Review: WWE Raw “The Beginning” Season 1 (1993 – Disc 1 & 2) DVD

Brett Mix’s WWE Raw “The Beginning”: The Best of Season 1 1993 (Two Disc) Review:

Welcome EVERYONE TO MOOOONDAY NIIIIGHT RAAAAAAW!- Vince McMahon

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-In 2010 the WWE released a four disc package highlighting the main moments of seasons one and two of Raw in the years of 1993 and 1994.

-Here we begin the Raw Anthology starting with the hit show’s first year.

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DISC ONE Matches and Segments:

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We get started with Bobby Heenan trying to get into the building. Hilarious segment with Sean Mooney as the host on the mic outside the building. We get a tidbit of info that the first eight Raw shows were from the Manhattan Building, the old Raw theme plays. Memories!

Vince and his welcome EVERYONE never gets old. Rob Bartlett, Randy Savage join McMahon for commentary.

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1) Koko B. Ware vs. Yokozuna (With Mr. Fuji) -WWF Raw January 11, 1993

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Koko B. Ware the now hall of famer…I say that with a frown. A Gary Coleman shot is thrown out. This is the first match in Raw history. B. Ware came out to Owen Hart and his heel theme he would use later on but for now it was a babyface tag theme as Owen and Koko B. Ware were a team called High Energy.

Yokozuna undefeated so far in the Federation.

Robby says ASS and Savage and Vince talk about how Raw is uNcEnSoReD! Taboo stuff for early 93 in the WWF!

Koko B. Ware claps and attempts to get the crowd into it while Yoko slowly walks around the ring.

Vince points out Macho and Yoko will both be headed to the Royal Rumble. They would eventually be the final two. Yoko threw Koko to the floor. Slowly Yokozuna has been controlling the pace of the match but now Koko B. Ware comes back with a series of dropkicks. Koko B. Ware is stun gunned and then Yokozuna drops a leg on the smaller Koko B. Ware.

I am sorry but honestly it makes me sick that Koko B. Ware is in the Hall of Fame and not the guy broadcasting. Ugh. Even Yoko deserves it ten times more then him. Anyway this was a squash and Yoko picked up the victory in less then five minutes with his Banzai drop.

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1/2*

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2) The Undertaker vs. Damien Demento -WWF Raw January 11, 1993

Here it is. The first Main Event in Raw history.

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Damien Demento is legit insane and is not a good wrestler or worker.

Undertaker was in his slow moving period so I would not expect a five star classic.

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Star ratings dont matter during this match, it is included purely because it is the first main event of the first Raw.

Damien Demento is finished in less them two minutes with a Tombstone.

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1/4*

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3) Loser Leaves the WWE: Ric Flair vs. Mr. Perfect -WWF Raw January 25, 1993
This was put on the Raw fifteenth DVD as it is one of the best matches in Raw history.

They tell us Mr. Perfect had the longest IC title reigns of the 90s.

Flair after going coast to coast essentially in the 92 Rumble was dissapointed the night before when losing in the 93 Rumble being tossed out by Mr. Perfect himself!
The loser here would go to WCW, (although of course Vince would never point that out) both men eventually did within a few years anyway. As did Macho Man, DiBiase, Kid, Hall, Nash and everyone else that wanted more cash.
Hennig here was back on his game workrate wise and put on pretty amazing clinic with the Naitch here given its length.

Perfect was the babyface while Flair was quite obviously the heel where he was at his best.
On Commentary it was McMahon and Heenan.

Mr. Perfect and Flair in the heat of their rivalry stood toe to toe and did not elect to dishing out shots.

Ric Flair is all over Perfect with a hot crowd. McMahon and an extremely-biased yet often hilarious Bobby Heenan do commentary which makes this match fly by even more at an alaming rate.

Any time you are treated to a Flair vs Hennig in the early 90`s on Free TV, that was simply the golden standard.

Ric Flair at a fast pace went right to work on Mr. Perfect and the fans are eating it up. Heenan on commentary makes everything so much better and that can’t be stressed enough.

Mr. Perfect who the fan were behind in a major way was down as Flair went to work on Hennig some more. Flair stomped away at Perfect and Hennig does an awesome bumping job flipping over the buckle to the floor from an irishwhip by Flair.

Perfect was bloodied as Perfect smacked his head on the buckle on his collision on the way down.

Awesome psychology as Flair sent Hennig’s bad back into the ringpost. A slugfest between two guys battling for their jobs.

A double collision and in dramatic fashion Hennig hooked the tights in a unique cradle pinning combo and got a two. Flair goes for a hiplock off the ropes but Perfect all bloodied went for a backslide. A two count. Hennig hit a backdrop on Flair from the corner out of desperation.
Flair begged Pefect to back off. Hennig landed right hands. Perfect up high dropped tough blows on Naitch.

Flair dropped Hennig ith an inverted atomic drop off the top and a cradle with a close two count. Flair rolls to the floor. Flair comes in the hard way.

Hennig suplexes Flair from the outside apron into the ring the hard way. Flair from his tights grabbed knucks and layed out Hennig. McMahon on commentary said it would be a travesty in so many words if Hennig loses his career this way.

Flair drops an elbow for good measure and a two. Flair relentless showed his vicious side opening up Hennig’s blood.

