McMahon - Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you have witnessed
          over these past two months, the World Wrestling Federation
          has been overun by a group of individuals from the
          Philadelphia based wrestling organisation, Extreme Championship
          Wrestling. When this group of individuals took over a sanctioned
          WWF program this past Thursday night, Thunder, this crossed
          the line. I have tryed over the past week to negotiate a
          deal with Paul Heyman, the owner of Extreme Championship
          Wrestling, to no avail. This past week on Thunder, a challenge
          was made. Five single matches, each pitting a wrestler from the
          World Wrestling Federation, against a wrestler from ECW.
          The stakes are phenomenally high, the future of this company
          is at stake. If, following the series of matches that will take
          place at Wrestlemania, if following this the ECW men win the
          series, then the World Wrestling Federation will become no
          more. Although, with the exception of the five men involved
          at Wrestlemania, the roster will remain the same, there will
          be a huge influx of ECW superstars. As well as this, Monday
          Night Raw, I am told, will became The ECW Warzone, and WWF
          Thunder will become ECW Thunder. Paul E Heyman and associates
          will have complete control over every facet of this company,
          and the tradition and values that the World Wrestling
          Federation has believed in since the beginning, they will
          be tossed aside. It is my belief that the ECW management and
          the wrestlers themselves, are pursuing this due to a lack of
          exposure of their particular medium. They are resigned to the
          fact that they will never be as popular or recognised as the
          World Wrestling Federation, or for that matter, the Ted Turner
          driven World Championship Wrestling. The only way, in their
          minds, that they can be a success, is not to steadily improve
          and be awarded televison time due to putting out a good and
          vibrant product, but to steal air time from their competitors.
          Whatever the outcome of Wrestlemania I, it is safe to say that
          the future of wrestling in this country, will all be at stake in
          less than two weeks time.

Ross - Hello everyone, and welcome to Monday Night Raw Live! You just
       heard it right here from the owner of the World Wrestling
       Federation himself, Vince McMahon. In less than two weeks time at
       Wrestlemania 98, the future of wrestling in not only the United
       States, but also around the world, will be on the line! In only
       two weeks time, not only could we saying farewell to one of the
       greats, Shawn Michaels, not only to Sid, Benoit, Jarrett and
       Booker T, but we may also see the end of Monday Night Raw, and
       the World Wrestling Federation itself! On a rather selfish note,
       I can't be impartial in all this, my job's on the line. But life
       goes on, and tonight, we will have the first semi final in the
       European Title Tournament, as "The Rock" Rocky Mavia takes on Adam
       Bomb, who eliminated Steve Austin in the opening round. On top of
       that, four of the particapents in next Sundays huge event, will
       clash tonight in a high intensity tag match. Chris Benoit and the
       man who is apperently the fifth member of "Team WWF" Booker T,
       will clash with former tag champion Chris Candido and Mr Monday
       Night Rob Van Dam! Steve Austin is also gonna be here, and Euro
       semi finalist Owen Hart will take on one of Japans finest, Yuji
       Nagata!

"Kee-rash"

Ross - Well I think we got company right away!

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin charges to the ring.

Austin - Hell if ya didn't know, tonight is March 16th, which if you
         didn't realise, stands for 3-16. So hell, with this being a
         religious holiday and all, I thought it would be fitting if Stone
         Cold Steve Austin came out here and gave this microphone an ass
         whooping. Now in case you've been in a coma this past month, you
         know I got a little problem with Sycho Sid.

(The fans pop for Sid's name)

Austin - Is that right? Well Stone Cold Steve Austin doesn't give a
         damn about what you people think. Never did and never will. I've
         been out back and I've been hearing people saying, Steve Austin,
         why don't you put your problems with Sid aside, so that him and
         his friends can stop ECW from taking over this company. Well I
         say Hell No! I never liked Shawn Michaels, and I sure as hell
         don't like Sid. I got respect for Chris Benoit, but the other
         two jackasses I really couldn't give a damn about. As far as I'm
         concerned, it wouldn't bother me one bit if all five of 'em, got
         the hell out of the WWF. As for ECW, hell, there's few people
         in this industry that have given Steve Austin respect, and Paul
         Heyman and ECW count amongst that select few. When I left World
         Championship Wrestling in 1995, there didn't seem to be a place
         in this bullshit industry for myself to go. Paul E called me up,
         said Steve, I know you got the talent, I know you got the
         ability, I know you got the charisma, and he took me to ECW,
         and saved my sorry ass. Vince, I know you gave me a chance too,
         but we all know, that was more about me, than it ever was about
         you. So what I'm saying is, my roots are nothing to do with the
         WWF, and with my hate for Sycho Sid, I might get a little
         involved in some matches at Wrestlemania. And that's all I got
         to say about that.

<-commercials->

Ross - Welcome back everybody. Shocking words there from "Stone Cold"
       Steve Austin. Is he gonna cost the World Wrestling Federation at
       Wrestlemania a week next Sunday? Only time will tell folks, but we
       gotta get underway with our first match.

