ERIC BISCHOFF VS. SHANE McMAHON

 Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler are on commentary for this match. JR calls it the most personal match in recent memory. The prematch video shows this starting as Bischoff tries to stop Shane going after Kane since they were feuding. It also involved JR getting burned alive and fine print in contracts, what more do you need? Bischoff walks out first, with what I consider the best WWE theme, definitely underrated. He grabs a mic and says he will address what happened at the McMahon house after talking directly to Mr. McMahon, why does Vince leave the house when he has Linda at home. Then says it’s not what happened, but how many times. He knows where Shane O’Mac gets his energy from, luckily he’s interrupted by Shane’s music.

 

ERIC BISCHOFF VS. SHANE McMAHON

WWE Summerslam 2003 (24^th August 2003)

 

  Shane McMahon backs Bischoff into the corner with jabs, more right hands and kicks in the corner slumps Bischoff down as McMahon hits some back elbows. Shane with more kicks before slumping Bischoff out of the corner at referee Charles Robinson’s request. Shane stands over Bischoff and hits crossface strikes then dumps him out of the ring. Bischoff tries to walk out, which is the closest thing he’s had to momentum so far. Shane brings him back to ringside and breaks the count out, Shane O’Mac kicks Bischoff in the ribs, then another shot to the chest, Bischoff is sent into the barricade before Shane breaks the count again. Bischoff’s kidneys are driven into the side of the ring, then back into the barricade. Shane gets some more shots in at ringside, then bounces his head off the Smackdown announce table. Shane McMahon is hit in the back with a chair, it’s COACH! The long-awaited Jonathan Coachman heel turn has been completed! The referee calls for the bell but Coach steals it and Bischoff makes the match no disqualification and pinfalls count anywhere. Coach sends Shane into the steps at Bischoff’s instruction, Eric Bischoff covers but only gets a nearfall. Shane gets a shot in but Coach throws him in the ring. Eric Bischoff tells the production truck to cut commentary’s microphones and hands the house mic to Coach, who does a JR impression as Eric Bischoff connects with martial arts kicks. Shane knocks Bischoff down with a kick to the midsection and uses a back elbow to fight free from Coach. Shane hits a DDT on Bischoff but Coach cuts him off with a low blow. The glass shatters for a monster pop as Steve Austin makes his way down to the ring. Jonathan Coachman reminds Austin he can’t get physical until he’s touched, Shane barges Coach into Stone Cold and the criteria has been met! Austin stomps on Coach as Shane gets to his feet, they work together with more kicks and stomps, then send Coach off the ropes into a double back elbow. Steve Austin sends Coach through the ropes and has King and JR’s microphones turned back on. Shane McMahon stops Austin from leaving and assists Bischoff in slapping his co-General Manager in the face. Austin hits a (perfectly acceptable) Stunner on Bischoff and Shane covers. 1, 2, Shane brings Eric Bischoff’s shoulder up before 3. The fans chant for a table and Shane McMahon prepares the Spanish Announce Table, laying Bischoff across it. He jumps to the top rope in one move, not going to lie that was impressive. He hits the elbow drop on Bischoff and covers for the win.

WINNER: SHANE McMAHON

This match probably went on too long for what it was. Austin’s unique position did add a sense of “anything can happen” if he was provoked.  Also Shane Must Jump. It was a fine warm up for Shane’s match the next month. [*¾] 2/10.

  After the match Shane McMahon and Steve Austin share a couple of beers.