Flair’s chops in the corner motivated Perfect. Heniig chopped back at Flair now. Perfect with a back drop and a hard right dropping Naitch. Perfect sent Flair to the corner and he did his usual flip and run to the other buckle and jump off, Hennig got him coming don in an awkward collision.

Flair though regain control and used his feet on the ropes to try and pin Hennig but he fought out. Off the ropes Hennig put Flair away with a beautiful Perpect Plex.
Heenan screams OH MY GOD NO and leaves the booth after cussing out on commentary which was beeped.

This was every bit of good as remembered.

In the end Perfect made Flair leave The Federation Where didn’t feel belonged.

This one is a borderline classic, excellent tv match.

A “Perfect” example of how to tell an important and yet compelling story in the ring.

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****

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-10 Bell Salute to Andre the Giant -WWF Raw February 1, 1993

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The first WWE Hall of Famer is appropriately the legendary Andre the Giant. He had just passed away and here we get a Ten Bell Salute to pay tribute to the Giant. May he Rest in Peace. The tidbit also told us Andre was the first WWE Superstar to ever appear in Sports Illustrated.

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4) Lex Luger vs. Jason Knight -WWF Raw February 1, 1993

Savage and McMahon on commentary like most of the matches.

Luger was pretty new to the WWF at this time still. He had a big NWA background and the tidbit said he was going to play for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL but never played a game.

Luger poses in front of the mirror. For some reason they show a Mr. Perfect vignette here where he throws the football to himself.
Luger was about to go on a mega push in 93 after his heel run was over but he was still here.

Jason Knight was set to take on Luger now.

Luger locking up with Jason Knight in the corner. Luger smiling and flexing, he took over Jason Knight with a trip and gives another smirk. Luger with a go-around into a hammerlock. Jason Knight grabs the corner of the ring. Lex is reverse irishwhipped and runs right into a boot as Luger clotheslined him. Luger asking him to bring it.

Lex Luger hit a stun gun on Jason Knight. Jason Knight is powerslammed by Luger off the ropes and Lex says he is about to finish it. Luger with a slight chop and says No as if to say he wa snot done. Luger delivered a straight right to the head of Jason Knight.

In two and a half minutes Luger pins Jason Knight with his pinky. Quarter of a star for that. Hilarious.

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1/4*

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5) Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase -WWF Raw February 15, 1993

If you have read my reviews you know I am not a big fan of Beefcake. He can wrestle but annoys the hell out of me.

Against Ted DiBiase it is a no brainer who I would go for here. Ted DiBiase goes for Beefcake who continues to strut. Just lame.

Late official Joey Marella officiates this match. He would pass on just a year later. and Beefcake take awhile to tie up. Beefcake pushed Ted DiBiase all the way to the outside.

Brutus with a standing side headlock and out comes IRS the tag team partner of Ted DiBiase. Jimmy Hart is also wondering why as well while Bruti kept it locked in wearing down the Million Dollar Man.

IRS hits Brutus with his briefcase and its a DQ win for Brutus around the five minute mark. Money Inc stomp on Brutus after the match.

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*

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-The Megamaniacs -WWF Raw February 22, 1993

Interesting fact that Hogan never competed in a Raw match despite being with the company in 93 until he returned as apart of the nWo in 2002.

Hogan has a segment here with McMahon in the ring. Gets a great ovation and does a good job at getting the fans pumped.

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6) Bret Hart (c) vs. Fatu (With Afa) for the WWF Championship -WWF Raw March 1, 1993

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Interesting to see Rikishi and the Hitman get it on.

Fatu and Bret get set to lock up.

Headshrinker Fatu is announced during the theme of Bret. An Elvis clone joins Savage and Vince. Bret gives his shades to a kid in the front row. Hart comes back in.

A Slim Jim joke by Elvis to Macho.

Bret Hart ready to lock up with Fatu. Bret Hart had a big nasty cut on his nose. Hazzard of being World Champion. A tie-up solves nothing. Bret with a side headlock on Fatu and a shoulder block off the ropes does not move Fatu. On the second occasion Fatu slammed him down then missed with an elbow.

The Hitman quick to the offense with an arm-drag takeover and then an armbar. The excellence of execution torks it in more until thrown to the corner. Fatu crashes into the buckle and the Hitman goes back to the armbar. McMahon puts over Bret and his wrestling skill on commentary. Bret with an arm-ringer but Fatu grabbed the hair. Bret bumps into Fatu twice to take him off his feet but was hooked on the outside by Afa the manager of Fatu. (The Headshrinkers at the time)

A quick roll up but only a two. Bret resorts back into the armbar. HUGE thrust kick by Fatu to the WWF Champion Bret Hart and only a two. Now an elbow to the head. Bret looks like he has a bit of a challenge here. Off the ropes Bret attempts a hiplock to the bigger Fatu but he clotheslines the Hitman after blocking it to Fatu.

A trapezius hold on bret to wear him down. He grabs the hair of Bret taking him down and Hebner warns him not too, back to the trap hold on Hart. Fatu continues to work over the Hitman and now Bret is in trouble on the floor while Afa distracted the official. McMahon and company did a good job at presenting Fatu as a big threat for the title in this basic match on Raw.

