06 / 23 / 1993 | The Spectrum | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Commentators - Tony Schiavone & Dusty Rhodes

A cavalcade of red and blue fireworks explode near the entrance curtain inside the Spectrum and the capacity crowd roars as we’re greeted by a familiar voice.

[ Tony Schiavone ] The City of Brotherly Love will have...no love lost tonight, as the tandem of Sting and Lex Luger face off with the dangerous Jake “the Snake” Roberts and the mysterious Papa Shango! We’ve got a huge six-man tag team match! We’ve got defenses of the Wrestling Gold Championship AND the Wrestling Gold Intercontinental Championships and much, much more! Philadelphia is electric as Wrestling Gold presents the final stop on our Red, White and Bruised Tour 1993!

The camera fades to a shot of a much-younger-than-we’re-used-to Tony Schiavone and at his side, none other than “the American Dream” Dusty Rhodes!

[ Tony Schiavone ] Philadelphia is rockin’, Dream - tell me what you’re looking forward to tonight!

Dusty’s licking his lips as he looks around the arena, the fans resting comfortably in his hands as he speaks over the house microphone to hype them for the show.

[ Dusty Rhodes ] Well, I know one thang, Toneh! It’s sho’ guud ta’be in Philly-delphia, baybeh! We’s ready to get funky like a monkey right here ta’nite in the Spectrum, heh?!

Philly responds in kind as Dusty looks towards the camera and smiles at Schiavone.

[ Dusty Rhodes ] Ya’know, Toneh, ta’ansa ya’ question, I’m lookin’ fawa’ad to seein’ what Bret HITMAN Hart does inna title match so close’ta his big defense on da’ USS Intrepid against that ‘ole dirty Snake Roberts! BUT DA SNAKE’S NOT GOTTA NITE’OFF NEITHER! He and that freaky deke Papa Shango’s got they’s hands full with the Stinger and Lugah, right here tonight! I’m excited, Toneh!

[ Tony Schiavone ] Me, too, Dream! The excitement is palpable in the air tonight and so let’s not waste any more time! Let’s get down to the ring where we’ve got an international exhibition of talent that we hear will redefine your expectations of the junior heavyweight style!

Referee - Joey Marella | Time Limit - 30:00

As soon as the opening bell sounds, Liger is out of his corner with a dropkick, sending Hart into his corner with a huge impact! The commentary team is shocked that Liger would bring such fire into the early going of the contest, but they are stunned with his athleticism, arm dragging Owen to the mat over his own head. Rhodes comments that the over-the-shoulder style commonly seen in America isn’t the type many Japanese performers use and Tony gladhands the information.

Owen regains control by leapfrogging a charging Liger and scores with a big spinning wheel kick, scoring a one count as the Japanese icon slips his shoulder up. Owen applies an arm drag, but Liger turns and kips up, breaking Owen’s wrist lock and clapping him with an enzuigiri! Liger’s cover only earns a one -- so he lifts Owen and performs a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two-count.

Schiavone muses that Hart’s toughness will allow him to surprise Liger, and Dusty insists that Liger will be “fulla plenny suh’prises his’self, baybeh!” On cue, Liger ducks an Owen clothesline and smashes his face with a Koppo Kick! Rather than go for a cover, Liger carefully exits the ring and flies over the top rope with a hilo, but Owen dodges it, snatching Liger out of the air with a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging over for two!

Liger fights up with a series of kicks, accurately placed up and down Owen’s frame before springboarding into action with a body press, leveling the youngest Hart and flying up the turnbuckles with a moonsault for two! Owen kicks out and rolls over, doing his best to find a counter for Liger’s fast-paced offense and chooses to amp up his own speed, running off the ropes, permitting Liger to criss-cross him for a moment before Hart drops down! Liger steps over! Hart’s up and leapfrogs! Liger continues, but Hart rolls backwards -- Liger lucha rolls over! Owen’s up and passes Liger by and they resume criss-crossing -- Liger drops down! Owen’s up and over, Liger leapfrogs, but Owen catches him and they roll into a pinning hold, Owen on top! ONE! TWO! No, Liger rolls back! ONE! TWO! No! Owen rolls through and the men are back up -- small package, but the angle is wonky! Marella counts! One! Two! Three! That’s it! The audience begins questioning which of the men earned the duke, and Marella eventually passes the news -- it’s Liger! Liger wins this fast-paced exhibition of skill!

