SAVIO VEGA VS. MANKIND

 Before the match, we see the second half of Jim Ross’ sit-down interview Evolution of Mankind with, well, Mankind. King says it doesn’t matter who wins this match, he’ll face either at the PPV. Savio Vega makes his way out first with Clarence Mason & Crush. Jim Ross with a great line as Mankind makes his way out. “I wish Dude Love was here to see this”. We go to commercial as Mankind makes it to the ring.

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

MANKIND VS. SAVIO VEGA

(King of the Ring 1997 qualifier)

WWF Raw (2^nd June 1997)

 

  Savio Vega connects with a right hand on the floor as we return to the show. Mankind responds in kind, and then knocks Vega down with a baseball slide.

  Mankind runs into a backdrop on the ramp. Savio Vega hits a body press from the top rope to the floor and sends the back of Mankind’s head into the ramp before bringing it into the ring. Mankind gets to his feet through the assault but gets knocked down with a roundhouse kick. Savio Vega chokes Mankind against the middle rope and sends Mankind’s head into the top turnbuckle. Mankind is hip tossed across the ring, Savio Vega lays in right hands as we see a replay of his dive. The referee backs Savio Vega off, giving Mankind time to get in some right hands, but the irish whip is reversed and Mankind hits the corner. Savio Vega charges at Mankind with a running calf kick, sending himself over to the apron with his momentum. Mankind’s head meets the top turnbuckle again and he’s whipped across the ring. Mankind moves out of the way as Vega runs at him, hitting a back suplex as we see Lawler watching on concerned. Mankind runs at Vega with a clothesline, sending them both tumbling to the floor. Jerry Lawler talks trash on commentary as Mankind rolls Vega back into the ring. Mankind drags Lawler over the announce table, drawing the referee to the floor.

  Mankind puts Savio Vega in the Mandible Claw in the ring, Crush is on the apron and tries to hit Mankind but inadvertently hits the Heart Punch on Savio Vega. Mankind covers Savio Vega for the win.

WINNER: MANKIND

This was an average King of the Ring qualifier match, it didn’t use up too much time, Savio Vega got some shine so Mankind could take 95% of the punishment but have enough hope spots to keep the result credible, and Vega was protected for some reason with Crush’s terrible hand-eye co-ordination. [*½] 2.5/10