After a commercial break Fatu irishwhipped Bret Hart to the buckle and he bumps hard like no one else can in the wrestling business. Fatu picks up Bret and his dead weight and applies a backbreaker and got a long two. Savage says the Hitman is in big, big trouble. Another hard turnbuckle throw to Bret and a knee-drop to the throat of Bret. Now a headbutt by Fatu.

Now we see a move you wont see very often due to guys like Owen, Austin or D-Lo, a piledriver. Fatu piledrives Bret and he gets a two. The Champ needs a spark to get back in this one.

This time STERNUM first comes crashing is Bret Hart as Fatu senses victory. McMahon thinks every two is a three and he did this more then Michael Cole says Vintage. A Side Suplex by Fatu and now off the top a flying headbutt by Fatu gets him another long two.

Fatu took his time to get to the top and Bret Hart hits a Superplex but Fatu barely kicked out. Bret now hits a running bulldog to Fatu but still just a two count.

The Hitman with a side suplex and an elbow drop from the top. Hart now set up the Sharpshooter and slapped it on Fatu. Afa on the ring apron distracting the official and Samu, the tag partner of Fatu levelled Bret. The wrong guy covers Bret, they kept switching but the official did not know. Bret beyond everything sent one into another and hit a side russian legsweep. A dropkick by Bret and now the Sharpshooter is locked in as Samu is tied up in the ropes and at a tv time of 12:51 the Hitman retained the title.

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This was a test for Bret before Yokozuna at Mania 9.

What a great Raw match for the title!

Very impressive. So many aspects made this one great.

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*** 1/2

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-Doink the Clown Pie-Faces Elvis -WWF Raw March 1, 1993

After Doink gets done in the ring Elvis wants to talk to Doink.

Elvis gets pie-faced. Pretty basic. Only on Monday Night Raw apparently!

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-Crush on the sands of Hawaii -WWF Raw March 1, 1993
We get some facts from Crush (the late Bryan Adams) about his skills near the ocean. He also gives a prediction for his match with Doink at Wrestlemania 9. That ended up being a pretty solid match.

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7) Mr. Perfect vs. Rick “The Model” Martel -WWF Raw March 8, 1993

McMahon says that it is ABOUT TIME this guy gets in the ring.

Mr. Perfect with a tremendous ovation. A shoulder block by Martel and Mr. Perfect slams him. Martel and Hennig exchange slams and dropkicks up high.

Looking a little like Hennig and Hart from KOTR 93 just not as crisp but still tremendous.

Fans applaud appropriately. A series of blocks by Perfect and Martel backs off. Rick Martel avoids a clothesline, flips over and does some jumping jacks. Pretty funny.

Martel caught with a waistlock but Mr. Perfect caught the ankle and now this time Mr. Perfect did a little dodging of his own and the fans eat it right up.

Awesome!

This is just very creative stuff, making something out of just a regular match.

Mr. Perfect runs into a solid knee to the face by Martel. The Model with an armbar take-over to Mr. Perfect. An overhead wristlock into an armbar by Rick.

Martel then is ran out of the ring by Perfect who out-weighed him.

Perfect comes back in the ring and Martel dropped the double axehandle. A gut-wrench suplex down to the canvas by Martel to Hennig! Another chop but Perfect hits back. Martel with another shot to the back of Hennig delivering forearm blows.

Now a camel clutch by Martel. Martel hits a backbreaker to Mr. Perfect and now he tried leaping in from the outside apron and Hennig but his knees up to block any offense from Martel. Off the ropes Hennig took a gut shot and off the top Martel got caught and Perfect hit an atomic drop twice to Martel. Mr. Perfect with momentum and hit a European uppercut.

A hard chop by Perfect and out of the corner hit a back-drop. Unfortunately the commercial break does not show us the winner and Mr. Perfect hit the Perfect Plex off the ropes ending this match around the eight minute mark.

Fun match.

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***

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8 ) Doink the Clown vs. Kamala (With Slick) -WWF Raw March 22, 1993

Doink is called a very EVIL invidual by McMahon as they show scared kids in the crowd. Kamala comes out with Slick.

Doink offers a gift.

A little surprised to see Doink chain wrestle with Kamala here but I knew Doink (the original) could wrestle well, I just could not picture it here.

Either way an armbar after a usual chain beginning. Kamala hit a big chop to the evil clown. Doink ties the arm back on Kamala.

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Kamala comes back with a lot of big ma offense and the commercial break leaves a lot to the imagination. (Did they not know how to book spots inbetween commercials back then) Jeesh….Doink is in control now. Kamala chases Doink around the ring and Kamala is counted out.

Doink wins in about five minutes.

Pretty bleh.

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1/2*

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9) Lex Luger vs. Crush -WWF Raw April 26, 1993

Lex Luger is being shoved around early.

Lex Luger loves flexing those pecs. Luger goes way up as Crush slams Lex. Fans loved Crush pretty big back here. I forgot how over Crush was.

Luger played a heel very well, however by the end of 1993 Crush was a heel and Lex would turn babyface of course with the whole Lex Express deal.

Another tie-up and a leap frog, Crush sends Luger down and ow a commercial.

Crush blocked a hiptoss, Crush moved into the buckle while Luger moved out and he drove the knee into Crush sending him to the floor. Luger pushed Crush to the outside apron and now he rams his back into the turnbuckle post.

