Week 4 - Backlash Aftermath
WWE Raw
We get right to the opening intro and pyro for the show, live from the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, and after J.R. and the King introduce us to the show, Edge & Christian come down to join commentary for our first match of the night.
T&A vs The Dudley Boyz
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We see stills from the night before when Bubba put Trish through the table, and J.R. tells us Trish didn't suffer any serious injuries as a result.
T&A rush into the ring and waste no time going at it, Albert tosses Bubba to the outside before he and Test send D-Von into the corner, then Test whips Albert into D-Von for a splash, who throws him into a big boot from Test. D-Von face first in the corner followed by rights and boots before being tossed across the ring, while Christian informs King they're going to shoot with him. D-Von comes off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails one of his own. Bubba tags in now with some rights, then Test face first in the corner and some chops, rights into the ribs. Then Edge informs us they're probably going to do a run in while Test reverses a whip into the opposite corner, follows and runs into a boot. Bubba to the second rope for a clothesline, cover and a kick out.
Bubba with a suplex then knocks Albert off the apron, which makes him try to enter the ring and distracts the referee inadvertently. Bubba sets up D-Von so he can deliver a flying headbutt between the legs of Test. Test whipped into the Dudley corner, who elbows D-Von and that distracts the referee as he tries to come in, Test whipping Bubba into his corner, he comes in to help Test send Bubba off the ropes into a double team press slam. E&C tell us they're going to challenge anyone tonight to take their titles from them as Albert sends Bubba off the ropes into a shoulder block, then catapults him throat first into the middle rope. Test tags in now, Bubba sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline but runs right into a boot. Albert back in, Bubba whipped into the corner but Albert misses a splash, Bubba follows with a Cutter.
D-Von and Test tag back in, D-Von dropping them with rights and clotheslines, Test whipped into the corner and D-Von nails a forearm, cover and Test kicks out. Elbow on Albert, then a modified 3D. Test gets sent into the ropes by D-Von and runs right into a 3D, but just as D-Von makes the pin, Edge does a run in as promised, climbing the apron and distracting the referee. Albert pulls Bubba under the ropes to the outside while Christian slides in and drops D-Von with the Unprettier. He pulls Test on top to give T&A the win in 4:49. An alright opening match, E&C were great on commentary once again, can't complain.
E&C escape while T&A celebrate, Bubba looking on in confusion. Then we cut to the Faction walking through the arena, HHH with his arm in a sling for... reasons? That's next.
Back from break, the Orioles are front row for the show tonight, and on cue the Faction come out to the ring. There's already a loud asshole chant before the music is even cut off, much to the disgust on Vince's face. HHH has a mic to start and says he's sure that everyone is jubilant he's no longer champion, which prompts a loud Rocky chant, and he's sure Rock is just ecstatic and he should be, says that he should be the happiest man alive because he is the champion, but more importantly, he beat the best there is to do it. He says though that he has a funny feeling that Rock isn't quite as happy as he should be because he's an honest man, and deep inside, there's something burning a hole in him, the fact that he couldn't get the job done by himself, with help from Austin, from Linda, from Hebner, prompting another asshole chant. He says he knows Rock isn't proud of his victory and is going to do him a favor and give him some advice, to enjoy it, to take the belt, shine it up, revel in the fact that he's champion, to enjoy the adulation of his people, because he's on borrowed time. He says first chance he gets, whether his arm is in a sling or not, he's going to kick Rock's ass and take back his title. He then turns his attention to J.R. and says he went back and listened to his commentary last night, and says he's the very best at what he does, and called one hell of a match, but made the mistake of repeating "Game Over" again and again. He says he was wrong and wants him, the fans and Rock to understand that the Game is not over, it's just beginning.
Steph takes the mic to an immediate slut chant and says she's so proud of HHH, and has never been more proud of him and her family. She says he proved to the world once again that he really is the Game and has no equal. She said no common man would have continued with a separated shoulder, but HHH is not a common man and gallantly defended the title, stating for the record that she loves her husband and her family, before hugging Trips.
She hands the mic to Vince and screams at the fans to shut up as he tries to speak, first about Austin, who is not scheduled to be there tonight, but if he does show up (cue the Austin chants) he guarantees that what happens to him before their eyes is far worse than any hit-and-run driver could ever do to him. Then as far as Linda is concerned, who surprised everyone by reinstating Hebner. He states for the record that he's not a violent man, and Linda has led a charmed life being married to him, that he's never hurt a hair on her head, however, knowing that she's listening, he says if she shows up there tonight to heed his words, when HHH had her set up for a Pedigree, and later said he wasn't really going to, he makes it clear that's HHH and not himself. Then onto Hebner, he says he has reported to duty tonight, and will tend to him later. He wants to make one more guarantee tonight, which is when Rock shows up, WWF history will be made with Rock and it will be inside the steel cage hanging above the ring. Not as long and boring as their promos usually are and we have a cage match set for later, so alright.
We cut to the back where Crash has pulled into the parking lot and an employee approaches him, telling him he can leave his car there and they'll take care of it, but as he goes to take his bags out of his trunk, the attendee attacks him for an impromptu title defense.
Impromptu 24/7 Hardcore Championship defense: Crash Holly (c) vs Parking lot employee
Teddy Long appearss out of nowhere as Crash is sent into one of the concrete pillars, goes for the cover for a 2 count. Crash comes back up with a kick to the midsection before tossing the employee into his trunk and closing the lid, then escapes into his arena with title still in his grasp, before we go to break.
Too Cool (Scotty 2 Hotty & Grandmaster Sexay) vs The Hardy Boyz
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: This of course is Sexay's first match back following his knee injury.
Scotty and Matt start the match with some quick back and forth, Scotty gets the advantage with a back suplex and a moonwalk, before tagging in Sexay. Bit of dancing, off the ropes into a clothesline and elbows. Matt lifted to the top rope, but turns it into a tornado DDT. Jeff tags in and goes up top, going for a moonsault but lands on his feet as Sexay rolls out of the way, following up with a side headlock. Quick back and forth, Jeff tries to roll backward only to be caught in a wheelbarrow, then pulled up into a full nelson facebuster. Jeff reverses a whip into the corner, then launched up and over to the apron, yanks Sexay down and delivers springboard moonsault, hooks the legs for a near fall.
Sexay rakes the eyes to tag in Scotty, Jeff sent off the ropes as Sexay kicks him in the midsection, Scotty off the ropes into somersault, legs connecting across the back of Jeff, makes the cover but Matt breaks it up. Scotty clubs him in the back as he tries to go back to the apron, then sends Jeff into the corner, off the ropes with a bulldog. He goes for the Worm, but seems Matt tagged himself in as Jeff hit the corner, so he comes behind and nails a neckbreaker. Scotty dropped throat first on the top rope before Jeff tags in, Matt to the second rope, he hits the leg drop while Jeff does the same between the legs, covers and Scotty kicks out.
Scotty reverses a whip towards the ropes and knees Jeff in the midsection and drops Jeff ribs first on the top rope with an alley oop. Matt and Sexay in, Sexay with scoop slams on each, then to the second rope with a double bulldog, covers Matt but Jeff breaks it up. They whip him into the corner and connect with Poetry in Motion, then Scotty comes in, before being whipped into the corner to set up for it again, but Sexay climbs the apron, only for Jeff to knock him off and launch himself with a slingshot crossbody.
Scotty takes advantage as Matt gets distracted and nails his bulldog to set up for the Worm and connects this time. Jeff comes back in though and Scotty goes after him with rights as Matt stumbles into the corner, Jeff sends Scotty off the ropes into a Twist of Fate by Matt, then Sexay comes in. Jeff goes up top as Matt goes for the Twist of Fate again, but Sexay shoves him into the ropes, crotching Jeff up top, falling to the outside. Sexay nails Matt with a superkick and Too Cool gets the win in 4:50. Another good match.
Hardyz take their leave as Too Cool get the shades on and do their dancing.
Then we cut to the back, where Vince asks the Stooges to do him a favor. Brisco asks if he wants them to get him coffee, instead asking them to bring him Hebner. Brisco asks him if he wants him in a box or on a silver platter,, and Patterson looks at him bewildered, saying Vince just wants to talk to him. They leave as we go to commercial.
Back from break, J.R. and Lawler speculate to what's in store with the cage tonight, then we cut back to Vince as Hebner is led into the room. He tells the Stooges to stand just outside the door to make sure no one comes in. Vince calls him a sniveling little shit, asking who the hell he thinks he is, that if it weren't for him and Austin, HHH would still be champion, but his wife had to reinstate him instead, calling him a driveling little piece of trash. Hebner pipes in saying he just wants his job, and when Vince asks him to repeat, he screams at him to shut up. Vince tells him to stay out of his business, and Hebner nods, Vince reiterating that bad things happen to people who get in his business, then kicks Hebner out.
Jacqueline & The Kat vs Ivory & Terri
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Ah yes, the state of the women's "division," and J.R. is happy to point out that while Ivory and Jacqueline are trained to wrestle, their partners are not.
Ivory clubs Jacqueline from behind to start the match, sends her off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a crossbody, covers and Terri pulls her off. Ivory with a snapmare, then tries again, but Jacqueline blocks and delivers an arm drag. Ivory sent into the corner and Jacqueline hits a monkey flip, covers and Terri breaks it up again. Ivory into the corner again, Jacqueline follows but gets caught with a headscissor. Ivory sends her off the ropes, then Jacqueline catches her with a backslide but Terri breaks it up again. Rights in the corner, then Terri shoves her from behind. Kat comes in and they sandwich her before Kat tosses her out of the ring. Kat goes after her and gets her by the hair and they roll down the ramp about halfway up. The referee goes to break them up as Ivory rams her shoulder into Jacqueline in the corner followed by a bulldog. Ivory sends Jacqueline into the corner, off the ropes for a bulldog but Jacqueline shoves her off.
Kat and Terri tag in now, Terri spearing her and they start to roll around before going to the corner. Kaat "choking" until Ivory comes in, now Jacqueline goes at her in the opposite corner. Terri and Ivory get whipped into each other, then Kat and Jacqueline go for pins for a near fall. Kat with a scoop slam, cover, but Ivory drops an elbow to the back of the head. Terri covers, but Jacqueline drops an elbow and pulls Kat on top for the win in 4:04. You know what I'll admit, that was better than I went in expecting it to be. Terri and Kat did as best they could, Ivory and Jacqueline were good in there, so whatever.
Now Jacqueline and Ivory start going at it til the ref pulls them apart. To the back, X-Pac and Roadie are telling Vince they want some of E&C's blood tonight as payback, saying Vince knows they're the best and the belts belong around their waists. Vince won't give it to them tonight, because tonight is family night, DX family night, they've gotta stick together, but they'll get their opportunity later on. He says he has a special assignment for Roadie, then asks for X-Pac to defend Steph's honor, making a match between he and Jericho.
Back from break, Lilian introduces Hebner now reinstated, who's out for our next match.
X-Pac (w/ Tori) vs Chris Jericho
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Jericho comes out with mic in hand to welcome us to Raw is Jericho. He fells terrible for X-Pac who has to come out and defend the integrity of a woman who has absolutely none. He says as far as Steph is concerned, the word "honor" means jump on her and stay on her. Then he misspell honor as "honer," although maybe that's just for the purpose of the joke, as he says Steph is half of that, because she is a filthy, dirty, disgusting, brutal, skanky, bottom-feeding, trash bag H-O, and no amount of defending will ever (ever!) change that.
