WWF 1993 Review

JANUARY

January 11th, 1993 marked the debut of the primetime sensation known as RAW. RAW started off showcasing several top names. Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, the dominate Yokozuna and the newly debuted Steiner Brothers. Originally one hour in length, including commercials, most of the matches would be “squashes“, where an opponent dominates the contest. . The beginning of dominance on television began for the WWF with the debut of RAW.

Three weeks into the program, RAW would be the place to watch the famous career versus career match. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair would lose to Mr. Perfect. With the lose, Flair will would be gone for the WWF, forever. With the win, Mr. Perfect’s popularity would sky rocket. Ric Flair would proceed to go to rival, WCW.

Also at around this time, Razor Ramon had been climbing the ranks and even managed to earn himself a title shot against Bret Hart at the Royal Rumble. The main premise of the feud was that Ramon was going to defeat Bret Hart to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship while being in the company for only 8 ½ months, compared to the 8 ½ years it took Bret to win the title. At a high point in the feud, Razor attacked Bret’s younger brother, Owen Hart, proving to Bret that he is serious.

Bret Hart has said that if Ultimate Warrior had stayed with the company, and not left before Survivor Series in 1992, that the WWF was building towards a Warrior/Hart match at Royal Rumble.

At the Royal Rumble, Shawn Michaels defeated Marty Jannetty to retain the IC Title. The Steiner Brothers had a successful pay per view debut defeating the Beverly Brothers. Speaking of debuts, Lex Luger as a man obsessed with his body. Also, another debut, infamous Giant Gonzalez attacked The Undertaker during the Royal Rumble match. Bret Hart defeated Razor Ramon to retain the WWF World Heavyweight Title. Yokozuna won the Royal Rumble last eliminating Randy Savage, thus earning a World Title shot at Wrestle Mania 9.

FEBUARY

Brutus Beefcake returned to WWF television where he continued to talk about his injury where he shattered his face. WWF Tag Team Champions Money Inc didn’t find the story to be too appealing and would insult Beefcake leading to a match between Ted DiBiase and Brutus Beefcake. During the match, I.R.S would “shatter” Beefcake’s face with his steel briefcase, Money Inc‘s manager, Jimmy Hart disapproved this and turned his back on Money Inc. Hulk Hogan would return to the WWF, and along with Beefcake challenge DiBiase and I.R.S to a WWF Tag Team Title match at Wrestle Mania 9, which Money Inc accepted.

Lex Luger’s debut the previous month beefed up the bad guys in the WWF. Luger immediately became one of the toughest heels for the WWF in 1993. No one seemed able to stop him, or his running forearm. Luger was being build as an unbeatable force in the WWF.

At this point in time Tatanka began to get a rather big push. He was put in a program against WWF IC Champion, Shawn Michaels. Tatanka got two clean pin falls over Michaels. With the success over Michaels in non title and in a six man tag team match, Tatanka earned a title shot at Wrestle Mania IX.

After a few months of “evil” tricks, the evil Doink the Clown continued to spray water on several wrestlers, One of the targets was Crush. Crush grew fed up of what Doink was doing to everyone. Crush try to use intimidation on Doink, but Doink was afraid. Doink nailed Crush with a fake arm at one point, and would continue to distract Crush during his matches. This feud was focused on Doink making kids cry.

MARCH

With Wrestle Mania around the corner, Yokozuna made it very apparent that he was coming for Bret Hart’s WWF World Championship. Bret Hart, even as the champion, was considered the underdog. Yoko and his manager Mr. Fuji continued their reign of terror proclaiming that Yokozuna was going to become the new champion.

At around this time the very popular Randy Savage was stuck commentating instead of wrestling. Randy would wrestler, once every few months. It wouldn’t be until late 1993 when he would be in his final “big” program.

Wrestle Mania IX was held at Caesars Palace in 1993. At the event, Shawn Michaels retained the WWF IC Championship against Tatanka. Rumor has it that Michaels refused to lose to Tatanka. Steiner Brothers continued their hot streak defeating the Headshrinkers. Razor Ramon defeated former WWF Champion, Bob Backlund. Lex Luger pinned Mr. Perfect. Money Inc. retained the WWF Tag Team Titles defeating Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake via disqualification. Yokozuna defeated Bret Hart to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Moments later, Hulk Hogan would come down, challenge, and defeat Yokozuna in a matter of seconds to win the championship in record time.

