by Adam King

November 15, 1998
Live from the Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri

Earlier on Sunday Night Heat: Bob Holly & 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Road Warrior Animal & Droz, Val Venis defeated Tiger Ali Singh, and Gangrel defeated Steve Blackman.

The show begins with a cool intro video featuring the participants of the tournament professing their hunger for the WWF Title and promising to do whatever it takes. After the video Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcome us to the show, promising that a new WWF Champion WILL be crowned tonight. They then show off the brackets for tonight's tournament, while JR explains that each match in the first round will have a 10-minute time limit. The matchups are:

- Kane and The Undertaker both have first-round byes and will meet each other in the quarterfinals

- The Rock vs. Triple H

- Goldust vs. Ken Shamrock

- Mankind vs. A Mystery Opponent

- Jeff Jarrett vs. Al Snow

- Steve Austin vs. The Big Bossman

Things get started when WWF Owner Vince McMahon, still in a wheelchair after Kane and the Undertaker put him in the hospital on Raw last month, is brought down to ringside by his associates to personally kick off the tournament. Vince reiterates his guarantee that a new WWF Champion will be crowned tonight before introducing the two men in the first match. First he brings out Mankind, who comes out clean shaven, wearing a tuxedo and carrying the newly-created WWF Hardcore Title belt Vince gave him on Raw several weeks ago. As the fans start chanting "H-B-K", Vince starts talking about Mankind's mystery opponent, reading a list of prestigious accomplishments which includes a 1-loss record over 6 years. Vince also mentions this guy jumped to WCW seeking more opportunities. After a long introduction he brings out the mystery opponent, and out comes: Dwayne Gill, a jobber to the stars from the early 90s that had his career cut short by a blown-out shoulder. Gill makes his entrance, complete with a video of his greatest jobs and even pyro that terrifies him, while Vince is wheeled to the back.

Mankind vs. Dwayne Gill – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
As Gill tries to climb through the ropes, Mankind attacks him and slings him into the ring. Mankind stomps him in the head before drilling him with a double-arm DDT and getting the three count, advancing to the quarterfinals just like that.

Winner: Mankind (0:29)

Comments: It was what it was, a three-move squash. It did its purpose in giving Mankind an easy victory and nothing more, so I'm not going to rate this. [Score: NR]

We get a recap of Jacqueline attacking Sable earlier on Sunday Night Heat, knocking her out with the WWF Women's title belt while she was confronting Marc Mero. Backstage Kevin Kelly interviews Sable, who says she's even more determined to win the Women's Title tonight.

Al Snow vs. Jeff Jarrett (w/Debra McMichael) – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
The winner will meet Mankind in the quarterfinals. This is also Debra's first WWF PPV appearance since coming over from WCW a few weeks prior to this show. Snow comes out with Head, which has Mankind's Mr. Socko wrapped around it (more on that in a minute). Snow starts stalking Debra on the outside, while Jarrett tries a sneak attack but Snow catches him. Snow then jumps from the ringsteps and connects with a somersault senton. Snow throws Jarrett into the ring, and then slings himself over the top rope into a legdrop. Snow goes for a whip but Jarrett reverses and drops Snow onto the top rope with the Stun Gun. Jarrett whips Snow into the ropes for an elbow. We get a shot of Snow actually smiling. Jarrett rams Snow into a turnbuckle and gets in some shots. Snow counters with a thumb to the eye then fights him in the corner. Snow attempts a whip but Jarrett reverses, sending Snow into the corner but Snow rolls over the top rope and lands on his feet on the apron. Jarrett misses a clothesline but Snow doesn't miss his. Snow snaps Jarrett's neck on the top rope. With Jarrett down, Snow climbs to the top rope and attempts a legdrop but misses when Jarrett moves. Jarrett whips Snow into the ropes and nails a dropkick for a two count. Jarrett whips Snow into the ropes but Snow ducks a clothesline and rolls Jarrett into a crucifix for a two count. Jarrett trips Snow and rolls him up for a two count but Snow counters into his own roll up for a near fall. Snow nails a clothesline and tries to whip Jarrett into the ropes. Jarrett reverses and picks Snow up but Snow counters into a DDT for a two count. Snow whips Jarrett into the ropes, Jarrett slides under Snow and tries to kick him but Snow blocks it and spins him into an Atomic Drop. Jarrett staggers into the ropes, bounces off and knocks heads with Snow. While referee Tim White is checking on them Debra tries to pass Head to Jarrett, but White catches her and manages to wrest Head away from her. They continue arguing as Snow grabs Jarrett's guitar, while Jarrett grabs Head. Snow swings the guitar at Jarrett but misses, and Jarrett nails Snow in the back with Head. White gets the guitar out of the ring, but while he's busy Snow kicks Jarrett and waffles him in the head with Head. Snow then gets the three count for the win, putting him in the quarterfinals against Mankind.

Winner: Al Snow (3:31)

Comments: Very short match, but these two were able to put together a watchable contest with the time they got. Probably could have been better with more time. [Score: 6/10]

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Big Bossman – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
This is Bossman's first WWF PPV match since his return from WCW last month on Raw. As Bossman makes his appearance, JR wonders if he's here to win the match or put Austin on the shelf. Austin makes his entrance when Bossman tries to ambush him in the aisleway, but Austin catches him and the two brawl their way to ringside. Austin whips Bossman into the steel ringsteps then throws him into the ring and lays in some punches. We get a quick shot of Vince backstage watching the match with his cronies. Back in the ring Austin plants Bossman with a Lou Thesz press followed by a fury of right hands and the elbow drop to the face for a two count. Austin rams Bossman into the turnbuckle but Bossman answers back with a low blow that somehow doesn't draw a DQ. Bossman picks Austin up into a crawling position and drops his weight onto his back several times. Austin crawls into a corner and Bossman chokes him with his boot. Bossman brings Austin to his feet, winds up and pops him with a right hand for a two count. Bossman applies a chinlock, but Austin manages to fight out of it. Austin comes off the ropes and hits a clothesline. Austin whips Bossman into the ropes but lowers the head, allowing Bossman to kick him in the face. Austin slumps onto the second rope, and Bossman straddles him. Bossman comes off the ropes, slides under the ring and belts Austin with an uppercut for a two count. Bossman applies another chinlock and Austin gets to his feet and forces Bossman into a corner with several shoulderblocks. Austin works Bossman over in the corner with punches and kicks. Austin whips Bossman into the ropes and Bossman slides under the bottom rope to the outside. Austin goes out after him when Bossman grabs his nightstick and nails Austin in the chest, getting himself disqualified.

