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This week, And Then The Bell Rang heads back to August 18th, 1996, as around 17,000 fans pack Cleveland’s Gund Arena for WWF SummerSlam 1996 — a show headlined by Shawn Michaels defending the WWF Championship against the monstrous Vader, plus one of the strangest and most brutal matches WWF had attempted up to that point. And as always, we’re going through the history, the matches and the moments from the biggest party of the summer. We kick things off with Owen Hart vs Savio Vega, before the WWF Tag Team Championships are defended in a four-way elimination match as The Smoking Gunns take on The Godwinns, The New Rockers and The Bodydonnas. There's also Sycho Sid vs British Bulldog, while Goldust battles “Wildman” Marc Mero. Then things get personal as Jerry “The King” Lawler takes on Jake “The Snake” Roberts, continuing Lawler's attacks on Jake over his past struggles with alcohol. It's uncomfortable, very 1996 WWF, and certainly gives us plenty to talk about. But then SummerSlam takes a trip somewhere completely different... 🔥 THE BOILER ROOM BRAWL! The Undertaker vs Mankind. Forget wrestling holds. Forget the ring. These two start inside the bowels of the Gund Arena in the WWF's first Boiler Room Brawl, fighting among pipes, ladders, bins and machinery before eventually battling their way toward the arena. The objective is to reach the ring and take the urn from Paul Bearer. After months of Mankind seemingly having Undertaker's number, it looks like the Deadman is finally going to get his revenge. Then comes the shock. Paul Bearer turns his back on The Undertaker. Bearer refuses to hand him the urn, joins forces with Mankind and ultimately helps Undertaker's tormentor win the match. After years together, one of the WWF's most recognisable partnerships is suddenly over. And then it's time for the main event. 🏆 SHAWN MICHAELS vs VADER The WWF Championship is on the line as HBK faces perhaps his most physically intimidating challenger yet. Vader seemingly wins the match by count-out — but Jim Cornette isn't satisfied because that won't win him the championship. Restart it! Vader then wins by disqualification after Michaels uses Cornette's tennis racket. Still not good enough. Restart it AGAIN! Finally, after one of the more unusual main-event structures you'll see, Michaels survives Vader and retains the WWF Championship. Was Vader the right man to take the championship from Shawn? Did the multiple restarts help or hurt the match? Was the Boiler Room Brawl ahead of its time? And where does SummerSlam 1996 sit in the strange transitional period between the New Generation and what was about to become the Attitude Era? We'll break down the entire card, revisit the stories surrounding the show and decide which moments still stand out 30 years later. 🔥 Undertaker vs Mankind in the Boiler Room ⚱️ Paul Bearer's shocking betrayal 🏆 HBK vs Vader 💛 Goldust vs Marc Mero 🔥 Owen Hart, Sid, British Bulldog and more! 1996 WWF is changing — and you can almost feel what's coming. 🔔 And Then The Bell Rang – Season 3, Episode 11: WWF SummerSlam 1996 The History. The Matches. The Moments. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

👑 WWF King of the Ring 1996 This week, And Then The Bell Rang travels back to June 23rd, 1996, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a WWF pay-per-view that ultimately became one of the most historically important nights of the entire 1990s — King of the Ring 1996. Because on this night, a certain rattlesnake was about to change wrestling forever. The tournament reaches its conclusion as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin battles Wildman Marc Mero in the semi-final, while veteran Jake “The Snake” Roberts has to survive the monstrous Vader. Austin and Roberts eventually advance, but Jake enters the final battered after Vader's post-match assault. Elsewhere, we've got plenty of pure New Generation WWF madness. The Smoking Gunns defend the Tag Team Championships against The Godwinns, while The Ultimate Warrior goes one-on-one with Jerry “The King” Lawler. Then things get considerably darker. Mankind vs The Undertaker. Mankind had arrived in the WWF and immediately become one of the biggest threats the Deadman had ever encountered. Their brutal encounter at King of the Ring sees Mankind score a huge victory after interference involving Paul Bearer and the urn — another major chapter in a rivalry that would become legendary. There's championship history too, as Ahmed Johnson challenges Goldust for the Intercontinental Championship, eventually hitting the Pearl River Plunge and leaving Milwaukee with the gold. Then comes the moment. 👑 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Jake “The Snake” Roberts – King of the Ring Final. Austin destroys the already-injured Roberts, hits the Stone Cold Stunner and becomes the 1996 King of the Ring. But the match isn't what changed professional wrestling. It's what happened afterwards. 🎤 “Austin 3:16…” During his coronation interview, Austin delivers the promo that launches Austin 3:16 into wrestling history. At the time, nobody could possibly have known just how important those words would become — but looking back, this feels like the moment the Stone Cold phenomenon truly begins. And there's still a WWF Championship main event to come! 🏆 Shawn Michaels vs The British Bulldog. HBK puts the WWF Championship on the line against Davey Boy Smith, with Mr. Perfect acting as the special outside enforcer. It's a marathon main event lasting more than 26 minutes before Michaels retains with Sweet Chin Music, followed by a chaotic post-match confrontation involving Vader, Owen Hart, Ahmed Johnson and the Ultimate Warrior. Dangerous Dave and Lloydy break down the entire card, discuss what worked and what didn't, revisit the strange landscape of the WWF in 1996 and look at why this particular King of the Ring became far more important than anyone could have realised on the night. One tournament. One winner. One promo. Three numbers. 3:16. 🔔 And Then The Bell Rang – Season 3, Episode 10: King of the Ring 1996 The History. The Matches. The Moments. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