APRIL

With several wins under his belt with his finisher the running forearm. WWF officials investigated his forearm and found that Luger had a metal plate in his forearm, which would qualify as an illegal object. Luger was forced to put a protective padding over the plate, which Luger was none to happy about. It had seemed perhaps, Luger had lost his edge.

Following an attack at Wrestle Mania IX by Shawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect had his sights set on the WWF IC Championship. Perfect and Michaels would continue to have several brawls, and Perfect even throwing Michaels into a car windshield.

With the Steiner Brothers moving up the ranks, they earned themselves a title shot against Money Inc. Money Inc traded insults with the Steiner Brothers, claiming the M on their jackets didn’t stand for Michigan, but rather for “morons”. Money Inc didn’t believe they would be defeated by the Steiner Brothers, and their lack of intelligence.

Speaking of tag teams, the Smoking Gunns debuted. Billy and Bart Gunn are baby face cowboys who are ready to fight at any moment.

Following his WWF World Title win, Hulk Hogan had a target on his back, by the former champion, Yokozuna. Yoko and Fuji claimed that Yoko wasn’t ready, and that Hogan cheated and what not. Also, a major point of the feud was USA versus Japan, as you would expect. Yokozuna used his rematch clause, and would get one, at the King of the Ring, in June.

MAY

As mentioned previously, Mr. Perfect and Shawn Michaels feud was beginning to heat up. Michaels claimed to be the greatest WWF IC Champion of all time. Perfect took exception to that and proceeded to fight Michaels anytime he could. Michaels had another challenger at this time. That man was Jim Duggan. Duggan would challenge Michaels for the title on two RAWS at this time. Michaels was never pinned, but never defeated Duggan cleanly. Michaels retained his title, for the time being.

The 1-2-3 Kid would debut at this time. He would be a glorified jobber for a few weeks, however, the announcers continued to actually “hype” him up every time he appeared on television.

Shawn Michaels was a busy fellow in May. He had to deal with Perfect, Duggan and now the returning, revenge minded, Marty Jannetty. Jannetty showed up in a disguise at this time, challenged Michaels, who mistakenly agreed to a match. With help from Mr. Perfect, Marty Jannetty would defeat Michaels, and win the WWF IC Championship.

Going back to the 1-2-3 Kid. He wasn’t named that originally. Every week he wrestled, he had a new name. However, once he defeated Razor Ramon, 1-2-3 in the ring, he was given the name 1-2-3 Kid by the announcers, and the name stuck, The win for Kid was a huge win, and the crowd liked him from that moment on.

JUNE

With Razor losing to Kid, Ramon would put his own money, $10,000 on the line just to get a piece of Kid again. After a few weeks of refusing, and Ramon finally bringing the total amount to $10,000, the price was originally $5,000, Kid accepted. The match itself wasn’t long. Kid outsmarted Ramon by simply taking the money, running out of the building and jumping into a car.

June marked the inaugural PPV known as the King of the Ring. The King of the Ring tournament was a way to help elevate talent. However, this year the winner didn’t need to be elevated. Bret Hart would go on to win the tournament. Defeating Ramon, Perfect and Bigelow to become the king. After his match with Bigelow, another King made his debut. Jerry Lawler attacked Bret Hart and claimed he was the real King of the WWF. Also at the event, Michaels, who had recently regained the WWF IC Championship, defeated Crush to retain the title. Yokozuna, with help from a fireball from a camera, defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Hulk Hogan would proceed to leave the WWF.

A few months prior, Money Inc claimed they wouldn’t lose to the Steiner Brothers. However, that’s exactly what happened. The Steiner Brothers would prove they are not morons, by defeating Money Inc to become WWF World Tag Team Champions for a first time.