Winner by disqualification: Steve Austin (3:19)

Bossman continues to work Austin over with the nightstick, while Vince smiles at the beat down his nemesis is receiving. After laying Austin out, Bossman leaves the ring, but not before getting in one more shot on the Rattlesnake.

Comments: Another very short and average match, one that seemed rushed because of the time limit. Both men seemed to cram all their offense into three minutes until the match was cut off by the DQ ending. Sure it may have made sense storyline wise; Bossman went out there simply to injure Austin instead of winning the tournament, but still I would have preferred to see Austin get a definite win before the beat down. [Score: 5/10]

Backstage Michael Cole interviews Vince, asking if he's concerned about Austin advancing in the tournament. Vince isn't worried after seeing Austin getting beaten down; he promises there's more where that came from, and that Austin's "in for it".

X-Pac vs. Steven Regal – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
The winner will meet Steve Austin in the quarterfinals. If you're wondering, yes, that is William Regal in this match. Years before he was Britain’s goodwill ambassador, Regal had a rather short and forgettable run in the WWF as a 'man's man' lumberjack (though he did have a fun entrance theme). X-Pac's European Title is not on the line in this match.

X-Pac taunts Regal with DX chops before they lock up. Regal gets the advantage with a headlock and several chops to the head. X-Pac shoves Regal into the ropes and tries a hip toss. When Regal blocks it, X-Pac goes through his motions into a roundhouse kick. X-Pac whips Regal into the ropes, flipping him over along the way, then hits a suplex for a two count. X-Pac hits a quick running legdrop, followed by a second for another two count. X-Pac whips Regal into a corner and charges but Regal sidesteps and X-Pac lands on the middle turnbuckle. Regal floors X-Pac with a European uppercut for a two count. Regal applies a submission hold, then follows up with another uppercut. Regal grabs X-Pac by the hair and connects with several knees to the face. Regal snap mares X-Pac to the mat and drops a knee to the face. Regal whips X-Pac into the corner and charges him, but X-Pac lifts himself up and Regal slides under him. X-Pac tries to roll Regal up but Regal holds onto the ropes. Eventually Regal falls backward but rolls through and catapults X-Pac across the ring. Regal applies another submission hold, this time pulling X-Pac's arms back. X-Pac tries to reverse it but Regal stops him with a kick to the chest. As Regal applies another submission hold, Vince is watching this match closely. X-Pac gets out of the hold but Regal plants him with a gutwrench suplex for a near fall. Regal applies the leg scissors on X-Pac's head but X-Pac turns Regal over into a leg submission of his own. X-Pac comes back with a flurry of punches and kicks. X-Pac whips Regal into the ropes and leaps at him but Regal sidesteps again and X-Pac lands on the top turnbuckle. Regal suplexes X-Pac onto the top turnbuckle, then climbs up and hits a butterfly suplex off the top for a two count. Regal tries another cover and again X-Pac kicks out. Regal applies yet another submission hold and X-Pac manages to hold on. Regal attempts a whip, but X-Pac reverses and whips Regal into the corner. X-Pac charges toward him and eats a shoulderblock. Regal goes for a whip, X-Pac reverses and connects with a spinning heel kick for a two count. X-Pac dropkicks Regal into a corner and hits the Bronco Buster. X-Pac suplexes Regal to the mat then climbs to the top rope. Regal bumps into the rope, causing X-Pac to straddle the top rope before falling to the floor. Regal climbs out after him and sets X-Pac up for a tigerbomb but X-Pac blocks it and suplexes Regal onto the floor. X-Pac continues to hammer away at Regal when the referee calls for the bell, saying both men have been counted out, which means both men have been ousted from the tournament.

Winner: None due to a double countout (8:09)

Since both men are eliminated, Austin has apparently gotten a bye into the semifinals. Vince is not happy about this, so he immediately orders WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter to call for an overtime period. As the referee helps X-Pac out of the arena, Slaughter comes out and announces that a five-minute sudden death period will begin. The bell rings, but X-Pac just walks to the back, with Regal jogging after him. JR and Lawler deduce that since X-Pac can't continue, the original decision stands. Austin gets a bye and is already in the semifinals. Needless to say, Vince is furious at what just happened.

Comments: This was an okay match. It had its moments but also dragged quite a bit, especially with all the rest holds, plus the non-finish didn't help matters either. Also I imagine I wasn't the only one confused at what happened after the decision. [Score: 7/10]