WINNER
JUSHIN LIGER via PINFALL in 09:09

As soon as Marella registers the three count, the Philadelphia crowd roars with approval at the display of technical acumen and high-flying action they’ve seen tonight.

[ Tony Schiavone ] Wow! What an incredible matchup we’ve seen, Dusty! Both of these gentlemen have shown their skills, for sure!

[ Dusty Rhodes ] Yeh, I’ll tell’ya sum’thin’ baybeh, these guys’a small fries, but they’ve got the right seasonin’ and salt, daddeh! They leave ya wawntin’ mow, and we gots it heah for ya!

Hart and Liger make it to their feet and come to face one another again as Marella stands guard, preparing nervously to seperate them -- but to the surprise of no one, the amicable Hart and the respect-laden Liger shake hands and bow to one another, pleased to have had the opportunity to show off for the crowd at Wrestling Gold!

[ Tony Schiavone ] I love respect! These gentlemen have earned mine tonight!

Another bow to the audience from each man as we cut away from the ring and to the back.

Backstage, we see the energy level has been turned up to 100 thanks to the wild “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Decked out in his multi-colored attire, he paces back and forth, unable to stand still for longer than a second or two at a time. Beside him, The Undertaker does his best impression of a statue with Paul Bearer standing next to him.

[ Paul Bearer ] OOOOHHHHH YES!

Bearer rubs the golden urn in his hands and continues.

[ Paul Bearer ] Tonight, Bam Bam Bigelow, Doink, and the Brooklyn Brawler, you will step into the ring with Randy Savage and my Undertaker, but we will not be coming alone. Oh no! We will be coming with a surprise!

[ Randy Savage ] UH HUH! YEP!

[ Paul Bearer ] But after that, my Undertaker will be setting his sights on you, Big.. Van.. Vader! OOOH YES! The clock on my embalming room wall is ticking and counting down the days and minutes until you are forced to step into the ring and meet your fate!

[ Randy Savage ] TELL ‘EM ALL ABOUT IT, BIG MAN!

Savage slaps The Undertaker on the back. Not phased in the slightest, The Undertaker raises his gray leather glove to the camera as we can barely see his eyes.

[ The Undertaker ] Big Van Vader, for months you have tried to destroy The Undertaker and bring unrest to the Creatures of the Night, but your efforts have failed. In two weeks, I will take your soul to the dark side..

The Undertaker’s gruffy voice raises the hairs on your arms and neck.

[ The Undertaker ] And you will rest… in.. peace.

[ Randy Savage ] THAT’S RIGHT, VADER! YOU DONE MESSED AROUND WIT’ THE WRONG GUY, GOT IT? BUT TONIGHT, SPEAKIN’ ON GUYS WHO MESSED AROUND WITH THE WRONG GUYS, WE GOT BROOKLYN BRAWLER, DOINK THE CLOWN, AND BAM BAM BIGELOW!

Savage spins around in a circle, looking at nothing in particular. He’s screaming as Paul Bearer looks on with an animated expression and bugged-out eyes.

[ Randy Savage ] NOW, BROOKLYN BRAWLER, YEAH, WE’RE GONNA’ GET IT ON IN TWO WEEKS BUT TONIGHT, TONIGHT’S GONNA BE A SAMPLER, YEAH! A LITTLE TASTE! A LITTLE PREVIEW OF WHAT’S TO COME, UH HUH! AND TRUST ME WHEN I SAY BOYS, YOU WON’T LIKE HOW IT TASTES BECAUSE THE MACHO MAN AND THE UNDERTAKER, WE COULD TAKE YOU OUT WITH JUST US, JACK! BUT WE PLAY BY THE RULES, YEAH, WE PLAY BY THE RULES… THAT’S WHY WE HAVE US A THIRD PARTNER!

The camera pans over to reveal a small explosion followed by clouds of smoke! Savage and The Undertaker are caught off guard as we see THE SHOCKMASTER entering through the doorway. He stumbles and falls head over heels, his glittery helmet falling off in the process.

[ The Shockmaster ] Aw, shit!

