World Wrestling Federation presents Superstars
Date: 7/20/1996
From: LaCrosse, WI
Matches:
1.) Marc Mero defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley
2.) The Goon defeated Dan Jesser by count-out
3.) The Bushwhackers defeated RT Williams & Rod Bell
4.) Sonny Rogers defeated Steve Austin by forfeit
5.) Vader, British Bulldog & Owen Hart defeated Bill Payne, Rex Royal & Kevin Kruger
Angle Developments/Notes:
1.) Helmsley takes Mero down to the mat, but Mero counters with a headlock before they break off and have a standoff. Mero arm drags Helmsley and keeps arm control on the mat. Mero yanks on Helmsley’s arm a few times and deliver a shoulder block. Mero arm drags Helmsley again and keeps Helmsley on the mat to maintain control of the match. Mero keeps wrist control on Helmsley, but doesn’t get a submission. Helmsley knee lifts Mero, but Mero hip tosses Helmsley. Helmsley kicks Mero away and deliver a scoop slam. Mero kicks Helmsley away and arm drags Helmsley as Marlena comes down to ringside as the show goes to commercial.
Marlena is at ringside blowing smoke from her cigar into Sable’s face. Mero avoids an elbow drop and arm drags Helmsley again. Marlena gives Sable a gift in a box and leaves the area. Mero comes off the ropes to hit a crossbody for a two count. Mero shoulder rams Helmsley from the apron and hits a sunset flip for a two count. Mero decks Helmsley with a clothesline. Mero notices that Sable has a gift and he’s confused. Helmsley tries to cheap shot Mero, but is sent through the ropes to the floor. Mero grabs the box and Sable is upset. Mero throws the box down and heads up the aisle, but is nailed by a diving attack by Helmsley off the apron. Helmsley scoop slams Mero on the floor and rams Mero face first onto the ring steps. Helmsley rolls Mero into the ring and heads to the top rope. Helmsley leaps off the top and decks Mero over the back leading to a near fall. Helmsley strikes Mero in the corner several times. Helmsley continues with right hands. Helmsley hooks Mero and delivers a vertical suplex for a two count. Helmsley slaps Mero in the corner followed by a right hand, but Mero responds with a few strikes. Mero decks Helmsley to the mat, but runs into a tilt a whirl backbreaker. Helmsley heads to the top rope, but is met with a strike in midair. Mero head scissors Helmsley followed by an atomic drop. Mero comes off the ropes to deliver a knee lift. Mero backdrops Helmsley coming off the ropes. Mero heads to the top rope and leaps off to deliver an axe handle. Helmsley boots Mero in the corner. Helmsley is sent upside down into the corner. Helmsley goes to the apron, but climbs to the top and is crotched by Mero. Mero strikes Helmsley on the top rope several times. Mero snaps Helmsley off the top with a hurricanrana to pickup the clean win. (**1/2. It’s a bit refreshing for these two to get a good chunk of time and there’s a clean finish. This is all part of Helmsley’s punishment dating back to his involvement in the Curtain Call. They did enough to keep my interest throughout and I enjoyed the action presented.)
2.) Doc Hendrik promotes International Incident and we hear from Goldust and Undertaker promoting their PPV match. Goldust isn’t afraid of the dark and Undertaker will be put in a casket again. Undertaker is going to use Goldust as a message to Mankind to run for his life.
3.) This is the Goon’s debut in the WWF. Goon is a hockey player who’s main purpose on the ice is to be rough and cause fights. Mr. Perfect notes on commentary that Goon’s name is Bill Irwin. The squash match went on a lot longer than expected. Eventually, Goon cross checks Jesser on the floor and wins the match by count-out.
4.) Brian Pillman came out during the Bushwhackers match and after the bout whacked Bushwhacker Butch over the back with his crutch. Pillman is a loose cannon!
5.) Steve Austin comes out wearing jeans and isn’t seemingly prepared or interested in competing. Austin grabs a microphone and says the WWF can sign him to matches against guys like Sonny Rogers and he’s not going to wrestle in them. Austin isn’t going to wrestle the king of losers and says Rogers isn’t worth the sweat off his brow. Austin announces he’s forfeiting the match with Rogers. Austin ends up attacking Rogers from behind after the announcement. Austin drops Rogers with the stunner.
6.) Steve Austin shared pre-tape comments wanting Sable to look at Marc Mero’s face real good because after the PPV on Sunday it’s not going to look the same.
7.) Jake Roberts shares pre-tape comments promoting his match with Mankind at International Incident. Roberts says there’s hope for everyone, but there’s a lesson to be taught and Mankind will learn this Sunday. Mankind also cuts a promo asking what led to Roberts wicked way. Mankind finds Roberts guilty for ruining the life of innocent people.
8.) The show ends with the Undertaker starring in a music video. The music video is just music to Undertaker highlights.
Final Thoughts:
A solid episode of Superstars with a good feature match and several angles being addressed. This is what you want from a go-home show top promote the PPV tomorrow night.
Thanks for reading.