Ken Shamrock vs. Goldust – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
This is during Shamrock's transformation into a ruthless heel. Shamrock's Intercontinental Title is not on the line. Both men start to lock up but Shamrock quickly gets the advantage. Shamrock whips Goldust into the ropes and hits a flying elbow. Shamrock slams Goldust to the mat and drops a knee to the face. Shamrock gets in some shots before choking Goldust on the top rope. Goldust begins fight back and whips Shamrock into the ropes but misses a flying clothesline and Shamrock quickly hits a kick to the ribs. Shamrock whips Goldust into the ropes, Goldust ducks a clothesline and nails his own clothesline. Goldust slams Shamrock to the mat and follows up with a running knee drop. Goldust rams Shamrock into the top turnbuckle then slaps him in the face. Goldust whips Shamrock into the opposite corner, but Shamrock comes out with a clothesline for a two count. Shamrock rams Goldust into the top turnbuckle then hits a knee to the chest twice before applying a Camel Clutch. Shamrock pops Goldust in the head then drops his weight onto his back. Goldust comes back with a chop to the chest but Shamrock answers back with several kicks to the midsection. Shamrock plants Goldust with a Russian leg sweep that gets him a two count. Shamrock applies a reverse chinlock, with his knee in the back of Goldust. When Goldust doesn't submit, Shamrock hits a knee to the face. Goldust starts fighting back with several right hands then whips Shamrock into the corner. Goldust charges at him but Shamrock sidesteps and Goldust hits his head on the ring post. Shamrock attempts a suplex, Goldust blocks it and counters with a suplex of his own. Shamrock goes for a whip, Goldust reverses and sends Shamrock into the corner. Goldust attempts a monkey-flip but Shamrock shoves him away. Goldust trips Shamrock with a drop-toe hold. Goldust sets Shamrock up for a powerbomb, but Shamrock counters with several right hands and Goldust falls back, with Shamrock on top of him. Shamrock hooks Goldust's leg for a pin attempt but only gets two. Shamrock whips Goldust into the ropes for a hip toss but Goldust counters with a bulldog. Goldust sets Shamrock up in the corner for the Shattered Dreams but the referee stops him and Shamrock comes out of the corner with a huricanrana. Shamrock drills Goldust with a belly-to-belly suplex then applies the Anklelock, and Goldust eventually submits, giving Shamrock the win and a trip to the quarterfinals.

Winner: Ken Shamrock (5:56)

Comments: Pretty dull match. These two just did not click at all. [Score: 4/10]

Backstage Michael Cole gives us an update on Steve Austin. Cole says that Austin has refused medical treatment even though he's injured, but that he (Cole) is sure that no matter what, Austin will show up for his next match.

The Rock vs. Triple H – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
The winner will meet Ken Shamrock in the quarterfinals. The crowd gives the Rock a huge ovation as JR mentions that Vince doesn't want the Rock to become the WWF Champion either. The DX music starts, but Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco come out instead, doing the DX chops. Brisco announces that Triple H is not here tonight (since he's still recovering from knee surgery), but Vince did send him tickets to be here, so he will be heavily fined upon his return. Patterson tells Rock there will be no forfeit because they have a last-minute replacement for Triple H. On that note they announce the Rock's new opponent: the Big Bossman! Despite already being eliminated earlier, the Bossman comes out for another shot so we now have...

The Rock vs. The Big Bossman – Deadly Game Tournament 1st Round Match
Bossman runs into the ring, but the Rock rolls him into a cradle and the referee counts 1….2….3, giving the Rock the win in just 4 seconds!

Winner: The Rock (0:04)

The Rock leaves the ring in triumph, having advanced to meet Ken Shamrock in the quarterfinals, while the Bossman is left wondering what just happened.

Comments: That was certainly something, but I can't rate four-second matches. [Score: NR]

So that's it for the first round. We now head into the quarterfinal round, and all the matches will now have 15-minute time limits. The quarterfinal matches are:

- The Undertaker vs. Kane

- The Rock vs. Ken Shamrock

- Mankind vs. Al Snow

- Steve Austin has a bye to the semifinals

The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) vs. Kane – Deadly Game Tournament Quarterfinal
This was at the beginning of the Undertaker's heel run, as he has Paul Bearer back in his corner and has started forming his Ministry of Darkness. As Kane makes his entrance, Taker ambushes Kane and punches him into a corner. Taker whips Kane into the opposite corner and charges but eats an elbow. Kane throws Taker into the corner and connects with several hard rights. Kane whips Taker into the ropes and hits a boot to the face. Kane clotheslines Taker over the top rope but Taker lands on his feet on the outside. Kane goes out rams Taker into the barricade. Kane charges at Taker but Taker lifts him up and drops him face first onto the barricade. Taker rams Kane into the ringsteps before throwing him back into the ring. Taker applies an arm twist and connects with a high kick to the head. Taker rams Kane into a turnbuckle and kicks him in the corner. Taker nails several punches then goes for a whip. Kane reverses, sending Taker into the ropes, and plants him with a powerslam. Kane goes for an elbow drop but misses when Taker sits up. Taker goes for another whip, Kane reverses again and sends Taker into a corner. Kane charges at him but Taker stops him with a boot to the face before hitting a chopblock to the back of the knee. Taker drops several elbows onto the knee before applying a leg submission hold. Taker begins to apply a Figure-Four but Kane kicks him away. Taker stomps Kane's knee then rams him into a turnbuckle. Taker continues to kick at Kane's knee before ramming Kane into the opposite turnbuckle. Taker grabs Kane by the throat for a chokehold before ramming him into a third turnbuckle. Taker goes for the turnbuckle again when Kane blocks it and rams Taker into the turnbuckle. Taker kicks Kane in the chest and pops him with a series of uppercuts, but Kane barely reacts to each shot as he backs into a corner. Taker tries to whip Kane but Kane holds onto the top rope, so Taker knees him in the midsection. Taker is able to get a whip off but Kane reverses and nails Taker in the corner. Kane then climbs to the top rope and connects with a flying clothesline for a two count. Both men trade punches until Kane gets the advantage. Kane whips Taker into the ropes but misses a clothesline, and Taker grabs Kane by the neck. Kane grabs Taker by the neck and is able to hit his Chokeslam. Kane signals for the Tombstone Piledriver when Paul Bearer jumps onto the ring apron and gets Kane's attention. Kane takes a swing at his "father" but misses and the Undertaker is able to get to his feet and hit his Tombstone. Taker covers Kane while Bearer holds Kane's foot from the outside and gets the three count to advance in the tournament.