In his raspy voice, you can hear Savage scream “HE FELL DOWN!” You can also hear Paul Bearer’s high-pitched voice squeal like a pig. The Shockmaster recovers quickly, putting his helmet back on his head and pounding his fist into his open palm. His chest is covered in glitter from the helmet.

[ Randy Savage ] HE MAY NOT BE NIMBLE ON HIS FEET, BUT HE’S A BAD, BAD, DUDE, BROTHER! THIS IS THE SHOCKMASTER AND HE’S GONNA’ EVEN THE SCORE FOR US TONIGHT, DIG IT?!

The Shockmaster points to the screen.

[ The Shockmaster ] AFTER TONIGHT, I LOOK TO YOU, PAPA SHANGO! TRY AS YOU CAN, BUT YOU CANNOT CURSE THE ONE AND ONLY SHOCKMASTER!

[ Randy Savage ] UH HUH! YOU SEE, WE’RE THE THREE BADDEST DUDES IN WRESTLING GOLD, DIG IT? AND TONIGHT, WE’RE GONNA’ T-C-B LIKE THE KING HIMSELF! OOOOOHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHH!!

Savage turns and high fives Shockmaster and then goes for one with the Undertaker, who doesn’t reciprocate the offer. We got to the ring for the next match.

Referee - Earl Hebner | Time Limit - 30:00

The gargantuan sumo known as Yokozuna has no fear in his eyes as he stares across the ring at the seven-foot-tall Diesel, who similarly has very little in the way of trepidation for the large challenge across from him. Outside the ring, Mr. Fuji’s wicked grin is piercing, but Diesel doesn’t seem to mind - or even notice - that Yoko’s manager hasn’t taken his eyes off of him.

The two giants lock up in center ring before releasing one another, impressed with the show of strength from either man. Yokozuna charges and takes another collar-and-elbow tie-up, forcing Diesel back into the corner. Earl Hebner quickly intervenes and forces separation, demanding a clean break from the corner -- and Yokozuna obliges for the most part -- before slapping Diesel across the chest!

Diesel rushes past Hebner and punches Yoko in the face a time or two, revving up the crowd, before Yoko snapmares Diesel by his hair and attaches a nerve hold, wrenching his grip across the Truck Driver’s shoulder. Dusty Rhodes wonders aloud whether Diesel would be able to Jackknife Powerbomb a man the size of Yokozuna, but the big man’s nerve hold renders the thought insignificant for the moment.

Eventually, the encouragement of the raucous crowd encourages Diesel to his feet, where he elbows Yoko in the gut thrice, breaking the grip and charging into the ropes -- BIG BOOT! Yoko is dazed! Diesel charges again and throws another big boot! Right to the face! Yoko staggers back, bounces into the ropes and Nash meets him with a kick to the gut! He sizes him up for the Jackknife Powerbomb -- but Fuji is on the apron! Earl Hebner rushes over and removes Fuji from the apron, but the distraction is enough to break Diesel’s grip and he stalks over to the wicked manager, seeking answers - but Fuji throws a handful of salt! Diesel ducks -- and the salt hits Yokozuna right in the eyes! Diesel applies a school boy, doing his best to hold the giant’s shoulders down, but earns the three count from Hebner!

WINNER
DIESEL via PINFALL in 08:02

Referee - Mark Curtis | Time Limit - 30:00

Kevin Von Erich does his best to show no fear as only a few feet separate himself from one of the largest competitors on the Wrestling Gold roster. With the bell sounding, Vader does his best to intimidate, roaring like a grizzly bear and beating his chest. Von Erich has the fans soundly in his corner, which doesn’t bother Vader one bit.

The match was stiff and heated. Vader took control for the most part, using his size and power to wear down the Texas legend with brutalizing power moves. The more the fans cheered for Von Erich, the harder Vader seemingly hit him. At one point, Kevin developed a swollen right eye from a stiff punch, but never gave up. He ducked a Vader back hand and applied the Claw! Vader swings his arms wildly, trying his best to fight out of the hold, but eventually drops to a knee. Could Von Erich do it and slay the giant? Vader pulls Von Erich forward, sending him crashing into the ropes and breaking the hold. Vader then charges and crushes Von Erich into the corner. On the attack, Vader hits a series of stiff punches and slings Von Erich out of the corner and on to the ground. Vader ascends to the middle rope, bouncing off of it.

The lights go out.