Following their title lost, Money Inc would find comfort by ripping on fellow wrestlers. Their first attack was on Razor Ramon. With Ramon losing the Kid, Money Inc offered Ramon a new job. To be their personal butler. Ramon, with the crowd behind him, declined by taking DiBiase and IRS out. The “Bad Guy”, had become, The Good Guy.

JULY

With Hulk Hogan gone, the WWF needed a pro USA baby face to go against Yokozuna. With that in mind, Lex Luger converted from a narcissist, into the pro USA good guy. This became official when Luger was the only man able to slam Yokozuna on July 4th. The crowd went nuts, and Luger instantly had the fans on his side. Luger declared he could defeat Yoko, and would want a title shot at Summer Slam. Yoko, Cornette and Fuji were reluctant but eventually, Luger would get his title shot.

Following the slam heard around the world, as people have named the event. Yokozuna was reeling, and one angry fellow. He had a match with Crush on a RAW during the month. Yokozuna would defeat Crush, and viciously attack Crush after the match, injuring Crush. Crush wouldn’t be seen for several months.

On a brighter side, Men on a Mission, Mabel, Mo and Oscar debuted on WWF television. The three men were rappers who would send clean messages to the fans. The fans instantly began to chant their catchphrases during matches, and even during WCW events. M.O.M, was on a roll.

With the recent turn by Razor, who is feuding with Money Inc at the time, needed an ally. What better ally than a guy who defeated you a couple of months earlier in the 1-2-3 Kid. Ramon managed to even the odds against Money Inc, however, these four men never competed in a tag team match, mostly singles.

Following a sneak attack at the King of the Ring, Bret Hart was on a mission to prove to everyone, including Lawler that he is indeed the king of the WWF. Lawler took things to a personal level by constantly insulting Bret’s parents. Lawler would do anything to get underneath Bret’s skin, and it worked. Lawler and Bret would go at it at Summer Slam to see just who the king of the WWF truly is.

AUGUST

Lex Luger is on a mission. The mission is to bring back the World Title to America. Luger finally got his title shot, but if he loses at Summer Slam, he will never get another one. Many wondered whether Luger could handle the pressure, and manage to defeat Yokozuna, his biggest opponent, without the use of his forearm. This was Luger’s only chance, and he couldn’t blow it.

Money Inc had their hands full with Ramon and Kid, but they found time to challenge the Steiner Brothers for the WWF Tag Team Titles inside a Steel Cage prior to Summer Slam. The match itself is pretty fun, with the Steiner’s managing to retain their titles in a hard fought contest. The Steiner’s finally got rid of Money Inc.

Yokozuna path of destruction continued this month. Last month he took out Crush, this month, Jim Duggan fell victim. Yoko delivered several Bonzai Drops and Duggan suffered “internal bleeding” as a result. Yokozuna was heading into Summer Slam seemingly unbeatable.

Finally, Summer Slam arrived. Razor Ramon managed to defeat Ted DiBiase, with DiBiase retiring shortly thereafter. Steiner Brothers retained their titles in a impressive match with the Heavenly Bodies. Shawn Michaels with help from his new bodyguard, Diesel defeated Mr. Perfect to retain the WWF IC Championship. The Undertaker finally “buried” Giant Gonzalez. Jerry Lawler showed up “injured” to the event after getting in a car accident. So, Doink stepped in as a replacement to fight Bret Hart. Bret defeated Doink, and during the match, Lawler proved to everyone he was a coward by attacking Bret Hart, and proved he wasn’t really injured. Bret originally defeated Lawler, but he wouldn’t let go of the sharpshooter, thus, Lawler won via reverse decision. For the WWF Championship, Lex Luger defeated Yokozuna. However, not for the title. Luger knocked Yokozuna out of the ring with his illegal forearm while the referee was out. Yokozuna couldn’t get back into the ring, and Luger won by count-out. However, wrestlers came out and celebrated with Luger as if he had indeed won the title.

SEPTEMBER

The recently debuted tag team The Quebecers earned a title shot against the Steiner Brothers. However, for their match were several specific rules. For instance, no pile drivers, no moves off the top rope, and disqualfiations result into a title change. The Steiner’s were confused throughout the match, and their confusion turned into aggravation when Scott Steiner nailed Jacque with a hockey stick giving the Quebecers the titles.

