Take The Book #1: Rebooking King of the Ring 1995!

It’s regarded as being the worst King of the Ring to have ever happened. The 1995 edition of the King of the Ring took place in Philadelphia, PA and the hardcore fans did not hide their feelings for the event. I thought this would be a good show to start a column where I will rebook events to make them appear more appealing, at least to me. The following is how I would’ve booked the tournament. By the way, I’m keeping the non-title matches the same. So, here we go!

Lets start off with picking the talent to be involved in the tournament. I don’t believe there are many differences but oh well. Shawn Michaels, the Undertaker, WWF Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett, WWF World Tag Team Champion Owen Hart, WWF World Tag Team Champion Yokozuna, Razor Ramon, Lex Luger, Kama, Mabel, British Bulldog, Bob Holly, Hakushi, IRS, King Kong Bundy, 1-2-3 Kid and Adam Bomb.

I could’ve added Hunter Hearst Helmsley to the tournament, but since he had just made his debut with the company I didn’t feel like he should be subject to a loss so early into his career. The same can be said for Jean Pierre Lafitte who had only been around for a month or so. So, I settled on the sixteen guys above.

Now, the following eight matches would occur on RAW or Superstars and not the actual pay per view. I just figured to make that clear.

Match #1: King Kong Bundy vs. The Undertaker
The main reasoning behind this is the feud that Taker has had with the Corporation. Sure these two had a match at WrestleMania, but that could create more viewer ship on television. Plus, the Undertaker can start to go through the Million Dollar Corporation as he looks to get revenge on Kama for stealing and then melting his urn into a gold chain. Taker takes care of business to make the pay per view.

Match #2: Adam Bomb vs. Kama
I was never a fan of the Bomb character and felt that as a baby face he really lacked. Kama needs to be built up as a force to make his match with the Undertaker down the road mean something. So, Kama easily manhandles Bomb here.

Match #3: Mabel vs. Lex Luger
Luger winning here may be the obvious choice, but by this time Luger had really became stale. He was nothing more than a mid-carder. The WWF wanted him to become their Hogan but he became more like a Jim Duggan waving the flag around and losing the important matches. I’d use whatever Luger had left with the crowd here to put Mabel over.

Match #4: Shawn Michaels vs. Yokozuna
I’m looking to make Michaels the underdog throughout this tournament. What better way then to have him square off against the enormous Yokozuna? I think it would make for an interesting match and since Michaels had just turn face it gives him a heel to feed him as he enters a new stage of his career.

Match #5: 1-2-3 Kid vs. Hakushi
I was a big Hakushi fan and felt that even though he was undersized he was still capable of being a threat in the WWF. These two would obviously have a great highflying match to kick the tournament off into a higher gear. Hakushi needs to be made a threat through this tournament.

Match #6: WWF Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett vs. Razor Ramon
Yeah, I know these two wrestled quite a bit in 1995, especially on pay per view. That’s why I’d have them wrestle on free television to give the pay per view a fresh match involving one of these two. I wouldn’t put the belt on the line, because Jarrett’s reign in my mind is just starting. So, Ramon is able to get his revenge over Jarrett but Jarrett keeps the belt. I think it’s time to elevate Ramon up the card.

Match #7: Bob Holly vs. Owen Hart
This is an easy one. You can’t have the defending King of the Ring lose in the first round.

Match #8: IRS vs. British Bulldog
IRS has become an uninteresting character who is really stale at this point. Bulldog has a lot to offer since returning in the summer of 1994. Bulldog should have a decent run in this tournament.

2nd Round: On Pay Per View:

1st Match: Kama vs. The Undertaker
I wouldn’t have the Undertaker win here. I’m figuring to keep their casket match at the SummerSlam pay per view intact. In order to do such a thing Kama should pickup a win over the Undertaker to make him look strong. Now, the win doesn’t have to be clean. The Corporation can get involved and attack Taker to cause a count-out or beat him down good enough to allow Kama to steal a win. Or, you could do a distraction and allow Kama to hit Taker with his gold chain. It doesn’t matter how, but Kama wins.

2nd Match: Mabel vs. Shawn Michaels
I can’t allow Mabel to advance further in the competition. Michaels takes care of another monstrous man.

3rd Match: Razor Ramon vs. Hakushi
In an attempt to make a new credible heel, I’m going to have Hakushi win this contest. I feel like even though Ramon loses he doesn’t get hurt by the loss.

4th Match: Owen Hart vs. British Bulldog
This is a match that deserves to be on pay per view. These two would tear the house down and knowing the Philadelphia crowd it would make it even that much better. Owen finally loses at the King of the Ring as Bulldog puts him away right in the middle of the ring with a running power slam.

Semi-Finals

1st Match: Kama vs. Shawn Michaels
Since I’m keeping Kama with the Undertaker at SummerSlam, it would only make sense to have Michaels advance at this point. Notice that Michaels overcomes another big man.

2nd Match: British Bulldog vs. Hakushi
Although I would want Hakushi to go as far as possible the idea of a Diesel/Hakushi title match at SummerSlam doesn’t sound like it would draw. Hakushi would be better fit to wrestle a smaller champion. Bulldog is perfect to wrestle anyone and is able to stop Hakushi here to reach the finals.

KOTR ‘95 Finals: Shawn Michaels vs. British Bulldog
Yes, it is a baby face vs. baby face match but not for long. This is where I would turn Bulldog into a heel. I wouldn’t wait until the week before SummerSlam. I’d do it right here. Bulldog wants to win at all costs and considering he has never beaten Michaels up to this point, he becomes ruthless and doesn’t care. Bulldog is the best option to give Diesel a scare just because of his strength alone. Where does this leave Michaels? He is free to feud with Psycho Sid into the summer, as he should’ve in real life.

So, there you have it. That’s how I would’ve done the King of the Ring in 1995 had I been the booker. If you wish to share your ideas, please feel free to do so. Also, if you wish to give suggestions of shows to do whether it be past or future shows just leave a comment or you can e-mail me.

Thanks for reading.