They come back on and THE UNDERTAKER IS IN THE RING!

Vader finds himself face to face with his opponent in two weeks and he looks mortified! Vader nearly breaks his neck trying to escape the ring but manages to get to the outside. The lights go back off and immediately flip back on and The Undertaker is gone! Kevin Von Erich pulls himself up to his feet as Mark Curtis begins his count. Vader is looking under the ring, in the stands, everywhere trying to find The Undertaker. The referee counts to ten and Kevin Von Erich wins, but the mind games from The Undertaker is the cause! Vader is ready to fight after seeing a ghost!

WINNER
KEVIN VON ERICH via COUNT OUT in 05:11

We head backstage where we see Razor Ramon standing by in his wrestling gear, only seconds away from walking through the curtain for his scheduled match. The live crowd pops huge as Razor stands there with a toothpick in his mouth. The Wrestling Gold Intercontinental Championship is strapped tight around his waist. He looks down at it and rubs the center plate with a cocky grin.

[ Razor Ramon ] Chu' like wha' chu' see, man'g?

He leans into the camera. The copious amount of gold around his neck glimmers in the light. It shines in the light almost as bright as his slicked back hair.

[ Razor Ramon ] Stunnin' Steve... 'dis... is as close...

He runs his hand over his greasy black hair.

[ Razor Ramon ] As chu' ever gonna get, man'g.

He flicks his wrists, slinging the grease at the camera.

[ Razor Ramon ] And Arn Anderson? I know you're watchin'... 'n I don't blame chu' at all, old man. If I was chu'... I'd be watchin' me, too! See chu' in two weeks.

He flicks the toothpick at the camera and heads to the ring.

Referee - Randy Anderson | Time Limit - 30:00

Razor Ramon has no interest in testing “Stunning” Steve’s technical acumen in the early going, instead powering through the opening few moments and sending Austin to the floor in a huff, stomping his feet and screaming to the front row fans. Rhodes insists that Austin is better than he is acting currently, but Schiavone wonders whether the Hollywood Blonde has ever been tested in a way like Ramon’s doing now.

Austin slides into the ring and jumps Razor from behind, clubbing him to the mat and keeping him there with a few devastating stomps before applying a rear chin lock and wrenching the Bad Guy’s stubbled jaw back. Austin keeps control with a knee drop and earns a one count, smacking the mat to emphasize his distaste for Randy Anderson’s cadence. Anderson insists it’s right on time, but Razor does his own convincing, spinning Austin around and lighting him up with a big right hand! And another! Discus annnnnd a third! Austin sails over the top rope as Razor fires up the crowd again!

Austin trips Razor on his way into the ring and runs, elbow dropping Ramon from a run off the ropes to level the champion’s momentum. Austin lifts Razor from the mat and slams him, reapplying a chin hold before transitioning into a seated dragon sleeper! Dusty muses on the “oawruhgins of dis heah hould” while Schiavone focuses on the title reign of Razor being in jeopardy -- but Ramon eventually rolls Austin over with a version of a snapmare! Austin runs over to stop Razor, but the champion throws a foot up to stop the challenger and both men are down on the mat!

The Philadelphia crowd are invested entirely in Razor, willing him up to his feet, just as Austin’s on sturdy legs again as well and -- WHAM! Right hand from Austin! Razor throws his own! “Stunning” Steve is plenty stunned, alright! Razor with another right! And another! And another sends Austin into the ropes, and he explodes out with a clothesline, but Razor ducks it and Austin hits the far ropes -- Razor’s got him -- SACK OF SHIT! Ramon hurls Austin over his head and stands up, getting hyped before throwing his fists to the side! He’s calling for it! Austin’s up and on wobbly legs -- gut kick! Powerbomb position! Razor has him up - AND DOWN ON THE RAZOR’S EDGE! Austin takes it high and tight and Razor makes the cover for the one! Two! Three!

WINNER
RAZOR RAMON via PINFALL in 7:56

As his music plays and the lights dim, Razor takes the Wrestling Gold Intercontinental Championship in his hands and looks at it carefully, beaming as bright as the gold to the camera as he talks inaudible trash --

BUT ARN ANDERSON IS HERE! DOUBLE A SMASHES A TIRE IRON ACROSS RAMON’S BACK!