Doink was beginning to show a good side. This “good side” become official when after a match he splashed Bobby Heenan with a bucket of water. Doink had become kid friendly.

Remember the upset win by 1-2-3 Kid a few months ago? The same would occur in September. With help from Razor Ramon, jobber PJ Walker would roll up I.R.S and pull off a shocking win. Walker, however, didn’t get a push like the 1-2-3 Kid ended up getting form his surprise win.

Speaking of surprises. WWF IC Champion Shawn Michaels would be suspended and stripped of the championship after testing positive for steroids. Michaels would be gone for thirty days. A battle royal for the championship was announced.

OCTOBER

Razor Ramon and Rick Martel competed in the battle royal to crown a WWF IC Champion. They were the last two men and with that, they would compete in a one on one match to determine the new champion. Ramon would go on to defeat Martel and win his first WWF IC Championship

Ludvig Borga was starting to make people notice him. He had been around for a few months, always putting American down and finding the negatives about the country. He would target the American spokesman, Lex Luger. Luger told Borga numerous times to “love it, or leave it”. Borga and Luger were at the cusps of a feud. However, they never got the chance, which will be documented later.

Video promos for Jeff Jarrett began to air at this time. Jarrett was an aspiring country music singer, but knew he needed to fight with the big boys in the business to make a name for himself. He was targeting Undertaker, Ramon, Perfect and Bret Hart to name a few throughout his video packages. Jarrett was going to use their name power, to make his mark in wrestling and in the music business.

Crush returned from his injuries in October. Following several interviews where Savage was asking questions, Crush would either ignore or hang up on Savage. Crush and Savage had a “summit” on a RAW. Crush and Savage appeared to have patched everything up. That was until Crush viciously attacked Savage, helped Yokozuna Bonzai Drop Savage. Crush had joined the man who had taken him out. Savage was inured as a result of the attack

NOVEMBER

Randy Savage returned and was still on commentating duty. However, every time he saw Crush wrestling, he would attack Crush. Savage had revenge on his mind for what his former friend did to him a month earlier. He would stop at nothing to take Crush out, once and for all.

Shawn Michaels returned from suspension and was carrying around his version of the WWF IC Championship. Claiming to have not lost the title in the ring, he was still the champion. The new champion, Razor Ramon obviously disagreed. A feud to prove just who the real champion is, began.

With Yokozuna still the champion. Bret Hart and Lex Luger were trying to prove to the fans that they were worthy of a title shot. Luger, still playing his pro USA gimmick, wanted another chance to win the title. However, the fans seemed to have been in favor of Canadian born Bret Hart (the fans still chanted USA to him). Yokozuna didn’t have a clear cut challenger.

At Survivor Series, a surprising turn of events occurred. Bret Hart’s younger brother Owen appeared to be upset with Bret. Owen claimed the reason he was eliminated during their match was because Bret was paying attention to what he was doing. Owen had been the only member eliminated. He blamed Bret’s knee injury as the reason he was pinned. The jealous side of Owen, was beginning to show. Also at the event, The All Americans (Taker, Luger, and the Steiner Brothers) defeated Yoko, Jacque, Crush and Borga in the main event.

DECEMBER

At the end of the year, Gorilla Monsoon fired Bobby Heenan. This wasn’t just a “TV firing’, Heenan wasn’t renewing his contract, and was going to WCW for more money. WWF lost their best heel announcer.

Following Survivor Series, Owen Hart was still bitter over being eliminated. Owen wanted one thing. He wanted to prove to the fans and to Bret that he is the better man. Owen challenged Bret to a match. Bret’s response? “I will never fight my own brother.” Or would he?

Following a win at Survivor Series, The Undertaker got a title shot, at the Royal Rumble. Taker had one thing on his side. Yokozuna was deathly afraid of caskets. So, at the Royal Rumble, Undertaker would square off with Yokozuna in none other than, a casket match. Could Yokozuna overcome his fear? Mr. Fuji insisted he would be able. Undertaker cut some rather interesting promos putting the casket together and assuring that Yokozuna would “Rest in Peace”. Time will tell, as we head to 1994.