Quick back and forth to start into a throw and a chop across the chest, sending X-Pac to the outside. Jericho hits a baseball side and sends Pac face first into the steps. Jericho goes up top but Pac kicks his feet out, crotching him up top, then goes for a superplex but Jericho knocks him off, then misses a missile dropkick. Pac stomping away before sending him face first in the corner for kicks to the midsection, then a spinkick to the face. He goes for the Bronco Buster but Jericho moves out of the way. Jericho sends him into the corner but X-Pac gets an elbow up, only to be kicked in the midsection, Jericho off the ropes and nails the bulldog. Tori grabs his foot as he comes off the ropes again and Pac sends him off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails a forearm, cover and a near fall.
Pac sent off the ropes, misses a spin kick and Jericho nails two powebiombs, then the Lionsault. Tori gets on the apron for the distraction before being knocked down with a springboard dropkick by Jericho. X-Pac nails the spin kick as Jericho turns around, X-Pac's stitches have opened up as the bandage hangs off the side of his head and he hits the Bronco Buster. Hebner has to pull him off when he continues to the 5 count, then shoves Hebner. Hebner shoves him back onto his ass and calls for the bell, giving Jericho the DQ win in 5:47. The live crowd seemed to love that finish, but it just felt anti-climactic.
Jericho puts X-Pac in the Walls until Roadie runs down, and then Hebner shoves him down and out of the ring. The other officials rush down to hold them both back as X-Pac looks on pissed. Then we go outside as Rock has arrived before we go to commercial.
Back from break, the new WWF Champion makes his way out, who starts with his usual shtick, and finally went to Backlash and finally he's once again WWF Champion. He says that last night he made a guarantee, gave his word, a promise and delivered, much like Austin did the same. He says he realizes Austin's probably back home in Texas, beer in one hand, beer in the other, so for living up to his word like Rock knew he would, he says "Oh hell yeah". He knows about the McMahons running their mouths earlier, so makes this short and brief: he tells Shane to know his roll, HHH to shut his mouth, Vince to lick his llama's anus, and Steph to wear her dirty panties. He says whatever they want to do, whatever surprises they have, he says to just bring it.
On cue, Vince's music hits and out he comes with Shane, Steph and Trips, with the Stooges in tow. An asshole chant breaks out, before Vince reiterates that history will be made tonight, that Rock will have the shortest reign in WWF history, completely disregarding Yokozuna's reign as Wrestlemania IX. He announces that Rock will defend the title in the cage against Shane tonight, much to the chagrin of Trips. He says to spare Rock humiliation, Shane doesn't have to make Rock submit, or cover him to save Rock of embarrassment, prompting a "Shane's a pussy" chant. Vince says even though they think he is, he'll still be the WWF Champion tonight, then continues, saying the winner will be the first man to escape the cage.
Rock hates to break the bad news, and says tonight won't be the shortest reign in history, it will be the longest night in Shane's candy ass's night, if you smell what the Rock is cooking, then we go to break.
Back from commercial, we go to the back where Trips is with Shane and Steph on a staircase, who still doesn't understand what's going on here with Shane set up to be champion, Shane all excited for it. HHH says he's missing the point, that that title is his, but Shane says that after tonight it isn't, and that it doesn't matter anyways, as long as it's in the family. HHH says it matters to him before walking off.
Back to the arena, E&C come out to make good on their challenge from earlier to defend their titles. Edge gets a mic and says they realize that the fans are very disappointed that they didn't do their usual entrance through the crowd, but ever since they won the titles, it's become a bit much. He wants to be clear to their fans though that they haven't turned their backs on them, so for the next 5 seconds, they'll pose for all with the benefit of flash photography. Christian makes their open challenge official, calling out to any team in the back.
WWF Tag Team Championship: Edge & Christian (c) vs Rikishi & Showkishi
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: J.R. tells us Angle is at the Gladiator premiere tonight, and now I want to bleach my eyes seeing Show in Rikishi's attire.
Edge goes right after Show and Christian tries to help but Show just swats them away, whipping them into the same corner and follows with a splash. Kish tags in with rights, then a noggin knocker. Edge whipped into the corner, then Christian tagged into him. Christian is dropped with a clothesline and Edge tries for a sunset flip, Kish tries to drop on his chest but Edge rolls away, Christian following up with a dropkick to the face. Edge dropkicks Show off the apron before E&C come off the ropes, then dropped with a double clothesline by Kish,
Show tags in with a headbutt on Edge then a clothesline on Christian, biel on Edge, then Christian gets press slammed into his partner. Christian sent off the ropes as Edge rolls out into big boot. Edge gets the ring bell as Show goes for the chokeslam, clocking Show with it for the DQ. Kish and Show win the match, while E&C retain via DQ in 1:47.
,
Kish drops the champions with side kicks before being dragged into opposite corners, Kish and Show going for Banzai Drops but they roll out before it can connect. Then Roadie and X-Pac attack from behind with referees right behind. They get rolled back in and sent into the corner for a pair of Stinkfaces. Champs roll out before Show and Kish to their dancing.
Up next, Eddie defends the European Title against Essa in a rematch from Backlash.
Back from break, HHH is with Steph who still doesn't understand this thing with Shane, saying there's no way he can lose this, that it's his title and not Shane's. Steph shares his confusion, thinking maybe Vince wants to see who the better man is.
We see the Ravens are also front row for the show before we get to our title match.
WWF European Championship: Essa Rios (w/ Lita) vs Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Seems Lita has found a dress like the one Chyna wore at the PPV, before we go to a replay of Lita ripping it off of her.
Eddie wastes no time with a series of rights, sending Essa off the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Essa sends him off the ropes now, and after some leap frops, monkey flips Eddie into the ropes, folding him up. He tries to follow up but Eddie tosses him up and over onto the apron, Essa with a headscissor as he leaps to the top rope and a tilt-a-whirl back breaker of his own, covers for a 2 count. Hurricanrana by Essa, hooks the legs for another near count. Essa goes for it again but they end up tumbling back over the ropes to the outside.
Eddie rolls in and ends up distracting the referee, so Chyna nails Essa with a forearm to the face, then dropping him face first onto the apron before tossing him back in. Eddie sends Essa face first in the corner, but gets reversed and sent across the ring, only for Eddie to get him with an elbow. He tries to follow with a tornado DDT but Essa shoves him off, then Eddie ducks a clothesline into that Razor's Edge neckbreaker to retain the title in 2:03. Way too short. Not to mention Essa was trying to kick out and his shoulder was obviously off the mat. That just felt off.
Chyna joins Eddie in the ring and as Lita checks on Essa, he gets dropkicked in the back by Chyna, who then rips the dress off of Lita. Eddie gets some kicks in on Essa as Eddie's music hits, Lita trying to cover up as she and Essa head to the back before commercial.
Back from break, we catch up with Hebner in the back who's just trying to have some coffee, and Tori walks up and knocks it into his shirt. She claims it was an accident as he gets pissed and walks off.
WWF Intercontinental Championship: Tazz vs Chris Benoit (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Tazz takes the mic and says that Benoit comes out week in and week out with the same puss on his face, like the world owes him something. He says he's going to turn that frown upside-down, and tells him to keep that bad mood because the mood is about to change.
They waste no time exchanging rights, Tazz sends Benoit off the ropes, who slips through the legs and nails a snap suplex, then a backbreaker, cover and a 2 count. Tazz sends Benoit off the ropes and catches for a suplex, but Benoit headbutts his way out of his grip, goes for some rights but Tazz blocks and nails a Northern Lights with the bridge for another 2 count. Tazz with a clothesline, cover and another 2. Benoit blocks an Irish whip and they start trading chops to the chest, until Tazz ducks one and drops Benoit with a right hand.
Perry Saturn makes his way down to the ring as Tazz stomps away, then gets distracted. Benoit catches a boot to the midsection, then hits a fisherman suplex with a bridge to retain in 1:22. Again way too short.
Tazz goes right after Saturn, they start trading rights, then down comes Hardcore Holly, who hits the Falcon Arrow on Benoit, then takes out Tazz an Saturn with clotheslines off the apron. Tazz follows him to the back.
Then we cut to what appears to be a referee meeting by a staircase, led by Hebner, and down walks HHH, who backs him up against the wall. He stares at him angrily for several seconds before Hebner runs off, then he leaves before commercial.
Back from break, Cole is interviewing Crash who brings up what happened earlier, Crash looking around paranoid, and Cole asks if the stress is starting to get to him. He says he's fine, talks about how he retained the night before, then thinks Cole is eyeing the title and admits the pressure is getting to him. Then he talks about how paranoid he is going to a restaurant and the waitress is eyeing him. All of a sudden, Steve Blackman nails him in the back of the head with a trash can and there just happens to be a referee next to them.
24/7 Hardcore Championship Title Defense: Crash Holly (c) vs Steve Blackman,
Blackman goes for the cover but Crash kicks out, and they fight their way through to the arena beside the stage. Blackman gets reversed into the barricade and Crash picks up some kind of handle to begin mocking Blackman, who then kicks him in the midsection, then slams it across Crash's back. Blackman snaps it in two and starts hitting Crash over the back as they fight their way to ringside. Blackman tosses him in the ring and pulls a baking sheet out from under, sends Crash off the ropes and nails him in the knees with the sheet, then the back of the head, cover and a near fall.
Crash sent off the ropes again into a side kick, then Crash slides out looking to escape but Blackman follows, only to be whipped into the steps. Crash grabs a trash lid and nails Blackman in the head before escaping into the crowd. All of a sudden, Jonathan Ogden from the Ravens grabs Crash in I guess a bearhug before going for the cover, then one of his teammates pulls him off and goes for the cover but Crash kicks out and escapes. Blackman chases after him, and that's the end of that. This wasn't an official match, so between the trash can shot during the interview to... let's say Blackman and Crash disappearing that went 2:42. It was a fun little segment to pass the time.
We see Rock walking through the hallway for his title defense up next.
Steel Cage Match for the WWF Championship: Shane McMahon (w/ Triple H, WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley & Vince McMahon) vs The Rock, Special Guest Referees: Gerald Brisco & Pat Patterson
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Despite the fact there are no pins or submissions in this match as stated earlier in the night, Patterson has opted to stay in the cage for this I guess for shenanigans.
Shane wastes no time trying to climb the cage and Patterson tries to hold off Rock to no avail, going right after Shane and pulling him down. Rock with rights sends Shane off the ropes into a back elbow. Shane face first in the corner, then the opposite, before being whipped across the ring into a clothesline. Rock stomping away and Patterson gets in his face, while Shane tries to crawl out the door with Vince pulling him, but Rock yanks him back in. Vince gets pulled in too and Rock stomps away until Brisco and Trips help him out. Rock keeps stomping, then gets reversed and sent off the ropes into a spinning back elbow from Shane, then a clothesline.
Shane starts choking Rock before clubbing away at his back, then HHH gets a long stick from somewhere to jab Rock through the cage. Shane with shuffling and some rights until Rock kicks him and plants him with a DDT. Rock tries to climb but HHH jabs him with the stick again, knocking him down, then tries again until Rock takes it into the cage with him before breaking it over Shane's back. Shane goes back first into the cage, then again, then a third sending him over the ropes. Shane into the corner again face first, then a series of rights, until Patterson clubs him from behind. Rock goes after him until Shane clubs from behind, sending Rock face first into the cage.
