BRIAN PILLMAN VS. GOLDUST

 Before the match, Governor Christie Todd-Whitman receives an honorary award. Todd Pettingel introduces her, accompanied by Gorilla Monsoon and the Headbangers. The crowd booed her to all hell because, well, Politician. Todd thanks the Governor for removing the taxes that allowed WWF to hold an event in New Jersey again and she tortures some wrestling analogy. Gorilla says she’s honorary WWF Champion. She says she takes it seriously and she’s willing to defend it.

Vince McMahon, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and Jim Ross are on commentary for this match. The Fink is our ring announcer.

McMahon reminds us that if Pillman loses this match then he will wear a gold sparkly dress tomorrow night on Raw, before stopping himself from asking King if he’s ever worn one. In 2022 it would be empowering to some, however, it’s 1997 and it’s a humiliation stipulation. We see Tiger Jeet Singh and Tiger Ali Singh in the crowd Tiger Ali will soon be seen in the ring for WWF. We then see the preshow party in the parking lot. It shows Honky Tonk Man, one of the Headbangers crowd surfing, Shawn Michaels, the Legion of Doom and Michael Hayes before finally, Steve Austin.

Goldust makes his way out and we see Pillman running down to attack him on that week’s Raw. Marlena jumped on Pillman’s back to help Goldust. Brian Pillman makes his way out and we see a preshot promo. Pillman says as much as Marlena wants him to wear the dress, he’s not that easy. He wants wining and dining.

 

BRIAN PILLMAN VS. GOLDUST

WWE SummerSlam 1997 (3^rd August 1997)

  Brian Pillman attacks Goldust from behind, Goldust tries to escape to the corner but Pillman bites his forehead. Pillman chops at Goldust and sends him across the ring, but Goldust springs back with a back elbow from the middle rope.

  Goldust backs Pillman into the corner with right hands, he climbs to the middle rope for the 10-punches, Pillman lifts him out of the corner but the inverted atomic drop is countered. Goldust kisses Pillman then knocks him down, so Pillman goes to ringside to regroup. Pillman’s back in at 4 and he kicks Goldust in the ribs, a chop sends Goldust against the ropes and Pillman rakes at Goldust’s face. McMahon mentions it’s not a very scientific match as Goldust is sent off the ropes into a back elbow. Mankind, Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, and Chyna are currently on the WWF Hotline, so don’t miss that! Pillman gets distracted by Marlena and starts chasing her around ringside. Goldust rolls to the floor and cuts Pillman off with a clothesline before chopping at his chest and raking the back. Pillman begs off as he’s sent back into the ring. Goldust takes no chances and fires off right hands before sending Pillman across the ring. Brian Pillman clubs at Goldust’s back and punches him on the mat before hitting a suplex.

  Flyin’ Brian almost returns but an uppercut from Goldust puts a stop to that. Goldust sends Pillman into the top rope, but he falls to the floor hitting the apron on the way down. Marlena blows cigar smoke in Pillman’s face as Goldust climbs down to the floor. Brian Pillman is able to use Marlena as a human shield and gets the jump on Goldust hitting a DDT. Goldust is sent into Marlena’s chair and back into the ring. Pillman goes to the top rope and hits a flying clothesline for a nearfall, another nearfall immediately as Pillman tries to use up Goldust’s energy. Pillman puts Goldust in a chinlock and we get some great shots of his crazy expressions. The referee checks Goldust’s arm and he starts getting the crowd behind him. Goldust works to his feet and fights out, hitting the ropes. He ducks a clothesline and gets Pillman in a backslide, but he can only get a 2 count. Brian Pillman takes Goldust’s head off with a clothesline. Brian Pillman hesitates for a few seconds before covering and only gets 2.

  Brian Pillman sends Goldust into the ropes, Goldust ducks a clothesline and knocks Pillman down with one of his own. Goldust gets to his feet in the corner and hits Pillman with a stiff shot, but it’s returned. Goldust gets the best of it, getting the combination of jabs before knocking Pillman down with a double-sledge. Brian Pillman is sent into the corner, but he throws Goldust off the bulldog attempt. Goldust rolls out to the floor to regroup with Marlena and sends his shoulder into Pillman through the ropes.

  Brian Pillman is a bit too far away for the sunset flip attempt. He sits on Goldust for the cover, but Marlena hits him with the purse from the outside! Pillman rolls through into the sunset flip for the messy win.

WINNER: GOLDUST

This was a pretty good match, but nothing special. The botched finish brings it down a bit and you would expect more from the guys involved, but Marlena’s involvement in the match was kept to a minimum, but it still felt like she had a purpose being at ringside. [**] 3.75/10