Luger with a bearhug on Crush trying to wear him down. Crush escaped with righthands and then a powerslam by Luger off the ropes. Luger set up Crush with a suplex and now Crush comes back with a side suplex. Crush slams Luger to the mat. Crush grabbing the head of Luger. Crush grabbed the head of Luger until Doink from the crowd distracted Crush.

Doink spots another Doink and Luger hits Crush out of the ring.

Crush is counted out around seven minutes and Luger wins.

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* 1/2

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-Mr. Perfect attacks Shawn Michaels -WWF Raw May 10, 1993

An outside brawl after a Michaels interview.

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11) Lumberjack Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Shawn Michaels (c) -WWF Raw May 10, 1993

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Hacksaw dominated Michaels who came out on crutches.

Duggan in the Federation was basically just a brawler and he dominated HBK until Shawn in street clothes finally got back into the match.

Fans chant USA to get Hacksaw back on his game.

Michaels dominates for a period of time until Hacksaw comes back with a clothesline himself. Duggan drops Michaels on his back.

Back and forth.

This match is A LOT better then the other match they had on Raw in this year. Duggan with striking blows on Michaels.

HBK capitalized on his speed and agility but got caught in mid-air. Duggan slammed Michaels. HBK just barely kicked out.

Heenan is worried.

HBK was his new Flair once Ric went back south.

Fans are very involved with chants in this one. Duggan with another forearm shot. Duggan charged at Shawn and he fell out to the floor.

Back from a commercial break, Bam Bam and Perfect mixed it up on the apron. HBK tossed Duggan out and Yoko dominated him outside the ring.

This match is going A LOT better then expected.

It is just how a Lumberjack match should be with the guys getting involved.

HBK almost defeated Duggan but Mr. Perfect attacked Michaels and they rule it a DQ at over ten minutes.

Michaels and Hennig battle, then all the Lumberjacks come in and brawl with one another.

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** 1/4

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12) The Kid vs. Razor Ramon -WWF Raw May 17, 1993

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The infamous match that made the Kid.

They tell us Scott Hall and his Razor character was based largely on Tony Montana (Al Pacino) from Scarface. No kidding chico. I heard a rumor McMahon had never seen the film and thought Scott Hall originated the gimmick.
Savage and McMahon do commentary.

Hall was still a heel here and this match is one of the biggest upsets in Raw history.

The 1-2-3 Kid was known simply as “The Kid” here hence the upset.

The kid never got the 123 tag until this match.

Savage poked fun at the fact he couldn’t find a name.

Razor threw a toothpick at the Kid and hit a hiptoss. This looked like it was going to be your typical squash.

Razor with an abdominal stretch. Razor was very over with the crowd even as a heel since the fans took a liking to his edgy attitude. Ramon “having fun” with the Kid according to Vince.

Razor hit a fall away slam and then missed Kid in the corner hitting his head on the top buckle. Kid hit a summersault from the top and won at 1:17.

In the end The Kid got the win and the place exploded naming him now the 1-2-3 Kid at the age of 20.

This one will always be remembered as one of the best upsets even if it wasn’t a great match.

1/2*

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13) Intercontinental Championship Match: Marty Jannetty vs. Shawn Michaels (c) -WWF Raw May 17, 1993

Here we go. Savage, Vince and Heenan from the booth.
Bad blood between the former team the crowd were ready.

Marty Jannetty shocked Shawn in the ring and the bout was on.

Shawn Michaels cornered Marty and threw him to the buckle with some rights. Jannetty was quicker and got a victory roll out of it. A leapfrog an a sunset flip almost upset the Champ and Heenan sounded like he was going to have a stroke.
This took place on the same night as the Kid-Razor match.

The fans popped as Shawn was clotheslined to the floor. Marty kicked up back into the ring and then flew out onto Shawn.

Fans chant Marty and he was never as over as he was during this match at least to my knowledge.

Jannetty had all Michaels’s moves scouted being his partnet and hit a hiplock before a leg-scissors. Marty in complete control. Shawn is tossed to the corner and he flips upside down.
Shawn went to leave but Perfect met him by the curtain.

Back from the break Shawn clotheslined Marty across the ropes. Michaels kicked at Jannetty hit him with a snapmare into a reverse chinlock. Michaels woredown the quicker challenger who had beaten on Michaels a lot to this point.

Hennig remained watching at ringside.

Michaels with a nice standing dropkick and blocks the second one catapolting Michaels to the corner.

The drama added as Marty covered Michaels and got a two. Jannetty landed more shots. Michaels off the ropes is hit with a hiplock and the fact HBK kept kicking out helped build him up.

Marty off the top landed a swinging crossbody off the top and a nearfall. A waistlock go-behind and a series of reversals follow with inside cradle after cradle.

Michaels taunted Perfect but he thew the towel at him.

Marty rolled up Michaels and got the three to become the new IC Champion at 7:58 of tv time.

This was a nice fast paced Raw match with the crowd into it watching two former Rockers going at it. Nothing much more really.

It took place on a memorable Raw and essentially that is why it is remembered best. That and the title switch.

