WWF Raw is War Review (4/27/98): Steve Austin Defends His Title, DX Tries Invading WCW

Mr. McMahon with Gerald Brisco

We see them talking about how the match is going to be called fair, since Brisco is the special guest referee for the WWF Championship Match.

WWF Championship Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs. Goldust (with Luna)
-Gerald Brisco is the special guest referee.
-If Austin lays a finger on Brisco, he will be fired by the WWF.

Austin makes his way out to a thunderous ovation and flips off Brisco in the process. The Rattlesnake at his finest.

Mr. McMahon sprints to ringside before the match starts. He kicks out the time keeper and takes the position.

Austin starts thrashing Goldust immediately, showing off his aggression in the process. The Bizarre One would then get a couple of near-pinfalls and start throwing punches.

On the third near-fall, Brisco did a fast count, which angered Austin. McMahon’s Stooge would begin taunting the WWF Champion by pointing at his chin for him to get punched. This distraction would lead to Goldust taking advantage, trying to pin Austin, and nearly lose to a fast count.

The two would go to ringside, with Goldust tossing Austin into the steel steps. However, the fan-favorite would start throwing the Hollywood star into the barricade. This led to Brisco pulling Austin away for no reason. Goldust then hit a blatant low blow on Austin, to which Brisco did nothing about.

Goldust would then put on a reverse chin-lock in the ring. While this was being done, Austin flipped off Brisco. McMahon would show his concern at ringside.

*Jim Ross would note that Ken Shamrock suffered broken bones from Owen Hart’s assault from earlier in the show.

Austin would finally get some momentum with a few right hands until Goldust put him into a sleeper. However, it would be countered and Austin would hit the Stunner! Briscoe would do a very slow count to two, only to say he has something in his eye.

When he turned around, Dude Love would come charging to the ring to fight Austin. Love would assault Austin. However, the match wouldn’t be called off due to a DQ.

Austin would fight back with punches and slammed Love into the announcer’s table. As Brisco tried getting Austin off Love, McMahon went to hit Austin with the WWF Championship. This led to Austin ducking out of the way, only for Brisco to be whacked with the belt! This led to McMahon flipping out as his friend was lacerated.

Match ends in a no-contest. However, Stone Cold Steve Austin retains the WWE Championship.

3.2 out of 5 stars – Despite there being no finish to the match, this was very entertaining. The Austin-McMahon feud never fails to satisfy the fan.