Shane starts his climb again and gets right to the top, but Rock catches him in time, with some rights, sending Shane reeling, before sending Shane face first into one of the cage rigs. Rock tries to climb out but Patterson grabs hold of his foot, only to be kicked down. Rock nearly gets up top but Patterson pulls him back down and nails a low blow, Rock then dropping crotch first on the top rope. Shane seems to be out cold though and Patterson climbs up trying to wake Shane up, until Rock yanks Patterson back down, then face first into the cage into a Rock Bottom. Shane starts to come to and crawls across the top of the cage, Shane dangling over the side of the cage until Rock pulls him back over, Shane sent face first into the cage before falling flat on his back into the ring. Rock hits the People's Elbow, then goes to exit through the door until Brisco slams it back into his face.
HHH enters the cage now who starts dropping Rock with rights, sending him into the cage twice. Mounted rights by HHH with one arm, then a third time and a fourth. I think someone's late on their cue because HHH and Rock keep looking toward the stage and ure enough out comes Hebner. Brisco tries to send him off until Hebner shoves him face first into the cage. HHH tries to leave the cage until Hebner slams the door into his face and shoulder, then Rock nails the spinebuster. Hebner is being chased with belt in hand by Vince as Rock climbs up and over, dropping to the floor to retain in 9:16. They sure did love to overbook the crap out of things, didn't they?
Hebner comes back and hands Rock the title as Vince checks on Shane, Hebner by his side and raising his arm to end the show.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Well, I can't say I was fond of that main event, although it wasn't terrible. The rest of the show was pretty good, good action for the most part, had some good goofiness with the Hardcore Title. So it's a pass. With a runtime of 1:33:16, there was a total 36:40 of wrestling on this show.
WWF Smackdown
We get a video package recapping the events from Raw's main event and it's lead up, then into the intro and pyo, live from the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia. Cole and Lawler welcome us to the show, then Chimmel introduces Richmond's own Earl Hebner, who's out to officiate our first match of the night.
WWF Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We get replay of the end to their match at Backlash, when Jericho got himself disqualified when he used the title to block a headbutt.
They stare down nose to nose until they slap each other, then Benoit with a double leg takedown, trading rights and tumbling out of the ring. Quickly back in, Benoit hits a clothesline, then Jericho's sent off the ropes only to nail a forearm before mounting for more right hands. Benoit ducks a clothesline as they get up and they trade chops before Jericho rakes the eyes, then sent off the ropes, catching Benoit with the tigerbomb. He goes for the Lionsault early but Benoit catches him before he even leaves the ropes, hitting a German suplex, then a second and a third with a bridge, but Jericho kicks out.
Benoit follows up with a gutbuster before stomping away in the corner, then gets whipped across the ring but Benoit gets a boot up, only to be dropped with a spinning heel kick coming out of the corner, then a cover and a near fall. Benoit with a hard chop drops Jericho before stomping, then Jericho face first in the corner for more chops. Jericho whipped across the ring now but elbows Benoit in the face, goes up to the middle rope and hits the missile dropkick. Trading rights, then Jericho's with knees to the midsection and a bulldog, cover and a near fall.
Benoit chopped against the ropes, then pulls back on an Irish whip attempt before picking Jericho up on his shoulders, launches Jericho up only to turn it into an inside cradle for a 2 count. Benoit with a back suplex as they get to their feet, then he goes up top, but Jericho crotches him before he can do anything. Jericho goes up top now but Benoit knocks him back down with headbutts. Jericho on his feet now, Benoit hits the sunset flip... kinda, but Jericho rolls through and goes for the Walls, but Benoit grabs the hair before kicking him off. Benoit now with the Crossface, but only briefly as Jericho manages to fight out of it. Benoit picks him up for a back suplex only to dump him over the ropes to the outside.
Benoit and Hebner start shoving each other, Benoit ends up sending Hebner to the outside. Jericho comes in from behind with the title belt and clocks Benoit in the face with it, then nails the Lionsault. He makes the pin, Hebner comes to and counts the 3 in 6:28. New champion in a great match to start the show.
Jericho celebrates up the ramp as we get a replay of the finish. Then we cut to the back where a pair of limos have pulled into the arena, out step the Faction, then we go to commercial.
Back from break the Faction come out to the stage, Vince starts by saying that it's great to be in Richmond, a city with great historical significance, known as the capital of the Confederacy, of Jefferson Davis, the location in which Patrick Henry gave his impassioned speech, "Give me liberty or give me death," the capitol of the great state of Virginia. They interrupt him with a Rocky chant, to which he points out Patrick Henry didn't have these problems. Then he says that more recently, Richmond has been known for it's corrupt city council, and the home of Earl Hebner, much to Vince's confusion as Hebner gets a pop, the same man reinstated by Linda, who counted HHH's shoulders down for the three, the same who raised Rock's hand as new champion. He says it's only appropriate that Hebner returns to the ring tonight, but not as a referee, as a wrestler, and threatens to fire Hebner in breach of contract if he doesn't, but also says it wouldn't be fair to be in singles competition in his first match, which prompts a loud asshole chant. He then announces Rock as his tag partner, to face HHH, Road Dogg and HH, with the WWF Title on the line. He explains if either Rock or Hebner are pinned, Rock loses the title, I guess to whoever pins them, and promises a new champion to be made, and history made once again in Richmond.
Back from commercial we get the first return vignette for the Undertaker, with three children playing paddycake in front of a roaring boiler, followed by the message "Judgement Day is coming." Then we see footage from earlier where E&C are getting facials, and Edge tells the woman that he needs every inch of ass off his face, which brings us to footage from Monday when they got Stinkfaced by Rikishi and Big Show. Then back to the earlier footage, Christian says Rikishi's going to pay for inventing that stinky, disgusting, vile move. Edge can't believe they lost the cover of Tiger Beat because of that.
Eddie Guerrero (WWF European Champion) & Chyna vs Essa Rios & Lita
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We see the footage from Backlash once again when Lita ripped Chyna's dress off, then footage from Raw where Chyna returned the favor. Lita doesn't want to go anywhere near that ring, but I guess Essa eventually convinces her. He rips the roses out of Chyna's hands and gives them to Lita, who then slides out of the ring, Chyna nails Essa with a right followed by one from Eddie to get this started.
Lita tosses the roses into the crowd as Essa is sent off the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Side suplex by Eddie before Chyna tags in, then a double team suplex. Eddie sends Essa off the ropes, Chyna with the drop toe hold, Eddie off the ropes with a dropkick to the side of the head. Chyna with kicks to the back followed by a scoop slam near her corner, Eddie with the slingshot senton from the apron. Essa manages to knock Eddie into his corner with some shots, before knocking Chyna off the apron with a dropkick. Lita comes around to stomp away as Essa catches Eddie off the ropes with a powerslam, hooks the leg for a kick out.
Chyna meanwhile goes after Lita until the referee sends her off. Essa sent off the ropes into a back body drop, but he lands on his feet into an arm drag. Lita chokes Eddie over the middle rope as Essa distracts the ref, only to send Essa off the ropes into a back elbow. Chyna tags in as Eddie picks Essa up on his shoulder, Chyna up top with an elbow to the chest. Essa sent off the ropes into back elbow, then both off the ropes taking each other out with clotheslines. Lita tags in and goes up top, thinking she has Chyna where she wants her but Chyna bounces off the ropes, bringing Lita down, before catching her in a powerbomb. Eddie sends Essa into the barricade, Lita sent off the ropes into a press slam, Chyna puts her foot on Lita's chest for the win in 4:02. Not a bad match.
Chyna and Eddie celebrate as we go to replays, and go to commercial as they head to the back.
Back from break, Kurt is out for a match, but first he has a mic as always. He says he has a little problem with his opponent tonight, Hardcore Holly, as when he thinks of the word hardcore, he thinks of hardcore porn, which gets a mild pop. Kurt asks what's wrong with them, pointing out there are children there tonight, but realizes he's in the state where the motto is, "Virginia is for lovers." He says as he looks around the crowd tonight, he thinks the motto should be extended a bit further, to say "Virginia is for lovers, provided those lovers are not from the same family."
Hardcore comes out with a mic and says he has two things to say: he doesn't care about Kurt's philosophy and neither do the people, and Virginia might be for lovers, but it sure as hell ain't a place for a 30 year old virgin who's about to get his ass kicked.
Kurt Angle vs Hardcore Holly
Holly ducks a clothesline as he slides into the ring, into some quick back and forth until Holly hits a powerbomb, cover and a 2 count. Kurt face first into the corner, whipped across the ring and Holly with a clothesline. Kurt off the ropes, but catches Holly and tosses him out to the floor. Holly face first into the barricade, only to whip Kurt into the steps, then sends Holly face first into the ring post. Back in the ring, Kurt with a belly to belly suplex, cover and a kick out.
Holly sent off the ropes, but Holly catches with a boot to the midsection and a suplex. Holly goes for a side headlock but Kurt sends him off the ropes, leapfrogs and... well looks like he hurt his knee on the landing. Holly stomping way and the referee pulls him off. They start shoving each other, sending Holly backward into Angle with a German suplex with a bridge and the win in 2:51.
Hardcore nails a dropkick as he realizes what's happened, then brings a chair into the ring, nailing a Falcon Arrow right on top of it before leaving the ring. Then we cut to Rikishi's ass in the back, who's up next.
We get an ad for a Rock DVD, then we go to our next match.
Edge & Christian (WWF Tag Team Champions) vs Rikishi Phatu
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Christian gets a mic who wants to make sure their fans know there's nothing to be alarmed about, now that their faces are now absolutely, 100% ass free. Edge than calls out to Rikishi, saying he'll rue the day he ever decided to wear a thong in the ring and disgrace the faces that the people love.
E&C try to rush Rikishi immediately but get dropped with a double clothesline instead, then another, then sends them into adjacent corners with a right hand each. Edge gets whipped across the ring, then Christian into Edge before slamming into them, sandwiching them in the corner. Edge slumps down and Kish gives him a Stinkface, then goes for the Rikishi Driver on Christian, but he slips free and Edge hits the spear, before they start stomping and hammering away on a downed Kish. Double headbutt out of the corner, Christian covers for a near fall.
Edge knocks Kish out of the ring with a dropkick, then follows up with a baseball slide. He holds Kish up as Christian comes off the top rope, but Kish stays on his feet. Kish rests up against the ring post as Christian sets himself up for Edge, launching off his back only to hit the ring post ribs first as Kish moves out of the way. Kish rolls back into the ring just as the ref's count reaches 10, giving him the count out win in 2:05.
Christian immediately attacks from behind, Edge not far behind for another spear. Edge leaves the ring to grab the ring bell as Christian holds up Kish, but Too Cool come out for the save, kicking the bell back in Edge's face. Kish whips Christian across the ring for Scotty to bulldog, setting up for the Worm. E&C escape with the titles and Kish tries to go after them but Sexay holds him up, while Scotty pumps up the crowd a bit to set up some dancing.
