Written By: Bob Colling
World Wrestling Federation presents RAW
Date: 12/20/1993
From: Poughkeepsie, NY
A video package consisting of footage from two months ago when Ludvig Borga injured Tatanka is shown. Borga would go on to pin Tatanka with one finger and end the undefeated streak that Tatanka had going. Yokozuna also got involved on the attack connecting with a Bonzai Drop. Tatanka cuts a promo saying that he will put Ludvig Borga through the same pain he went through. Tatanka will destroy Ludvig Borga, and get his revenge, tonight.
RAW Opening Video
Vince McMahon goes over what will be on tonight’s edition. McMahon introduces his guest commentator, Shawn Michaels. Michaels says he doesn’t live in other people’s shadows, unlike Owen Hart. Michaels also puts over Jeff Jarrett as being the best country music singer, ever.
Opening Contest: Jeff Jarrett defeated PJ Walker: This is Jeff Jarrett’s official debut for the WWF. Jarrett cuts a brief promo saying that he is the best at anything and everything. Jarrett does a lot of strutting but manages to get some offense in. Boots and right hands by Jarrett. Jarrett with a dropkick and clothesline. Jarrett plants Walker with a jumping DDT for the win.
Another WWF Opinion Poll question. This weeks question is “Should WWF President Jack Tunney allow Lex Luger to participate in the Royal Rumble Match?”
Second Contest: Men on a Mission defeated Duane Gill/Barry Hardy: Men on a Mission dominate the whole match. Mabel with a big splash off the middle turnbuckle onto Hardy for the win.
Todd Pettengill with the WWF Royal Rumble Report.
WWF World Champion Yokozuna will defend against the Undertaker in a Casket Match.
WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon defends against I.R.S
Todd goes over the format for the Rumble match itself. Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Mabel, Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Crush, Kamala, Doink and Scott Steiner have been announced as being involved in the Royal Rumble thus far.
A promo by Ludvig Borga is shown. Borga says that this time Tatanka will stay in the hospital.
Third Contest: Tatanka defeated Ludvig Borga by disqualification: Tatanka with control early on with several overhand chops and right hands. They brawl on the floor with Tatanka sending Borga head first into the ring post. Tatanka with a top rope cross body for a near fall. Borga with a big body block stopping Tatanka’s offense. Borga with a running big splash in the corner but that doesn’t affect Tatanka. Borga comes back with a power slam for a near fall. Yokozuna makes his way down to the ring to distract Tatanka. Mr. Fuji whacks Tatanka with the Japanese flag across the back. Yokozuna enters the ring to cause the disqualification. *3/4
After the match, Tatanka delivers a few chops to Yokozuna but Borga gets up and works on Tatanka. Lex Luger runs down and delivers a forearm shot and slams Yokozuna, again.
Fourth Contest: Adam Bomb defeated Mark Thomas: For some reason, Capt. Lou Albano is in the ring before the match. Mark Thomas is a muscled up freak. Albano argues with Harvey Whippleman. Adam Smasher by Adam Bomb for the quick win.
A promo video for a new wrestler named Thurman Plugg. Plugg is a racecar driver who is coming to the WWF very soon. Plugg says that no one will be able to stop him when he “puts pedal to the metal.”
Footage from two weeks ago on Superstars where Owen Hart challenged his brother Bret Hart to a match. This past weekend, Bret Hart said that he would never, ever face his own brother.
Fifth Contest: Owen Hart defeated Mike Bell: Owen is still playing the baby face role, though the announcers are treating him as if he is a heel as are the fans. Owen with a few different slams and a dropkick. Owen locks in the sharpshooter to pick up the win.
We see Paul Bearer welcoming everyone to Undertaker’s workshop. Undertaker is currently making a double wide casket for Yokozuna.
Main Event: The Headshrinkers defeated Phil Apollo/Jerry Seavy: Fatu with a few scoop slams and along with Samu connects with a double chop on Seavy. Samu with a standing sidekick on Seavy. Double face plant as well on Seavy. Fatu with a big splash of the top for the win. Apollo never got involved in the match.
Next week on RAW. Alundra Blaze will be facing some other woman in the finals for the WWF Women’s Championship, only highlights of the match. Razor Ramon and Lex Luger will be in action. Also, Marty Jannetty battles Johnny Polo.
My Take: Jeff Jarrett has finally debuted for the WWF. I just hope he actually gets involved with high level talent. Shawn Michaels was alright on commentary. I think the WWF needs a consistent commentary team. WWF refuses to have Ludvig Borga lose to anyone it seems. I’d have to guess that Borga will have a long undefeated streak going just like Tatanka had previously. Royal Rumble card looks alright with Taker/Yokozuna being the most interesting contest thus far.