My World w/ Jeff Jarrett - Don't P*ss Me Off [Show Notes] (Patreon)

Today we’re talking about the Don’t Piss Me Off Era for the WWF beginning in 1998 and it all starts with a haircut…

We last talked about 1998 when X-Pac shaved your head at SummerSlam from Madison Square Garden - be sure to check that out in the archives…

Coming off SummerSlam Raw is taped and delayed because of the US Open so your new look is debuted 6 days later on Raw Saturday Night when you cause a DQ on X-Pac in his European title match against D’Lo Brown. Were you expecting to continue the program with Sean Waltman after having your head shaved?

It’s notable that Jerry Lawler says that with your head shaved you look like “Jill” and JR brings up that it’s your wife’s name. Was that Jerry making a little shoutout to Jill?

Later on that night you’d take on Scorpio and have him right where you want him before X-Pac runs in for the DQ and you guys fight into the crowd. Do you think with this rebrand you needed to get a win here?

Where did you see your character going at this point?

The next week you would take on Edge on another Raw Saturday Night and this time you have Southern Justice at ringside with you. The match would end when you would take a guitar and nail Edge for the DQ. Why was the guitar now becoming a focal point for you?

Sunday Night Heat is a thing now - was it impressive to see how much the WWF was expanding the amount of content they were starting to produce?

On Heat you would take on X-Pac in a Lumberjack Match and it breaks down into a DX of X-Pac & the Outlaws against you & Southern Justice. Road Dogg gets the guitar and hits Dennis Knight and the brawl is on and while the referee is distracted - Canterbury hits X-Pac with a Pumphandle Powerslam and you get the pinfall win. Did you see money in a possible DX vs. you & Southern Justice feud?

The next night on Raw it’s followed up with a match between you & the Road Dogg. What was it like being back in the ring with your old Double J partner?

Billy Gunn ends up hitting Knight with a guitar at ringside and you grab a shard of the guitar and slam into down onto Road Dogg’s throat and you get the pin. The story of you taking Road Dogg’s voice away is strong - but not a lot is discussed about your guys’ past relationship. Was that something Russo or McMahon didn’t want to get into?

Do you think that might’ve helped?

It’s around this time that Wrestling with Shadows was released - the story of Bret Hart’s last year in the WWF and the Montreal Screwjob. Did you ever watch this?

A Man on the Moon movie regarding Andy Kaufman was announced and it sounded like Jerry Lawler & Lance Russell and Andy’s time in Memphis was going to be a heavy part of it. What did you think of Andy’s time in Memphis - what did your Dad think of the idea of a movie - and the finished product?

What did you think of them trying to work an angle like Carrey was Kaufman?

Beyond the Mat is also at the same time being shot backstage at the WWF events - what did you think of the idea of the movie and did you ever watch it?

On Sunday Night Heat you would team up with two members of the Nation - Owen Hart & D’Lo Brown for a 6-man tag against Triple H, Billy Gunn & X-Pac. Talk about some major players in wrestling at this point in their career…

Mark Canterbury comes in and gives X-Pac the pumphandle powerslam and D’Lo hits the Lo Down for the win. This is the first time you’re teaming with Owen that I could find on WWF TV in my research - did you two have a feeling - this could work if it was you two together?

Also it was in this match where Hunter hurt his knee and required surgery - leading to him being stripped of the Intercontinental title. Any memories of that injury in the match?

You’d wrestle Billy one-on-one on Raw - how good was Gunn then compared to now?

Billy would get the win to set up a 6-man at the In Your House: Break Down pay-per-view where X-Pac & the Outlaws would take you & Southern Justice on. How did Canterbury & Knight get along with working DX?

It’s reported at the time that Canterbury was dealing with his still injured neck - how bad was he hurting?

At Break Down from Ontario Canada and in the 6 man you would bring the guitar in, Gunn would take it from you but the ref from him before you got it back and hit Waltman with it and he would act like he got a splinter in the eye but Gunn would get the pin on Knight after the Rocker Dropper. Meltzer would give it *¾. What did you think of the match and anything that stands out?

Business is riding super high it seems like - but you had taken a pay cut earlier this year - were you starting to feel a certain way about it as the crowds keep expanding and Sunday Night Heat was becoming more and more?

On Raw the next night it’s reported that the original plan was for Southern Justice to defeat the New Age Outlaws for the tag team titles but Canterbury’s neck still isn’t great so the decision is made to hold off and Dogg ends up hitting Knight with your guitar while you’re at ringside and the Outlaws retain by DQ but lose the match. Was there a plan for Southern Justice to win the tag titles?