To the back, Tori is with Steph backstage in front of some vending machines. Steph wants a drink but doesn't have any money on her, so Tori pulls a bill out of her top. The Dudleyz come up to them who try to excuse themselves, but Steph says there is no excuse for them, how they treat women, making it clear they're two girls that you don't mess with. She says it's pathetic when two men have to pick on women to make themselves feel strong and powerful. Tori emphasizes it further, then Steph calls them poor excuses for men before walking off. Bubba tries to get his hands on Steph but D-Von holds him off, reminding him of the repercussions of putting her through a table, and Bubba just smiles before commercial.
The Lugz Boot of the Week is Bubba putting Trish through the table at Backlash, then onto another match.
The Hardy Boyz vs T&A
Matt and Albert start things out with a lock up, Matt pushed into the corner and Albert tries for a cheap shot as the ref forces a break, but Matt ducks and gets him with a drop toe hold. Matt manages to get a headlock in but Albert pushes him off the ropes into a shoulder block. Matt with rights now, tries to send Albert off the ropes but gets reversed, then ducks a clothesline, sliding under the ropes and goading Albert into chasing him. Jeff tags in as they come back in, Albert having missed it as he goes after Matt in the corner and Jeff clubs him from behind. Hardyz whip Albert across the ring into Poetry in Motion, Jeff with the cover for a kick out.
Jeff off the ropes caught in a gorilla press, but Jeff lands on his feet, Albert lands on his ass for some reason, Jeff off the ropes with a dropkick. Albert whips Jeff toward his corner and he knocks Test off the apron, then Albert misses an elbow in the corner. Jeff with starts the 10 punch until Albert leaves the corner with Jeff on his shoulders, who goes for a hurricanrana but Albert pulls him back up into a sitout powerbomb and a cover, but Matt breaks it up. T&A send Jeff off the ropes into a flip slam, then Test delivers a full nelson slam, cover and a near fall. Albert tagged back in with boots in the corner, then vicious rights, whipping Jeff across the ring, then a second time, but Jeff catches himself to nail Whisper in the Wind.
Jeff makes the hot tag as Test is tagged in, landing some shots before delivering a neckbreaker. Albert runs in and Matt catches him mid-spear for a spinning DDT, then a Twist of Fate on Test but Albert breaks it up. Matt whipped into the corner by Test into a right by Albert, who's sent back to the apron by the ref. Test sets up for the pumphandle, Jeff tries to pull Matt free but Albert knocks him off the apron. Albert sent to the corner again as Jeff goes up top and nails the Swanton to the back on Test. Matt makes the cover as Jeff delivers boots to Albert in the corner for the win in 5:11. It was a pretty good match, the ending sequence ended up being a bit sloppy though.
Albert tosses Jeff out of the ring then goes after Matt. Test with rights as Albert holds him up, then Albert with rights, before delivering a torture rack neckbreaker, then Test with a top rope elbow. T&A's music hits as they leave, then to the back.
Coach is standing by with Hebner, telling him he can't even imagine how Hebner's feeling. Hebner asks how Coach would be feeling if he had to go out there and do something he doesn't do, that he's a referee and not a wrestler, and now they're forcing him to go out there and get his ass kicked or lose his job. Coach asks how he'll feel if he's the one who gets pinned and responsible for Rock losing the title, to which he responds that he'll feel awful, and asks what kind of condition he'll be in to provide for his family, then Coach wishes him good luck before we go to commercial.
The Slam of the Week is Rock retaining the title on Raw in he cage against all the odds, then out to the arena to... So for some reason Show is being announced as a completely new person, making his debut from Parts Unknown, with weight unknown, and that he bets we haven't heard that in a long time for... reasons. Show takes the mic and says that he will crush his enemies beneath his feet and show no mercy. Bull comes out for this match and attacks Show from behind with what looks like a baton as Show's removing his getup, taking Show down to a knee but Show is quickly back up with a clotheslne, then Bull sent into the corner with boots to the midsection before being tossed to the outside. Press slam onto the barricade chest first and back in the ring before delivering a chokeslam, then a second before rolling him out and his music hits. Match never started so that's it.
Cut to the back where Vince has called Hebner into his office who asks him to sit down, and hopes no one roughed him up on his way there. Then he says that he hopes there are no hard feelings, because Vince just has to do what he has to do, and seeing as this is Earl's first match, Vince imagines he's a bit nervous. He says he hopes Hebner doesn't get hurt, or lose Rock's title, but if he does, everyone will know he tried his best, then wishes him luck before leaving and go to commercial.
Impromptu 24/7 WWF Hardcore Championship Match
Back from break, Crash is arriving at the arena to an inflatable hoops thing and a bouncy castle. Crash completely overshoots the hoops then goes to enter the bouncy castle but Malenko pushes him in from behind. Malenko makes the cover for a near fall. Dean with a drop toe hold but Crash bounces back up with a dropkick. Crash tries for a splash but Dean moves out of the way, then tries an elbow drop but Crash moves out of the way, then follows with a jawbreaker. Crash escapes out to the arena and Dean follows.
They start fighting through the crowd, Crash unnecessarily rolls him up as Dean argues with the ref for a 2 count. Over the barricade now, Crash whipped into the stairs as Dean pulls out a trash can, slipping it and Crash into the ring. Dean sits the trash can up in the corner, gets reversed as he tries to whip Crash into it but stops himself short before sending Crash up and over to the apron. Dean gets the trash can kicked into his face as Crash tries to go up top, but Dean still cuts him off, then delivers a suplex as Perry Saturn is running down, Dean makes the cover but Saturn pulls him off.
Saturn in now with a brainbuster, cover but Dean pulls him off. They argue while Crash nails Dean in the back with the trash can, knocking him into Saturn and out of the ring, Crash covers Dean to retain the title in... roughly 2:40.
Crash makes a quick escape as Saturn and Dean start fighting it out until the refs run down to break it up.
Show catches up with Shane in the back bringing up his recent impersonations, asking what Shane thinks, who just walks off in disbelief, then commercial.
Back from break, we see a continuation of the Show/Shane thing where Shane comes back and says Show let him down at Mania, that he wanted to make someone out of Show, how he gave him the opportunity to be something, to become champion, but instead he was the first one eliminated. Then Show decided to go out on his own, to entertain the public, but he's been a fool, and Shane doesn't think he's been entertaining at all and calls him a pathetic, pea-brained, waste of perfectly good oxygen, and an unmotivated slob, and the fans will never care about anything that he does because he doesn't deserve it. Then he walks off.
Then to the back, Kevin Kelly is standing by with Rock and Hebner, with Kevin commenting that he doesn't know how Rock is going to get out of this one. Rock says that once again the deck and all odds are stacked against him, if he or Hebner loses tonight he loses the title. He says that Vince is failing to realize is that he isn't going to lose the title, that Vince comes out on Rock's show, and run his mouth about Patrick Henry, and that though he did say "Give me liberty or give me death," Rock has a saying of his own: "Give the Rock Road Dogg, give him X-Pac, give him HHH, roll em all up in a ball and shove 'em straight up Vince's candy ass." If you smell what the Rock is cooking.
Then we cut to the faction on it's way to the ring, that match net.
Back from break, we get that Undertaker return teaser once again, then the Smack of the Night is Vince making the WWF Title match for tonight, which brings us to the main event.
3-on-2 Handicap Match for the WWF Championship: The Rock (c) & Earl Hebner vs Triple H, Road Dogg & X-Pac (w/ WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Tori, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: HHH is still out there with his arm in a sling, and there's still about 20 minutes left in this show, so... How are they going to drag this out for that long?
Rock starts it out with Road Dogg, who tries for a cheap shot but Rock immediately lays in with right hands, backing Roadie into the corner, ten sends him across the ring but gets an elbow up, only for Rock to nail a clothesline. Rock with elbows and stomps to the back now until Roadie thumbs Rock in the eye, now clubbing the back before tagging in X-Pac. Boots in the corner now, rights and chops against the ropes, until Rock fights back, but gets sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails a tilt-a-whirl powerslam, makes the cover, Roadie tries to break it up with an elbow but Rock moves out of the way, nailing X-Pac instead, only for HHH to nail the clothesline.
HHH tags in now dropping Rock with a right hand before sending him face first in the corner. Boots to the midsection and more rights until Rock turns it around with some rights now. Rock holds up HHH by his corner so Hebner who smacks HHH in the face. Rock rips the sling off, working the bad arm now until he sends Rock off the ropes, X-Pac with a kick to the back of the head from the apron. Rock knocks him and Roadie off the apron, then goes for HHH but he ducks and nails a neckbreaker. X-Pac tagged in now with repeated kicks to the midsection while HHH and Roadie keep the ref distracted. Hebner tries to rush in to help but the ref cuts him off, allowing more double teaming on Rock. Hebner tries again but again Rock gets double teamed.
HHH tags in now with some more right hands before Roadie tags i for more rights then a scoop slam, and a knee drop, cover and a near fall. X-Pac back in, now trading right hands, Rck off the ropes into a spinning heel kick before Rock is clotheslined to the outside. HHH with vicious right hands before Rock goes face first into the ring post. Roadie and X-Pac taunt Hebner but he drops from the apron and tries to back up the ramp, only for HHH to stop him, tossing Hebner into the ring. HHH gets on the apron to give orders but Rock yanks him down and nails a clothesline. Rock in the ring now with rights and a DDT on Roadie. Spinebuster as Shane runs in. Right hands on the Stooges as they climb the apron.
Out of nowhere Jericho runs down and attacks HHH on the outside as Rock chokes Roadie in the corner. Vince now with a right hand on Jericho. X-Pac is in with a chair goes after Rock but Hebner comes from behind with a low blow. Jericho goes after Vince now with right hands. Rock Bottom on X-Pac, cover and the win in... 7:30? Wait, there's still 9 minutes left on this show.
Jericho is seen getting whipped into the steps as Vince looks on in disbelief and anger. HHH attacks from behind as Rock celebrates. Hebner tries to escape but Shane and Vince grab him. Pac and Roadie hold up Rock as HHH nails him with the title before delivering the Pedigree. Hebner is rolled in now and Hebner tries to escape again but they grab him. HHH clocks him with right hands while Rock and Jericho are kept at bay. Hebner bleeding from the mouth as HHH continues with the right hands, stomping away. They show off their work to the crowd before another right hand, then a Pedigree on the chair. Low blow on Rock and finally Rikishi runs down. Right hands on everyone until Pac attacks from behind and the beatdown goes on. Big Show out now with headbutts all around and even for Shane. Right hands until Shane jumps on his back and manage to bring him down to his knees. Rock comes to finally and gets in some offense until Rock nails a low blow, then one for Big Show and a DDT into the chair. Dudleyz out now with table now with right hands everywhere finally driving the faction out of the ring and up the ramp... well all except Brisco and Patterson. Kish gives them a noggin knocker and tosses them in the ring. Jericho helps Hebner out of the ring before Patterson gets a Stinkface, then D-Von sets up the table near the corner, sending Brisco through it with a powerbomb from the middle rope. We get a replay as a stretcher's been brought out for Hebner, then more replays of the attack on Hebner, Rock joining the EMTs to roll Hebner to the back to play out the show.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I could have done without the Shonan stuff, especially since it served no real purpose, and that closing segment went on way too long, but otherwise this was an alright show. We got a new IC Champ, fun Hardcore Title shenanigans, pretty good action for the most part, so this gets a pass. With a runtime of 1:27:01, there was a total 30:47 of wrestling.