[ Dusty Rhodes ] NAW! NOW WHADDIN’THUH HELL IS AHN ANDAHSUN DOIN’ HERE, NOW?!

[ Tony Schiavone ] This is despicable! Arn Anderson has attacked the Wrestling Gold Intercontinental Champion and has the title belt! What a devastating attack with that...that tire iron!

Anderson has the championship in his hands and snarls, looking down at Ramon before throwing the title up, holding it over his head to signify that at Red, White, and Bruised, that championship could very well be in his possession! Ramon lifts his hand to stop Arn, but Anderson gives him a firm stomp to the head to level the champion before throwing up four fingers as we fade away from the ring.

Referee - Joey Marella | Time Limit - 30:00

Candido and Sabu circle one another to start and then go to tie up in the center of the ring... only for Candido to execute a go-behind and try to lift Sabu up for a German suplex. Sabu sandbags the attempt and throws wild elbows back with both arms, rattling Candido's noggin until he lets go of the hold! Sabu immediately runs to the ropes and Candido tries to follow him in... only for Sabu to leap onto the middle rope and MOONSAULT ONTO CANDIDO! The fans pop huge as Sabu rolls straight back to his feet and leaps onto the middle turnbuckle before hopping onto the top rope! TRIPLE JUMP MOONSAULT!

Candido puts both boots up and Sabu crashes and burns! Candido gets back to his feet and runs up on Sabu, pulling him up by his hair and putting him down with a SNAP SUPLEX! Candido rolls back to his feet, maintaining the grip on Sabu before planting him with a SECOND SNAP SUPLEX! Candido sits up and dusts his hands off. Tammy Sytch pounds on the mat and yells at Candido to finish him off! Candido immediately rolls over and locks in a headlock before lying down on it, keeping Candido on the mat! The fans boo as Candido brings the match to a grinding halt!

The fans rally behind Sabu and he finally begins struggling back to his feet. Candido freaks out as Sabu gets back up to one knee, shaking his fists! He elbows Candido in the ribs until Candido lets go. Sabu runs and hits the ropes. LEG LARIAT ON CANDIDO! Candido rolls out of the ring and Tammy Sytch begins checking on him... but she looks up and shrieks before running away at Sabu flies off the top rope, wiping Candido out with a PLANCHA!

Sabu and Candido both lay on the floor for a moment before Sabu returns to his feet. He pulls Candido up behind him and they begin throwing punches like men possessed! Candido rakes Sabu's eyes and tosses him back under the bottom rope. Tammy Sytch climbs onto the apron and distracts the referee! Candido grabs a steel chair from beneath the ring and slides it into the ring. He follows it inside and picks it up. He sizes Sabu up! As Sabu returns to his feet, he turns around and sees Candido with the chair! Candido swings the chair and Sabu catches it before booting Candido in the stomach! He snatches the chair away from Candido and the referee turns around just as Sabu LAUNCHES the chair into Candido's head, drawing the disqualification!

WINNER
CHRIS CANDIDO via DISQUALIFICATION in 06:31

Candido crashes flat on his back and Sabu rolls out of the ring. 911 reaches underneath the ring and slides a table out. Sabu and 911 set the table up and Sabu reaches under the bottom rope and grabs Candido's ankle. He drags Candido out of the ring and throws him onto the table. Tammy Sytch is freaking out as Sabu climbs onto the apron and looks back over his shoulder... ASAI MOONSAULT THROUGH THE TABLE!

The fans lose their minds as Sabu and Candido lie in the wooden wreckage! Tammy Sytch has both hands on either side of her head, mouth agape. 911 pulls Sabu out of the wreckage and helps him to the back as Tammy falls to her knees next to Candido and we fade out.

We go backstage where we see Yokozuna standing by with Mr. Fuji. Yokozuna is dripping with sweat and trembling with intensity. Mr. Fuji glares at Yokozuna with gritted teeth. Yokozuna is breathing heavily, eyes bugged out. Mr. Fuji slaps Yokozuna hard on the chest, leaving a red hand print, which Yokozuna completely no-sells. Fuji turns to the camera and points with a shaking finger.

[ Mr. Fuji ] DEE-SAWR! DO NAHT BE FOOL... WHA' HAPPEN WIFF MAH YOKOZUNA... NUFFING BUT FUH-RUKE!

Yokozuna nods, looking angry.