Winner: The Undertaker (7:15)

Comments: Another long, boring and slow match from these two. It seems the only good match Kane and the Undertaker ever had was at Wrestlemania XIV, and I've yet to see another good match from them since. [Score: 3/10]

Mankind vs. Al Snow – Deadly Game Tournament Quarterfinal
The winner will face Steve Austin in the semifinal round. Snow's Head still has Mr. Socko wrapped around it. Snow goes right to work on Mankind, kicking him in a corner and choking him on the middle rope. Snow forces Mankind in another corner and applies another choke. Snow whips Mankind into a corner and Mankind stagger out into a clothesline. Snow dropkicks Mankind through the ropes to the floor. Mankind grabs a chair but Snow stop him from using it. Snow takes the chair and jabs Mankind in the chest with it. Snow takes a swing with the chair but Mankind avoids it and Snow hits the ringpost. Snow connects with a crescent kick, then leaps off the barricade but Mankind catches him with a throat shot. Mankind then flapjacks Snow onto the chair before rolling back into the ring. Snow tries to come back but Mankind stomps him and chokes him on the mat. Backstage as Vince is watching the match, Gerald Brisco tells him it was a good idea to steal Socko and wrap it around Head. Vince smiles and says Mick will go ballistic once he sees it.

Back in the ring Mankind whips Snow out of a corner but Snow slides to stop himself. Snow ducks a clothesline and goes for a kick, Mankind catches the leg but Snow hits the enzuigiri. Snow grabs Head and takes a swing but Mankind ducks and plants Snow with a suplex. Mankind then glances at Head and sure enough realizes Socko around it. After taking Socko back Mankind starts beating up the Head. Snow nails Mankind with a clothesline and follows up with several punches. Snow goes for a whip but Mankind reverses and sends Snow into the ropes. Snow comes off the ropes, blocks a kick and spins Mankind around, only for Mankind to hit a clothesline. Mankind comes off the ropes but Snow catches him into a powerbomb for a two count. Snow hits a headbutt then whips Mankind into the ropes but lowers the head and Mankind hits the double-arm DDT. Mankind then slips on Socko and applies the Mandible Claw on Snow, getting the submission to advance in the tournament.

Winner: Mankind (3:56)

Comments: Decent match but again it was way too short. While Snow and Mankind made the most of the allotted time, I'm sure they could have put on a memorable contest if they were given more time. In any event Vince's supposed chosen one moves one step closer to his destiny. [Score: 7/10]

The Rock vs. Ken Shamrock – Deadly Game Tournament Quarterfinal
The winner will face the Undertaker in the semifinal round. Rock comes out firing with a series of rights. Rock whips Shamrock into the ropes but lowers the head and Shamrock kicks him in the face. Shamrock comes off the ropes but Rock nails him with a clothesline. Rock lays the boots to Shamrock and chokes him with the middle rope. Rock rams Shamrock into a turnbuckle then whips him into a other. Rock charges but Shamrock sidesteps and Rock hits the corner. Shamrock nails Rock with several quick kicks and punches. Shamrock suplexes Rocky to the mat and turns into a cover for a two count. Shamrock whips Rock into a corner and hits a clothesline. Shamrock whips Rock into the opposite corner and after some hesitation charges toward him but Rock greets him with a clothesline. Rock stomps Shamrock out of the ring then goes out and rams him into the announcers' table. Rock drinks a bottle of water and spit it at Shamrock. Rock attempts a whip but Shamrock reverses and sends Rock into the ringsteps. Shamrock slams Rock to the floor before throwing him back into the ring. Shamrock lays the boots to Rock, then whips him into the ropes and connects with a flying kick followed by a Russian leg sweep for a two count. Shamrock lands some knees to the chest before hitting a running knee lift to the face. Shamrock applies a chinlock on Rock, and Rock manages to fight out of it and come off the ropes but runs into an elbow. While this is going on, the Big Bossman wanders out to ringside, nightstick in hand.

Shamrock applies another chinlock, and the Rock tries to hold on but begins to fade. The referee checks the arm and it drops once, twice, but Rock is able to hold it up the third time. Rock fights out of the hold and comes off the ropes but runs into a huricanrana. Shamrock takes Rock down with an armbar then applies the Anklelock! The Rock is in pain but manages to reach the bottom rope. Shamrock whips Rock into the ropes, Rock ducks a clothesline and both men end up clotheslining each other. With both men down, Rock crawls over and covers Shamrock but only gets two. Rock starts hammering Shamrock with punches and goes for a whip. Shamrock reverses and goes for a clothesline but Rock floats over it into a DDT. Rock starts yelling at Bossman, causing him to jump onto the ring apron. The referee orders Bossman off the apron while Rock grabs Shamrock's legs and knees him below the belt. Rock slams Shamrock to the mat then nails the People's Elbow. Rock covers Shamrock and the referee counts 1….2….but Shamrock kicks out! Rock comes off the ropes with a clothesline but Shamrock ducks under it. Shamrock takes a swing but Rock catches him for a Rock Bottom attempt. Before he can hit it Shamrock counters into a belly-to-belly suplex. Bossman climbs onto the ring apron and gets the referee's attention. With the referee distracted, Bossman tosses his nightstick to Shamrock, but the Rock intercepts it and waffles Shamrock in the head with it. The Rock covers Shamrock and gets the three for the win, putting him in the semifinals against the Undertaker.

Winner: The Rock (8:20)

The People's Champion celebrates his victory as Bossman walks off, his plan having backfired, while Shamrock kicks the ring steps in frustration and storms off to the back.

Comments: Finally, a good match in this tournament. Once again the Rock and Shamrock deliver with a great contest that was enjoyable and full of action, plus both men actually got the time to do their stuff. [Score: 8/10]

So in the semifinal round, Steve Austin will face Mankind and the Rock will face the Undertaker. Backstage Michael Cole interviews Paul Bearer about facing the Rock the semifinals, and Bearer is naturally confident his man will leave St. Louis with the WWF Title in hand.