The New Midnight Express vs Jim Powers/Tim Horner

Bob Holly and Tim Horner start out for their respective teams. Horner locks his opponent straight into an armbar submission, Horner though escaping after eight seconds. Bart Gunn then joins the frey, and the two hit Horner with a double back body drop before the ref herds Gunn out. Holly takes Horner back down to the mat with a kneelift, and then a crucifix fro a two count. Horner is then about to be subjected to a DDT, but he manages to roll Holly up in a small package for a two count. Horner then tags in Powers, who hits a flying cross body press for another two count. Holly rolls out and tags in Gunn, who immediately hits a flying bodypress of his own for the victory.

The New Midnight Express defeated Jim Powers and Tim Horner when Gunn pinned Powers with a flying bodypress in 5-37 --- *

Ross - An impressive victory there for the Express, dispatching of
       their opponents in quick fashion. We've got to take another break
       now folks, but up next we'll have the World Wrestling Federation
       Champion, Shawn Michaels, in this very ring!

<-commercials->

Ross - Welcome back. We've got Shawn Michaels in the ring.

HBK - Forgive me if I spare any formal introductions. You all know my
      name, and you all know who these four men with me are. In two
      weeks time, right here on Monday Night Raw, you will see these five
      men standing right here. We're gonna be victorious at Wrestlemania,
      and not Paul Heyman, not Shane Douglas, and definetly not Steve
      Austin, is gonna prevent us from that victory. Steve Austin, if you
      want a piece of Shawn Michaels, if you want a piece of Sycho Sid, or
      any of these guys here, I'm calling you out now!

"Kee-Rash"

Austin charges to the ring, to a tweener pop.

HBK - Now "Stone Cold", I'm ordering you to stay out of Boston on
      Sunday March 29, and if you don't comply, I'm gonna issue a
      restraining order on your sorry ass!

Austin - Shawn Micheals, I think you've known me long enough to know
         that no-one orders Steve Austin to do anything. If you think you
         can keep Stone Cold Steve Austin out of Boston, then son, you got
         another thing coming. There ain't a thing on earth that's gonna
         keep Steve Austin out of Boston. The fact that I could end the
         careers of all the people in this ring in just one night, hell,
         it's frankly too sweet to be true. Far as I'm concerned, you're
         all a bunch of jackasses and I'm glad I never joined your group
         when you made the offer!

HBK - I never made you any offer.

Austin - Oh yeah that's right son. All the phone calls, all the begging,
         all the pleading, all because you needed Stone Cold Steve Austin
         on your team. Hell, I turned your ass down, and you had to bring
         in this piece of trash Jeff Jarrett as replacement.

Jarrett has a pissed look on his face.

Ross - Folks, we gotta take a break. If anything happens during the
       commercials, we'll...

<-commercials->

Ross - Welcome back everyone, you just saw the showdown. The WWF Champion
       Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin just going face to face. And you
       gotta wonder, what's going on in Jeff Jarrett's head right now. He
       wasn't at all happy about finding out he was second choice behind
       Steve Austin. Or was Austin first choice? Is Austin purposefully
       causing trouble in the WWF camp? You can find out all the answers
       by calling your local cable operator and asking for the biggest pay
       per view of all time, Wrestlemania I, live on Sunday March 29th!
       But still to come tonight, Team WWF members Chris Benoit and Booker
       T, will clash head on with wrestlers representing ECW, Chris
       Candido and Rob Van Dam! Up next though, Taka Michinoku is gonna
       take on "Too Sexy" Brian Christopher.

Taka Michinoku vs Brian Christopher

After locking up, Taka hits Christopher with a spin kick, knocking him to the mat. The two men trade blows for the opening minutes, with no real stand out maneuvres. B.C. executes a German suplex on Taka for a two count on three minutes. Christopher thought he'd scored a three count and celebrates, distracted long enough for Taka to roll him up for a two count of his own. Michinoku is in complete control at this point untl Scott Taylor, B.C.'s tag team partner, pushes him off the top turnbuckle. Christopher, who had had the referee distracted, then hits the Tennessee Jam on Taka for the win.

Brisn Christopher pinned Taka Michinoku with the Tennessee Jam in 6-07 --- **.75

After the match, "Too Much" beat on Taka until the WWF Cruiserweight Champion Psychosis hits the ring. Psychosis and Taka then proceed to clear house as "Too Much" jump out of the ring.

Ross - A great match there, screwed by a terrible finish. When we come
       back, we'll have the first semi final in the European Title
       Tournament.

<-commercials->

**Wrestlemania Promo**

Never before in the history of professional wrestling has one company ever made a merciless atack on their fellow rivals. But now, a group of outlaws, tired of always being the underdogs, tired of always being the the third wheel, have arrived in the World Wrestling Federation, hell bent on taking what they believe they richly deserve. On Sunday March 29, these outlaws will clash head on with five of the World Wrestling Federation's finest. If the invaders are successful in their challenge, it will change the course of wrestling's future, and destroy it's proud history, beyond repair.