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*** 1/4

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14) King of the Ring Tournament Qualifying Match
Mr. Perfect vs. Doink the Clown -WWF Raw May 24, 1993

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Mr. Perfect and Doink go all out here.

What a match this is. Mr. Perfect dominated Doink for awhile and then it goes to a commercial. Doink chops back at Perfect.

The Clown sends Mr. Perfect to the outside and then rams Hennig into the ringpost.

As Mr. Perfect keeps trying to come back in the ring Doink keeps giving him a slug. A fire-mans takeover and then a headscissors by Hennig.

Feels like I am watching Bockwinkel and Hennig go at it only with a clown in the ring.

Doink held the ropes for leverage while pinning Hennig. Doink dropped on Perfect. Mr. Perfect has his arm twisted and Doink goes to the armbar but Hennig goes for a waistlock.

Both guys chain-wrestle in a big way here with a ton of wonderful counters.

Awesome!

Mr. Perfect showing why he is one of the greatest of all time with a snapmare flip. Savage loves it on commentary and Doink begs him off.

Mr. Perfect chops the clown. Mr. Perfect lining up Doink with a leg-lock. Doink now gets out of it and drags Perfect into the ringpost. Doink chokes out Perfect on the ring ropes.

Mr. Perfect in an armbar overhead while down on the canvas by Doink with technical wrestling hold after technical wrestling hold.

Mr. Perfect slams doink after getting out of that submission hold and they go to a break. Mr. Perfect chases Doink but he goes under the ring. There may be two, fans chant there are two Doinks! Mr. Perfect tried a snapmare but Doink kicked back and hit an uppercut to Perfect. Doink in the corner hits him with a monkey flip.

McMahon says this is a different Doink! Mr. Perfect hits a Perfect Plex around the ten minute mark!

Such an awesome all around match. Probably the best match in the career of the Clown.

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*** 1/4

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DISC ONE EXTRAS:

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The Smoking Gunns ride into the WWE
April 26, 1993:

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-A vignette of the Gunns coming into the Federation. One of Billy and his 84 gimmicks he had.

Go get him Champ!:

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-The young fan, we see this on his return and Hall of Fame clip. Good stuff.

The New Generation arrives.

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It’s only 9 o’clock
April 11, 1994:
-A commercial promoting Monday Night Raw over a hot lady. I love my Wrestling but this was a little extreme!

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DISC TWO Matches and Segments:

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15) Shawn Michaels (c) (With Diesel) vs Russ Greenberg -WWF Raw June 7, 1993

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Great tandem on commentary with Heenan, Savage and Vince.

So Michaels on the rise is taking on Russ Greenberg here.

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Greenberg. Sounds like Gilberg with green added in your name, that is a big no-no if you want to be taken seriously in Pro-Wrestling.

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Shawn Michaels is once again the NEW IC Champion due to his inssurance policy Diesel.

Michaels dominated this kid for a bit until Russ Greenberg rolled him up for a nearfall. Michaels had his supporters in the crowd even in 1993 as they chanted LETS GO SHAWN but come on he was going up against Russ Greenberg.

Not exactly shocking.

This took place before Crush would take on Shawn at King of the Ring 93.

Russ Greenberg is slammed to the mat by Michaels.

Micheals puts away the jobber at around 5 minutes with a piledriver.

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3/4*

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16) 2 out of 3 Falls Match -Marty Jannetty vs Doink the Clown -WWF Raw June 21, 1993

Here we get another Doink match and this one is also very good, you can see why he was highlighted so much on this dvd.

We are told by the DVD his finisher is the Whoopie Cushion, ok.

Marty Jannetty gets a good ovation. 2 out of 3 Falls, Macho predicts Marty Jannetty will win two straight.

Doink the Clown ready as the bell rings and he signals for Marty Jannetty to come towards him.

Here we go.

Marty Jannetty and Doink tie-up still when Doink was the evil clown. Doink goes back to the corner and smiles, a little psychology before the match gets going. Doink with sharp shots to Marty Jannetty in the throat before a chop. Doink with a side headlock and it is real nice to hear them give Doink his props on this DVD as a good wrestler. They headline him on this DVD more then anybody so it is clear why.

A series of arm drag takedown moves by Marty Jannetty until Doink pulled the hair of Jannetty, and Heenan calls it a Roman Hair Pull. Gold.

McMahon reminds us that it is a two out of three falls match. Doink sends Marty Jannetty down but he springs back up.

Both men trash talk and DOink tells Marty Jannetty to hit him in the face. Doink is provoking Marty Jannetty, this is interesting here.

Marty Jannetty ducks a clothesline, criss-crossing and Marty Jannetty sneaked under him but Doink is a step ahead, now Marty Jannetty is and slams Doink head-first into the mat. Marty Jannetty with a high arm-ringer on the Clown.

Marty Jannetty with a hiplock and Doink is mad taking his time to get back in the ring.

Doink got Marty in the corner and threw big rights at him, a nice reversal to the corner and Doink monkeyflipped Marty Jannetty. Doink rakes his face at the ropes. Doink then hit with a backslide but he gets out, Marty Jannetty hits a high risk move that hurts himself.

Doink leaps off the top and he gets the first fall.

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The second fall begins.

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Doink keeps on Marty Jannetty with a slugfest. Doink irishwhipped Marty Jannetty to the turnbuckle hard and he hit spine-first.