It’s August 27th, 1995, and And Then The Bell Rang heads to Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena for one of the WWF’s most fascinatingly uneven shows of the New Generation era — SummerSlam 1995!  Dangerous Dave and Lloydy go back to a night featuring nine matches, some questionable mid-90s WWF madness, and one match that completely steals the show.  We revisit Hakushi vs. 1-2-3 Kid, the PPV arrival of the Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Barry Horowitz getting his moment against Skip, and Bertha Faye shocking Alundra Blayze to capture the WWF Women’s Championship. Then things get darker as The Undertaker battles Kama in a Casket Match, while Bret “Hit Man” Hart finds himself dealing with Jerry Lawler’s personal dentist, Isaac Yankem DDS.  But there’s one match everybody remembers. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon – Ladder Match II. Eighteen months after their legendary WrestleMania X encounter, HBK and the Bad Guy do it all over again, this time with Michaels’ Intercontinental Championship hanging above the ring. Shawn ultimately retains in a near 25-minute battle that WWE itself highlights as the standout match of the night.  And then there’s the main event… Fresh from winning King of the Ring, King Mabel challenges Diesel for the WWF Championship. Big Daddy Cool has survived Sid, but can he survive the enormous new King? With Sir Mo getting involved and Lex Luger making an appearance, Diesel eventually puts Mabel away to retain the title.  We break down every match, the highs, the lows, the wonderfully bizarre world of WWF in 1995, and ask the big question: does that incredible ladder match save SummerSlam 1995? 👑 King Mabel wants the WWF Championship. ⚰️ Undertaker and Kama settle things in a Casket. 🦷 Bret Hart goes to the dentist. 🪜 Shawn and Razor create magic once again. The history. The matches. The moments. 🔔 **And Then The Bell Rang – Season 3, Episode 9: WWF SummerSlam 1995.** Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 keeps rolling as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy head back to 1995 for one of the most chaotic and memorable early In Your House events — In Your House 3. This is the night where Shawn Michaels and Diesel, former best friends turned bitter rivals, collide in a heated main event that perfectly captures the shifting tone of the New Generation era. The lads break down the storytelling, the emotion behind the split, and the wild twists that made this match unforgettable — including one of the most infamous finishes of the mid-90s. Dave and Lex also dive into the rest of the card, the evolving tag team scene, and how World Wrestling Federation was experimenting with its In Your House concept during this period. Was this event a hidden gem that showcased character-driven storytelling, or another example of a company still searching for consistency? From explosive entrances to unpredictable outcomes, this episode captures a night where anything could — and did — happen. 🏠 Personal rivalries. Big moments. Pure unpredictability. 🔔 And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 rolls on as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy dive into one of the most controversial and talked-about events of the New Generation era — King of the Ring 1995. Remembered for its shocking tournament outcome and an atmosphere that left fans stunned, this is a show that still divides opinion decades later. The lads break down the King of the Ring tournament matches, the pacing of the event, and the decision that saw Mabel crowned King — a moment that has gone down as one of the most debated booking calls of the 90s. Dave and Lex also explore the rest of the card, including the WWF Championship clash between Diesel and Bam Bam Bigelow, and what this event says about where World Wrestling Federation was heading in 1995. Was the company struggling to create new stars, or was this a bold attempt that simply didn’t land? Is King of the Ring ’95 unfairly criticised… or does it deserve its reputation? 👑 One crown. Big risks. Bigger reactions. 🔔 And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 reaches a true turning point as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy revisit one of the most iconic matches in wrestling history — WrestleMania XII. Headlined by the legendary 60-minute Iron Man Match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels, this event represents the peak of in-ring storytelling during the New Generation era. The lads break down the psychology, pacing, and drama of a match that dared to be different — a slow-burn classic that built tension minute by minute before delivering one of the most emotional finales in WrestleMania history. Dave and Lex also explore the wider context of 1996, where World Wrestling Federation was evolving both in style and identity. They discuss Shawn Michaels’ crowning moment, Bret Hart’s role as the standard-bearer of excellence, and how this match helped shape the future direction of the company. Was this the greatest technical showcase in WrestleMania history? Or does the Iron Man concept divide fans even today? ⏱️ One hour. No shortcuts. Pure storytelling. 🔔 And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 continues as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy revisit one of the most unique — and often debated — WrestleMania events in history: WrestleMania XI. Held during the height of the New Generation era, this WrestleMania leaned heavily into celebrity involvement and spectacle. The lads break down the headline clash between Diesel and Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship, examining the chemistry between the two former allies and how the match helped establish Shawn Michaels as a future main-event cornerstone. Dave and Lex also look at the wider card, from Lawrence Taylor stepping into the ring with Bam Bam Bigelow in one of wrestling’s biggest celebrity matches, to the undercard moments that define the mid-90s WWF style. They discuss the atmosphere of the event, the storytelling choices, and why WrestleMania XI still sparks debate among fans decades later. Was this WrestleMania an underrated snapshot of the New Generation… or a sign that the WWF was struggling to find its direction before the Attitude Era explosion? 🌟 Big celebrities. Big personalities. Big questions. 🔔 And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 rolls on as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy revisit one of the most intense and personal main events of the New Generation era — In Your House 6. Headlined by the brutal Steel Cage Match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and Diesel, this event perfectly captures a WWF in transition — where old-school technical wrestling clashed with the rising edge of something darker and more aggressive. The lads break down the build-up, the psychology of the cage stipulation, and the wild interference that left fans stunned. Beyond the headline bout, Dave and Lex dive into the undercard, the shifting momentum of 1996, and how this show quietly helped lay groundwork for the chaos that would define the Attitude Era. Was this Diesel’s last stand as the dominant powerhouse? Was Bret already evolving into something more complex than the traditional babyface hero? Underrated gem or messy turning point? 🔔 Steel. Rivalry. Transition. And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 continues as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy dive into what many consider the greatest Royal Rumble match of all time — Royal Rumble 1992. With the vacant WWF Championship on the line, this wasn’t just a 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal — it was chaos, storytelling, endurance, and star power all wrapped into one unforgettable match. From surprise entries to dramatic eliminations, the lads break down the psychology of the Rumble, the commentary brilliance that elevated the drama, and why this match still stands tall decades later. They also explore how World Wrestling Federation used this event to shift the landscape of the early ‘90s, setting the tone for the New Generation era while delivering one of the most iconic performances in Rumble history. Was this peak Royal Rumble magic? Is 1992 the gold standard every other Rumble is measured against? 🔥 Big moments. Bigger personalities. One historic match. 🔔 And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