Owen Hart vs Yuji Nagata

Owen Hart has control over this one early, the action soon spilling to the outside. Hart sends Nagata crashing into the guardrail, before hurling him back into the ring. Owen hits a dropkick from the top rope for a two count, and then hits Yuji with a belly to belly suplex. Hart is in total control, that is until his Nation Of Domination comrades come to ringside. Owen shouts to The Rock, "I can win this match by myself." The Rock says fine and leads his Nation troops back to the dressing room. This momentary distraction for Hart however, is more than enough time for Nagata to roll Owen up from behind and get the three count.

Yuji Nagata pinned Owen Hart in 7-23 --- **

Owen is furious and jumps the ringropes and charges up the ramp, apparently wanting some words with The Nation.

<-commercials->

Ross - Welcome back. We've got Owen Hart standing by backstage. Owen,
       what happened out there?

Hart - It's none of your business what happened out there JR. The fact
       is, I am sick and tired of the Nation Of Domination, supposed to
       be on my side, costing me matches. Since I joined the Nation, I've
       acheived nothing! It's done nothing but hold me back, and has
       stopped me from realising my full potential. There ain't no way....

The Rock enters the backstage area.

Rock - Whoah, whoah, hold it there little trooper. You say you don't
       want the Nation by your side?

Hart - That's what I'm saying.

Rock - Well let me tell you Owen, what other force, what other group,
       can offer you the protection and the stability that the Nation
       can? I'll tell you Owen, there is no other group that can offer
       what the Nation can. You gotta realise, when myself and all the
       rest of the Nation came to the ring earlier tonight, we did that
       in order to aid you, to protect you from any kind of sneak
       attack. Only the Nation can offer that kind of protection Owen.
       Only the Nation. We've had some problems tonight, and I know
       we've had problems before, but next week, European Title Semi
       Final? Everything'll be copastetic, you can count on that.

Hart - Okay. Okay.

Ross - What's going on here? Have you guys sorted everything out?

Rock - Everythings fine here JR. Owen got a little upset, over a
       few trivial matters, but everything is now flowing the way the
       Rock wants it to flow. Now get the hell out of here, jabronie
       cameraman, and put some damn pants on.

Ross - Well it seems that the problems for The Nation of Domination
       have been settled here tonight. A reminder, next week, here on
       Raw, Owen Hart will take on "Double J" Jeff Jarrett in the 2nd
       semi final of the Euro Title Tournament. With the winner to face
       Adam Bomb or The Rock? That's gonna be interesting, and that match
       is coming up next.

<-commercials->

(European Title Tournament Semi Final) Adam Bomb vs Rocky Maivia

Adam Bomb does nothing more than play with The Rock in the first minute, throwing him around the ring like a rag doll. The tide is turned however, as Bomb attempts to charge The Rock in the corner, but a well placed boot to the head sends Bomb to the mat. Maivia executes a bodyslam, but then goes and misses an elbowdrop. The action soon heads to the outside of the ring, with both men getting up close and personal with the ringsteps. Back in the ring, Maivia hits a powerslam for a two and a half count. The Rock then proceeds to miss another elbowdrop and Bomb gets to his feet. He  climbs the turnbuckles and tries for an axehandle. The Rock however, catches him and executes the Rock bottom to win the match, and advance to the tournament final at Wrestlemania.

Rocky Maivia pinned Adam Bomb with the Rock Bottom in 7-27 --- *

Ross - An impressive win for The Rock. He advances to Wrestlemania I,
       and he's gonna face either Jeff Jarrett or his now reconciled
       Nation member Owen Hart. It's going to be interesting to see what
       happens next week on Raw, with the second semi final. We'll be
       right back.

<-commercials - featuring an ad for ECW Warzone? ->

Backstage, Candido and Van Dam on their way to the ring.

Cole - Do you have any words to say before this tag match.

Van Dam - Yeah, enjoy your last two weeks of employment Mikey.

Chris Benoit/Booker T (w/Jarrett) vs Chris Candido/Rob Van Dam (w/Taz)

Benoit and Candido start out, in a meeting of two former WWF champions. Both men stare each other down for a while, before Candido slaps Benoit right in the kisser. Benoit smirks and then stomps a mudhole in Candido, eventually clotheslining him to the outside. The Crippler follows him out and soon all four men are brawling around ringside. Order is soon restored, and Booker T and "Mr Monday Night" Rob Van Dam get accquainted. Van Dam takes Booker down with a lariat, getting nothing more than a one count. Van Dam is barely in the ring thirty seconds before tagging Candido back in. Candido chokes on Booker for a while, until the inevitable four man brawl breaks out. During this melee, Jarrett gets involved, accidentally hammering Booker with a chair. Jarrett holds his head in his hands, but he is forced out of the ring by the ref before he can rectify his mistake. Van Dam has the simple task of covering Booker to give his team the win.

Rob Van Dam and Chris Candido defeated Chris Benoit and Booker T when Van Dam pinned Booker T in 5-10 --- **.75

Candido and Van Dam celebrate in the ring as Taz and eventually Douglas and Bigelow enter the ring as well. Benoit and Booker are beaten on as the show goes off the air, Jeff Jarrett long since departed.