We get right to the opening intro and pyro for the show, live from the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, and after J.R. and the King introduce us to the show, Edge & Christian come down to join commentary for our first match of the night.
T&A vs The Dudley Boyz
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We see stills from the night before when Bubba put Trish through the table, and J.R. tells us Trish didn't suffer any serious injuries as a result.
T&A rush into the ring and waste no time going at it, Albert tosses Bubba to the outside before he and Test send D-Von into the corner, then Test whips Albert into D-Von for a splash, who throws him into a big boot from Test. D-Von face first in the corner followed by rights and boots before being tossed across the ring, while Christian informs King they're going to shoot with him. D-Von comes off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails one of his own. Bubba tags in now with some rights, then Test face first in the corner and some chops, rights into the ribs. Then Edge informs us they're probably going to do a run in while Test reverses a whip into the opposite corner, follows and runs into a boot. Bubba to the second rope for a clothesline, cover and a kick out.
Bubba with a suplex then knocks Albert off the apron, which makes him try to enter the ring and distracts the referee inadvertently. Bubba sets up D-Von so he can deliver a flying headbutt between the legs of Test. Test whipped into the Dudley corner, who elbows D-Von and that distracts the referee as he tries to come in, Test whipping Bubba into his corner, he comes in to help Test send Bubba off the ropes into a double team press slam. E&C tell us they're going to challenge anyone tonight to take their titles from them as Albert sends Bubba off the ropes into a shoulder block, then catapults him throat first into the middle rope. Test tags in now, Bubba sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline but runs right into a boot. Albert back in, Bubba whipped into the corner but Albert misses a splash, Bubba follows with a Cutter.
D-Von and Test tag back in, D-Von dropping them with rights and clotheslines, Test whipped into the corner and D-Von nails a forearm, cover and Test kicks out. Elbow on Albert, then a modified 3D. Test gets sent into the ropes by D-Von and runs right into a 3D, but just as D-Von makes the pin, Edge does a run in as promised, climbing the apron and distracting the referee. Albert pulls Bubba under the ropes to the outside while Christian slides in and drops D-Von with the Unprettier. He pulls Test on top to give T&A the win in 4:49. An alright opening match, E&C were great on commentary once again, can't complain.
E&C escape while T&A celebrate, Bubba looking on in confusion. Then we cut to the Faction walking through the arena, HHH with his arm in a sling for... reasons? That's next.
Back from break, the Orioles are front row for the show tonight, and on cue the Faction come out to the ring. There's already a loud asshole chant before the music is even cut off, much to the disgust on Vince's face. HHH has a mic to start and says he's sure that everyone is jubilant he's no longer champion, which prompts a loud Rocky chant, and he's sure Rock is just ecstatic and he should be, says that he should be the happiest man alive because he is the champion, but more importantly, he beat the best there is to do it. He says though that he has a funny feeling that Rock isn't quite as happy as he should be because he's an honest man, and deep inside, there's something burning a hole in him, the fact that he couldn't get the job done by himself, with help from Austin, from Linda, from Hebner, prompting another asshole chant. He says he knows Rock isn't proud of his victory and is going to do him a favor and give him some advice, to enjoy it, to take the belt, shine it up, revel in the fact that he's champion, to enjoy the adulation of his people, because he's on borrowed time. He says first chance he gets, whether his arm is in a sling or not, he's going to kick Rock's ass and take back his title. He then turns his attention to J.R. and says he went back and listened to his commentary last night, and says he's the very best at what he does, and called one hell of a match, but made the mistake of repeating "Game Over" again and again. He says he was wrong and wants him, the fans and Rock to understand that the Game is not over, it's just beginning.
Steph takes the mic to an immediate slut chant and says she's so proud of HHH, and has never been more proud of him and her family. She says he proved to the world once again that he really is the Game and has no equal. She said no common man would have continued with a separated shoulder, but HHH is not a common man and gallantly defended the title, stating for the record that she loves her husband and her family, before hugging Trips.
She hands the mic to Vince and screams at the fans to shut up as he tries to speak, first about Austin, who is not scheduled to be there tonight, but if he does show up (cue the Austin chants) he guarantees that what happens to him before their eyes is far worse than any hit-and-run driver could ever do to him. Then as far as Linda is concerned, who surprised everyone by reinstating Hebner. He states for the record that he's not a violent man, and Linda has led a charmed life being married to him, that he's never hurt a hair on her head, however, knowing that she's listening, he says if she shows up there tonight to heed his words, when HHH had her set up for a Pedigree, and later said he wasn't really going to, he makes it clear that's HHH and not himself. Then onto Hebner, he says he has reported to duty tonight, and will tend to him later. He wants to make one more guarantee tonight, which is when Rock shows up, WWF history will be made with Rock and it will be inside the steel cage hanging above the ring. Not as long and boring as their promos usually are and we have a cage match set for later, so alright.
We cut to the back where Crash has pulled into the parking lot and an employee approaches him, telling him he can leave his car there and they'll take care of it, but as he goes to take his bags out of his trunk, the attendee attacks him for an impromptu title defense.
Impromptu 24/7 Hardcore Championship defense: Crash Holly (c) vs Parking lot employee
Teddy Long appearss out of nowhere as Crash is sent into one of the concrete pillars, goes for the cover for a 2 count. Crash comes back up with a kick to the midsection before tossing the employee into his trunk and closing the lid, then escapes into his arena with title still in his grasp, before we go to break.
Too Cool (Scotty 2 Hotty & Grandmaster Sexay) vs The Hardy Boyz
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: This of course is Sexay's first match back following his knee injury.
Scotty and Matt start the match with some quick back and forth, Scotty gets the advantage with a back suplex and a moonwalk, before tagging in Sexay. Bit of dancing, off the ropes into a clothesline and elbows. Matt lifted to the top rope, but turns it into a tornado DDT. Jeff tags in and goes up top, going for a moonsault but lands on his feet as Sexay rolls out of the way, following up with a side headlock. Quick back and forth, Jeff tries to roll backward only to be caught in a wheelbarrow, then pulled up into a full nelson facebuster. Jeff reverses a whip into the corner, then launched up and over to the apron, yanks Sexay down and delivers springboard moonsault, hooks the legs for a near fall.
Sexay rakes the eyes to tag in Scotty, Jeff sent off the ropes as Sexay kicks him in the midsection, Scotty off the ropes into somersault, legs connecting across the back of Jeff, makes the cover but Matt breaks it up. Scotty clubs him in the back as he tries to go back to the apron, then sends Jeff into the corner, off the ropes with a bulldog. He goes for the Worm, but seems Matt tagged himself in as Jeff hit the corner, so he comes behind and nails a neckbreaker. Scotty dropped throat first on the top rope before Jeff tags in, Matt to the second rope, he hits the leg drop while Jeff does the same between the legs, covers and Scotty kicks out.
Scotty reverses a whip towards the ropes and knees Jeff in the midsection and drops Jeff ribs first on the top rope with an alley oop. Matt and Sexay in, Sexay with scoop slams on each, then to the second rope with a double bulldog, covers Matt but Jeff breaks it up. They whip him into the corner and connect with Poetry in Motion, then Scotty comes in, before being whipped into the corner to set up for it again, but Sexay climbs the apron, only for Jeff to knock him off and launch himself with a slingshot crossbody.
Scotty takes advantage as Matt gets distracted and nails his bulldog to set up for the Worm and connects this time. Jeff comes back in though and Scotty goes after him with rights as Matt stumbles into the corner, Jeff sends Scotty off the ropes into a Twist of Fate by Matt, then Sexay comes in. Jeff goes up top as Matt goes for the Twist of Fate again, but Sexay shoves him into the ropes, crotching Jeff up top, falling to the outside. Sexay nails Matt with a superkick and Too Cool gets the win in 4:50. Another good match.
Hardyz take their leave as Too Cool get the shades on and do their dancing.
Then we cut to the back, where Vince asks the Stooges to do him a favor. Brisco asks if he wants them to get him coffee, instead asking them to bring him Hebner. Brisco asks him if he wants him in a box or on a silver platter,, and Patterson looks at him bewildered, saying Vince just wants to talk to him. They leave as we go to commercial.
Back from break, J.R. and Lawler speculate to what's in store with the cage tonight, then we cut back to Vince as Hebner is led into the room. He tells the Stooges to stand just outside the door to make sure no one comes in. Vince calls him a sniveling little shit, asking who the hell he thinks he is, that if it weren't for him and Austin, HHH would still be champion, but his wife had to reinstate him instead, calling him a driveling little piece of trash. Hebner pipes in saying he just wants his job, and when Vince asks him to repeat, he screams at him to shut up. Vince tells him to stay out of his business, and Hebner nods, Vince reiterating that bad things happen to people who get in his business, then kicks Hebner out.
Jacqueline & The Kat vs Ivory & Terri
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Ah yes, the state of the women's "division," and J.R. is happy to point out that while Ivory and Jacqueline are trained to wrestle, their partners are not.
Ivory clubs Jacqueline from behind to start the match, sends her off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a crossbody, covers and Terri pulls her off. Ivory with a snapmare, then tries again, but Jacqueline blocks and delivers an arm drag. Ivory sent into the corner and Jacqueline hits a monkey flip, covers and Terri breaks it up again. Ivory into the corner again, Jacqueline follows but gets caught with a headscissor. Ivory sends her off the ropes, then Jacqueline catches her with a backslide but Terri breaks it up again. Rights in the corner, then Terri shoves her from behind. Kat comes in and they sandwich her before Kat tosses her out of the ring. Kat goes after her and gets her by the hair and they roll down the ramp about halfway up. The referee goes to break them up as Ivory rams her shoulder into Jacqueline in the corner followed by a bulldog. Ivory sends Jacqueline into the corner, off the ropes for a bulldog but Jacqueline shoves her off.
Kat and Terri tag in now, Terri spearing her and they start to roll around before going to the corner. Kaat "choking" until Ivory comes in, now Jacqueline goes at her in the opposite corner. Terri and Ivory get whipped into each other, then Kat and Jacqueline go for pins for a near fall. Kat with a scoop slam, cover, but Ivory drops an elbow to the back of the head. Terri covers, but Jacqueline drops an elbow and pulls Kat on top for the win in 4:04. You know what I'll admit, that was better than I went in expecting it to be. Terri and Kat did as best they could, Ivory and Jacqueline were good in there, so whatever.
Now Jacqueline and Ivory start going at it til the ref pulls them apart. To the back, X-Pac and Roadie are telling Vince they want some of E&C's blood tonight as payback, saying Vince knows they're the best and the belts belong around their waists. Vince won't give it to them tonight, because tonight is family night, DX family night, they've gotta stick together, but they'll get their opportunity later on. He says he has a special assignment for Roadie, then asks for X-Pac to defend Steph's honor, making a match between he and Jericho.
Back from break, Lilian introduces Hebner now reinstated, who's out for our next match.
X-Pac (w/ Tori) vs Chris Jericho
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Jericho comes out with mic in hand to welcome us to Raw is Jericho. He fells terrible for X-Pac who has to come out and defend the integrity of a woman who has absolutely none. He says as far as Steph is concerned, the word "honor" means jump on her and stay on her. Then he misspell honor as "honer," although maybe that's just for the purpose of the joke, as he says Steph is half of that, because she is a filthy, dirty, disgusting, brutal, skanky, bottom-feeding, trash bag H-O, and no amount of defending will ever (ever!) change that.