[ Mr. Fuji ] YOU VERY RUCKY! IN TWO WEEK, YOKOZUNA WEER NAHT SEEK REVENGE ON YOU, BEEG DADDY COOR! HA HA HA... NO! YOU STAND SIDE BY SIDE... BUT DO NAHT REST EASY! TIME FOR REVENGE WEER COME... AND YOKOZONA WEEL BE THERE... TO SEE... YOU... FAWL!

Fuji tilts his head back and laughs as Yokzuna steps up.

[ Yokozuna ] BANZAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Fade.

Referee - Earl Hebner | Time Limit - 30:00

As soon as the bell rings, Bam Bam Bigelow, Doink, and the Brooklyn Brawler charge across the ring and attack Randy Savage, The Shockmaster, and The Undertaker from behind! Bam Bam Bigelow pairs off with Macho Man, slugging away at him until he knocks him through the ropes to the floor! The Undertaker immediately cuts off Doink the Clown and throttles him around the neck, pushing him backward, away from the corner! The Shockmaster takes over on The Brooklyn Brawler, beating him down to his knees with clubbing blows!

In the middle of the ring, The Undertaker PLANTS Doink the Clown with a CHOKE SLAM! Doink rolls straight to the outside and then the Undertaker follows him out. The fans are going wild! Macho Man and Bam Bam slug away at one another before Bam Bam scoops Macho Man up and hoists him up over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes! He charges at the ring post... but Macho Man slips out behind him and shoves him forward into the post! Bam Bam goes down flat on his back!

On the other side of the ring, the Undertaker continues pummeling away on Doink before lifting up onto his shoulder and dropping him chest first across the guardrail! The impact sends Doink right back to his feet and Undertaker uppercuts him right in the throat, knocking him over the rail and into the front row!

The Brooklyn Brawler takes over on The Shockmaster with an eye poke but before he can take over, Macho Man flies off the top rope with a DOUBLE AXE HANDLE to the back! Brawler staggers forward and Shockmaster scoops him up into an UPSIDE DOWN BEARHUG! Shockmaster ragdolls Brawler around in the bearhug until Bigelow returns to the ring and knocks Savage through the ropes with a big avalanche! And then he charges and collides with Shockmaster and Brawler, causing Shockmaster to fall backward with Brawler on top of him! The referee counts! One! Two! Three!

WINNERS
BAM BAM BIGELOW, DOINK THE CLOWN, & THE BROOKLYN BRAWLER via PINFALL in 04:22

In a pre-recorded promo from earlier today, Bret Hart appears behind the Wrestling Gold-logo backdrop. His wet hair is dripping on his pink and black leather jacket. The Wrestling Gold Championship rests on his right shoulder.

[ Bret Hart ] Ya’ know somethin’ Jake, you’ve been on my mind a lot lately. After you choked me out with that python, tryin’, to prove yourself as a tough guy, I’ve been thinking about what I’d do to you if I ever got you one-on-one inside the ring.

Bret shifts his stance and his pink glasses shine in the lights.

[ Bret Hart ] Luckily for me and unfortunately for you, we’re about to find out in two weeks! You want my title? Come and get it, because Jake, the “Hitman” will take on all challengers! You do a lot of talkin’ and a lot of underhanded stuff, but when that bell rings and we’re locked inside that steel cage, you’ll have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and nothing is going to keep you from getting excellently executed!

He smirks.

[ Bret Hart ] And Virgil, don’t think I’m looking past you. I treat all of my title defenses seriously regardless of who they’re against. Tonight, I look forward to the challenge. What happens out there between you and me, just don’t take it personally. Because this title, it ain’t goin’ anywhere before the biggest match of my career!

Pause.

[ Bret Hart ] Because I am the best there is, the best there was, and the BEST there ever will be!

Fade.

Referee - Mark Curtis | Time Limit - 60:00

The fans are very solidly behind the Hitman in this one. A collar and elbow tie up starts things off and Virgil backs Bret into the corner and gives a clean break, then follows with a kick to the gut and a right jab. Bret pushes Virgil away and comes out of the corner, but Virgil hits a roundhouse right and sends the champion down! For the next couple of minutes, the challenger is keeping Hart on his toes, trying to play spoiler for the big cage match in two weeks.