You’re part of the first ever 6-way elimination match in WWF history and the winner of this match gets a European title shot. Its you vs. Marc Mero vs. Gangrel vs. D’Lo Brown vs. Darren Drozdov vs. Edge. How complicated is this to put together?

You’re only in for 3:32 before you & Droz brawl on the outside and get counted out. Was there a plan for you & Droz to feud together?

At the time LOD is involved in an angle where Droz is trying to push Hawk out of one of the greatest tag teams of all-time and of course Hawk was acting like he was drunk or stoned or whatever. What did you think of this story - was this just the new Attitude era?

Also on that episode of Raw featured Owen Hart hitting Dan Severn with a tombstone piledriver that made it seem like Severn was paralyzed. Did you talk with Owen about this and was he comfortable with this?

It also was the classic episode where Austin attacked McMahon by driving out a Zamboni - was there anything hotter than Austin at this time?

On Heat you get to go one-on-one with the Great One…as the budding babyface the Rock. Steve Austin is on commentary but you work with the Rock and you’re there to take the People’s Elbow before Dennis Knight saves you and gets you disqualified. Did you know at this point the Rock was primed to be the next top guy?

Austin would stun you & Knight afterwards - just a top babyface hitting a midcard heel right Jeff?

That episode would end with Rock and Austin in a stare-down…just a sign of things to come Jeff…

With Mark Canterbury out injured, you replaced him to team with Dennis Knight in tag title matches on a run of 9 house shows in early October vs the New Age Outlaws, losing every night. What were those matches like? Any issues?

You’d wrestle Al Snow on Raw and it’s really just a back drop for a story between Commissioner Slaughter and Al. Slaughter shakes the ropes while Snow is on the top rope and the referee disqualified you. Did Canterbury’s injury derail what you had going on?

On Heat you go one-on-one with the Road Dogg…again. Your backstory is brought up because Jim Cornette’s on commentary and the match ends when Road Dogg kills you with the guitar shot. Who was stiffer with a guitar…you or Road Dogg?

With Hunter out with a knee injury a tournament is started for the vacant IC title and you find yourself in the first round taking on X-Pac again. Did you ever tire of wrestling Waltman?

You go to the floor to grab your guitar case and Head is inside. While you’re shocked X-Pac rolls you up to get the win and advance. Snow comes out, takes Head and leaves. Guitar vs. Head - what a program right Jeff?

You’re not announced as taking anyone on for the upcoming Judgment Day pay-per-view…and you’re working the preshow taking on Scorpio…again. You take the loss with a distraction from Al Snow and Head again. The heel steam for you without Southern Justice is gone isn’t it?

You interrupt Snow’s match with Marc Mero on the pay-per-view but you’re sent away and that’s that…

The next night on Raw two major things happens. Debra debuts and also the Blue Blazer makes his appearance during your match with Steve Blackman. There’s a lot going on for you - and you lose the match via DQ. Snow comes out but get distracted by Debra and takes a guitar shot for his troubles. Did you know you were going to be involved in the Blue Blazer story?

What did you think of this transition for Owen into the character?

Do you know what he thought of it?

We talked in depth about Debra in our archives so be sure to check that out…but early on were you riding with Owen & Debra at this point?

This episode is most well known for Steve Austin taking Vince McMahon hostage with a gun - what did you think of that angle?

Did you have any issue with the creative that was happening around this time - women wearing less, etc…

The next time you’re on TV you’re taking on Golga - John Tenta - on Sunday Night Heat. ICP was even at ringside - what did you think of the Oddities?

On commentary Michael Cole & Jim Cornette speculate they don’t know what the relationship is between you & Debra. I’m sure you asked yourself that question a lot didn’t you?

Working with John Tenta - a guy who main evented with Hulk Hogan back in 1990 - and to be working with him in this gimmick - this wasn’t the easiest match to have was it?

You would get the win when Debra throws the Cartman doll he would carry at him and you would hit what would be called The Stroke in WCW…why was this the finish you started using compared to the figure four?

It’s announced that the vacant WWF title would be decided with a 16-man tournament at Survivor Series. What did you think of the format change from the traditional Survivor Series matches to this tournament?

Were you excited to be a part of the tournament?

Jesse Ventura is elected governor of Minnesota. Was that something you ever saw coming?

Right away you’re working against Val Venis on Sunday Night Heat now that you have Debra…were you worried having Debra at ringside would be the focal point since the Attitude Era was so woman heavy?

You would get the win over Val when Terri Runnels gets involved with Debra and the next night on Raw…you would take on Val again. Did it feel like you were stuck in neutral during this time?

