PWTorch.com - RAW RETRO: Mike Tyson joins DX in March 1998 - Raw closes TV ratings gap vs. WCW Nitro

Torch Flashbacks
RAW RETRO: Mike Tyson joins DX in March 1998 - Raw closes TV ratings gap vs. WCW Nitro

Mar 3, 2015 - 4:20:49 AM

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO BOOKMARK US & VISIT US DAILY

Raw Flashback: As part of the build-up to WrestleMania 14 in 1998, WWF/E took a detour to Mike Tyson joining DX, stacking the deck against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin challenging Shawn Michaels for the WWF Title.

Tyson's involvement propelled Raw leading into the Austin Era, while also helping Raw close the ratings gap with WCW Nitro...

PWTorch Newsletter Flashback
WWE Raw - March 2, 1998
Originally Published: PWTorch Newsletter #482
Headline: Tyson joins DX, Raw rating jumps to 3.8
By Wade Keller, Torch editor

Not a VIP member? Read the entire 1998 PWTorch Newsletter back-issues capturing the WM14 build-up by going VIP. Simply CLICK HERE.

In a surprise twist in Mike Tyson's role at Wrestlemania, he joined Degeneration X on the Mar. 2 live Raw from Cleveland, Ohio. At the start of the second hour of Raw, Vince McMahon stood in mid-ring and introduced Tyson. Fans booed McMahon and then, when Tyson's music played and he came out (with three entourage members), fans continued to boo. Tyson put his arm around McMahon's shoulder when he entered the ring.

McMahon asked Tyson about being the ref at Wrestlemania. Fans continued to boo. McMahon asked the fans for "a little respect." Fans booed again. McMahon asked Tyson who he thought would win. Just as Tyson was about to answer, DX's music started and they walked to the ring. WWF officials tried unsuccessfully to stop them. Michaels said he is not there to disrespect him like Austin has done. "That's not our style," he said. "I am treating you like a man, but make no mistake about it, I am calling your ass out right now, boooooy!" Tyson challenged him to settle things right then and there. Michaels said let's get everyone else out of the ring and they'll settle it. Fans popped big-time.

The ring cleared and Michaels and Tyson faced off. Michaels poked Tyson in the chest. Tyson shoved back. Tyson challenged Michaels to hit him. Just as Michaels was about to hit Tyson, Michaels ripped off Tyson's shirt to reveal a "Degeneration X" t-shirt (reminiscent of Dusty Rhodes joining the NWO at Souled Out).

Michaels and Tyson embraced. Hunter and Chyna joined them in laughing in the face of McMahon and Sgt. Slaughter and the other officials at ringside. Jim Ross wondered how Tyson could be the "ringside enforcer" if he's so closely aligned with Michaels. Ross said, "This wasn't the SportsCenter moment I was looking for." Michaels said, "For those of you who don't know, the Heartbreak Kid is the man who runs this show." McMahon looked on with angry concern.

The Tyson segment at the start of the second hour of Raw boosted the WWF's rating to a 4.5 for that quarter hour, matching the rating for WCW Nitro during the same time period. The overall ratings victory easily went to Nitro, though. Raw drew a strong 3.8 overall compared to Nitro's even stronger 4.8. Nitro headlined with Sting & Randy Savage vs. Scott Hall & Hollywood Hogan, peaking at 5.3.

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]