Doink from the top drops a double axehandle. Doink throws Marty back in the ring and almost gets a count of three. Marty Jannetty spears Doink back but Doink sends him to the ropes avoids the dropkick and the Clown wont able to get the three.

Doink goes into a headlock. Marty Jannetty gets out and slams Doink headfirst into the mat. Marty Jannetty from the top rope hits a chop and gets the three scoring the second fall.

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All even at one.

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The third and final fall now.

Marty Jannetty and Doink and the Clown has his paint almost gone all the way from his face. Marty Jannetty scooped up Doink then levelled him with a clothesline. Marty Jannetty gets his leg slammed into the ring post. Doink in control and now he steps into a figure four leglock.

Doink kicks at Marty Jannetty in the corner.

This match is quite the war.

Both men fatigued.

Marty Jannetty hits a back bodydrop to the Clown but his knee gives out. Doink with a single leg take-over and now a half-crab to apply more pressure. Excellent psychology.

Fans chanting for Marty Jannetty.

Doink doing the logical move and he torks it in more. Doink missed a move at the top and Marty Jannetty came back and dropped shots on Doink.

Doink the Clown was in the corner vulnerable and a second Doink came under the ring. Marty Jannetty hit a snapmare on Doink. Doink then kicked Marty Jannetty to the outside. Doink sends Marty Jannetty into the post. Marty Jannetty tosses him to the outside.

Very entertaining match.

Marty Jannetty kicks Doink coming at him and now Doink hits a shoulder block. Marty Jannetty in the ring and another Doink comes out from the bottom of the ring with full paint.

New paint, new Clown.

Doink covers and Marty Jannetty kicks out, McMahon has a mark-out fest. Marty Jannetty hits a small package on Doink and then he hit the bad knee of Doink. The new Doink drops the boom on Marty Jannetty who is fatigued against a fresh Doink.

A piledriver by the Fresh Doink and this time he gets Marty Jannetty at the 18 minute mark.

What a match!

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*** 1/4

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-Yokozuna Body Slam Competition on the U.S.S. Intrepid -WWF Raw July 5, 1993

An entertaining segment to see who could slam the mighty Yokozuna.

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17) Bret Hart vs Bam Bam Bigelow (With his main squeeze Luna Vachon) -WWF Raw July 26, 1993

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These two had tremendous chemistry.
A hard fought battle in Spain, a classic King of the Ring final in 1993 and just a few weeks later after that match we get this one on free tv, on Monday night Raw!

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Bam Bam said Bret got the best matches out of him and I believe that to be true. Him and Taz anyway.

Fans loved the Hitman and his parents were in the arena in the first row of the second bowl.

Hart is dropped by Bam Bam and he stomps on Bret. Hitman sent to the ropes and he gets hit with a hard shoulder block and more stomps. Hart drills Bam Bam Bigelow with some right hands and then a dropkick and a clothesline sending the big agile man to the outside.

Luna tried to ditract Bret on the outside but Hart kept levelling Bam Bam Bigelow on the floor. Bigelow was going to come and attack Bret but he was too fast, too sharp for Bigelow.

Hart goes to the top and tries a clothesline but Bam Bam may of got the better of him as his knee was a little vulnerable.

Savage on commentary mentions Hart and his knee problems so the story of the match changes and Bam Bam Bigelow is stompoing on the knee of Hart who is limping. Heenan says he will never get the Sharpshooter on now.

Bam Bam Bigelow with an atomic drop and Hart falls to the canvas. Bam Bam Bigelow pushed Hart to the corner twice and Bret falls hard twice. Bret could bump against those turnbuckles like nobody else.

Heenan is hilarious saying Stu and Helen are only here to ask for money.

Bam Bam Bigelow catches Bret and slams him hard to the mat. Hart seems to have gained momentum and hit a back suplex and Hart continues to sell the knee. Bret with an uppercut and a dropkick. Bret drops the elbow on Bam Bam and he gets a two.

Bam Bam back from the commercial break has taken ahold of the Hitman and has him in a strong headlock. Bam Bam Bigelow missed a big dropkick because Bret held onto the ropes. Hart sends Bam Bam Bigelow to the ropes and drops him with a body drop. Hart drives an elbow into the head of Bam Bam.

Bret drives the head of Bam Bam into the top rope over and over and continued to apply the headbutts.

A side russian legsweep to the big man. Bret clotheslined Bam Bam. Bret leaped up on Bam Bam and choked him out. Bam Bam Bigelow drove to the corner and to reverse the sleeper he drove the head of Bret into the buckle.

Bret off the ropes gets back into it limping hitting a running bulldog.

Bam Bam Bigelow down and Bret sets him up for the Sharpshooter. Bret had the Sharpshooter on Bam Bam until the King Jerry Lawler started to toy with the parents of Bret.

Bret now gets beat on why Lawler asks Stu and Helen questions and they come back with indults of their own. Bam Bam squashes Bret with his back, then missed his latest flying attempt. Bret then kept hitting Bam Bam with a clothesline and an elbow to the the big man.

Bret lands a big ddt on Bam Bam. Bret leaps over the guardrail and up to follow Lawler and Hebner counts him out at a tv time of fifteen minutes.

Bret chases the King.