Quick back and forth to start into a throw and a chop across the chest, sending X-Pac to the outside. Jericho hits a baseball side and sends Pac face first into the steps. Jericho goes up top but Pac kicks his feet out, crotching him up top, then goes for a superplex but Jericho knocks him off, then misses a missile dropkick. Pac stomping away before sending him face first in the corner for kicks to the midsection, then a spinkick to the face. He goes for the Bronco Buster but Jericho moves out of the way. Jericho sends him into the corner but X-Pac gets an elbow up, only to be kicked in the midsection, Jericho off the ropes and nails the bulldog. Tori grabs his foot as he comes off the ropes again and Pac sends him off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails a forearm, cover and a near fall.
Pac sent off the ropes, misses a spin kick and Jericho nails two powebiombs, then the Lionsault. Tori gets on the apron for the distraction before being knocked down with a springboard dropkick by Jericho. X-Pac nails the spin kick as Jericho turns around, X-Pac's stitches have opened up as the bandage hangs off the side of his head and he hits the Bronco Buster. Hebner has to pull him off when he continues to the 5 count, then shoves Hebner. Hebner shoves him back onto his ass and calls for the bell, giving Jericho the DQ win in 5:47. The live crowd seemed to love that finish, but it just felt anti-climactic.
Jericho puts X-Pac in the Walls until Roadie runs down, and then Hebner shoves him down and out of the ring. The other officials rush down to hold them both back as X-Pac looks on pissed. Then we go outside as Rock has arrived before we go to commercial.
Back from break, the new WWF Champion makes his way out, who starts with his usual shtick, and finally went to Backlash and finally he's once again WWF Champion. He says that last night he made a guarantee, gave his word, a promise and delivered, much like Austin did the same. He says he realizes Austin's probably back home in Texas, beer in one hand, beer in the other, so for living up to his word like Rock knew he would, he says "Oh hell yeah". He knows about the McMahons running their mouths earlier, so makes this short and brief: he tells Shane to know his roll, HHH to shut his mouth, Vince to lick his llama's anus, and Steph to wear her dirty panties. He says whatever they want to do, whatever surprises they have, he says to just bring it.
On cue, Vince's music hits and out he comes with Shane, Steph and Trips, with the Stooges in tow. An asshole chant breaks out, before Vince reiterates that history will be made tonight, that Rock will have the shortest reign in WWF history, completely disregarding Yokozuna's reign as Wrestlemania IX. He announces that Rock will defend the title in the cage against Shane tonight, much to the chagrin of Trips. He says to spare Rock humiliation, Shane doesn't have to make Rock submit, or cover him to save Rock of embarrassment, prompting a "Shane's a pussy" chant. Vince says even though they think he is, he'll still be the WWF Champion tonight, then continues, saying the winner will be the first man to escape the cage.
Rock hates to break the bad news, and says tonight won't be the shortest reign in history, it will be the longest night in Shane's candy ass's night, if you smell what the Rock is cooking, then we go to break.
Back from commercial, we go to the back where Trips is with Shane and Steph on a staircase, who still doesn't understand what's going on here with Shane set up to be champion, Shane all excited for it. HHH says he's missing the point, that that title is his, but Shane says that after tonight it isn't, and that it doesn't matter anyways, as long as it's in the family. HHH says it matters to him before walking off.
Back to the arena, E&C come out to make good on their challenge from earlier to defend their titles. Edge gets a mic and says they realize that the fans are very disappointed that they didn't do their usual entrance through the crowd, but ever since they won the titles, it's become a bit much. He wants to be clear to their fans though that they haven't turned their backs on them, so for the next 5 seconds, they'll pose for all with the benefit of flash photography. Christian makes their open challenge official, calling out to any team in the back.
WWF Tag Team Championship: Edge & Christian (c) vs Rikishi & Showkishi
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: J.R. tells us Angle is at the Gladiator premiere tonight, and now I want to bleach my eyes seeing Show in Rikishi's attire.
Edge goes right after Show and Christian tries to help but Show just swats them away, whipping them into the same corner and follows with a splash. Kish tags in with rights, then a noggin knocker. Edge whipped into the corner, then Christian tagged into him. Christian is dropped with a clothesline and Edge tries for a sunset flip, Kish tries to drop on his chest but Edge rolls away, Christian following up with a dropkick to the face. Edge dropkicks Show off the apron before E&C come off the ropes, then dropped with a double clothesline by Kish,
Show tags in with a headbutt on Edge then a clothesline on Christian, biel on Edge, then Christian gets press slammed into his partner. Christian sent off the ropes as Edge rolls out into big boot. Edge gets the ring bell as Show goes for the chokeslam, clocking Show with it for the DQ. Kish and Show win the match, while E&C retain via DQ in 1:47.
,
Kish drops the champions with side kicks before being dragged into opposite corners, Kish and Show going for Banzai Drops but they roll out before it can connect. Then Roadie and X-Pac attack from behind with referees right behind. They get rolled back in and sent into the corner for a pair of Stinkfaces. Champs roll out before Show and Kish to their dancing.
Up next, Eddie defends the European Title against Essa in a rematch from Backlash.
Back from break, HHH is with Steph who still doesn't understand this thing with Shane, saying there's no way he can lose this, that it's his title and not Shane's. Steph shares his confusion, thinking maybe Vince wants to see who the better man is.
We see the Ravens are also front row for the show before we get to our title match.
WWF European Championship: Essa Rios (w/ Lita) vs Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Seems Lita has found a dress like the one Chyna wore at the PPV, before we go to a replay of Lita ripping it off of her.
Eddie wastes no time with a series of rights, sending Essa off the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Essa sends him off the ropes now, and after some leap frops, monkey flips Eddie into the ropes, folding him up. He tries to follow up but Eddie tosses him up and over onto the apron, Essa with a headscissor as he leaps to the top rope and a tilt-a-whirl back breaker of his own, covers for a 2 count. Hurricanrana by Essa, hooks the legs for another near count. Essa goes for it again but they end up tumbling back over the ropes to the outside.
Eddie rolls in and ends up distracting the referee, so Chyna nails Essa with a forearm to the face, then dropping him face first onto the apron before tossing him back in. Eddie sends Essa face first in the corner, but gets reversed and sent across the ring, only for Eddie to get him with an elbow. He tries to follow with a tornado DDT but Essa shoves him off, then Eddie ducks a clothesline into that Razor's Edge neckbreaker to retain the title in 2:03. Way too short. Not to mention Essa was trying to kick out and his shoulder was obviously off the mat. That just felt off.
Chyna joins Eddie in the ring and as Lita checks on Essa, he gets dropkicked in the back by Chyna, who then rips the dress off of Lita. Eddie gets some kicks in on Essa as Eddie's music hits, Lita trying to cover up as she and Essa head to the back before commercial.
Back from break, we catch up with Hebner in the back who's just trying to have some coffee, and Tori walks up and knocks it into his shirt. She claims it was an accident as he gets pissed and walks off.
WWF Intercontinental Championship: Tazz vs Chris Benoit (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Tazz takes the mic and says that Benoit comes out week in and week out with the same puss on his face, like the world owes him something. He says he's going to turn that frown upside-down, and tells him to keep that bad mood because the mood is about to change.
They waste no time exchanging rights, Tazz sends Benoit off the ropes, who slips through the legs and nails a snap suplex, then a backbreaker, cover and a 2 count. Tazz sends Benoit off the ropes and catches for a suplex, but Benoit headbutts his way out of his grip, goes for some rights but Tazz blocks and nails a Northern Lights with the bridge for another 2 count. Tazz with a clothesline, cover and another 2. Benoit blocks an Irish whip and they start trading chops to the chest, until Tazz ducks one and drops Benoit with a right hand.
Perry Saturn makes his way down to the ring as Tazz stomps away, then gets distracted. Benoit catches a boot to the midsection, then hits a fisherman suplex with a bridge to retain in 1:22. Again way too short.
Tazz goes right after Saturn, they start trading rights, then down comes Hardcore Holly, who hits the Falcon Arrow on Benoit, then takes out Tazz an Saturn with clotheslines off the apron. Tazz follows him to the back.
Then we cut to what appears to be a referee meeting by a staircase, led by Hebner, and down walks HHH, who backs him up against the wall. He stares at him angrily for several seconds before Hebner runs off, then he leaves before commercial.
Back from break, Cole is interviewing Crash who brings up what happened earlier, Crash looking around paranoid, and Cole asks if the stress is starting to get to him. He says he's fine, talks about how he retained the night before, then thinks Cole is eyeing the title and admits the pressure is getting to him. Then he talks about how paranoid he is going to a restaurant and the waitress is eyeing him. All of a sudden, Steve Blackman nails him in the back of the head with a trash can and there just happens to be a referee next to them.
24/7 Hardcore Championship Title Defense: Crash Holly (c) vs Steve Blackman,
Blackman goes for the cover but Crash kicks out, and they fight their way through to the arena beside the stage. Blackman gets reversed into the barricade and Crash picks up some kind of handle to begin mocking Blackman, who then kicks him in the midsection, then slams it across Crash's back. Blackman snaps it in two and starts hitting Crash over the back as they fight their way to ringside. Blackman tosses him in the ring and pulls a baking sheet out from under, sends Crash off the ropes and nails him in the knees with the sheet, then the back of the head, cover and a near fall.
Crash sent off the ropes again into a side kick, then Crash slides out looking to escape but Blackman follows, only to be whipped into the steps. Crash grabs a trash lid and nails Blackman in the head before escaping into the crowd. All of a sudden, Jonathan Ogden from the Ravens grabs Crash in I guess a bearhug before going for the cover, then one of his teammates pulls him off and goes for the cover but Crash kicks out and escapes. Blackman chases after him, and that's the end of that. This wasn't an official match, so between the trash can shot during the interview to... let's say Blackman and Crash disappearing that went 2:42. It was a fun little segment to pass the time.
We see Rock walking through the hallway for his title defense up next.
Steel Cage Match for the WWF Championship: Shane McMahon (w/ Triple H, WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley & Vince McMahon) vs The Rock, Special Guest Referees: Gerald Brisco & Pat Patterson
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Despite the fact there are no pins or submissions in this match as stated earlier in the night, Patterson has opted to stay in the cage for this I guess for shenanigans.
Shane wastes no time trying to climb the cage and Patterson tries to hold off Rock to no avail, going right after Shane and pulling him down. Rock with rights sends Shane off the ropes into a back elbow. Shane face first in the corner, then the opposite, before being whipped across the ring into a clothesline. Rock stomping away and Patterson gets in his face, while Shane tries to crawl out the door with Vince pulling him, but Rock yanks him back in. Vince gets pulled in too and Rock stomps away until Brisco and Trips help him out. Rock keeps stomping, then gets reversed and sent off the ropes into a spinning back elbow from Shane, then a clothesline.
Shane starts choking Rock before clubbing away at his back, then HHH gets a long stick from somewhere to jab Rock through the cage. Shane with shuffling and some rights until Rock kicks him and plants him with a DDT. Rock tries to climb but HHH jabs him with the stick again, knocking him down, then tries again until Rock takes it into the cage with him before breaking it over Shane's back. Shane goes back first into the cage, then again, then a third sending him over the ropes. Shane into the corner again face first, then a series of rights, until Patterson clubs him from behind. Rock goes after him until Shane clubs from behind, sending Rock face first into the cage.