And Then The Bell Rang – Season 3, Episode 2: Royal Rumble 1995 In Episode 2 of Season 3, And Then The Bell Rang turns its attention to one of the most unique and debated Royal Rumbles of the New Generation era as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy revisit Royal Rumble 1995. Recorded at a time when World Wrestling Federation was searching for its next big identity, this event is remembered for its stripped-down roster, slow-burn pacing, and the bold experiment of having Shawn Michaels enter at number one and go the distance. Dave and Lex break down the psychology of the Rumble match itself, Shawn’s star-making performance, and the controversial finish that saw both Michaels and Bulldog eliminated simultaneously. The episode also dives into the rest of the card, including Bret Hart vs Diesel for the WWF Championship, the growing tension of the New Generation era, and how Royal Rumble ’95 reflects a company in transition — caught between the excesses of the past and the attitude of what was still to come. Was Royal Rumble 1995 quietly ahead of its time? Or does it deserve its reputation as one of the most divisive Rumbles ever? 🔔 One ring, thirty men, and a turning point for the WWF — and then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

Season 3 of And Then The Bell Rang kicks off with one of the most talked-about events in wrestling history as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy revisit Starrcade 1997 — the night that was supposed to change everything for World Championship Wrestling. Billed as the biggest match in WCW history, the long-awaited showdown between Hollywood Hogan and Sting finally takes centre stage after over a year of build-up. The lads break down the hype, the atmosphere, and the unbelievable expectations surrounding the main event — before diving head-first into the controversy, confusion, and fallout that followed. Beyond the infamous finish, this episode looks at the full Starrcade 1997 card, including the white-hot WCW vs nWo storyline, standout performances, overlooked matches, and where this PPV sits in WCW’s rise toward its peak. Dave and Lex also debate whether Starrcade ’97 was a missed opportunity, a misunderstood classic, or the moment the cracks truly began to show. Packed with nostalgia, strong opinions, and classic Bell Rang banter, this episode asks the big question: Did Starrcade 1997 deliver… or did it ring in the beginning of the end? 🔔 Relive the hype. Re-examine the chaos. And then… the bell rang. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