Excellent stuff here with some comedy at the end to continue the King-Bret feud.

The actual match beforehand was very, very good, back and forth like these two usually do together

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*** 1/2

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-Jim Cornette arrives in the WWE -WWF Raw August 2, 1993

Bobby Heenan goes insane and gives him a hug. Cornette looked very skinny in comparison at the time.

Heenan calls him the greatest manager ever….wow. Cornette is one of them but to hear it from the REAL greatest manager must of been something, even if this was a promo just to gain Cornette some heat upon his arrival.

Cornette and Heenan talk a bit about SM Wrestling and this segment is full of quality.

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18) “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs Doink the Clown -WWF Raw August 2, 1993

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As Macho enters to an amazing ovation Doink rolls on his back on the canvas laughing.

Love both things.

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Randy Savage and Doink tie up. Doink ties up with Savage and takes him to the floor.

Fans chant Macho, Macho, Macho.

Savage kicks at Doink. Savage with an arm-ringer until Doink rakes his face. Randy Savage kicks the ropes and he grabs a chair but Doink takes him down and suckered hm in and stomps on his head.

The Clown locks in the Boston Crab.

Macho fought back and The Clown ties Randy in the ropes until Macho kicked out of it and every time the momentum shifted, it shifted again here. Macho Man drives his knee into the back of Doink sending him to the outside. Doink sent Macho into the ring post.

Back in the ring Doink has his neck breaker reversed.
MCMAHON CALLS Randy Savage A NO DOUBT FUTURE HALL OF FAMER.

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Oh Vince McMahon….do it already then

Macho then got his head slammed into the corner. A suplex by the Clown drops Macho and the Clown tried to get the three.

HAHAHAHAHAHA, Savage goes under the ring and a midget Macho Man comes out.

HAHAHAHAHAHA…sorry…Hahahahaha……Doink laughs and chases him and Savage took apart Doink catching him. Savage out-smarted Doink in his own game.

Savage with an inside cradle and a three at the 9 minute mark.

Again an entertaining Doink match, good to see Savage in a match as well.

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** 1/2

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19) The 1-2-3 Kid vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase -WWF Raw August 16, 1993

Ted DiBiase takes complete control of the beginning of this match.

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Can I just say Bobby Heenan deserved the DVD he got this year. I have yet to see it as of this writing but his comments just make my day.

He says at the beginning of this match that it HAS to end at 9:30.

Because The 1-2-3 Kid has to go to bed by that time.

I will not get enough of that.

Razor Ramon gets on the phone with McMahon as they hype the Ramon-DiBiase match. That was The last match in the Million Dollar Mans career by the way, that opener at Summerslam 93.

The 1-2-3 Kid with a couple dropkicks.

Easy kickout by DiBiase and he delivers an elbow.

The Kid though moves as DiBiase moved out of the way and crashes. The 1-2-3 Kid got a crossbody and nearfall.

IRS comes out and its a DQ win for The 1-2-3 Kid at a tv time of 5 minutes.

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The Million Dollar Dream locked on.

The Steiners come out to give it back to Money Inc.

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*

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-The Quebecers are new Tag Team Champions -WWF Raw September 13, 1993

Pretty annoying stuff. Johnny Polo (Raven) wears a Montreal Canadiens Jersey (the same year they won their last Stanley Cup) in 93.

The Blue Jays and Canadiens are bragged about here because of their championship runs recently.

A team in the mid 90s became the new Champions when the division actually has some solid teams.

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20) Doink the Clown vs Corey Student -WWF Raw October 4, 1993

I have no idea if this match sounds intriguing but here we go.

Okay so Doink is no longer evil and is handing out Candy. McMahon wants Doink to dump the bucket on Heenan.

It is popcorn. McMahon calls him an idiot.

Corey Student (WHAT A NAME) gets a chop.

I am surprised this DVD didnt just have Doink on the cover. Seriously he was a huge part of this show. Even getting a match with Corey Student on this show.

I am still waiting for a Jumping Jeff Farmer DVD.

Yip.

Doink mat-wrestled Corey Student on the…well, mat.

Doink drops down on Corey Student and gets the three around the 2-3 minute mark and Bam Bam comes at Doink.

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1/4*

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21) Razor Ramon (c) vs Rick “The Model” Martel for the Intercontinental Championship -WWF Raw October 11, 1993

Should be a good one here.

This one is for the IC title.

Martel poses up top and signals he will be the new IC Champion, fans chant for Razor.

Pushing match and a slap in the face to Ramon, Martel ties up with Razor and an arm-ringer by Razor Ramon and then a top wrist-lock. Razor Ramon reversed into an armbar by the Model. Martel goes downstairs with a drop toe-hold and then slapping Ramon followed by doing jumping jacks.

Good chain-wrestling.

A front facelock by Martel. Ramon now with a wrist-lock into an armbar on Martel. Ramon out-wrestling The Model right now and Heenan and McMahon do a good job on commentary during this match, Savage elects not to say very much but that is okay. As much as I love Savage, sometimes that high pitched noise that is his voice can be a little much. Sort of like Cornette. Both top ten talents on the mic ever, but their voices can be iffy at times, so to speak.

A ddt by Martel to Ramon after a commercial.

This has really been a great back and forth match.