WWF Women's Title – Jacqueline © (w/Marc Mero) vs. Sable
This is the big conclusion to Sable's feud with Jacqueline as well as her feud with Mero. This is also a rematch from two months ago on Raw when Jackie beat Sable to win the reactivated title with help from Mero. The official for this match is Shane McMahon, who was demoted to a lowly referee after he rehired Steve Austin and signed him to a five-year deal.

Sable comes out first, followed by Jackie and Mero. Sable starts yelling at Jackie, daring her to get into the ring, but Jackie is hesitant. She then looks over and sees Marc Mero on the ring apron so tries to get a shot at Mero when Jackie nails her from behind, just like earlier on Heat. Jackie kicks Sable in the chest and slaps her before whipping her into the ropes. Sable blocks a hiptoss and hits her own hiptoss. Sable whips Jackie into the ropes, misses a clothesline but connects with a high kick to the face. Sable then plants Jackie with the TKO. Sable covers Jackie but Mero pulls Sable out of the ring. The two start exchanging heated words until Sable kicks him below the belt and powerbombs him onto the floor. While Sable keeps yelling at Mero Jackie nails her from behind yet again. Jackie throws Sable back into the ring then starts taunting her with the hair she cut off Sable some time ago. Jackie kicks Sable in the chest before choking on the middle rope as Mero looks on. Jackie rams Sable into a turnbuckle and kicks her repeatedly in the chest. Jackie sets Sable up for a powerbomb but Sable counters with a backdrop. Jackie drags Sable into a corner and goes for the Tornado DDT but Sable throws Jackie off her and plants her with the powerbomb. Sable covers, Shane counts 1….2….3 and Sable wins the title and finally gets her revenge.

Winner and NEW Women's Champion: Sable (3:13)

Sable proudly holds up her new Women's title while Mero and Jacqueline retreat in defeat.

Comments: This actually was a decent match. Even though it was very short, like most of the matches on this card, there was still some good action and it served as a nice blow-off to this feud. However this would be the start of Sable's ego-trip that would get her run out of the WWF by mid-May. This was also just about the end of Mero's run in the WWF, as he would wrestle his last WWF match two weeks after this show and soon depart from the company. [Score: 7/10]

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mankind – Deadly Game Tournament Semifinal
Mankind comes out first followed by Austin, who's still reeling from the nightstick beating he took earlier in the show. Austin climbs into the ring and goes right to work, pounding Mankind into a corner. Austin starts to rip off Mankind's tuxedo starting with the suit coat before pulling off one of his shoes and nailing him in the head with it. Austin drapes Mankind onto the middle rope and straddles him just as Vince McMahon is wheeled to ringside by his associates. Austin rams Mankind into several turnbuckles but Mankind gets the upper hand and rams Austin into a turnbuckle. Mankind chokes Austin on the mat and hits several thrusts to the neck. Mankind sets Austin up in a corner and hits a running knee to the face, then grabs his shoe and clocks Austin with it. Mankind whips Austin into the ropes but misses a clothesline and Austin hits a Lou Thesz press followed by the flurry of rights and the elbow drop. Austin whips Mankind into the ropes and sets up a Stunner but Mankind slips out of it and rolls out of the ring. Mankind starts running for the locker-room until Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson convince him to go back into the ring. Austin leaves the ring and rams the Stooges' heads together. Austin sets Mankind up for a piledriver but Mankind counters into a backdrop. Austin staggers to ringside and Mankind whips him into the ringsteps. Mankind rolls into the ring and Vince is yelling at the referee to count Austin out but Mankind rolls back out of the ring and throws Austin over the barricade into the crowd. However Austin fights back and clotheslines Mankind back over the barricade to ringside. Austin tries to ram Mankind into the ringsteps but Mankind blocks it and rams Austin's head into the steps. Mankind throws Austin back into the ring and goes for the cover but only gets two.

Mankind applies a modified Camel Clutch as the Stooges and Slaughter look on from ringside. Austin fights out of the hold and whips Mankind into the ropes but misses a clothesline and both men end up clotheslining each other. The referee begins the 10 count as Vince yells "Come on, Mick!" Austin goes for a whip, Mankind reverses and sends Austin into the corner but Austin comes out with a clothesline. Austin stomps Mankind down in a corner and flips him off. Austin goes out of the ring and tries to pull Mankind into the ringpost by the legs but Mankind brings his legs in, ramming Austin into the post. Vince continues to encourage Mick as Mankind goes out and throws Austin back into the ring before bringing a chair in as well. Mankind runs toward Austin and Austin kicks the chair into his face. Mankind slumps over the middle rope and Austin tries to straddle him but Mankind moves and Austin hits the rope. Mankind then drills Austin with a double-arm DDT onto the chair. Mankind covers Austin and the referee counts 1….2….but Austin kicks out! Mankind picks Austin up and attempts to piledrive him onto the chair but Austin counters and backdrops Mankind onto the chair. Mankind gets to his feet and Austin hits the Stunner. Austin covers Mankind and the referee begins counting when Vince leaps up out of his wheelchair and pulls the referee out of the ring! The "suddenly healed" McMahon punches the referee and begins kicking him. Austin is wondering what's going on when Mankind nails him from behind. Mankind whips Austin into the ropes and misses a clothesline, while his tuxedo pants start falling down (he's wearing his brown tights underneath, so don't worry). Austin goes a Stunner but Mankind shoves him into the ropes and applies the Mandible Claw. Austin counters with a low-blow and hits another Stunner! Austin covers Mankind as Shane McMahon runs in. Shane counts 1….2….but doesn't count 3 and instead flips Austin off! Austin quickly realizes he's been double-crossed as he chases Shane out of the ring. Austin goes back to Mankind and goes for a whip but Mankind reverses and sends Austin into the corner, and Austin staggers into a clothesline. While Mankind's back is turned Sgt. Slaughter picks Austin up and Brisco nails him with a very weak chair shot. Mankind covers Austin and Shane counts 1….2….3 to eliminate Austin from the tournament. Mankind moves on to the finals and Austin gets screwed out of the title once again.

