WWF RAW 4/28/1997

Written by Bob Colling

World Wrestling Federation presents RAW
Date: 4/28/1997
From: Omaha, NE

Matches:
1.)Flash Funk defeated Rockabilly
2.)Legion of Doom defeated Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon
3.)Owen Hart defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Rocky Maivia to win the title
4.)Vader defeated Jesse James
5.)Goldust defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley by count-out
6.)WWF World Champion the Undertaker defeated WWF European Champion British Bulldog by disqualification in a non-title match

Angle Developments/Notes:
1.Brian Pillman comes out to the ring to cut a promo to open the show. He knows that people think he is crazy by he has a sensitive side. After replaying what happened last week he had sleepless nights. He wasn’t sure if he had done the right thing. Pillman wants everyone to pray with him. The prayer sees Pillman wanting Bret Hart to have a speedy recovery. He also wants the fans to be forgiven for cheering on Steve Austin. Pillman prays for the destruction of Austin to happen tonight. Austin appears on the big screen to tell Pillman that Bret isn’t going to save him. Austin comes out but Bulldog and Owen appear as well. Austin bails from the ring to avoid being attacked. Pillman, Bulldog and Owen have a prayer session in the ring. Austin comes running back out with an ax handle to chase them out of the ring.

2.Flash Funk hits Billy with a few high risk moves such as a springboard cross body and a clothesline off the middle rope onto the floor. Billy hit the Fame-Asser and a tornado DDT. Billy collides with Honky on the apron and Funk gets the win following a hurricanrana. After the match, Billy smashes Funk over the head with his guitar.

3.Backstage, Bret Hart is being wheeled towards the ring by Owen and Bulldog.

4.Vince McMahon is in the ring to tell us that Bret Hart underwent successful knee surgery. Bret comes out to have an interview. Bret remains at the top of the rampway and says that Austin only wounded him. Bret assures the fans that praying for Austin will not work. Bret believes the American fans are sick for wanting blood and broken bones. Bret assures us that he will be back and that Austin’s days are numbered.

5.LOD were able to get back on the winning side after hitting Furnas with a top rope clothesline. After the match, Furnas and LaFon are interviewed by Jim Ross. They complain about the fans and they want a rematch against LOD soon.

6.Footage from Shotgun Saturday night is shown where the Headbangers hung out with Sunny who didn’t exactly want them there.

7.Backstage, Ahmed Johnson flips out saying that he will go crazy on the Nation. He is a gang member. That’s what he says.

8.Rocky Maivia defends the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Owen Hart. Owen dedicates this match to his brother Bret. Rocky controls early on with a clothesline and an arm drag. Owen gains control by sending Rocky into the guard railing. Owen nearly wins after hitting a missile dropkick. Owen begins to weaken Rocky’s legs to set up the Sharpshooter. Rocky broke free and planted Owen with a float over DDT. Rocky gets a two count following a Rock bottom. Owen stops Rocky with a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Rocky battled back with a back suplex off the top. Owen counters a suplex attempt with a roll-up to win the title!

9.Steve Austin starts off the second hour by coming through the crowd with a wheelchair and an ax handle. Austin wants a wheelchair match with Bret Hart. Austin says on May 11th Undertaker will have the coldest day in hell. He promises to win the title on May 11th. Bret Hart appears on the big scree to say Austin will be put in an ambulance tonight.

10.A video promoting Ken Shamrock is aired. He doesn’t fear anyone.

11.Vader is back from Kuwait and competes against Jesse James. Vader destroyed James and got the win following a Vader Splash. After the match, Jim Ross enters the ring to interview Vader. Ross wants to know if Vader has any shame. Vader says he apologizes for nothing nor to anyone. Ross asks if he overreacted. Vader warns Ross that he could end this interview the same way he did in Kuwait. Ken Shamrock makes his way out to the ring and tosses Vader down to the mat with a belly to belly suplex!

12.Backstage, Goldust tells Marlena that she needs to stay backstage tonight.

13.Goldust clotheslines HHH early on for the advantage. HHH sends Goldust to the floor where Chyna gets in a few cheap shots when Marlena comes walking out to the ringside area. Goldust hits a running bulldog and Marlena tosses salt into Chyna’s eyes. HHH goes to the floor where he is choked by a blinded Chyna. That allows Goldust to win by count-out.

14.It’s time for the main event. Bulldog dedicates this match to Bret Hart. Bulldog connects with a delayed vertical suplex. Taker ducks a clothesline to choke slam Bulldog. Owen runs into the ring to attack Taker and that causes a quick disqualification. Austin shows up and stomps away on Owen to help Taker. Austin grabs the WWF World Championship and poses with it. Austin drops Taker with the Stunner. Taker gets up and choke slams Austin! Austin rolls to the floor and sees Bret Hart all by himself. Austin walks over to Bret but then out of nowhere comes Jim Neidhart who attacks Austin from behind! Bret knocks Austin off the stage after hitting him with his crutch. Austin is put on a stretcher to end the show.

Final Thoughts:
This was probably the best show for the entire month. It’s about time that Owen Hart won a singles championship, and if the Hart Foundation is going to hold every championship in the company I see nothing wrong with it. Rocky just wasn’t cutting it as a lame clean cut babyface at this point. My only complaint is that the feud between Austin and Taker is really weak. The champion is taking a backseat to the Austin/Hart feud, really. I’m starting to think that Taker’s title reign really isn’t a priority at the time. As for Jim Neidhart returning, he helps fill out the Hart Foundation. I’m not sure if he is all that great anymore, but we shall see soon. Anyway, this show gets a thumbs up from me.

Thanks for reading.