It’s reported in the Observer that you were shooting vingettes with Debra…did you and what would they had been about?

Through late October and in November, Jeff you unsuccessfully challenged X-Pac in European title matches on the house shows including MSG on October 25 and on the November 7 and 8 weekend, they do double shots in Canada with guitar on a pole matches in the afternoon and Jeff losing again. On the evening shows, Jeff defeated Edge in singles matches. Were you happy at this point? Did you see any light at the end of the tunnel or were you not the optimistic person you are now?

It’s speculated in the Observer that at some point there would be a Debra & Sable program - did you think that was a goal of creative or just logic with the two women?

Owen Hart would do commentary for your match on Sunday Night Heat against Droz - and claims he’s not the Blue Blazer and that he won’t get back in the ring unless provoked by Dan Severn or Steve Blackman. The match would end when Hawk would interfere and attack Droz. People talk about your TNA matches having a lot of interference - but man it seems like every match of yours has interference. Why do you think that was?

The next day on Raw you say that Al Snow PISSES YOU OFF and he’s your first round opponent at the Survivor Series for the World Title tournament. You’re scheduled to take on the newly returned Goldust - from the catholic Dustin Runnels gimmick and it sounds like Debra & Goldust are more involved with each other for a program. What did you think of Dustin trying a religious gimmick and then going back to Goldust?

In your match Goldust would kiss Debra but you would hit him with a guitar for the DQ. Way to heat you up going into the Survivor Series Jeff…

Also the Blue Blazer gimmick continued with the Blazer coming out and saving Owen in a match with Steve Blackman…how comfortable were you wearing the gimmick?

At the Survivor Series - you lose in the first round in 3:31 to Al Snow. You get a valet, a new attitude…and you’re stuck in midcard hell it feels like Jeff.

This is the show where Rock defeats Mankind when Vince rings the bell and screws Mankind a year after Survivor Series where Bret Hart was screwed. What did you think of that finish - and do you know what Owen thought of it?

The next night on Raw - you team up with the Blue Blazer to take on Goldust & Steve Blackman - and Blackman pins the Blazer in 2 minutes. Blackman goes to remove the mask but Owen Hart comes out and attacks. Who was sometimes under the Blazer mask with you when you had matches like this - the rumor & innuendo it was Tom Prichard a lot - is that true?

This Raw would also see Droz push Hawk off the titan tron - this is an extreme you couldn’t have imagined the WWF getting to could you?

Shawn Michaels would return to the WWF as the new commissioner - was it great to see Shawn again?

Sadly - Christine Jarrett - your grandmother - passes away on November 19th. What can you tell us about your grandmother?

It’s reported in the Observer that 1999 will see a lot of talent contracts coming due and you’re on that list. From Meltzer: “Jarrett's market value has never been lower and it's doubtful WCW would be interested in him at any price, although stranger things have happened.”

Was that a fair assessment of you at this point in 1998?

You would be a part of ICP’s last appearance in the WWF when they are at ringside for your match against Kurrgan. You would hit Kurrgan with the guitar and still get the win because Debra distracted the ref. Sable would come out after and confront Debra but you’d grab Debra and walk off. Any idea if Debra was interested in wrestling?

You’re off Raw and back on Heat where you take on Kane. You would come off the top rope towards him and get goozled - but Debra comes and flirts with Kane. All of a sudden - Kane is into women! But not really because he drops you to choke slam Debra - but you hit him with the guitar and of course…Kane no-sells and you escape with Debra. What was it like working with Glenn Jacobs?

On Raw you would take on Goldust when “recent retiree” Owen Hart joins for commentary. Debra puts your foot on the rope after Goldust hits the curtain call. Eventually Debra teases Goldust and Owen attacks and it’s a DQ - again. The Blue Blazer comes out to help in the attack but instead attacks Owen and unmasks and it’s Steve Blackman. We ran out of things to do quickly with this Blazer gimmick didn’t we?

You’re getting a gigantic face pop though when your music hits - and it’s because Debra is coming out. This is really a great gimmick isn’t it?

On that Raw - we also see Undertaker and Paul Bearer attempt to embalm Steve Austin. Do you think the WWF was walking a very fine line with these types of things?

You head to the UK to take on a now returned Triple H for the Capital Carnage pay-per-view with Chyna at ringside.

Hunter gets the win in 7 minutes after Debra tries to help and tease Hunter but Chyna would take the chair away from you and Hunter hits you with the pedigree for the 1-2-3. What did you think of working Hunter in the UK?

