WWF In Your House 2 (1995): A Retrospective Review

“In Your House 2” – July 23, 1995

“In Your House 2,” which took place on July 23, 1995, was an integral Pay-Per-View (PPV) event that remains an interesting case study in the annals of WWF (now WWE) history. Set against the backdrop of a shifting wrestling landscape where the WCW was jockeying to challenge WWF’s dominance, the event was significant for several reasons. The PPV aimed to capitalize on the popularity of some of its rising stars while navigating the uncertainty that shrouded others.

Behind the Scenes:

By mid-1995, Vince McMahon was gradually reorienting his vision for the WWF, transitioning from larger-than-life caricatures to promoting performers who could truly wrestle. It was a time of change, with the New Generation era coming into focus, Diesel was the WWF Champion, but his run wasn’t pulling the numbers in terms of attendance or PPV buys. On the other side, Shawn Michaels was receiving a considerable push as a rising babyface, and “In Your House 2” was a crucial chapter in this storyline.

The 1-2-3 Kid vs. The Roadie

The opening bout set the tone for the night, with The 1-2-3 Kid facing off against The Roadie. Both were mid-card talents but possessed the in-ring skills to kickstart the event. The Roadie (later known as Road Dogg in the Attitude Era) showed early signs of his wrestling ability and charisma that would make him a key player later in his career. The 1-2-3 Kid picked up the win, but the match served its purpose: an energetic opener that got the crowd going.

Men on a Mission vs. Razor Ramon & Savio Vega

This tag team match was more about storytelling than technical wrestling. The focus was to further the feud between Razor Ramon and Men on a Mission, especially King Mabel, who was receiving a noticeable but ultimately unsuccessful push at the time. The match was passable but forgettable. However, it did serve to elevate King Mabel, setting the stage for his later encounters.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Shawn Michaels – Intercontinental Championship

The crown jewel of the night was undoubtedly this match. Michaels was receiving a significant push, and his clash with Jeff Jarrett was a show-stealing spectacle. With excellent in-ring psychology, high-flying moves, and a compelling storyline involving Jarrett’s manager, The Roadie, the bout captured the audience’s attention from start to finish. Michaels winning the Intercontinental title was the right call, offering him another stepping stone towards main-event status. The ladder to his future WWF Championship was being constructed, one rung at a time.

Owen Hart & Yokozuna vs. The Allied Powers – Tag Team Championship.

In a bout that brought together some of the most dynamic and interesting characters of the time, the WWF Tag Team Champions Owen Hart and Yokozuna defended their titles against The Allied Powers, comprised of Lex Luger and The British Bulldog. This match was a showcase of contrasting styles: the technical prowess of Owen Hart, the raw power of Yokozuna, and the mix of athleticism and strength presented by Luger and Bulldog.

Yokozuna, managed by Mr. Fuji and Jim Cornette, was a formidable heel at this point, while Owen Hart was already well-established as one of the best technical wrestlers in the company. On the other side, Lex Luger had seen his push as the All-American hero slowly dwindle, but he still had a solid fan following. The British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith, was an accomplished performer who had seen multiple WWF runs with varying degrees of success.

The match itself was well-paced, making the most of the diverse skill sets of the four wrestlers. Yokozuna’s size and strength were effectively utilized to portray him as a near-insurmountable obstacle, while Owen Hart played the tactical chessmaster, cutting off the ring and taking advantage of openings as they presented themselves. The Allied Powers put on a strong showing, with Bulldog, in particular, shining during exchanges with Owen Hart, teasing what could happen if these two were given more time in a one-on-one setting.

Despite a valiant effort from The Allied Powers, Owen Hart and Yokozuna managed to retain their titles, keeping their heel reign intact. This match helped to further establish them as a dominant force in the tag team division, while also adding another chapter to the legacy of Luger and Bulldog, who continued to be strong mid-card performers.

The outcome had implications for all involved. Owen Hart’s stock continued to rise as a performer who could be trusted to deliver in big matches, while Yokozuna remained a significant attraction. Luger would eventually fade into the background before leaving WWF, and Bulldog would continue to have various high-profile angles and matches, proving his versatility and value to the company.

In the grander narrative of “In Your House 2,” this tag team championship match added a layer of complexity to an event that was at a pivotal point in WWF history. It also stood as a testament to the rich tapestry of styles and characters that the company had at its disposal during this period of transition.

Match 4: Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Henry O. Godwinn

The objective here was clear: to cool down the crowd after the high of Michaels vs. Jarrett and prepare them for the main event. The match was slow-paced, as both men were primarily brawlers, but it was Bam Bam Bigelow who carried most of the in-ring work. This bout won’t make it into any ‘best-of’ lists, but it served its purpose within the context of the event.

Main Event: Diesel vs. Sycho Sid – WWF Championship (Lumberjack Match)

The main event was crucial in multiple ways. Diesel’s run as WWF Champion had not been as successful as the company had hoped. The ratings were stagnant, and the aura around him was waning. This match against Sycho Sid was a chance to reinvigorate Diesel’s run and give him a credible win to bolster his reign. However, the match lacked the wrestling quality that defined the earlier Michaels-Jarrett bout. Diesel retained the title, but the match exposed the limitations of pushing him as the face of the company. It was becoming increasingly clear that stars like Shawn Michaels were the future.

Legacy

“In Your House 2” was a snapshot of WWF in 1995—caught firmly between the New Generation and 1997’s Attitude Era. While Diesel’s run as the WWF champion continued to underwhelm, the rise of Shawn Michaels was meteoric. His Intercontinental title win was the highlight of the night and emblematic of the direction WWF needed to take. The PPV was a mixed bag in terms of match quality, but it stands as an interesting turning point for the company. It was a glimpse into the potential of future stars and a sobering look at the limitations of relying on the star power of yesteryears.