Virgil sends Bret chest-first into the turnbuckle and the champion bounces off like a pinball, landing hard on the mat. Bret clutches his sternum with his face in agony. Virgil goes for the pin but Bret rolls him up for a small package out of nowhere and gets a near fall!

Back up, Bret drops Virgil with an Atomic Drop and quickly follows up with a Russian Leg Sweep. Wasting no time, Bret picks Virgil up, backbreaker! He goes to the middle rope and crashes down hard with a front elbow drop! Finish off the five moves of doom~! is the Sharpshooter. Bret wrenches back and Virgil immediately taps out! The champion retains!

WINNER
BRET HART via SUBMISSION in 03:16

We cut away to a pre-recorded video backstage, where Jake ‘the Snake’ Roberts and Papa Shango are standing in front of a Wrestling Gold banner. Shango’s eyes are fluttering in-and-out as he twitches gently, but the Snake is completely unaware of the Voodoo Man’s vibing.

[ Jake Roberts ] Tonight, Papa Shango, we’re playing under...particularly interesting house rules, aren’t we? You see...inside that ring, we don’t have to see eye to eye.

Shango twitches, his neck contorting to face Roberts and his eyes open wide. The Snake is unfazed and continues.

[ Jake Roberts ] ...as a matter of fact, I don’t even have to look at your face, man...because I know...that we’re on the same page, brother. Aren’t we? We both know that we don’t have to agree about the way to the finish line...we just have to get there. We know that sometimes the path through the thicket of trees is a much quicker route than the clogged street. Do you, Sting? Do you, Lex?

Roberts turns from Shango and the Voodoo Man’s neck rolls and smoke billows from the skull atop his staff. Jake continues:

[ Jake Roberts ] You see, Lex...Sting...your arrogance will be your downfall...your pride...will cut you down. You two, you’re just too concerned with what these people think of you both...who’s the hero, Lex? Who’s the one to finish the contest, Stinger? Which of you will be closer to the Wrestling Gold Championship after this match is over, huh? Probably he who can make the fall...or he who isn’t pinned by myself or Papa Shango.

Papa Shango’s head leans down to face the camera eerily and Roberts looks at him ominously before finishing his thought.

[ Jake Roberts ] You see, you’re both living on borrowed time. You’re poisoned by the adulation of these people. It clouds your mind...it staggers your judgment...and it kills you. You hate to see it. Lex...Sting...the choice is yours. You can rely on one another for support...or on these people...but you’ll be at a keen disadvantage because Papa Shango and I aren’t worried about being on the same page...or being in the same book, even. The stories all end the same way, gentlemen. Trust me.

Roberts lifts an eyebrow and directs his attention to his partner.

[ Jake Roberts ] Did I make that clear enough, Pops?

Shango’s mouth aches open.

[ Papa Shango ] ...crystal.

We fade away as Roberts’ eyebrow raises and falls, his lip snarling as Shango reaches for the camera.

Referee - Randy Anderson | Time Limit - 30:00

Sting and Papa Shango start things off. A quick howl to the fans from Sting fires the capacity crowd up and gets them into this one. Papa Shango walks right up to Sting, looking to intimidate but Sting stands tall. The two trade blows back and forth, neither man backing down, until Sting finally blocks one and clotheslines Papa Shango over the top rope! Sting howls again to the fans as Shango comes back in and kicks Sting in the gut. A quick tag to Roberts allows them to double team Sting, as Luger coming in draws the referee to turn his back to the action. A double suplex sends Sting hard to the mat and Jake takes over.

As Jake wears down the bigger opponent, Luger slams on the turnbuckle pad as the fans count along. Unfortunately, every time Sting gets close to a tag, Roberts and Shango cut the ring off and prevent him from getting to his partner. They are working flawlessly together to wear down the former Wrestling Gold Champion, but the fans are not giving up on the fan favorite. Shango is back in and begins clubbing in the broad back of the Stinger and hoists him up over his head for the Shoulderbreaker, but Sting slides out! Sting knocks Roberts off the apron and Shango swings for a clothesline but Sting ducks. Sting makes the tag!