The day after Sunday Night Heat airs and you’re taking on Mark Henry - and with his new Sexual Chocolate gimmick - he’s all about Debra. But of course this match ends with a guitar shot - this time D’Lo hits you with it and you get the victory. How much money did they spend on guitars during this run Jeff?

There’s a story in the Montreal Gazette talking about you & your run on guitars…and according to the story they’re unstrung guitars with minor structural changes not to lessen the concussive force but to make louder kabooms…how the hell does something like this make a newspaper Jeff?

After your match with Mark Henry - Goldust comes out and challenges you to a match for the next pay-per-view - Rock Bottom where if Jarrett wins - Goldust will strip to his birthday suit. If Goldust wins - Debra will have to strip to her birthday suit - or as Goldust says it - show us her tasty cakes and you accept. I mean - wow Jeff. What a match stipulation…

Something you all were comfortable with I’m assuming?

Raw the next night has you taking on D’Lo and Earl Hebner is even distracted by Debra and even Goldust comes out wearing nothing but a trench coat & wig and flashes Debra and yourself - so D’Lo takes advantage and rolls you up for the win. So of course turn about is fair play and during Goldust’s match with Owen…Debra comes out with a trench coat and flashes Goldust and Owen rolls him up for the three count. We’re knee deep in the attitude era are we?

Was this stipulation to unbelievable to think it would actually get paid off?

This was also the Raw where Undertaker would put Steve Austin on the symbol…not a cross Jeff…and have him pulled up in the air to set up the Buried Alive match at the pay-per-view…what did you think of that?

At Rock Bottom…from the Observer

“5. Goldust beat Jeff Jarrett via DQ in 8:02. Actually this match had a lot of heat, which just shows how much everyone wanted to see Debra McMichael naked. I think the only way a match between these two could get over is to promise 17,000 males that they'd see a beauty pageant winner naked at the end. But it was a good match. Goldust used the curtain call on Jarrett but Debra distracted the ref. Fans were really into Goldust's near falls. Wonder why? Goldust set up Shattered Dreams. Debra got into the ring and started caressing his butt. Of course he didn't care, which I guess proves he was gay all along. Jarrett took the low blow, but Debra broke the guitar over Goldust's head and Jarrett scored the pin with a reverse Russian leg sweep. Shawn Michaels came out after the match, and although he plays heel, he said he saw Debra interfere, reversed the decision, and ordered Debra to strip. She played it up for all she could. I'm not sure this is what they were teaching here to win all those beauty pageants.

Then again Shawn put a $20 down her top. She stripped down to a thong bikini underwear (they were very careful to show only shots from the front), teased taking off her top, which she eventually did, but before anything was visible, Jarrett and Blue Blazer covered her up and dragged her away. Even so, now Debra is over like a big dog, although dog is least applicable description. I can just see it in three weeks, that Jeff Jarrett is going to have all the charisma in the world in his ring intro. **½”

Jeff - what did you think of all this - the story - the match - the stipulation not getting fulfilled - and it just being something that added heat to Shawn Michaels in reality?

Were you happy as the year was winding down?

On Raw you would get involved in the Goldust & Blue Blazer match after 2 minutes and Blackman would come out and unmask the Blazer to reveal…Owen! This is to set up to…a Guitar on a Pole Match! It was only a matter of time before this happened right?

You would get the win after Owen comes out and kills Blackman with a guitar - that didn’t come from the pole. You ever get tired of having a guitar involved in every match?

On Raw the next week - Owen Hart does commentary while you are under the Blazer mask taking on Steve Blackman. Owen claims that the footage they aired of him last week being exposed was edited while Michael Cole reminds Owen that last week’s Raw was live…Owen played this part really well didn’t he?

Goldust would unmask you after Owen attacked Blackman for the DQ…

On the Christmas house shows, Jeff and X-Pac pair up again in guitar on a pole matches, including a rematch at MSG on December 27. These had to be good paydays right?

The tag team debut of you & Owen takes place on Sunday Night Heat - taking on Godfather & Val Venis. Were you hoping that this was going to be end of the Blue Blazer gimmick?

You guys get the win in 3 minutes - and a new heel tag team is clear. Were you excited to be teaming with Owen?

The next night on Raw you two would team up again to take on Goldust & Steve Blackman - this program just wouldn’t end would it?

Speaking of programs that didn’t end…Dan Severn returns in a neck brace while Owen has the sharpshooter on and the distraction leads to you being rolled up by Goldust to end your 1998 on TV…

My goodness Jeff - a lot of finishes that weren’t finishes…is that painfully obvious?

Where were you at in your career and life when 1998 ends?

Where did you see your future?