Winner: Mankind (10:26)

With their plan a success, Vince, Shane and the rest happily leave the arena, with the furious Austin storming off after them. We see Vince's group pile into a limousine and Austin arrives to see it peel out of the building. So Austin commandeers a van and drives out after them.

Comments: Great match that sees Vince's chosen one take his place in the finals. There was some good brawling action from both men and a great shocking finish, with Mankind getting the unexpected win over Austin. Shane's heel turn was also done very well, one of the few swerves Vince Russo did right in his WWF tenure. This match could have been a little less overbooked but still a quality contest. [Score: 8/10]

The Rock vs. The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) – Deadly Game Tournament Semifinal
The winner will face Mankind for the WWF Title. The Undertaker starts by taking a swing but Rock ducks under it and gets in the first shots. Rock rams Taker into the top turnbuckle and kicks him in a corner. Rock whips Taker into the opposite corner and runs after him but Taker sidesteps him and rams Rock into the turnbuckle. Taker clotheslines Rock from behind, then drapes him over the apron and clubs him in the chest twice. Rock tumbles to the floor and Taker rams him into the ringsteps. Rock comes back with some shots to the head then rams Taker into the ring apron. Rock whips Taker into the barricade but Taker comes back with a clothesline. Taker headbutts Rock before throwing him back into the ring. Taker pops Rock and covers him but only gets a two count. Taker whips Rock into a corner and charges but Rock stops him with a boot to the face then comes out with a clothesline. However Taker sits right up. Rock goes for a whip but Taker reverses and hits a back elbow. Taker chokes the fallen Rock with his shin. Taker jabs Rock in the throat and Rock falls back, getting tangled in the ropes. Taker gets in some free shots before Rock gets free of the ropes. Taker comes off the ropes but Rock backdrops him over the top rope to the outside. Rock goes out and lays the boots to Taker before ramming him into the announcers' table. Rock hits Taker with a water bottle then clotheslines him over the barricade into the crowd. Rock tries to rams Taker into the barricade but Taker blocks it and rams Rock into it. Taker brings Rock back into the ring and pounds on him in a corner. Taker then gets the referee's attention while Paul Bearer nails the Rock with his shoe. Taker whips Rock into a corner and goes for the flying elbow but Rock sidesteps and Taker hits the turnbuckle. Both men exchange punches and Rock gets the advantage until Taker knees him in the chest. Taker goes for a whip but Rock reverses and hits a Samoan Drop. Both men are down when out comes the Big Bossman, who everyone though left with the McMahons. Taker sits up and whips Rock into the ropes but lowers the head and Rock hits a DDT. Rock has words with Paul Bearer before grabbing Taker's legs and hitting him below the belt. Rock slams Taker to the mat and goes for the People's Elbow, but as he comes off the ropes Bossman trips him from the outside. Rock yells at the Bossman but then turns around into a clothesline from Taker. Bossman climbs onto the apron but the Undertaker punches him off! Rock gets to his feet and hits a clothesline on Taker. Rock walks over to the fallen Undertaker when Taker grabs him by the throat. Suddenly Kane slides into the ring. Taker throws Rock at Kane, who grabs him by the throat and chokeslams him. However the referee calls for the bell saying the Undertaker is disqualified; apparently Kane came out not to help Taker but to get him eliminated from the tournament, which means the Rock moves on to the final!

Winner by disqualification: The Rock (8:23)

The Undertaker is not happy about being cheated out of the win so he pops the referee. Kane clotheslines Taker out of the ring and the two brothers brawl their way through the crowd.

Comments: This match was pretty boring and slow. It just seemed to drag in too many places and had no real flow. Also the finish was pretty lame, even though it made a little sense. [Score: 6/10]

So as a result of the previous two matches, the Rock and Mankind will face off for the WWF Title later on. Backstage Michael Cole is interviewing Mankind about the match, who says that Lady Luck must be smiling on him on tonight and he has just one more hill to climb, "if you smell what the Sock is cooking."

WWF World Tag Team Titles – The New Age Outlaws © vs. The Headbangers vs. D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry
The Outlaws are still feuding with the Headbangers but now Henry and D'Lo decided they want the tag titles as well. In this match three men, one from each team, can be in the ring at the same time, the first team to score the pinfall wins the titles, and the Outlaw rule is in effect, meaning partners cannot pin each other. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn come out first and do their usual intro, adding a shoutout to Triple H and Chyna. The Headbangers are out next followed by Henry and D'Lo, who's still wearing the chest protector after six months.

Billy and D'Lo start off. Billy tries to whip D'Lo into the ropes, D'Lo reverses but misses a clothesline. D'Lo goes for a hiptoss but Billy blocks it and hits a clothesline. Billy misses a running elbow drop. D'Lo goes for a whip, Billy reverses and sends D'Lo into the corner. Billy attempts a Stinger splash but D'Lo sidesteps and Billy hits the turnbuckles. D'Lo connects with a heel kick, but as he gloats Mosh runs in and covers Billy for the pin and D'Lo breaks it up. D'Lo whips Mosh into his corner and charges but Mosh dodges it and D'Lo hits the turnbuckles. Mosh hits a butt bump on D'Lo, and as D'Lo gets to his feet on the apron Mosh connects with a springboard clothesline. D'Lo tumbles into the ring and Mosh covers him but Road Dogg tags in and breaks up the count. Road Dogg hammers Mosh then pops Thrasher and starts kicking D'Lo. Mark Henry comes in and Billy Gunn intercepts him. With D'Lo in one corner and Henry in the opposite corner, the Outlaws climb up and hit the count-along punches on both Nation members. However while Billy takes care of Henry, D'Lo plants Road Dogg with a powerbomb. The referee orders Billy out of the ring while both Headbangers stomp away at Road Dogg. Mosh and Thrasher both whip Road Dogg into the ropes and hit a double flapjack. Mosh covers Road Dogg but only gets two. D'Lo and Mosh start going at it before Mosh covers Road Dogg again with D'Lo making the save. D'Lo covers Road Dogg but Mosh shoves him off. D'Lo then convinces Mosh to work together. D'Lo holds Road Dogg and Mosh kicks him below the belt. D'Lo tags in Henry while Mosh draws Billy into the ring. Henry throws Road Dogg down then whips him into the ropes and grabs him with a bearhug. Suddenly Mosh takes Henry down with a chopblock and starts working on his knee. Road Dogg tries to cover Henry but gets shoved off. Mosh tags in Thrasher and Thrasher holds Roag Dogg for some shots from Henry. Henry then headbutts Thrasher before tagging in D'Lo. Thrasher hits a jawbreaker on Road Dogg then covers him but D'Lo breaks up the count. Thrasher tags Mosh back in while D'Lo pops Road Dogg with a hard shot. D'Lo throws Road Dogg out of the ring then gets attacked by Mosh.