A series of nearfalls as both men apply inside cradles on the other.

Ramon sets up the Model on the top rope and is elbowed off. The Model off the top rope hits a crossbody but Razor rolls on top of him and again a two.

Martel drops Ramon with a clothesline.

Ramon drops Martel at 9 minutes with the Razors Edge.

One of the best earlier matches in Raw history. Also one of the best in the career of both men.

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*** 3/4

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-Crush hires Mr. Fuji as his new manager -WWF Raw October 18, 1993

So now we take a look at the Crush-Savage feud. Unbelievable acting by both men, and now Fuji is the new manager of Crush. Good heel promo by Crush and again acting by the likes of Heenan and Savage.

Underrated feud.

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-“Macho Man” Randy Savage attacks Crush -WWF Raw November 8, 1993
McMahon is hugging Savage (Vince not Steph) and then Randy throws him to the ground to and Vince calls him a maniac.

Vince calls him a lunatic.

Ahhh, now the decade old question is finally answered.

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-Bret Hart is Wrestler of the Year -WWF Raw November 29, 1993

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Vince tried to push Luger as much as possible and introduced him as the runner up.

Bret is the real winner….Well deserved. Wow it is so strange seeing Vince so nice to Bret and Randy Savage during this entire disc considering the bad blood he would have later on with both.

Only Doink from the WWF coule probably rival Bret, this DVD shows you why.

Plenty of WCW workers could as well but Bret was truly the best from the WWF. Hennig did well also if only for his matches against Flair and Bret.

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22) Razor Ramon vs Diesel -WWF Raw November 29, 1993

So the bodyguard of Michaels is in the ring.

Nash and Hall the future tag team Outsiders getting it on.

Razor Ramon shoved down by Diesel. Fans are solid behind Ramon obviously and Razor with a big arm-ringer, and into a wrist-lock.

Diesel then hits your standard big man moves.

A bearhug doing more damage to the back of Razor Ramon.

Diesel wearing down a smaller guy that is still big. Ramon caught Diesel with a running bulldog. Ramon with a scoop and a slam to the canvas and now he signals for the Razors Edge. All of the sudden HBK hits Razor from behind and lays him down with the Super Kick.

Razor wins at 4 minutes by DQ.

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3/4*

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23) The 1-2-3 Kid vs Shawn Michaels -WWF Raw December 6, 1993

Set up from the week previous.

Two quick, agile competitors.

The 1-2-3 Kid and Shawn tie-up and now tot he buckle Michaels uses his leverage on the Kid. Kid drops Shawn and connects with a couple of karate kicks.

A nice exchange of reversals there.

A back and forth match and the Kid uses a number of moves like the running bulldog, both these guys styles really complimented the other.

Michaels and the Kid crash on the floor.

Back from a break Michaels hits a back-breaker and the Kid kicks out. Michaels hooks The 1-2-3 Kid fromt he top rope but the Superplex got blocked and the Kid kept hitting back with righthands. A dropkick from HBK as the Kid leaped off the top and Shawn continues working on the back.

Michaels is on the catching end of a spinning heel kick by The 1-2-3 Kid.

A double collision off the ropes.

This has been a pretty solid match, fast paced and back and forth.

Heenan puts over the cardio of both men. Kid fights back at Shawn and now the Kid kicks back at Michaels and delivers one up high. A moonsault and a long two.

The Kid slams Michaels and then misses a moonsault, Michaels back from the break delivered a superkick to the Kid and signalled the match was over. Michaels puts the kid in a Razors Edge position. HBK hits it.

Shawn elects not to put him away even though he had him. Michaels then says he wants to do it again and now he drives The 1-2-3 Kid hard into the canvas. Michaels wants to make the kid pay and now a pissed off Scott Hall walks out and pulls the kid out of the ring.

HBK slaps Razor and now Hall chases after Michaels. A doublt countout at the eleven minute mark ends the otherwise good match, bad finish but logical.

HBK set up a trap for Razor as Diesel clobbered Ramon.

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** 3/4

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-Gorilla Monsoon throws out Bobby Heenan -WWF Raw December 6, 1993
Heenan begs and Monsoon throws his long time broadcast partner (the legendary tandem) out of the building.

Pretty hilarious and memorable, glad it was put on.

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-Thurman “Sparky” Plugg is ready to race -WWF Raw December 20, 1993
Ahh yes, it is Bob Holly. How could they leave this gimmick off the DVD is the real question. I guess that is why it is here.

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24) Jeff Jarrett vs P.J. Walker -WWF Raw December 20, 1993

This was the debut of Double J. He struts as he held onto the ropes avoiding offense from Walker.

McMahon says Double J will be in the Rumble match.

Double J with a side headlock take-over. Jeff Jarrett just beats down on Walker then flexes.

Michaels on commentary here.

Jarrett puts Walker away with a ddt under the five minute mark.

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1/4*

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——————

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DISC TWO EXTRAS:

That’s Double J, Jeff Jarrett
December 13, 1993

King Kong Bundy
September 26, 1994

IRS taxes the dead
October 31, 1994

Jeff Jarrett does Vegas
December 12, 1994

Christmas at the Heartbreak Hotel
December 19, 1994

Bret Hart wishes everyone a Happy New Year
December 26, 1994