🎙 And Then The Bell Rang – Season 2, Episode 20: WWF Survivor Series 1991 – “The Gravest Challenge” Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy step back into the golden era of early-’90s WWF to revisit the fifth annual Survivor Series — a night built around mystery, major title shifts, and one of the most legendary characters in wrestling history. This episode takes you through all the chaos, surprises, and standout moments from Survivor Series 1991, including: ⚰️ The Gravest Challenge: Hulk Hogan vs The Undertaker for the WWF Championship — the first time the Deadman stepped into the main event spotlight, with a finish that still sparks debate today. 🔥 The fallout from Ric Flair’s interference and how it shaped the Road to Tuesday in Texas. 👊 Classic Survivor Series elimination action featuring stars like Bret Hart, Roddy Piper, British Bulldog, and Virgil. 🤼 The shifting landscape of the WWF as larger-than-life ‘80s icons collided with rising ‘90s superstars. 🎤 Backstage stories, production quirks, hot crowds, odd booking choices, and those unmistakable early-’90s vibes. With their usual mix of humour, analysis, and deep retro knowledge, Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy break down a pay-per-view that marked a turning point in WWF history — when darkness rose, legends fell, and the Attitude Era’s shadow began to take shape. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

🎙 And Then The Bell Rang – Season 2, Episode 19: WCW Halloween Havoc 1993 Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy are back in the ring and heading straight into one of WCW’s most chaotic and hard-hitting nights — Halloween Havoc 1993: Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal! The lads dive deep into the carnage, costumes, and controversy that made this pay-per-view a true cult classic of early-’90s wrestling. Expect their trademark mix of insight, humour, and nostalgia as they explore: 💀 Vader vs Cactus Jack in a brutal Texas Death Match that defined hardcore wrestling before it had a name. 🧨 The return of “Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal”, and why WCW’s gimmicks both helped and hurt the product. ⭐ Standout performances from Rick Rude, Ric Flair, Steve Austin, Dustin Rhodes, and The Nasty Boys. 🎃 The gothic atmosphere, wild promos, and over-the-top production that made Halloween Havoc such a fan favourite event. 🤔 Whether this show was a hidden gem or a spooky mess best left buried in WCW history. From the dangerous dives to the backstage madness, Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy bring the energy and passion that make every retro wrestling rewatch feel like a main event. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

🎃 And Then The Bell Rang – Season 2, Episode 18: WCW Halloween Havoc 1991 It’s time to step into the spooky side of pro wrestling as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy dive deep into WCW’s Halloween Havoc 1991 — a night filled with chaos, costumes, and questionable creative choices! 👻 The lads pull no punches as they break down one of WCW’s most infamous events, covering: The bizarre Chamber of Horrors match, complete with electric chairs and sheer mayhem. ⚡ Lex Luger defending the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Ron Simmons. The all-star undercard featuring Rick Steiner, Arn Anderson, Brian Pillman, and the Enforcers. How WCW tried (and sometimes failed) to balance horror themes with in-ring action. Their favourite moments, biggest blunders, and what actually worked amid the madness. Expect nostalgic laughs, sharp insights, and a few spine-tingling surprises as Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy revisit one of the most outrageously entertaining PPVs of the early ’90s. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.

🎙 And Then The Bell Rang – Season 2, Episode 17: WWF One Night Only (1997) Dangerous Dave and Lex Lloydy take a trip across the pond to revisit the UK-exclusive pay-per-view, WWF One Night Only, held in Birmingham, England. This unique event delivered a night full of passion, controversy, and classic late-90s WWF storytelling. The lads break down the card and discuss: The emotional homecoming of “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, defending the European Championship against Shawn Michaels in a dramatic – and divisive – main event. Bret Hart vs The Undertaker in a rematch packed with intensity. Standout undercard matches featuring Owen Hart, Vader, Mankind, and more. The atmosphere of a UK crowd in the height of the Attitude Era. Why this show still sparks debate amongst wrestling fans nearly 30 years later. With their trademark mix of analysis, nostalgia, and laughs, Lex Lloydy and Dangerous Dave revisit one of the most infamous nights in WWF’s UK history. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/andthenthebellrang--6138819/support.