Billy tries to come in but once again the referee orders him back to the corner. D'Lo sets Mosh on the top turnbuckle and hits a huricanrana. Road Dogg climes to the apron while D'Lo tries to whip Mosh into the ropes. Mosh reverses and sends D'Lo into the ropes, knocking Road Dogg back to the floor. Mosh hits a Russian leg sweep and covers him while the referee checks on Road Dogg. Eventually the referee makes a count but D'Lo kicks out just as Road Dogg crawls back into the ring. Mosh rams Road Dogg into a turnbuckle and kicks him in the corner, with D'Lo adding some kicks as well. Mosh cheapshots Billy, drawing him in and distracting the referee. Road Dogg starts fighting back and takes it to all four men but Henry nails him with a hard clothesline. D'Lo covers Road Dogg but Mosh breaks up the pin. D'Lo sets Mosh up for a running powerbomb but Mosh counters into a sunset flip for a two count. D'Lo clotheslines Mosh then turns back to Road Dogg, who was assaulted by Thrasher. D'Lo tags in Henry while Mosh tags in Thrasher. Henry slams Road Dogg to the mat and hits a massive legdrop. Henry covers but Thrasher breaks it up. Thrasher drapes Road Dogg over the top rope then holds him up by the legs and Mosh leapfrogs over his partner onto his opponent. Mosh taunts Billy, again drawing him in, and Billy gets some shots on Mosh before being ordered to his corner by the referee. D'Lo chokes Road Dogg on the middle rope until Mosh kicks him in the chest. D'Lo drapes Road Dogg on the top rope and convinces Mosh to do the same move for him. Instead Mosh kicks him below the belt and covers him for a two count. Mosh draws Billy into the ring yet again and the referee has to keep him in his corner yet again. The Headbangers double-team Road Dogg until the referee orders one of the out of the ring. Thrasher covers Road Dogg but only gets two. Thrasher tags in Mosh, who walks into a scoop slam from D'Lo. D'Lo whips Road Dogg into the ropes, then tries to clothesline Mosh, but Mosh ducks it and hits a high knee on D'Lo. While both men are down Road Dogg crawls over and finally tags in Billy. Billy cleans house then tries to whip D'Lo into the ropes. D'Lo reverses, Billy ducks a clothesline but D'Lo plants him with a Sky High powerbomb. Road Dogg runs in and knocks Henry off the ring apron. For whatever reason the referee hesitates before counting D'Lo's cover on Billy, with Thrasher making the save. Road Dogg is fighting Henry on the outside and Thrasher joins in. In the ring Mosh whips Billy into the ropes but lowers the head, allowing Billy to hit the Rocker Dropper. Billy covers Mosh, Henry tries to make the save but Billy moves and Henry splashes Mosh. Henry goes for the cover but only gets two. Thrasher hammers Henry while Billy drills Mosh with a piledriver and gets the three for the win.

Winner and still Tag Team Champions: The New Age Outlaws (10:11)

Billy immediately clears the ring of their opponents and the Outlaws celebrate another successful title defense, with Billy mooning the audience.

Comments: This was a total UGH of a match. While there was some decent action it just didn't flow well at all and at times it was too chaotic and disjointed. Plus they also tried to go for the standard tag formula but it didn't work in this instance. Fast forward past this one. [Score: 3/10]

The Rock vs. Mankind – Deadly Game Tournament Final for the vacant WWF World Title
Both Rock and Mankind have a chance to win their first World championship in this match. Mankind has gone back to his normal wrestling attire with his boots and brown pants, though he's still wearing the bowtie. Before the match we get a shot of the Bossman backstage talking to Vince and Shane McMahon, who are back in the building. The McMahons tell the Bossman they want to handle this personally before sending him on his way.

Both men start with a lockup and Rock forces Mankind into a corner. Rock takes a swing but Mankind dodges it. After a staredown both men lock up again and Mankind forces Rock into a corner. Rock fights his way out of it and as both men stare each other down again, Jerry Lawler promises us that "you're gonna get to see all of this pay-per-view", no doubt taking a shot at WCW's Halloween Havoc cutting out early. Anyway, Rock punches Mankind into a corner and chokes him with his boot. Rock goes for a whip, Mankind reverses and sends Rock into the corner, but Rock comes out with a clothesline for a two count. Rock pummels Mankind in a corner, prompting Mankind to roll out of the ring and head for the lockerroom. When Rock chases after him, Mankind surprises Rock with a shot to the head then rams Rock into the ringsteps. Mankind chokes Rock on the steps and continues his assault before rolling him into the ring. Mankind applies a chinlock and Rock tries to hold on just as Vince and Shane McMahon come out to ringside. Rock fights out of the hold and counters with a suplex. Rock pops Mankind, sending him tumbling through the ropes to the floor. Rock goes out after him and gets kicked in the chest. Mankind sets Rock up for a suplex but Rock blocks it and suplexes Mankind onto the floor. Rock starts walking toward the McMahons, but when Mankind creeps up from behind Rock turns around and belts him. Rock then suplexes Mankind over the barricade into the crowd. Rock fights Mankind through the crowd and hits him with a plastic garbage can. Mankind whips Rock into the barricade and charges but Rock backdrops him over into the ringside area. The McMahons look on with concern as Rock rolls Mankind back into the ring.