Luger comes in like a house of fire and drops Shango with three straight clotheslines. Luger picks Shango up for a Torture Rack, but Jake comes in a chair. Luger sees it and drops Shango, but before Jake can do anything with it, Sting manages to come back in at the last second, rips it from Roberts’ hands and throws it outside! Jake and Sting fight, which eventually results in them both falling over the top rope to the outside! Back in the ring, Papa Shango shoulder blocks Luger from behind and rakes his back! He picks Luger up and hits the Shoulder Breaker! Shango covers and Luger kicks out before the one count!

On the outside, Sting attempts a Stinger Splash on Roberts, who is leaned against the ring post, but Roberts moves and Sting collides with the post! Roberts spins Sting around, DDT ON THE PAVEMENT!

Back in the ring, Shango has Luger in a Camel Clutch but Lex is refusing to give up. The fans are willing the American Hero on as he is in agonizing pain from the submission hold. Sting is out cold on the outside and Jake joins the match once again. Shango tags in Jake and breaks the hold, allowing Jake to take over on the vulnerable Luger. Jake stomps on Luger’s neck, legs, and shoulders, playing a cat and mouse game with him at this point. Roberts drags Luger to his feet and motions for the DDT! LUGER SLINGS ROBERTS OVER HIS HEAD WITH A BACK BODY DROP! Luger has new life! Shango is in and he eats a running forearm smash!

Luger begins making the motion for the Torture Rack and the fans are eating it up. He turns around and Jake is up, DDT! He covers - one, two, three! Jake The Snake pinned Lex Luger and a hush has come across the crowd. They’re in shock at how abruptly it ended! Papa Shango rejoins Roberts in the ring and the two celebrate. As the shock wears off, the fans begin booing heavily.

WINNERS
JAKE ROBERTS & PAPA SHANGO via PINFALL in 12:04

After the match, Sting crawls to the apron and drags himself in the ring, still woozy and uneasy on his feet from the vicious DDT to the outside. Papa Shango and Jake Roberts aren’t done, and the attack after the match begins! Jake picks Luger up and DDTs him again! Papa Shango grabs Sting and pushes him into the corner. Roberts and Shango deliver the boots to Sting and all hope seems lost. BUT WAIT! HERE COMES BRET HART AND RANDY SAVAGE! THEY’RE HERE TO SAVE THE DAY!

Bret and Savage slide into the ring and rip Roberts and Shango out of the corner and the fight is on! This place is coming unglued and the roof is about to blow off of the place! With Bret and Savage getting the upper hand, Doink the Clown enters the ring from the crowd and pulls a neverending colorful scarf from his pocket. He wraps it around Bret’s throat and begins choking the Wrestling Gold Champion! The Brooklyn Brawler joins the fray, and he goes for Randy Savage with some stiff right hands. The bell rings over and over again, but there’s no order being restored here. Jake kicks Bret in the gut, DDT! “That championship is mine, Hit Man!”

But Luger is back up! Clothesline to Brawler! Clothesline to Doink! Bret grabs Jake and slugs him with a big right hand that sends the challenger for the hills! This leaves Papa Shango running behind to rejoin his friends on the outside. Bret Hart’s music hits as the fans are popping huge. Bret and Savage shake hands as a banged up Lex Luger helps Sting to his feet. Sting clutches his neck but is thankful for the save from the Wrestling Gold Champion and friends.

[ Tony Schiavone ] Well ladies and gentlemen, if you needed a reason to order Red, White, and Bruised ‘93 then there it is! This show is going to be off the charts and these scores WILL be settled inside the squared circle!

[ Dusty Rhodes ] Jake da’ Snake is gone get his in two weeks, daddeh! He gone be locked in that steel cage wit’ nowhere ta’ go and nowhere ta’ hide!

[ Tony Schiavone ] Doink the Clown versus Lex Luger, Brooklyn Brawler taking on Randy Savage, and Razor Ramon defends the Intercontinental Championship against Arn Anderson!

Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Lex Luger, and Sting raise one another’s arms in the air as Jake Roberts and company look on from the outside. Tensions are at an all-time high and it’s all going to be settled once and for all in two weeks.

[ Tony Schiavone ] Thank you for joining us on the final leg of the Red, White, and Bruised Tour tonight. We’ll see you on the U.S.S. Intrepid on our nation’s birthday for the biggest party of the summer! Goodnight!

We take one final shot of Bret Hart and company celebrating in the middle of the ring as red, white, and blue confetti fall from the ceiling to end the show.

End transmission.