D-Generation X: State of The Union Address & Wrestlemania 41 Results (Raw is War: 2.2.1998)

Dumpster dives, DX chaos, and a heel turn 20 years in the making? Buckle up, because this week’s New to Wrestling episode is pure carnage—in the best possible way.

Kelsey and Xavier break down the February 2, 1998 edition of Raw Is War, an episode so unhinged it’s basically a fever dream with steel chairs. From Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie getting literally dumped off the Raw stage in a locked dumpster (yes, you read that right), to Sunny sobbing, wrestlers storming the ring, and Jim Ross losing his mind on commentary—this one is a ride. And that’s just the first hour.

We dig deep into why this episode, for all its chaos, may actually be one of the best examples of cohesive storytelling in the Attitude Era, with one narrative thread driving almost the entire show. DX pushes boundaries (and network censors), Austin keeps barreling toward Shawn Michaels, and somehow, Sable’s outfit still manages to hijack the spotlight. Oh, and did we mention Chainsaw Charlie shows up in a hospital gown wielding a chainsaw?

PLUS:

• 🚨 Kelsey gets the full breakdown of WrestleMania 41 from Xavier—Travis Scott’s cameo, John Cena’s controversial heel turn, and a title change that left everyone confused (and a little mad).
• 👀 WWE buys AAA and announces a new Worlds Collide event.
• 🎬 A WWE writers’ room reality show is in the works—and you know we’re going to cover it.
• 🎙️ We preview our upcoming Evolve recap episodes and our exclusive interview with indie standout Jarret Diaz.

This is the perfect episode for diehards and new fans alike. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the drama—and as always, a little shade.

Timestamps:

• 0:27 – Intro + Match card rundown
• 2:10 – WrestleMania 41 results & reactions
• 6:38 – Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, and the controversial main event
• 7:20 – Women’s Triple Threat & other WrestleMania highlights
• 12:12 – John Cena’s 17th title win (with help from Travis Scott)
• 17:25 – Las Vegas crowd vibes & branding overload
• 22:30 – WWE acquires AAA + “Worlds Collide” event announced
• 23:16 – WWE’s upcoming writers’ room reality series
• 24:31 – Start of Raw recap: DX’s State of the Union
• 29:28 – DX’s in-ring campaign for Tyson vs. Austin
• 33:28 – Cactus Jack vs. Chainsaw Charlie chaos
• 36:46 – Locker room fallout & real-time reactions
• 42:00 – Owen Hart vs. Billy Gunn + DX beatdown
• 46:32 – Mosh vs. Mark Mero (with Sable & “Marilyn”)
• 52:12 – Bradshaw vs. Barry Windham + Jeff Jarrett
• 56:09 – Chains (DOA) vs. Faarooq & Nation implosion
• 1:01:24 – Flash Funk & Bradshaw vs. Windham & Jarrett (Handicap match)
• 1:01:58 – Kane attacks Wink Collins + Vader returns
• 1:04:35 – Kane vs. Vader set for No Way Out
• 1:05:11 – Stone Cold vs. Road Dog main event
• 1:08:26 – Chainsaw Charlie & Cactus Jack return from the hospital
• 1:11:40 – Upcoming: Evolve recap series + interview with Jarret Diaz

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!