Rock applies a chinlock while Vince and Shane whisper to each other. Mankind fights out of the hold but Rock gets in some shots. Rock comes off the ropes but Mankind connects with a knee to the chest. Mankind headbutts the Rock and hits a clothesline than sends both men over the ropes to the floor. Mankind grabs a chair and nails Rock in the back. Mankind picks up the ringsteps and takes aim but Rock hits the steps with the chair, causing them to fall onto Mankind. Rock then hits the steps repeatedly with the chair, and when Mankind comes out from underneath, Rock waffles him in the face with the chair. Rock throws Mankind back into the ring and goes for the cover but only gets two. Mankind staggers into a corner and Rock hammers away at him until Mankind hits a low blow. Rock rolls out to the ring apron and Mankind tries to choke him. Mankind then drapes Rock over the apron and clubs him in the chest. Rock falls to the floor and Mankind connects with an elbowdrop from the apron. Mankind rams Rock into the announcers' table, then takes off the table's covering and nails Rock with it. Rock falls onto the table and Mankind continues to pummel him before hitting a legdrop on the table. Mankind throws Rock into the ring and covers for the pin but only gets two. Mankind applies another chinlock on Rock as the crowd try to cheer the Rock on. Rock fights out of the hold and begins trading punches with Mankind. Mankind staggers near the ropes, Rock charges toward him but gets backdropped to the outside. Mankind throws Rock back in and whips him into the ropes but lowers the head and Rock counters with a DDT. The Rock gets the advantage and goes for a whip. Mankind reverses and sends Rock into the ropes but lowers the head again and Rock kicks him in the face. Rock charges toward Mankind but gets tossed out of the ring. As the Rock gets to his feet next to the Spanish announcers' table, Mankind climbs to the middle rope. Mankind leaps off for an elbow but Rock sidesteps and Mankind crashes through the Spanish announcers' table! Rock whacks Mankind with the a piece of the table before throwing him back into the ring. Rock slams Mankind to the mat and hits the People's Elbow. Rock covers and the referee counts 1….2….but Mankind kicks out! Rock whips Mankind into the ropes but Mankind ducks a clothesline and plants Rock with the double-arm DDT. The Rock is down as Mankind pulls out Mr. Socko. Mankind applies the Mandible Claw on Rock and Rock starts to fade. The referee checks the arm and it drops once, twice, but Rock is able to hold it up the third time and counters it into the Rock Bottom! Rock manages to crawl over for the cover and the referee counts 1….2….but Mankind still kicks out!! Rock looks at Vince and gives him the People's eyebrow before applying the Sharpshooter! Mankind tries to fight it when Vince suddenly calls for the bell saying Mankind submitted, so the Rock is your new WWF Champion!

Winner and NEW WWF Champion: The Rock (17:16)

However something's not right. Shane raises the Rock's hand while Vince walks into the ring with the WWF Title belt. Vince holds his arms out for the Rock, and the Rock embraces both Shane and Vince, revealing that all three were in cahoots all along!! As the Rock accepts his first-ever WWF Championship, Vince gets on the mic saying "Seeing is believing." Vince says he didn't screw the people; the people screwed the people, and they were as gullible as Mankind. Mankind stands in the corner stunned as Vince states they're so proud for a number of reasons, one of which is Steve Austin was royally screwed in the ring, and that there's one man that has more contempt for Austin and it's a man that loathes all the fans: The Rock. Vince congratulates Shane on an Academy Award winning performance then hands the mic to the Rock. The Rock reminds Vince he said he would rather be the People's @** than kiss yours, but now it's time for all the "trailer park trash" to kiss the Rock's rear. Mankind gets on the mic and asks Vince how could the Rock win the match without pinning him or making him submit. Vince's answer is to have the Rock clobber him with the title belt then lay him out with another Rock Bottom. Shane formally introduces the Rock as the new Corporate Champion and The Rock raises his arms along with Vince and Shane, proud at their accomplishment.

Comments: Pretty good match, one of many between the Rock and Mankind during this period. Both men did a good job putting on an exciting contest that started off slow but quickly picked up toward the end. Unfortunately the ending felt cheap with Vince using the finish of the 1997 Survivor Series main event for this match, and it wouldn't be the last time he revisited Montreal. Other than the ending, this was still a great match to close out a subpar tournament, and it began the infamous series of matches between these two men. [Score: 8/10]

However we're not done yet; Steve Austin suddenly walks into the arena, seeing what just happened. Austin charges into the ring as the McMahons retreat to the back and the Rock stomps away at him. Austin recovers and takes out the Rock with the Stunner before throwing him out of the ring along with the WWF Title belt. Austin then helps Mankind up before laying him out with the Stunner as well. Austin leaves the ring and gets in some last shots on the Rock before heading to the back. As the show ends the McMahons may have won the night, but Austin has just sent a message to them, saying somehow he's going to get his title back.

CONCLUSION: A somewhat disappointing show, but not necessarily a terrible one either. This pay-per-view had some of the problems that plagued the Wrestlemania IV tournament; it was very long and half the matches were too short or had screwy finishes. Plus in true Vince Russo fashion, the competition was dominated by the storyline. As a result the first round was a total wash, but once you got to the Rock/Shamrock match you finally got some good matches, including Austin/Mankind and Rock/Mankind. Plus the Rock's heel turn may have been questionable but it still did a good job of setting up his run at the top, as well as keeping Mankind and Austin into the mix. So while Survivor Series '98 won't impress most wrestling fans, it still gets a mild recommendation, especially for fans of the Rock who want to see his first world title win.

FINAL GRADE: [ C ]