Shane starts his climb again and gets right to the top, but Rock catches him in time, with some rights, sending Shane reeling, before sending Shane face first into one of the cage rigs. Rock tries to climb out but Patterson grabs hold of his foot, only to be kicked down. Rock nearly gets up top but Patterson pulls him back down and nails a low blow, Rock then dropping crotch first on the top rope. Shane seems to be out cold though and Patterson climbs up trying to wake Shane up, until Rock yanks Patterson back down, then face first into the cage into a Rock Bottom. Shane starts to come to and crawls across the top of the cage, Shane dangling over the side of the cage until Rock pulls him back over, Shane sent face first into the cage before falling flat on his back into the ring. Rock hits the People's Elbow, then goes to exit through the door until Brisco slams it back into his face.
HHH enters the cage now who starts dropping Rock with rights, sending him into the cage twice. Mounted rights by HHH with one arm, then a third time and a fourth. I think someone's late on their cue because HHH and Rock keep looking toward the stage and ure enough out comes Hebner. Brisco tries to send him off until Hebner shoves him face first into the cage. HHH tries to leave the cage until Hebner slams the door into his face and shoulder, then Rock nails the spinebuster. Hebner is being chased with belt in hand by Vince as Rock climbs up and over, dropping to the floor to retain in 9:16. They sure did love to overbook the crap out of things, didn't they?
Hebner comes back and hands Rock the title as Vince checks on Shane, Hebner by his side and raising his arm to end the show.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Well, I can't say I was fond of that main event, although it wasn't terrible. The rest of the show was pretty good, good action for the most part, had some good goofiness with the Hardcore Title. So it's a pass. With a runtime of 1:33:16, there was a total 36:40 of wrestling on this show.
WWF Smackdown
We get a video package recapping the events from Raw's main event and it's lead up, then into the intro and pyo, live from the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia. Cole and Lawler welcome us to the show, then Chimmel introduces Richmond's own Earl Hebner, who's out to officiate our first match of the night.
WWF Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We get replay of the end to their match at Backlash, when Jericho got himself disqualified when he used the title to block a headbutt.
They stare down nose to nose until they slap each other, then Benoit with a double leg takedown, trading rights and tumbling out of the ring. Quickly back in, Benoit hits a clothesline, then Jericho's sent off the ropes only to nail a forearm before mounting for more right hands. Benoit ducks a clothesline as they get up and they trade chops before Jericho rakes the eyes, then sent off the ropes, catching Benoit with the tigerbomb. He goes for the Lionsault early but Benoit catches him before he even leaves the ropes, hitting a German suplex, then a second and a third with a bridge, but Jericho kicks out.
Benoit follows up with a gutbuster before stomping away in the corner, then gets whipped across the ring but Benoit gets a boot up, only to be dropped with a spinning heel kick coming out of the corner, then a cover and a near fall. Benoit with a hard chop drops Jericho before stomping, then Jericho face first in the corner for more chops. Jericho whipped across the ring now but elbows Benoit in the face, goes up to the middle rope and hits the missile dropkick. Trading rights, then Jericho's with knees to the midsection and a bulldog, cover and a near fall.
Benoit chopped against the ropes, then pulls back on an Irish whip attempt before picking Jericho up on his shoulders, launches Jericho up only to turn it into an inside cradle for a 2 count. Benoit with a back suplex as they get to their feet, then he goes up top, but Jericho crotches him before he can do anything. Jericho goes up top now but Benoit knocks him back down with headbutts. Jericho on his feet now, Benoit hits the sunset flip... kinda, but Jericho rolls through and goes for the Walls, but Benoit grabs the hair before kicking him off. Benoit now with the Crossface, but only briefly as Jericho manages to fight out of it. Benoit picks him up for a back suplex only to dump him over the ropes to the outside.
Benoit and Hebner start shoving each other, Benoit ends up sending Hebner to the outside. Jericho comes in from behind with the title belt and clocks Benoit in the face with it, then nails the Lionsault. He makes the pin, Hebner comes to and counts the 3 in 6:28. New champion in a great match to start the show.
Jericho celebrates up the ramp as we get a replay of the finish. Then we cut to the back where a pair of limos have pulled into the arena, out step the Faction, then we go to commercial.
Back from break the Faction come out to the stage, Vince starts by saying that it's great to be in Richmond, a city with great historical significance, known as the capital of the Confederacy, of Jefferson Davis, the location in which Patrick Henry gave his impassioned speech, "Give me liberty or give me death," the capitol of the great state of Virginia. They interrupt him with a Rocky chant, to which he points out Patrick Henry didn't have these problems. Then he says that more recently, Richmond has been known for it's corrupt city council, and the home of Earl Hebner, much to Vince's confusion as Hebner gets a pop, the same man reinstated by Linda, who counted HHH's shoulders down for the three, the same who raised Rock's hand as new champion. He says it's only appropriate that Hebner returns to the ring tonight, but not as a referee, as a wrestler, and threatens to fire Hebner in breach of contract if he doesn't, but also says it wouldn't be fair to be in singles competition in his first match, which prompts a loud asshole chant. He then announces Rock as his tag partner, to face HHH, Road Dogg and HH, with the WWF Title on the line. He explains if either Rock or Hebner are pinned, Rock loses the title, I guess to whoever pins them, and promises a new champion to be made, and history made once again in Richmond.
Back from commercial we get the first return vignette for the Undertaker, with three children playing paddycake in front of a roaring boiler, followed by the message "Judgement Day is coming." Then we see footage from earlier where E&C are getting facials, and Edge tells the woman that he needs every inch of ass off his face, which brings us to footage from Monday when they got Stinkfaced by Rikishi and Big Show. Then back to the earlier footage, Christian says Rikishi's going to pay for inventing that stinky, disgusting, vile move. Edge can't believe they lost the cover of Tiger Beat because of that.
Eddie Guerrero (WWF European Champion) & Chyna vs Essa Rios & Lita
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We see the footage from Backlash once again when Lita ripped Chyna's dress off, then footage from Raw where Chyna returned the favor. Lita doesn't want to go anywhere near that ring, but I guess Essa eventually convinces her. He rips the roses out of Chyna's hands and gives them to Lita, who then slides out of the ring, Chyna nails Essa with a right followed by one from Eddie to get this started.
Lita tosses the roses into the crowd as Essa is sent off the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Side suplex by Eddie before Chyna tags in, then a double team suplex. Eddie sends Essa off the ropes, Chyna with the drop toe hold, Eddie off the ropes with a dropkick to the side of the head. Chyna with kicks to the back followed by a scoop slam near her corner, Eddie with the slingshot senton from the apron. Essa manages to knock Eddie into his corner with some shots, before knocking Chyna off the apron with a dropkick. Lita comes around to stomp away as Essa catches Eddie off the ropes with a powerslam, hooks the leg for a kick out.
Chyna meanwhile goes after Lita until the referee sends her off. Essa sent off the ropes into a back body drop, but he lands on his feet into an arm drag. Lita chokes Eddie over the middle rope as Essa distracts the ref, only to send Essa off the ropes into a back elbow. Chyna tags in as Eddie picks Essa up on his shoulder, Chyna up top with an elbow to the chest. Essa sent off the ropes into back elbow, then both off the ropes taking each other out with clotheslines. Lita tags in and goes up top, thinking she has Chyna where she wants her but Chyna bounces off the ropes, bringing Lita down, before catching her in a powerbomb. Eddie sends Essa into the barricade, Lita sent off the ropes into a press slam, Chyna puts her foot on Lita's chest for the win in 4:02. Not a bad match.
Chyna and Eddie celebrate as we go to replays, and go to commercial as they head to the back.
Back from break, Kurt is out for a match, but first he has a mic as always. He says he has a little problem with his opponent tonight, Hardcore Holly, as when he thinks of the word hardcore, he thinks of hardcore porn, which gets a mild pop. Kurt asks what's wrong with them, pointing out there are children there tonight, but realizes he's in the state where the motto is, "Virginia is for lovers." He says as he looks around the crowd tonight, he thinks the motto should be extended a bit further, to say "Virginia is for lovers, provided those lovers are not from the same family."
Hardcore comes out with a mic and says he has two things to say: he doesn't care about Kurt's philosophy and neither do the people, and Virginia might be for lovers, but it sure as hell ain't a place for a 30 year old virgin who's about to get his ass kicked.
Kurt Angle vs Hardcore Holly
Holly ducks a clothesline as he slides into the ring, into some quick back and forth until Holly hits a powerbomb, cover and a 2 count. Kurt face first into the corner, whipped across the ring and Holly with a clothesline. Kurt off the ropes, but catches Holly and tosses him out to the floor. Holly face first into the barricade, only to whip Kurt into the steps, then sends Holly face first into the ring post. Back in the ring, Kurt with a belly to belly suplex, cover and a kick out.
Holly sent off the ropes, but Holly catches with a boot to the midsection and a suplex. Holly goes for a side headlock but Kurt sends him off the ropes, leapfrogs and... well looks like he hurt his knee on the landing. Holly stomping way and the referee pulls him off. They start shoving each other, sending Holly backward into Angle with a German suplex with a bridge and the win in 2:51.
Hardcore nails a dropkick as he realizes what's happened, then brings a chair into the ring, nailing a Falcon Arrow right on top of it before leaving the ring. Then we cut to Rikishi's ass in the back, who's up next.
We get an ad for a Rock DVD, then we go to our next match.
Edge & Christian (WWF Tag Team Champions) vs Rikishi Phatu
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Christian gets a mic who wants to make sure their fans know there's nothing to be alarmed about, now that their faces are now absolutely, 100% ass free. Edge than calls out to Rikishi, saying he'll rue the day he ever decided to wear a thong in the ring and disgrace the faces that the people love.
E&C try to rush Rikishi immediately but get dropped with a double clothesline instead, then another, then sends them into adjacent corners with a right hand each. Edge gets whipped across the ring, then Christian into Edge before slamming into them, sandwiching them in the corner. Edge slumps down and Kish gives him a Stinkface, then goes for the Rikishi Driver on Christian, but he slips free and Edge hits the spear, before they start stomping and hammering away on a downed Kish. Double headbutt out of the corner, Christian covers for a near fall.
Edge knocks Kish out of the ring with a dropkick, then follows up with a baseball slide. He holds Kish up as Christian comes off the top rope, but Kish stays on his feet. Kish rests up against the ring post as Christian sets himself up for Edge, launching off his back only to hit the ring post ribs first as Kish moves out of the way. Kish rolls back into the ring just as the ref's count reaches 10, giving him the count out win in 2:05.
Christian immediately attacks from behind, Edge not far behind for another spear. Edge leaves the ring to grab the ring bell as Christian holds up Kish, but Too Cool come out for the save, kicking the bell back in Edge's face. Kish whips Christian across the ring for Scotty to bulldog, setting up for the Worm. E&C escape with the titles and Kish tries to go after them but Sexay holds him up, while Scotty pumps up the crowd a bit to set up some dancing.
