprays Crush with a squirt gun. Doink laughs his way to the back.

Sean Mooney finally tells Heenan that he can get into the building. However, the show is over.

End of show.

My Take: Max Moon/Shawn Michaels match was the best match on the show, but that isn’t saying much. The Steiner’s execution of moves in their match was a bright spot. One big negative was Rob Bartlett. He tries really hard to be funny, but he isn’t at all. He is just a overall distraction.