To the back, Tori is with Steph backstage in front of some vending machines. Steph wants a drink but doesn't have any money on her, so Tori pulls a bill out of her top. The Dudleyz come up to them who try to excuse themselves, but Steph says there is no excuse for them, how they treat women, making it clear they're two girls that you don't mess with. She says it's pathetic when two men have to pick on women to make themselves feel strong and powerful. Tori emphasizes it further, then Steph calls them poor excuses for men before walking off. Bubba tries to get his hands on Steph but D-Von holds him off, reminding him of the repercussions of putting her through a table, and Bubba just smiles before commercial.
The Lugz Boot of the Week is Bubba putting Trish through the table at Backlash, then onto another match.
The Hardy Boyz vs T&A
Matt and Albert start things out with a lock up, Matt pushed into the corner and Albert tries for a cheap shot as the ref forces a break, but Matt ducks and gets him with a drop toe hold. Matt manages to get a headlock in but Albert pushes him off the ropes into a shoulder block. Matt with rights now, tries to send Albert off the ropes but gets reversed, then ducks a clothesline, sliding under the ropes and goading Albert into chasing him. Jeff tags in as they come back in, Albert having missed it as he goes after Matt in the corner and Jeff clubs him from behind. Hardyz whip Albert across the ring into Poetry in Motion, Jeff with the cover for a kick out.
Jeff off the ropes caught in a gorilla press, but Jeff lands on his feet, Albert lands on his ass for some reason, Jeff off the ropes with a dropkick. Albert whips Jeff toward his corner and he knocks Test off the apron, then Albert misses an elbow in the corner. Jeff with starts the 10 punch until Albert leaves the corner with Jeff on his shoulders, who goes for a hurricanrana but Albert pulls him back up into a sitout powerbomb and a cover, but Matt breaks it up. T&A send Jeff off the ropes into a flip slam, then Test delivers a full nelson slam, cover and a near fall. Albert tagged back in with boots in the corner, then vicious rights, whipping Jeff across the ring, then a second time, but Jeff catches himself to nail Whisper in the Wind.
Jeff makes the hot tag as Test is tagged in, landing some shots before delivering a neckbreaker. Albert runs in and Matt catches him mid-spear for a spinning DDT, then a Twist of Fate on Test but Albert breaks it up. Matt whipped into the corner by Test into a right by Albert, who's sent back to the apron by the ref. Test sets up for the pumphandle, Jeff tries to pull Matt free but Albert knocks him off the apron. Albert sent to the corner again as Jeff goes up top and nails the Swanton to the back on Test. Matt makes the cover as Jeff delivers boots to Albert in the corner for the win in 5:11. It was a pretty good match, the ending sequence ended up being a bit sloppy though.
Albert tosses Jeff out of the ring then goes after Matt. Test with rights as Albert holds him up, then Albert with rights, before delivering a torture rack neckbreaker, then Test with a top rope elbow. T&A's music hits as they leave, then to the back.
Coach is standing by with Hebner, telling him he can't even imagine how Hebner's feeling. Hebner asks how Coach would be feeling if he had to go out there and do something he doesn't do, that he's a referee and not a wrestler, and now they're forcing him to go out there and get his ass kicked or lose his job. Coach asks how he'll feel if he's the one who gets pinned and responsible for Rock losing the title, to which he responds that he'll feel awful, and asks what kind of condition he'll be in to provide for his family, then Coach wishes him good luck before we go to commercial.
The Slam of the Week is Rock retaining the title on Raw in he cage against all the odds, then out to the arena to... So for some reason Show is being announced as a completely new person, making his debut from Parts Unknown, with weight unknown, and that he bets we haven't heard that in a long time for... reasons. Show takes the mic and says that he will crush his enemies beneath his feet and show no mercy. Bull comes out for this match and attacks Show from behind with what looks like a baton as Show's removing his getup, taking Show down to a knee but Show is quickly back up with a clotheslne, then Bull sent into the corner with boots to the midsection before being tossed to the outside. Press slam onto the barricade chest first and back in the ring before delivering a chokeslam, then a second before rolling him out and his music hits. Match never started so that's it.
Cut to the back where Vince has called Hebner into his office who asks him to sit down, and hopes no one roughed him up on his way there. Then he says that he hopes there are no hard feelings, because Vince just has to do what he has to do, and seeing as this is Earl's first match, Vince imagines he's a bit nervous. He says he hopes Hebner doesn't get hurt, or lose Rock's title, but if he does, everyone will know he tried his best, then wishes him luck before leaving and go to commercial.
Impromptu 24/7 WWF Hardcore Championship Match
Back from break, Crash is arriving at the arena to an inflatable hoops thing and a bouncy castle. Crash completely overshoots the hoops then goes to enter the bouncy castle but Malenko pushes him in from behind. Malenko makes the cover for a near fall. Dean with a drop toe hold but Crash bounces back up with a dropkick. Crash tries for a splash but Dean moves out of the way, then tries an elbow drop but Crash moves out of the way, then follows with a jawbreaker. Crash escapes out to the arena and Dean follows.
They start fighting through the crowd, Crash unnecessarily rolls him up as Dean argues with the ref for a 2 count. Over the barricade now, Crash whipped into the stairs as Dean pulls out a trash can, slipping it and Crash into the ring. Dean sits the trash can up in the corner, gets reversed as he tries to whip Crash into it but stops himself short before sending Crash up and over to the apron. Dean gets the trash can kicked into his face as Crash tries to go up top, but Dean still cuts him off, then delivers a suplex as Perry Saturn is running down, Dean makes the cover but Saturn pulls him off.
Saturn in now with a brainbuster, cover but Dean pulls him off. They argue while Crash nails Dean in the back with the trash can, knocking him into Saturn and out of the ring, Crash covers Dean to retain the title in... roughly 2:40.
Crash makes a quick escape as Saturn and Dean start fighting it out until the refs run down to break it up.
Show catches up with Shane in the back bringing up his recent impersonations, asking what Shane thinks, who just walks off in disbelief, then commercial.
Back from break, we see a continuation of the Show/Shane thing where Shane comes back and says Show let him down at Mania, that he wanted to make someone out of Show, how he gave him the opportunity to be something, to become champion, but instead he was the first one eliminated. Then Show decided to go out on his own, to entertain the public, but he's been a fool, and Shane doesn't think he's been entertaining at all and calls him a pathetic, pea-brained, waste of perfectly good oxygen, and an unmotivated slob, and the fans will never care about anything that he does because he doesn't deserve it. Then he walks off.
Then to the back, Kevin Kelly is standing by with Rock and Hebner, with Kevin commenting that he doesn't know how Rock is going to get out of this one. Rock says that once again the deck and all odds are stacked against him, if he or Hebner loses tonight he loses the title. He says that Vince is failing to realize is that he isn't going to lose the title, that Vince comes out on Rock's show, and run his mouth about Patrick Henry, and that though he did say "Give me liberty or give me death," Rock has a saying of his own: "Give the Rock Road Dogg, give him X-Pac, give him HHH, roll em all up in a ball and shove 'em straight up Vince's candy ass." If you smell what the Rock is cooking.
Then we cut to the faction on it's way to the ring, that match net.
Back from break, we get that Undertaker return teaser once again, then the Smack of the Night is Vince making the WWF Title match for tonight, which brings us to the main event.
3-on-2 Handicap Match for the WWF Championship: The Rock (c) & Earl Hebner vs Triple H, Road Dogg & X-Pac (w/ WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Tori, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: HHH is still out there with his arm in a sling, and there's still about 20 minutes left in this show, so... How are they going to drag this out for that long?
Rock starts it out with Road Dogg, who tries for a cheap shot but Rock immediately lays in with right hands, backing Roadie into the corner, ten sends him across the ring but gets an elbow up, only for Rock to nail a clothesline. Rock with elbows and stomps to the back now until Roadie thumbs Rock in the eye, now clubbing the back before tagging in X-Pac. Boots in the corner now, rights and chops against the ropes, until Rock fights back, but gets sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails a tilt-a-whirl powerslam, makes the cover, Roadie tries to break it up with an elbow but Rock moves out of the way, nailing X-Pac instead, only for HHH to nail the clothesline.
HHH tags in now dropping Rock with a right hand before sending him face first in the corner. Boots to the midsection and more rights until Rock turns it around with some rights now. Rock holds up HHH by his corner so Hebner who smacks HHH in the face. Rock rips the sling off, working the bad arm now until he sends Rock off the ropes, X-Pac with a kick to the back of the head from the apron. Rock knocks him and Roadie off the apron, then goes for HHH but he ducks and nails a neckbreaker. X-Pac tagged in now with repeated kicks to the midsection while HHH and Roadie keep the ref distracted. Hebner tries to rush in to help but the ref cuts him off, allowing more double teaming on Rock. Hebner tries again but again Rock gets double teamed.
HHH tags in now with some more right hands before Roadie tags i for more rights then a scoop slam, and a knee drop, cover and a near fall. X-Pac back in, now trading right hands, Rck off the ropes into a spinning heel kick before Rock is clotheslined to the outside. HHH with vicious right hands before Rock goes face first into the ring post. Roadie and X-Pac taunt Hebner but he drops from the apron and tries to back up the ramp, only for HHH to stop him, tossing Hebner into the ring. HHH gets on the apron to give orders but Rock yanks him down and nails a clothesline. Rock in the ring now with rights and a DDT on Roadie. Spinebuster as Shane runs in. Right hands on the Stooges as they climb the apron.
Out of nowhere Jericho runs down and attacks HHH on the outside as Rock chokes Roadie in the corner. Vince now with a right hand on Jericho. X-Pac is in with a chair goes after Rock but Hebner comes from behind with a low blow. Jericho goes after Vince now with right hands. Rock Bottom on X-Pac, cover and the win in... 7:30? Wait, there's still 9 minutes left on this show.
Jericho is seen getting whipped into the steps as Vince looks on in disbelief and anger. HHH attacks from behind as Rock celebrates. Hebner tries to escape but Shane and Vince grab him. Pac and Roadie hold up Rock as HHH nails him with the title before delivering the Pedigree. Hebner is rolled in now and Hebner tries to escape again but they grab him. HHH clocks him with right hands while Rock and Jericho are kept at bay. Hebner bleeding from the mouth as HHH continues with the right hands, stomping away. They show off their work to the crowd before another right hand, then a Pedigree on the chair. Low blow on Rock and finally Rikishi runs down. Right hands on everyone until Pac attacks from behind and the beatdown goes on. Big Show out now with headbutts all around and even for Shane. Right hands until Shane jumps on his back and manage to bring him down to his knees. Rock comes to finally and gets in some offense until Rock nails a low blow, then one for Big Show and a DDT into the chair. Dudleyz out now with table now with right hands everywhere finally driving the faction out of the ring and up the ramp... well all except Brisco and Patterson. Kish gives them a noggin knocker and tosses them in the ring. Jericho helps Hebner out of the ring before Patterson gets a Stinkface, then D-Von sets up the table near the corner, sending Brisco through it with a powerbomb from the middle rope. We get a replay as a stretcher's been brought out for Hebner, then more replays of the attack on Hebner, Rock joining the EMTs to roll Hebner to the back to play out the show.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I could have done without the Shonan stuff, especially since it served no real purpose, and that closing segment went on way too long, but otherwise this was an alright show. We got a new IC Champ, fun Hardcore Title shenanigans, pretty good action for the most part, so this gets a pass. With a runtime of 1:27:01, there was a total 30:47 of wrestling.
Comments
Post a Comment